Electro-Harmonix Dirt Road Special User Manual

DIRT ROAD SPECIAL

Solid State Amplifier

Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix DIRT ROAD SPECIAL.
The EHX DIRT ROAD SPECIAL is a reissue of our vintage 1970s amp with
modern enhancements to both the electronics and mechanical design. We’ve also
added four reverbs from our Holy Grail Max reverb pedal: spring, plate, hall, and
reverse.

The DIRT ROAD SPECIAL offers the advantages of a solid state design – lighter
weight, smaller size and improved portability – but its classic circuitry delivers a
natural crunch and overdrive with beautiful grit and grind. And, with 40 watts
and one 12 inch speaker, you have the perfect amp for any occasion.

 Read and keep these instructions.
 Heed all warnings.
 Follow all instructions.
 Clean only with a dry cloth.
 Connect the amplifier to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing

connection.

 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. If

the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
 Unplug this amplifier during lightning storms or when unused for long periods

of time.

 Where the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device,

the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

 Apparatus is not for use in tropical climates.
 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,

or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

 No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the

apparatus.

 WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this

apparatus to rain or moisture.

 Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no

object filled with liquids is placed on the equipment. Do not use this
apparatus near water.

 Maintain at least six inches of unobstructed air space behind the unit to allow

for proper ventilation and cooling. Air must be capable of freely moving
around the amplifier.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

 This amplifier is capable of producing very high sound pressure levels which

may cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. Use care when
adjusting volume levels during use.

 Do not turn the amplifier on without a loudspeaker.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

 Refer all servicing and maintenance to qualified service personnel including

replacement of fuses and vacuum tubes. Changes and modifications not
expressly approved by EHX can void the warranty.

 Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such

as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

 DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis. There are no serviceable

parts.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to

alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s

enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.

GETTING STARTED

FRONT PANEL Controls:

INPUT Jack – This ¼” jack is the audio input for the amplifier. The input
impedance is 1.5MΩ.

VOLUME Knob – Controls the overall loudness and gain of the amplifier. We
recommend turning down VOLUME prior to applying power. Turn up the
VOLUME knob after the amp has been powered up for at least five seconds.

TONE Knob – Alters the amplifier’s frequency response. Turning this control
counter-clockwise increases bass and turning it clockwise increases treble.

BITE Knob – Alters the amplifier’s gain level and frequency response.
Turning this control clockwise increases the gain and treble content. This
control is also very interactive with the VOLUME control; changing one
affects the other.