It All Starts Here
Independent Channels:
Unlike other high gain amps, the Clean Channel and the Overdrive Channel of the EQ 5.1 and 9.1 are
completely independent. They are two separate discrete channels each with their own equalization
and voicing characteristics. Since the Overdrive channel does not depend on the gain of the clean
channel to achieve overdrive characteristics, it is much easier the balance the volume levels between
the two channels. Since the Channels respond differently to single coil pickups and humbuckers and,
we recommend that you experiment with several of your guitars to determine the optimum settings for
your playing style.
The Clean Channel:
The Clean Channel of your amp is very simple and much like other amplifiers in this respect. The
Clean Level control determines the volume/gain, the top row of tone controls set the equalization, and
the Master Volume determines the output level. This doesn’t mean it’s a One-Trick-Pony; you can set
the Clean Channel to achieve sparkling clean tones for rhythm, jazz, chickin’ pickin’, or add a little
hair to the notes for blues and rock. Then, switch to the Overdrive Channel for a singing solo.
The Overdrive Channel:
The input level of this channel determines how much drive and sustain your guitar will produce.
Tonal balance, which we refer to as VOICING, determines how the amp will respond to your playing
style and how it will sound with a particular guitar. Like all amplifiers, the Earthquake Overdrive amps
have tone and gain controls. But, unlike any other amplifiers, these amps give you total control over
VOICING and GAIN. This LEVEL/DRIVE/ MASTER VOLUME configuration is the key to dialing in
great overdriven tone and volume for your specific requirements.
The LEVEL control increases preamp gain as you rotate the knob clockwise. As the gain increases,
the tonal balance is shifted from treble and upper mid frequency emphasis which produce up front
sparkling tone, to a lower mid and bass emphasis, which produces a thick meaty tone. In order to
achieve a smooth, saturated, overdrive tone the OD LEVEL control needs to be set at least the 12
o’clock position.
The DRIVE Control increases the gain in overdrive. As you rotate the knob clockwise you will notice
an increase in drive as well as a certain amount of compression, though the sonic qualities will shift
as well; as the gain increases the tone will become brighter with more bite.
The CLEAN LEVEL and OD LEVEL control settings determines the overall balance between the
clean and overdrive channels. The tonal effects while increasing the OD LEVEL provide a meatier
fuller tone. This is where balancing both DRIVE and OD LEVEL controls is key to achieving the
desired tone while at the same time keeping the amps volume at just the right level with the MASTER
VOLUME.
Different combinations of OD LEVEL, DRIVE, and Master Volume settings, will have a dramatic
effect on the response of the amplifier and the personality of your instrument. It is easy to get familiar
with the action of these controls and you’ll be amazed with your ability to make any guitar sound
mellow, fat, soulful, or aggressive.
