Peavey 6505 MH Tube Guitar Amplifier Tube Guitar Amp Head Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- Peavey
Table of Contents
Peavey® 6505® MH
20W Tube Guitar Amplifier
Operating Manual
www.peavey.com
Peavey® 6505® MH
Congratulations on the purchase of your new 6505 MH tube guitar amplifier from
Peavey! Although small, this amp has an alltube preamp and power amp to
authentically produce the much loved tones of the iconic larger models on
which it is based-albeit at lower power levels. The major advantage is the
sheer (or lack of ) size and weight.
Forging the sound of aggression for more than two decades, the Peavey 6505
series of amps produce the devastating overdriven tones that modern players
demand. Peavey proudly introduces the 6505 MH, as a part of its ‘micro-head’
series. Although all are inherently versatile, each of the models feature very
different preamp voicings and gain structures. We are confident that everyone
from a country picker to a metal shredder will find at least one of these will
work for them.
There are numerous features, several that are unique to Peavey, that are
described in more detail in the main text.
In summary:All models have two channels that follow the same gain structure
and voicing of the larger amps on which they are based, as well as a boost
function that has been designed for the specific model. The channels share EQ,
lush reverb and an effects loop.
Channels, boost, effects loop and reverb are all footswitchable.
Other features on the rear panel include: Effects Loop, Microphone Simulated
Direct Interface (MSDI™) with XLR output and USB out, speaker defeat switch
and 3 position power attenuator switch.
The 6505 MH exhibits a tremendous amount of versatility in a small package; it
features real tube tone, real tube power! It contains no simulations,
emulations or approximations.
Before you begin playing through your amplifier, it is very important to
ensure that the product has the proper AC line voltage supplied. This is shown
on the voltage selector switch near the IEC inlet on the rear panel of the
unit. Refer to the rear panel diagram in this manual to locate the particular
feature next to its number.
Please read this guide carefully to ensure your personal safety as well as the
safety of your amplifier. A careful reading of this manual will also ensure
you get the best out of your amplifier, by fully understanding its many
features.
FEATURES:
- 2x EL84 power tubes and 3x 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tubes
- Two footswitchable channels with three-band EQ
- Footswitchable gain boost on Rhythm channel
- Footswitchable reverb
- Footswitchable buffered effects Loop
- Tube Status Indication (T.S.I.) circuit
- Impedance switch for 16 or 8 ohm cabinets
- MSDI™ Output with XLR and ground lift switch
- USB Output
- Speaker defeat switch
- Headphone output
- Attenuator switch for 20 watts, 5 watts or 1 watt output power
VENTILATION: For proper ventilation, allow 24″ clearance from the nearest
combustible surface.
All vents should have a minimum of 2″ of free air space so air can flow thru
the unit freely for proper cooling.
6505 MH ® Front Panel
-
INPUT
Standard 1/4” jack for connection to the output of your guitar or last pedal if using effects before the amp. -
CHANNEL SWITCH
Allows selection of the two different channels. The“IN”position of the switch selects the ‘LEAD’ channel and the“OUT”position selects the ‘RHYTHM’ channel.
NOTE: Channel selection may also be achieved by using the included footswitch.
If remote selection is desired, the CHANNEL switch (#2) must be set to the“IN” position. -
RHYTHM CHANNEL PRE-GAIN
Controls the volume and gain level of the RHYTHM channel. -
BRT (Bright) switch
Provides a boost to high frequencies on the RHYTHM CHANNEL ONLY. To activate, depress the switch to its“IN”position. -
CRCH (Crunch) switch
This is the ‘boost’ function which switches the RHYTHM channel from a fairly clean sound to a more “crunchy” overdriven sound. The“IN”position of the switch selects the ‘crunch’ sound and the“OUT”position selects the CLEANER SOUND.
