Traynor Block 10 and Block 12 Keyboard Amplifiers User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- Traynor
Table of Contents
Traynor Block 10 and Block 12 Keyboard Amplifiers
This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The DO NOT STACK symbol is intended to alert the user that the product shall not be vertically stacked because of the nature of the product.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions pertaining to a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to a
person
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL. THIS DEVICE IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY!
INSTALLED BATTERY PACKS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT SUCH AS
SUNSHINE, FIRE OR THE LIKE.
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Read Instructions: The Owner’s Manual should be read and understood before operation of your unit. Please, save these instructions for future reference and heed all warnings.
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Cleaning: Clean only with dry cloth.
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Packaging : Keep the box and packaging materials, in case the unit needs to be returned for service.
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Warning: To reduce the risk or fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water!Warning: When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
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Power Sources
Your unit should be connected to a power source only of the voltage specified in the owners manual or as marked on the unit. This unit has a polarized plug. Do not use with an extension cord or receptacle unless the plug can be fully inserted. Precautions should be taken so that the grounding scheme on the unit is not defeated. An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a Mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. -
Hazards
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious personal injury and serious damage to the product. Use only with cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the product and use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer. Only use
attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Equipment that is suspended overhead must use a secondary safeguard to prevent personal injury in the event the primary mounting mechanism fails. Safety eyebolts attached to the equipment and galvanized steel wire can be used together to implement a failsafe mounting thus ensuring the safety of the equipment and anyone positioned below the equipment.
Improper installation can result in bodily injury or death. If you are not qualified to attempt the installation get help from a professional structural rigger.
Note: Prolonged use of headphones at a high volume may cause health damage to your ears.
The apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing water; no objects filled with liquids should be placed on the apparatus.
Terminals marked with the “lightning bolt” are hazardous live; the external wiring connected to these terminals require installation by an instructed person or the use of ready made leads or cords.
Ensure that proper ventilation is provided around the appliance. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. -
Power Cord
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. The AC supply cord should be routed so that it is unlikely that it will be damaged. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs. If the AC supply cord is damaged DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. -
Service
The unit should be serviced only by qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, requires battery pack replacement or has been dropped. Disconnect power before servicing!
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The Lightning Flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of shock to persons The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prongs are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING:
- To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
- To completely disconnect this apparatus from the ac mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the ac receptacle.
- The mains plug of the power supply cord or appliance coupler shall remain readily accessible.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT CONNECT TO MAINS POWER SUPPLY WHILE
GRILLE IS REMOVED.
Traynor Block 10 & Block 12
Today, keyboard players, acoustic guitarists, and other musicians need the
ability to travel light. More importantly they require amplification that
maintains the highest standards of fidelity, versatility and reliability. The
Traynor Block Series answers those requirements and more.
The Block series is a linear mixing and amplification system built into a
versatile combo-style enclosure. What this means to the pro user is that you
can take your Block 10 or 12 anywhere and do a number of things a PA system
would permit. While the Block 10 or 12 are not meant to replace a full PA-
system, they can be used as one. With the Block 10 or 12 used as a micro PA,
the system fits in a subcompact car with room left for a keyboard, a mic, a
stand, a guitar and more.
Traynor’s legendary reliability is a good base on which to build anything. The
Block series offers four inputs; one which accepts a mono or stereo keyboard
output, one which accepts a dynamic microphone or acoustic-electric guitar,
one which accepts any line-level signal, perhaps from a PA mixer, and another
which accepts a CD player or other stereo program source – even a DSP outboard
guitar preamp like a *Pod®.
Fully connected, your Block unit can
- Quality component selection including the use of high-grade glass epoxy circuit boards and low noise components.
- Four input channels utilizing an microphone compatible XLR, ¼-inch TRS phone jacks and1/8-inch (3.5 mm) jacks.
- 2-band EQ on both Channel 1 and Channel 2 .
- 2-way speaker system features a 200-watt 10-inch low frequency driver (12-inch on Block 12) and a 2.5-inch 20-watt high frequency driver.
- Blend up to four audio sources into a single mono mix-down.
- Professional Line Out using XLR jack with switchable pre/post-EQ and ground lift options. Feed your mixed, mono signal to a house PA or recording desk – fully balanced.
- Help you record, or practice silently with headphones (in stereo, if the input is stereo).
- Supply a stereo Link signal to another Block unit if you want stereo sound onstage.
- Be set up anywhere. The Block 10 and 12 have speaker stands built-in while also being able to fit neatly under a keyboard stand or can face you onstage as a monitor.
- Provide clear, accurate performance for years to come.
- Covered by our famous 2 year unlimited* “Even if you break it” warranty
Power
Power/Status LED
The power LED displays the status and condition of the amplifier. When
powering up the Traynor Block amplifier, the LED will illuminate red for a few
moments and then turn blue when the amp is ready to go. If a fault is de-
tected, the LED will constantly illuminate red.
