Gibson Amplifiers Universal Guitar Amp User Guide
- March 11, 2024
- Gibson
Table of Contents
UNIVERSAL GUITAR AMP
QUICKSTART GUIDE
Amplifiers Universal Guitar Amp
For technical support and detailed product specific Owner’s Manuals, visit
www.Gibson.com/support
Gibson Amplifier Set-Up and Operating Instructions Download detailed product
specific owner’s manual at www.Gibson.com
Initial Set-Up and Operating Instructions
Greetings and Welcome to the Gibson Family! Follow these Instructions to unpack and operate your Gibson Amplifier:
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Unpack the amplifier carefully, remembering that some models may be heavy. Get help if needed. It is always wise to save the box and packing materials should you need them later.
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Connect the power cord to a grounded wall outlet using all pins of the plug. Proper grounding is important for safety and lowest noise.
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Connect the footswitch (if applicable) to the appropriate jack labeled FOOT SWITCH on the amplifier. On some models this may be a multi-pin DIN connector located on the rear panel.
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Check that the internal speaker’s cable is firmly seated in the appropriate speaker impedance OUTPUT JACK. If a head model, connect an unshielded speaker cable of good quality and shortest length to the appropriate speaker output jack that matches the cabinet impedance in use. It’s very important the impedance is correct (or safe) between your speaker and amp, if you need additional information, please visit www.mesaboogie.com/support. Your amplifier will usually sound best with at least one speaker cabinet on the floor and without wheels (optional except on some 2×12 and 4×12 Cabinets).
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For those models that incorporate a foot switch, set the toggle switch (or rotary switch, which may be on the rear panel) labeled FOOT SWITCH/CHANNEL SELECT to the FOOT SWITCH position. On models with a front panel mini toggle this is the center position.
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Set the MASTER CONTROLS to OFF to prevent any accidental settings, feedback, cables shorting, guitar sounds, etc. from causing damage to ears, speakers, monitors or other pieces of equipment should the amplifier be accidentally switched to ON before you are ready.
For guitar models with power tubes, flip the POWER SWITCH to the ON position (pilot light illuminated) while leaving STANDBY SWITCH in the OFF position. Wait at least 30 seconds, then flip the STANDBY SWITCH to ON.
NOTE: Follow this “Cold Start” routine for every “Power Up”, as it allows the filaments of the tubes to warm up before being hit with high voltage via the standby switch. Following this method during “Power Up” will prolong tube life and improve reliability. -
Set the GAIN and TONE CONTROLS to 12:00. Set the MASTER CONTROL(S) to 9:00. The volume may be low, but you can adjust to the desired level with the MASTER as you begin to play.
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Adjust the GAIN, TONE and MASTER CONTROLS to taste and application. Switch through the channels, modes, any voicing switches and power options included on your model to familiarize yourself with the sounds and options.
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EFFECTS LOOP: It’s best practice to connect any external effects to the amplifier before turning the amp on, however, you can connect external effects to any amp that has a STANDBY or MUTE SWITCH, by engaging them to eliminate any potential signal spikes from damaging other equipment or your ears. Connect any outboard effects you may have to the EFFECTS LOOP jacks using high quality shielded audio cables of minimal length. Connect the amplifier’s SEND JACK to the input jack of your effects device(s) and the RETURN JACK of the amplifier to the output jack(s) of your effects devices. Connect additional effects in series.
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Adjust the input and output controls (where applicable) on your effects device to achieve unity gain in the EFFECTS LOOP. You may check for unity gain by simply unplugging both SEND and RETURN cables simultaneously. Adjust your effects devices input and output level controls until there is no loss or increase of gain between the effects device when connected or disconnected from the send and return jacks.
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For more in-depth operating information, please refer to www.Gibson.com and download your product’s Owner’s Manual.
Enjoy your new amplifier! From all of us at Gibson, thank you for trusting us to be your amplifier company! We wish you many years of inspiration and enjoyment from your new instrument!
Important Safety Instructions
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
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.
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.
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.
To ensure proper ventilation always make sure there is at minimum four inches
(101.6mm) of space behind the rear of the apparatus. The ventilation should
not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as
newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. Do not impede ventilation by placing
objects on top of the apparatus which extend past the rear edge of its
cabinet.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the
apparatus.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
The AC plug is the mains disconnect. The plug should remain accessible after
installation.
WARNING: EU: permission from the Supply Authority is needed before
connection.
WARNING: Always make sure proper load is connected before operating the
amplifier. Failure to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage
to the amplifier.
Do not expose amplifier to direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures.
Always ensure the amplifier is properly grounded. Always unplug AC power cord
before changing fuse, tubes or removing chassis. Use only same type and rating
when replacing fuse.
Avoid direct contact with heated tubes. Keep amplifier away from children.
To avoid damaging your speakers and other playback equipment, turn off the
power of all related equipment before making the connections.
Do not use excessive force when handling buttons, switches and controls. Do
not use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit.
Always connect to an AC power supply that meets the power supply
specifications listed on the rear of the unit. Export models: always ensure
unit is wired for proper voltage. Make certain grounding conforms with local
standards.
YOUR AMPLIFIER IS LOUD! EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND VOLUMES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT
HEARING DAMAGE!
Your Gibson Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with
respect and operate it properly.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE.
Gibson • 1-800-4-Gibson
www.gibson.com
[email protected]
Rev 231010
References
- Welcome to Gibson
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- Gibson | Customer Service
- Mesa Boogie | Home of Tone
- Mesa Boogie | Sales & Support