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This control adjusts the predominant gain stage in each channels’ circuit with the function and taper being optimized for
each individual channel. Remember that your Recto is really three separate multi-mode amplifiers built onto one chassis, so though
each channel looks identical, the GAIN Control for each channel comes
in a different place and adjusts a different point in that channels circuit.
In most guitar amplifiers, and especially in all-tube circuits, the GAIN
Control is the most powerful control in the preamp. It shapes the overall
style and character of the sound and is responsible for whether the sound
is clean, overdriven or anywhere in between. In your Recto, the GAIN
Control is even more powerful. It not only determines the amount of drive,
but also acts as an integral part of the tone control string as well.
To simplify the GAIN Controls’ role in shaping the overall tone of the
sound we will look at it in two ways - 1; alone and 2; in conjunction with
the tone controls.
1) By itself the GAIN Control has basically three tonal regions -
Low (7:00 - 11:00) provides the cleanest, least saturated sounds and in this region the sound will be brighter and contain more upper
harmonics lending a three dimensional character to the sound.
Middle (11:15 - 2:00) enhances the saturation and replaces some of the upper harmonics with a richer, warmer quality and a fuller
bottom end response. Not yet fully saturated, this region is the easiest place to get a great sound in all three channels. This region
contains many of the Recto’ best sounds...especially for soloing due to the crucial blend of an expressive attack combined with ample
sustain.
High (2:15 - 5:00) saturates the signal and enhances low and low mid frequencies. While this region provides the maximum saturation
and therefor sustain, it also compresses and softens the attack characteristics. For this reason we suggest using this higher region
of the GAIN Control sparingly and only when maximum sustain is needed.
NOTE: Due to the Rectos’ extreme gain potential, the highest regions of the GAIN Control may possibly push the pre-amp tubes past
what they can handle, producing microphonic squealing. While we screen and test the tubes your amplifier was shipped with and the
tubes in your amp passed our rigourous test, we can’t predict how the tubes will respond over time exposed to extreme gain settings.
Your tubes are warranted for a period of 6 months under normal use, but you can save yourself the present and future inconvenience
of having to deal with annoying microphonic tube problems by simply using a little common sense...Don’t turn the Gain all the
way up!
If you must for a specific part or at very low volumes, back down the TREBLE and PRESENCE Controls. Your Recto was designed to
provide amazing gain and tone at less than extreme settings removing the need for you to crank everything all the way up. If you are
not able to achieve the sound you want at sensible settings on any or all of the controls, your problem may lie elsewhere in the signal
chain, i.e. pick-ups, cabinetry, processing etc. Keep in mind you can always call on one of our product specialist Monday through
Thursday and seek some advice should you find yourself struggling to get the sound you want.
2.) GAIN - In conjunction with the Tone Controls - Basically, a simple rule applies...as the Gain is increased the Tone control string
has less and less effect on the signal until at 5:00 the signal is so saturated that you are getting mostly Gain and very little Tone. Again,
this is the reason we suggest using the GAIN Control in its middle region. Here the Tone control string is very active and provides
maximum shaping power - allowing you to dial virtually any sound you desire.
INPUT
GAIN
TREBLE
REGIONAL TITLES ARE THE SAME FOR ALL
3 GAIN CONTROLS
Brightest
Most Balanced
Warmer & Saturated
CH
1
CLEAN
PUSHED
100 WATT
50 WATT
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