SWR Sound Bass Combo Amplifier owner manual Black Beauty Front Panel Features

BLACK BEAUTY – FRONT PANEL FEATURES

INPUT JACKS

Both input jacks accept a standard 1/4" phone plug and both inputs can be used at the same time. Since the two inputs are totally independent, no loss in volume or tone will occur by using two instruments simultaneously. However, the main applicational use for the two separate input jacks is their difference in level, as the Passive/Active input has five times more gain than the Active input. In other words, it’s not necessarily intended as a “submixer” for two instruments, but no harm will come from having two instruments plugged in at once. Please read below for more details.

PASSIVE/ACTIVE INPUT JACK

This input jack is designed to accommodate both “passive” instruments and most “active” instruments. A passive instrument has no built-in preamp and does not use a battery, while an active bass utilizes a battery- operated preamp for gain, tone controls, or both. The Passive/Active Input will work with all instruments having a maximum output of less than 1 volt RMS. Some active pickups such as EMG, Bartolini, etc., use batteries for operation and will work perfectly using this input. Instruments made by MTD, Sadowsky, Modulus, etc., have active electronics that are suited for use in the Passive/Active input.

Generally speaking, try this input first. If you hear a small amount of distortion and the preamp clip LED is not activated, try using the Active input jack. If the Active input does not correct any audible distortion, check the battery in your bass.

NOTE: If you would like to overdrive the first TUBE stage, this can be accomplished by using an external preamp between your instrument and the Passive/Active input. To obtain optimum sound when trying this, make sure the preamp clip LED is not activated. If this occurs, turn down your Gain control until the LED does not light. The first preamp tube stage is NOT monitored by the preamp clip circuit for this reason.

ACTIVE INPUT JACK

The Active input jack should be used with instruments having a built-in (on board) preamp or other sound sources that will produce output levels greater than 1 volt RMS. The number of bass manufacturers has increased significantly over the years, and it’s impossible to try and keep track of them all. Generally, if you have very “hot” pickups and/or tone controls installed in your instrument, and you use them to boost the level of your bass signal 10 dB or more, you may find the Active input more compatible. The best judge is your own ears.

If you’re using a keyboard or bass pedal with the Black Beauty, we have found the best choice to be the Active input.

NOTE: Using the Active input with passive basses (active instruments will always employ a battery) may result in a loss of high end transients. Players who roll off their high end starting at about 2kHz, or prefer a “darker” sound, may find this input more to their liking.

If you hear some distortion with your active bass and are using the Active Input, make sure the preamp clip LED indicator is not lighting. If the preamp stage is not being driven into clipping, replace the battery in your instrument.

GAIN CONTROL

The Gain control adjusts the volume of the preamp section. Since the Gain control is similar to a “pad,” a small amount of signal will be heard even with the Gain control rotated fully counter-clockwise (“MIN”) if the Master Volume is up.

After all EQ settings and the Aural Enhancer are set, the Gain control should be raised until the preamp clip LED barely flashes when your loudest note is struck. This will insure maximum signal to noise ratio and prevent unwanted clipping of the preamp section.

NOTE: The Gain can serve as an EFFECTS SEND LEVEL ADJUSTMENT. If your effect is being overdriven, turn down the Gain control and readjust your Master Volume for overall loudness.

PREAMP CLIP LED

The preamp clip LED will light whenever the preamp, tone section or output buffer reach clipping (run out of

4 • BLACK BEAUTY OWNER’S MANUAL