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Switchblade

Manual 1.1

franais
Head 100, Combo 100, Combo 50

italiano

Foreword
For another first in guitar amp history, Hughes & Kettner has packed all the features guitarists have long been dreaming of into one amp a bona fide all-tube design and the boundless versatility of amp modeling. For more than 20 years, Hughes & Kettner has engineered trailblazing amp designs that explore new frontiers in the powers and possibilities of musical expression. Milestones such as the AS 64 (the worlds first fully-programmable amp), the Access (the first programmable tube preamp), the TriAmp (the first six-Channel tube amp) and zenTera (today the undisputed boss among digital amps) raised the bar for technical and tonal excellence. Each of these amps DNA is in
SWITCHBLADEs genes. And its this unique combination of inheritance
Head Only First plug the speaker cord into the appropriate output on the Head. Do not use more than one of these outputs simultaneously! That is, use either 1x4 ohms, 2x16 ohms, 1x8 ohms, or 1x16 ohms. Dont mix and match cabinets either, say by plugging a 4-ohm cabinet into the 4-ohm output and a 16-ohm cabinet into the 16-ohm output. For more on this, see chapter 5.5. Plug the other end of the cord into the speaker cabinets Input. This is vital to every all-tube amps life! Power amps may be damaged when tube amps are operated without a connected speaker load or at an insufficient impedance level! Combo Only Check to ensure the wire to the internal speaker is connected properly to the power amp (see figure). Note that on the 50W Combo, the internal speaker is connected to the 8-ohm output. On the 100W Combo, it is connected to the 16-ohm output.
and innovation that made this groundbreaking concept possible in the first place. Best wishes from the Hughes & Kettner team. We hope you enjoy playing your SWITCHBLADE as much as we enjoyed designing and refining it!
Things to Do Before Operating the Amp
Please read the safety instruction on page 64! A word of warning before you fire up your SWITCHBLADE: Its loud! High volume levels can cause hearing damage. Ensure plenty of air can circulate around your amps ventilation surfaces. Place the amp on a sturdy, secure base and avoid exposing it to mechanical shocks and extreme temperatures that could endanger the device or your and others safety. The manufacturer disclaims any liability or responsibility whatsoever for any damage or defect to this and other devices resulting from misuse. Powering Up Ensure SWITCHBLADEs MAINS and STANDBY switches are off (with the toggle switch pointing down) and that the voltage rating indicated next to the MAINS INPUT (alongside the Voltage Setting arrow as depicted the illustration) matches your local Mains current before you plug the amp in. Input The illustration shows the 100/ 120 volt version as an example. The voltage rating 100V is indicated next to the arrow, meaning that the amp may be powered with 100V Mains voltage only. If the rating indicated next to the arrow does not match the local Mains voltage, do not plug your Switchblades Mains cord into an outlet! More on this in chapter 8.1.
Head and Combo To avoid very unpleasant surprises, make a habit of always twisting the MASTER VOLUME knob to the far left-hand position before turning on the amp.
Connect your guitar to this Input. Please use suitable shielded cords only no speaker cords allowed. Mains This switch opens the flow of main current supply, and the blue PILOT LAMP lights up. Ensure the STANDBY switch is set to OFF and allow the tubes plenty of time to warm up. Theyll thank you for your patience with a longer service life.

Standby The STANDBY switch breathes life into those glowing tubes. It controls the anode voltage, not the heating. When taking a short break from playing, please use
STANDBY rather ON/OFF so the tubes remain at
Table of Contents The Fundamentals of 1 Handling SWITCHBLADE
operating temperature. If you cant wait to get to it, go ahead and play your SWITCHBLADE now. The patient reader is well advised to continue reading before letting it rip. Particularly chapters 1 (Handling) and 6 (Programming) are mandatory, even for seasoned players.
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8
The SWITCHBLADEs Channels
CLEAN Channel CRUNCH Channel LEAD Channel ULTRA Channel GAIN BASS, MID, TREBLE PRESENCE MASTER
Standard Setup and Cable Connections

