Taurus Stomp-Head 3 Owner's Manual

DESIGNED BY MUSICIANS FOR MUSICIANS

Stomp-Head

Stomp-Head

3

GUITAR AMPLIFIER

OWNER’S MANUAL

Master Tube Design

an ultra light, very compact floor amplifier with integrated foot­switch, designed to be set on the pedal board, along with effects or, placed directly on the
stage floor. It greatly benefits the player with immediate access to all amps
potentiometers and options. When the amp is set on the pedal board only one wire
(speaker wire) is needed to setup the guitar sound on stage. This amplifier can also be
placed on a top of a cabinet like a regular head. You can control the amp modes with an

The Stomp-Head is based on a MTD (Master Tube Design) technology. It is our own
groundbreaking technology which allowed us to create powerfull guitar amplifiers in very
compact shape. This technology uses all the significant features of tubes which determine
the classic sound of guitar amps. We offer players a fully analog amplifier with extremely
light weight, very compact dimensions and powerful sound. The sound characteristics and
power of our MASTER TUBE based amplifiers are equal to the classic tube amps with the
same power rating.

Guitarist has an access to two channels: CLEAN and LEAD, while CLEAN channel gives
two different sounds: CLEAN or slightly distorted CRUNCH type. CRUNCH can be
smoothly adjusted by a potentiometer GAIN.
Additional using the footswitches you can activate BOOST and MUTE features.

Unit is equipped with power selector that allows to set 60Watt/25Watt in STAGE MODE
and 15Watt/7Watt in STUDIO MODE and it is designed to work with 4, 8, and 16 ohm
cabinets (Power Amp will auto-adjust to speakers impedance)
Stomp-Head can be used also as a guitar preamp without connecting speaker cabinet.

LINE OUT with a speaker cabinet simulation allows the connection of the amplifier to a
mixer or an external power amp. LINE OUT signal simulates the sound of the 4x12
CELESTION Vintage 30 cabinet. Device is also equipped with a serial effect loop.

The Stomp-Head 3 is

external control er or simple footswitch thanks to external control er socket.

3

l l

- 1 -

SPECIFICATIONS

Power output:
60W or 25W / 4ohm, 8ohm,16ohm in STAGE MODE
15W or 7W / 4ohm, 8ohm,16ohm in STUDIO MODE
2 channels: CLEAN and LEAD
3 footswitches: CHANNEL-CLEAN/LEAD, BOOST, MUTE
CHANNELS controls:
CLEAN i LEAD: GAIN, BASS, MIDDLE, MID-RANGE switch, TREBLE, PRESENCE, VOLUME + common BOOST
Input GAIN [switch +6dB]
BOOST: fast access to two different volume levels
Serial effect loop
LINE OUTPUT with speaker simulation
The ability to send the linear signal with or without simulation or both at the same time
INPUT for external channel selector/controller

PHONES OUTPUT
AUX-INPUT allows to connect an audio player or to send signal to the headphones.

MIX-MODE both of the amps channels can be mixed and used simultaneously
Power Output selector STAGE / STUDIO
Dimensions: [H x W x Dl] 90 x 270 x 205 mm wek z pominięciem wzmacniacza.
Weight: 2.2kg

60Watt

25Watt

Stomp-Head

Stomp-Head

3

3

SHSH

Guitar AMP

Taurus

Amplification

N

N

A

E

H

L

C

MUTE BOOST

MASTER TUBE

DESIGN

EXT. CTRL.

GAIN

BASS TREBLE PRESENCE VOLUMEMIDDLE

RANGE

54

3

2

1

6

7

8

54

3

2

1

6

7

8

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

Hi-GAIN

BASS TREBLE PRESENCE VOLUMEMIDDLE

54

3

2

1

6

7

8

54

3

2

1

6

7

8

54

3

2

1

6

7

8

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

11

2

3

4

2

3

4

CLEAN

LEAD

RANGE

(15W/S tudio)

(7W/St udio)

LINE - OUT

PHONES

IN L/R AUX

SIM & DRY

- 2 -

FRONT & REAR PANEL

[1] - POWER on/off switch
[2] - Voltage selector 230V/120V
[3] - AC POWER input
[4] - Speakers output / impedance: 4-8-16ohm [auto detect. impedance]
[5] - EFFECT LOOP connectors [SEND and RETURN]
[6] - Power selector 60Watt/25Watt

[7] - INPUT GAIN boost +6dB
[8] - INPUT

[9] - NORMAL / MIX-MODE selector
[10] - GAIN control
[11] - BASS control
[12] - MIDDLE control
[13] - MID-RANGE switch - changes range of MIDDLE control parameters.
[14] - TREBLE control
[15] - PRESENCE control
[16] - VOLUME control
[17] - BOOST control
[18] - LED indicator / CLEAN- channel ON
[19] - LED indicator / LEAD-channel ON
[20] - Power output LED indicator / 25W in STAGE mode or 7W in STUDIO mode
[21] - Power output LED indicator / 60W in STAGE mode or 15W in STUDIO mode
[22] - MUTE footswitch
[23] - Fotswitches for channel selection
[24] - BOOST footswitch
[25] - AUX INPUT to connect external audio signal in to headphones amp.
[26] - Headphones output
[27] - LINE OUTPUT with two signals: with speaker cabinet simulation and dry, without simulation.
[28] - Output for external controller

Fuse: 2.5A

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOS E THIS PRODUCTS

TO RAIN OR MOISTUR E

WAR NIN G!

