Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 1.1 User Manual

To achieve the least amount of noise, we recommend keeping the Pre-Amp knob at unity gain
or higher. Experiment with the interplay between your instrument and the SansAmp PSA.
For best results, do not set the Pre-Amp level lower than unity gain when the Drive knob is at
9 o’clock or higher. However, if you want a crystal-clear sound and the Drive control is already
near minimum and there’s still too much overdrive, decrease the Pre-Amp’s level as needed.
Pre-Amp also influences different types of overdrive. For instance, a high setting emphasizes
pre-amp distortion (see Boogie
®
Lead-style setting), as opposed to when Drive is in a high set-
ting, which emphasizes power amp distortion (see Vintage Marshall
®
-style setting).
CHARACTER CONTROLS
Character Controls offer tremendous flexibility in adjusting tonality, gain structure, and har-
monic content.
BUZZ
Controls the low-end break-up and overdrive. You can boost the effect by turning clockwise from the
center point indicated by the arrows, and cut by turning counterclockwise. When you turn towards
maximum, the sound becomes (you guessed it) buzzy. For a clean setting, increase the setting in small
increments. For increased definition when using distortion, position the knob at its midpoint or
towards minimum.
PUNCH
Sets the amount of midrange break-up and overdrive. Boost or cut from the center point indicat-
ed by the arrows. Decreasing from the center point produces a softer, Fender
®
-style break-up.
Increasing its setting creates a harder, heavier distortion. At maximum, it produces a sound simi-
lar to a wah pedal at mid-boost position placed in front of a Marshall
®
amp.
CRUNCH
Brings out the upper harmonic content and pick attack. For a smoother high end and for clean
settings, decrease to taste.
DRIVE
Like the volume control on a non-master-volume tube amp, Drive increases the amount of
power amp distortion. In live applications, we recommend using less Drive than when direct
recording. This compensates for the natural sustain of high volumes.
6
LOW AND HIGH
These active low-end tone controls are specially tuned for maximum musicality when used to
EQ instruments. Boost or cut ±12dB from its center point indicated by the arrows.
LEVEL
Simultaneously adjusts the output level of the rear-panel XLR and 1/4" outputs, and Effects
Loop Send.
TRIM
For live performances, this control globally adjusts the level of all presets so you don’t have to
individually adjust each setting on stage. Be aware that if you have any settings with the Level
programmed close to/at minimum or maximum, the Trim pot will not be as effective.
Additionally, when using an external effects processor in the Effects Loop, set Trim at maxi-
mum before you adjust the input level of the processor. This will ensure you have enough head-
room when you utilize the Trim control on stage.
3-DIGIT LED DISPLAY
Because the SansAmp PSA is fully programma-
ble, everything you do is monitored by its inter-
nal processor. And everything you need to know
is in these three digits. This display is readable
from any angle, in daylight or darkness. It tells
you which program is active, whether any knob’s
setting has been changed, when a program is
stored, and when MIDI functions have been
activated. (Refer to the sections on programming your SansAmp PSA and using MIDI for spe-
cific information regarding the display’s functions.)
SAVE SWITCH
The Save switch stores your custom settings in the memory of the SansAmp PSA. It also gives
you access to the Special Page function menu. It is purposely recessed into the front panel to
make it difficult to inadvertently push. You can use a guitar pick, a pen tip, or a well-placed
fingernail to push it.
UP AND DOWN BUTTONS
Pushing either of these switches once counts up or down through the programs one at a time.
Holding the switch down moves quickly through the program numbers.
7

Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 1.1 Specifications