VVT X-MODEL User Manual

VINTAGE VACUUM TUBE AMPS

VINTAGE VACUUM TUBE AMPS

VINTAGE VACUUM TUBE AMPSVINTAGE VACUUM TUBE AMPS

520 University Dr.

Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone [phone]

www.vvtamps.com

X-Model Guitar Preamp

(Dual Master)

Welcome To The Family

Congratulations and thank you for choosing your X-Model Guitar Preamp. 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 9 lb the X-Model Guitar Preamp is
an amazing tool to use for gigs and in the studio.

As with the X-Model Overdrive amplifiers, the Guitar Preamp beautifully accentuates the
inherent quality of any instrument. It breathes and dynamically responds to your playing
technique exactly the way a great amplifier should. The VVT X-Model Guitar Preamp is an
all tube design: other than the power supply rectifier diodes, there are no clipping diodes,
transistors, or other solid state parts. Furthermore, this is not a “starved” tube preamp where
the tubes are operating at very low voltage and sound like it. Here, the tubes are operated at
the correct voltages just like a real guitar amp. This gives the preamp 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 VOLUME/CLEAN LEVEL DRIVE/OD LEVEL structure and can be tweaked to perfection
for any guitar/pickup combination. You will find it very easy to balance volume between the
Clean Channel and the OD Channel. 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. And, with this preamp, you can have your cake and eat it to:
Sparking cleans to grind to thick distortion without blowing out the walls..

Getting familiar with the X-Model Guitar Preamp 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 it 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.

Here are a few ideas. 1. Plug the Direct or Buffered output in to any guitar amp FX Loop
Return (Power Amp In) and use the X-Model Guitar Preamp to shape your tone. This can be
a tube or solid state amp. 2. Use the X-Model Guitar Preamp to run two power amps
simultaneously. The Direct output and Buffered output are in phase so there is no phase
cancellation. You can use Buffered output to drive time based effects to one amp and use
the Direct output for the dry signal to the other amp. It’s a very cool stereo effect. 3. Use the
Direct or Buffered output to a Speaker Cabinet Simulator (your choice) and direct box to drive
a PA for live shows or Studio mixer for recording. Note: A guitar speaker cabinet simulator is
required to use this preamp when using a PA/Studio mixer. Otherwise it will not sound like a
guitar amp. PA speakers and studio monitors have wider bandwidth. Guitar speakers
usually have a 4K or 5K response curve. See the note about Cabinet Simulators in later this
document.
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 high gain preamp designed for professional musicians. The tone is not
scooped and muffled like mass produced products to keep guitarist from settings
that 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 and feedback. The preamp
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. Audio Output: This is a pre-amplifier – not a power amplifier. A power amp is required to drive a
speaker load.

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.