Quilter overdrive 202 Owner’s Manual
- June 7, 2024
- Quilter
Table of Contents
OWNERS MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Read and keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
- WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- WARNING: To prevent excessive temperature rise, operate product only in free air with unrestricted ventilation. Do not install in confined spaces or near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 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 plug has two blades and a grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- The appliance coupler (or attachment plug) is the mains disconnect device and should remain readily accessible when the amplifier is in use.
- 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.
- This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
- Changes or modifications made by the user that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void your authority to operate the amplifier.
Explanation of symbols
The lightning flash with an 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 humans.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in this manual.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to
rain or moisture.
Forward by Patrick Quilter
Congratulations on your purchase of the OverDrive 202, combining the best
features of prior 200-series models with many new enhancements. It delivers a
serious tone for the discerning medalist or any guitarist looking for that
pricey yet unreachable tone. Despite its small size and streamlined controls,
this little powerhouse can replace almost any stage amp ever made.
The INPUT has a high impedance for maximum pickup response. The OverDrive
Channel GAIN adjusts a wide range of signals from clean to overdrive. Turning
up the LIMITER progressively cushions overdrive distortion while maintaining
low-level sustain and is effective on both channels. The OUTPUT sets a level
that is also controlled by the MASTER VOLUME. On the Clean Channel a
traditional 3-BAND EQ provides full control of the instrument’s tonal balance
and affects both the Clean and OverDrive channels. A VOICE switch selects 3
distinct “personalities” that can be further adjusted with the wide-range EQ
controls. VOICE 1 is a flat response with added treble sparkle VOICE 2
provides a unique “bell-like tone” and VOICE 3 channels the classic
“blackface” mid-scoop. Each of these voices lends a distinct sound to their
respective Overdrive voices. The VERB is post-FX LOOP and expands your sound
stage with a nicely voiced wash of smooth decay. The MASTER control adjusts
the breakup threshold of the clean channel from 0 to 200 watts, offering clean
headroom and/or rich layered overdrive at will. The SIG OUT is a dual-purpose
TRS Balanced Line Out or Headphone jack, depending on the PRE/POST switch
setting. On the rear you will find the UNIVERSAL AC INLET, twin SPEAKER
outputs. (4-8 ohms), and our traditional RJ-45 connector, allowing a Quilter
footswitch to control overdrive channel switching, limiter, and reverb. Please
consult this manual to obtain the best results with all these features.
Quilter Labs uses modern high-efficiency power technology to maximize warmth and dynamics without the weight and drawbacks of classic tube technology. We receive advice from musicians far and wide, but our constant goal is to make products that we ourselves are proud to use. The result is a serious professional tool with performance that meets or beats handmade amps costing several times as much. May your new amplifier deliver many years of flawless service and provide a source of inspiration and creativity.
FRONT PANEL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS AND SETTINGS:
VOICE: Selects three major amp profiles:
1: A flat “honest” voice similar to many early amps, with some added treble
sparkle for improved definition. Unlocks the full warmth and tone of guitar
speakers while preserving the honest voice of your instrument.
2: A distinctive “bell-like tone” that emphasizes the “presence” harmonics,
letting your instrument sing in both clean and overdrive registers. Improves
chord definition without harsh “ice pick” tones..
3: A classic metallic voicing with lots of “oomph” and incisive highs,
delivering the classic “ripping” guitar sound and thrashing overdrive you
expect from a “high gain” amp.
INPUT: Accepts standard guitar or any other signal, with a higher than normal
impedance that opens up the sound of standard pickups.
Pro Tip: extreme EQ settings may reduce input headroom, but should still
support the loudest electric guitars without premature breakup. Input headroom
will exceed 5V with EQ in the middle of its range.
FX SEND: Sends post-overdrive signal to external effects, at approx. 1V peak.
Thus, sweeteners are applied to both clean and overdrive tones, just like in
the studio.
Pro Tip: try a good delay on top of a smooth overdrive, yielding clean layers
of delay cascading over the underlying distortion.
FX RETURN: Returns external signals to the Master and then to the power
amplifier.
Pro Tip: to play with tracks or external audio, connect the media source to
Effects Return. The amplifier level will drop 6dB to allow headroom for the
tracks. Use the source’s volume to set the relative balance. Reverb will be
applied equally to tracks and instruments, and the Master still controls the
overall volume of the mix. To disconnect the preamp and raise the FX Return
impedance to 47K, insert a dummy plugin FX SEND to fully open the circuit
(this happens automatically when using the full Loop as usual).