3.1 3.2 3.3

Digital Effects

REVERB DELAY MOD FX

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

Master

VOLUME STORE ORIGINAL VALUE FX LOOP

english

Rear Panel Connections and Control Features
EFFECTS ON/OFF CHANNEL SELECT FX LOOP MIDI SPEAKERS

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4
MIDI Control and Programming
FSM 432 Setting SWITCHBLADEs MIDI Channel and Switching OMNI ON/OFF Factory Settings and How to ReStore Them Storing Settings/Programming
Replacing Tubes, Service and Preventive Maintenance Troubleshooting Technical Specifications
1 The Fundamentals of Handling
SWITCHBLADE is a tube amp and, as such, works like as a tube amp.
reflect the setting programmed in the Preset. This means you may well hear something other than what youre seeing would suggest. As soon as you touch the knob, it will respond like any other conventional knob. The ORIGINAL VALUE LED in the MASTER section tells you the Preset setting. It lights up as soon as the position of the knob corresponds to the Preset setting. More on this in chapter 4.3. Note: You may hear a soft background sound when you twist the
Nevertheless, the handling concept is rather advanced, so time spent familiarizing yourself with it is time well spent. At first glance, the knobs look and feel like standard-issue gear: Control range 300 degrees; 0-10 clockwise; left and right stops. At second glance, though, youll discover that there is just a single set of knobs to serve all four Channels. One GAIN, one Channel MASTER, one three-band EQ thats it. The selected Channel determines if the

GAIN knob addresses the CLEAN, CRUNCH or LEAD Channel.
knobs. This is a switching noise made the programmable resistor matrix located behind each knob.
2 The SWITCHBLADEs Channels
SWITCHBLADE offers four Channels with markedly different sonic
The great advantage of this concept is that Channels are independent and do not share the Gain, Master or voicing knobs; even Presence is separately adjustable for every Channel and every setting can be programmed individually to each of the 128 Presets! Apart from the VOLUME MASTER knob (and of course MAINS and
STANDBY), this applies to all of SWITCHBLADEs control features, that is:
characters. Courtesy of SWITCHBLADEs programmability, you enjoy more and more powerful sound-shaping options: The knobs are not hardwired to the internal circuits, so we were able to tweak their control ranges and performance to make the most of each Channels characteristic sound.
the Channels: CLEAN, CRUNCH, LEAD, ULTRA the Channel settings: GAIN+BOOST, BASS, MID, TREBLE,

PRESENCE, MASTER

A chickenhead knob is sited at the far right of the CHANNEL section thats the Channel Selector. Use it to switch among the four Channels along with their GAIN, BASS, MID, TREBLE, PRESENCE and MASTER settings.
Note: When you first power up your amp and change Channels, you will dial up factory settings (see chapter 6.3.2 to learn more). As soon as you begin dialing in sounds to your taste, it will adopt your Channels settings. And it recalls your most recently configured sound for each Channel. Youll
the effect parameters: MOD FX, TIME, FEEDBACK, VOLUME, REVERB the effect routing options for external devices: FX ON/OFF, SERIAL/PARALLEL
You wont find any control features for managing the 128 Presets on Switchblade. The included FSM 432 MIDI board or another MIDIenabled controller serves to select Presets and assign memory slots. More on this in chapter 6.
Note: A knob setting programmed in a Preset and the knobs actual setting are not necessarily the same. They are independent: When you switch from one Preset to another, the knobs actual position may not
find this to be a tremendous help when programming. More on this in chapter 6.
2.1 Clean Channel Tuned to rival classic Californian tone, Switchblades Clean Channel delivers a spectrum of sweet sounds ranging from crystal-clear to remarkably responsive Crunch tones. The programmable Presence control adds silken warmth as well as sparkling shimmer to the sonic equation.

