Page 1
Driver’s Guide
for the
CRATE TAXI
TX-30E
battery powered amplifier
with the new rugged, lightweight molded polymer enclosure!
Now Sound Really Does Travel!
The Taxi you’ll love to drive!
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2
CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are now the proud owner of the Crate TX-30E battery powered amplifier. At last, you can take your music with you and have great tone on the
road. Not only is the TX-30E compact and portable, it also sports two separate channels and the incredible sound that has made Crate a household
name among musicians. The high tech polymer enclosure makes the amplifier lighter and even more portable!
Your Crate amplifier is musician-made in the U.S.A. using the finest components available. Each unit is rigorously tested by skilled technicians and
musicians to ensure that your amplifier is the best it can be!
In order to get the most out of your new amplifier, we strongly urge you to
go over the information contained in this manual before you begin playing.
And Thank You for choosing
CRATE.
CONTENTS:
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
About the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
About the Insert Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Suggested Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,9
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
User’s Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . .back cover
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
• DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS.
• DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
• CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
• ONLY CONNECTPOWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICALCODES AND
COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANELOF THE APPARATUS.
• PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
• UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERA-
TION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
• THIS APPARATUS DOES NOT OPERATE NORMALLYAND REQUIRES SERVICE WITH ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE FROM IMPACT OR
ANY EXPOSURE TO MOISTURE.
• SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
• OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
“ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES.”
"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS:
EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
“VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
=
=
PRECAUCION
RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO
NO ABRA
PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS
ELECTRICAS, NO PERMITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA
LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO.
NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO PUEDO
REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉ
AFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POUR
REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE
PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE
REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
FEATURES:
• Two separate channels for a wide variety of uses
• Insert jack for connecting external effects or for adding a third input
• Headphones jack for silent operation
• Internal rechargeable power supply for up to 8 hours of normal playing time, 2 hours at full output – fully recharges within 6 hours (when
battery is fully discharged; shorter if partially charged)
• Can also be powered by an AC wall adapter (supplied) or by a 12 volt
vehicle cigarette lighter adapter (optional – see page 5)
• Two-color battery status LED – red indicates low battery, yellow indicates battery okay
• Tuned port cabinet for extended bass response; 8” woofer and Piezo
tweeter for full range sound with clear highs
• Durable high-visibility safety yellow or low-profile black molded polymer enclosure
• Complete set of rubber feet on three different sides – for positioning
as a low angle monitor, a high angle monitor or as an upright speaker
(see below)
LOW ANGLE MONITOR HIGH ANGLE MONITOR UPRIGHT SPEAKER
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
ABOUT THE POWER SUPPLY:
The TX-30 uses a sealed lead-acid 12-volt battery as its internal power
source. Unlike ni-cad batteries, this battery has no “memory” – it can
be fully recharged at any time, without damage to the battery.
When fully charged, the LED next to the power switch will illuminate
yellow with the switch at the on (“I”) position. The LED will change to
red when the battery is low and needs recharging. When this happens,
turn the amp off, connect the 15-volt charger to the charger jack and
plug it in. The LED near the charger jack illuminates red while the amp
is charging and goes out when the amp is fully charged. The battery
fully recharges within 6 hours, providing up to 8 hours of use at low levels, about 4 hours of use at moderate levels, and about 2 hours of use
at continuous full power (sine wave). The battery is rated for up to 1000
charging cycles. The charger can also function as an AC power supply.
The battery inside the TX-30E must be fully charged before operating
the amplifier for the first time. Even though the amplifier leaves our
factory with a charged battery, time spent in shipping may cause the
battery to lose some of its charge.
NOTE: If the battery is drained too low, the Power LED will go out. This
indicates an exhausted battery – one which may not take a charge. If
this happens, turn the amp off, connect the 15-volt charger to the
charger jack and plug it in. If the Charger LED (see #15, page 7) doesn’t
come on, the battery might be beyond recharging. (The TX-30E uses a
“smart” charging circuit and will not allow you to charge a defective
battery.) If the battery is serviceable, the LED will illuminate once the
battery reaches 10 volts – leave the charger plugged in and let the battery fully recharge. If the LED never illuminates, the battery may need
replacing. Contact Crate’s service department:
SLM Electronics
1901 Congressional Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
1-800-738-PARTS (7563)
To avoid damaging the amplifier, do not connect the supplied 15VAC
charger to the amplifier’s 12VDC Cigarette Lighter Adapter jack.
Dispose of battery properly.
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
ABOUT THE POWER SUPPLY (continued):
The TX-30E may also be powered by using a 12-volt vehicle cigarette
lighter adapter, available at most electronic supply stores. Make certain
that the polarity on the adapter matches what is shown below.
Connect the small round end of the adapter to the 12VDC Cigarette
Lighter Adapter jack (#16, page 7), then connect the other end of the
adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. (In some vehicles,
the ignition switch must be in the “on” or “accessory” position to have
power at the socket.) To avoid damaging the amplifier, do not connect
the supplied 15VAC charger to the amplifier’s 12VDC Cigarette Lighter
Adapter jack.
