Please refer to circuit diagram for DC voltages and other information
INPUT SECTION AND PREAMP
SK1 and SK2 are the HI and LO sensitivity inputs respectively. When the LO socket is used
R51, R52 and R83 act as a potential divider to reduce the input level to the preamp.
C45 has two purposes, firstly to block any DC from the input that may unintentionally be
present, this would otherwise change the bias point of the first valve stage, secondly the value
of the capacitor has been chosen so that there is a slight roll off of lower frequencies, this
prevents the sound from getting too muddy.
V1a is the first gain stage and is configured as a cathode bias, common cathode, voltage
amplifier with bypassed cathode resistor for increased gain.
R50 and C27 give a slight presence lift and the frequency of the Bright effect is set by C3,
which, when switched in, is across pins 2 and 3 of RV1 (Volume). Obviously connected like
this the amount of brightness added will decrease as RV1 is turned up.
RL1 switches the extra gain stage in or out of the signal path. The relay itself is switched on or
off by the push/pull switch on RV1. With RV1 pulled out the relay can also be switched on or
off by the tip connection of SK3, Footswitch 1.
V1b is the extra gain stage configured similar to V1a but without the cathode bypass
capacitor. C62 is added across the anode resistor R87 to smooth out the top end, and R53,
R88 and C28 set the amount of signal sent to the next stage as well as giving a slight
presence lift.
V2a is the next gain stage configured similar to V1a but with C64 across the anode resistor
R91 again to smooth out the top end. The signal is then fed into V2b which is configured as a
cathode follower. This reduces the impedance to drive the tone network.
The Tone network is passive and controlled by RV2. This is a dual ganged potentiometer, one
part of which effectively controls the mids (RV2B) while the other part inversely controls the
treble (RV2A).
R10, R11 and R12 act as a potential divider to lower the signal sent to the reverb and effects
loop circuitry. The J175 FET, TR1, is used to effectively short out R12 when the extra gain
stage is not in use. This sets the volume level difference between the two preamp
configurations.
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REVERB AND EFFECTS LOOP SECTIONS
The signal from the preamp is fed into IC3A which is configured as a boot strapped voltage
follower. Z1 and Z2 have been added to prevent any nasty spikes from damaging the opamp,
this should in practise never happen.
The output of IC3a is fed to the reverb and effects loop sections.
C12 and R22 roll off a lot of the lower frequencies before the signal gets sent to IC3B and
IC1A. These opamps are configured for current gain, the actual gain being dependant on the
impedance/frequency curve of the reverb tray. Because of this it is crucial to the correct
operation of the reverb that the right reverb tray is used. This should be an Accutronics
8CA3B1B.
The output of the reverb tray goes into IC1B. This is configured as a differential amplifier as a
way of reducing any hum that may be picked up on the sensitive reverb return leads.
RV3 controls the level of the reverb. Across pins 1 and 2 is TR4, a J175 FET. When the ring
connection on SK3 is shorted out, i.e. by a footswitch, TR4 is also effectively shorted which
results in the reverb being turned off.
The reverb signal is then split and sent to the two mixer stages in IC4, however one side goes
through a unity gain inverting transistor stage, TR6, just before the mixer stage. This obviously
puts one of the reverb returns out off phase which produces the ‘surround sound’ reverb effect.
The signal from the output of IC3a is split two other ways for the effects loop. One goes to the
series/parallel switch, SW1A, the other goes to the SEND socket. R34 and R1 are a potential
divider to reduce the nominal send level to about -20dBu.
SK6 and SK7 are the LEFT/MONO and RIGHT RETURN sockets respectively. Each of these
are fed into the two sections of IC2 which are both configured as non-inverting gain stages.
The outputs of these then go into RL2. This relay basically turns the effects loop on or off.
Without a jack is inserted into SK6, LEFT/MONO RETURN, the ‘LOOP_MUTE’ line is held
down at 0V, this keeps TR5 turned off, which turns on TR3 and effectively shorts R70 to 0V.
This turns RL2 which means the effects loop is bypassed and cannot be switched on. When a
jack is inserted into SK6 the reverse happens, TR5 is turned on, TR3 is turned off and the
effects loop is activated. In this mode, shorting out SK4, Footswitch 2, will turn the relay on
and again bypass the effects loop. TR5 and TR3 were needed to isolate the ‘LOOP_MUTE’
line from the relay circuit to reduce switching noise.
