Thanks for the helpful tip Jazzyvee, it's always much easier to work things in small manageable chunks!
I've had a fair good play around with the knobs (oo er!) and found a few places I like but, as you say, it's remembering how to get from one to the other that's the tricky part. Especially when you're so used the the more 'basic' bass, mid and treble arrangement. There seems to be a lot of helpful hints and tips over at the Alembic forum and some really nice chaps there instantly willing to help us newbies to the 'bic world.
I've used it on one gig to date and got a few great compliments, especially from our PA man who couldn't believe the sheer depth of the sound. I play through a TC RH head and Bergantino cabs live and agree that, through my small BG250 home practice combo, the sound really lacks. You really do need a decent rig to get the full whack of sounds out of these basses. Next up I'll have to get me another TC head, then I can go stereo!
She's one of those basses where you keep going back to lift the lid on the case just to look at it!