SWR STRAWBERRY BLONDE
Owner's Manual

It may be thought of as a �transparency� control. Over time, we have found this approach to result in a more musically useful treble. Boosting the the control will open up the sound of a dull instrument, particularly in conjunction with the piezo tweeter in the Strawberry Blonde�s speaker complement. However, this is also the range of string rattle, finger slides, pickup clicks, etc. Again, we recommend you experiment with the control alone with your instrument while finding your tone, and listen again in a band context, both near to and away from the Strawberry Blonde. Qualities like punch, fatness, presence and bite can be fairly well spread out. Treble, despite the broad dispersion of the piezo tweeter, is a very directional quality. Spend some time exploring what you can hear in this area as you move around. EFFECTS BLEND The effects loop circuitry in the Strawberry Blonde is a �side chain� design, the same concept as used in studio mixers or consoles. The Effects Blend control mixes the signal coming from your instrument with the sound coming from your effect. With the Blend control fully counter-clockwise, no signal from your effect will be heard. As you turn this control clockwise, more of the effect can be heard in the overall sound. When the Blend is fully clockwise, no dry or unaffected signal is heard other than the output of your effects device. This type of control and patching arrangement is very effective in reducing noise caused by effects units and in maintaining a more natural sound. If your effects device has a similar control, we suggest leaving it set to its maximum effect/minimum dry signal position and using the Effects Blend control for this function. Please read the �Effects Loop� section for more information. REVERB CONTROL The Reverb control blends signal from the internal spring reverb with the main signal. The reverb circuitry is on a side chain as well, so the natural sound of your instrument is always maintained. Rotating this control clockwise will add more reverb to the overall sound. MASTER VOLUME The Master Volume adjusts the signal level going to the power amplifier, Stereo Headphones jack, extension speaker and the internal speaker system. It does NOT affect the Balanced XLR Line out. For optimum signal to noise ratio, it should be used in conjunction with the Gain control. Losses caused by effects units can be recovered by increasing the Master Volume. STEREO HEADPHONES JACK By inserting a set of stereo headphones into this jack you will be able to monitor your sound or practice without disturbing your neighbors. The volume level is adjusted by the Master Volume. We suggest you begin with the Master Volume off (fully counter-clockwise), then slowly bring the volume up to your desired level. If you hear distortion in your headphones that is not present with the speakers on, turn down the volume as you are probably overdriving your headphones and could cause them damage. To practice silently, position the 3-way selector switch on the back panel to the �Head Phones� (middle) position. Any impedance stereo headphones will work. However, optimum impedance is 75 ohms. Do NOT use mono headphones as they will short out one channel. SPEAKER PHASE SWITCH This switch reverses the input to output phase. In the �in� position, the output (speaker) is in phase with the input. In the �out� position, the reverse is true. The purpose of this feature is too inhibit regenerative feedback. This method is superior to a notch filter as it does not alter the overall tone. If your instrument starts to feedback, set the switch to the �out� position to reverse the phase. It should be noted however, that the distance between you and the cabinet is a factor. Depending on your proximity to the cabinet, changing the phase could actually cause an increase in feedback. Most feedback in acoustic instruments occurs in the lower registers. If ample volume in not obtained through use of the phase switch or changing your position in relationship to the amp, try putting the Strawberry Blonde on a chair or stand off the floor. POWER SWITCH

STRAWBERRY BLONDE OWNER�S MANUAL � 3