The Bassbone is an extremely powerful tool, yet very simple to operate.
The Bassbone has two instrument inputs and two separate signal channels.
A separate tuner out is provided that is buffered and filtered to drive
a tuner with a clean signal. This ‘tuner friendly’ output
is always on.
Input channel-1 features a contour control with choice of bypass or two
EQ curves. A level control allows input-1 gain to be adjusted as needed.
Input channel-2 features a powerful 3 band EQ that allows you to override
your amplifier’s EQ section. A separate level control for each channel
is provided to balance the levels between bass-1 and bass-2 going to the
amplifier.
The toggle switch selects between input channels 1 or 2. Keep in mind
that when only one bass is being used, input-1 will feed both channels
allowing you to use the Bassbone like a two channel amplifier. This will
give you control over two dramatically different EQ curves and levels.
A power-boost circuit is available that can be used for soloing or for
added cut during a particular passage. To reduce ‘tap-dancing’
an effect loop may be engaged at the same time or instead of the power-boost
circuit. This has the benefit of keeping noisy pedals out of the signal
chain when not in use.
Along with the ¼” output, the Bassbone is also equipped with
a balanced XLR output that is used to feed a mixer. This is a 600-ohm
mic level output that can be used instead of a direct box. The XLR output
is ‘post’ Bassbone and this means that the sound being sent
to the mixer will incorporate your Bassbone EQ and level settings.
The Radial Bassbone comes equipped with its own power supply. This is
a special 15-Volt supply that provides greater headroom than typical 9-Volt
supplies. Connecting the power supply will automatically turn the Bassbone
on.
 Think
of channel-1 as ‘straight-through’ whereby you will use the
EQ and volume on your amp to control your primary bass. You would set
your amp volume and EQ settings to the levels you would normally use.
Channel-1 features a 3-position voicing switch. This offers choice between
flat (bypass), and two preset EQ contour curves to help capture popular
sought after tones that may be difficult to achieve with some amplifiers.
One would start by setting up channel-1 in the EQ bypass mode and then
try the EQ contour presets. You may find that inserting these will stimulate
new sounds that you have not yet encountered. Channel-2 is the override
channel. This features a powerful EQ that lets you counter and or assist
the EQ on your amplifier when connecting your second bass. Once you have
established the amp settings for your primary bass, you would then select
your second bass and depress the toggle switch to select input-2. Each
of the high, mid and low EQ controls are extremely active and provide
incredible amounts of cut and boost power that let you dial-in the sound
you want.
By only connecting a bass to input-1, Bassbone automatically feeds both
channels like a two channel bass amplifier. This lets you transition between
channel-1 and channel-2 by simply depressing the toggle foot switch. For
instance, you would set your ‘main sound’ using your amplifier
EQ and level while using channel-1 and then transition to channel-2 for
special effects, creating massive bass textures or maybe adding mid range
for a solo or a more percussive style bass.
The
Bassbone is equipped with a separate power booster that can be used for
soloing or special effects. To add more fun and flexibility, a 3-positions
selector switch lets you assign the foot switch for boost, effect-loop
or combination effect-loop and boost. Being able to engage both the boost
and the effect loop with a ‘single foot action’ ads tremendous
flexibility while reducing ‘tap dancing’ on stage. For instance
you may want to kick the bass up a notch and introduce a flanger at the
same time. This also has the advantage of keeping noisy effect pedals
out of the signal chain when not being used.
The power-booster is designed to go from off to +8dB of gain. This lets
you use the power booster circuit as a mute for tuning, a shunt for soft
passages and of course a booster when you intend to take control of the
world!
The effect loop features an insert jack like the ones used on professional
mixers. This employs a standard tip ‘send’, ring ‘return’
Y or insert jack with a stereo TRS (tip ring sleeve) at one end and two
standard ¼” mono jacks on the other end. The
advantages of using an effect loop to connect pedals include reduced loading
for a more natural bass guitar sound, less noise because your sound is
going direct to your amplifier, and the ability to pre-set different multi-pedal
set-ups while playing without actually hearing the set-ups until you engage
the effect loop. Combining pedal effects with the power booster can be
both powerful and dramatic. With the touch of a button, one can produce
thunderous tones that can completely change the ambience from one song
to another which can hopefully spur on creativity!Using the Tuner output
The Radial Bassbone also incorporates a separate tuner out. This output
passes through a band-pass filter that makes it easier for a tuner to
capture the fundamental tone. Unless, filtered, some basses produce so
many harmonics that the tuner is unable to ‘lock-on’ and this
causes the needle (or LED read out) to jump all over the place. Because
the tuner out is separately buffered, the tuner circuit is completely
removed from the primary audio signal path thus reducing its effect and
added load on the circuit. You can also use the power-booster circuit
as a ‘mute’ to turn-off the output to your guitar amp while
the signal continues to drive the tuner.
The Bassbone is equipped with a separate XLR male output that acts like
a direct box to feed a mixer. This is a 600-ohm mic level output that
is designed to run along side microphone signals in a snake without causing
crosstalk. It is important to note that unlike a direct box that would
normally be connected before the Bassbone, the XLR out is post Bassbone.
This means that all of the Bassbone EQ and volume settings will be heard
on the XLR output. This is particularly advantageous when playing gigs
without a sound engineer as the bass signal going to the mixer will be
boosted or altered to follow your Bassbone settings. An example would
be on a solo where the engineer would normally increase the bass volume.
By engaging the Bassbone’s power booster, the level would increase
on your bass amp and at the mixer at the same time. The XLR out is particularly
cool when playing small coffee-house gigs where bringing an amplifier
may not be practical. Simply connect the Bassbone’s XLR output to
the mixer and use the Bassbone as your miniature amp. All your EQ settings
are now right at your feet! The XLR male connector is wired to AES standards
with pin-1 being ground, pin-2 hot. A ground-lift switch disconnects the
ground on pin-1 at the output to help reduce hum and buzz caused by so-called
‘ground-loops’.
|
