MIKE CALAWAY'S
PAGE of INFORMATION
I would like to discuss the way to set up a Peavey Amp
for Steel Guitar. This info pertains to the
First, let’s look at the 2 most misused and misunderstood controls on all of these amps, the shift and mid controls. Both of these controls together are a parametric EQ. Look at the diagram and see that the shift control can be set between 150 and 1.5k Hertz. The nominal setting for this is 800. Now that we’ve got the frequency set to 800 on the shift control we can either boost this frequency by turning the mid control to a positive number or cut the frequency by turning the mid control to a negative number. The nominal setting for this control is -5. So what we have done is cut the 800 frequency by 5 db. For instance if you wanted a LOT of bass you could set the shift control between 150 and 300 and turn the mid control to +7 and you could hear the bass increase greatly, but you would loose control of you middle frequency. If you want to prove how this work just set the mid control to dead 0 and turn the shift control left and right and you’ll hear absolutely no change in the sound.
I’ve included a diagram of Peavey's suggestions for E9th.
This, I’ve found to be the best settings to start with on these amps and
certainly is not cast in stone as we all have different guitars and different
ears. The bass, treble and presence are all controls that can cut or boost
their frequency from -15 to +15 db. The treble control effects the upper
end of the midrange and the lower end of the treble range. The presence
control has a lot of effect on the treble range.
A lot of people have asked me how I get my steel to sound the way it does. I have a sound that I like and when I set my steel up I start with the basic settings on my amp and go from there. I use a moderate amount of bass and then I set my mids and highs to my taste for the room I’m in, and every room has a different sound which is affected by the walls, the floor, and the type of materials used in the room. Also I’m not afraid to turn my volume up so it reaches the back of the room, and does not die 6 foot in front of the stage. If I go to all the trouble to bring my steel, set it up, and adjust everything, I certainly would like people other than myself to hear what I play. Low volume, in my opinion, is the worst thing a steel player can do to his self, play loud enough for everyone to hear you, (so you make a mistake), BIG deal. At our jams we’re there to have fun and play and I don’t think anyone would care if you’re playing loud enough for someone to hear you if you make a mistake.
I have a lot of topics that I'd like to discuss on this page in the future so
stay tuned in and remember what I say may not be the gospel, but it’s my
opinion.
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