GETTING STARTED
The MAS has 2 identical channels. Each channel of the MAS has 2 sets of balanced XLR line
inputs on the rear panel, as well as a high impedance unbalanced ¼” instrument input on the
front panel. The desired input is selected with the toggle switch above the ¼” jack, as follows:
Toggle up - LINE IN
Toggle middle - AUX B in (Channel 1), AUX D in (Channel 2)
Toggle down - ¼” Instrument in (front panel)
When selecting different inputs, we recommend turning the monitors down to a low level
to avoid being blasted out by unexpected sources, and some clicking may be audible
depending on the source material!
The Instrument input provides additional gain to accommodate things like passive
basses, electric pianos, etc. We also recommend not leaving an unterminated ¼” cable
plugged into the front jacks.
The unit also has 2 identical balanced XLR line outputs on the rear panel, labelled:
LINE OUT
AUX A (Channel 1), AUX C in (Channel 2)
Having multiple inputs and outputs allows the MAS be incorporated into different workflows
while eliminating patching. For example, you can have a ‘tracking’ mode (LINE IN being fed
from a mic preamp, with the LINE OUT routed to a DAW input), and ‘mixdown’ mode (AUX in
being fed from a DAW output, and the AUX out routed to a summing mixer input).
IN USE
The MAS amp stages have a very wide range (sweet spot) from where they start to work to
where they clip hard. The LED meter indicates this range, one LED indicates bending starting to
happen, low order harmonic color is present even on signal levels below this point.
It is important to note that there are essentially 2 different operating ranges, one with
EMPHASIS in, and one with EMPHASIS out. With EMPHASIS in the circuitry will require higher
settings of INPUT to achieve comparable amounts of saturation.
The circuitry can be very forgiving, and fast transients can be rounded with little perceived
distortion. We find it useful to experiment with transient and steady signals to get a feel for how
far it can be pushed in either scenario.
All rights reserved. All features and specifications subject to change without notice
