Note that the sound switch changes both channels. An audible pop may be heard when the switch is
flipped. This occurs because a different amplifier is being switched into the audio path. Be aware that
flipping this switch during a recording take is not advised. At any other time the audible pop is merely a
momentary nuisance. Changing the circuit to eliminate the pop would compromise the audio path.
THE IRON SWITCH
“Iron” has a different distortion characteristic than an amplifier. Iron will distort low frequencies and not
higher frequencies. The amount of iron in the component will determine how much signal level at a
specific frequency that the component can handle before it’s distortion levels start rising. This means that
a signal level which will produce 5% distortion at 40Hz, may only produce a distortion level of .5% at 120
Hz. In recording a bass, for example, the distortion would be increasing the harmonic content of its low
notes, but would not have much effect on its high notes. Thus the low notes would be easier to hear
because of their increased harmonic content. The iron setting can be used on anything with low fre-
quency content. Above 400 Hz the setting has little effect.
Note that the “iron” switch changes both channels. An audible pop may be heard when the switch is
flipped because a different amplifier is being switched into the audio path. Be aware that flipping this
switch during a recording take is not advised. Changing the circuit to eliminate the pop would compro-
mise the audio path.
TONE SWITCH
The switch labeled “TONE” is a 3 position switch that allows standard Flamingo operation in the center
position. This is the same sound as the original Flamingo. Moving the switch to the right “THE LESS”
position results in a more transparent sound. This can be useful when accuracy is important, but also in
creating a contrast in sounds between different tracks. The cleaner sound may also be thought of as
faster. In the left most position there is additional color added to the preamp. This is different from the
color that the FAT switch adds, and is mostly second and third harmonic content. This added color is
also gain dependent. At lower gains this switch will have a very light effect, while at high gains it will
influence the sound of the audio more and more. Higher gain = more color
When using the fat position with the tone switch there are more possibilities in sounds . The original
flamingo had 4 sound choices, with the added tone switch there are now 12 different sound choices 4 in
each of the 3 tone switch positions. These sounds range from less color to more color and different
flavors. The harmonic content from the FAT and the TONE switches adds together in complex ways.
This results in sounds that are different, as compaired to driving the fat amp harder.
When using the TONE switch for adding more color the input impedance will switch to the lower value.
Thus the impedance switch will not make any difference in this setting.
Please Note, that the TONE switch changes both channels. An audible pop may be heard when the
switch is flipped. This occurs because a different amplifier is being switched into the audio path. Be
aware that flipping this switch during a recording take is not advised.
Using the “iron”, “fat” and “tone” settings together will create different vintage type sounds, and new
sounds.
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