MIXER SECTIONS
The two halves of IC4 are used as standard virtual earth mixer sections. Here the dry, effects
loop and reverb signals are mixed together depending on the settings of the series/parallel
switch and RL2. The outputs from each half of IC4 then provide the left and right signals sent
to the two power stages.
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POWER STAGES
The two phase splitters (V3 and V4) are differential input splitters which each produce the anti
phase signals necessary to drive the push pull output stages.
The outputs from V3 drive the EL84 power valves V5 and V6 for the left side power stage. V4
drives V7 and V8 for the right side power stage. The two pairs of EL84 output valves are
configured as push pull, cathode biased, class A power amplifiers.
The quiescent current of each power stage is set by R71 and R73, which are bypassed by
C41 and C43 for extra gain.
D3, D4, D5 and D6 have been added to give protection to the output transformers should a
fault arise.
OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS AND SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
The output transformers have secondary taps for 16Ω and 8Ω.
The four LINK positions are provided on the PCB so that different impedance internal
speakers can be used in production. Depending on whether the internal speaker is 16Ω or
8Ω the correct LINK should be fitted. This has been done purely so that different impedance
speakers can be used if there are any problems with supply.
SW3 selects the output impedance of the External Speaker Outputs, SK8 and SK9. These
can be set to either 16Ω or 8Ω. When a jack plug is inserted into either of these sockets the
corresponding internal speaker is disconnected.
POWER SUPPLIES
All three supplies, HT, ac heater, and DC supplies have secondary fusing on the PCB. This is
for approvals and to protect the mains transformer.
The HT supply is a simple bridge rectifier diode network, with 4n7 1KV capacitors across
each diode for EMC reasons, which is then smoothed by C82, to supply the centre taps of the
output transformers. R126, C81, R127 and C80 have been added to isolate the two centre
taps at high frequencies. The main supply is then further smoothed to supply the screen grids,
phase splitters and preamp.
R128 is added to discharge the high voltage capacitors when then unit is turned off.
The ac heater supply is simply connected via two twisted pair connecting leads to V5, V6, V7
and V8, after first going through the secondary fuses.
The 25.2V DC supply is a highly regulated supply using a BD647 (TR8) as the main
regulating device. (Please ensure that the heat sink is attached to TR8 and heat sink
compound has been used)
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TR7 and TR10 provide a constant current source for Z3 the 15 volt zener.
The output voltage is set by the ratio of R119 and R120 which provide the feedback to TR8
via TR11 and TR12 to stabilise the whole circuit. TR9 with R121, R122 and R123 form a
current limiter. This allows the supply voltage to ramp up at switch on when the heater
filaments of the preamp valves draw considerably more current while cold.
R117 and R118 halve the supply voltage to provide the opamp bias voltage, and as shown on
the circuit diagram the DC supply is routed through the filaments of two of the valves in series.
This will result in each filament having the nominal 6.3 volts across them.
Paul Stevens
30 June 1999
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VELOCETTE TWIN VALVE GUITAR AMPLIFIER
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Velocette Twin.
The Velocette Twin is part of the Trace Elliot Velocette range. This is basically a range of no
nonsense, compact, valve guitar amplifiers with the minimum controls necessary to produce a
good range of sounds. However, with the addition of such features as a switchable gain
boost, stereo effects loop, pseudo-stereo reverb, and a stereo power stage, the ‘Twin’ model
takes the range as far as it could possibly go while still justifying a ‘Velocette’ badge.
The circuit topology has been based on traditional guitar amplifier designs, with new ideas
incorporated where beneficial.
The main preamp and both power stage sections are 100% valve. The valves used are four
ECC83/12AX7’s and four EL84/6BQ5’s run in Class A in stereo (two EL84’s per side).
REAR PANEL CONTROLS
INPUTS - HI & LO/LINK
Two jack sockets are provided for connection to your instrument.
The HI input is a high impedance, high sensitivity input. This can be used with both passive
and active guitars and, depending on the level of output from the guitar and the VOLUME
setting, allows the amplifier to be driven hard into overdrive, if desired.
The LO/LINK socket can be used in two ways. Firstly as a lower impedance, low sensitivity
input, for use with high output guitars when the user wishes to keep the overdrive under
control. Alternatively this socket can be used as a LINK to chain together two or more
Velocettes, simply plug your guitar into the HI socket, take an output from the LO/LINK socket
and plug this into the input of the next amplifier in the chain.
