Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue 15-R, Edition Blue 30-R, Edition Blue 60-R User Manual

english

deutsch

español

français

italiano

Edition Blue-R

Manual 2.0

Edition Blue 15/30/60-R

Congratulations and thank you for choosing the

HUGHES & KETTNER EDITION BLUE-R amp!

A team of guitarists and technicians developed the EDITION
BLUE-R amps with a single purpose in mind: To provide you with
sophisticated guitar sounds and practical features in an easy-to­handle package.

The EDITION BLUE-R is the ideal workhorse for discerning
players who want happening tone in a compact amp. The
EDITION BLUE-R's high-performance Current Feedback power
amp delivers not only punch, but also the sought-after tone of a
classic tube amp.
One component playing a major role in the overall tone of the
amp is the RockDriver Blue speaker. Custom-made for Hughes
& Kettner to our specifications, this speaker not only perfectly
captures the essence of vintage sound, but also is extremely
efficient. This makes your EDITION BLUE-R substantially
louder than other amplifiers having the same output power rating.

As a very special treat, the EDITION BLUE-R offers the option
of connecting a CD player or tape deck. This handy add-on
feature allows you to play along with CDs or playback tracks
of your own making for rehearsals, jamming, or even one-man/
woman gigs.
The EDITION BLUE-R has the versatility, sound, and features
that inspires you to perform your best in smaller venues, rehearsal
rooms and studios.
Its logical control layout gives you immediate access to the
EDITION BLUE-R's world of sound. This manual introduces
you to its many features and application options.

We wish you a lot of fun and success with your new
EDITION BLUE-R!

BEFORE POWERING UP...

• Check that the local current and the amp's AC power rating are
identical before you plug the power cord into an AC outlet.

• Ensure that air can circulate freely around your amp's
ventilation ducts.

• Place the amp on a stable platform where it is not exposed
to mechanical shocks and temperature extremes which may
damage the amp or endanger the safety of bystanders.

• Hughes & Kettner is not liable for damages due to improper
use.

1. CHANNELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

2. JACKS AND CONTROL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

3. STANDARD SETUP/CABLE CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . .4

4. OPERATING THE EDITION BLUE-R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.1 SELECTING CHANNELS

4.2 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND CD PLAYERS

4.3 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS

4.4 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND MIXING CONSOLES

5. SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . .4

6. TROUBLESHOOTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2

english

1. CHANNELS

The EDITION BLUE-R features a newly developed preamp that
not only produces authentic harmonic overdrive but also responds
dynamically to your picking style. Based on semiconductors, this
innovative circuitry simulates the sound-shaping elements of tube
amps and delivers sound quality unparalleled in this price range.
It also provides the dynamics demanding guitarists require for
musical expression.

CLEAN

Depending on the preamp control settings, the EDITION BLUE -R
delivers a variety of contemporary and Vintage clean tones. At higher
VOLUME settings, the "SoftClick" circuitry delivers that slight
edge you would expect from a Vintage tube amp. If desired, the
CLEAN channel can put out plenty of crunch.

LEAD

This channel delivers direct, in-your-face classic rock sounds with
a very British feel. The MID control is a very effective sound­shaping tool; it lets you dial in many different lead sounds. If
you drastically taper off the mids, the EDITION BLUE-R will
produce the unmistakable sound of modern tube amps - ideal for
tapping and heavy-duty power chord-riffing.

REVERB

In the signal chain, the EDITION BLUE-R reverb section is
located after the FX loop so you can use it for external effects
and still achieve a clean reverb sound. Additionally, the reverb
level automatically adjusts its own level when you switch between
channels, more for clean, less for lead.

2. JACKS AND CONTROL FEATURES

2.1. FRONT PANEL

INPUT

Input sensitivity is broad enough to handle guitars equipped with
humbuckers, active pickups, or single coils.

CLEAN VOL

Determines the CLEAN channel's volume. Depending on the
type of pickups in your instrument, the amp will begin to clip
somewhere around the 12 o'clock setting (SoftClick).

CHANNEL SELECT

This channel selector switch activates either the CLEAN or LEAD
channel. The LEAD channel is active when the button is pressed.

RED LEAD LED

The red LED illuminates when the LEAD channel is active.

LEAD GAIN

Controls the amount of distortion in the LEAD channel.

LEAD MASTER

Determines the LEAD channel volume level in relation to the
CLEAN channel volume level.

EQ SECTION

Common BASS, MID and TREBLE controls for both channels.
MID and TREBLE controls influence each other, as is standard in
tube amps: if you boost the treble, the mids are cut and vice versa.
This sound-shaping feature allows you to dial in a wide variety of
subtle tonal variations.

REVERB

Controls how much integrated reverb is added to the signal.
Reverb is automatically adjusted for each channel when you switch
channels.

MASTER

Controls the amp‘s master volume level. The LINE OUT signal is
unaffected by the MASTER control.