NOTE: The selection between these sounds may also be achieved by using the same footswitch as used for channel switching. IF REMOTE SELECTION IS DESIRED, the CRCH switch (#5) MUST be set to the“IN”position. -
LEAD PRE-GAIN
This controls the input volume level of the LEAD CHANNEL and, therefore, the amount of gain and overdrive. -
LOW, MID & HIGH EQ controls
These are passive tone controls that regulate the low (bass), mid and high (treble) frequencies of the tone of BOTH channels. -
RHYTHM & LEAD POST-GAIN controls
These control the output level of the RHYTHM and LEAD channels respectively. Only one will be in use at any one time, depending on which channel is selected. Used to set the volume as well as to balance the sound between the two channels. The RHYTHM POST-GAIN will control the output level of both the clean rhythm sound as well as the ‘crunch’ rhythm sound. -
REVERB
Determines the overall reverb level. Fully counterclockwise will be completely “dry” with no reverb, low settings will produce subtle reverb and high settings will produce lush ambience. This feature can also be controlled via the optional remote footswitch. -
RESONANCE
This feature is used to fine-tune the low-frequency response and damping factor of the power amp section. At higher settings, the speakers are allowed to move more freely at low frequencies, resulting in more apparent low end response. -
PRESENCE
This control is used to fine-tune the high-frequency response and damping factor of the power amp section. At higher settings, the speakers are allowed to move more freely at high frequencies, resulting in more apparent high end response. -
OUTPUT TUBE STATUS INDICATION (T.S.I.™) LEDS
These are LEDs that light green or red depending on the status of the output tube they are monitoring.
These are merely the visual part of the wider status indication, fault detection and tube protection circuits.
The LEDs T1 and T2 relate to the EL84 power tubes from left to right (when viewed from the front).
The simple explanation of this circuit is that the LED will be green in normal working mode and red in any other mode, including: Standby, low bias, low current (tube wearing out) or high current fault condition that has activated in the tube protection circuit.
The more complete explanation is as follows:-
On Standby, the LEDs should be red. This is due to the tubes not yet being fully on.
When switching from STANDBY to ON, these should then turn from red to green.
The LEDs will remain green, under normal operating conditions.
If an LED goes red then it means that the output tube is not working properly for one of the following reasons:
– Tube is ‘under current’: This could be due to incorrect bias, low current due to aging, open circuit due to structural/physical fault or missing filament heater supply.
– Tube has gone ‘over current’: In this case the resettable protection circuit will be switched in to protect against further damage and to allow the amplifier to carry on working with the remaining tube. This could be due to bias failure, over-heating of the tube or other fault condition resulting in excessive current draw.
Reset: Under certain conditions (e. g. during an adequate pause in playing), the protection circuit will auto-reset and allow the tube to be turned back on. If the fault remains then the LED will stay red. In these situations, at a convenient point, the amp should be turned off for a few minutes then back on again. If the fault is still there, then the amp should be checked by a qualified and competent technician for correct output tube bias or faulty tube(s). -
STANDBY switch
Placing this switch in the“STANDBY”position will effectively shut the amp off while leaving the tube filaments on. Leave this switch in the“STANDBY”position for a minimum of one (1) minute after engaging the POWER switch (#14). This is also a useful feature, since much tube wear comes from the heating and cooling of the tube itself. Leaving the unit in“STANDBY”when you take a break allows the tubes to stay warm while you are not playing. To immediately resume normal amp operation with no warm-up delay, place the switch in the“ON”position. NOTE: This switch does not replace the POWER switch (#14). When you are ready to stop playing for an extended period of time*, it is better to turn the amp off via the POWER switch (#14). To prevent any undesirable noise, it is recommended to switch the amp to “STANDBY” for at least a few seconds before switching fully off.
*** Excessive time off (more than one hour) in “STANDBY MODE” can damage OUTPUT TUBE by “poisoning the cathodes”.
* For an informative description of the STANDBY function, please read the Chapter 6 (Standby…For the Truth) of Hartley Peavey’s White Papers included on this disc. -
POWER switch
To apply power to the unit, connect the line cord and flip the switch to the ON position. Three of the four front panel LED’s should illuminate, indicating power is being supplied. It’s best that the STANDBY switch (#13) is set to STANDBY when amp is first switched on.
The correct start up sequence is:-
Before use, both switches should be in the ‘down’ position.
Switch POWER to ON. Now wait at least 1 minute for the amplifier to warm up.
Then switch the STANDBY to ON. Use amp as normal.
Switch to STANDBY for short breaks. (Between sets, not between songs!)
*When through playing, switch to STANDBY, wait at least a few seconds, then switch POWER to OFF.
6505 MH® Rear Panel
-
VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH
**** This selects between two different AC line/mains voltages. This should not normally be adjusted by the user, hence the clear plastic shield. This should already be set to the correct line/mains voltage in your country/territory. -
AC POWER INLET:
** This is the receptacle for an IEC line cord, which provides AC power to the unit. Connect the line cord to this connector to provide power to the unit. Damage to the equipment may result if improper line voltage is used. (See VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH #15).