BRIGHT
The BRIGHT switch adds more high frequencies when selected. It works in the traditional way,
therefore it has more effect at lower VOLUME settings.
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VOLUME
PULL GAIN
This is a push/pull potentiometer. Pushed in the control acts like a normal volume control on a
typical non-master volume amplifier, therefore it sets the overall volume level of the amplifier
and has a huge effect on the tone and the amount of overdrive. From low to about halfway,
depending on the output level of the guitar and which input socket is used, the sound should
remain reasonably clean. Increasing the control further will progressively increase the level of
power amp overdrive in the sound, obviously being a valve amp it will respond to the player’s
dynamics and use of the instruments volume.
Pulling the control out activates the additional valve preamp stage therefore effectively turning
the control from a VOLUME into a GAIN control. This extra gain stage makes it possible to
produce a fuller overdrive sound especially when turned up as this blends preamp distortion
with power amp distortion. With the control pulled out the extra gain stage is also
footswitchable. This enables the user to footswitch between clean and dirty sounds.
Setting the VOLUME at about 12 o’clock gives lovely warm clean sounds which can then be
switched to a nice, not too saturated overdriven tone.
For total and instant control over a range of clean and overdriven tones we recommend
turning the VOLUME control all the way up. Without the extra gain stage switched in the player
can then back off the volume on their guitar for clean sounds, turn up fully for some crunchy,
responsive power amp overdrive, and then kick in the extra gain stage for thick lead tones
with lots of sustain.
TONE
Unlike other single tone controls on other amplifiers, which act merely as a treble roll off, this
control works in a different way. It is a dual gang potentiometer which controls two functions
simultaneously. In the fully anti-clockwise position the midrange is dominant in the sound,
turning the control clockwise decreases the mids while at the same time increasing the higher
frequencies.
Start with it in the 12 o’clock position and try different settings with or without the BRIGHT
switch to find the settings that you like. Bear in mind that as the VOLUME is turned up the
BRIGHT switch has less effect.
REVERB
This single control is for adjusting the amount of reverb effect in the sound. The effect is
produced by a three spring reverb tray inside the cabinet. However due to a simple but
extremely effective modification to the signal between the reverb tray and the stereo power
stages, what you actually hear is a huge pseudo-stereo reverb that seems to fill the whole
room. It is even more noticeable when using extension cabinets.
FOOTSWITCH SOCKETS
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These sockets are for connecting to latching footswitches. The first one is dual function and
operates the extra gain stage (with VOLUME pulled out) and reverb. The second turns the
effects loop on or off if used.
EFFECTS LOOP
This has sockets for SEND, LEFT/MONO RETURN and RIGHT RETURN as well as a switch
for SERIES or PARALLEL configuration.
The SEND is for connection to the input of effects units and can drive floor type battery
powered effects pedals or 19” rack type studio effects units.
The RETURN sockets are for connection to the outputs of effects units. If a mono effect unit is
used then use the LEFT/MONO RETURN.
The SERIES/PARALLEL switch alters the configuration of the effects loop.
In SERIES mode the whole signal comes out of the amp, into the effects unit and then back
into the amp, whereas in PARALLEL mode the effected signal is mixed in with the original dry
signal, thus retaining tonal purity of the dry signal.
The choice of which mode to use will depend on what kind of effects unit is used and what
overall effect is desired. But generally if time delay effects are used, such as delay (echo),
chorus, flanging, phasing, etc., then the PARALLEL setting is usually preferred. If volume or
EQ related effects are used, such as overdrive/distortion, compression, graphic equalisation,
wah-wah or volume pedals, or if a multi-effects unit is used with a combination of time delay
and volume related effects, then it is usually best to set the switch to SERIES. There are no
rules, it is best to experiment and see what you prefer.
If PARALLEL configuration is used then if possible it is recommended that the dry/direct
signal from the effects unit is turned off.
The effects loop is not activated unless a jack plug is inserted into the LEFT/MONO RETURN
socket. The loop is then footswitchable if a suitable latching footswitch is connected to the
appropriate footswitch socket.
It is also possible to use the Velocette Twin purely as a stand alone mono/stereo power amp.
To do this set the loop to SERIES configuration, this will effectively eliminate the preamp and
plug signal source(s) into the RETURN socket(s).
EXTERNAL SPEAKER OUTPUTS
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These have been provided throughout the Velocette range so that the user can connect them
to external 16Ω speaker cabinets, such as 4x12s, for different sounds. This is useful for both
live and studio use and will radically change the sound and volume of the amplifier.