2.2 CRUNCH Channel Classic British overdrive la carte! The CRUNCH Channel covers the diverse tonal spectrum from Clean to mean, and all points in between. The Gain controls integrated Boost function transforms tight rhythm tone into a throaty growl perfect for rockin riffs. 2.3 LEAD Channel The LEAD sound is the first choice for hard-rockin, classic British high-GAIN tone to fuel Leads, power chords and riffs. Courtesy of its fine-tuned compression, this Channel delivers the lubricant that makes those slick riffs and licks fly off your fingertips. 2.4 ULTRA Channel American high-Gain sound with sumo-sized low end and snarling top end. The ULTRA Channel delivers the kind of merciless performance that is sure to delight nu metal meisters and dropped tuning aficionados. Ultra is also an alluring alternative for guitarists seeking to super-size their sound with a high-calorie topping of rich tone. 2.5 GAIN The GAIN knob determines Input sensitivity and thus the Level of saturation and distortion. SWITCHBLADEs GAIN offers a special feature: Just before the knob arrives at the far right position, a BOOST stage kicks in (and the red LED lights up). Now, when you see Boost on other amps, this usually means all frequencies are boosted. But Switchblades Boost amplifies selected frequency ranges for each Channel to attain creamier tone. 2.6 BASS, MID, TREBLE The voicing section is tweaked to accomplish the best, most efficient sound-shaping for each Channel. Getting right to the heart of the sonic matter, every knob addresses each Channels characteristic frequency ranges. Like on every tube amp, the knobs of a Channel influence each other. That is, if you boost the Treble, the midrange is cut and vice versa. This puts a much greater range of subtle tonal variations at your fingertips.
all they way Down; it merely boosts or cuts the given Level. This design makes musical and practical sense: The Clean Channel normally requires a much higher Master Level than a distorted Channel, which is why it is about as loud as the other Channels when the knob is set to the center position. Thats why the 12 oclock position is always the best starting point for adjusting Volume.

3 Digital Effects

SWITCHBLADE offers three independent digital effect sections that can
be used simultaneously. Like Channel settings, all effect settings are programmable.
Note: The internal effects are added to the signal via an intelligent analog circuit. Effect routings in no way comprise the integrity of SWITCHBLADEs tube tone, which remains intact in all its quality.

3.1 REVERB

SWITCHBLADEs Reverb is modeled to match the warmth and musicality
of classic spring Reverbs. A genuine improvement over its analog forebears, it automatically adjusts the Reverb tail to suit the setting: The more REVERB you add to the signal, the longer the REVERB time. 3.2 DELAY The Delay sections VOLUME, TIME and FEEDBACK knobs afford you english total control over all parameters. This lets you dial in everything from rockabilly style slap-back echo to U2-inspired Delay extravaganzas and Queen-like bombast. 3.2.1 VOLUME Adjusts the Volume of the repetitions, sweeping from all the way off to just as loud as the original signal. 3.2.2 FEEDBACK
2.7 PRESENCE This knob determines the overtone content. Unlike a TREBLE knob, which boosts whatever high frequencies are available, PRESENCE actually determines the amount of harmonic overtones generated by the amp. Usually a PRESENCE knob controls the overtone content of the overall amp rather than of individual Channels. Courtesy of
SWITCHBLADEs programmability, you can define PRESENCE settings
Adjusts the number of repetitions from one to infinite. 3.2.3 TIME Adjusts the Time to the next repetition from 80 ms to 1.4 s.
TIP: TIME can be remote-controlled via the included FSM 432 using the TAP function. This lets you respond quickly and conveniently to timing changes. Youll find TAP to be a very helpful feature, particularly on stage! More on this in chapter 6.1.3
not only for each Channel, but also for each Preset. 2.8 MASTER Use the Channel MASTER knob to adjust the given Channels Volume and balance it out with the other Channels Levels. On Switchblade this knob serves another vital purpose: It lets you store the same sound at different Volumes to any of the 128 Presets, for example, a softer version for rhythm and a louder setting for Leads.
Note: The Channel MASTER is a different breed of knob. It adjusts the Channels relative levels, and is tweaked to help you quickly dial in the best balance. Unlike a conventional Master knob, it cant be turned
3.3 MOD FX The three most important modulation effects are CHORUS, FLANGER and TREMOLO, and theyre all on board, readily activated via a single knob. CHORUS is active in the first third, FLANGER in the second third, and TREMOLO in the final third of the control range. You can shape the effect within its assigned third of the control range using this knob. The parameters were tweaked to make musical sense: A twist of the knob is all it takes to get the desired effect. Twisting clockwise adjusts the rate of the modulation effects. Modulation depth is adjusted