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK ,

DO NOT REMOV E COVER.RE FER

SERVI CING TO QUAL IFIED

SERVI CE PERSONNEL

CAU TIO N!

NORMAL

MIX. MOD E

(PA-INPU T)

SPEAKERS

4-8-16ohm

SEND

RETURN

IN. GAIN

POWER

Stage

Studio

EFX

Made in EU

SERIAL NO :

SELECTAB LE POWER OU TPUT:

STAGE: 60W /25W (RMS )
STUDIO : 15W/7W (R MS)

9

1

2

3

4

7

6

8

5

5

25

26

27

28

10 11 12

13

14 15 16

10 11 12

13

14 15 16

18

21

22 24

23

20

19

- 3 -

The BOOST MODE allows for instant increase of volume level during a
performance. The potentiometer [17] and a foot-switch [24] are designed to
control the BOOST MODE. The BOOST function performs two features at the

same time: it boosts a signal at the input of the preamp, giving extra compression
and raising the volume. Desired volume level may be adjusted by tweaking the

potentiometer. By then pressing the BOOST switch located on the top of the amp,
two different volume levels previously set will be obtained. The BOOST MODE is
quite beneficial as it heightens the guitar solo during a live performances.

BOOST MODE

TUBES

Optimal operating parameters of tubes 12AX7 were set by manufacturer. It is not
recommended to replace operational tubes. Only broken tubes should be replaced
with new ones.

TONE CONTROLS

NORMAL / MIX-MODE

Each channel is equipped with a regular 4-point equalizer: BASS, MIDDLE,
TREBLE and PRESENCE. The MID-RANGE switch changes the range of
frequency of the MIDDLE potentiometer. This option is very useful in the proper
setting of the guitar’s sound in an overall band mix depending on the style of music
played and type of guitar used. Additionally, the highest frequency range of the
guitar can be altered by the BRIGHT/DARK switch.

The amplifier is designed to operate in two modes:
NORMAL where only one of the two channels is used and
in the MIX-MODE where both channels are mixed and used simultaneously.
The MIX-MODE option has been designed for musicians who love to experiment
with sound which is the result of blending several channels simultaneously. In this
mode, all controllers in every channel are operational and allow the player to freely
mix signals from all channels simultaneously to obtain a desired texture of sound.

POWER BRAKE

The amplifier has two power selector switches: the main power selector and the
STAGE-STUDIO mode selector. There are following power options available:

60W or 25W in STAGE mode
15W or 7W in STUDIO mode

You can connect 4-8-16Ohm speakers to this amplifer. The amplifier
automatically adjusts the operating parameters to the connected column. The
amplifier can also be used without a loudspeaker. If no cable is connected to the
speaker output, then the power amplifier is automatically locked.

- 4 -

1. The graph below shows how the external foot-switch should be connected in
order to control amplifier functionalities. If the external foot switch is connected,
therefor, the internal amp foot-switches become disconnected. Note: external

controller should be implemented with bistable switches type 0FF- [ON].

2. The audio player can be connected using a stereo or mono-jack cable.
The signal of audio player will be heard in the headphones only, not in the
speaker.

ADDITIONAL EXTERNAL CONNECTION

BOOST - RING

CHANNEL CLEAN/LEAD - TIP

Stereo jack

Ground

External controller

Channels CLEAN/LED and BOOST control

OFF/ON

SPRAKER OUT

AUX

IN L/R

PHONES

OUT

LINE

OUT

EXTERNAL

CONTROLER

BOOST

CHANNEL

MP3

Bistable switches

type OFF-(ON)

External controller wire connection

- 5 -

EFFECT AND MIXER CONNECTION

The external effects may be connected between both preamps (CLEAN and LEAD) and the
MASTER section through the parallel EFFECT LOOP. This type of connection is
recommended when the Volume pedal or Delay, Reverb, Flanger type of effects are used.
When the mixer or the external amplifier is connected, the LINE-OUTPUT with integrated
cabinet simulator must be used. Such would simulate the sound of a 412 Celestion Vintage
30 Cabinet. The cabinet simulator enhances the sound that is sent to the stage monitors as
though it were coming from a stage cabinet. Signal from Line-out can be lead in different
ways: with simulation, without simulation or both see Fig.A.

