Hartke AC75, AC150 Owner's Manual

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Acoustic Instrument Amplifi er

Caution: To reduce the hazard of electrical shock, do
not remove cover or back.

No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servic
ing to qualified personnel.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of un-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magni
tude 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
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Please read all instructions before operating the unit.

2. Keep these instructions for future reference.

3. Please heed all safety warnings.

4. Follow manufacturers instructions.

5. Do not use this unit near water or moisture.

6. Clean only with a damp cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (includ
ing amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on and pinched particularly at plugs, convenience recep
tacles and at the point at which they exit from the unit.

11. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

12. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged in

any way, such as power supply cord or plug damage, or if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

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ATTENTION: Pour éviter tout risque d’électrocution ou d’incendie, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou
à l’humidité. Pour éviter tout risque d’électrocution, ne pas ôter le couvercle ou le dos du boîtier. Cet appareil ne
contient aucune pièce remplaçable par l'utilisateur. Confiez toutes les réparations à un personnel qualifié. Le
signe avec un éclair dans un triangle prévient l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension dangereuse et non
isolée dans l’appareil. Cette tension constitue un risque d’électrocution. Le signe avec un point d’exclamation
dans un triangle prévient l’utilisateur d’instructions importantes relatives à l’utilisation et à la maintenance du
produit.

Consignes de sécurité importantes

1. Veuillez lire toutes les instructions avant d’utiliser l’appareil.

2. Conserver ces instructions pour toute lecture ultérieure.

3. Lisez avec attention toutes les consignes de sécurité.

4. Suivez les instructions du fabricant.

5. Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près d’une source liquide ou dans un lieu humide.

6. Nettoyez l’appareil uniquement avec un tissu humide.

7. Veillez à ne pas obstruer les fentes prévues pour la ventilation de l’appareil. Installez l’appareil selon les
instructions du fabricant.

8. Ne pas installer près d’une source de chaleur (radiateurs, etc.) ou de tout équipement susceptible de
générer de la chaleur (amplificateurs de puissance par exemple).

9. Ne pas retirer la terre du cordon secteur ou de la prise murale. Les fiches canadiennes avec polarisation
(avec une lame plus large) ne doivent pas être modifiées. Si votre prise murale ne correspond pas au
modèle fourni, consultez votre électricien.

10. Protégez le cordon secteur contre tous les dommages possibles (pincement, tension, torsion,, etc.).
Veillez à ce que le cordon secteur soit libre, en particulier à sa sortie du boîtier.

11. Déconnectez l’appareil du secteur en présence d’orage ou lors de périodes d’inutilisation prolongées.

12. Consultez un service de réparation qualifié pour tout dysfonctionnement (dommage sur le cordon
secteur, baisse de performances, exposition à la pluie, projection liquide dans l’appareil, introduction
d’un objet dans le boîtier, etc.).

ACHTUNG: Um die Gefahr eines Brandes oder Stromschlags zu verringern, sollten Sie dieses Gerät weder
Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aussetzen.Um die Gefahr eines Stromschlags zu verringern, sollten Sie weder
Deckel noch Rückwand des Geräts entfernen. Im Innern befinden sich keine Teile, die vom Anwender gewar
tet werden können. Überlassen Sie die Wartung qualifiziertem Fachpersonal.Der Blitz mit Pfeilspitze im glei
chseitigen Dreieck soll den Anwender vor nichtisolierter “gefährlicher Spannung” im Geräteinnern warnen.
Diese Spannung kann so hoch sein, dass die Gefahr eines Stromschlags besteht. Das Ausrufezeichen im
gleichseitigen Dreieck soll den Anwender auf wichtige Bedienungs- und Wartungsanleitungen aufmerksam
machen, die im mitgelieferten Informationsmaterial näher beschrieben werden.

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Wichtige Sicherheitsvorkehrungen

1. Lesen Sie alle Anleitungen, bevor Sie das Gerät in Betrieb nehmen.

2. Bewahren Sie diese Anleitungen für den späteren Gebrauch gut auf.

3. Bitte treffen Sie alle beschriebenen Sicherheitsvorkehrungen.

4. Befolgen Sie die Anleitungen des Herstellers.

5. Benutzen Sie das Gerät nicht in der Nähe von Wasser oder Feuchtigkeit.

6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung des Geräts nur ein feuchtes Tuch.

