Page 1
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BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
Congratulations!
Your love of performing and driving ambition to be the best have brought you to a turning point in your musical
career: the incredible BV-120HR Red Voodoo guitar amplifier. An all-tube powerhouse of an amplifier designed to
take you to the top and keep you there.
In 1998, Sammy Hagar asked us to develop a special amp for his next tour. It had to be dependable, have great
tone, and really push the limits – much like Sammy . So we’re proud to introduce the BV-120HR Red Voodoo amplifier, with Sammy’s “Red Rocker” Tolex
®
covering and mystical tone controls.
Like all Crate products, your BV-120HR is made with pride in America, using only the best components.
Extensive testing at the hands and ears of skilled technicians and musicians insures you 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 go over the information contained in
this manual before you begin playing.
And thank you for choosing
Contents:
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
A Word About Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
2
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: 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.
VORSICHT
ELEKTRISCHE SCHLAGGEFAHR
NICHT OFFENEN
VORSICHT: ZUR MINIMIERUNG ELEKTRISCHER SCHLAGGEFAHR NICHT
DEN DECKEL ABENHMEN. INTERNE TEILE KONNEN NICHT VOM
BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN. DIE WARTUNG IS QUALIFIZIERTEM
WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU UBERLASSEN.
THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND RELIABLE OPERATION. IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE
OF THE UNIT AND PREVENT ACCIDENTALDAMAGES OR INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN CHASSIS; DO NOT DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OF THE
POWER CORD; CONNECT ONLY TO APROPERLYGROUNDED AC POWER OUTLET.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS 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 RECOMMENDED IF
UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME. THE CHART BELOW SHOWS THE U.S. GOVERNMENT’S OCCUPATIONALSAFETYAND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) REGULATIONS WHICH WERE IN EFFECT ATTHE TIME OF THIS PUBLICATION FOR PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE, PER
29CFR1910.95, TABLE G-16:
ACCORDING TO OSHA, ANYEXPOSURE IN EXCESS TO THESE AMOUNTS LISTED ABOVE COULD RESULT IN SOME HEARING LOSS.
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
"UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG NACHSCHLAGEN"
EXPLANATION OF
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
"GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG"
=
=
SOUND LEVEL DBA, DURATION PER DAY SOUND LEVEL DBA, DURATION PER DAY
SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS
90 8 102 1 - 1 1/2
92 6 105 1
95 4 110 1/2
97 3 115 1/4 or less
100 2
IMPORTANT WARNING: Whenever stacking speaker cabinets of any kind, place
them ONLY on a level surface! NEVER stack cabinets on a surface with more than
a five degree incline since tipping could occur, possibly causing serious injuries!
Page 3
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
Intr
oduction:
The BV-120HR is an all-tube, feature-packed professional stage performers' amplifier. Rugged construction, reliable American craftsmanship and two powerful channels of pure tube power are some of the trademarks of this impressive amplifier. This amplifier features two distinctly different 12AX7 tube-driven channels:
one with classic tube rhythm sounds and one offering you some of the finest lead and overdrive sounds of
any production amplifier.
Each channel features an all-tube preamp section with separate reverb level controls and three bands of
equalization for total tone control. The master Presence control lets you custom tailor the sound to suit your
particular needs. The effects loop can be quickly bypassed via the front panel switch or with the supplied
footswitch, and features a switchable “pad” for optimum compatibility with either floor pedals or rack-mounted effects.
The Line Out signal is tapped directly from the speaker outputs, then attenuated and frequency-compensated to replicate the sound of a miked speaker cabinet. Dual speaker jacks and an impedance selector
switch allow the use of multiple cabinets totalling 8 or 16 ohms. The BV-120HR delivers a solid 100 watts of
output power.
Featur
es:
Here's a quick overview of the BV-120HR's features and controls. Additional information can be
found on the pages indicated.
• All-Tube Preamp and Power Amp: Classic tube sounds with Crate’s legendary performance and
reliability
• Two Completely Separate Channels: Independent level, tone and reverb controls (page 4)
• Enhanced T one Controls (Ch. 2): Designed to Sammy Hagar’s specs, to get those “Red Rocker”
sounds
• Presence Control: Provides greater tone control and flexibility by allowing you to vary the upper
harmonics of your guitar (page 4)
• Footswitch Control: Remote channel selection and Effects Loop On/Off are available by using
the supplied footswitch (page 5)
• Switchable Effects Loop with Pad: Footswitch or front panel button controlled, the external
effects loop can be switched in or out with ease. A switchable pad provides optimum performance
from line-level rack mounted effects as well as floor-dwelling foot pedals (pages 4,5)
• Impedance Selector Switch: Proper impedance matching is essential for optimum performance
and life expectancy of a tube amplifier. These amps allow the use of 8 or 16 ohm speaker configurations (page 5)
• Line Out Jack: Taken directly from the speaker jacks, the Line Out signal is frequency compensated to sound like a “miked” speaker cabinet. Use this jack to connect to the house mixing board,
a recording console or another performer’s powered monitor (page 5)
• DC Filament Supply: The first preamp tube has a DC filament supply for reduced hum
• Special “Red Rocker” Cosmetics: The unique cosmetics of the BV120HR serve as a tribute to
your good taste in musical equipment
• Musician Made in the U.S.A.