Input Channels
Input clip LED
The input clip LED located near the Power/Status LED, has been designed to
monitor Channels 1-3 for clipping. It will turn on when the input signal from
an audio source is too hot (or the gain is set too high). Adjust the channels
individually while playing until the LED stops indicating clipping (it’s okay
if the LED blinks briefly).
Channel 1
Input Jacks
The ¼-inch inputs on Channel 1 are optimized for stereo instruments such as
keyboards and synths but mono sources can be also be used (using the left
input sums the stereo audio signals properly).
Note: When using a stereo source with a single Block amp the input will
properly sum the stereo signal.
Gain Control
The level for channel 1 is adjusted using the Channel 1 Gain control. If the
level is too hot, the Input Channel 1-3 Clip LED (next to the Power/Status
LED) will illuminate. If this occurs, adjust this control until the LED stops
clipping or clips very briefly when playing hard.
Note: Boosting the tone controls also affect the level (especially the
bass frequencies).
Tone Controls
The tone controls, Bass and Treble, cover the entire audio spectrum and can
help tailor your sound accordingly. Each control can boost or cut with a 15 dB
range of adjustment, the center position denotes a 0 dB cut/boost.
Channel 2
Input Jacks
A microphone can be connected to Channel 2 using the XLR jack, for a Line-
Level mono audio source, use the ¼-inch jack. it’s not recommended to use both
inputs simultaneously, use only one input at a time.
Gain Control
The level for channel 2 is adjusted using the Channel 2 Gain control. If the
level is too hot, the Input Channel 1-3 Clip LED (next to the Power/Status
LED) will illuminate. If this occurs, adjust this control until the LED stops
clipping or clips very briefly when playing hard.
Note : Boosting the tone controls also affect the level (especially the
bass frequencies).
Tone Controls
The tone controls, Bass and Treble, cover the entire audio spectrum and can
help tailor your sound accordingly. Each control can boost or cut with a 15 dB
range of adjustment, the center position denotes a 0 dB cut/boost.
Channel 3
Input Jacks
Channel 3’s input is optimized for external sources such as digital media
players, CD players and tape decks. The ¼-inch and 1/8-inch stereo jacks are
connected in parallel and should not be used simultaneously. It is suggested
to use only one input, at a time, for best operation.
Note: Channel 3 audio does NOT get channeled through to the Line Out .
Gain Control
The level for channel 3 is adjusted using the Channel 3 Gain control. If the
level is too hot, the Input Channel 1-3 Clip LED (next to the Power/Status
LED) will illuminate. If this occurs, adjust this control until the LED stops
clipping or clips very briefly when playing hard.
Channel 4
Input Jack
Channel 4’s Line level input has been added as an extra channel for monitoring
purposes, the signal does not mix in with the main bus and thus the Line Out
nor Link Out are affected by it.
Gain Control
The level for channel 4 is adjusted using the Channel 4 Gain control.
Master Section
Master Control
The Master Volume controls the overall output level of the Block amplifier.
Headphones
The Headphones jack is a standard ¼-inch TRS (stereo) phone jack. When used,
it disconnects the audio to the speakers so you can listen privately.
Balance (Link Pan)
Use the Link Pan control to adjust the balance of the left/right signals when
using the Headphones or for left/right balance of the Linked Block amps.
Line Out (balanced)
Located at the front, this XLR jack is used primarily to connect directly to
mixing consoles. Use this when performing live or in a recording studio. The
Master Volume control has no effect on the line out audio level.
Note: Please note that the signal from Channel 4 does not mix in with the main bus (Link) signal and is not sent to the line out. It is meant for stage monitoring only
Post-EQ / Pre-EQ Selector
The Post-EQ / Pre-EQ selector enables the audio signal being sent through the
Line Out to either directly from the post gain stage (pre-tone controls) or
after the tone control stage.
Ground Lift
The Ground Lift switch was added to help prevent unwanted audible hum and buzz
that may occur if the unit’s electrical ground is affected by ‘ground loops’
when connected using the Line Out.
Link System
The Link feature of the Block series amplifiers allow two Block amps connected
to operate as a single stereo system. The Linked system units will be fully
integrated with each other allowing use of inputs on both amplifiers.
Note: the Line Outs of “each” unit will output only the source from that
particular unit.
Link
Use a stereo cable to Link two block units to create a left and right stereo
system. The Link connection is designed to work only with the same model Block
amplifier.
Link Pan Control
Use the Link Pan Control, located on the front panel to adjust the balance of
the left/right signals for the Block amps that are Linked.
Amplifier
Cooling system
Keep the rear of the Block Series amplifiers free and clear, this will allow
the units to remain as cool as possible, always keep that area clear so that
the heat is dissipated properly otherwise the unit will overheat and shut
down.