Presence

[speedbump]

I have two amps and both have a "presence" knob on them. Someone please tell me exactly what presence is.Thanks

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by speedbump

I have two amps and both have a "presence" knob on them. Someone please tell me exactly what presence is.Thanks

That depends on what the amp designer intended, as 'presence' isn't a precise term. Turn the knob, see what it does.

[St Drogo]

I'd be interested to hear this as well. I always thought it was the anti-scoop, if you will. it sounds like you add some high mid with presence, but I'm not sure.

[Chowowbus]

You mean the "fret clack knob"? thats always been a favorite of mine!
Really tho..most presence knobs I have encountered seem to boost high and mid/highs..I am sure there are plenty of differences between manufacturers as Bill pointed out..

[AwkwardLoudness]

In my vintage tube amps, the presence knob adds a bit of kick to the treble as long as the treble knob is turned past noon. If the tubes are clipping, then the presence adds more over drive to the upper mids and treble.

I've played some solid state and hybrid amps with a presence knob, and I recall that the character of the treble changed a bit but it was subtle.

In all cases in my experience, turning up the presence knob makes the tone more trebly but the effect various a lot from amp to amp depending on the circuit.

[Eskimo Spy]

Originally Posted by Chowowbus

You mean the "fret clack knob"?

I hate that noise! That's why I keep my tone knob turned halfway on my Lakland P bass...