From: barsz@bnr.ca (Peter Barszczewski)
Subject: Re: More SWR SM-400 Amp Questions
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.
Distribution: rec
Date: 17 Dec 92 16:12:44

In article <WARSAW.92Dec17131224@anthem.nlm.nih.gov> warsaw@nlm.nih.gov (Barry A. Warsaw) writes:

   First, why use the line out instead of the direct out?

Well, I run my effects through the effect loop .. I thought that was what
it was for.  The direct out does not pass the effect loop and doesn't pass
my eq settings.  Also, I often like to overdrive the pre-amp to get some
nice grunge ... how can I get that on direct out?  Maybe I should just skip
the eq and grunge, put my effects direct into the amp and then go direct
out.  But you also imply another good point that I probably shouldn't be
changing my EQ between songs ... or I risk screwing up the mix.  But that
brings up another interesting point -- how do you use different EQ settings
for, errr, "artistic effect" ?  You risk killing the low end guitar and
kick.

   Second, as for having control of on-stage volume, I'll agree with you,
   I like to have ultimate control.  But I have to take exception with
   the statement that you (figurative, not personal) have a better grasp
   of where your volume level is than the sound person.

Agreed, I was *STRICTLY* referring to my own stage/monitor mix, not the
house mix.  I have a deep respect for sound people (and always buy them a
beer) their job is tougher than mine, and they almost always know better.
However, as the sound creature is at the board, not on stage, s/he can't
always tell what the stage/monitor mix is.

   Another small piece of advice. If you're playing on a narrow stage,
   and your amp is right behind you, you're not going to be able to hear
   your bass nearly as well as folks in the audience, especially if your
   running through a 4x10 cabinet sitting on the floor.  Your long bass
   waves will be striking the backs of your knees instead of your ears.
   Try to get your cabinet a couple of feet behind you, or angle the amp
   up to your head, or put it on a chair or table.  You'll find you can
   hear yourself much better and may even find you can turn your volume
   down. 

Narrow stage, luxury!  I've played on stages so small people confuse it
with a dime and try to pick it up ;-)  This is a good point, and I will do
this both in practice and for stage.

   I think you can call up SWR and get a new manual. I was able to buy a
   metal grill replacement kit for my Goliath II (mine was an old style
   cloth grill), and SWR was kind enough to send me a cable plug when
   mine broke off -- no charge.  I asked about a manual at the time and I
   think they wanted $5 for it.  Never got off my ass to send the check
   in... ;-0

   Call your local SWR dealer for their California, non-800 number.
   They're nice folks over there...

Actually, after 6 months I finally got around to sending in my warranty
card.  I asked them on it to send me a new one.

Thanx,
--
Peter A. Barszczewski         |           .   .   .   .   .   .   .
(barsz@bnr.ca)                |        :    :    :    :    :    :    :
Bell-Northern Research, Ltd.  |     3     3     3     3     3     3     3
Montreal, Canada              |  D      D      D      D      D      D      D
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