automatically according to the rate so that every knob position gives you the best effect sound. To switch modulation effects off, simply twist the knob to the far left-hand position. 3.3.1 CHORUS At slow settings, the CHORUS sounds thick and lush, providing a great sound for buoyant ballads. And because effect depth is adjusted automatically, fast CHORUS settings dont evoke that dreaded seasick tone. 3.3.2 FLANGER Slow FLANGER settings yield a stately sweeping whoosh effect, while faster settings give you swirly effects often heard in contemporary rock and pop tunes. 3.3.3 TREMOLO The classic TREMOLO effect is great for dialing in typical sounds of the 60s as well as contemporary effect sounds.
4.4.1 SERIAL Switches the effects loop from Parallel (LED does not light up) to Serial (LED lights up). 4.4.2 FX ON Switches the effects loop on (LED lights up) and off (LED does not light up).
Tip: If you have not inserted an effect device into the FX Loop, you can use this circuit for other purposes and store the configurations individually in each preset: In parallel mode, you can use the RETURN jack to connect a second instrument or any other audio source. You can also route the amps signal to a second power amp. In serial mode, the effects loop lets you control the amps volume remotely by simply connecting an analog Volume pedal to SEND/ RETURN. Caution: The signal chain is severed if the effects loop is configured

4 Master

The Master section lets you adjust the amps overall Volume, route external effects, and store Presets. 4.1 VOLUME
serially and no effect device is connected. Send is not the best to-mixer routing option because it accesses the preamp signal only. Patch the power amp signal to a mixing console via the Hughes & Kettner Red Box and the speaker outputs.
5 Rear Panel Connections and Control Features
5.1 EFFECTS ON/OFF This port accepts the two-way Hughes & Kettner FS-2 footswitch.
As the name would indicate, this knob puts the power amp at your thumb and forefingers command. Exercise restraint when handling this knob to make music a pleasant rather than a painful experience.
Handling: Unlike the Channel and effect knobs, the MASTER VOLUME knob is not programmable! It works like any standard knob, and the position of the knob indicates the actual setting. Caution: High volume levels can cause hearing damage. Spare yourself a nasty surprise and twist the MASTER VOLUME knob to the far lefthand position before powering the amp up.
Button 1 switches internal effects; button 2 the external effects loop. The FS-2s LED lights up to indicate effects are active and the FX ON button is engaged. It does not light up if the internal effects are bypassed or the FX ON button is switched off.
Note: The footswitch deactivates the FX ON button on the front panel!
4.2 STORE Use the STORE button to save your Presets. See chapter 6.4 for more info. 4.3 ORIGINAL VALUE This LED tells you which knob setting is stored in the given Preset. To this end, select a Preset, grab the knob and twist it to the left or right until this LED lights up. The setting at which the LED lights up corresponds to the setting stored in the Preset. 4.4 FX LOOP SmartLoop is a special effects routing circuit offering a switchable Parallel/Serial effects loop for patching in external effect devices. Its status is stored in each Preset, that is, whether it is on or off and configured in a parallel or serial circuit.

SWITCHBLADE.

