Chase Bliss Audio Brothers AM

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Overview

Function Description
Controls and Features
Customization (Dip Switches)
Internal Trimmers
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Chase Bliss Brothers AM is a dual-channel, analog overdrive/distortion pedal designed in collaboration with Analog Man. It features a triple-stack saturation circuit based on the King of Tone transparent overdrive, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities from subtle boost to heavy distortion.

Function Description:

The pedal consists of three circuits in series: two identical, multi-mode gain channels and a unique, two-voice treble booster. The treble booster is linked to and engaged by Channel 1, positioned at the very front of the circuit.

Controls and Features:

GAIN 1 & 2: These knobs control the amount of drive and saturation for each channel, also influencing the overall volume.
VOLUME 1 & 2: These knobs control the output loudness for each channel.
TONE 1 & 2: These knobs adjust the voicing of each channel, allowing you to brighten or darken the sound.
MODE SELECTION: A central toggle switch selects the circuit mode for both channels, choosing between BOOST, OVERDRIVE, or DISTORTION.
TREBLE BOOSTER: Engaged by Channel 1, this feature pushes the upper mid and treble frequencies, adding clarity and bite to the sound.
PRESETS: The pedal offers preset storage. The left and right positions each store a preset, while the middle position reflects the current live settings. A second bank of presets is accessible via a dip switch.
BYPASS 1 & 2: Individual footswitches for each channel allow you to turn them on or off.
PRESENCE (Hidden Option): This hidden feature allows you to boost high frequencies for a more airy and brilliant sound. To adjust the PRESENCE setting, hold down the BYPASS footswitch for the desired channel and then adjust its TONE knob.

Customization (Dip Switches):

The Brothers AM features a bank of internal dip switches on the top of the pedal, allowing for extensive customization of its behavior:

HI GAIN: Increases the gain of all modes by approximately 25%. The circuit character remains the same, but the bypass LED turns red to indicate that HI GAIN is active. There are separate dip switches for HI GAIN 1 and HI GAIN 2.
MOTOBYP (Momentary to Bypass): This setting allows the BYPASS footswitch for either channel to function as a momentary control. The pedal will only be active while the footswitch is held down, useful for brief or rhythmic effects. There are separate dip switches for MOTOBYP 1 and MOTOBYP 2.
PRES LINK (Presence Link): When engaged, the TONE knob for a channel will simultaneously control its PRESENCE setting. This can be useful for achieving a more open and transparent sound, or when using full-frequency instruments like synthesizers. There are separate dip switches for PRES LINK 1 and PRES LINK 2.
MASTER: This dip switch transforms the VOL 2 knob into a master volume control for the entire pedal. In this mode, VOL 2 sets the overall output volume at all times, even when Channel 2 is bypassed. This helps manage volume jumps when stacking channels. VOL 1 will only affect the sound when both channels are on.
BANK: This dip switch switches to an alternate bank of internal presets, providing access to two additional preset slots (Presets 3 and 4).
SWEEP: This dip switch is not explicitly described in the provided text but is listed among the dip switch labels, suggesting a potential modulation or frequency sweep function.
POLARITY: This dip switch is also listed among the dip switch labels, suggesting it might control the phase or polarity of the signal.
VOL1, VOL2, GAIN1, GAIN2, TONE1, TONE2: These dip switches are listed, but their specific function is not detailed in the provided text. They likely relate to enabling or disabling certain aspects of these controls or their interaction with other features.

Internal Trimmers:

The Brothers AM circuit board includes three internal trim pots (trimmers) that allow for fine-tuning of the treble booster. These adjustments are not required, as the default settings are designed to be suitable for most users.

INPUT IMPEDANCE FOR TREBLE BOOSTER: Adjusts the input impedance of the treble booster.
OUTPUT FOR TREBLE BOOSTER: Adjusts the output level of the treble booster.
BIAS FOR TREBLE BOOSTER: Adjusts the bias of the treble booster circuit.

Usage Features:

Versatile Tonal Range: Capable of producing a wide spectrum of sounds, from subtle clean boost to rich overdrive and aggressive distortion, thanks to its multi-mode gain channels and treble booster.
Dual-Channel Flexibility: Two independent channels allow for stacking, switching between different gain stages, or using them as separate effects.
Preset Storage: The ability to save and recall presets makes it easy to switch between preferred settings during live performance or studio work.
Momentary Footswitch Option: The MOTOBYP feature offers creative control for rhythmic effects or brief sonic accents.
Hidden Presence Control: Provides an additional layer of tonal shaping for a more airy and brilliant sound.
Master Volume Option: The MASTER dip switch helps manage overall volume when stacking channels, preventing unwanted volume spikes.

Maintenance Features:

Internal Trimmers: While not typically user-adjustable for routine maintenance, these trimmers allow for precise calibration of the treble booster if specific tonal characteristics are desired or if the circuit needs fine-tuning after component changes.
Dip Switches: The easily accessible dip switches allow users to reconfigure the pedal's behavior without needing to open the enclosure or use specialized tools, facilitating customization and troubleshooting.

The Chase Bliss Brothers AM is a highly customizable and versatile overdrive/distortion pedal, offering a deep level of control over its sound and functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of musical applications and player preferences.