3
Page 4
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
The Front Panel:
1. POWER: This switch applies AC voltage
to the amplifier. It is very important that this
switch be turned on for at least 20 seconds
prior to turning on the STANDBY switch.
The switch is illuminated when the AC
power is on.
2. STANDBY: This switch activates the
amplifier and should only be turned on after
the POWER switch has been on for a minimum of 20 seconds. This switch is illuminated when the high voltage is being supplied to the unit.
NOTE: Do not turn the STANDBY
switch on until the POWER switch
has been on for a minimum of 20 seconds. This allows the tubes to properly warm up prior ro the application
of high voltage.
3. PRESENCE: Increase the level of upper
harmonics with this control. The presence
control allows a boost of up to 5dB at
10kHz.
4. EFFECTS LOOP PAD: This switch activates a 12dB pad on the effects send signal and corresponding gain recovery on
the return. In the “out” position the signal is
full strength which is best suited for line
level rack mountable effects. With the
switch “in” the signal is lower which is best
suited for foot pedal type effects.
5. EFFECTS LOOP SWITCH: This switch
controls the effects return signal of the
effects loop. The loop is only active when
the switch is pressed in. When a footswitch
is used, this switch is disabled. The adjacent yellow LED glows when the loop is in
use.
6,7. REVERB: LEVEL 2, LEVEL 1: Adjust
the amount of reverberation on each channel with these controls: at the "0" position
the signal is "dry" (no reverb). As you bring
the control up, the amount of reverb
increases.
Channel 2:
8. VOLUME: Set the output signal level of
channel 2 with this control. At the "0" position (full left) very little or no signal will be
heard; as you bring the control up (towards
center) the output level of channel 2
increases. Use this control along with your
guitar's volume and the channel 2 gain
control (#12) to produce a wide variety of
sounds.
9. LOW: Adjust the bottom end response
with this control. The low control covers a
range of 16dB at 100Hz. This sets the
amount of bass heard (and felt) from the
amp.
10. MID: Adjust the midrange response
with this control. The mid control covers a
range of 11dB at 650Hz. This controls the
“voice” of your guitar.
11. HIGH: Adjust the high end response
with this control. The high control covers a
range of 16dB at 10kHz. This controls the
“bite” of your guitar.
12. GAIN: Adjust the overdrive (distortion)
level with this control. With the control
towards “0” (to the left) the signal is relatively clean. As you bring the control
towards “5” (center position) the distortion
increases, along with the overall output
level. Keep turning the control towards “10”
and you’ll increase the distortion even
more.
13. CHANNEL SELECT: Switch between
channels with this push-button switch. The
adjacent amber LED glows when channel
1 is selected (switch "out"), the red LED
glows when channel 2 is selected (switch
"in"). When a footswitch is used for channel
switching, this switch is disabled.
Channel 1:
14. LOW: Adjust the bottom end response
with this control. The low control covers a
range of 16dB at 100Hz. This sets the
amount of bass heard (and felt) from the
amp.
15. MID: Adjust the midrange response
with this control. The mid control covers a
range of 20dB at 300Hz. This controls the
“voice” of your guitar.
16. HIGH: Adjust the high end response
with this control. The high control covers a
range of 10dB at 10kHz. This controls the
“bite” of your guitar.
17. VOLUME: Set the output volume level
of channel 1 with this control.
18. INPUT: Connect your guitar or wireless
receiver into this standard 1/4" jack using a
shielded instrument cable.
4
INPUT
VOLUME
MID
HIGH
GAIN
MID
VOLUME
LEVEL
EFFECTS LOOP
PAD (12dB)
456
3
2
ON OFF 2 1
O1O
EFFECTS LOOP
LEVEL
POWER STANDBY
456
3
2
O1O
PRESENCE
7
8
9
1
1 2 3 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18136 754
456
3
7
2
8
9
O1O
1
LEVEL
1
2
456
7
3
8
2
9
1
O1O
O
7
8
9
-5 +5
1
LOWVOLUME
-5 +5
-5 +5
HIGHMID
O
O
3
2
456
O1O
GAIN
CHANNEL
SELECT
7
8
9
1
O
-5 +5
LOW MID
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2REVERB
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
HIGH
456
3
2
O1O
VOLUME
7
8
9
1
INPUT
Page 5
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
5
The Rear Panel:
19. IMPEDANCE SELECTOR: For the
best performance and least strain on your
amplifier, you MUST properly match the
impedance of your amplifier to that of your
speaker cabinet(s). Set the selector switch
to the 8 or 16 ohm position, depending on
the total impedance of your speaker cabinet(s). The chart below can help you determine that impedance based on the following combinations of speakers connected in
parallel.
