Tech 21 DC2 User manual

•Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included). NOTE: Input jack

POWER REQUIREMENTS

activates battery. To conserve energy, unplug when not in use. Power
Consumption: approx. 4mA.

•USE DC POWER SUPPLY ONLY! Failure to do so may damage the

unit and void warranty. DC Power Supply Specifications:

-9V DC regulated or unregulated, 100mA minimum;

-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).

Optional factory power supply is available: Tech 21 Model #DC2.

WARNINGS:

• Attempting to repair unit is not recommended and may void warranty.

• Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For your own

protection: be sure serial number labels on the unit’s back plate and exterior
box are intact, and return your warranty registration card.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. PROOF OF PURCHASE
REQUIRED. Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials

and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase to the original pur­chaser and is not transferable. This warranty does not include damage resulting
from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current or voltage. If unit
becomes defective within warranty period, Tech 21 will repair or replace it
free of charge. After expiration, Tech 21 will repair defective unit for a fee.

ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S. and Canada: Call Tech 21 for Return
Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without

prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred) and proper insurance.

FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:

Contact Tech 21 weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

T: 973-777-6996 • F: 973-777-9899
E: [e-mail] • www.tech21nyc.com
©1993 Tech 21 USA, Inc. (Rev 5/06)

TECH 21, THE COMPANY

Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination
of a trained ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta made his invention
commercially available to players and studios around the world. His highly-acclaimed
SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier Emulation in professional applications for
recording direct and performing live, and created an entirely new category of signal
processing. There have since been many entries into this niche, yet SansAmp continues
to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.

With a full line of SansAmp models, Tech 21 also offers effect pedals and MIDI prod­ucts, as well as “traditional” style amplifiers for guitar and bass. Each product is
thoughtfully and respectfully designed by B. Andrew Barta himself with the player in
mind. Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control,
refine and redefine your own individual sound. Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering
consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

With the 100% analog SansAmp GT2, you can “architecturally” create your own rig
in an instant.

Simple to operate, SansAmp GT2 gives you immediate access to your choice of amplifi­er, how you would modify it, and the cabinet/mic placement that is best for your pur­poses. We’ve taken the best parts of the most desirable tube amplifier set-ups and
broken them down into individual components. You can mix and match specific sound
characteristics in intriguing ways that would otherwise by physically improbable, proba­bly impractical, and definitely not cost effective.

APPLICATIONS

WITH A GUITAR AMP

Run the output of SansAmp GT2 directly into the input of the power amp input, a.k.a.
“effects return,” (if applicable) of an amp. This will bypass the tone coloring section of the
pre-amp.

Otherwise, run SansAmp GT2 into the front input of an amp. Be sure to keep the Level
of SansAmp GT2 close to unity gain, so as not to overload the amp’s input, which could
result in undesirable distortion.

TIPS for setting up your amp when using the front input:

1. Plug into low gain channel or input.

2. Turn off the Bright switch.

3. Turn presence control (if applicable) to 12 o’clock or below.

4. Set tone controls as flat as possible.

TO DRIVE A POWER AMP

Run the output of SansAmp GT2 into the input of a power amp with an input sensitivity
of -10dB to 0dB. Then use the master volume control of the power amp to adjust your
stage volume.

TO RECORD DIRECT

You can plug directly into the input of a mixer/recorder and use the on-board sounds of
SansAmp GT2. Bear in mind full-range systems yield a wide frequency response.
Therefore, we suggest you start with the EQ levels of SansAmp GT2 at 12 o’clock and
increase/decrease to taste.

BE CREATIVE!

SansAmp GT2 is not just for guitar and bass. Try it with keyboards, fiddle, drums, sax,
harmonica, vocals, etc. Also try using SansAmp GT2 in other applications, such as in mix­downs to liven up existing tracks.

SIGNAL LEVEL TO INPUT

The SansAmp GT2 is designed to accommodate instrument level signals to the Input, such
as the output of a guitar, the output of (other) distortion pedals, etc.

On-board, post-EQ is included to give you optimum control. A custom footswitch
actuator provides smooth, silent engagement of the circuitry. The buffered bypass
ensures no high frequency signal loss through long cable lengths.

As your needs change and as your imagination flourishes, SansAmp GT2 gives you the
freedom and opportunity to explore, create, build and rebuild your sound.

With each Tech 21 product, the controls are designed to give you the flexibility to
obtain your desired sound. It is our hope that the SansAmp GT2 will be a useful tool
for stimulating your creativity and, ultimately, providing the inspiration to play your
best.