7. Blockieren Sie keine Belüftungsöffnungen. Nehmen Sie den Einbau des Geräts nur entsprechend den
Anweisungen des Herstellers vor.

8. Bauen Sie das Gerät nicht in der Nähe von Wärmequellen wie Heizkörpern, Wärmeklappen, Öfen oder
anderen Geräten (inklusive Verstärkern) ein, die Hitze erzeugen.

9. Setzen Sie die Sicherheitsfunktion des polarisierten oder geerdeten Steckers nicht außer Kraft. Ein
polarisierter Stecker hat zwei flache, unterschiedlich breite Pole. Ein geerdeter Stecker hat zwei flache
Pole und einen dritten Erdungsstift. Der breitere Pol oder der dritte Stift dient Ihrer Sicherheit. Wenn der
vorhandene Stecker nicht in Ihre Steckdose passt, lassen Sie die veraltete Steckdose von einem Elektriker
ersetzen.

10. Schützen Sie das Netzkabel dahingehend, dass niemand darüber laufen und es nicht geknickt werden
kann. Achten Sie hierbei besonders auf Netzstecker, Mehrfachsteckdosen und den Kabelanschluss am
Gerät.

11. Ziehen Sie den Netzstecker des Geräts bei Gewittern oder längeren Betriebspausen aus der Steckdose.

12. Überlassen Sie die Wartung qualifiziertem Fachpersonal. Eine Wartung ist notwendig, wenn das Gerät auf
irgendeine Weise, beispielsweise am Kabel oder Netzstecker beschädigt wurde, oder wenn Flüssigkeiten
oder Objekte in das Gerät gelangt sind, es Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war, nicht mehr wie
gewohnt betrieben werden kann oder fallen gelassen wurde.

PRECAUCION: Para reducir el riesgo de incendios o descargas, no permita que este aparato quede expuesto
a la lluvia o la humedad. Para reducir el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, nunca quite la tapa ni el chasis. Dentro
del aparato no hay piezas susceptibles de ser reparadas por el usuario. Dirija cualquier reparación al servicio
técnico oficial. El símbolo del relámpago dentro del triángulo equilátero pretende advertir al usuario de la
presencia de “voltajes peligrosos” no aislados dentro de la carcasa del producto, que pueden ser de la magni
tud suficiente como para constituir un riesgo de descarga eléctrica a las personas. El símbolo de exclamación
dentro del triángulo equilátero quiere advertirle de la existencia de importantes instrucciones de manejo y
mantenimiento (reparaciones) en los documentos que se adjuntan con este aparato.

Instrucciones importantes de seguridad

1. Lea todo este manual de instrucciones antes de comenzar a usar la unidad.

2. Conserve estas instrucciones para cualquier consulta en el futuro.

3. Cumpla con todo lo indicado en las precauciones de seguridad.

4. Observe y siga todas las instrucciones del fabricante.

5. Nunca utilice este aparato cerca del agua o en lugares húmedos.

6. Limpie este aparato solo con un trapo suave y ligeramente humedecido.

7. No bloquee ninguna de las aberturas de ventilación. Instale este aparato de acuerdo a las instrucciones
del fabricante.

8. No instale este aparato cerca de fuentes de calor como radiadores, calentadores, hornos u otros apara
tos (incluyendo amplificadores) que produzcan calor.

9. No anule el sistema de seguridad del enchufe de tipo polarizado o con toma de tierra. Un enchufe polar
izado tiene dos bornes, uno más ancho que el otro. Uno con toma de tierra tiene dos bornes normales y
un tercero para la conexión a tierra. El borne ancho o el tercero se incluyen como medida de seguridad.
Cuando el enchufe no encaje en su salida de corriente, llame a un electricista para que le cambie su
salida anticuada.

10. Evite que el cable de corriente quede en una posición en la que pueda ser pisado o aplastado, especial
mente en los enchufes, receptáculos y en el punto en el que salen de la unidad.