LINE OUT (60-R only)

Use this jack to feed the signal to the input of an FX processor.
You can also route the signal to a second power amp or through a
RED BOX to a mixing console.

LINE IN (60-R only)

If you are sending the LINE OUT signal to an FX processor,
connect the output from that processor to this jack.

FOOTSWITCH (30/60-R only)

This jack is for a standard footswitch (e.g. Hughes & Kettner
FS-1) and it allows you to switch back and forth between the
CLEAN and LEAD channels. When using a footswitch, ensure
the CHANNEL SELECT switch on the amp‘s front panel is set to
CLEAN.

PHONES

Headphone jack. The speaker is automatically switched off when a
plug is inserted into this jack.

2.2 REAR PANEL

MAINS

Connect the included Euro-norm mains cord to this socket.
Ensure the amp's voltage rating matches your local AC voltage
rating before you plug the cord into the wall socket.

CD/TAPE INPUT

Jack for connecting CD players (tape decks).

3

Edition Blue 15/30/60-R

3. STANDARD SETUP/CABLE CONNECTIONS

4. OPERATING THE EDITION BLUE-R

4.1 SELECTING CHANNELS

Use the CHANNEL SELECT switch or an external footswitch
(30/60-R) to change channels.

Note: Before using a footswitch, set the CHANNEL SELECT
switch on the front panel of the amp to the CLEAN position.

4.2 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND CD PLAYERS

The EDITION BLUE-R is equipped with a CD/TAPE INPUT
located on the rear panel for the connection of a CD player or
another audio source (tape deck, DAT recorders). The circuit is
controlled directly by the MASTER circuit of the EDITION
BLUE-R, which means that you can use the MASTER knob to
adjust the input signal’s volume. To dial in the desired balance of
levels for the playback and guitar signals, the connected playback
device has to be equipped with some type of variable output
control.

Tip: Most audio playback devices feature a variable headphones out.
Using a corresponding adapter, you can connect it to the CD/TAPE
INPUT.
Note: Before you switch on the audio playback device, turn the
MASTER knob all the way down. Then turn up the MASTER knob
a tad and dial in the desired balance levels. Once you’re satisfied with
these levels, gradually turn up the knob to the the desired overall
level.

4.3 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS (only 60-R)

The effects loop on the EDITION BLUE-R is a serial effects loop,
meaning that the entire preamp signal is routed to the FX device
and processed there.

To connect a signal processor:

• Connect the processor‘s INPUT to the EDITION BLUE-R LINE
OUT jack and the processor‘s OUTPUT to the EDITION
BLUE-R LINE IN jack.

• To avoid noise, signal degradation, and interrupted signals, only
use high-quality patch cables.

• Make sure the processor is not distorting the signal. Check the
processor's gain LEDs (if it is equipped with this type of display)
and use the input and output controls to dial in a suitable level.

• Distortion devices are not designed for use in an FX loop. As
a rule of thumb, any kind of device that compresses the signal
should be connected first in the signal chain. Depending on the
type of effect you want to achieve, you may want to connect
your compressor directly between the instrument and the amp's
input.

• If you are using several processors or stomp boxes, ensure you
connect them in the proper order.

4.4 THE EDITION BLUE-R AND MIXING CONSOLES(60-R only)

If you want to feed the EDITION BLUE-R's signal to a mixing
console, we recommend you route it through a Hughes & Kettner
RED BOX. Patch the signal from the LINE OUT jack, as this
signal path's level is not influenced by the MASTER setting. The
RED BOX balances the signal and simulates a speaker cabinet.

5. SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The EDITION BLUE-R does not require service of any type.
However, there are a few precautions you should heed to ensure
your amp lasts for many years.

• Ensure all peripheral devices, cords and cables are in a state of
good repair. Defective speaker cables are the most common cause
of power amp failure. Poor-quality cables will cause hum and
undesirable noise.

• Make certain your amp's ventilation ducts are not blocked or
covered. Proper cooling will prolong the life of your amp.

• Avoid mechanical shocks and exposure to extreme heat, dust and
especially moisture.

• When connecting peripheral devices, always pay close attention
to their specifications. Never connect devices with high output
signal levels (e.g. power amps) to your amp's input.

• Ensure you have the correct AC power rating available before you
plug in the amp. If in doubt, ask the venue's sound technician or
the custodian of the building you are rehearsing in.

• Refrain from do-it-yourself repairs! Have a qualified service
technician replace internal fuses.

With the unit off and unplugged, use a soft damp cloth to clean

the exterior surface of the EDITION BLUE-R.

4

english

6. TROUBLESHOOTING

The EDITION BLUE-R will not switch on:

• The amp is not getting any AC power. Check the mains cable to
see if it is connected properly.

• The mains fuse is defective. Replace the fuse with another
identical fuse. If this fuse also trips, consult your Hughes &
Kettner dealer.

The EDITION BLUE-R is connected properly, but no
sound is audible:

• One or several GAIN and MASTER controls may be turned all
the way down. Dial in a higher setting.

