Peavey Triple 40-EFX User Manual

Guitar Amplifier Owner Manual

Triple XXX®40/EFX

For more information on other great Peavey products, go to your local Peavey dealer or online at www.peavey.com.

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Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or
moisture‚ and objects filled with liquids‚ such as vases‚ should not be placed on this apparatus. Before using
this apparatus‚ read the operating guide for further warnings.

Este símbolo tiene el propósito, de alertar al usuario de la presencia de “(voltaje) peligroso” sin aislamiento
dentro de la caja del producto y que puede tener una magnitud suficiente como para constituir riesgo de
descarga eléctrica.

Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usario de la presencia de instruccones importantes sobre la
operación y mantenimiento en la información que viene con el producto.

PRECAUCION: Riesgo de descarga eléctrica ¡NO ABRIR!
PRECAUCION: Para disminuír el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, no abra la cubierta. No hay piezas útiles

dentro. Deje todo mantenimiento en manos del personal técnico cualificado.

ADVERTENCIA: Para prevenir choque electrico o riesgo de incendios, este aparato no se debe exponer a
la lluvia o a la humedad. Los objetos llenos de liquidos, como los floreros, no se deben colocar encima de
este aparato. Antes de usar este aparato, lea la guia de funcionamiento para otras advertencias.

Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur la présence d’une tension dangereuse
pouvant être d’amplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque de choc électrique.

Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu’il ou qu’elle trouvera d’importantes
instructions concernant l’utilisation et l’entretien de l’appareil dans le paragraphe signalé.

ATTENTION: Risques de choc électrique — NE PAS OUVRIR!
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à

l’intérieur aucune pièce pouvant être reparée par l’utilisateur. Confiez I’entretien et la réparation de l’appareil
à un réparateur Peavey agréé.

AVIS: Dans le but de reduire les risques d'incendie ou de decharge electrique, cet appareil ne doit pas etre
expose a la pluie ou a l’humidite et aucun objet rempli de liquide, tel qu’un vase, ne doit etre pose sur
celui-ci. Avant d'utiliser de cet appareil, lisez attentivement le guide fonctionnant pour avertissements
supplémentaires.

Dieses Symbol soll den Anwender vor unisolierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses warnen,
die von Ausreichender Stärke sind, um einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen zu können.

Dieses Symbol soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam machen,
die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betreffen.

VORSICHT: Risiko — Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VORSICHT: Um das Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, nicht die Abdeckung enfernen. Es

befinden sich keine Teile darin, die vom Anwender repariert werden könnten. Reparaturen nur von
qualifiziertem Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.

WARNUNG: Um elektrischen Schlag oder Brandgefahr zu verhindern, sollte dieser Apparat nicht Regen
oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden und Gegenstände mit Flüssigkeiten gefuellt, wie Vasen, nicht auf diesen
Apparat gesetzt werden. Bevor dieser Apparat verwendet wird, lesen Sie bitte den Funktionsführer für
weitere Warnungen.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including 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 plug. The wide blade or third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
they exit from the apparatus.

11. Note for UK only: If the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the terminals in your
plug‚ proceed as follows:

a) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E‚ the earth
symbol‚ colored green or colored green and yellow.

b) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N or the color black.
c) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L or the color red.

12. Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.

13. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,

such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

16. Never break off the ground pin. Write for our free booklet “Shock Hazard and Grounding.” Connect only to a power
supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.

17. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.

18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in
susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense
noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the
following permissible noise level exposures:

Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

890
692
495
397
2 100

1 1⁄

2

102

1 105

1

⁄

2

110

1

⁄4or less 115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or protectors to the ear
canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in
excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all
persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing
protectors while this unit is in operation.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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Triple XXX®40/EFX

There goes the neigborhood and probably most of the zip code. Once you bring one of these XXX-rated amps home‚ your
neighbors will probably never speak to you again. The Triple XXX®40 and the Triple XXX®40 EFX are the newest members of
the Ultra™ Tube Series from Peavey. These portable‚ ear-splitting‚ all tube‚ 40-watt amps are not for the faint of heart!

