Vortex 212 - Audio Amplifier HUGHES & KETTNER - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Vortex 212 HUGHES & KETTNER

Before powering up please read the Important Safety Instructions on page 36 - 38!

WICHTIG:

A team of guitarists and technicians developed the VORTEXTM 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 VORTEXTM is the ideal workhorse for the discerning player. The VORTEXTM'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 VORTEXTM 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® TEAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 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.

• Hughes & Kettner is not liable for damages due to improper use.

1.0 THE CHANNELS OF THE VORTEX™

At higher gain settings, the preamp of the VORTEX™ generates warm harmonic overdrive that is exceptionally dynamic. Based on semiconductors, 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 capability to sweep smoothly between these two very different worlds of sound, you have unprecedented lead sound sculpting options at your fingertips.

REVERB:

The VORTEX™ features an onboard spring reverb located after FX SEND in the signal chain.

2.0 JACKS AND CONTROL FEATURES

INPUT: 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 automatically 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 automatically switched off when a plug is inserted into this jack.

REAR PANEL:

MAINS: Connect the included Euro-norm mains cord to this socket. Ensure the amp's voltage rating matches your local AC voltage rating before you plug the cord into the wall socket.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS:

Serial on combos: Connect an auxiliary cabinet with 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 minimum permissible impedance is 4 ohms. This means if you connect cabinets to both outs, each cabinet's impedance may be no lower than 8 ohms.

Combo-versions Head-version

3.0 STANDARD SETUP / CABLE CONNECTIONS

HEAD/COMBO:

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

4.2 THE VORTEX™ AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS

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

4.3 HOW TO CONNECT A SIGNAL PROCESSOR:

• 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 interrupted signals, use high-quality patch cords only.
• Make sure the processor is not distorting the signal. Check the processor's gain LEDs and use the input and output controls to dial in a suitable level.

• Distortion devices are not designed for use in an FX loop. As a rule of thumb, any kind of device that compresses the signal should be connected first in the signal chain. Depending on the type of effect you want to achieve, you may want to connect a compressor directly between the instrument and the amp's input.

• If you are using several processors or stomp boxes, ensure you connect them in the proper order. If you don't like what you're hearing, experiment with the order to find the sound that suits you best.

4.4 THE VORTEXTM AND MIXING CONSOLES

If you want to feed the VORTEX™'s signal to a mixing console, we recommend you route it through a Hughes & Kettner® RED BOX®. Connect it to the amp's FX-SEND jack, as this signal path's level is not influenced by the MASTER setting. The RED BOX® balances the signal and simulates a speaker cabinet.

5.0 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

The VORTEX™ does not require service of any type. However, there are a few precautions you should heed to ensure your amp lasts for many years.

• Ensure all peripheral devices and cables are in a state of good repair.
  Defective speaker cables are the most common cause of power amp failure. Poor-quality cables will cause hum and undesirable noise.
  Make certain the back of your amp' is not blocked or covered. Proper cooling will prolong the life of your amp.

• Avoid mechanical shocks and exposure to extreme heat, dust and especially moisture.

• When connecting peripheral devices, always pay close attention to their specifications. Never connect devices with high output signal levels (e.g. power amps) to your amp's input.

• Ensure you have the correct AC power rating available before you plug in the amp. If in doubt, ask the venue's sound technician or the custodian of the building you are rehearsing in.
• Refrain from do-it-yourself repairs! Have a qualified service technician replace internal fuses.
• With the unit off and unplugged, use a soft damp cloth to clean the exterior surface of the VORTEX™.

6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

6.1 If the VORTEX™ will not switch on:

• 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 dealer.

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 FS-1.

6.4 If you use the effects loop, the FX-SEND/ FX-RETURN jacks cause annoying hum.

• An electrical or magnetic field is causing interference. Use higher-quality cables or re-arrange the cables you are using to minimize interference. 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 distributor/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.
  Tum it up.

VORTEX

WIR FREUEN UNS, DASS DU DICH FÜR DEN VORTEX™ ENTSCHIEDEN HAST!

Power amp section: 'CURRENT FEEDBACK' solid state power amp

Output Power:

80 watts RMS into 4 Ω (1x12" Combo)

80 watts RMS into 4 Ω (2x12" Combo)

80 watts RMS into 4 Ω (Head)

Headphones output: 100 mW into 4 - 600 Ω

Frequency response: 20Hz - 30kHz (into 8 Ω)

Speaker:

Combos: Celestion 12^ Rockdriver Junior

Cabinet: 4x CELESTION® 12" RockDriver Junior

Power handling capacity: 200 watts RMS / 8 Ω

GENERAL FEATURES:

Voltage:

230 V~ (European model)

117 V~ (North American model)

100 V~ (Japanese model)

Max. power consumption: 175 VA

Mains Fuse:

T 500 mA (230 V model)

T1A(117Vmodel)

T 1,25 A (100 V model)

Internal fuses: 2x T2A

Dimensions: (W x H x D)

Combo 1x 12": 570 × 520 × 265 ~mm

Combo 2× 12^ .. 655× 520× 265mm

Head: 610 × 235 × 255 ~mm

Cabinet: 740 × 755 × 350 ~mm

Weight:

Combo 1x 12^ : 17 kg

Combo 2x 12^ : 20.5 kg

Head: 10 kg

Cabinet: 33 kg

Dimensions (I x H x P):

