Crate V3112 Owner's Manual

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USER’S GUIDE
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Table of Contents:
The Front Panel...................................................................................4
The Rear Panel....................................................................................5
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products
A Brief History Of The Tube ..........................................................6
Tube Types and Usage ................................................................6,7
The Nature of Tubes: Why (and When) to Replace Them .......7,8
Survival Tips For Tube Amplifiers................................................9
System Block Diagram.....................................................................10
Technical Specifications ...................................................back cover
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEPALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR
PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNITREQUIRES 3” (75mm) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
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 CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND
COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF 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 BYTHE MANUFACTURER FOR
SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR 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 IMPAIRMENTOR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PRO­TECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED ATHIGH 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.
V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of a V-Series V3112 Guitar Amplifier. This combo amplifier packs a whole lot of vintage tube sound into its compact cabinet – giving you an amp that’s portable and easy to operate yet still produces incredible sounds!
Like all St. Louis Music amplifiers, your V3112 is designed by musicians, and built using the finest components available. Extensive testing confirms that this amplifier is the absolute best it can be.
In order to get the most out of your new amplifier, we strongly urge you to read the information contained in this manual before you begin playing.
And Thank You for choosing a V-Series amplifier!
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The Front Panel:
1. Input: Connect your instrument here by
means of a shielded signal cable.
2. Clean V olume: Use this control to adjust the output level of the Clean Channel.
3. Clean/Overdrive: This switch, when de­pressed, selects the Overdrive Channel. When this switch is in the out position, the Clean Channel is selected.
4. Overdrive Gain: Use this control to adjust the gain of the Overdrive Channel. With the control towards the counter clock­wise position, the gain is low and very little distortion is present. As you rotate the con­trol clockwise the gain increases, produc­ing more overdrive distortion and a higher output volume level.
5. Treble:Use this control to adjust the out­put level of the high frequencies. This con­trol provides 12dB of cut or boost at 6kHz.
6. Boost: This switch, when depressed, increases the output by 10dB at 900Hz, giving the middle frequencies more punch.
7. Mid: Use this control to adjust the output level of the middle frequencies. This control provides 10dB of cut or boost at 1kHz.
8. Bass: Use this control to adjust the out­put level of the low frequencies. This con­trol provides 8dB of cut or boost at 150Hz.
9. Presence: This switch, when depressed, increases the output level of the high frequencies by 8dB at 10kHz, giv­ing a more “glassy” sound to the amplifier. This helps the output of the amplifier cut through “acoustically dead” rooms.
10. Overdrive Level: Use this control to adjust the output level of the Overdrive Channel.
11. Reverb: Use this control to adjust the amount of reverberation applied to the sig­nal. With the control fully counter clockwise no reverb is applied. As you rotate the con­trol clockwise the amount of reverb increas­es.
12. Lamp: This lamp illuminates when the amplifier is turned on.
13. On/Standby: Use this switch to acti­vate the amplifier. The On/Off switch (#14) should be turned on first. Allow 20 seconds for the amplifier to warm up before turning the Standby switch on.
14. On/Off: Use this switch to turn the amplifier on and off. This switch should be turned on at least 20 seconds before turn- ing the Standby switch (#13) on.
V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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15. AC Line Cord: The grounded power
cord should only be plugged into a ground­ed power outlet that meets all applicable electrical codes and is compatible with the voltage, power, and frequency require­ments stated on the rear panel. Do not
attempt to defeat the safety ground con­nection.
16. Line Out: Use this 1/4” jack to send a
line level signal to a mixing board, external power amplifier or powered monitor, or to the input jack of an external signal proces­sor.
17. Line In: Use this 1/4” jack to connect the output of an external effects processor to the amplifier.
18. 8 Ohm Speaker: The V3112 is shipped with a cable connected from this jack to the internal speaker. To connect the amplifier to an external speaker cabinet, disconnect the cable from the amplifier and use the jack to connect the external cabinet to the amplifier by means of a heavy duty Class 2 wiring speaker cable terminated with 1/4” plugs. The total impedance rating for the external speaker(s) must be 8 ohms.