6.1.1 PRESET A B C D Presets within a bank can be activated directly, that is, switching from A to B within the same bank occurs immediately. The LED above the A,B,C,D buttons indicates the preset. 6.1.2 BANK UP/DOWN

5.5 SPEAKERS

If you want to call up a preset in another bank, you can select the bank via UP and DOWN while continuing to play using the current preset. The number of the bank is indicated in the display, and it flashes until you select a preset via A,B,C,D. Not until then will SWITCHBLADE load the new preset.
SWITCHBLADE offers separate outputs for all standard impedances:
DIRECT MODE is available if you wish to trigger a direct program
You have 1 x 4-ohm, 1 x 8/2 x 16-ohm, and 1 x 16-ohm outputs at your disposal. Always ensure the impedance (that is, the ohm value) is correct. Mismatches can corrupt the sound (high-impedance speaker connected to a low-impedance output) and harm the amp (lowimpedance speaker connected to a high-impedance output).
Note: You may of course connect several cabinets to one port, even if they have different impedances. Usually speaker cabinets are connected in Parallel. Two cabinets of the same impedance connected in Parallel have half the impedance of a single cabinet. For example, if you have two 8-ohm cabinets, you must connect these to the 4-ohm output. If you connect two cabinets with different impedances (R1, R2)
change via bank Up/Down. In this mode, the FSM 432 will not wait for your input, instead switching immediately, for example, from preset B in bank 16 to preset B in bank 17 (UP) bank or 15 (DOWN). Direct Mode is activated as follows: Press and hold TAP, and then press PRESET A. First release PRESET A, and then TAP: The decimal point in the display lights up. Follow the same sequence to deactivate DIRECT MODE. Volatile rather than permanent, DIRECT MODE is automatically deactivated when you power SWITCHBLADE down!

Programchange Number

The TAP function gives you a very fast and convenient option for changing the Delays TIME parameter. TAP comes in particularly handy

Preset Bank

Preset
groove to match delay Time to the tempo. The effect adopts the new time after the second tap. The TAP LED flashes for about five seconds in time with the beat to give you a visual indication of the delay time.
Note: The TAP function works only when the DELAY is active. If the DELAY is off, the effect will not adopt your TAP tempo.
A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

on stage: Simply tap your foot on the TAP button in Time with the
6.1.4 Switching External Devices via the FSM 432, Setting the MIDI Send Channel If you wish to switch devices connected to SWITCHBLADE MIDI THRU say, a MIDI effect device using the FSM 432, ensure the effect device is set to the FSM 432s MIDI Channel or to OMNI. Consult the devices manual for more info. To set the FSM 432s MIDI Send Channel, proceed as follows: Turn SWITCHBLADE on while pressing the FSM 432s PRESET A button. The display flashes. Release button A. Use UP/DOWN to view and set the MIDI Channel to a number between 1 and 16. Quit and store by pressing the PRESET A button.
Caution: If SWITCHBLADE and FSM 432 are not set to the same MIDI channel, the amp will not respond to program changes! Activating OMNI solves the problem in the event of an emergency. See chapter 6.2 to learn more. Note: If an external effect device is connected to MIDI THRU and you want to switch Switchblade and the effect device simultaneously with the same program change command, you must configure Switchblades Store function and program this device accordingly. Note: The table above should be big help if you wish to switch the Presets of a device connected to the MIDI THRU directly via the FSM 432. It shows the program changes sent by the bank/preset combination. Please bear in mind that some MIDI devices switch program 1 via program change command 0. If this is the case with your outboard gear, simply add a 1 to each value indicated in this table to activate the desired program.
6.2 Setting Switchblades MIDI Channel and Switching OMNI ON/OFF Press the SERIAL button longer than two seconds when SWITCHBLADE is in normal operating mode, and the ORIGINAL VALUE LED will start flashing. This assigns special programming functions to the amps LEDs and buttons: FX ON Now serves as a +1/UP button for setting the MIDI Channel. Serial Now serves as a -1/DOWN button for setting the MIDI Channel. Store
OMNI ON/OFF switches. If the STORE button (OMNI On) lights up, SWITCHBLADE responds to all incoming program changes, irrespective
of the MIDI Channel over which they are sent. If the light on the button is extinguished (OMNI OFF), it responds only to messages sent via the defined MIDI Channel.

