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ASHDOWN FS4 FOOTSWITCH

Baker69

Baker69

Mar 24, 2008
2,048
1,149
UK
#1
Hi all,

I have an FS4 Footswitch for my Ashdown ABM Combo, it basically controls 4 of the functions on the amp, namely VALVE, EQ, COMPRESSION and SUB OCTAVE, it just toggles them on or off.

Various Ashdown Manuals and online literature states that the FLAT/SHAPE feature can also be controlled by the Footswitch, I'm struggling to figure out how you do this (but without losing the EQ). To allow the Footswitch to control the function on the amp the Manual states that you have to ensure that the relevant push button on the amp is in the "Out" i.e. Off position, and this is correct as the Footswitch successfully turns the above 4 functions on and off as it should do.

Can anyone advise how you are able to do this? Basically how I have the amp set is that I use the EQ on the amp but occasionally on different songs I have to physically push the button on the Amp to turn the SHAPE function on.

I've tried various combinations of button positions but so far without success?

I'm hoping someone else has also had the same issue but has managed to figure it out?
 
#2
Well, I've had a bit of E-Mail correspondence with the technical guys at Ashdown and it would appear that it is NOT possible to switch the FLAT/SHAPE Function button using the Footswitch on the ABM III Models, this was only possible up to the ABM II Amp versions.

Although they do assure me it won't work, if you set the Footswitch up with the Shape Button on (out) it does seem to work but switching it off on the pedal seems to turn off the Shape AND the EQ.

Am going to persevere some more with it, but it doesn't look like it's going to work as I'd hoped unfortunately ☹️

A great shame really, as I don't use the other (Switchable) functions!

On another note, does anyone know why there is a function on the Footswitch to turn the EQ on and off? Does anyone actually use an amp WITHOUT any EQ??? I can't get my head around that one.
 
#3
Page 5 of the Owners Manual for the AMB EVO III clearly states that the SHAPE/FLAT function of the Amp can be operated by Footswitch.

I understand from speaking again with ASHDOWN that this is an error and it WON'T work.

I assume this must have been printed in the Manual for some time now, I'm not very happy to say the least, having bought an FS4 Footswitch specifically for this purpose, I do not need the FS4 to control the EQ, Compression, Valve and Sub-Harmonics as I don't use these features on the Amp (well, apart from the EQ but I don't need to have to switch it on or off).

Looks like I've wasted my money.

I always like to do a bit of research before I buy anything and as the Manual states that the SHAPE/FLAT can be operated by the Footswitch I went ahead with the purchase. ASHDOWN have suggested that I return the Footswitch to the dealer and get a refund, however this is not possible as I bought it in a private sale.

Very disappointed.
 
#8
Ok, so the FS4 isn't going to work the Shape Function. A way round it could be that I generally use the ABM with everything set flat, now I'm not sure whether there is actually any difference between having the EQ button in or out if the EQ is set completely flat? To my ears it sounds pretty much the same, however at a recent gig I felt there was something wrong with the amp as it lacked its usual volume and I found out I had inadvertently turned off the EQ button.

If there isn't any difference then I may be able to dial in an EQ setting for the Shape feature and then I could just toggle between this setting and the EQ off using the Foot switch (unless there is circuitry involved in the Shape sound?)

Firstly, can anyone confirm that there is no difference between a Flat Amp Setting between the EQ being switched in or out, and secondly is anyone able to advise on what the settings need to be to get the Shape Function sound?
 
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