Front Panel Controls
Volume
Lexicon
The left and right volume controls are master input level controls for the Class “A” stereo power amp. These controls determine loudness, but, more impor- tantly, they control the quality of the power amp’s contribution to the overall tone.
Many vintage amps have no master volume control — the input control sets both preamp sensitivity and the power amp level. Because of the fixed relationship of the preamp and power amp levels in vintage amps, the input control has to be turned up pretty high to reach the “sweet zone” where the power amp circuitry begins to sing. Also, the amount of preamp/power amp distortion at the sweet zone differs in many classic amps — giving each a distinct sonic signature. The Signature 284’s independent gain and left and right volume controls make it possible to
On a typical tube amp the sweet zone where this sonic magic happens doesn’t come in to play until the amp is cranked past 7 or so. Because the Signature 284 is designed with an extended sweet zone, you’ll find that even with clean preamp settings, the power amp begins to add it’s own character to the tone as the Volume controls are turned up past 5.
It is important to realize that the Volume controls of the Signature 284 should be used to dial in tone, not loudness.
The low power design is one of the main features that makes this a superb recording amp and direct source. When connected to a recording or PA mixer, loudness is determined at the console (fader settings, monitor send levels). When connected to guitar cabinets, the loudness is, of course, determined by the Left and Right Volume controls — but remember that, in the Signature 284, these are also powerful tone controls. Turning up to get louder, will also change the sonic character of the amp's tone.
When connected to guitar cabinets, you’ll find that the Signature 284 has plenty of volume for home practice and recording overdubs. In fact, the essence of its design is to deliver the great tone of an big amp cranked up, without the bone crushing volume. This also means that, by itself, the Signature 284 cannot cover live drums or most club situations.
For more volume, you have several options:
•Mike the cabs connected to the Signature 284.
•Use the slave outs to drive a separate power amp/guitar cab rig.
•Use the recording to provide a direct feed to the PA.
Examples of each of these options are detailed in the Applications section of this manual.
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