PRE-AMP
This is the input sensitivity control. The Pre-Amp control adjusts
the signal level going into the input section of the SansAmp
PSA-1. The arrows in the surrounding circle symbolize the unity-
gain point (that is, no boost or cut). When clean sounds are
desired with the use of a hot-output instrument, decrease from the
unity-gain point. Increasing the position of the Pre-Amp control
produces an effect similar to putting a clean booster pedal into the input of a tube amp.
To achieve the least amount of noise, keep the Pre-Amp knob at unity gain or higher.
Experiment with the interplay between your instrument and the SansAmp PSA-1.
Note: 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 con-
trol 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
setting, which emphasizes power amp distortion (see Vintage Marshall
®
-style setting).
C
HARACTER C
ONTROLS
Continuously variable Character Controls offer tremendous flexibility in adjusting tonality,
gain structure, and harmonic content.
BUZZ
The knob labeled 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 counterclock-
wise. When you turn towards maximum, the sound becomes (you guessed it) buzzy. For a clean set-
ting, increase the setting in small increments. For increased definition when using distortion, posi-
tion the knob at its midpoint or towards minimum.
6
PUNCH
The Punch control sets the amount of midrange break-up and overdrive. Boost or cut from
the center point indicated by the arrows. Decreasing from the center point produces a softer,
Fender
®
-style break-up. Increasing its setting creates a harder, heavier distortion. At maxi-
mum, it produces a sound similar to a wah pedal at mid-boost position placed in front of a
Marshall
®
amp.
CRUNCH
The Crunch control 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.
L
OW
This active low-end tone control is specially tuned for maximum musicality when used to EQ
instruments. Boost or cut by ±12dB by turning from its center point indicated by the arrows.
HIGH
This active high-end tone control is specially tuned for maximum musicality when used to
EQ instruments. Boost or cut by ±12dB by turning from its center point indicated by the
arrows.
L
EVEL
This one control simultaneously adjusts the output level of the rear-panel XLR and 1/4" out-
puts.
2-DIGIT LED DISPLAY
Everything you need to know is in
these two digits. This display is read-
able 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-1 and using
MIDI for specific information regarding the display’s functions.
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