Here is a short description of the underlying design concepts:

CLASS A OPERATION

• Class A amplifiers are typically more linear and as such are less complex than other amplifier classes. In Class A amplifiers, the amplification circuitry is designed so that it is always conducting electrical current. This means that the active elements are always on, thus avoiding the problem of crossover distortion.

LOW-Z CIRCUITRY

• Thermal noise is a critical design issue when it comes to audio electronics. By lowering the impedance of components inside an electronic circuit, the overall thermal noise is substantially reduced. The Low-Z circuitry inside all of our amplifiers makes it possible to achieve consistently noise-free operation.

2. Gain – Adjusts the input gain of the preamp stage.

3. Signal Level LED – This LED, when green indicates that the input is at least 0dBU (0.77V RMS). When red, it indicates clipping in the preamp stage. If the preamp is clipping, turn down the gain on some of the preamp stage controls (Gain, EQ or Compression as applicable).

4. Mute ON/OFF – Engaging this switch will mute all outputs except for the Tuner Out. When not engaged, the respective channel is activated.

5. Mute LED – Indicates Mute status. Red indicates channel is muted (Mute ON), green indicates channel is active (Mute OFF).

6. Equalizer – 4-Band EQ provides +/- 12 dB of gain for each band.

•  BASS – 100Hz
•  LOW MID – 800Hz
•  HIGH MID – 3kHz
• TREBLE – 10kHz

7. Compression Amount – This knob controls, as the name says, the amount of compression by providing simultaneous control over compression threshold and make-up gain. The Compression knob, whenever engaged should be used in conjunction with the Gain control. Settings of up to about 12 o’ clock add a subtle compression. This setting will only compress the most aggressive transients in your signal. Setting the knob at around 3 o’  clock yields a heavy compression effect, with more make-up gain. We designed our compressor to be completely transparent and to not color the signal in any way.

8. Compressor LED – When green, this indicates that the compressor is engaged. When orange, it indicates that the signal is getting compressed.

9. Compression ON/OFF – This switch engages/bypasses the compressor circuit.

10. Volume – This knob controls the master volume.

11. Amp Clip LED – This LED indicates that the output from the power amp module is clipping. If the power amp is clipping, turn down the master volume.

12. AUX IN jack – Accepts a standard 3.5mm (1/8” ) audio jack (stereo compatible) for connecting an auxiliary sound source. This can be used for connecting a CD, tape or MP3 player for practicing, rehearsing or for connecting another preamp into the system.

13. HEADPHONES – Accepts a standard 3.5mm (1/8” ) audio jack for connecting headphones.

Rear Panel Features:

1. Mains Power ON/OFF switch – For your safety remember to connect the power cord from the mains outlet to the amplifier BEFORE turning this switch on. Conversely, when disconnecting the amp, turn the switch OFF first, then disconnect cord from the outlet and finally disconnect the power cord from the amp.

2. AC Mains IN – Power socket for connecting the amplifier to the mains power supply.

3. Integrated Fuse compartment – To replace the fuse, first disconnect power cord from the AC Mains IN socket. Use a small screwdriver to remove the fuse compartment. Caution! Replace only with indicated size and type (T5AL 250V). Using a fuse with different rating than specified can cause damage to your amplifier.

4. TUNER OUT – Accepts a standard 6.25mm (1/4”) audio jack for connecting amplifier to a tuner unit. Signal remains active on this output even when the Mute switch is ON, allowing for silent tuning.

5. EFFECT SEND/RETURN – Accepts standard 6.25mm (1/4” ) audio jacks for connecting an effects chain.The FX Loop in the LWA 1000 is of the serial type.

6. LINE OUT – Accepts a standard 6.25mm (1/4”) audio jack. This is an unbalanced line level output for connecting to external devices (auxiliary power amplifier, FOH mixer etc.)

7. DI OUT – Balanced XLR output for connecting the amplifier to a PA or a mixing desk in the studio.

8. PRE/POST – This switch affects the DI OUT signal. In the ”PRE”  position the DI OUT is fed the signal before the EQ, Compressor and FX Loop from the preamp. Conversely, in the ”POST”  position, the DI OUT is fed the signal after the EQ, Compressor and FX Loop.

9. GROUND LIFT – This switch internally disconnects the chassis ground connection (essentially the Earth terminal of AC Mains) from the ground pin of the DI OUT. Use this functionality when there is excessive hum, possibly caused by a ground loop or bad earthing.

10. SPEAKER OUT – Lockable speaker connector for connecting the amplifier to a speaker cabinet. The minimum load for the amplifier is 4 ohm.