11. Desconecte de la corriente este aparato durante las tormentas eléctricas o cuando no lo vaya a usar
durante un periodo de tiempo largo.

12. Dirija cualquier posible reparación solo al servicio técnico oficial. Deberá hacer que su aparato sea repa
rado cuando esté dañado de alguna forma, como si el cable de corriente o el enchufe están dañados, o
si se han derramado líquidos o se ha introducido algún objeto dentro de la unidad, si esta ha quedado
expuesta a la lluvia o la humedad, si no funciona normalmente o si ha caído al suelo.

ATTENZIONE: per ridurre il rischio di incendio o di scariche elettriche, non esponete questo apparecchio
a pioggia o umidità. Per ridurre il pericolo di scariche elettriche evitate di rimuoverne il coperchio o il pan
nello posteriore. Non esistono all'interno dell'apparecchio parti la cui regolazione è a cura dell'utente. Per
eventuale assistenza, fate riferimento esclusivamente a personale qualificato. Il fulmine con la punta a freccia
all'interno di un triangolo equilatero avvisa l'utente della presenza di "tensioni pericolose" non isolate all'interno
dell'apparecchio, tali da costituire un possibile rischio di scariche elettriche dannose per le persone. Il punto
esclamativo all'interno di un triangolo equilatero avvisa l'utente della presenza di importanti istruzioni di
manutenzione (assistenza) nella documentazione che accompagna il prodotto.

Importanti Istruzioni di Sicurezza

1. Prima di usare l'apparecchio, vi preghiamo di leggerne per intero le istruzioni.

2. Conservate tali istruzioni per una eventuale consultazione futura.

3. Vi preghiamo di rispettare tutte le istruzioni di sicurezza.

4. Seguite tutte le istruzioni del costruttore.

5. Non usate questo apparecchio vicino ad acqua o umidità.

6. Pulite l'apparecchio esclusivamente con un panno asciutto.

7. Evitate di ostruire una qualsiasi delle aperture di ventilazione. Posizionatelo seguendo le istruzioni del

costruttore.

8. Non posizionatelo vicino a sorgenti di calore come radiatori, scambiatori di calore, forni o altri apparecchi

(amplificatori compresi) in grado di generare calore.

9. Non disattivate la protezione di sicurezza costituita dalla spina polarizzata o dotata di collegamento a

terra. Una spina polarizzata è dotata di due spinotti, uno più piccolo ed uno più grande. Una spina dotata
di collegamento a terra è dotata di due spinotti più un terzo spinotto di collegamento a terra. Questo
terzo spinotto, eventualmente anche più grande, viene fornito per la vostra sicurezza. Se la spina fornita in
dotazione non si adatta alla vostra presa, consultate un elettricista per la sostituzione della presa obsoleta.

10. Proteggete il cavo di alimentazione in modo che non sia possibile camminarci sopra né piegarlo, con parti

colare attenzione alle prese, ai punti di collegamento e al punto in cui esce dall'apparecchio.

Copyright 2003 Samson Technologies Corp.

11. Staccate l'apparecchio dalla alimentazione in caso di temporali o tempeste o se non lo usate per un lungo

periodo.

Printed January, 2003 - 2006 v 5.0

12. Per l'assistenza, fate riferimento esclusivamente a personale qualificato. È necessaria l'assistenza se

l'apparecchio ha subito un qualsiasi tipo di danno, come danni al cavo o alla spina di alimentazione, nel

www.hartke.com

caso in cui sia stato versato del liquido o siano caduti oggetti al suo interno, sia stato esposto a pioggia o
umidità, non funzioni correttamente o sia stato fatto cadere.

Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]

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Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Hartke AC75 and AC150 Acoustic Amplifier Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guided Tour - Front Panel

Guided Tour - Rear Panel

Setting Up and Using Your Acoustic Ribbon Amplifier

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

. . . . . . . . . . 6 - 11

AC75 and AC150 Set-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AC75 and AC150 Effects Presets

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

AC75 and AC150 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copyright 2006, Samson Technologies Corp.

