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panel. For example, if the Frequency is set at mid-position or 500Hz, all frequencies BELOW 500 Hz will
appear at the LOW output jack. All frequencies ABOVE 500Hz will be present at the HI output jack.
If you are still confused on how to set the crossover point, you can refer to the owners manual that
came with your speakers. It will probably recommend a crossover point. Another reference, which is
probably the best, is your own ears. Once you have set up your system, rotate the Crossover Frequency
control until the sound seems balanced or, simply, sounds the best.
The crossover slope is 12 dB per octave.
Note: Nearly all of SWR's speaker systems are desinged to be run FULL RANGE and bi-amping is
not recommended for all situations. Bi-amping causes a natural "suck out" at the crossover point
and some phase problems can occur.
BALANCE
The Balance control works only when biamping (refer to page 19). The Balance control sets the levels of
the highs and lows with respect to each other. Since this circuit is passive, rotating the Balance control
towards the low position cuts the highs. Likewise, rotating the control towards the hi position cuts the
lows. Therefore, if you need more lows and less highs, rotate the control counter-clockwise from
mid-position. If you need more highs and less lows, rotate the control clockwise from mid-position.
LIMITER
The Limiter control is actually a Threshold adjustment for the Limiter circuit. In the fully
counter-clockwise position, the limiter circuit is disengaged. As you rotate the control clockwise, the
threshold (point at which the Limiter circuit is engaged) is lowered. The LED to the right of this control
will light when the limiter is working. The farther the control is rotated, the more drastic the limiting
becomes and a "fatter" sound is achieved.
The Limiter circuit in the SM-900 adds NO noise and very little distortion. You should also notice that
there is little "pumping" or "drop off" as experienced in lesser-quality units. The design of the limiter
circuit has what is known as a "soft knee." This essentially means that you can get a compression effect
as the limiter threshold is just engaged.
The Limiter circuit is driven by the Gain control and the amount of cut and boost in the tone section. If
you desire more limiting than is achievable with the Limiter control at maximum, turn up the Gain
control (but keep an eye on the preamp clip LED).
We put the Limiter circuit just before the Effects Loop. If, on some of the peaks, you are overdriving your
effects, you can correct the problem using the Limiter. Any undesired loss in volume caused by the
Limiter can be made up by raising the Master Volume.
EFFECTS BLEND
This function blends the signal from your instrument with that coming from your effects unit. With the
Effects Blend fully counter-clockwise ("dry"), no signal from your effect will be heard. As you turn this
control clockwise, more of the effect can be heard in the overall sound. When the Blend knob is fully
clockwise ("wet"), no true or unaffected signal is heard other than what your effects unit provides.
The Effects Blend circuit is similar to that used on recording consoles with the effects loop on a "side
chain" to the normal circuit. Unless the control is set to the fully "wet" position, you will always get the
full sound of your instrument and get the diversity that an effects unit offers. This circuit is also effective
in reducing noise caused by effects units because it is located after the gain stages. When not using an
effect, the Blend control should be in the fully counter-clockwise ("dry") position.
Note: See the "Effects Loop" section of the Rear Panel and the diagrams beginning on page 20
for further information and patching instructions.
10 • SM-900 USER GUIDE
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