OVERVIEW: FRONT PANEL
The SUBWAY WD-800 begins with the front panel input section, which is comprised of the INPUT jack, MUTE switch and ACTIVE/
PASSIVE switch. The INPUT jack feeds a high impedance J-FET input amplifier which provides appropriate loading for all active and
passive pickups (including most piezo types). The MUTE switch silences the signal from the INPUT jack to the SPEAKER output,
HEADPHONE output and DI output for silent tuning with a tuner connected in line with the instrument or to the TUNER OUTPUT jack.
The ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch sets the gain of the input stage, reducing gain in the active position to prevent unwanted distortion from
very high output basses and pedals. Indicator (tally) LEDs are provided for all switched functions.
The preamp section includes a hybrid J-FET/12AT7 (or 12AU7) vacuum tube variable GAIN stage incorporating tuned anti-saturation
technology to prevent even momentary sticking to the supply rails, and allow instantaneous recovery for an even more graceful tube-like
feel when driven hard into overdrive. A precision variable HIGH PASS FILTER is included to block unwanted sub-sonic signal (as well
as for specific tone shaping functions), and an O/L (overload) LED is provided to give visual indication of when the preamp is being
overdriven. “Sticking to the supply rails” occurs when the signal is driven so hard into clipping that excess charge accumulates. The
time required to clear this charge causes the signal to “stick” to the supply rails during these extremes, creating a visual and audible
kink in the shape of the waveform. The anti-saturation network we’ve included in your WD-800 prevents you from experiencing this
unpleasant artifact.
Tone shaping on the SUBWAY WD-800 includes an active Baxandall EQ which consists of LOW and HIGH FREQUENCY shelving
bands, plus an exclusive passive mid control (with make-up gain), a unique hybrid approach to the mid tone stack voicing within the
tube preamp. There is an additional 3 band ACTIVE PARAMETRIC MID EQ section which allows for pin-point tone sculpting with
foot-switch bypass and LED indicator.
Next, there is a MASTER volume control which sets the amplifier’s output level. The combination of positions between the input GAIN
and MASTER volume, along with the signal strength from your bass (which is also affected by your playing style and touch) allows
for a wide range of tones and feel, from shimmering clean to overdriven and everything in between.
Finally, there is a POWER AMP DAMPING control. What is this you might ask? By adjusting this control, you can loosen up the inher-
ent tightness of the power amp which gives more bounce and makes the amp a little bit more interactive with the speakers. Different
combinations of speakers, along with room acoustics, playing style and personal taste will dictate how this control is set.
OVERVIEW: REAR PANEL
On the rear panel, you will find the power switch, and the AC mains inlet on a standard IEC “C14” connector. The SUBWAY WD-800
contains an auto-ranging universal power supply that can accept and operate on any voltage between 100-120 volts & 220-240 volts
AC, 50/60Hz without the need for any user adjustments or fuse change. This feature makes these amps ideal for the international
touring musician who plays in a variety of global regions. The only thing necessary to make the amp work is a correct power (mains)
cable that matches the power outlet/receptacle in the region. It is important for the mains power to be grounded/earthed for safety as
well as EMC reasons.
Next are parallel connected NL-4 SpeakOn™ connectors, which are wired with the amplifier positive to terminal “1+” and the amplifier
negative to terminal “1-“. All cables with NL-2 connectors (2 pole) will be wired this way. There is an IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch
provided to properly match the power amplifier to the load. When driving a load less than 4 ohms (like 2.66 ohms or 2 ohms), set the
impedance switch to the 2 ohm position.
The SUBWAY WD-800 is equipped with a HEADPHONE output, which will drive all common headphones and IEM ear pieces between
8 and 32 ohms, a MUTE/PEQ BYPASS footswitch jack that mutes the signal when the tip is shorted to the sleeve and bypasses the
parametric eq when the ring is shorted to sleeve. Additional connections are provided for a serial master EFFECTS LOOP, an AUX
input, and a TUNER output.
One feature that sets your new SUBWAY WD-800 apart from the rest of the market is the inclusion of a studio grade XLR balanced
DIRECT OUTPUT, complete with PRE-EQ/POST-EQ signal routing switch, MIC/LINE level switch, and pin 1 GROUND LIFT switch.
Circuit attributes include full phantom power protection, high RFI immunity and extreme tolerance to ground potential differences.
Another unique feature is the inclusion of a USB charging port, which allows you to charge most USB connected devices. This can
be handy when rehearsing with an MP3 player, tablet, or phone.
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