• A short circuit in the speaker signal chain may have tripped an
internal fuse. Make sure none of the connections are shorted out
and have a qualified service-technician replace the fuse (identical
specifications are a must).

The footswitch does not switch channels (30/60 only):

• The front panel selector switch may be in the LEAD position.
Set it to CLEAN (in this case, CLEAN = off ).

• The footswitch is not connected to the EDITION BLUE 60-R.
Plug it into the appropriate jack.

7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Edition Blue 15-R Edition Blue 30-R Edition Blue 60-R

Output Power into 8 ohms 15 watts 30 watts 60 watts

Max. power consumption 55 VA 70 VA 100 VA

Speaker 8“ RockDriver Blue 10“ RockDriver Blue 12“ RockDriver Blue

Mains fuse 230/240 V (European model) T 250 mA T 315 mA T 250 mA

Mains fuse 120 V (North-American model) T 500 mA T 630 mA T 500 mA

Mains fuse 100 V (Japanese model) T 500 mA T 630 mA T 630 mA

Internal Fuses T 315 mA T 315 mA T 315 mA

Operational temperature range -10° C − +35° C -10° C − +35° C -10° C − +35° C

Weight 7.3 kg/ 16 lbs 9.2 kg/ 20 lbs 13 kg / 29 lbs

Dimensions (W x H x D) 404 x 375 x 195 mm 440 x 410 x 220 mm 480 x 490 x 275 mm

When accessed, the LINE OUT/LINE IN jacks cause
annoying hum (60 only):

• An electrical or magnetic field is causing interference. Use
higher-quality cables or re-arrange the cables you are using to
reduce interference to a minimum. If this still doesn't improve
the situation, use a DI box.

• The grounding of the connected devices may be causing
a ground loop. DO NOT SEVER THE GROUND
OF THE CONNECTED DEVICES UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES! Try plugging all devices into the same
socket via an AC power distributor/power strip. If this doesn't
eliminate the noise, you must ensure the connection is
galvanically separated by routing the signal through a DI box.

You have connected an FX processor to the LINE OUT
jack and the signal is totally distorted, even when you
have dialed in a clean sound (60 only):

• The LINE OUT signal is overloading the input of the FX
processor. Reduce the processor‘s input sensitivity ("INPUT"
or "GAIN").

You have connected an FX processor to the LINE OUT
jack of the EDITION BLUE-R and the signal's volume
level is way too low (60 only):

• The FX processor's output level is set incorrectly. Turn it up.

5

Version 1.0 09/2007

This is to certify that

Hughes & Kettner

Edition Blue-R 15/30/60

complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council
of the European Communities on the approximation of
the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic
compatibility according to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
including amendment 93/68/EEC and the low voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC including amendment 93/68/EEC.
This declaration of conformity of the European Communities
is the result of an examination carried out by the Quality
Assurance Department of STAMER GmbH in accordance
with European Standards EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1and EN
60065 for low voltage.

Stamer Musikanlagen GmbH
Magdeburger Str. 8
66606 St.Wendel

Lothar Stamer Dipl.Ing.
Managing Director
St.Wendel, May/2007

Für das folgend bezeichnete Erzeugnis

Hughes & Kettner

Edition Blue-R 15/30/60

wird hiermit bestätigt, dass es den wesentlichen Schutz­anforderungen entspricht, die in der Richtlinie des Rates zur
Angleichung der Rechtsvorschriften der Mitgliedsstaaten
über die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit 89/336/ EWG
mit Änderungsrichtlinie 93/68/EWG und der Niederspann­ungsrichtlinie 73/23/EWG mit Änderungsrichtlinie 93/68/
EWG festgelegt sind. Diese Erklärung gilt für alle Exemplare
und bestätigt die Ergebnisse der Messungen, die durch die
Qualitätssicherung der Fa. Stamer Musikanlagen GmbH
durchgeführt wurden. Zur Beurteilung des Erzeugnisses
hinsichtlich elektromagnetischer Verträglichkeit wurden folgende
Normen herangezogen: EN 50081-1• EN 50082-1.
Zur Beurteilung der Einhaltung der Niederspannungsrichtlinie
wurde folgende Norm herangezogen: EN 60065

Diese Erklärung wird verantwortlich für den Hersteller
Stamer Musikanlagen GmbH
Magdeburger Str. 8
66606 St.Wendel

abgegeben durch
Lothar Stamer Dipl.Ing.
Geschäftsführer
St.Wendel, Mai 2007

MS D -1911 12/07

Hughes & Kettner
Wendelinuspark
Tritschlerstr. 3
66606 St. Wendel, Germany
Tel: [phone] - 905 0
Fax: [phone] - 905 103

International Inquiries:
Fax: +49 - 68 51 - 905 200
[e-mail]

www.hughes-and-kettner.com

Copyr ight 200 7 by Music & Sa les GmbH
Subject to change w ithout notice