From the high-gain input to paralleled speaker output jacks, these amps are engineered for today’s guitarist. Loaded with practical
features and a sleek‚ portable design‚ you’ll find these amps useful in most any musical environment. Both channels have gain
controls to assist in taming these beasts while achieving killer sound. Tone contour is accomplished through passive controls for
Bass, Mid, and Treble on the Rhythm channel, while the Ultra channel utilizes Peavey’s exclusive Bottom, Body, and Edge active
controls. Special designed speakers are used to compliment these amplifiers. 16 ohm internal impedence is used so that you can add
an external 16 ohm cabinet in parallel. With footswitchable channel and adjustable volume boost, these amps let you keep your
hands on the guitar—and your eyes on your dream. The Triple XXX 40 EFX also adds built-in digital effects to give you a complete‚
gig-ready amp.

Features

· Three 12AX7 preamp tubes

· Two 6L6GC power amp tubes driven by a 12AX7

· Power amp convertible to use two EL34 tubes in Triple XXX

· Footswitchable volume boost control

· Damping switch (tight, medium, loose)

· Special noise gate circuitry

· Effects control

· Independent reverb level control per channel

· Heavy-duty power, standby and channel select toggle switches

· Classic power status indicator lamp

· Chrome-plated brass control knobs

ENGLISH

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(1) INPUT

This 1/4" jack is designed to accommodate most any guitar output signal. Input signal gain can be adjusted by the
GAIN controls on both the Ultra and Rhythm channels.

(2) Ultra Channel—Activation LED

This indicator illuminates when the Ultra channel is selected. Channel changing can also be accomplished by the 2­position toggle switch (19) or the included footswitch. Each model comes with a different footswitch. Please read
the Footswitch section in this manual for operation.

(3 & 11) GAIN

This control, on both channels, controls the input volume level of the respective channel. Rotating this control
clockwise will increase the amount of preamp distortion and sustain.

(4 & 12) VOLUME

This control, on both channels, sets the overall level of the respective channel.

(5) BOTTOM

This control‚ on the Ultra channel, varies the low frequency response of the amplifier. It is an active control (shelving
type) and allows 15 dB of boost or cut.

(6) BODY

This control, on the Ultra channel, varies the mid frequency response of the amplifier. It is an active control
(peak/notch type) and allows 15 dB of boost or cut.

(7) EDGE

This control, on the Ultra channel, varies the high frequency response of the amplifier. It is an active control
(shelving type) and allows 15 dB of boost or cut.

(8 & 16) Reverb

This control sets the reverb level per channel. It works the same for both channels. (Note to Triple XXX 40 EFX
owners: These controls are completely separate from the Digital Effects. Changing this control only affects the built­in spring reverb.)

FRONT PANEL

Triple XXX®40

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 17 19 21

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22

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(9) Rhythm/Crunch Selector

This button selects between the Rhythm and Crunch modes on the Triple XXX 40/EFX. The adjacent LED will
illuminate when the Ultra channel is selected.

(10) Rhythm/Crunch Channel Activation LED

This LED‚ when illuminated‚ indicates selection of the Rhythm/Crunch channel and in which mode the channel is
currently operating. The mode selector button (9) will determine which mode‚ Rhythm or Crunch‚ is active.

(13) Bass

This passive control regulates the low frequencies for the Rhythm/Crunch channel.

(14) Mid

This passive control regulates the mid frequencies for the Rhythm/Crunch channel.

(15) Treble

This passive control regulates the high or treble frequencies for the Rhythm/Crunch channel.

(17) Volume Boost (Non EFX model only)

This knob‚ allows you to set the level of the volume boost when yellow LED (18) is illuminated.

(18) Volume Boost LED

This LED illuminates when the Volume Boost (17) has been activated by the footswitch.

(19) Channel Select Switch (Non EFX model only)

This 2-position toggle switch allows selection between the Ultra and Rhythm channels. Channel switching can also be
accomplished by footswitch. See the FOOTSWITCH section of this manual for explanation of switch operation. The
CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH must be set in the Ultra position in order for the footswitch to operate properly.

