3-CHANNEL G U I T A R P R E A M P L I F I E R

Hughes & Kettner Musical Instruments GmbH Magdeburgerstr.6 6690 St.Wendel

Telefon ( 0 68 51

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48 86

WE AT HUGHES & KETTNER WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE

YOU ON YOUR CHOICE OF THE ATTAX PREAMP!

The HUGHES & KETTNER ATTAX preamp is designed to meet the rigorous demands placed on contemporary musicians: superior sound quality, flexibility, and userfriendly operating define the ATTAX as a valuable tool in your quest for the ultimate sound.

The streamlined operating and control concept enables you to immediately dial in hot sounds. No fuss, no endless knob twiddling.This Operator’s Manual introduces

you to the ATTAX's features and options.

3 CHANNELS - THE STANDARD OF THE 9 0 ' s

The ATTAX features three separate channels: One solid state CLEAN for vintage and contemporary clean tones. The two tube channels, CRUNCH and LEAD, are carefully tuned for a broad overdrive spectrum, from a slight crunch to heavy duty shred.

TWO EFFECTS LOOPS!

The ATTAX features two separate loops for effects/multi-effects devices: a standard

MONO FX LOOP with SEND and RETURN jacks and a STEREO LOOP with a SEND and two RETURN jacks (Left/Right).

STEREO SETUP - NO PROBLEM!

The output, effect, and master sections feature stereo circuits enabling stereo setups, o. g. with a stereo power amp and two cabinets. Stereo effects processors can be added through the STEREO LOOP for optimum effects utilization.

FREQUENCY-CORRECTED RECORDING OUT JACKS

The two Recording Out jacks feature frequency-corrected signal paths that simulate the sound of a miked 4 x 12" cabinet, an ideal tool for home recording, studio situations, and on stage DI to the mixer.

MIDI - THE ULTIMATE CONTROL FEATURE!

The MIDI option requires no soldering. Installation is simple, and offers the ATTAX user all the comfort of MIDI capabilities. All three channels and the effects loop can be called via MIDI program change messages.

We hope you have fun and enjoy success with your ATTAX!

THE SOLID STATE CLEAN CHANNEL

This channel utilizes innovative solid state circuitry that is capable of producing warm, dynamic vintage tones, as well as contemporary, hi-fi clean sounds.

The HUGHES & KETTNER “SOFT CLICK” circuitry delivers the soft clip of a vintage tube amp at high volumes, except that you don’t have to alienate your neighbors to get that warm tone. It “feels” like a vintage amp; the preamp’s dynamics and response are true to classic tube performance criteria.

ATTAX CRUNCH - THE VINTAGE TUBE CHANNEL

The ATTAX CRUNCH tube channel covers the tonal spectrum from clean to overdrive. The emphasis on attack response in this channel enables you to control overdrive levels with your guitar’s volume pot. At higher gain settings, your tone is carried by lengthy sustain ideal for a singing blues tone with superior dynamic punch.

AT-TAX LEAD - HOT-RODDED HEAVY TUBE OVERDRIVE

The LEAD channel’s extreme gain reserves deliver the distinct performance characteristics of modified tube amps: fat, searing tube overdrive at any volume, ideal for modern lead playing and heavy-duty power chord chunk.

v SELECTING THE THREE CHANNELS: CLEAN / CRUNCH / LEAD

Channel switching is executed via the switch on the FRONT PANEL or the included STAGEBOARD.

The CLEAN /TUBE SWITCH (5) activates either the SOLID STATE (CLEAN channel), or the TUBE ( CRUNCH/LEAD ) sections.

The CRUNCH /TUBE SWITCH (12) activates either the CRUNCH or LEAD channel in the tube section.

An LED DESIGNATES the currently ACTIVE CHANNEL.:

CLEAN = GREEN, CRUNCH = YELLOW, LEAD = RED

1. INPUT

1/4"

instrument input jack.

( M ) MIDI LEARN BUTTON

MIDI OPTION installation is a prerequisite to

MIDI capability. Upon

MIDI OPTION installation, press the

MIDI LEARN BUTTON on the

ATTAX'a

front panel to save the current sound/effect parameter settings. Installation is a matter of just a few minutes, it requires no soldering. Talk to your

HUGHES & KETTNER DEALER for the details.

2.

(CLEAN ) VOLUME

Regulates the

CLEAN channel’s volume. Depending on your instrument’s pickups, a setting of 7 - 8 is the clip threshold

(SOFT CLICK).

3. GREEN CLEAN LED

The

GREEN LED illuminates when the solid state ( CLEAN ) section is active.

4. CLEAN /

BASS / TREBLE

The

THREE-BAND, PASSIVE VOICING section defines the ATTAX's tonal characteristics in the

CLEAN channel. Precise tuning and balance of filter frequencies enable you to quickly and efficiently dial in diverse sounds.

v SETTING VOICING PARAMETERS

Dial in the standard setting (BASS,

MID, TREBLE in the 12 o’clock position), and then modify the settings to suit your requirements.

