SWR 550x Operating Instructions

12 • 550x
SubWave™ CONTROLS
Based on the circuit from SWR's groundbreaking Mo' Bass Soundstation, the SubWave™ on your 550x is a lightning-quick sub-
octave wave engine with tracking superior to other models of sub-octave effects currently on the market. In plain terms, it
hears the note you play and immediately generates a signal one octave below it–all the way down to low 'C#', 'C', or even low
'B' on some basses!
SubWave™ ACTIVATOR SWITCH
Located directly above the SubWave™ Level Control, this is an illuminated push-button switch that
activates the SubWave™ effect. When engaged, the switch cap will illuminate in blue. Push once to
engage, then again to disengage. (The SubWave™ effect can also be switched on and off via
footswitch; please see the heading titled "SubWave™ Footswitch" in the "Rear Panel Features" section
later in this manual.)
SubWave™ LEVEL CONTROL
Once the SubWave™ effect is engaged, you can use this control to determine the amount of effect to
be blended in with your original ("clean") bass signal. Turning the control clockwise will increase the
amount of effect, while turning the control counter-clockwise will decrease the amount of effect.
When the control is set fully counter-clockwise to "MIN", no effect will be heard, even though the
effect is engaged and the Activator switch is illuminated in blue. This is normal. Also, when the control
is set fully clockwise to "MAX", the "clean" bass signal will still be present…along with plenty of
sub-octave effect. As always, your ears and the desired musical application will be the best judge in
setting this control.
(Keep in mind that the Bass Level control will have a significant impact on the perceived level of the
SubWave™ effect as well, as it follows immediately after the SubWave™ in the signal chain. Please
read below.)
550x - ACTIVE TONE CONTROL SECTION
BASS CONTROL
The Bass control employs a shelving-type circuit and boosts or cuts the bass response + /-15dB, from about 30Hz to 100Hz.
Starting at the control's mid-position ("center-click"), turning the control counter-clockwise cuts the bass response, and turning
the control clockwise boosts the bass response.
You'll find that the Bass Level control will boost or cut the SubWave™ effect along with the "clean" bass signal. That's because
of the range of frequencies covered by this particular control. You can use both the Bass and SubWave™ Level controls to get
a good balance between how much bass you want in your clean sound, and how much of a bass boost you want when engag-
ing the SubWave™. Some users will want a significant boost, while others may be striving for a more consistent level (or "unity
gain"). Again, let your ears and musical taste be the judge.
NOTE: Setting both the Bass and SubWave™ Level controls near or at maximum boost will increase
the overall amount of bass in your signal VERY SIGNIFICANTLY! We're all in favor of that, just so long
as your speaker cabinet can handle the peak levels. Adjust the controls slowly, and use common Z
sense.
MIDRANGE CONTROLS
Your 550x comes equipped with two different controls for setting the amount of midrange present: one for boosting and cut-
ting the level of midrange, and another for setting the specific midrange frequency that will be adjusted in level.

SWR 550x Specifications

General

Brand	SWR
Model	550x
Category	Amplifier
Language	English