(20) Power Status Lamp

This indicator illuminates when mains power is being supplied to the amp.

(21) STANDBY SWITCH

This two-way toggle switch allows the amp to be placed in the STANDBY mode. In the STANDBY position the
tubes stay hot but the amplifier is not operational. Switching to the ON position places the amp in active mode.
This switch should be turned on a few minutes after the power switch in order to warm up the tubes.

(22) POWER SWITCH

This two-way toggle switch applies mains power to the unit. The red power status lamp (20) will illuminate when
this switch is in the ON position. This switch de-activates only one side of the mains‚ use caution when servicing.

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(23) CHANNEL SELECT

This switch selects the channel (Ultra or Rhythm). The active channel LED illuminates to indicate the active
channel.

(24) EFX ADJUST

Pressing this control selects the effect. A yellow LED adjacent to the effect name will illuminate to indicate the
selected effect. Rotating this control clockwise changes the parameter of the active effect according to the
descriptions below. The surrounding LED ring indicates relative value of the parameter being adjusted.

EFX ADJ PARAMETERS

Tremolo: Rate increase Funk wah: Sensitivity increase

Octaver: Wet/Dry mix Rotary Speaker: Rate increase

Flanger: Rate increase Phaser: Rate increase

Chorus: Rate increase/depth decrease

EFX amps are built with factory settings loaded into the presets. To return to the factory settings, first turn the
power to OFF. Then‚ press and hold both the EFX ADJUST (24) and DELAY (26) controls while turning the
amp back on.

(25) VOLUME BOOST

This control adjusts the level of Volume Boost. The surrounding LED ring indicates level.

(26) DELAY

This control adjusts delay type, time, and volume. Three types of delay are available: SLAP (1 repeat), ECHO
(3–4 repeats), or INFINITE (5–6 repeats). The LEDs in each section of the control indicate which type is active
and level. Pressing the control twice sets the delay time to the interval between presses.

Triple XXX®40 EFX

23 24 25 26

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REAR PANEL

28

34

29 30 31 32 33

Triple XXX®40 EFX

Triple XXX

®

40

27

(27) Fuse

A fuse is located within the cap of the fuse holder. This fuse must be replaced with one of the same type and value
to avoid damaging the amplifier and voiding the warranty. If the amp repeatedly blows the fuse, it should be taken
to a qualified service center for repair.

Warning: The fuse should only be replaced after the power cord has been disconnected.

(28) Ground Polarity Switch

This three-position, rocker-type switch should normally be placed in the center (0) position. If hum or noise is
noticed coming from the speaker enclosure(s), the switch may be placed in the “+” or “-” position to minimize
hum/noise. If changing the polarity does not alleviate the problem, consult your authorized Peavey dealer, the
Peavey factory or a qualified service technician.

(29) Remote Switch (Triple XXX®40 only)

This 1/4" connector is provided for the connection of the remote footswitch. The footswitch cable should be
connected before the amp is powered up. See the FOOTSWITCH section of this manual for explanation of switch
operation.

(30) Speaker Output

This 1/4" mono (TS) jacks is provided for the connection of speaker enclosure(s). Minimum speaker impedance is 16 ohms.

(31) Damping Switch

This 3-position switch allows adjustment of the amplifier’s damping factor. Damping is the ability of an amplifier to
control speaker cone motion after a signal disappears. A high damping factor (TIGHT) reduces cone vibration
quicker than a low (LOOSE) factor. This switch works much like the resonance and presence controls on other
Peavey amps, if those controls were turned simultaneously. If the DAMPING SWITCH is changed, the volume of
the amp will also change and require re-adjustment.

(32/33) Effects Send/Return

These

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⁄4" mono (TS) jacks allow signal to be sent to‚ and returned from‚ external effects and/or signal processors.
Using shielded cables with 1⁄4" mono (TS) phone plugs, patch from EFFECTS SEND to the input of the external
device and from the output of the external device to EFFECTS RETURN. Only devices that do not increase signal
gain should be used in this effects loop (chorus, delay, reverb, etc.).