Never break off the ground pin on any equipment. It is provided for your safety. If the outlet used does not have a ground pin, a suitable grounding adapter should be used and the third wire should be grounded properly. To prevent the risk of shock or fire hazard, always make sure that the amplifier and all associated equipment is properly grounded.
Note for UK ONLY
** As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: (1) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E, or by the Earth symbol, or colored green or green and yellow. (2) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N, or the color black. (3) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L, or the color red.
To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not place fingers or any other objects into empty tube sockets while power is being supplied to unit. -
FUSE
The fuse is located within the cap of the fuseholder. If the fuse should fail, IT MUST BE REPLACED WITH THE SAME TYPE AND VALUE IN ORDER TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT AND TO PREVENT VOIDING THE WARRRANTY. If the amp repeatedly blows fuses, it should be taken to a qualified service center for repair.
WARNING: THE FUSE SHOULD ONLY BE REPLACED WHEN THE POWER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM ITS POWER SOURCE. -
POWER OUTPUT SWITCH
This three position switch controls an attenuator which allows the maximum output of the amplifier to be switched between 100%, 25% and 5% of rated power. Therefore, between 20 watts, 5 watts and 1watt. This enables the user to drive the power stage hard, therefore producing the characteristic power amp overdrive, but without such loud volumes being produced by the speaker.
On the lower settings it may be necessary to slightly increase the Resonance and Presence controls for the desired tone. This is due to the change in damping factor when the speaker is driven less. -
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR
This switch allows the appropriate selection of speaker/cabinet impedance between either 16Ω or 8Ω.
If two enclosures of equal impedance are used, and connected in parallel by linking the two, the switch should be set to half the individual value. For example, two 16Ω enclosures necessitate an 8Ω setting.
Minimum speaker load impedance is 8Ω. -
SPEAKER OUTPUT
The speaker output is provided for connection to an external speaker cabinet. Please ensure a proper speaker cable is used and not a shielded type instrument cable.
The load impedance is selectable via the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR (#19).
The 6505MH sounds great into a 1×12, but try this into a 4×12 and see the reaction you get! -
SPEAKER ENABLE/DEFEAT SWITCH
This feature effectively disconnects any speaker/cabinet connected to the SPEAKER OUTPUT (#20) and redirects the output to an internal dummy load. This enables the user to monitor their playing using the signal from either the MDSI™ output, USB output or headphone output, without producing any real volume.
Therefore, they can play or record at much lower volume levels.
**** Always use this feature if the amp is used without a cabinet connected to the SPEAKER OUTPUT (#20). -
HEADPHONE OUTPUT
This is for connection to normal headphones/earphones via a stereo mini-jack.
The user can set the amp to the SPEAKER DEFEAT setting and practice silently with headphones. The signal is derived from the MSDI™ circuit (see below), therefore is filtered for a 12” guitar speaker-like tone. -
MIC SIMULATED DIRECT INTERFACE – MSDI™
Peavey’s exclusive MSDI™ simulates the sound of a microphone placed approximately 8” from a 12” loudspeaker cone, allowing the user to send an accurate good quality signal to the mixing console, without any acoustic spill from other instruments on stage. This is a non-powered output and safe for use with any mixing console. It is also particularly useful for home recording. -
GROUND LIFT
Engage this switch if the mix engineer is hearing a hum in the MSDI™ output. This should eliminate the hum by removing the ground loop. Otherwise, leave in the ‘out’ setting, ‘GRND’. -
EFFECTS LOOP SEND
This 1/4” output jack supplies signal to external low-level effects or signal processing equipment. Although the actual effects loop is footswitchable, the SEND output is always active which can make it useful for sending the preamp signal to another amplifier. -
EFFECTS LOOP RETURN
1/4”input jack for returning signals from external low-level effects or signal processing equipment. This is a switching jack: Inserting a plug into this jack will break the signal path from the EFFECTS SEND (#25) jack. If the effects loop is used, then it will automatically be on. However, a footswitch can also be used to bypass the effects loop– see below. -
FOOTSWITCH JACKS
Provided for the connection of the footswitches using TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) jack plugs.
Top jack (CHNL/BOOST ):‘Ring’ (Left on a Peavey footswitch):
Selects between the preamp channels.