CAB. IMP. # OF CABS. TOTAL IMP.
8 OHMS 1 8 OHMS
16 OHMS 1 16 OHMS
16 OHMS 2 8 OHMS
32 OHMS 2 16 OHMS
32 OHMS 4 8 OHMS
20. MAIN SPEAKER JACK: Use this jack
to connect the amplifier to your primary
speaker cabinet. Always keep the imped-
ance at 8 or 16 ohms, with the impedance
selector switch (#19) at the proper setting.
NOTE: Use the MAIN SPEAKER jack
first. Then, if an extension speaker is
desired, connect it to the EXT.
SPEAKER jack.
21. EXT. SPEAKER JACK: Use this jack to
connect the amplifier to a secondary
speaker cabinet, after a speaker has been
connected to the main speaker jack (#20).
22. LINE OUT JACK: This 1/4” jack supplies a line-level output signal from the
power amp for patching into a mixing
board, recording console or external amplifier. The signal is tapped directly from the
speaker outputs, then attenuated and electronically compensated to simulate the
sound of a “miked” cabinet.
23. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN:
Connection from an external effects device
is made via this jack. Connect a shielded
instrument patch cord from the output jack
of the effect to the return jack. This jack is
active only when the effects loop is
switched in. The return jack also doubles
as a "power amp in" jack, to feed a linelevel signal directly into the BV-60H/120H's
internal power amp. This is useful when
"slaving" two amplifiers together.
24. EFFECTS LOOP SEND: Connection to
an external effects device is made via this
jack. Connect a shielded instrument patch
cord from the send jack to the input jack of
the effect. This jack is always active. The
send jack also doubles as a "preamp out"
jack, to feed a post-eq, pre-amplified signal
to a mixing board, recording console or
external amplifier.
25. FOOTSWITCH JACK: Connect a
stereo 1/4” (tip/ring/sleeve) here from a
two-button footswitch (such as the Crate
CFP-2) for remote control of channel
switching and the effects loop. The tip of
the jack is for the channel switching; the
ring is for the effects loop. When a
footswitch is connected here, the front
panel channel select and effects loop
switches are disabled.
26. AC LINE IN: Firmly plug the female end
of the supplied power cord into this socket,
pushing it in until it is fully seated. Plug the
male end of the cord into a properly
grounded AC outlet of the correct voltage.
DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND PIN OF
THE AC PLUG! Use only the supplied
power cord. If the amplifier is to be used
outside of the United States, see your
authorized Crate dealer for information
about alternate line cords and power converters if needed.
27. FUSE: This fuse protects the amplifier
against damages caused by overload conditions in the unit. If the fuse blows, replace
it only with the same size and type as indicated on the rear panel. If the fuse blows
continually, the line voltage may be incorrect, or the amp may need servicing.
IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
816
SPEAKERS
100 WATTS RMS
MAIN
(USE FIRST)
EXT.
LINE OUT
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
RETURN
EFFECTS
LOOP
SEND
FOOTSWITCH
RTST
TIP = CHANNEL SELECT
RING = EFFECTS LOOP
SLEEVE = GROUND
S
R
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE.