19. Footswitch: Use this jack to connect the supplied two-button footswitch for remote control of channel switching and the Boost function. The front panel Clean/Overdrive and Boost switches (#3, #6) are inoperative when a footswitch is connected.
The Rear Panel (not shown):
V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products:
A
Brief History Of The Tube:
In 1883, Edison discovered that electrons would flow from a suspended filament when enclosed in an evac­uated lamp. Years later, in 1905, Fleming expanded on Edison's discovery and created the "Fleming Valve". Then, in 1907, Dr. Lee de Forest added a third component – the grid – to the "Fleming's Valve" and the vac­uum tube was a fact of life. The door to electronic amplification was now open.
During World War II, data gleaned from their intensive research on the detectors used in radar systems led Bell Telephone Laboratories to the invention of the transistor. This reliable little device gained quick support as the new component for amplification. The death of the vacuum tube seemed imminent as designers, sci­entists, and engineers reveled in the idea of replacing large, fragile glass tubes with these small, solid-state devices.
However, there were (and still are) many serious listeners who realized that the sound produced by a "tran­sistor" amplifier is significantly different from that produced by a tube amplifier with identical design specifica­tions. They considered the sound produced by these new solid-state devices to be hard, brittle, and lifeless. It was determined that solid-state devices produced a less musical set of harmonics than tubes. When pushed past their limits, they tend to mute the tone and emphasize the distortion.
Tubes, on the other hand, produce a more musical set of harmonics, the intensity of which can be controlled by the player. This characteristic adds warmth and definition to the sound which has become the hallmark of tube amplifiers. When tubes are driven into clipping, the harmonic overtones can be both sweet and pleasing or intense and penetrating, depending on the musician’s musical taste and playing technique.
Over the years, application engineers have designed a number of outstanding solid-state amplifiers that sound very, very good. Some use special circuitry which enables them to simulate the distortion characteris­tics of a tube amplifier. However, the tube amplifier, still held in the highest esteem by many musicians, offers a classic "vintage" sound in a contemporary market.
T
ube Types And Usage:
Tube amplifiers are based primarily on two types of tubes – preamplifier tubes and power tubes. The tubes used in preamplifiers (12AX7, 12AU7, 12AT7, etc.) are smaller than the power tubes. These tubes amplify the signal from your instrument and shape the sound. They are inherently microphonic (mechanically pick up and transmit external noises). Since these tubes are used in the critical first stages of a tube amplifier's circuitry, it is very important to use high-quality, low noise/low microphonic tubes for this application. Although tubes of this quality may be difficult to find and typically cost more than "off-the-shelf" tubes, the improvement in performance is worth the investment.
Preamplifier tubes are also used to drive the power tubes. When used in this application, a 12AX7 will pro­duce a more distorted tone than a 12AT7, which produces a clearer, sweeter sound. A 12AU7 is even cleaner and brighter than a 12AT7, giving more definition to the sound. (In some cases it is possible to change the sound by changing the type of preamp and/or driver tubes. When making any modification to your equipment, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified service center.)
The power tubes are the largest tubes used in an amplifier. These tubes convert the low-level, conditioned signal from the preamplifier into a level that is sufficient to drive the speakers. There are several types of power tubes available, each of which offers a different performance/sound characteristic. For example, the EL34 power tube produces a great Classic rock sound. When an EL34 is driven into distortion it produces a unique sound ("crunch"). When compared to the EL84 and 6L6, the EL34 distorts more quickly, exhibits a
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
"looser" low-end response and produces more harmonics at mid and high frequencies ("creamier" sound). These differences become more noticeable at higher volumes.
The EL84 and 6L6 tubes produce a big low-end thump and have a very good dynamic range. They offer a more traditional "American Rock" sound. The EL84 and 6V6 tubes produce a creamy sound with nice dis­tortion. On the other hand, the KT88 produces a big low-end but sounds more like an EL34 in the mid and high frequencies.
The 6550 power tubes are more rugged and stay cleaner sounding even at full power. When they do dis­tort, the sound produced is more solid and has a tighter low end; more of a "heavy metal" type distortion with lots of power.
Some tubes are available in matched sets. These tubes have been extensively tested for optimum perform­ance and longevity.