Combo 1x 12^ : 570 x 520 x 265 mm

Combo 2× 12^ :655× 520× 265mm

Tete:610×235×255mm

Caisse:740×755×350mm

Poids :

Combo 1x 12": 17 kg

Combo 2x 12^ :20.5kg

Tete:10kg

Caisse:33kg

Sezione Preamp:

INPUT: -12 dB; livello d'ingresso massimo +4 dB/1 MΩ

FX-SEND: 0 dB; livello d'ingresso massimo +14 dB/850 Ω

FX-RETURN: -4 dB; livello d'ingresso massimo +24 dB/50 kΩ

• 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 ventilation; 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 placed in 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, or another heat producing amplifier.
• Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons 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 for cuts or sign of stress, especially at the plug and the point where the cord exits the unit.
• The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
• If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
  This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by Hughes & Kettner.
• Never push objects of any kind Into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
• Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel 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 followed.
  If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
  If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need of service!
• Adjust only these controls that are covered by the operating Instructions since Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive 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 nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

or less 115

Duration Per Day In Hours	Sound LeveldBA, Slow Response
8	90
6	92
4	95
3	97
2 100
\( 1^1/2 \)	102
1 105
\( ^1/2 \)	110

• According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.
• Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification 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 same type and ratings.

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE AND SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO MOISTURE OR RAIN. DO NOT OPEN CASE; NO USER SERVICE-ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND KEEP FOR LATER USE!

• The unit has been built by Hughes & Kettner in accordance with IEC 9239 and left the factory 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 operating instructions. The unit conforms to Protection Class 1 (protectively earthed).
  HUGHS & KETTNER ONLY GUARANTEE THE SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE UNIT 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 technician.

WARNING:

• If covers are opened or sections of casing are removed, except where this can be done manually, live parts can become exposed.
• If it is necessary to open the unit this must be isolated from all power sources. Please take this into account before carrying out adjustments, maintenance, repairs and before replacing parts.
• Adjustment, maintenance and repairs carried out when the unit has been opened and is still live may only be performed by specialist personnel who are authorized by the manufacturer (in accordance with VBG 4) and who are aware of the associated hazards.

• Loudspeaker outputs which have the IEC 417/5036 symbol (Diagram 1, below) can carry voltages which are hazardous if they are made contact with. Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should therefore only be connected using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.

• Where possible, all plugs on connection cables must be screwed or locked onto the casing.

• 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 or covers with cooling slits, cooling bodies and their covers, as well as tubes and their covers are purposely designed to dissipate high temperatures and should therefore not be touched.
• High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection 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 is connected.
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 rectified by a competent technician.
- Avoid connection to the mains supply in distributor boxes together with several other power consumers.
- The plug socket for the power supply must be positioned near the unit and must be easily 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 positioned at least 20cm away from walls. The unit may only be fitted in a rack if adequate ventilation is ensured and if the manufacturer's installation instructions are followed.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and the immediate vicinity of heating elements and radiant heaters or similar devices.
- If the unit is suddenly moved from a cold to a warm location, condensation can form inside it. This must be taken into account particularly in the case of tube units. Before switching 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. Use the unit only with the trolley, rack stand, tripod or base recommended by the manufacturer or purchased together with the unit. When setting the unit up, all the manufacturer's instructions must be followed and the setup accessories recommended by the manufacturer must be used. Any combination of unit and stand must be moved carefully. A sudden stop, excessive use of force and uneven floors can cause the combination of unit and stand to tip over.
Additional equipment: Never use additional equipment which has not been recommended by the manufacturer as this can cause accidents.
- To protect the unit during bad weather or when left unattended for prolonged periods, the mains plug should be disconnected. This prevents the unit being damaged by lightning and power surges in the AC mains supply.

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

CONSEILS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTS!

This is to certify that

HUGHE&KETTNER VORTEX

complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Communities on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating 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 50082-1 and EN 60065 for low voltage, as laid down in Article 10 of the EMC Directive.

Shen

Allied Music Exports GmbH, Munich/Germany

CANADA

EFKAY MUSIC, Lachine, Quebec H8T 2P1

CROATIA

Allied Music Exports GmbH, Munich/Germany

CZECH REPUBLIC

MUSICDATA, 59401 Velké

DENMARK

Allied Music Exports GmbH, Munich/Germany

MALAYSIA

GUITAR COLLECTION, 60 000 Kuala Lumpur

NEW ZEALAND

MUSIC WORKS, Onehunga, Aukland

NORWAY

BELCO A/S, 3921 Porsgrunn

POLAND

AMTEC, 51-663 Wroclaw

PORTUGAL

ALRICA, 1100 Lisboa

RUSSIA

Bayland Music House, 119146 Moscow

SLOVAK REPUBLIC

GB Music spel. s.r.o., 8111 06 Bratislava

SOUTH KOREA

Firtra Trading Co., Ltd., Seoul

SPAIN

ADAGIO, 08110 Montcada I Reixach

SWEDEN

ILT AB, 84100 Ange

SWITZERLAND

SDS Music Factory AG, 8048 Zürich

TAWAN

OMEGA MUSIC, Taichung

TURKEY

Lay Lay Lom A.S., Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM & EIRE

SENNHEISER, Highwycome, Bucks HP12 3SL

USA

HUGHES & KETTNER Inc., Mt Prospect, IL 60056

YUGOSLAVIA

Allied Music Exports GmbH, Munich/Germany