SIG OUT and PRE/POST switch:
In PRE position, SIG OUT sends a balanced, TRS line-out that is not affected
by the MASTER setting, making this a good “house feed” that is independent
of stage volume.
In the POST position, it sends a mono headphone signal controlled by the
MASTER , to obtain a comfortable listening level. Internal “cab-sim”
signal processing ensures that your direct and headphone tone resembles the
tone of good guitar speakers, and is the same with or without a speaker
connected, for silent stages or recording at home.
Pro Tip: In the PRE position, the Master may be turned all the way off to
silence the speaker without affecting the SIG OUT level. Unplug the speaker to
use headphones silently in the POST position.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:
OVERDRIVE CHANNEL
GAIN: The bottom third of the range is suitable for line-level signals such as
keyboards, mixer outputs, or external pre-amps. The upper half of the range
will produce increasing amounts of overdrive, depending on the inherent
loudness of the guitar pickups and playing attack.
OUTPUT: This is a “level matching” control that allows you to set the
OverDrive level to a matching level previously set on your clean channel. When
using the Overdrive channel, the Clean Gain is bypassed, so its setting will
not affect the output from the Overdrive Channel.
Pro Tip: Set up your clean sound first, and then adjust your OverDrive Gain
and relative Output. When balanced, use your MASTER control to increase or
decrease your overall levels effortlessly during live performance.
OD SWITCH: The OD switch switches between the channels when pressed. The
switch is bypassed when a Quilter footswitch is plugged in to the rear RJ-45
jack.
LIMITER: The limiter acts like a “governor” on the signal peaks, monitoring
the output level and reducing the gain just enough to prevent overdrive, and
immediately restoring gain as the note dies away. This preserves the sustain
associated with high Gain settings while putting a soft “cushion” in front of
the usual hard breakup.
Pro Tip: Limiter settings around 3-4 will limit overdrive to a “rolling boil”
while settings above 5 will intervene at or below the point of breakup. The
limiter is not a “brick wall” and preserves some dynamics, so its action can
be subtle and can be “pushed through” with enough Gain.
To hear its effect, have a friend turn the knob while you play, especially on
high Gain and lower Limiter settings. Note that the Limiter does not affect
soft passages, only peaks near breakup.
CLEAN CHANNEL GAIN: While typically used as a relatively clean
alternative to the Overdrive channel, it has enough gain to use as an
alternative distortion voicing. The Clean channel uses our “full service”
push-pull overdrive section which contrasts nicely with the single-ended
Overdrive distortion. You can set both channels clean as alternative tone
settings, set either one for clean/dirty, or switch between two types of dirt.
THREE-BAND EQ SECTION: All 3 tone controls have high selectivity and over
20dB range for maximum effect. The response is flat on 5, giving a neutral
starting point for electronic signals, keyboards, bass and steel guitar. Voice
2 adds a complex contour that focuses on musically important harmonics and
Voice 3 adds a “mid scoop” based on the classic “tone stack” response curve,
for more chime and less mid-band clutter, producing the classic “electric”
tone associated with typical 6-string guitar styles. The EQ section affects
both Clean and Overdrive tones, allowing for some really extreme distortion
voicings.
VERB: The OverDrive 202 uses a specially designed reverb processor with
analog voicing, inspired by the classic “spring reverb tank”, but minus its
bulk and mechanical instability. The Reverb is post-FX-Loop for better results
with delays and other dynamic effects. MASTER: Regulates overall level, and
sets the breakup threshold (peak power) of the amplifier, from zero to 200
watts, approximately as shown on the panel.
Pro Tip: the Master Power ratings apply to 4 and 8-ohm speakers when
using the correct output jack, and should generally be set equal or less than
the speaker ratings to prevent burnout when using heavy overdrive.
REAR PANEL – AC POWER, SPEAKERS
INTERNATIONAL POWER SUPPLY: The OverDrive 202 works with all known
worldwide AC voltages (100-250V), which allows you to play just about anywhere
on the planet.
LOCKING IEC POWER CORD: The power cord that comes with your amplifier is
designed to lock into the AC inlet to prevent coming unplugged during use.
Press the yellow button on the cord to release it. Any 3-prong IEC cord may
also be used, with a normal friction fit. Always ensure that the ground
contact is intact on both the cord and
receptacle.
SPEAKER
OUTPUTS: 8 and 4-ohm jacks support optimum matching of single or dual 8-ohm
speakers or single 4-ohm cabs. 16-ohm loads may be used in the 8-ohm jack by
setting the Master control at about 50% of the desired peak power to limit
excess voltage swing, The amp is protected against load and abnormal loads;
thermal protection may reduce power somewhat after prolonged, severe
overloads.
FOOTSWITCH JACK: The RJ-45 connector allows you to connect a Quilter
compatible footswitch for channel switching, limiting, and reverb control.
USING A DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION OR PA MIXER:
For best results when going direct without a speaker, use the front panel SIG
OUT with the adjacent switch in PRE mode. Use the console’s Line Input (not a
Mic Input). The signal will be at full line level regardless of the Master
set, which may therefore be turned down to silence the speaker. Set the
OD202’s Input switch for the desired profile (1,2 or 3). The POST position
converts SIG OUT to a headphone driver, with level controlled by Master,
putting identical signals on Tip and Ring terminals (center-mono
signal). This will not work into a balanced input, which rejects this common-
mode signal. An unbalanced (mono) cable will work if it is necessary to use
the Master volume to reduce the SIG OUT level.
Set your console input to “line level” and turn the “trim” or “gain” knob
(usually at the top of the channel) to a minimum, or use a separate line input
if available (which usually matches the ¼” TRS cable). To confirm gain-staging
when using the PRE setting, establish a mild chewy overdrive, using a speaker
at low Master levels, and confirm that there is no harsh input overload
distortion when monitoring through the console. Due to the internal cab-sim,
the guitar speaker and workstation monitors should sound fairly similar to a
typical guitar speaker, both clean and distorted, although as always, added EQ
and/or IR speaker modeling can be added.
For live performance the PRE setting allows musicians to change stage volume
in their speaker without altering the house volume, which will make the sound
operator very happy. This may well be a good setting for recording as well,
since the Master can be turned up slightly into a speaker to monitor just the
guitar. Pro Tip: to record silently with headphones, plug them into the
workstation since you will use the SIG OUT as a guitar-signal feed.
For silent practice, switch the PRE/POST switch to POST, plug headphones into
the SIG OUT jack, and don’t connect a speaker. Adjust headphone volume with
the MASTER. Tracks may be inserted into the FX RETURN as described below. Pro
Tip: to play with tracks or external audio, connect the media source to
Effects Return. The amplifier level will drop 6dB to allow headroom for the
tracks.
Use the source’s volume to set the relative balance. Reverb will be applied
equally to tracks and instruments, and the Master still controls the overall
volume of the mix. To disconnect the preamp and raise the FX Return impedance
to 47K, insert a dummy plugin FX SEND to fully open the circuit (this happens
automatically when using the full Loop as usual).
For silent practice, switch the PRE/POST switch to POST, plug headphones into
the SIG OUT jack, and don’t connect a speaker. Adjust headphone volume with
the MASTER. Tracks may be inserted into the FX RETURN as described above.
CARING FOR YOUR AMPLIFIER:
Clean the outer surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or vacuum with a soft brush.
Avoid abrasives, harsh cleaners or solvents. The padded carrying case will
protect your amp when transporting.
Use the amplifier in a well-ventilated environment and protect from external
heat sources such as furnaces or direct sunlight.
Prolonged high-volume playing causes heat buildup in the speaker which reduces
its working lifetime. If you find it necessary to use an overdrive at high
Master volumes, use multiple loudspeakers to share the load, and protect your
hearing.
Quilter amplifiers are manufactured with high-quality components using modern
industrial processes that greatly reduce production defects. Each amplifier
goes through an intensive testing process before it leaves the factory
ensuring that your amplifier will give you years of flawless service. There
are dangerous voltages inside the enclosure and no user-serviceable parts
inside. Any repairs should be performed by a trained service professional.
ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR AMPLIFIER:
CONTROLLERS:| | 
https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/accessories/accessories#43
---|---|---
BLOCK CASE:| |
https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/product/block-case-2.0/
BLOCKDOCK SPEAKERS:| | 
https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/series/blockdock-series
SPECIFICATIONS:
ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE
INPUT| ‘A” Mono, 2 meg impedance, 1.5-5Vpk (depending on EQ)
FX LOOP| 1/4″ mono, 1V full scale, 1K out, 47K inp (with FX Send lifted)
SIG OUT (PRE)| 1/4″ TRS, balanced line, 40 ohms each leg, 2V full scale
HEADPHONE (POST)| 1/4″ TRS, 40 ohms each channel, 0-6Vpk (depending on Master)
FOOTSWITCH| RJ-45 (Cat 5,6,7,etc…) Low voltage control
SPEAKER OUT| 0-200W (depending on Master setting),
8 ohms lower jack, 4 ohms upper jack, 8+8 ohms both jacks
AC POWER| 100-240Vac, 50-60Hz, 300W maximum
DIMENSIONS
H x W x D| Height: 2.5″ + 0.4″ rubber feet (6.35cm + 1cm rubber feet) Width:
8.6″ (21.8cm)
Depth: 7.3″ (18.5cm)
WEIGHT| 4 lbs (1.8kg)
TROUBLESHOOTING:
| Symptom | Action |
|---|
- NO POWER, NO LIGHTS
|
-
Ensure that the AC cord is fully seated and connected to a live source.
-
Check the AC source by trying another device such as a lamp.
-
AMP CUTS OUT
|
- If the power LED goes out, check AC connections for looseness or tripped breakers.
- If the power LED stays on, check all audio connections for bad cables or devices.
- If amp overheats severely, the audio will reduce power and then cut out if not corrected. Audio should resume when cooled down.
NO AUDIO (USING A GUITAR)|
- Confirm that the MASTER control and the GAIN controls are turned up.
- Ensure the guitar plug is inserted fully at each end.
- Try using a different guitar cable.
- Check that the pickup selector switch and volume on the guitar are set correctly.
- Ensure that the rear panel speaker plug is fully inserted into the SPEAKER jack.
- If headphones work normally on POST, check the speaker and speaker cable.
BACKGROUND HUM|
- Ensure the guitar plug is fully inserted.
- Try using a different guitar cable. Make sure it is properly shielded.
- GENTLY wiggle any cable connections. Replace any that fluctuate when touched.
- If the hum goes away when you turn down the guitar:
- The single-coil can be a source of hum, especially pickups if near RF sources like light dimmers or neon lights. Some guitars have a mode where two pickups are in reverse polarity to each other. This mode can often reduce hum.
· Check that the guitar’s cavities are well shielded.
---|---
EXCESSIVE NOISE|
- At high gain settings, some audible hiss or whoosh is normal.
- Check your cables, guitar, and other effects in the signal chain. especially for hum or bun.
AMP SOUNDS GARBLED AT ALL VOLUMES|
- Check speaker by temporarily trying an external speaker. Caution: reduce the MASTER volume until the sound level has been confirmed.
- Try plugging the instrument directly into the amp. bypassing outboard processing. If the sound is then clean, check outboard processing for problems.
DESIRE CLEAN TONE. GETTING TOO MUCH OVERDRIVE|
- Turn down the GAIN and turn up MASTER.
- Unplug all effects in the FX LOOP. and plug the guitar straight into the amp’s guitar input. If this relieves distortion, track down the external effects/cables/etc.
NOT GETTING ENOUGH OVERDRIVE|
- Turndown MASTER, increase GAIN, and turn GUITAR up fully.
- Turndown LIMITING, which limits overdrive.
- Increase EQ settings, especially if they are all below 5″.
HEADPHONE LOUD. ONLY IN ONE EAR.|
- Set PRE switch to POST to drive both sides. MASTER now controls volume.
AMPLIFIER REQUIRES SERVICE
If any of the below occurs, immediately unplug the amplifier and refer to a service technician.
- Amplifier or AC cord emits smoke
- The amplifier is dropped or the chassis is dented or bent
- Liquid has been spilled into the amplifier
- Loose parts inside the amplifier are heard
- Trips AC service breaker (wall breaker)
Important Information for Owners:
Factory Service:
Please retain the shipping carton and packing materials in the unlikely event
your Quilter product needs servicing.
To return a product to Quilter Labs for service under the warranty policy,
please contact Quilter Labs by phone or email. Mail can be sent to Quilter
Labs at 1700 Sunflower, Suite A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please include the
serial number of the product and a copy of your sales receipt. Instructions on
how to send your product will be provided.
Do not attempt to open the product and service it yourself. Any attempt to
service the product by a non-authorized service technician may void your
warranty.
Warranty: For warranty or service information visit us online at
www.quilterlabs.com or scan the QR code below.
https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/contact/iam
Quilter Laboratories, LLC
1700 Sunflower, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-519-6114
QuilterLabs.com
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
- Connect the product into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