The Nature Of T
ubes:
Why (And When) T
o Replace Them:
Tubes are made up of a number of fragile mechanical components that are vacuum-sealed in a glass enve­lope or bubble. The tube's longevity is based on a number of factors which include how hard and often the amplifier is played, vibration from the speakers, road travel, repeated set up and tear down, etc.
Any time you notice a change in your amplifier's performance, check the tubes first. If it's been a while since the tubes were replaced and the sound from your amplifier lacks punch, fades in
and out, loses highs or lows or produces unusual sounds, the power tubes probably need to be replaced. If your amplifier squeals, makes noise, loses gain, starts to hum, lacks "sensitivity", or feels as if it is working against you, the preamplifier tubes may need to be replaced.
The power tubes are subjected to considerably more stress than the preamplifier tubes. Consequently, they almost always fail/degrade first. If deteriorating power tubes aren't replaced they will ultimately fail. Depending on the failure mode, they may even cause severe damage to the audio output transformer and/or other components in the amplifier. Replacing the tubes before they fail completely has the potential to save you time, money and unwanted trouble. Since power tubes work together in an amplifier, it is cru­cial that they (if there is more than one) be replaced by a matched set. If you're on the road a lot, we rec­ommend that you carry a spare matched set of replacement power tubes and their associated driver tubes.
After turning off the power and disconnecting the amplifier from the power source, carefully check the tubes (in bright light) for cracks or white spots inside the glass or any other apparent damage. Then, with the power on, view the tubes in a dark room. Look for preamplifier tubes that do not glow at all or power tubes that glow excessively red.
Whenever you replace the power tube(s):
• Always have the amplifier's bias voltage checked by a qualified service center. Improper bias voltage will cause degradation in performance and possibly damage the tubes and/or the amplifier. (See the section below entitled, "The Importance of Proper Biasing", for more information on this subject).
• We highly recommend that you replace the driver tube(s) as well. The driver tube determines the shape and amplitude of the signal applied to the power tube(s) and has to work almost as hard as the power tube(s).
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
You can check your preamplifier tubes for microphonics by turning the amplifier on, turning up the gain and tapping lightly on each tube with the end of a pencil or a chop stick (my favorite). You will be able to hear the tapping through your speakers, which is normal. It is not normal for a tube to ring like a bell after it’s tapped. If it does ring then it’s microphonic and should be replaced. Remember to use only high quality, low microphonic tubes in the preamplifier section.
Even though power tubes are rarely microphonic, you should check them anyway. The power tubes can be checked for microphonics just like pre-amp tubes.
In the case of very high gain amps, you may be able to reduce the amount of noise generated by simply swapping the preamp tubes around.
The Importance Of Proper Biasing:
For the best performance and longest tube life, proper biasing is imperative. Bias is the negative voltage which is applied to the power tube’s control grid to set the level of idle current. We cannot over emphasize the difference in warmth of tone and dynamic response that come with proper biasing. If the bias is set too high (overbiased), the sound from the amp will be distorted at all levels. If the bias is set too low, (under biased) the power tubes will run hot (the plates inside the tubes may glow red due to excessive heat) and the sound from the amplifier will lack power and punch. The excessive heat greatly reduces tube life – from a few days to as little as a few hours in extreme cases. Setting the bias on your amp is like setting the idle on your car. If it’s too high or hot it’s running away with you and if it’s too low or cold it will choke when you step on it.
The bias is adjusted at the factory in accordance with the type of power tube(s) installed in your amplifier. It is important to point out that tubes of the same type and specification typically exhibit different performance characteristics. Consequently, whenever power tubes are replaced, the bias voltage must be checked (unless the amplifier is equipped with "self-biasing circuitry) and readjusted to accommodate the operating parameters of the replacement tubes.
Depending on the model and amplifier type, there may be hum balance controls, trim pots, or bias adjust­ment controls on its rear panel. However, the bias adjustment should be performed only by qualified service personnel with the proper, calibrated test equipment.
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
Survival Tips For T
ube Amplifiers:
To prolong tube life, observe these tips and recommendations:
• Match the impedance of your speaker cabinet(s) to your amplifier. Improper impedance matching will con­tribute to early tube degradation and may cause premature tube failure.