(34) Remote Switch (Triple XXX®40 EFX only)

This seven-pin DIN connector is provided for the connection of the remote footswitch. The footswitch cable
should be connected before the amp is powered up. See the FOOTSWITCH section of this manual for explanation
of switch operation.

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FOOTSWITCH

Triple XXX®40

Triple XXX

®

40 EFX

CHANNEL BOOST

35 36

(35) Channel Select Button

Depressing this button allows you to switch between the Ultra and Rhythm channels. The corresponding LED will
illuminate to indicate which channel is active.

(36) Volume Boost Button

Depressing this switch allows you to toggle your volume boost on or off. Set your volume boost (17 or 25
depending on which version of the amp you own) and then kick this button everytime the drummer gets too loud!

(37–44)

Mode Select

The PFC 3 footswitch operates in two modes: EFX Select mode and Preset Select mode. Pressing the MODE
SWITCH (37) selects between the two modes. The active mode is indicated by the MODE LED (38). Illumination of
the LED indicates EFX Select Mode; a dark LED indicates Preset Select Mode. Controls and indicators 39–44
perform different functions relative to the active mode.

Preset Select Mode

In this mode, all three switches control effects presets. Their corresponding LEDs indicate which preset is active.
Once desired settings are achieved utilizing the effects controls on the front panel, double-click one of the Preset
switches (39, 42 or 44) to store the settings. To return to the last saved settings for a Preset, press the desired
Preset switch once.

For a detailed explanation on creating and storing presets, refer to the TWEAK FEATURES section of this manual.

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

10

EFX Select Mode

NOTE: When entering this mode, the current preset will remain active.

In this mode, SWITCH 1 (39) selects between the Ultra and Rhythm channels. The CHANNEL LED (40) will
illuminate when the Ultra channel is active. SWITCH 2 (42) toggles between two effects and their respective
settings. This switch may be used as an on/off switch if one of the settings has no effects active. To use the
MODULATION LED (41) as a status indicator, the “off” (or lower setting) should be made with the LED dark, and
the “on” (or higher setting) made with the LED illuminated. SWITCH 3 (44) toggles between two reverb and delay
settings. As with effects settings, this switch may be used as an on/off for reverb and delay. Both functions change
simultaneously when this switch is depressed.

TWEAK FEATURES

EFX amplifiers offer hidden features to further adjust the parameters of the digital effects. In addition to the
adjustments described in the EFX ADJ PARAMETERS section of this manual, additional tweaks may be made to
customize effects to user preference. Tweaks are made by pressing and holding the EFX ADJUST (24) control while
simultaneously rotating the VOLUME BOOST (25) control.

The EFX ADJUST control must be pressed for at least one second to enter Tweak Mode. The LED ring
surrounding the control will now reflect the value of the effect being tweaked. As in standard parameter changes,
the effect being tweaked will be the active effect as indicated by the LED adjacent to the effect name.

Tweak Adj Parameters

Tremolo: Intensity Funk Wah: Decay time Phaser: Depth

Flanger: Depth Rotary Speaker: Wet/Dry mix Chorus: Wet/Dry mix

To recover the factory settings for both Standard and Tweak Modes, press the EFX ADJUST (24) control and hold
for one second to enter Tweak Mode, then press the DELAY (26) control.

Creating and Storing Custom Presets

The following steps explain the creation and storage of two different effects/settings, as well as two different
settings for Delay/Reverb. The Flanger and Octaver effects were selected at random. These steps will accomplish
custom presets using any of the effects.

1. Assure the footswitch is in the EFX Select Mode by pressing the MODE SWITCH (37) if necessary. The
MODE LED (38) will illuminate.

2. Use SWITCH 1 (39) to select Ultra or Rhythm channel. The Channel LED (40) will illuminate for Lead
channel.

3. Select the position of SWITCH 3 (44). The MODULATION LED (43) may be illuminated or dark at the
discretion of the user.

4. Select Flanger and adjust rate to preference using the EFX ADJUST (24) control on the front panel (standard adjustment).

5. Press and hold the EFX ADJUST (24) control while adjusting Flanger depth to preference with the VOLUME
BOOST (25) control on the front panel (tweak).