126 127

6.1.3 TAP
FACTORY SETTING: MIDI CHANNEL = 1, OMNI = ON Note: OMNI ON is helpful if you are unsure via which channel a connected MIDI device sends its messages.
6.4 Storing Settings/Programming You have two options for storing a preset to one of the 128 memory slots: Select a new memory slot via MIDI (6.4.1) or overwrite the preset directly at the device (6.4.2). 6.4.1 Selecting a New Memory Slot via MIDI Learn Press the STORE button briefly; it lights up to signify that it is armed (MIDI Learn). Select a MIDI bank from 1 to 32 on the FSM 432; it flashes to signify that the FSM 432 is waiting for input via one of the four preset buttons A to D. Engage preset button A,B,C or D; the board stops flashing, the light on the STORE button extinguishes, and the preset is stored.

Caution: When the FSM 432 is in DIRECT MODE (see chapter 6.1.2), a BANK UP/DOWN command also triggers the storage process! We recommend deactivating Direct Mode when programming to prevent inadvertent overwriting of presets. Note: Heres how to proceed for other manufacturers MIDI boards and MIDI-enables devices: Arm SWITCHBLADE by engaging the STORE button and selecting the desired memory slot. As soon as SWITCHBLADE receives a valid program change command, the STORE button extinguishes and the preset is stored.
During the MIDI setup routine, the LEDs that normally indicate the preamp Channel indicate the MIDI Channel. The following table MIDI Channel lists the MIDI Channel settings in what is called binary code:
MIDI-Kanal Boost Clean Lead Ultra
If an error occurs (the amp remains armed), you can cancel the storage process by pressing STORE again. english 6.4.2 Overwriting Presets Directly at the Device There is an easier way to overwrite the most recently selected preset than going from the amp to the MIDI board and back after every edit: Press and hold the STORE button until its light extinguishes (after about two seconds). The ORIGINAL VALUE and the Channel LEDs also flash to confirm. Then you can release the STORE button and your settings are stored.
Press and hold SERIAL for a few moments to quit the MIDI setup routine and store the settings. The amp returns to its most recent operating status (normal mode). 6.3 Factory Settings and Factory Reset A factory reset is a seldom needed feature. Nevertheless, be sure to read the explanation carefully to ensure you dont accidentally delete your presets. 6.3.1 Triggering a Factory Reset If you press STORE and FX SERIAL simultaneously while powering the amp, all settings are reset, including the 128 MIDI-switchable presets and the basic MIDI configuration. 6.3.2 Factory Presets and Basic MIDI Configuration The Switchblade is delivered ex-factory with 64 different presets (memory slots 1-64). In the memory slots 65-125 you will find copies of the first 64 presets. You may find a list of all the presets on the accompanying sheet. The basic MIDI configuration is: OMNI ON FX ON is switched off. MIDI Channel: 1 SERIAL is deactivated.
7 Replacing Tubes, Service and Preventive Maintenance
SWITCHBLADE is factory-loaded with EL34 and 12AX7 tubes. Once
theyve been burned in that is, operated continuously under a load they are subjected to a rigorous selection process. Their electrical specs and mechanical status (microphonics) are checked, and then they are installed in an amp and their sonic performance is auditioned. One of the most important steps in this process is tube matching, whereby tubes with the same characteristics are teamed up in matched sets of power tubes. When to Replace Tubes The tubes in SWITCHBLADE are exemplary in terms of quality, workman-ship and long service life. Nonetheless, tubes show definite signs of wear when their service life is nearing its end. Telltale signs are increased microphonics, noise and hiss, muddier tone through loss of high-end frequencies, degraded performance, etc. Take these indications seriously and replace old tubes. Not only do these side effects take their toll on sound quality, they also indicate the aging tube will soon fail!

