Laboga Hector Duo Master User Manual

Hand made, 100 Watt, Tube Guitar Amplifier Head

Congratulations on purchasing a tube guitar amplifier head and joining The Laboga Family. Thank you for your trust. Mr. Hector belongs to the world’s top tube constructions. It is designed with 35-years of experience in creating and servicing top quality equipment. The various correction possibilities of the amplifier will enable each individual to find their own sound and will ensure long hours of creative entertainment. We hope the amplifier will satisfy all of your needs.

Enjoy playing!

IMPORTANT!

Before using the amplifier for the first time, read the instructions concerning safety measures carefully – they are on page 6 and 7. Keep these instructions for future reference.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter	Page
AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION.....................................	4
AMPLIFIER FEATURES ............................................	5
WHAT IS IN THE SET .............................................	5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...........................................	6
TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE .........................	7
FRONT PANEL, PANEL DESCRIPTION ........................	8
REAR PANEL, VARIOUS FUNCTIONS .......................	11
TUBES MAINTENANCE ..........................................	13
EXEMPLARY AMPLIFIER SETTINGS .........................	15
TECHNICAL DATA ................................................	17
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................	18
WIRING AMPLIFIER TO SPEAKER CABINETS ............	20

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION

Mr. Hector is a high-gain amplifier and it has been designed for those guitarists who usually lack distortion. From the very beginning it has been made and tested by musicians who are best aware of the guitarist’s needs.

This 100 watts power stage is based on four 6L6WGC/5881 tubes, the preamp on four 12AX7 tubes and the power supply on two 5C3S tubes. We have used the same tone control for both channels. This amplifier is equipped with a serial effects loop circuit, a “direct out” (XLR socket) – line level with guitar speaker simulation and 4,8 and 16 ohm speaker outputs. Additionally, there is the possibility of selecting supply voltage between vacuum tube rectifier – “Tube” ( two 5C3S tubes) and “Diode”(solid state). Tube rectification gives a more compressed, vintage-like, low sound. Diode rectification gives more headroom, more dynamics and a faster response. The results can be heard especially while playing loud, when the power supply operates at higher load.

Both channels contain a high frequency “bright” boost. On the distorted channel, this high frequency boost, used along with little gain, causes a change of distortion for a more vintage-like sound.

In tone regulation we used a “Mid Switch”, which changes the way of tone frequencies. Various EQ settings with the simultaneous activation of this switch, result in frequency shift of the Middle filter tone regulation and change of low tones. In both “Mid Switch” positions, you gain an entirely different amplifier sound and a different EQ function. In the first case, the sound has more bass and is similar to a classic high gain, whereas, in the second case, it resembles more the sound gained with the use of Stomp Boxes. The most radical change of sound can be obtained especially with less “Middle” knob. Distorted channel provides even more sound varieties: from Rock, Thrash, Metal to Death Metal.

The Clean channel is relatively easy to saturate. By setting the “clean gain” knob to max. and the “Master” knob to min. you can obtain a crunchy sound, which resembles the distorted channel, with different dynamics and tonal character.

Additionally, we recommend using a Laboga Mr. Hector cabinet, which is dedicated to heavier types of sound. This cabinet is equipped with two Celestion Vintage 30 speakers and one ElectroVoice Black Label speaker. You can also use a 4x12 Laboga model with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers or cabinets of other brands.

AMPLIFIER FEATURES

•power: 100/50 W (switchable),

•tubes used: 4 × 6L6/5881, 4 × 12AX7, 2 × 5C3S,

•two channels: clean and distorted,

•high and low inputs,

•volume controls – clean channel, gain and volume – distorted channel,

•two separate Master Volume controls, selected by footswitch, both channels use the same tone control including the Mid Switch,

•the same tone control for both channels with Mid Switch,

•footswitch: changes channels and Master Volume,,

•channel switching on relays,

•separate bright switches for both channels,

•series effect loop,

•line level Direct Out with speakers simulation,

•speaker outputs: 2 × 4 Ohm, 2 × 8 Ohm, 1 × 16 Ohm,

•dimensions: 700 × 275 × 255.

WHAT IS IN THE SET

•footswitch,

•stereo-cable connecting footswitch and amplifier,

•power supply cable,

•owner’s manual,

•warranty.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ATTENTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the back cover of the amplifier. Inside parts can be repaired only by qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To prevent the risk of electrical shock do not expose this appliance to moisture, rain or any liquid.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of dangerous voltage and constitutes a risk of electrical shock.