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Printed June, 2006 v1.2

Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com

Introduction

Congratulations, you just purchased a completely new concept in acoustic instrument amplifica­tion, The Hartke Acoustic Ribbon Series. The Hartke Acoustic Ribbon series faithfully reproduces
the sound of the any acoustic instrument thanks to their reference grade power amplifier sec
tion and unique speaker system featuring 5-inch, full range drivers and a 2 x 4 inch, planar rib
bon transducer. The amplifiers are available in two versions, the AC75 with dual 5-inch drivers
and 75 watts of power, and the AC150 with four 5-inch drivers and 150 watts of power. Both
amplifiers feature two input channels with Channel 1 providing inputs for passive or active
acoustic guitar pick-ups, and Channel 2 providing XLR mic and dual RCA line inputs. A vari
able Notch Filter and Phase switch are also included to help reduce feedback. The AC75 and
AC150 also feature a 5-band graphic equalizer to shape the overall tonal response.
multi effects like delay, reverb and chorus are available from the built-in, 100 preset, 24-bit
digital effect processor. In addition, the AC150’s full-range speakers are arranged in stereo
so that reverbs and chorus effects pan left and right. The rich brown enclosures have been
beautifully appointed with gold hardware and feature Hartke’s trademarked Kickback™ design
and time-tested rugged construction. While the Acoustic Ribbon Series are packed with all the
features demanded by the most discerning acoustic artists, what makes the amplifier special is
the unmatched sonic performance. The Acoustic Ribbon amplifiers are the perfect solution for
electric acoustic guitars, and also, for multi instrumentalists who play electric violin, mandolin,
Dobro and other acoustic electric instruments too. To build a fine acoustic instrument, a luthier
must pay special attention in the selection of the various components like the wood for the
top, sides and neck, as well as, the construction of the internal bracing. Hartke engineers have
applied the same careful approach in the selection of the critical components and with the
internal construction to produce a sound that is truly unique to the Acoustic Ribbon amplifiers.
The full range 5-inch drivers, provide a smooth and even frequency response without the low
frequency resonance associated with larger drivers. The ribbon transducer provides sweet high
frequency response without the resonance and distortion that comes with standard tweeters.
The result is sound reproduction that is totally true to the sound of the instrument it is amplify
ing. Simply put, the amps sound like your instrument, only louder.

Dazzling

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Although these units are designed for easy operation, we suggest you first take some time to go
through these pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique
features. In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of the AC75 and
AC150 acoustic amplifiers, as well as a guided tour through it's front and rear panels, step-by­step instructions for setting up and using the product, detailed discussions about equalization
and compression, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please
don’t forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive online technical support and so we
can send you updated information about these and other Hartke and Samson products in the
future.

With proper care and adequate air circulation, your AC75 or AC150 will operate trouble free for
many years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for
future reference.

Serial number: __________________________________

Date of purchase: ________________________________

Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained
before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please
call Hartke at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to ship
ping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the
original carton and packing materials.

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Hartke AC75 and AC150 Acoustic Amplifier Features

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The Hartke AC75 and AC150 Acoustic Ribbon series amplifiers employ the most advanced elec­tronic and speaker design concepts in acoustic instrument amplification. Here are some of their
main features:

• The Acoustic Ribbon amplifiers and internal speaker systems have been matched to produce

a linear and controlled frequency response via the custom-designed, 5-inch full-range drivers
and unique high frequency ribbon transducers

• The Acoustic Ribbon series feature a custom designed, planar ribbon high frequency trans-

ducer set on a precision formed waveguide providing linear output of the
range. The results are immediately apparent; a
the resonant distortion that's common in other standard tweeters. The AC75 employs
4-inch ribbon on a 5 x 7 waveguide, while the AC150 has a 2 x 4-inch ribbon on a 7 x 7 wave­guide.

• Both Acoustic Ribbon models offer ample power. The AC75, with 75 watts in a bi-amped con-

figuration delivering 50 watts for the full range speakers and 25 watts for the ribbon tweeter.
The AC150 has a total of 150 watts of power with 2 times 50 watts for the left and right pairs
of 5-inch drivers, plus 50 watts for the ribbon.