As the Velocette Twin has two power stages two external speaker outputs are provided, as is
a 8Ω or 16Ω impedance selector switch which sets the output impedance for both sockets.
(N.B. This does not change the impedance of the internal speaker connection)
When a jack is inserted into each socket the corresponding internal speaker is disconnected,
either or both can be used at once.
However, always ensure that the amplifier is correctly loaded when in use and never plug both
power sections into the same speaker cabinet unless it is a stereo cabinet and you are sure
that the speakers are separately addressed.
Probably the most popular way to use these outputs is to sit the unit on top of a stereo 4x12
cabinet, such as our GSC412, set the switch on the Velocette Twin to 8Ω, the cabinet to
8Ω STEREO and connect the two speaker outputs to the two cabinet inputs for a big stereo
sound.
Alternatively if you really want to create an impression set the Velocette Twin to 16Ω and get
TWO 4x12’s, set to 16Ω MONO, to plug into. With the cabinets spaced apart a reasonable
distance the sound is huge! Especially considering that the cabs are being driven by two
fifteen watt amps. Adding a stereo chorus or delay to the effects loop at this stage is quite
simply more than a poor boy can take!
POWER SWITCH (OFF/STANDBY/ON)
As the name implies, this switches the amplifier from OFF to STANDBY mode, where only the
valve heaters are on, to ON for actual use. This should be used correctly every time the unit is
used to prevent problems with valves and to increase their life.
Before mains is applied to the unit, check that it is the correct voltage and make sure the
POWER switch is in the OFF position. Connect power lead to mains outlet then switch to
STANDBY and wait about a minute before switching to ON. This will ensure that the valves
have time to warm up before large voltages are applied to the plates. During short breaks the
amplifier can be switched to standby and will therefore be ready to play when next needed.
After switching off it is recommended, as with all valve amplifiers, that it does not receive any
sudden physical shocks while the valves are still hot, i.e. through moving the unit. If possible try
to give the amplifier a few minutes to cool down before transporting it.
IEC SOCKET/MAINS FUSE
The IEC socket is for connection to universally used IEC mains leads to connect to
appropriate domestic mains supply.
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In the event of having to replace the mains fuse always use the same rating and type as
marked on the unit’s rear panel. Using one of higher rating will invalidate the guarantee.
If after replacement the mains fuse should blow a second time, immediately refer the unit to a
TRACE ELLIOT approved service engineer for checking.
ORIENTATION OF VALVES
Looking at the VELOCETTE TWIN from the rear with the rear panel removed you will see
eight valves, the four on the left (V1, V2, V3 & V4) should be ECC83/12AX7’s while the four
on the right (V5, V6, V7 & V8) should be EL84/6BQ5’s.
V1 is used for the input gain stage and 2nd gain stage
V2 is used for the 3rd gain stage and cathode follower that drives the tone network
V3 is used for the left side phase splitter
V4 is used for the right side phase splitter
V5/V6 are the left side power stage valves
V7/V8 are the right side power stage valves
If the need should arise to replace any of the valves we recommend the following types:-
V1, V2, V3 & V4Sovtek 12AX7WB or 12AX7WA
V5, V6, V7 & V8Tesla EL84 or Sovtek EL84
For improved performance and reliability V5 & V6 and V7 & V8 should be matched pairs
respectively.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT IMPEDANCEHI - 1MΩ
LO/LINK - 136KΩ
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TONE CONTROLSINGLE DUAL FUNCTION PASSIVE CONTROL
REVERB3 SPRING TRAY WITH MODIFIED OUTPUT TO PRODUCE
PSEUDO STEREO REVERB EFFECT
SEND IMPEDANCE 10KΩ
NOMINAL SIGNAL LEVEL -20dBu
LEFT/MONO RETURNIMPEDANCE 470KΩ
NOMINAL SIGNAL LEVEL -20dBu
RIGHT RETURNIMPEDANCE 470KΩ
NOMINAL SIGNAL LEVEL -20dBu
CIRCUIT TOPOLOGYPREAMP AND POWER STAGES 100% VALVE
REVERB AND EFFECTS LOOP SECTIONS DRIVEN BY
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
SPEAKER TWO 10” CELESTION VINTAGE 10’S
POWER RATING~ 2x 15WRMS PER SIDE STEREO (~ 30WRMS TOTAL)
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C32-PCB-PC00068x4
LINKS CHANGED FOR USE ON GIBSON GA-30RVS