• Make sure the speaker(s) are properly connected prior to turning on the amplifier.
• After playing the amplifier, allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it. A properly cooled amplifier prolongs tube life due to the internal components being less susceptible to the damage caused by vibration.
• Allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on. The heat generated by the tube elements can crack a cold glass housing.
• Replace the output tube(s) before the performance degrades or the tubes fail completely. Replace the tube(s) on a regular basis (at least once per year or as often as every 4 to 6 months if you play long and hard every day).
• Always have the bias checked after replacing the output tubes (unless the amplifier is equipped with "self­biasing circuitry"). This should be done ONLY at a qualified service center. Improper biasing could result in the tubes running too hot, which greatly reduces the life of the tubes – or too cold, which results in dis­torted sound regardless of level settings. Do not play the amplifier if it exhibits these symptoms – get the bias checked/adjusted immediately to prevent tube failure and/or other damage.
• If the locating notch on the base of a power tube breaks off, replace the tube. This significantly reduces the risk of damaging your amplifier by incorrectly inserting the tube.
• Protect the amplifier from dust and moisture. If liquid gets into the amplifier proper, or if the amplifier is dropped or otherwise mechanically abused, have it checked out at an authorized service center before using it.
• Proper maintenance and cleaning in combination with routine checkups by your authorized service center will insure the best performance and longest life from your amplifier.
CAUTION: Tube replacement should be performed only by qualified service personnel who are familiar with the dangers of hazardous voltages that are typically present in tube circuitry.
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
System Block Diagram:
GUITAR
INPUT
12AX7A
V1A
CHANNEL
SELECT
CHANNEL
SELECT
OVERDRIVE
GAIN
OVERDRIVE
LEVEL
12AX7A
V1B
CLEAN
VOLUME
REVERB
DRIVE
EFFECTS
SEND
REVERB
RECOVERY
12AX7A
V2A
EFFECTS
RETURN
12AX7A
V2B
PHASE
SPLITTER
12AX7A
V3A
12AX7A
V3B
EL84
V4
EL84
V5
EL84
V6
EL84
V7
BASSTREBLE MID
BOOST PRESENCE
8 OHM
SPEAKER
REVERB
LEVEL
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Declaration Of Conformity
#35, Effective 01-01-2001
Manufacturers Name: SLM Electronics
Production Facility: 11880 Borman Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA Production Facility: 700 Hwy 202 W, Yellville, AR 72687, USA Shipping Facility: 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA Office Facility: 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA
Product Type: Audio Amplifier Complies with Standards:
LVD: 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC, & 73/23/EWG Safety: EN60065 EMC: EN55013, EN55020, EN55022, EN61000-3-2,
& EN61000-3-3
Supplementary information provided by your local Sales & Services Office or:
SLM Electronics - R & D Engineering
1901 Congressional Drive, St Louis, MO 63146, USA
Tel.: 314-569-0141, Fax: 314-569-0175
V3112 Guitar Amplifier
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V3112 Guitar Amplifier
V3112 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT POWER RATING 30 Watts RMS @ 6 % THD, 8 ohm load, 120 VAC SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO 71dB Typical GAIN Clean 56dB, Overdrive 101dB TREBLE 12dB range @ 6kHz BOOST +10db @ 900Hz MID 10dB range @ 1kHz BASS 8dB range @ 150Hz PRESENCE +8dB @ 10kHz SPEAKER SPECS 12”, 80w, 8 ohm, 1.75” voice coil diameter, 30 oz. magnet PREAMP TUBES (3) 12AX7A POWER AMP TUBES (4) EL84 POWER REQUIREMENTS 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 35VA
100/115 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 35VA 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 35VA
SIZE AND WEIGHT 21” W x 17.5” H x 10” D, 44 lbs.
The V3112 is covered with a durable Tolex material: wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.
Never spray cleaning agents onto the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleansers which would damage the finish.
Specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
www.v-seriesamps.com
©2003 St. Louis Music, Inc 1400 Ferguson Avenue St. Louis, MO 63133
47-461-02 062003
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