Behringer BXL1800A - Manual (Page 7)

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ULTRABASS BXL450A/BXL900A/BXL1800A/BXL3000A
4. WIRING EXAMPLES
3.2.2 The Shape function
The Shape function on your ULTRABASS provides a
revolutionary type of filter that you can use to modify your bass
sound completely. The filter allows you to shape your sound –
which is a must for bass players today. Extreme filter settings
will give your bass sound more punch, for example:
You want to play a live bass solo but the sound doesn’t cut
through. The solo should stand out, rather than being drowned.
First, set up a solid basic sound on channel 1. Then, create a
very distinctive solo sound on channel 2 using the Shape filter.
Since the Shape filter is only effective on channel 2, you can
change sounds quickly and easily before you begin your solo.
The Shape filter is worth its weight in gold when you are using
two different bass guitars. Maybe you want to change from one
instrument to another with a completely different sound. During
gigs you often lack the time to set up your amp for a different
instrument. Because you can use channel 1 for one instrument
and channel 2, with its Shape filter, for another instrument, you’ll
be glad to have the ULTRABASS.
3.2.3 The Ultrabass function
(not available on BXL450 and BXL450A)
In current music production, extremely low bass sounds that are
one octave below the lowest available bass guitar frequency
are quite popular. Often, you can only create this sound in studios,
because most bass amplifiers have no sub-harmonics function.
This is not true with the ULTRABASS. The Ultrabass processor
gives you the ultimate tool to shape this contemporary sound.
You’ll be amazed to hear how deep your bass can sound with
the Ultrabass function. Extreme settings can be particularly
interesting if you want to give your sound added sparkle in the
treble range. By the way, if you already set the Shape filter to
create punchy sounds, but feel that there’s not enough power in
the bass range, the sub-harmonics processor is there to help
you. Even if the sound is still punchy, it will have much more depth.
On the models BXL1800, BXL3000, BXL1800A and BXL3000A,
the Ultrabass function can easily be switched on and off via the
foot switch supplied. This allows you to highlight certain passages
exclusively.
3.2.4 The compressor
(only BXL1800/BXL3000 and BXL1800A/BXL3000A)
A compressor is used to limit the dynamic range of a signal.
Signal peaks are lowered and soft signals are raised in volume,
thus reducing the difference between the highest and the lowest
signal levels. The result is a much more powerful sound.
Some playing techniques, such as slapping, lead to high-level
differences. In this case, a compressor can be used to make the
low-level dead notes clearly audible, which gives the bass line
even more groove. What is more, the sustain of long notes is
extended.
s
Use the ON switch to activate the compressor.
s Turn the COMPRESSOR control slowly to the right to
raise the compression intensity.
s Press the ON switch to compare the compressed signal
with the unprocessed one.
Compressors work best if provided with high input signals. If the
signal level is low, the effect will be activated only with high
settings. If so, enabling the compressor can lead to extreme
level differences. If GAIN is high, the compressor comes in quite
early. In this case, you don’t need to turn up the COMPRESSOR
control that far to achieve an effect. Experiment with it to find the
best setting for your needs!
+
The compressor works independently of the built-
in protective limiter, which is always active on all
BXL models and protects the power stage from
overloading and distortion.
4. WIRING EXAMPLES
4.1 Setup for practicing with playbacks
Fig. 4.1: Standard setup (here: BXL900A)
This setup is intended for rehearsals or practicing at home.
Connect the ULTRABASS as shown in fig. 4.1. To feed in
playbacks, connect a CD player to the CD input. Of course, you
can also connect an MD player or a computer.
If you want to practice with headphones, just plug your
headphones in the PHONES jack. The built-in loudspeaker will be
muted automatically. Turn the MASTER control fully left before
you connect the headphones.
4.2 Expanded setup for gigs and studio recordings
(only BXL1800, BXL3000, BXL1800A and BXL3000A)
Fig. 4.2: Expanded setup (here: BXL1800A)
The following wiring scheme is recommended for live gigs or
studio work. It builds on the standard setup.
Connect the foot switch supplied with the unit to the FOOT
SWITCH jack on the ULTRABASS. Use the foot switch to switch
channels and to activate the Ultrabass function, which is
particularly useful when playing live.
To use an external effects device, connect the input of the
effects unit to the FX INSERT SEND on the ULTRABASS, and the
output of the effects device to the FX INSERT RETURN. Instead
of the floor effects shown here, you can also use a wah-wah
pedal or an external 19" effects unit.