Vortex 112 - Uncategorized HUGHES & KETTNER - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Vortex 112 HUGHES & KETTNER

D-841 Vortex_Manual 1.2 25.06.2003 17:24 Uhr Seite 2A team of guitarists and technicians developed the VORTEX™ line of amps with a single purpose in mind: to provide you with great guitar sounds and practical features in an easy-to-handle package. The VORTEX™ is the ideal workhorse for the discerning player. The VORTEX™'s high- performance Current Feedback power amp delivers the sought-after, wide-open tube tone that other amps so sorely lack. It also makes the VORTEX™ far louder than other amps with the same output rating. Its clear and convenient handling concept makes it so easy for you to access the VORTEX™'s world of sound. This manual gives you a detailed look at its features and possibilities. It also provides the information you need to be able to handle this amp with confidence. ENJOY THE TONE OF YOUR VORTEX™! YOUR HUGHES & KETTNER

• Check that the local current and the VORTEX™’s AC power rating are identical before you plug the power cord into an AC outlet.

• Ensure that air can circulate freely around your amp's ventilation ducts.

• Place the amp on a stable platform where it is not exposed to mechanical shocks and temperature extremes which may damage the amp or endanger the safety of bystanders.

is not liable for damages due to improper use.

At higher gain settings, the preamp of the VORTEX™ generates warm harmonic overdrive that is exceptionally dynamic. Based on semi- conductors, this innovative circuitry simulates the sound-shaping elements of tube amps and – unmatched in this price range – lends the VORTEX™ the kind of sound quality and dynamics the ambitious guitarist can’t do without for musical expression. CLEAN: Depending on preamp control settings, the VORTEX™ delivers a variety of contemporary and vintage clean tones. At higher VOLUME knob settings, the "SoftClip" circuitry generates precisely the warm overdrive that made vintage tube amps so desirable. If desired, the CLEAN channel can put out plenty of crunch. LEAD: The LEAD channel CHARACTER knob lets you dial in both classic British rock tone – direct and dynamic (HARD) – and warm blues tone with more of an American vibe (SOFT). With the capa- bility to sweep smoothly between these two very different worlds of sound, you have unpreceden- ted lead sound sculpting options at your fingertips. REVERB: The VORTEX™ features an onboard spring reverb located after FX SEND in the signal chain.

1.0 THE CHANNELS OF THE VORTEX™

D-841 Vortex_Manual 1.2 25.06.2003 17:24 Uhr Seite 4INPUT: Input for guitars equipped with humbuckers, active pickups, or single coils. CLEAN VOL: Determines the CLEAN channel's volume. Depending on the type of pickups your instrument is equipped with, the amp will begin to clip somewhere around the 12 o'clock setting; you can control the amount of grit very precisely by varying your picking attack. CHANNEL SELECT: Switches back and forth between the CLEAN and LEAD channels. The LEAD channel is active when the button is pressed. RED LEAD LED: The red LED illuminates when the LEAD channel is active. LEAD GAIN: Controls the amount of distortion in the LEAD channel. CHARACTER: Sweeps between the different tonal characteristics HARD (British) or SOFT (American). LEAD MASTER: Determines the LEAD channel volume level. BASS, MID and TREBLE: Common controls for both channels. MID and TREBLE controls influence each other, as is standard in tube amps. This sound- shaping feature lets you to dial in a wide variety of subtle tonal variations. REVERB: Controls how much integrated reverb is added to the signal. The reverb amount is auto- matically adjusted for each channel when you switch channels. MASTER: Controls the VORTEX™‘s master volume level. The FX-SEND signal level is not affected by the MASTER control. FX-SEND: Connect this jack to the input of an effect device or outboard power amp. You can also route the signal through a RED BOX

to a mixing console. FX-RETURN: Connect this jack to the output of an effect device. FOOTSWITCH: Connect a standard footswitch (e.g. Hughes & Kettner

FS-1) here. This lets you to switch back and forth between the CLEAN and LEAD channels. When using a footswitch, ensure the CHANNEL SELECT switch on the amp‘s front panel is set to CLEAN. PHONES: Headphone jack. The speaker is auto- matically switched off when a plug is inserted into this jack.

