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ETHOS
Overdrive Amp
User's Manual
Preamp ToneTips and Frequently Asked Questions:
[TONE TIP] When to Use the GAC Switch]
Using the ETHOS with a Guitar Amp
The Guitar Amplifier Compensation or GAC Switch is designed to reduce the degree the guitar amp colors the Ethos
Tone, so the combination (Ethos + Guitar amp) sounds more like the amp itself. The GAC circuit design is based on
compensating for tone stacks found in typical Fender and Marshall amps. In some cases quitar amps have a more
flat response than a Fender or a Marshall. For example, the Normal Channel on a VOX AC30 has no tone stack. In
this case, the amp is "relatively" flat and the GAC switch does not need to be engaged. Amps that sound like they
have more midrange may sound better with the GAC switch off. If you are looking for more lows and highs in your
ETHOS tone, turning off the GAC switch will provide this as well. The 90's version amp has a post OD tone
stack. In an interesting way, turning off the GAC switch can approach this effect, where now the amp's tone stack is
acting like the post OD tone stack.
Using the Ethos Direct or into a Flat Band Power Amp
When you are using the Ethos in a DI application or going into a power amp, turn off the GAC switch. In this
application no compensation is required.
[TONE TIP] Smoothing Your Tone
The ETHOS tone stack is extremely diverse in nature. If you are trying to obtain a smoother or silkier OD tone, turn
down the middle control. Some great tones can be had by setting it between 8:00 and 10:00. The higher the middle
control is set, the more aggressive tone you'll get.
[TONE TIP] Using the HI-CUT control
The Hi-Cut (HC) control is a very effective control that tapers the highs as it is turned clock wise. If you need to
warm up your tone, simply turn up the HC control. The HC control affects both the OD and Clean channels. Popular
settings range between 10:00 and 1:00.
[FAQ] Does the ETHOS use a True Bypass?
No, when the ETHOS is in the in-active mode, the signal runs through a unity gain buffer. The buffer is flat band in
response, having an input impedance of 1 Megohm and an output impedance of 1k ohm. The buffer is very effective
in mitigating loading effects downstream of the ETHOS
[FAQ] What does the BOOST switch do and is it adjustable?
The boost function is set up just like the amp's circuit topology. When engaged, it reconfigures the tone stack
(actually isolates portions of it from ground) so less mid frequencies are attenuated to ground, resulting in a boost
effect. There are no trimmers or adjustments as part of this circuit.
[FAQ] I can't seem to get much difference between the MODERN and CLASSIC switch setting, is it only
noticeable on certain settings?
Yes, you will notice a significant difference in the settings when the MIDDLE control is set between full CCW and
12:00. In this range the voicings are very different. This switch was included since it can offer a great diversity to the
pedal. The CLASSIC switch setting configures the tone stack to what was used in the early amps. Its voicing can
be more Fenderish sounding where there is a less low mids. The MODERN switch setting reconfigures the tone
stack to be more like the 80/90's amps. Here the voicing has more low mids resulting in a thicker tone. When the
MIDDLE control is turned up greater than 12:00 the difference in settings are not noticeable.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice
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