‘Tip’ (Right on a Peavey footswitch):
Selects the ‘CRCH’ (crunch) boost on the RHYTHM channel.
Bottom jack (RVRB/LOOP):‘Ring’ (Left on a Peavey footswitch): Turns the effects loop on or off.
‘Tip’ (Right on a Peavey footswitch): Turns the reverb on or off.
Peavey footswitches are available with and without LEDs to indicate current settings. Please refer to www.peavey.com or customer services for more information and product codes.
To switch the channels and boost function using the footswitch, the relevant front panel switches need to be set to their “IN” position.
When using a footswitch, always insert the plug fully (second click) into the FOOTSWITCH jacks to ensure proper operation. -
MICROPHONE SIMULATED USB AUDIO RECORD OUTPUT
The USB Record Output requires no additional drivers – just plug a standard USB 2.0 cable into your computer and it will detect it as an audio device. Open your favorite recording program and start recording. The output is derived from the MSDI™ so will sound great right into your computer.
-
This can be used in any setting of the POWER OUTPUT (#18) or SPEAKER DEFEAT
(#21) switches and there should be little comparative differences in USB audio
level. Therefore a good strong signal can still be recorded while the amp is
set to 5% power or even silent.
The actual level of the signal from the USB out will be dependent on the
settings of the controls. However each unit has been calibrated so that a very
wide range of sounds and levels will all fit within the USB headroom. Like
with any recording, especially digital, the actual recording levels should be
set so as to prevent any unwanted distortion.
- Power tubes
Warning!!! If the power tubes (EL84) are changed, then the amplifier should be re-biased. We have designed them so this is a fairly quick and easy procedure, but this should be carried out by a qualified and competent technician/engineer. This is not only due to safety, but also to ensure the user gets the best sound and longevity from their new tubes. Incorrectly biased power tubes can either sound dirty and lifeless or burn out unnecessarily quickly.
6505 MH® All-Tube Guitar Amplifier SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Power: 20 W(rms) into 8 or 16Ω
Power Consumption: (Domestic) 90 W, 50/60 Hz, 120 VAC
Tube Complement: 2 x EL84, 3 x 12AX7/ECC83
Dimensions (H x W x D): 7.25″ x
14.00″ x 7.75″ / 185mm x 356mm x 197mm (height includes feet and handle)
Weight:17 lbs / 8kg
Preamp Specifications
Preamp Input:
Impedance: Very High-Z, 1MΩ
Effects Send:
Low Impedance: To High-Z, 22kΩ or greater
Nominal Output Level: 0 dBV, 1.0 V(rms)
Effects Return:
Impedance: High-Z, 100kΩ
Designed Input Level : 0 dBV, 1.0 V(rms)
Equalization: Custom Low, Mid, & High passive EQ
Remote Footswitch(s) : (included)
Special 2-button unit with LED indicators (#00579720)
One footswitch for channel selection and boost functions.
A second footswitch can be used for switching reverb and effects loop on and
off.
Other Misc Specifications
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Better than 74dB on all models (compared to full power and dependent on
preamp settings)
MSDI Output:
Low Impedance: 600Ω – Quasi-Balanced
Output Level: Dependent on controls but -12dBu (+/-3dBu) at full power on
all models
USB Output:
Output Level: Dependent on controls but -6dB (+/-3dB) at full power on
all models
Power attenuator:
Three setting switch for 100%, 25% and 5% of rated power. (20W, 5W and 1W
respectively.)
Headphone Output:
Stereo mini-jack with filtered output for driving stereo headphones, 16Ω -50Ω
impedance per channel.
*Features and specifications subject to change without notice.
www.peavey.com
Warranty registration and information for U.S. customers available online at
www.peavey.com/warranty or use the QR tag
below
http://peavey.com/warranty
Features and speciFIcations subject to change without notice.
Peavey Electronics Corporation 5022 Hartley Peavey Drive Meridian,
MS 39305 601-483-5365 FAX
601-486-1278
Logo referenced in Directive 2002/96/EC Annex IV
(OJ(L)37/38,13.02.03 and defined in EN 50419: 2005
The bar is the symbol for marking of new waste and
is applied only to equipment manufactured after
13 August 2005
References
- Peavey Electronics Corporation - Musical Instruments, Amplifiers, Sound Systems & More.
- Peavey Electronics Corporation - Musical Instruments, Amplifiers, Sound Systems & More.