• The Acoustic Ribbon series amplifiers feature dual Input Channel configuration with Active

and Piezo inputs on Channel 1 and XLR mic and RCA line inputs on Channel 2.

• You can add a splash of delay and chorus or gallons of lush reverb to either input channel

using one of the Acoustic Ribbon's
includes a SELECT control with a bright, dual seven-segment LED display to dial up the effects
presets, plus a LEVEL control to adjust the amount of effects you want to hear.

• The Acoustic Ribbon amps give you a lot of control for your acoustic instrument rig. Channel

1 has GAIN, BASS and TREBLE controls, an EFX IN/OUT switch for adding effects,
switch to help eliminate feedback. Channel 2 offers a GAIN control plus an EFX IN/OUT switch
for adding effects.

• A useful Notch Filter with FREQUENCY and DEPTH controls helps eliminate feedback by allow-

ing you to dial out the resonant frequency.

• When the PHASE switch is engaged, the input polarity is reversed so that the instrument and

speaker system will not be in Phase and the chance of feedback is reduced.

• To adjust the overall system tonal response, the Acoustic Ribbon series provide a 5-band

Graphic Equalizer with 12 dB of cut and boost at 100Hz, 315Hz, 1kHz, 3.5kHz and 10kHz.

• The Acoustic Ribbon series amplifiers have a rear panel Effects Loop for using external signal

processors plus a Direct Output making it easy to interface with the main PA system.

• The Acoustic Ribbon series amplifier cabinets are solidly built with rugged plywood construc-

tion, precision tuning and Hartke's world-famous, trademarked Kickback™ enclosure.

100 on-board, 24-bit digital effects. The effects section

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high-frequency

sweet and natural top-end response without

a 2 x

plus a PHASE

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Guided Tour - Front Panel

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AC75 and AC150 Front Panel

1. ACTIVE Input - 1/4-inch phone jack for connecting active inputs. Use this input if your gui

tar pick-up uses a battery.

2. PIEZO (Passive) Input - 1/4-inch phone jack for connecting passive inputs. Use this input if

your guitar pick-up does not use a battery.

3. GAIN (Channel 1) - Control knob is used to control the overall level of the Channel 1 input.

4. BASS - Controls the amount of bass, or low frequency, applied to the input connected to

channel 1.

5. PHASE - Used to reverse the input signal polarity.

6. TREBLE - Controls the amount of treble, or high frequency, applied to the input connected

to channel 1.

7. EFX (Channel 1) - Used to add effects to the signal connected to the Channel 1 input.

8. MIC Input - XLR input connector for connecting to Channel 1’s low-noise Microphone Pre-

amp, with Phantom power available for condenser microphones.

9. LINE Input - RCA inputs for connecting an external line level signal like that from a CD, MP3

player or sound card.

10. GAIN (Channel 2) - Control knob is used to control the overall level of the Channel 2 input.

11. EFX (Channel 2) -Used to add effects to the signal connected to the Channel 2 input.

12. FREQUENCY (Notch Filter) - Used to set the center frequency for the Notch Filter.

13. DEPTH (Notch Filter) - Control Knob used to control the amount of attenuation applied by

the Notch Filter.

14. GRAPHIC EQUALIZER – These sliders allow you to “draw” the tonal response of the system

by adding 12 dB of boost or attenuation to seven different narrow-band frequency areas
(100Hz, 315Hz, 1kHz, 3.5kHz and 10kHz.) affecting the main output signal of the AC75 or
AC150. When a slider is at its center detented (“0”) position, the selected frequency area is
unaffected (it is said to be flat). When a slider is moved up (above the “0” position, towards
the “+12” position), the selected frequency area is boosted, and when it is moved down
(below the “0” position, towards the “-12” position), the selected frequency area is attenuated.
For more information, see the “About Equalization” section on pages 14 - 15 of this manual.

15. EFX LEVEL

– Control knob used to set the amount of digital effect that’s mixed in with the

channel input signals.

16. EXF SELECT - Used to select one of the available 100 digital effects presets.

17. EFX PRESET Display - Shows the current selected preset program number.

18. VOLUME - Control knob used to control the overall level of the AC75 or AC150 amplifier.

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