The amplifier is also equipped with headphone output and an AUX input for connecting an
audio player. The signal from the AUX input is only supplied to the headphones bypassing
the poweramp. This allows you to play with a backing track or record and monitor your
signal.

Signal without speaker simulation

Stereo jackMono jack

Ground

Ground

Fig.A

LINE-OUT wire connection

Signal with speaker simulation Signal with speaker simulation

Effect pedals

Fuse: 2.5A

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK ,

DO NOT EXPOS E THI S PRO DUCTS

TO RAIN OR MOISTUR E

WAR NI NG !

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELE CTRIC SHOCK ,

DO NOT REMOV E COV ER.R EFER

SERVI CING TO QUA LIFIE D

SERVI CE PERSONN EL

CAU TI ON !

NORMAL

MIX. MODE

(PA-INPUT)

SPEAKERS

4-8-16ohm

SEND

RETURN

IN. GAIN

POWER

Stage

Studio

EFX

Made in EU

SERIAL NO:

SELECTABLE POWER OUTPUT:

STAGE: 60W/25W (RMS)
STUDIO: 15W/7W (RMS)

LINE-OUT

PHONES

AUX-IN

IN INOUT OUT

Mixer

IN

OUT

MP3

- 6 -

EXTERNAL DEVICES CONNECTION

External devices such as a preamp or a guitar DSP can be connected to the Stomp Head.
Both devices may be set-up by two different method.

1. To the amp input – in this configuration all potentiometers and foot-switches will be active.

2. Directly to the power amp, by-passing the pre-amp. In this configuration, the OUTPUT of
DSP or external PRE-AMP must be connected to the effect loop RETURN. Consequently,
the Stomp- Head’s pre-amp stays disconnected and only the BOOST foot-switch remains
active. This set-up is recommended when only the Stomp Head's power amp is needed.

PREAMP

You can choose between two

modes NORMAL and MIX.

In NORMAL mode only chosen

channel will work. In MIX mode

two channels will work.

Made in Pola nd

Fuse: 2.5A

NUM BER :

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPO SE THIS PROD UCTS

TO RAIN OR MOISTUR E

WAR NIN G!

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRI C SHOCK,

DO NOT REMO VE COVER.REF ER

SERVIC ING TO QUALIFIED

SERVIC E PERSONNE L

CAU TIO N!

SEND

EFF

LOOP

(PA-INPUT)

Two mode outp ut:

NORMAL

SPEAKER SI MULATION

SELECTA BLE POWER OUTPUT:

90W/40 W [RMS]

POWER

RETURN

4-8-16

ohm

GAIN

EXT. CTRL.

MIX MODENORMAL

Ch-1
Ch-2

Ch-3
BOOST

LINE OUT

200W/rms power stage

INSIDE

230V/50Hz

Fuse: 2.5A

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK ,

DO NOT EXPOS E THI S PRO DUCTS

TO RAIN OR MOISTUR E

WAR NI NG !

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELE CTRIC SHOCK ,

DO NOT REMOV E COV ER.R EFER

SERVI CING TO QUA LIFIE D

SERVI CE PERSONN EL

CAU TI ON !

NORMAL

MIX. MODE

(PA-INPUT)

SPEAKERS

4-8-16ohm

SEND

RETURN

IN. GAIN

POWER

Stage

Studio

EFX

Made in EU

SERIAL NO:

SELECTABLE POWER OUTPUT:

STAGE: 60W/25W (RMS)
STUDIO: 15W/7W (RMS)

LINE

OUT has two outputs. One with cab

simulation and one without. You

can use any of those outputs or

you can use them both at the same

time.

Configuration-2

Configuration-1

Amplifier produces high volume levels. Staying in places of high volume levels could
cause permanent hearing loss.
Do not use the amplifier in humid and dusty places.
Do not operate the amplifier through the unearthed socket.
Do not leave the amplifier in the vicinity of children.
Do not use the amplifier with broken power outlet or improper power cord.
Do not install nor use the amplifier near any heat sources, in case of overheating the
amplifier turns off Do not cover the vent

holes!

In order to ensure proper air circulation, do not block any of the ventilation openings.
Never put any liquid containers near the amplifier.
In case of any objects or liquid access inside the amplifier, urgently switch the
apparatus off and unplug the power supply cord.
Protect the amplifier from any strikes.
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.

and will return to work after cooling the unit.

PRECAUTIONS

Disposal of old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable throughout the European Union and other
European countries with separate collection programs)

This symbol, found on your product or on its packaging, indicates that this product should not be treated as household waste
when you wish to dispose of it. Instead, it should be handed over to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences to
the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate disposal of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about the recycling of this product, please
contact your local city office, household waste disposal service or the retail store where you purchased this product.

Box Electronics ul. Cieszyńskiego 4, 81-881 Sopot, Poland

e-mail [e-mail] / www.taurus-amp.pl

RoHS