Thunderfunk Bass Amplifiers - Setting the Limiter

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a Limiter “clamps” the higher level signals only, thereby allowing you to set a higher overall Vol-
ume level without creating excessively high “peak” signals.
A small time delay is built into the Limiter to prevent it from “riding” the low frequencies, causing
anaudible“pumping”effect.Usinganylimiterorcompressorwillaffectyoursound,soyoushould
adjust it by ear. A red LED is provided to indicate when the Limiter is taking affect. The higher
you set the Gain/Limit control, the more the Limiter will clamp the signal, and the longer the LED
will light. Excessive use of the Limiter will add a distorted sound to your instrument. Some bass
guitarswithweakoutputsignalswillnotrethelimiter.
Setting the Limiter
TurndowntheGain/Limit,andVolumecontrolsontheamp.MakesuretheLimitSwitchispushed
IN. Then turn the volume and tone controls on your bass all the way up and also set any effects to
as high an output level as you will use. Now play the instrument aggressively, and turn the Gain/
LimitcontrolupuntiltheredLEDindicatorlightasheson.NowincreasetheVolumeControl
until you have the level you wish to play at. To have a more “compressed” signal increase the Gain/
Limit control as needed, and balance this by decreasing the Volume control to a proper overall
level. Once this knob is set, it generally will not need to be adjusted until you change instruments
oreffects.ToplaywithouttheLimiteryoucaneitherpresstheLimitSwitchtotheOUTposition,
or set the Gain/Limit control low enough so that the red LED never lights.
REDLEDLimiterIndicator
used with the Gain/Limit control, it lights when the input signal crosses the threshold of the limit
circuit, and limiting is taking place. It might also light when the Limiter is switched off, but the LED
can be ignored. The circuit is not limiting.
Enhance Control
This tone-shaping control changes the instruments harmonic effect, giving the bass a more
identiable,penetratingtone.Whensettotheminimumlevel,itiseffectivelyoutofthecircuit.
As you advance the knob, the sound tightens up, boosting the very low, upper middle and, high
frequencies, while adding a dip in the lower middle frequencies. This brings out the fundamental
notes by reducing frequencies that mask them, and it enhances the high-end transients, similar to
techniques often used for recording bass in the studio. The effect is especially noticeable when
“slapping” on the bass guitar, and becomes more “transparent” as the control is turned to maxi-
mum. Adjust this control to taste.