For bass guitars with standard single-coil pickups we suggest you use the 0 dB input; for
active or extremely 'hot' pickups, such as humbuckers, try using the -6 dB input. If you want
an overdriven edge or "crunch," use the 0 dB input. In all cases, the Gain control setting will
establish the type of clean or overdriven sound being produced by the amp.
Note: Do not use both inputs at the same time!. The preamp is not designed for more than
one instrument to be played at a time.
3. Gain Control
The Traynor Small Block series Gain control allows you to set the level of the signal before
it's sent to the tone controls. This allows control of the tonal 'sensitivity' or 'definition' of the
amplifier. Higher Gain settings will give more 'growl' to your bass.
4. Tone Controls
A wide range of sonic adjustment, covering the entire audio spectrum, is achieved by the
four active tone controls. Each tone control has a great range of ±15 db. The center position
denotes a neutral or nominal setting for all controls. The Bass control adjusts the level of the
low frequency and works with the Low Mid, the next frequency range up. The Hi Mid covers
the next higher frequency range and the Treble control adjusts the upper frequency range.
User Tip: When starting out, it's a good idea to center all tone controls, adjust these while
playing until the desired tone is achieved. Keep in mind that all tone and EQ circuits are gain-
related, which means it may be necessary to re-adjust the Gain control once the desired tone is
achieved. This will help you to retain the amount of clarity or 'growl' you desire.
5. Low Expander Control
The Low Expander shapes the tone of the bass by extending the low frequency and reducing
the mid frequencies (around 400 Hz). By re-shaping the frequencies in this manner this
provides an expanded tonal palette.
6. Master Volume Control (SB115 only)
The Master volume control adjusts the overall signal level of the amplifier; consider it
your "loudness" control.
7. Aux Input
The 1/4-inch jack can be used an input for an external sound source such as a digital audio
player or smart phones etc. A stereo source will be summed electronically when fed into the
AUX Input jack using a TRS (stereo jack). The AUX Input is fed to the signal flow after the
tone controls, which does not affect its tonality.
8. Phones Jack
A Phone jack has been provided for connecting headphones so that you can practice
or record without making any audible sound for the speakers. When you plug your
headphones in, the amplifier's speakers are disconnected; the XLR Line Out, Tuner jack
and Effects Send jack still function.
9. GND Lift Switch (SB112, SB115 and SB200H only)
The GND Lift switch (SB112, SB115 and SB200H only) enables the ground pin to be lifted
on the Line Out XLR jack. In the Lift position, the button disconnects Pin 1 of the XLR which
might help reduce ground loop hum when routing signals directly to other equipment or
mixing consoles. If ground loop hum is not present, you may get superior shielding from
outside noise sources with the button in the GND setting. In most cases, it is recommended
to have the switch set to GND
User Tip: When using the XLR Line out for recording direct-to-computer, we would recommend
you insert a suitable device between the amp and computer such as A.R.T.'s TubeMP with
USB for extra gain control and USB conversion.
10. Line Out XLR
The XLR Line Out allows the user to connect the Small Block preamp directly to a mixing
3
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Small Block Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers