Channel 1 (The “Clean” Channel)
For starters, set Channel 1’s switches and controls as follows:
Bright switch “in”, Boost switch “out”, Gain=5, Bass=5, Middle=5, Treble=5, Level 1=5
As you can see, we have set all the controls straight up. Not loud enough? Turn up Level 1 (it’s the Master volume for
Channel 1). Not clean enough? Turn down Gain 1, but then turn up Level 1 to maintain the same loudness from the speaker.
Now adjust the Bass, Middle and Treble to your personal taste. You will find the Tone controls are quite responsive. A little
goes a long way. You will also find the Bright switch to have a big influence on the treble response of Channel 1, especially
when the Gain 1 control is set between 3 and 9. Use this switch along with the Treble control to set the high end “voice” of
Channel 1. If you are the type of person who likes a little (or a lot) of “hair” on your clean sound, then the Boost switch is for
you! By pressing this switch, you will notice a substantial increase in gain and level in Channel 1. Adjust the Gain 1 and Level 1
controls accordingly. Increasing Gain 1 will add a smooth crunchiness to your “clean” sound. This of course depends on how
hot your guitar pickups are. This is also a great setup if you use overdrive or distortion pedals to crunch up your sound.
Select Channel 2 by pressing the Channel Select switch “in”. The respective Gain 2 and Level 2 LED’s will be lit.
Channel 2 (The “Dirty” Channel)
Set the controls the same as Channel 1, as follows:
Bright switch “in”, Boost switch “out”, Gain=5, Bass=5, Middle=5, Treble=5, Level 2=5
Again, if Channel 2 is not loud enough, or too loud (relative to Channel 1), adjust the Level 2 control, which is the Master
volume for Channel 2. Also, if the sound is too distorted (or not distorted enough), adjust Gain 2 for the amount of “crunch”
you need. Now adjust the tone controls to your personal taste. Note the Bright switch reacts similar to Channel 1. It is most
active when the Gain 2 control is in the 3 to 9 range. Notice this channel includes a Presence control. This is Presence for
Channel 2 only. It’s range of control is somewhat higher in the frequency spectrum than the Treble control, offering more
precise tailoring of Channel 2’s high end “voice”. The footswitchable Boost mode on Channel 2 offers increased overdrive,
sustain and level to Channel 2. In keeping with our simple design approach, this Boost is pre-set but can be easily adjusted
by an internal trim pot. It is set about halfway up at the factory. This boost, when activated, adds additional tube gain stages
and it’s effectiveness is determined by the Gain 2 control setting. With a Gain 2 setting of between 1 and 6, the Boost is very
apparent and quite effective. With higher settings of the Gain 2 control (above 6), the amp is already quite saturated, and
using the boost thickens the sound and adds sustain with a little less apparent level increase. In any case, it’s a welcome
addition to Channel 2, making the OD-100 a true 2 Channel, 3 “mode” amp. At this point, it’s a good idea to mention Channel
2’s (and Channel 1’s for that matter!) excellent touch responsiveness. Careful use of your guitar’s volume control will open up
a whole new world of tonal options! Try keeping Gain 2 rather high (between 5 and 8) and using your guitar volume or a
volume pedal to roll off the crunch. This is a great way to add versatility without cluttering up the front panel with unnecessary
and confusing “options”! Experiment and you will be deeply rewarded!
