Features
Audio Path
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 1/4" 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 Power Supply
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.
Using the Bassbone with Two Basses
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.
Using the Bassbone with One Bass
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.
Boost and Effects Loop
The Bassbone is equipped with a separate 'Vari-boost(TM)' 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 to 'Boost', 'Loop' or 'Both' (FX loop + boost). Being able to engage both boost and the effect loop with a single foot action adds tremendous flexibility while reducing the amount of 'tap dancing' of footswitches 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.
Using the power booster
The 'Vari-Boost(TM)' power-booster circuit is designed to go from unity gain (signal level in=signal level out) to +8dB of gain boost. This allows you play regular passages clean, then click-in the boost to get the exact amount of 'take-control-of-the-world' power-boost!
Using the effect loop
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 1/4" 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. It is possible to use the effects loop as a foot-switchable 'tuner mute' by inserting a dummy 1/4" plug into the effect loop jack while the 'BOOST ASSIGN' switch in either the 'Loop' or 'Both' positions. This would, of course, be at the expense of loosing the boost and FX loop circuits. The signal would continue to the tuner-out while muted to the amplifier and XLR out. Sliding the assign switch to the 'Boost' position removes the FX loop so the dummy plug would have no effect, and 'Boost' would work as normal. Removing the dummy plug returns the use of the FX loop circuits.
Using the XLR Output
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 output of the Bassbone is post-everything. This means that all of the Bassbone EQ and volume settings will be heard on the XLR output. This is of particular advantage 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'.