When using the lighter adapter, the vehicle’s battery will keep the amp
charged to its own voltage level – if the battery has a 13.5-volt charge,
the amp will charge up to 13.5 volts; if the battery is low and only has a
10-volt charge, the amp will discharge down to 10 volts.
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
THE FRONT PANEL:
1. INPUT 1: Connect an instrument, tape/CD
player or microphone here using a shielded signal cable (see pages 8 & 9). Use the Tone and
Level controls (#3 & 4) to control this signal.
2. INPUT 2: Connect an instrument, tape/CD
player or microphone here using a shielded signal cable (see pages 8 & 9). Use the Gain,
Tones (Low, Mid and High) and Level controls
(#6 – 10) to control this signal. This high-Z input
accepts a wide range of signals, from Piezo to
line-level.
3. LEVEL: Use this control to adjust the output
volume level of Input 1. When using devices
such as a CD or tape player, a rhythm machine,
etc., use this control along with the output volume control of the device to achieve a good volume balance between the Input 1 and Input 2
signals.
4. TONE: Use this control to adjust the
midrange frequencies for Input 1.
5. GAIN SELECT: This switch pads the Input 2
signal just before the Gain control (#6), allowing you to get two different sounds from the
same control settings – clean sounds with the
switch in the out position; dirty sounds with the
switch depressed. (As a general rule, leave this
switch in the out position for use with acoustic
instruments.)
6. GAIN: When the Gain Select switch (#5) is in
the out position this control can add a lot of
crunch to the Input 2 signal. When the Gain
Select switch is depressed this control can add
a lot of overdrive distortion when turned up.
Use this control along with the Level control
(#10) to get the right sound at the volume you
need.
7. LOW: Use this control to adjust the level of
the low frequencies for Input 2. For less bass,
rotate this control counterclockwise; for more
bass, rotate this control clockwise. At higher
playing levels it is sometimes helpful to turn the
low control down a bit.
8. MID: Use this control to adjust the level of
the midrange frequencies for Input 2.
9. HIGH: Use this control to adjust the level of
the high frequencies for Input 2 .
10. LEVEL: Use this control to adjust the output
volume level of Input 2. Use this control along
with the Gain Select and Gain control (#5 & 6) to
get the volume you need and the desired sound.
11. INSERT: Use this jack to connect an external
effects device (reverb, chorus, etc.) to the
amplifier (see page 6). The jack is a standard
stereo 1/4” jack and is wired as follows:
Tip = Line In (Return – from effect’s output)
Ring = Line Out (Send – to effect’s input)
Sleeve = Ground
The Insert jack can also be used as a third input
– see “Idea 4” on page 9.
12. HEADPHONES: Use this jack to connect a
pair of stereo headphones for a private practice
session. The speakers are disconnected when
headphones are used.
13. LED: When the battery is fully charged, this
LED illuminates yellow when the power switch
is in the on position. The LED illuminates red
when the battery needs recharging.
14. POWER: Use this switch to turn the amplifier on and off. The “on” position is marked with
a small white line. To conserve battery power,
turn the amp off when not in use.
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
THE REAR PANEL:
15. DC CHARGER PLUG, 15VDC: Plug the
small round connector of the supplied AC
wall adapter into this jack to charge the
internal battery. The LED next to the jack
illuminates red when the amp is charging.
See page 4 for additional information.
16. DC CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER, 12
VDC: Plug the small round connector of the
optional 12-volt car adapter into this jack to
power the amplifier from a vehicle instead
of the internal battery. NEVER connect the
supplied 15-volt charger to this jack! See
page 4 for additional information.
DC CIGARETTE
LIGHTER ADAPTOR
DC CHARGER
PLUG
12V DC15V DC
LIT WHEN
CHARGING
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
CA11Y
DUAL MONO 1/4" TO
STEREO 1/4" ADAPTER
STEREO 1/4" TO
STEREO 1/4" CABLE
TO
INSERT,
TX-30E
TO
STANDARD
INSERT,
EFFECT
(IF EFFECT IS NON-INVERTING)
TO
INVERTED
INSERT,
EFFECT
FROM
MONO
OUTPUT,
EFFECT
TO
MONO
INPUT,
EFFECT
FROM
MONO
OUTPUT,
EFFECT
TO
MONO
INPUT,
EFFECT
TIP: LINE IN (RETURN)
RING: LINE OUT (SEND)
SLEEVE: GROUND
(IF EFFECT IS INVERTING)
CYC6MS
DUAL MONO 1/4" TO
STEREO 1/4" Y-CABLE
TO
INSERT,
TX-30E
TIP: LINE IN (RETURN)
RING: LINE OUT (SEND)
SLEEVE: GROUND
LINE OUT (SEND)
LINE IN (RETURN)
TO
INSERT,
TX-30E
TIP: LINE IN (RETURN)
RING: LINE OUT (SEND)
SLEEVE: GROUND
MONO 1/4" TO
MONO 1/4" CABLES
ABOUT THE INSERT JACK:
The Insert jack (#11) lets you patch external effects into the amplifier just prior to its power amp
stage, as shown below. Set the mix controls on the external effects units to “full effect” (100% wet).
