Genz-Benz 900 Musical Instrument Amplifier User Manual


 
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FRONT PANEL
INPUT – The Streamliner™ 900 is equipped with a ¼” unbalanced instrument input directly feeding a conventional
tube voltage amplier stage. The input sensitivity range is from 15 mV to 1.6 volts with an input impedance of ~1M
ohms.
INPUT SIGNAL MUTE SWITCH – With this Mute switch, you can place the amplier (and the Direct Output) in mute
mode without having to change any of your amp settings. This feature can also be used for silent tuning since the
Tuner Out stays active when the mute is engaged. A red indicator LED above the switch indicates when the Mute
function is active.
GAIN SWITCH – This switch sets the gain sensitivity of the preamp gain stages. With the switch set to the IN
position and the Amber indicator LED illuminated, the gain stages are set to a higher sensitivity, driving the preamp
gain stages harder, producing more harmonic content and overdrive. The degree of overdrive will depend upon the
output level of your bass guitar pick-ups and preamp as well as your playing style. This switch should be used in
conjunction with the Gain control for setting the overall gain structure of the preamp. This switch can also be used as
an Active/Passive switch. The lower gain position is more suitable for high output level active basses and a cleaner
tone.
GAIN CONTROL – This control sets the input gain of the 12AX7 TUBE preamp. The volume of the signal is then
controlled by the Tube Preamp Volume control and also the Master Volume control. Note that overdriving the input
tube gain stage may be a desirable tonal characteristic of your playing style. This control, in conjunction with the
Gain switch, Preamp and Master Volume controls, allows you to set the amount of tube overdrive or clean tone your
amp produces.
PREAMP VOLUME CONTROL – This control sets the volume (and make-up gain) of the preamp after the Input
and EQ stages but before the Effects Send jack. Use this control in conjunction with the Gain and Master Volume
controls to achieve the necessary gain structure for your playing and music style.
SETTING YOUR INPUT SIGNAL – Use the following guidelines to set your amplier input stage for the type of bass
used and your personal playing style. These guidelines are just a suggested starting point.
1) Set your instruments controls (volume and tone) where you normally prefer to run them.
2) Now set all controls on the Streamliner™ to 12 o’clock and the Gain switch “out”. It may be best to start with the
Master Volume at 9 o’clock.
3) For a clean tone, your Tube Gain and Preamp Volume settings may be set to similar positions. For a clean tone
using a hot Active bass your Tube Gain setting should be set more towards the 9 o’clock position and the Preamp
Volume at noon to 2 o’clock positions.
4) For overdriven tube tones with Active or Passive basses your Tube Gain setting will be set higher and the Preamp
Volume set lower. If you are looking for an even more overdriven sound, engage the Gain switch for even more
preamp gain. Set your Master Volume for your desired overall volume. We suggest experimenting with different
settings for best results.
5) Now, turn your attention to the EQ section and make the adjustments for your desired tone. Because this is a
semi-active EQ network, any larger settings of cut or boost will affect the gain level of the preamp which will allow for
even more variability in overdriven tones.
6) After setting your EQ it may be necessary to go back and adjust your gain and volume levels level up or down
accordingly.