ULTRABASS BXR1800H

To raise the level of a specific frequency band, move its slide control upwards.

To lower its volume, move the control downwards.

Each control has an LED which displays the level of the respective frequency band by lighting up with varying degrees of brightness. This feature helps you find the control(s) that you

need for sound processing. Press the FBQ switch to switch on the FBQ display. For example, if the sound is muddy or booming at 160 Hz, this is shown by a brightly lit LED in the corresponding control. Move the 160-Hz control down a bit (negative range) to eliminate the booming sound. Conversely, you can accentuate certain signal ranges that lack presence (LED lights up only faintly) by moving the relevant controls upwards.

You don’t have to raise the volume of a frequency range to make it seem louder. Instead, you can lower the other frequency ranges by moving their slide controls downwards. This prevents the internal signal level from becoming too high and also gives you some valuable dynamics headroom.

3.2.2 The Shape function

The Shape function on your ULTRABASS provides a revolutionary type of filter that you can use to modify your bass sound completely. The filter allows you to shape your sound— which is a must for bass players today. Extreme filter settings will give your bass sound more punch, for example:

You want to play a live bass solo but the sound doesn’t cut through. The solo should stand out, rather than being drowned. First, set up a solid basic sound on channel 1. Then, create a very distinctive solo sound on channel 2 using the Shape filter. Since the Shape filter is only effective on channel 2, you can change sounds quickly and easily before you begin your solo.

The Shape filter is worth its weight in gold when you are using two different bass guitars. Maybe you want to change from one instrument to another with a completely different sound. During gigs you often lack the time to set up your amp for a different instrument. Because you can use channel 1 for one instrument and channel 2, with its Shape filter, for another instrument, you’ll be glad to have the ULTRABASS.

3.2.3 The Ultrabass function

In current music productions, extremely low bass sounds that are one octave below the lowest available bass guitar frequency are quite popular. Often, you can only create this sound in studios, because most bass amplifiers have no sub-harmonics function. This is not true with the ULTRABASS. The Ultrabass processor gives you the ultimate tool to shape this contemporary sound.

You’ll be amazed to hear how deep your bass can sound with the Ultrabass function. Extreme settings can be particularly interesting if you want to give your sound added sparkle in the treble range. By the way, if you already set the Shape filter to create punchy sounds, but feel that there’s not enough power in the bass range, the sub-harmonics processor is there to help you. Even if the sound is still punchy, it will have much more depth.

The Ultrabass function can be controlled with the supplied footswitch, in order to emphasize certain passages, for example.

3.2.4 The compressor

A compressor is used to limit the dynamic range of a signal. Signal peaks are lowered and soft signals are raised in volume, thus reducing the difference between the highest and the lowest signal levels. The result is a much more powerful sound.

Some playing techniques, such as slapping, lead to high-level differences. In this case, a compressor can be used to make the low-level dead notes clearly audible, which gives the bass line even more groove. What is more, the sustain of long notes is extended.

Use the ON switch to activate the compressor.

Turn the COMPRESSOR control slowly to the right to raise the compression intensity.

Press the ON switch to compare the compressed signal with the unprocessed one.

Compressors work best if provided with high input signals. If the signal level is low, the effect will be activated only with high settings. If so, enabling the compressor can lead to extreme level differences. If GAIN is high, the compressor comes in quite early. In this case, you don’t need to turn up the COMPRESSOR control that far to achieve an effect. Experiment with it to find the best setting for your needs!

The compressor works independently of the builtin protective limiter, which is always active and protects the power amplifier from overload and hence distortion.

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3. FIRST STEPS