Controls And Functions; The Front Panel - Prolude Amplification BHN450 User Manual

5 Controls and functions

5.1 The front panel

5.1.1 Active
Input jack for active instruments.
5.1.2 Passive
Input jack for passive instruments
Note:
There is no significant difference between the two inputs other than the input impedance and sensitivity. The
passive instruments and the preamplifierless piezo pickups „prefer" the Passive input, because of its higher
impedance and sensitivity.
5.1.3 Gain
This controls the overal signal level of the preamplifier section. Various instruments produce different signal
levels. The Gain control helps you to set these to the ideal signal level for the preamplifier section.
The two colour / green – red / LED – placed right from the Gain knob - is your feed back to set best signal
level.
The Gain setting is OK, if the LED is blinking beetween green and red. It is OK to go red when you make a
powerfull plucking.
Note:
The setting described above is not a rule. Adding more Gain will not cause any problem. In such a case you
get a larger singnal level with some drive, especially when the Valve Loop is activated. In some situations
this can sound good. At this point you have to consider the power handling of your speakers, because the
overdriven sound strains them more.
If you set the Gain too low the preamp section will not send enough signal to the power stage and the output
power may be not enough and may also detain the proper functioning of the Noise Gate or the
Compressor.
5.1.4 Bright
Boosts the highs adding brightness to your sound.
5.1.5 Shape
Mildly boosts the lows and highs whilst cutting the mids. You can switch on this function also with the first
button of the Footswitch. In this case, however, the button on the front panel has to be in inactive position.
5.1.6 Valve Loop
A switchable section in the preamplifier with a double triode valve. It gives more warmth to your sound and
contains a passive tone control circuit with Bass and Treble knobs.
This function can be activated with the On button or the first button of the foot switch.
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