D-841 Vortex_Manual 1.2 25.06.2003 17:24 Uhr Seite 5REAR PANEL: MAINS: Connect the included Euro-norm mainscord to this socket. Ensure the amp's voltagerating matches your local AC voltage ratingbefore you plug the cord into the wall socket.SPEAKER OUTPUTS:Serial on combos: Connect an auxiliary cabinetwith a minimum impedance of 2 ohms here.Parallel on heads: Connect the included 4x12" cabinet and another auxiliary cabinet with a rating of at least 8 ohms here. The minimumpermissible impedance is 4 ohms. This means if youconnect cabinets to both outs, each cabinet’simpedance may be no lower than 8 ohms.Combo-versions Head-version

You can activate the channels of the VORTEX™via the front panel CHANNEL SELECT button or anexternal footswitch. The Hughes & Kettner rangeof accessories offers a footswitch that fits the bill,the FS 1.

AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS

The VORTEX™ is equipped with a serial effects loop, meaning that the entire preamp signal isrouted to the FX device and processed there.

4.0 OPERATING THE VORTEX™

• Connect the processor‘s input to the VORTEX™FX-SEND jack and its output to the VORTEX™FX-RETURN jack.• To avoid noise, signal degradation, and inter-rupted signals, use high-quality patch cords only.• Make sure the processor is not distorting thesignal. Check the processor's gain LEDs and use the input and output controls to dial in asuitable level.• Distortion devices are not designed for use in anFX loop. As a rule of thumb, any kind of devicethat compresses the signal should be connectedfirst in the signal chain. Depending on the typeof effect you want to achieve, you may want to connect a compressor directly between theinstrument and the amp's input.• If you are using several processors or stompboxes, ensure you connect them in the properorder. If you don’t like what you’re hearing,experiment with the order to find the sound that suits you best.

If you want to feed the VORTEX™'s signal to a mixing console, we recommend you route itthrough a Hughes & Kettner RED BOX . Connect it to the amp’s FX-SEND jack, as this signal path'slevel is not influenced by the MASTER setting. The RED BOX balances the signal and simulates aspeaker cabinet. The VORTEX™ does not require service of any type. However, there are a few precautions you should heed to ensure your amp lasts formany years.• Ensure all peripheral devices and cables are in a state of good repair.• Defective speaker cables are the most commoncause of power amp failure. Poor-quality cableswill cause hum and undesirable noise.• Make certain the back of your amp' is notblocked or covered. Proper cooling will prolongthe life of your amp.• Avoid mechanical shocks and exposure to extre-me heat, dust and especially moisture.• When connecting peripheral devices, alwayspay close attention to their specifications. Never connect devices with high output signallevels (e.g. power amps) to your amp's input.• Ensure you have the correct AC power ratingavailable before you plug in the amp. If indoubt, ask the venue's sound technician or thecustodian of the building you are rehearsing in.• Refrain from do-it-yourself repairs! Have a quali-fied service technician replace internal fuses.• With the unit off and unplugged, use a softdamp cloth to clean the exterior surface of the VORTEX™.

• The amp is not getting any AC power. Check the mains cable to see if it is connected properly.

• The mains fuse is defective. Replace the fuse with another identical fuse. If this fuse also trips, consult your Hughes & Kettner

6.2 If the VORTEX™ is connected properly,

but no sound is audible.

• One or several GAIN and MASTER controls may be turned all the way down. Dial in a higher setting.

• Never overlook the possibility that the guitar cable may be damaged. Try another one.

• A short circuit in the speaker signal chain may have tripped an internal fuse. Make sure none of the connections are shorted out and have a qualified service technician replace the fuse (identical specifications are a must).