5. CLEAN / TUBE SELECTOR SWITCH

Activates either the

SOLID STATE (

CLEAN channel ), or the TUBE SELECTION

( CRUNCH and LEAD channels).

6.

CRUNCH GAIN

The CRUNCH GAIN POT regulates the CRUNCH channel’s input sensitivity. Try different settings to achieve everything from ultra-clean sound to vintage tube overdrive.

7. CRUNCH LED

The YELLOW LED illuminates when the CRUNCH channel is active.

8. LEAD GAIN

The LEAD GAIN pot regulates the amount of disortion in the tube preamp’s LEAD channel. The intensity of the compression effect inherent in tube technology increases parallel to the amount of overdrive.

9. LEAD LED

The RED LED illuminates when the LEAD channel is active.

10. CRUNCH AND LEAD TUBE CHANNELS VOICING SECTION

The two tube channels’ tone controls are a combination of active and passive circuits designed to respond in a more musical manner. For instance, the active bass filters provide mid-range characteristics and provides additional presence (without unnecessary bending of frequency bands). The voicing section follows the tube section in the amp’s circuitry.

v SETTING VOICING PARAMETERS

Dial in the standard setting (BASS, MID, TREBLE in the 12 o’clock position), and then modify the settings to suit your requirements.

In addition to the tree channel’s respective VOLUME and/or GAIN controls, the

CRUNCH and LEAD channels each incorporate a MASTER control (CRUNCH

MASTER / LEADMASTER). The overall output of the ATTAX is defined via the STEREO

MASTER VOLUME knob (15). These features allow for an optimum volume balance between the three channels, an essential feature for gigs.

11. CRUNCHMASTER

Regulates the CRUNCH channel’s volume in relation to the CLEAN and LEAD channel’s respective volumes.

12. CRUNCH / LEAD SELECTOR SWITCH

Activates either the ATTAX's CRUNCH or LEAD channel.

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13.

LEADMASTER

Regulates the LEAD channel’s volume in relation to CLEAN and CRUNCH channels’ respective volumes.

14.

FX-MIX

The FX MIX pot regulates the original signal’s volume and its relationship to that of the processed signal, i. e. the one sent from the effects device connected to the

STEREO EFFECTS LOOP. DRY = original signal only, WET = processed signal only.

You can dial in any signal blend between these two extreme settings.

NOTE: If no signal procession is connected to the STEREO LOOP, then the

FX-MIX

pot can be used as a master volume. The FX-MIX has no influence on overall ATTAX output when it is set to DRY (refer to the “Activating a Second MASTER VOLUME” paragraph on the following page ).

15.

MASTER VOL

The ATTAX's

overall output is defined via the MASTER VOLUME knob. It influences all outputs.

16.

PHONES

1/4" head phone jack. The PHONES output jack delivers a speaker-simulated signal, so the ATTAX sounds similar to your stage setup at headphone volumes.

17. MAIN SWITCH:

AC mains power switch

1 8 . M A I N S

The included

Euro-norm mains cable is connected to this socket. Ensure the voltage selector is set to the correct voltage (refer to the safety guidelines).

19. FUSE

Use a screwdriver to unlock and unscrew the FUSE holder.

Ensure replacement fuses’ specifications are identical to the original. The ATTAX is factory-set to the European norm of 230 V.

20.

RECORDING OUT JACKS

The RECORDING OUT jacks deliver a frequency-corrected STEREO SIGNAL, comparable to a that of a miked 4 x 12” cabinet, ideal for home recording, studio, and DI-to-mixer applications.

21. MONO FX

LOOP

Serial signal path for external effects processors. Connect the

ATTAX’S LOOP

RETURN

to the device’s

OUTPUT

jack. The output signal’s dry/wet mix is regulated at the processor.

22.

STEREO FX LOOP

The parallel

STEREO EFFECTS LOOP’s dry/wet mix

is regulated via the

FX MIX pot

(14). The effects signal can be activated via the STAGEBOARD or MIDI messages.

Connect the

ATTAX's LOOP SEND

jack to the

device’s INPUT,

and the

ATTAX's

LOOP LEFT/RIGHT RETURN

jacks to the device’s

LEFT/RIGHT OUTPUT

jacks.

Use the

ATTAX STEREO LOOP’S RIGHT RETURN

jack for mono signal processors.

The LOOP sends a mono signal if only the

RIGHT RETURN

jack is connected.

TIP 1: You

can connect other instruments/sound generation equipment to the

ATTAX

via the

STEREO LOOP’S RETURN

jacks instead of a signal processor/effects device.

