Fender The Bends, Manual

Blend

The Blend control changes what the player hears when the pedal is 
active. In fully counterclockwise position, it provides the original 
unaffected guitar signal. In fully clockwise position, it provides the 
output of the compression engine only. When set to noon, it delivers 
a 50/50 mix of the input signal and the compressed signal. This 
control enlivens tone while keeping the benefit of added sustain. Try 
adjusting the Drive, Recovery and Level controls at first with the 
Blend control set fully clockwise (compression only). Once a 
satisfying compressed sound is achieved, turn the Blend knob down 
slightly to add some realism.

Drive

The drive control affects how much compression is applied to the 
signal. The jewel indicator will change from white (effect is active) to 
pink (gain reduction or compression is occurring). Note that with the 
Drive control turned down, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to get the 
LED to change; this gets much easier with higher Drive settings. A 
good rule of thumb for a natural sound is to set the Drive control to 
the point at which the LED changes color with loud playing but 
remains solid white with soft-to-medium playing.

Recovery

This control adjusts how much time it takes for the compressor to 
recover (return to the original gain amount) once playing has 
stopped. Longer settings (clockwise) tend to sound more natural; 
shorter settings (counterclockwise) tend to sound more exciting. This 
control has enough range to add a peculiar rough-sounding 
distortion at the extreme counterclockwise position. This is normal. 

Level

This control sets the final output level of the compressed signal. In 
general, adjust this control after the Drive control has been set to the 
desired output level.