This symbol alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions.

Be cautious while transporting the cabinet.

ATTENTION !!!

•Amplifier produces high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels may cause permanent hearing loss.

•To avoid electrical shock never open the amplifier’s cover. In case of failure, refer servicing to qualified personnel.

•Always use the highest quality signal cables (we recommend Laboga “Way of sound” cables) and speaker cables. Using improper speaker cables may cause damage to the amplifier.

•Do not use the amplifier in humid and dusty environments.

•Do not operate the amplifier through an unearthed socket.

•Internal amplifier and bias settings should only be modified by qualified personnel.

•Tubes could get heated intensively, do not touch it or it could cause burning.

•Do not leave the apparatus in the vicinity of children.

•Unplug the amplifier tube changing tubes, unplug the power cord and wait for the tubes to cool down.

•Before changing the fuse, switch the amplifier off and unplug the cord. Use a fuse of the same type for replacement.

!!Keep these instructions for the future use !!

TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE

•avoid using the amplifier in humid and dusty places

•do not place the amplifier on unstable surfaces

•do not place the apparatus near any heat sources

•do not use the amplifier before connecting it to the right cabinet

•after switching on, wait about 30-60 seconds until tubes get heated

•switch the amplifier off before changing cables

•o not block any of the ventilation openings in order to ensure proper air circulation

•never put any liquid containers near the amplifier

•if any objects should fall on or any liquids should spill into to amplifier, switch the device off and unplug the power cord immediately

•protect the amplifier from any strikes

•wait about 10 minutes for the tubes to cool down before moving the amplifier

•always use a dry or damp cloth to wipe off the dust. Never use solvents on the amplifier

•use additional devices and accessories according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

•the power supply cord should be unplugged from the outlet during storms or when the device is left unused for a long period of time

Crossed-out wheeled bin symbol implies that in EU countries, after use, product must be discarded separately in a special, adjusted place. It concerns both the apparatus itself as well as other accessories bearing this symbol. Do not discard such products together with unsorted communal wastes.

In EU countries there are special systems of collecting used electrical products. Disposing of used electrical products in certain designated places prevents them from being harmful to the environment and people’s health.

LABOGA

ul. Partyzantow 35/2 51-675 Wroclaw, Polska www.labogaamps.com

We reserve the right to introduce any technical changes and the changes to this amplifier’s image. This instruction is actual once it has been printed.

FRONT PANEL, PANEL DESCRIPTION

1. POWER

This switch turns the amplifier on and off. The amplifier is off when the switch is in the position “0” – then the switch is not illuminated by the internal lamp. The amplifier is on when the switch is in position “I” – the switch is illuminated in red. In this position the amplifier is muted, but tubes are hot, and you can change channels.

HINT: Before turning the amplifier on, always make sure that the Standby switch is in the position “0” – this will extend the life span of the tubes. Turn the amplifier on the following way: first, turn on the Power switch and wait about 1 minute. Next, you can switch from Standby to I or II.

Turning off the amplifier works the other way around. First, switch the Standby switch to “0”, wait about 1 minute and then you can turn the

Power off.

2. STAND BY

In position “0” the amplifier is ready to work. Changing it to positions “I” or “II” sends anode voltage to the tubes – in these positions the amplifier plays. You have to wait about 1 minute for the tubes to get heated before switching.

In position “I” – “Diode” – diode rectification is used, however, in position “II” – tube rectification is used.

HINT: In position “I” there is more response and dynamics – the sound is more aggressive and “fast”. Position “II” has a more compressed sound and slower attack – vintage like sound.

HINT: If the amplifier is only used in Diode mode, the rectifier tubes V9, V10 can be taken out (see page 13) – the amplifier will use less energy and the removed tubes will not be exposed to vibrations while the amp is in use.

3. 50/100 wat

Change of the amplifier’s output power. In position “50W”, only the tubes in position V5 and V8 are operational.

In position “100W”, all the 5851/6L6WGC tubes work.

HINT: Switching to 50 watts causes a decrease in dynamics - so called “headroom”, understood as the space between the quietest tones and the loudest ones - the amplifier has more tendency to distortion.

HINT: If the amplifier is always used in 50W mode, you can take out the central tubes V6, V7 (see page 13) and keep them as spare for the future

– the amplifier will use less energy, and, taken out tubes, will not be exposed to vibrations while the amp is in use.

4. Footswitch

Socket to connect a footswitch for channel switching and Master selection. TRS socket

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