A second guitar, keyboard, drum machine, tape player, etc. can be used for rehearsals

/ practice sessions.

v Adding a

STEREO SIGNAL

(tape deck, keyboard, etc.): l

Connect the device’s LEFT /RIGHT OUTPUTS to the ATTAX STEREO LOOP’S

LEFT / RIGHT INPUTS.

l

Step on the STAGEBOARD’S FX footswitch (the loop is activated).

l

Regulate the device’s volume via the

FX MIX pot

located on the front panel (to the left towards DRY =

volume down,

to the right towards WET = volume

up).

TIP 2: You

can also use the loop to activate an additional MASTER VOLUME, provided you do not connect a signal processor.

v Activating the additional MASTER VOLUME l

Step on the STAGEBOARD’S FX footswitch (the LED illuminates).

l

Dial in a separate MASTER VOLUME setting for the ATTAX via the FX MIX pot (to the left towards

DRY = volume up,

to the right towards

WET = volume down).

l

You

can switch back and forth between the two MASTER VOLUMES via the

FX footswitch.

Upon MIDI option installation, you can also call MASTER VOLUME changes via MIDI messages.

23. LINE OUT ( LEFT / RIGHT )

The two LINE OUT jacks (Left/Right) feed the preamp’s signal to a power amp(s). Use a single

LINE OUT

jack to drive a mono power amp and speaker cabinet.

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24.

STAGEBOARD JACK

Connect the included ATTAX STAGEBOARD to this MULTIPIN jack.

Your ATTAX preamp package includes the STAGEBOARD which enables you to activate the 3 CHANNELS and the STEREO EFFECTS LOOP via footswitches.

NOTE: Ensure the CLEAN /TUBE and CRUNCH /

LEAD SELECTOR SWITCHES on the

FRONT PANEL

are set to

OFF

(not

pushed

in) when operating the

ATTAX

in

the

STAGEBOARD

footswitch

mode.

A combination of the two operating modes ( footswitch /front panel ) is not recommended.

QUICK

ACCESS TO THE CHANNELS VIA THE STAGEBOARD.

When you switch from the solid state preamp section to the tube section via the

STAGEBOARD, it is advisable to pre-select the channel via the LEAD /CRUNCH

SELCECTOR SWITCH. You can then switch channels in one motion.

LEDs are integrated in the STAGEBOARD to give you a clearer picture of the channel switching status for on-stage applications.

These LEDs tell you which of the two CRUNCH / LEAD channels is preset. The front panel LEDs denete the currently active channel.

EFFECTS LOOP SWITCHING VIA THE ATTAX STAGEBOARD

In addition to channel selection feature, the STAGEBOARD can also be used activate/deactivate the STEREO EFFECTS LOOP via the FX ON / OFF SWITCH. The appropriate LED illuminates when the LOOP is active.

Circuitry:

Channels:

Jacks:

1 Solid-State CLEAN ,2 Tube preamps CRUNCH / LEAD

CLEAN: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble - Master Volume

CRUNCH: Volume, - Crunch Master

> Bass, Mid, Treble <

LEAD: Volume, Lead Master

Input, Phones, Recording Out ( Left / Right ), Mono Loop ( Send / Return ),

Stereo Loop ( Send / Return Left - Return Right ), Line Out ( Left / Right ),

Footswitch.

Dimensions: 19” / 1 HU

HUGHES & KETTNER ATTAX n._--

,zm.,“.__

-

POWERAMP E:G: HUGHES & KETTNER CF 200 / VS 250

Line Out Left Line Out Right

Input Left Input Right

Stereo Speaker Outs

Left Right

>

-&Law-

Input Input

HUGHES & KETTNER

GL 112/GL 212/GL-GR 412

Line Out L / R

Recording Out L / R

Mono FX Send

Mono FX Return

Stereo Send L / R

Stereo Return L / R

Phones

Stageboard

Poweramp / Cabinets

Signal for Recording /

Studio Applications

Effect / Tuner In

Effect Output

Input L / R

Output L / R

Phones

Stageboard page 9

The above examples are just hat examples. Your sound is ulimatly dependant on the type of instrument and the playing style you use. Nevertheless, these settings will give you a general impression of the ATTAX's sound spectrum.

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B

I MPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

E F O R E C O N N E C T I N G , R E A D I N S T R U C T I O N S

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

.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

.

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 be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

.

This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a third pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding type plug.

.

Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord.

.

If an extension cord is used with this product make sure that it is a 3-wire grounding- type and that the total of the amp ere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

.

Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as 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 servicingto service personnel.

.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: w

l

When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed l

If liquid has been spilled into the product l

If the product has been exposed to rain or water l

If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. 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.

l

If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged l

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need of service! Selection of power supply cord. Use only a listed detachable power supply cord type SVT or SJT minimum 18

AWC, 3 conductor, one end configured for NEMA 5-l 5 other end for IEC 320/CEE 22!

l

Fuses: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace fuses only with 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 SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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