MODE – The Mode switch selects the level of gain for the single channel of the Black Pearl 30®. A position for the foot switch is provided so that the Boost function can be accessed through the single button foot switch that is included with each amp.
BOOST LEVEL – Controls the amount of gain boost and/or volume boost when engaged. This control works in conjunction with the preamp Volume control and reacts differently depending upon the preamp Volume control settings. With the preamp Volume set at lower settings the Boost function acts more like a volume boost. With the preamp Volume control set at higher settings the Boost level control adds more gain to the signal.
VOICING CONTROL – This 5 position voicing network provides a tonal foundation within the preamp gain stages, unlike a normal EQ network. Located in this position of the design, the Voicing filters add a unique flavor to the varying gain settings of the preamp. The voicing filters are (from bottom to top): Thick, Dark, Natural, Bright and Deep. These allow the Black Pearl 30® to deliver a variety of moods from dark to fat to spanky.
This feature is very useful in optimizing the Black Pearl 30’s® performance for your personal guitar pick up selection; fatten up your single coils and add some chime to your humbuckers. It is also great for adding some brightness to the amp when operating in the naturally darker triode mode.
PASSIVE 3 BAND EQUALIZATION – The Black Pearl 30® design incorporates a customized passive EQ network that provides surprisingly responsive tone enhancements with no interaction between the Bass, Middle and Treble filters. This provides for more precise tone shaping and easily repeatable settings. The important Middle filter is very powerful. It changes the feel and character of the amp as it actually adds gain and sustain to the signal path when placed in the 2 o’clock to 5 o’clock positions.
TOP – This control is more like the classic “presence” network within the power tube stage, controlling high frequency content and clarity within the critical phase inverter stage.
REVERB – Adjusts the amount of return from the all tube driven reverb network. The Black Pearl 30® comes with a long pan 3 spring Ruby Tubes™ reverb pan for
MASTER VOLUME – Controls the overall volume of the tube output stage. Running the amplifier with the Master Volume control wide open essentially takes the control out of the signal path.
STANDBY SWITCH – The Standby switch removes the high voltage power supply from the plate circuit of the output tubes to protect the tubes from “cathode stripping” when first powering up the amplifier. The recommended
POWER SWITCH – The Power switch turns on the AC power to the amp. When this switch is turned on, power is applied to the heater circuits of all tubes, the high voltage power supplies are allowed to stabilize and the low voltage power supplies are energized. Power should be switched on only with the Standby switch in the standby position.
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW:
POWER MODE – The Black Pearl 30® design offers several options for attenuating the power level for more
flexibility and tonal splendor. This section consists of a “4/2 tube” selector switch and a Pentode/Triode switch.
With these switches the BP30 power level can be adjusted to 30W, 15W or 8 watts.