Caution: This procedure is a last-resort option! It irrevocably wipes out all stored settings.
Note: Replacing tubes for experimentation purposes is not recommended. Installing the wrong tubes will damage the amp and cost you a lot more than you bargained for in repair costs.
low. When in doubt ask the venues sound technician or facility engineer. Refrain from DIY repairs! Also have a qualified technician replace internal fuses.
Before you start swapping tubes, ask yourself these questions: Was the fault or failure of the tube caused by the tube itself or by a flawed peripheral device or component, perhaps a defective speaker cable? If you dont get to the bottom of the problem and remedy it, it may crop up again even after you replace the tubes. Did the Mains voltage fluctuate or spike while the amp was on? In all-tube amps, over-voltage surges in the Mains net can certainly cause drop-outs. Over-voltages are often caused by generators and faulty high-current power circuits. Perhaps a fuse blew even though none of the tubes is actually defective? An old fuse, tube de-ionization or Mains voltage power surges may have triggered the fuse. Available Voltages and How to Adapt Them Things to Bear in Mind When Replacing Tubes Replacing tubes is a job best left to qualified professionals! Accordingly, the following guidelines are addressed and apply to qualified service technicians only: Pull Switchblades Mains plug and allow for a discharge time of at least two minutes before removing the chassis from the rear of the amp. Once the chassis has been removed, carefully ease the tubes out of their sockets. A single power tube may only be replaced if the replacement tube precisely matches the original, that is, the old and new tubes characteristics are identical. When a new matched set of power tubes with characteristics identical to the old set is installed, it is not absolutely necessary to re-bias the amp. The amp must be biased when a replacements sets characteristics do not match the original sets. This requires experience and extensive working knowledge in measuring techniques, which is why this is a job for qualified technicians with tube amp tuning experience. How to Prolong Tube Life Never operate Switchblade without connecting a load (loudspeaker)! Never connect speaker cabinets with an impedance that is too high or low! Always use high-quality, heavy-duty speaker cords that wont crimp! Use the STANDBY switch for short breaks! Avoid exposing the amp to vibrations, especially when its powered up. Switch the amp off well before transporting it to allow tubes to cool off completely. Make sure all peripheral devices and connecting cords are in a state of good repair! Ensure air can circulate freely around the amps ventilation slots at all times! Never expose Switchblade to extreme heat or cold! Prevent the intrusion of dust and moisture! Always check peripheral gears specs to ensure these accessories are suitable for the amp. Never connect devices with high output signal Levels to Switchblades Input. Never operate the amp with Mains power that is too high or too

HEAD / COMBO 100

8 Troubleshooting
Mains connection: SWITCHBLADE wont power up when you switch it on. Its not getting AC power. Check the Mains cord to see if it is connected and firmly seated. The Mains fuse is defective. Ensure it is replaced with another fuse bearing the same rating. The local Mains voltage does not match Switchblades operating voltage
Switchblade ships in two versions rated for 110/120V and 220-240V. You will find the rating indicated on the housing above the Mains socket. Both models offer two operating voltages that are selected using the voltage selector integrated in the Mains socket. Ensure that the Mains voltage matches the voltage rating appearing in the voltage selector window. This value is legible when the amp is in the standard operating position, that is, placed right side up. The upright number indicates the currently selected voltage, and the inverted number indicates the alternative voltage. Check also the fuse ratings to ensure they match the ratings indicated on the rear panel. Voltage selection and fuse replacement may be performed by experienced service technicians only. Accordingly, the following notes are addressed exclusively to service technicians: Use a small flat screwdriver to remove the voltage selector from the Mains socket. If the fuse is defective, replace it with a fuse bearing the specified rating. Turn the voltage selector and insert it back into the port so that the desired Mains voltage rating is legible and appears at the top left (next to the Voltage Setting arrow).