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK, SO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Made in the U.S.A. by • SLM ELECTRONICS
1400 Ferguson Ave. • St. Louis, MO. 63133
125VAC, 50/60Hz T5A SLO-BLO
250VAC, 50/60Hz T2.5A SLO-BLO
AC LINE IN
Page 6
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
Some Suggested Settings:
6
VOLUMELOW MID HIGHGAIN
HIGHMIDLOWVOLUME
LEVEL
1
LEVEL
2
PRESENCE
EFFECTS LOOP
PAD (12dB)
CHANNEL
SELECT
EFFECTS LOOP
ON OFF 2 1
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2REVERB
VOLUMELOW MID HIGHGAIN
HIGHMIDLOWVOLUME
LEVEL
1
LEVEL
2
PRESENCE
EFFECTS LOOP
PAD (12dB)
CHANNEL
SELECT
EFFECTS LOOP
ON OFF 2 1
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2REVERB
VOLUMELOW MID HIGHGAIN
HIGHMIDLOWVOLUME
LEVEL
1
LEVEL
2
PRESENCE
EFFECTS LOOP
PAD (12dB)
CHANNEL
SELECT
EFFECTS LOOP
ON OFF 2 1
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2REVERB
CRUNCHY EDGE:
(AS NEEDED)
SPARKLING CLEAN:
ROCK RHYTHM: FAT CLEAN:
MASSIVE METAL:
(AS NEEDED)
(AS NEEDED) (AS NEEDED)
VOLUMELOW MID HIGHGAIN
HIGHMIDLOWVOLUME
LEVEL
1
LEVEL
2
PRESENCE
EFFECTS LOOP
PAD (12dB)
CHANNEL
SELECT
EFFECTS LOOP
ON OFF 2 1
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O
-5 +5
O1O
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2REVERB
SAMMY'S SOUNDS:
(AS NEEDED) (AS NEEDED)
(AS NEEDED)
Page 7
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
A Word About Tubes:
To increase the life of the tubes, allow your amp to cool down before moving it. After about a year (or sooner if you're on tour or jammin' more frequently than most) you may notice the output of your amp just isn't as
"alive" as it used to be. If the sound from your amplifier starts to grow weak, lacks punch, fades up and down,
loses highs and lows, gets "funny" (clanking sounds, etc.), it's possible that the power tubes are wearing down
and may need replacing. Since power tubes work together in an amplifier, it is important that they all be
replaced at the same time with a matched set.
If the amp starts to squeal, gets noisy, loses gain or starts to hum, the preamp tubes may be bad. Insist
upon using only the highest quality, low-microphonic tubes!
NOTE:
Tube replacement should always be done by a qualified service technician, since adjustment
of the internal biasing controls will be necessary after the new tubes are installed. Also, removal of the
tubes may expose extremely hazardous voltage levels, which could cause injury or death.
To help prolong the life of your tube amplifier, and to keep it in top performing condition, please observe
the following guidelines:
•Always match the impedance of your speaker cabinet(s) to the amplifier’s impedance selector switch
setting.
•In cold weather, allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on.
•After using the amplifier, allow it to cool down before moving it.
•Protect the amplifier from exposure to dust and moisture. If liquid gets spilled into the amplifier, or if it
gets dropped or excessively jarred, have it checked out at a service center before using it.
System Block Diagram:
7
INPUT
MIDLOW
CH.1
CH.2
HIGH VOLUME
REVERB
LEVEL 1
REVERB
LEVEL 2
PRESENCE
SEND RETURN
EFFECTS
LOOP
TUBE
STAGE
TUBE
STAGE
TUBE
STAGE
TUBE
STAGE
TUBE
STAGE
TUBE
STAGE
CHANNEL
SWITCHING
PAD
SWITCHING
EFFECTS
SWITCHING
FREQUENCY
COMPENSATOR
POWER
AMP
IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
EXT.
SPKR
OUT
LOW
GAIN
VOLUMEMID HIGH
MAIN
SPKR
OUT
LINE
OUT
Page 8
Technical Specifications:
Output Power Rating 100 watts RMS @ 5% THD 8 or 16 ohm load, 120 VAC
Gain Channel 1 66dB, tones at “10” @ 1kHz
Channel 2 96dB, tones @ “10” @ 1kHz
Tone Control Range
Channel 1
Low 16dB @ 100Hz
Mid 20dB @ 300Hz
High 10dB @ 10kHz
Channel 2
Low 16dB @ 100Hz
Mid 11dB @ 650Hz
High 16dB @ 10kHz
Presence 5dB @ 10kHz
Input Impedance 1M ohm
Maximum Signal Accepted 2.8V peak to peak
Tube Types
Preamp 12AX7A (3)
Power Amp 12AX7A (1), 6L6GT/5881 (4)
Line Out Level 1.2V RMS nominal
Power Requirements 120VAC, 60Hz, 180VA
100/115VAC, 50/60Hz, 180VA
230VAC, 50/60Hz, 180VA
Size and Weight 12”H x 30.25”W x 10”D, 50lbs.
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.
The BV-120HR is covered with high-quality, durable red Tolex®. To keep the cabinet looking its best, avoid
abrasive cleansers. Wipe the cabinet clean using a slightly dampened soft cloth. Do not spray cleaners directly
into the amplifier. Never use harsh cleaners on the hardware since they could damage their protective coatings.
P/N 47-631-05 • 06/99
BV-120HR
RED VOODOO All Tube Guitar Amplifier
©1999 SLM ELECTRONICS
A division of St. Louis Music
1400 Ferguson Avenue
St. Louis, Mo 63133
www.crateamps.com
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