Lexicon Using the Signature 284 with non-GuitarSources, Applications, Keyboards, Lead Synth

Signature 284 User Guide

Although designed primarily for guitar, the Signature 284 can be quite useful for processing other sources. Its rack mount design, effects loop, multiple stereo outputs and the ability to operate with no speakers connected make it quite a versatile tube processor for stage or studio.

Once the Signature 284 is wired into your studio, you’ll find that it can be pretty useful as a stereo tube processor. Use it to add warmth, compression, and the characteristic harmonic distortion of Class “A” tube amplification, to any source. Run stereo sources into the effects returns and use the Left and Right Volume controls to set the tone of the power amp. Unless you’re pushing the power amps into distortion, you can use the Slave outputs as well as the Recording outputs for bringng audio back into the console. Each has its own characteristic sound (The Recording outputs have a compensation circuit that simulates the signa- tures of different speakers, while the Slave outputs have no compensation circuit and therefore a flatter overall signal response.)

The small size and big tone of the Signature 284 make it a perfect harp amp. In fact, the Signature 284 can be the center piece of the ultimate jamming rig. All you need are your harps, a high-impedance microphone and the Signature 284, and you're ready to sit in.

When using the Signature 284 as a harp amp, you’ll find that it has more than enough gain for even the raunchiest tone. To start out, keep things pretty clean: Gain pushed in and set to 3-4, Left and Right Volume at around 5.

To add more grit and compression, experiment with the effect of raising either the Gain control (for more preamp distortion), or the Volume controls (for more power amp distortion). Both types of sound lend themselves well to harp.

For live performance, speaker cabs are optional. The recording outputs provide no-compromise direct feeds to the house PA and stage monitors.

In the studio, there’s never been an easier way to get “the sound” onto tracks. As with guitar, you can go direct, mic cabinets, or use a combination of both. If you track with reverb or other effects, take advantage of the stereo effect loop to insert the reverb between the preamp and power amps.

Applications

Using the Signature 284 with non-Guitar Sources

Power Amp for Tube Warmth

Harp

Lead Synth Keyboards

Need to add a searing edge to a lead synth track? One trick is to run the synth through a guitar amp. Go easy on the distortion at first - just running the synth through the Signature 284 set for “clean” will produce a dramatic effect. If you’re tracking with effects, insert them in the effects loop.

Stereo Keyboards

Many digital keyboards can benefit from the addition of some tube warmth. One obvious candiate for “tubification” is any organ sound, particularly B-3 with rotary speaker. Run the stereo outputs of the synth into the effects returns of the Signature 284, connect the Recording outputs to the mixer and set the Volume controls to dial in an appropriate amount of “grind”.

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