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.

2

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

3

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION

Mr. Hector is a high-gain amplifier and it has been desig ned 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 an d 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 sh ift 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 t o 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.

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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.

5

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:

expose this appliance to moisture, rain or any liquid.

To prevent the risk of electrical shock do not

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 produc es 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 an d unplug the cord. Use a fuse of the
same type for replacement.

!! Keep these instructions for the future use !!

6

TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE

• avoid us ing 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 int o to amplifier, switch the device off

and unplug the power cord immediately

• protect th e amplif ier 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.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© 2008 LABOGA

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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.

FRONT PANEL, PANEL DESCRIPTION

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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