6.3 If the CLEAN channel will not activate

via an external footswitch:

• The footswitch is not connected to the VORTEX™. Plug it into the appropriate jack.

• Check whether the footswitch is the correct type. We recommend a Hughes & Kettner

• An electrical or magnetic field is causing inter- ference. Use higher-quality cables or re-arrange the cables you are using to minimize interferen- ce. If this still doesn't improve the situation, use a DI-box.

• The grounding of the connected devices may be causing a ground loop. DO NOT SEVER THE

GROUND OF THE CONNECTED DEVICES UNDER

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Try plugging all devices into the same socket via an AC power distribu- tor/power strip. If this doesn't eliminate the noise, you must ensure the connection is galvanically separated by routing the signal through a DI-box.

6.5 If you have connected an FX processor to

the FX-SEND jack and the signal is totally distorted, even when you have dialed in a clean sound.

• The FX-SEND signal is overloading the input of the FX processor. Reduce the processor‘s input sensitivity ("INPUT" or "GAIN").

6.6 If you have connected an FX processor

to the FX-SEND jack of the VORTEX™ and the signal's volume level is way too low.

• The FX processor's output level is set incorrectly. Turn it up.

E I PROCESSORI EFFETTI

BEFORE CONNECTING, READ INSTRUCTIONS

• Read all of these instructions!• Save these instructions for later use!• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!• Do not use this product near water, i.e. bathtub, sink, swimming pool, wet basement, etc.
• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall,causing serious damage to the product or to persons!• Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventil-ation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating,these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be placedin a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.• This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, oranother heat producing amplifier.• Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. If you are not sure of the type ofpower available, consult your dealer or local power company.• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product wherepersons will walk on the cord.• Never break off the ground pin on the power supply cord.• Power supply cords should always be handled carefully. Periodically check cords forcuts or sign of stress, especially at the plug and the point where the cord exits theunit.• The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for longperiods of time.• If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provi- ded.
• This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended byHughes & Kettner.• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they maytouch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in risk of fire orelectric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.• Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers mayexpose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualifiedservice personnel.• Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified servicepersonnel under the following conditions:• When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.• If liquid has been spilled into the product.• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.• If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are follo- wed.
• If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.• If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need ofservice!• Adjust only these controls that are covered by the operating instructions since impro-per adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensi-ve work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.• Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. • Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss, but near-ly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a suffi-cient time. The U.S. Government´s Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:Duration Per Day In Hours Sound LeveldBA, Slow Response

or less 115• According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits couldresult in some hearing loss.• Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operatingthis amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure isin excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerousexposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposedto equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplifi-cation system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.• Fuses: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace fuses only with the sametype and ratings.TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE AND SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TOMOISTURE OR RAIN. DO NOT OPEN CASE; NO USER SERVICE-ABLE PARTS INSIDE.REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE! BITTE VOR GEBRAUCH LESEN UND FÜR SPÄTEREN GEBRAUCH AUFBEWAHREN!