Connecting to the effect’s
insert jack with a stereo cable:
Connecting to the effect with a
stereo-to-mono adapter and cables:
Connecting to the effect with a
stereo-to-mono Y-cable:
The Insert jack can also serve as a third input, using ONLY the tip and sleeve connections to feed
a mono signal into the amp. The signal may need to be attenuated at the source to mix with
Inputs 1 and 2. (See “Idea 4” on page 9.)
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
SUGGESTED SET-UPS:
The TX-30E can be used in a variety of different ways, some of which are
shown below and on the following page. Use these ideas to fuel your
imagination for the setup which best suits your needs.
Idea 1 – Play and sing, with effects:
Plug a mic into Input 1 and an instrument (acoustic or electric guitar, keyboard) into Input 2. (This high-Z input
works with all types of pickups, from Piezo to active types.) There are two
ways to connect an effects device - into the Insert jack (“A” below), or in
line with the microphone (“B” below). To connect the effects device into
the Insert jack choose one of the methods shown on page 7. (Note that
when the device is connected into the Insert jack the effect will be
applied to both input signals 1 and 2.)
Idea 2 – Play along:
Plug a rhythm machine, CD player or tape player into
Input 1 and an instrument (acoustic or electric guitar or a keyboard) into
Input 2. The outputs of a CD/tape player must be summed to a mono signal with a 1/4” plug, as shown.
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
INSERT
OUT
IN
INPUT 1
OUTIN
R OUT
L OUT
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
R OUT
TO INPUT 2
CA9Y
DUAL RCA-TO-MONO
1/4" ADAPTER
L OUT
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
SUGGESTED SET-UPS (continued):
Idea 3 – Sing along: Plug a mic into Input 1 and a CD or tape player into
Input 2. The outputs of the CD/tape player must be summed to a mono
signal with a 1/4” plug, as shown.
Idea 4 – Play and sing along:
Plug a mic into Input 1, an instrument
(acoustic or electric guitar, keyboard) into Input 2, and a rhythm machine,
CD player or tape player into the Insert jack. The outputs of the CD/tape
player must be summed to a mono signal with a 1/4” plug, as shown.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE: When using the Insert jack
as a third input, use the appropriate adapter to sum the
outputs of a stereo source to a mono 1/4” plug as shown
above - do not connect a stereo plug into the Insert jack.
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
R OUT
L OUT
R OUT
TO INPUT 2
CA9Y
DUAL RCA-TO-MONO
1/4" ADAPTER
L OUT
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
INSERT
R OUT
L OUT
R OUT
TO INSERT
CA9Y
DUAL RCA-TO-MONO
1/4" ADAPTER
L OUT
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM:
INPUT
2
LOW MID HIGH
GAIN LEVEL
GAIN
SELECT
TONES
INPUT
1
INSERT
DC
CHARGER
CHARGING
CIRCUIT
SMART
CHARGER
FUSE
DC
CIGARETTE
LIGHTER
ADAPTER
HEAD
PHONES
LIMITER
SPEAKERS
POWER
AMP
LEVEL
TONE
TONE
FUSE
BATTERY
BATTERY
INDICATOR
CHARGING
INDICATOR
POWER SUPPLY
BUFFER
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CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
USER’S NOTES:
Page 12
©2001 SLM Electronics • A division of St. Louis Music
1400 Ferguson Avenue • St. Louis, MO 63133
P/N 47-459-02 • 03/01
CRATE TAXI • TX-30E
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
OUTPUT POWER RATING 30W RMS @ 10% THD, 8 ohms, 13.6VDC in
INPUT IMPEDANCE 1M ohm
MAXIMUM SIGNAL ACCEPTED
Channel 1 6V peak to peak
Channel 2 12V peak to peak
GAIN Channel 1 64dB
Channel 2 56dB w/Gain switch out
86dB w/Gain switch in
SENSITIVITY Channel 1 9mV RMS
Channel 2 20mV RMS w/Gain switch out
.7mV RMS w/Gain switch in
Line In Insert .3V RMS
TONE, CHANNEL 1 +/–15dB @ 600Hz
EQS, CHANNEL 2 Low 12.5dB range @ 80Hz
Mid 18dB range @ 850Hz
High 13dB range @ 6kHz
INSERT JACK Tip Line In
Ring Line Out
Sleeve Ground
SPEAKERS Woofer Crate Custom Design 8”, 8 ohm, 50 watt
1” voice coil
Tweeter 2” Piezo, 8 ohm, 50 watt
POWER REQUIREMENTS Internal 12 volt DC power supply
DC adapter for use with 120VAC
Optional 12V vehicle lighter adapter
SIZE AND WEIGHT 17”W x 12-1/2”H x 12-1/2”D; 17 lbs.
The TX-30E is enclosed in a rugged, molded high tech polymer cabinet. Wipe
the enclosure with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and road film. Never
spray cleaning agents directly onto the enclosure, and stay away from abra-
sive cleansers which could damage the finish.
Crate continually develops new products, as well as improves existing ones. For this reason,
the specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
www.crateamps.com
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