COMBO 50

Switchblade is connected properly, but no sound is audible. The guitars VOLUME knob is turned all the way down. The amp is set to STANDBY. The amps VOLUME knob is turned all the way down. The effects loop is active and set to SERIAL, but no effect device is connected. The anode fuse has blown. Ensure that it is replaced with a fuse of the same rating. The fuse for the tube heating tripped (the tubes dont glow). Ensure that it is replaced with a fuse bearing the same rating. The amp makes ringing noises when played and tends to Feedback. One or several tubes are microphonic. Replace the defective tube english with another of the same type. Signs of tube wear such as increased microphonics and noise, Treble loss, weak power output or muddy sound begin reappearing just a few hours after replacing tubes. The wrong tubes were installed when old tubes were replaced or the amp was not biased properly. Take the amp to a professional to correct the problem. The sound is washed out or muddy when you switch an effects processor on. The signal processor provides a wet signal that is blended with the dry or original signal. Depending on the type of effect, the processor may be returning a dry signal back along with wet signal, which causes phase cancellations when mixed to the dry signal in Switchblades Parallel loop. To prevent this, set the effects loop to SERIAL or turn the dry signal all the way down on the signal processor.

9 Technical Specifications
All level indications relate to 0 dBV (1V RMS). 9.1 Inputs

INSTRUMENT Input

9.3 General Electrical Data
Switchblade 100 Head/Combo Switchblade 50 Combo
Input: Type: Input impedance: Sensitivity: Max. Input Level:

FX Return

6.3 mm (1/4") jack unbalanced 1 M ohms - 50 dB (Clean Channel) 0 dB
Max. current consumption: 440 watts Max. power consumption: 1.75A @ 240 volts 1.89A @ 220-230 volts 3.50A @ 117-120 volts 0.97A @ 240 volts 1.07A @ 220-230 volts 2.00A @ 117-120 volts 2.15A @ 100 volts 290 watts
Input: Type: Input impedance: Max. sensitivity: Max. Input Level:
6.3 mm (1/4) jack unbalanced 48 k ohms -10 dB button engaged: - 21 dB, disengaged: - 11 dB -10dB button engaged: + 0 dB, disengaged + 10 dB

3.95A @ 100 volts

Mains voltage tolerance range: +/- 10 % External fuses (anode): 1 x T 630 mA Internal fuses: 1 x T 400 mA

MIDI IN

1 x TT 10 A super slow blow DIN (7-pin ) Program change data, Tap Delay function 16, Omni mode 15V DC max. 200mA, pin 6 = positive, pin 7 = negative Mains fuse (5 x 20 mm): 2 x T 630 mA
1 x TT 10 A super slow blow 2 x T 630 mA
Port: Data reception: Channels: Power supply:
Europe: (variable: 220 V-230 V / 240 V) 1 x 250 V / T 1.6 A 1 x 250 V / T 4 A 1 x 250 V / T 1 A 1 x 250 V / T 2 A USA/Canada/Asia: (variable: 100 V / 120 V)
9.2 Outputs Ambient operating temperature range:

FX Send

0 C to + 35 C 6.3 mm (1/4") jack unbalanced 2.2 k ohms + 3 dB -10dB button engaged: - 2 dB, disengaged: + 8 dB Width: Height: Depth: DIN ( 5-pin) All data sent to MIDI IN are patched out unchanged. Weight:

100 Head

0 C to + 35 C
Output: Type: Output impedance: Output Level: Max. output Level:
9.4 General Mechanical Data

100 Combo 50 Combo

Dimensions: (including corners, handles, feet) 750 mm 280 mm 258 mm 17.6 kg 647 mm 500 mm 285 mm 30.3 kg 600 mm 500 mm 285 mm 22.8 kg

MIDI THRU

Port: Data handling:

Speaker Outputs

6.3 mm (1/4") jacks:
1 x 4 ohms, 2 x 16 ohms / 1 x 8 ohms, 1 x 16 ohms

Speaker

2 x 12" Eminence Rockdriver x 12" Eminence Rockdriver 60
Hughes & Kettner Switchblade

01/26/06

26.01.2006