• The unit has been built by Hughes & Kettner in accordance with IEC 9239 and left thefactory in safe working order. To maintain this condition and ensure non-risk operation,the user must follow the advice and warning comments found in the operatinginstructions. The unit conforms to Protection Class 1 (protectively earthed).• HUGHES & KETTNER ONLY GUARANTEE THE SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THEUNIT IF:• Assembly, extension, re-adjustment, modifications or repairs are carried out by Hughes& Kettner or by persons authorized to do so.• The electrical installation of the relevant area complies with the requirements of IEC(ANSI) specifications.•The unit is used in accordance with the operating instructions.• The unit is regularly checked and tested for electrical safety by a competent technici- an. WARNING:• If covers are opened or sections of casing are removed, except where this can bedone manually, live parts can become exposed.• If it is necessary to open the unit this must be isolated from all power sources. Pleasetake this into account before carrying out adjustments, maintenance, repairs andbefore replacing parts.• Adjustment, maintenance and repairs carried out when the unit has been openedand is still live may only be performed by specialist personnel who are authorized bythe manufacturer (in accordance with VBG 4) and who are aware of the associatedhazards.• Loudspeaker outputs which have the IEC 417/5036 symbol (Diagram 1, below) cancarry voltages which are hazardous if they are made contact with. Before the unit isswitched on, the loudspeaker should therefore only be connected using the leadrecommended by the manufacturer.• Where possible, all plugs on connection cables must be screwed or locked onto thecasing.• Replace fuses using only those of the specified type and current rating.• It is not permitted to use repaired fuses or to short-circuit the fuse holder.• Never interrupt the protective conductor connection.• Surfaces which are equipped with the „HOT“ mark (Diagram 2, below), rear panels orcovers with cooling slits, cooling bodies and their covers, as well as tubes and theircovers are purposely designed to dissipate high temperatures and should thereforenot be touched.• High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should thereforeavoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearingprotection if continuously exposed to high levels.MAINS CONNECTION:• The unit is designed for continuous operation.• The set operating voltage must match the local mains supply voltage.• Caution: The unit mains switch must be in position OFF before the mains cable isconnected.• The unit is connected to the mains via the supplied power unit or power cable.• Power unit: Never use a damaged connection lead. Any damage must be rectifiedby a competent technician.• Avoid connection to the mains supply in distributor boxes together with several otherpower consumers.• The plug socket for the power supply must be positioned near the unit and must beeasily accessible.PLACE OF INSTALLATION:• The unit should stand only on a clean, horizontal working surface.• The unit must not be exposed to vibrations during operation.• Keep away from moisture and dust where possible.• Do not place the unit near water, baths, wash basins, kitchen sinks, wet areas,swimming pools or damp rooms. Do not place objects containing liquid on the unit -vases, glasses, bottles etc.• Ensure that the unit is well ventilated.• Any ventilation openings must never be blocked or covered. The unit must be positio-ned at least 20 cm away from walls. The unit may only be fitted in a rack if adequateventilation is ensured and if the manufacturer’s installation instructions are followed.• Keep away from direct sunlight and the immediate vicinity of heating elements andradiant heaters or similar devices.• If the unit is suddenly moved from a cold to a warm location, condensation can forminside it. This must be taken into account particularly in the case of tube units. Beforeswitching on, wait until the unit has reached room temperature.• Accessories: Do not place the unit on an unsteady trolley, stand, tripod, base or table.If the unit falls down, it can cause personal injury and itself become damaged. Usethe unit only with the trolley, rack stand, tripod or base recommended by themanufacturer or purchased together with the unit. When setting the unit up, all themanufacturer’s instructions must be followed and the setup accessories recommen-ded by the manufacturer must be used. Any combination of unit and stand must bemoved carefully. A sudden stop, excessive use of force and uneven floors can causethe combination of unit and stand to tip over.• Additional equipment: Never use additional equipment which has not beenrecommended by the manufacturer as this can cause accidents.• To protect the unit during bad weather or when left unattended for prolongedperiods, the mains plug should be disconnected. This prevents the unit beingdamaged by lightning and power surges in the AC mains supply.Diagram 1 Diagram 2 D-841 Vortex_Manual 1.2 25.06.2003 17:25 Uhr Seite 37IMPORTANTI AVVERTIMENTI DI SICUREZZA! Leggere attentamente prima dell’uso e conservare per un utilizzo successivo:

complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Communities on the approximation of the laws of the Member States rela- ting to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 89/336/EEC) and the low voltage Directive (73/23/EEC). This declaration of conformity of the European Communities is the result of an examination carried out by the Quality Assurance Department of STAMER GmbH in accordance with European Standards EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1and EN 60065 for low voltage, as laid down in Article 10 of the EMC Directive. Lothar Stamer Dipl.Ing. Managing Director St.Wendel, 07/20/2002