OWNER’S MANUAL
KBA16
Thank you for purchasing the Kustom KBA16 model bass guitar amplifier. Kustom has
listened to musicians throughout the world and stands proudly behind each and every
one we make. It was designed with your needs in mind. Flexible, feature laden, great
sounding, able to adapt to all kinds of music, this amplifier really delivers what you have
been looking and waiting for. Whatever style you choose, it’s ready!.
Kustom, with a 30 year tradition of excellence in design, proudly delivers to you this
amp and rewards you with a rugged and dependable amp designed and engineered
in the USA. Again, thank you for your purchase. Please take a few minutes to learn
about all the professional features that are built in.
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1.) CD/Tape Input - this 1/4” 3 conductor jack will allow you to plug in a CD player, tape or any other
source to practice along with. It sums the left and right signals into a mono signal and passes it through
to the amplifier section. To control the volume of the source, adjust the output volume of the device.
We suggest you turn the volume all the way down then plug in and adjust the volume according to your
taste.
2.) Guitar Input - this is a 1/4” 2 conductor input jack for plugging in your instrument. It is intended for
bass guitar or Hi-Z microphones but will accept other instruments as well.
3.) Volume Level - this control is the output volume control for the bass guitar input. Slowly increase
the control to increase the volume. If you are using a bass guitar with an on-board preamp, set it’s level
for a mid position before increasing this control otherwise distortion may occur.
4.) Low - this control is the bass control. It is active and set to boost or cut frequencies at 100 Hz. This
will effect the low frequency signals. Turning it fully clockwise, the signal is boosted 12 db. Turning it
counterclockwise, the low will be rolled off -12db. Especially good for making low output, thin toned
bass guitars sound fuller.
5.) Lo Mid - this control is the Low Midrange control. It is active and set to boost or cut frequencies
at 500 Hz. This will effect the mid-low frequency signals. Turning it fully clockwise, the signal is boosted
12 db. Turning it counterclockwise, the low-mids will be rolled off -12db. Especially good for “cleaning
up” muddy bass guitar overtones.
6.) Hi Mid - this control is the High Midrange control. It is active and set to boost or cut frequencies
at 2KHz. This will effect the mid-high frequency signals. Turning it fully clockwise, the signal is boosted
12 db. Turning it counterclockwise, the low-mids will be rolled off -12db. Increasing this will add punch
to a bass guitars’ sound.
7.) High - this is the high frequency control. It is active and set to boost or cut frequencies at 10KHz.
This will effect the high frequency signals. Turning it fully clockwise, the signal is boosted 12 db. Turning
it counterclockwise, the highs will be rolled off -12db. This will add or subtract the high end attack of
slapping style sounds or pick attack and clarity.
8.) Headphone Jack - this is a 1/4” 3 conductor jack for plugging headphones. It will sum the signal
and put the sound in both ears, thereby creating a pseudo-stereo sound. Volume will be determined
by the volume control on the channel you are on. It will disconnect the internal speaker when plugged
in. This will allow quiet practicing.
9.) Jewel Light - this jewel light lets you know that the amplifier is on.
10.) Power - this switch turns on and off the AC power to the amp.
Back Panel - this is a 2 conductor 1/4” speaker output jack. This will disconnect the internal speaker
and allow an external speaker cabinet to be employed. Rating is 8 ohms.
Suggested Settings
(These settings are general starting points. They
are designed to get you close to the sound you are
looking for. If the control is not shown, then it doesn’t
apply to this particular sound. )
Traditional Electric Bass Setting - in this setting the amplifier will deliver a standard
electric bass sound. Whether you are playing rock, country, blues or gospel, this setting
will get you close. Because of the Active E.Q., you will be able to dial in your preferences
from here. If you play with a pick and want less top end attack on the notes, roll off a bit
of the High control. If it’s deeper bottom your looking for, add more low and low mid. The
key is to experiment to achieve your own personal sound.
Funk “Slap” Sounds - this style of music needs a good strong attack sound with lots
of top end. Usually a hollowed out middle will produce the extra top end necessary for
the punch needed for this style of music. If you are using a more thumb style, a bit more
low end and volume might be needed for your particular style of playing. Or less if you
really hit it hard. Even though this is a practice or rehearsal level amplifier, it will deliver
the punch and clarity that you require. Remember to try this amp with an additional
speaker plugged in. You’ll be nicely surprised.
Alternative Style - this setting is designed for a upper end punch and edge that will cut
through most any sound. This style will work well with pick or fingers and will add a touch
of distortion to the sound as well. Make sure your instrument’s volume control is up all
the way. Since you are adding volume, you need to be careful with the actual amount
of e.q.. you use as it also can add distortion to the sound. Also, you may want to use a
compressor pedal in the signal chain before the amp to give it a smoother sound but still
“edgy”. As in all the settings above, it is strictly a matter of personal taste in a achieving
the sound you are looking for.....experiment.
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