6. Press SWITCH 3 (44) to change to the other Modulation position.The MODULATION LED (43) will
illuminate or go dark depending on its status in step 5.

7. Select VOLUME BOOST and adjust solo level to preference using the VOLUME BOOST (25) control on the
front panel (standard adjustment).

8. Select the position of SWITCH 3 (44). The DELAY/MODLULATION & DELAY LED (43) may be illuminated
or dark at the discretion of the user.

9. Adjust modulation and/or delay to preference using the DELAY (26) & EFX ADJUST (24) control on the
front panel.

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10. Press SWITCH 3 (44) to change to the other Delay/Modulation position. The DELAY/MODULATION
LED (43) will illuminate or go dark depending on its status in step 10.

11. Adjust delay type, time, and volume to preference using the DELAY (26) control. Adjust delay time by
tapping the DELAY CONTROL (26).

12. Set the position of SWITCH 2 (42) and SWITCH 3 (44) to the settings preferred as defaults. (Default setting
is the one that is active when the preset is selected.)

13. Press the MODE SWITCH (37) to return to the Preset Mode.

14. Double-click PRESET 1, 2, or 3 (39, 42 or 44) to store the settings in that location.

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Triple XXX™ 40 Block Diagram

13

Triple XXX™ 40 EFX Block Diagram

14

Power amplifier section

2 6L6 interchangeable El34
12AX7 driver

Rated Power & Load

40 W RMS into 16 & 8 ohms @ 5% THD
External speaker 16 ohms minimum
External jack is parallel with internal speaker

Signal/Noise

(Measured using effects return)
Greater than 83 db below rated noise

Power consumption

Domestic: 200 Watts, 60 Hz, 120 VAC
Export: 200 Watts, 50/60 Hz, 220-230/240
VAC

Effects Return

Impedance: 270 K ohms
Maximum Level: 200 mV, -14 dBV

Effects Send

Load Impedance: 47 K ohms or greater
Nominal output: 200 mV, -14dBV

Volume Boost

Approximate range: 0–6 dB

Pre-amplifier Section

Three 12AX7s

The following specs are measured @ 1 kHz
with the controls preset as follows:
Volume Boost @ 0 or turned off
All Effects @ 0 or turned off (EFX model
only)
Bass & Treble EQ @ 10, Mid EQ @ 5
Ultra & Rhythm Volume @ 1O
Bottom, Body, & Edge EQ @ 5
(Nominal levels are with Pre Gain @ 5.
Minimum levels are with Pre Gain @ 10.)

Rhythm Channel:

Nominal Input Level: 0 dBV, 1V RMS
Minimum Input Level: -20 dBV, 100 mV RMS
Maximum Input Level: 6 dBV, 2V RMS
Crunch switch depressed:
Nominal Input Level: 0 dBV, 1V RMS
Minimum Input Level: -20 dBV, 100 mV RMS
Maximum Input Level: 6 dBV, 2V RMS

Ultra Channel:

Nominal Input Level: -54 dBV, 2 mV RMS
Minimum Input Level: -65 dBV, 562 uV RMS

System Hum & Noise @ Nominal
Level:

(Rhythm channel: 20 Hz–20 kHz unweighted)
Greater than 78 dB below rated power
EFX model: Greater than 75 below rated
power

(Special noise gate circuitry for Ultra channel)

Equalization: (Rhythm & Crunch
channel only)

Custom Bass, Mid, & Treble passive type EQ
Voicing: (Ultra channel only)
Active Bottom, Body, & Edge EQ, Boost/Cut
±12 db

Remote Footswitch (included):

Special 2-button unit with LED indicators;
Channel select & Boost select
EFX model 4-button with LED indicators;
Mode select, Channel select, Boost select,
Effects select
Alternate mode & 3 programmable presets

Speaker:

XXX Sheffield 16 Ohm

Weight & Dimension:

Weight: 51.2 pounds; 17.875" (H) x 21.375"
(W) x 10.250" (D)

TRIPLE XXX 40/EFX

SPECIFICATIONS

(Specifications subject to change without notice)