Setting up an Amplifier
Setting up an amplifier can seem like a daunting task if you don't know what you're doing.
Here is the process:
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Ensure the volume and gain are turned down on both the instrument AND the amplifier.
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Plug everything in (properly to avoid buzzing).
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Turn the power on, first at the wall, then on the amp.
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Adjust levels to suit your needs.
Let's talk about levels!
Gain or Drive:
The ratio of output to input. Input is always 1, so if your gain is 5, this means the output of 5 times greater than the input. (For more detail check this page out!) If the output is too high, it distorts the signal from the guitar, resulting in interference.
Master Volume:
Controls the volume, and does not effect the gain.
EQ (Treble/Middle/Bass):
You can adjust these settings to make one range more prominent in the output. This is helpful for creating the sounds specific to certain styles of music, for example the loud bass in heavy metal. EQ settings can also contribute to creating distortion.
Reverb:
Controls the amount of reverberation, or echo, produced by your amplifier.
Other amplifiers may include many more levels you can adjust, but these are the basics to get you started.
Settings can affect the quality of the sound produced by the amp.
Some suggested settings:
Distortion:
Can be created and controlled by increasing the gain and lowering the master volume
The settings on amplifiers can allow us to control and customise the sound our instruments. This page provides a basic explanation of the different components of an amp and what they do. It's really important to have a go at using different settings on your amp and listing to the way they affect the sound.
low gain, moderate master
high gain, minimal master