VVT X-40 Overdrive DM Head, X-40 Overdrive DM Combo User Manual

X-Model Amplifiers

Hand Made in the USA

by

Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps

520 University Dr.

Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone [phone]

www.vvtamps.com

X-40 Overdrive DM* Head

X-40 Overdrive DM* Combo

(*Dual Master)

Welcome To The Family

Congratulations and thank you for choosing your X-Model amplifier. At VVT we know you are
constantly searching for new sounds and new ways to improve your existing sound. We
understand the constantly evolving nature of artistic creativity and the search for perfect tone
to complement your ever-widening musical vision. Providing the tools to help you to create
your own sonic signature is our primary mission. At 19 lbs, The X-40 is an amazing tool to
use for gigs and in the studio.

As with all VVT amplifiers, the X-Model beautifully accentuates the inherent qualities of any
instrument. They breathe and dynamically respond to your playing technique exactly the way
a great amplifier should. The VVT X-Model and other models are all tube designs: no
clipping diodes or transistors are used in any part of the signal path. The preamp section has
a broad dynamic range which accounts for its extra touch sensitivity, tonal shaping
characteristics, and excellent guitar volume control response. In addition, overdrive voicing
can easily be dialed up using the unique DRIVE/LEVEL structure and can be tweaked to
perfection for any guitar/pickup combination. The presence control adds dimension of an in
your face sparkle to a smoother jazzy tone. From there, the boost switch lifts the mid
frequencies in the 1K Hz range. Just a little tweaking on your guitar volume and tone controls
will yield a surprising amount of control. All VVT X-Model amps are designed for big round
tone and dynamic response at low to medium guitar volumes and provide a rapid but smooth
transition into saturation - turning rich and thick at full guitar volume. The combination of
preamp voicing and power amp response will enhance the unique character of any guitar and
pick-up combination. And, with these amps, you can have your cake and eat it too: Preamp
Distortion and Output Tube Distortion without blowing out the walls.

The specially designed, precision wound, power and output transformers produce optimum
performance, reliability, and stability delivering excellent power tube response and just the
right amount of natural output transformer saturation and compression.

Getting familiar with the X-Model is easy, so don’t be terribly surprised when you find yourself
up and running in no time; although, we highly recommend you spending some quality time
with your amp due to it’s chameleon like qualities. You may find yourself dialing in tones you
thought might never be possible or find some tones unique to your playing style. First hand
experience and real world application will yield the ultimate satisfaction. Finding your own
path of comprehension and self-expression can only be achieved by mastering your
instrument in combination with your new amp.

First, we need to stress a few important cautionary notes.

Important Information:

1. Please read all of the information contained in this document.

CAUTION!

2. This is a very high gain amplifier designed for professional musicians. The tone is

not scooped and muffled like mass produced amplifiers to keep guitarist from
settings that will may cause oscillation. Use some judgment during operation. With
the Overdrive and Boost engaged you cannot crank the Drive, and OD Level
controls and not expect the amp to complain with loud squeals. The amplifier will
greatly amplify anything received by your pickups; this includes any noise, as well
as your playing. It is recommended that you disengage the OD and Boost when you
are not playing. Or, use the Volume control on your guitar to reduce noise received
by your pickups.

3. HUM - Some hum or amplified noise is normal. As the volume and gain is increased amplified noise
will be noticeable and will be more apparent in a quiet room. Additionally, tubes have inherent noise
as do resistors. However, excessive hum (noise) can be caused by electronic devices such as neon
signs, light dimmers, fluorescent lights, aquariums, etc. located near the amp or your guitar. Hum
can vary with different outlets, rooms, buildings and guitar pickups.

4. Do not operate this amp without a speaker load

5. Output tube current is controlled with fixed bias. If you change the output tubes, the bias must be
checked and adjusted for the new tubes by a qualified technician. Failure to follow this advice could
result in premature tube failure or catastrophic transformer failure.

CAUTION!

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

WARNING: This guitar amplifier contains lethal HIGH VOLTAGE. To avoid risk of injury or death from electric

shock, do not open the enclosure or remove the chassis from the cabinet. Refer all service work to qualified
personnel.

WARNING: This amplifier contains Vacuum Tubes. Vacuum tubes are heated to produce electrical currents and
they get HOT. Touching this surface could result in bodily injury. To reduce the risk of injury from a hot
component, allow the surface to cool before touching. DO NOT touch or attempt to remove vacuum tubes until
they have had time to cool.

IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

WATER AND MOISTURE: This amplifier should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The amplifier should only be connected to a 120VAC household power source.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization is not
defeated. Do not remove the ground from the power cord.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the amplifier.
SERVICING: You should not attempt to service this amp beyond that described in the operating instructions. All
other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: Your amplifier is equipped with a marked fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse.