Harley Benton PA-100 Power Attenuator User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- Harley Benton
Table of Contents
PA-100
User Manual
Power Attenuator
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
Internet: www.thomann.de
23.08.2022, ID: 406679 (V4)
1 General information
This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there- fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:
| Download | This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download. |
|---|---|
| Keyword search | Use the search function in the electronic version to find the |
topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides| Our online guides provide detailed information on technical
basics and terms.
Personal consultation| For personal consultation please contact our technical
hotline.
Service| If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.
1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
Letterings
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets
and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an |
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if
it is not avoided.
CAUTION!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a
possible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not
avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it
is not avoided.
| Warning signs | Type of danger |
|---|---|
| Warning – high-voltage. | |
| Warning – danger zone. |
2 Safety instructions
Intended use
This device is used to attenuate the output level of guitar amps. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that
children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit.
They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children unattended use
electrical devices.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the
device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or damaged.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
With loudspeakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume
levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Do not
operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease the volume
level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing
impairment.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy
dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient
conditions specified in the chapter `Technical specifications’ of this user
manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on
immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example
after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage
the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine,
fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at
regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.
NOTICE!
Damages caused by the connection to or the change of connections at an
enabled amplifier
Connect the device to or change connections always at the disconnected
amplifier, otherwise the amplifier may be damaged.
NOTICE!
Possible staining
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly
react with the coating of your surface and after some time cause permanent
dark stains. In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the
surface and use a suitable underlay if necessary, i.e. felt pads or similar.
3 Features
Power soak for tube amplifiers, ideal for use in rehearsal rooms, recording studios and on stage.
- Input power: max. 100 W
- Inputs for 4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω
- Outputs: mic (low-impedance), line, speaker
- LED as overload indicator
- Controls: speaker level, line level
- Silent fan
- Usable as dummy load
- DI output with speaker simulation
4 Connections and controls
1 [Full Power] | LED as overload indicator
2 [Line Level] | rotary control for adjusting the signal attenuation at the
line out
3 [SPK Level] | rotary control for adjusting the signal attenuation at the
speaker out. Turn this control counter-clockwise to reduce the volume of the
output signal. The output signal is also being attenuated by approx. 3 dB with
an open control ([SPK Level] in position ‘9’)! With a closed control ([SPK
Level ] in position `0′), a very low signal may remain audible through the
connected speakers when the device is used with a very high amp output signal.
4 [MicMod] | low-impedance XLR output for connecting a mixing console or
recording device.
5 [Out Line] | line output for connecting an effects processor or power amp
6 [Out Speaker] | output socket for connecting a passive speaker box
The device can be used as a load resistor when operated with tube amps without
speaker box. If you do not connect a loudspeaker and use one of the other two
outputs, set the control to ‘2’ – ‘3’.
7 [Input from Amplifier] | input sockets for connecting an amplifier Always
use only one of the three connectors at a time, according to the output
impedance of the connected amplifier 4Ω, 8Ω or 16Ω!
NOTICE!
Damages caused by the connection to or the change of connections at an
enabled amplifier
Connect the device to or change connections always at the disconnected ampli-
fier, otherwise the amplifier may be damaged.
5 Technical specifications
| Input connections | 3 × 1/4″ phone socket |
|---|---|
| Output connections | 1 × XLR, 3-pin (low-impedance) |
2 × 1/4″ phone socket
Input impedance| 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω
Input power| max. 100 W
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 190 mm × 110 mm × 140 mm
Weight| 1.5 kg
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20 %…80 % (non-condensing)
Further information
| Noise reduction | no |
|---|---|
| DI box | yes |
| Speaker simulation | yes |
| Dummy Load | yes |
6 Plug and connection assignment
Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect
your valuable equip- ment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is
ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit orjust’ in poor
transmission quality!
1/4″ TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)
1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding
XLR plug (unbalanced)
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal
3 Bridged to pin 1
7 Cleaning
Components
Clean the externally accessible device parts regularly. The frequency of
cleaning depends on the operating environment: wet, smoky or particularly
dirty surroundings can cause more accumulation of dirt on the device parts.
- Clean with a soft dry cloth.
- Stubborn stains may be removed with a slightly damp cloth.
- Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.
Fan grids
The fan grids of the device must be cleaned of any contamination, such as
dust, etc. on a regular basis. Before cleaning, switch off the device and
disconnect mains-operated devices from the mains. Only use pH-neutral,
solvent-free and non-abrasive cleaning agents. Clean the unit with a slightly
damp lint-free cloth.
8 Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packaging material
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
Notes
PA-100 Power Attenuator
Musikhaus Thomann • Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 • 96138 Burgebrach • Germany • www.thomann.de