1

For normal operation, signal level to Input should be close to that of a standard electric
guitar (approx -10dB / 250mV). Hotter signals can over-overdrive the Input of the
SansAmp GT2, even in the cleanest settings, which may result in undesirable distortion.
NOTE: Should you purposely or accidentally send a hot signal, it will not harm the unit.

2

THE INS AND OUTS

Standard Audio Procedure:
TURN

To avoid unwanted and potentially speaker-damaging “pops” when connecting or discon­necting any equipment, always mute mixing board and/or turn down amp volume before
plugging or unplugging!

(SansAmp GT2) ON FIRST. TURN OFF LAST.

1/4” INPUT: 1megOhm high impedance input, same as traditional tube amps. Also

switches battery power on/off. To avoid battery drain, unplug when unit is not in use.

1/4” UNIVERSAL OUTPUT: Unbalanced low Z output. SansAmp’s technologically

advanced, single Universal Output is physically compatible for any application: full range
(tape, studio monitors, P.A., stereo) and limited range (rack systems, pre-amps, head and
cabinet, combos, practice amps).

WARNING: DO NOT run the speaker output of any amp

directly into the SansAmp GT2. Doing so may result in severe

damage to the amp and/or the SansAmp GT2.

OVERVIEW OF CONTROLS

Input to Output, the signal path travels from right to left. Begin building your rig with the
Character Switches. First choose the amplifier tonal character you want. Then the modifi­cation to suit your musical preferences. Match it up with the best speaker cabinet/mic
placement combination accordingly. Then the Knob Controls fine tune the sound for your
particular application, be it direct recording or live performances.

GUIDE TO CHARACTER SWITCHES

AMP

Each of the three positions affects multiple dimensions of the personality traits inherent to
each amplifier type. This switch is not simply an EQ change, nor does it just affect the gain
structure. Each amplifier type has its own tonality and its own input sensitivity. Each reacts
differently to the dynamics of the player and to the signal level of the instrument.

TWEED = Fender®-style
BRITISH = Marshall®-style
CALIFORNIA = Mesa/Boogie®-style

MOD

Influences the gain structure of the AMP selected.

CLEAN: Stock tube amp set-up.
HI GAIN: Extra gain stage, as if you were to install an additional

12AX7 tube in the pre-amp section.

HOT-WIRED: Produces a tube-driven-past-the-brink texture.

MIC

Determines the orientation and distance of mic placement in relation to the cabinet.
Regardless of the position of this switch, it is as if the cabinet is being miked in a “dead
room” or isolation booth, without ambiance.

CLASSIC: Achieves a flat response associated with distant mic place­ment. Similar to a combo amp loaded with original “blue frame” Jensen®­type speakers. This position increases mid-range content and there’s
greater definition of notes to cut through a cluttered mix. It is recommended
for classic early tube amp sounds, and live applications, in particular.

CENTER: Has peaks and valleys associated with close miking. Similar to a
4x12 cabinet with Celestion

a cone. There is greater high mid-range content and increased low end. It
is recommended for achieving big, mega crunch, balls-to-the-wall results.

OFF-AXIS: Has peaks and valleys associated with closing miking, except
the mic is positioned at the edge of a speaker cone. Similar to Center, but
it produces a smoother, softer sound with less upper mid-range content.
When used in conjunction with the Hot-Wired MOD position, it will round­off the tone.

®-type speakers having a mic at the center of

GUIDE TO KNOB CONTROLS

DRIVE

Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive. Similar to when the output section of a
tube amp is being pushed.

LOW, HIGH

These are active tone controls. Cut or boost from the arrow indicators. This on-board,
post-EQ section gives you full control at your fingertips. Boosting Low and High compen­sates for the limited range of speaker cabinets and combos. (See 1/4” Universal Output on
page 3)
TIP: Set EQ at mixing board flat and adjust SansAmp GT2 to taste. If additional or more
complex EQ curves are desired, use equalization at console or an outboard unit.

LEVEL

Adjusts the output level without altering any of the tonal characteristics.

For recording applications, we recommend setting at least halfway (12 o’clock).
For best results with an amplifier, the output level of the SansAmp GT2 should be

close or equal to the signal in bypass. Otherwise, it could overload the input of the amp and
result in undesirable, ratty distortion. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)

PLACEMENT ORDER OF OTHER EFFECTS

For best results, plug your guitar directly into the SansAmp GT2. This will preserve the
interactive nature of the unit. We suggest experimenting to find the order that’s best for
you. As a general guide, we recommend:

Place the following effects BEFORE the SansAmp GT2:

Compressor, Envelope Filter/Follower, Fuzz Box, Pre-Amp, Wah-Wah.

Place the following effects AFTER the SansAmp GT2:

Chorus, Delay, EQ, Pitch Shifter, Reverb.

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