Peavey Renown Operating Manual

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Renown
Operating Guide
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Through ou' Research & Develcpment programs, we have recently made tremendous strides in solid-3tate design. Peavoy's new
Renown'- embodies totally new innovations, as well as the experience gained over the past fifteen years. Music has seen amps go from
small single units to large stacks and now back to smaller amps again. Many musicians today are desperately seeking a good small amp.
The new Peavey Renown*" is quite a departure from previous solid-stato amps and represents what we fee! is a dramatic increase in
performance over units previously available. This versatile new amplifier features totally new circuitry throughout. Careful attention has
been paid to even the most subtle factors influencing tonal texture, overload dynamics, sustaining characteristics and interaction of the
preamp, power amp stage/loudspeaker combination. The thousands of hours we have 3pent giving this attention to the many and various
ingredients and "seemingly insignificant" details makes the difference between a superlative and exceptional amplifier and one that is
merely good.
The Renown™ incorporates the features needed to reproduce the complex tonalities and dynamics necessary for today's guitarists.
Our intensive Research and Development program has recently yielded several significant and, we feel, pivotal breakthroughs in
amplification of the electric guitar. For many years, both guitarists and instrument amp manufacturers have diligently sought to
reproduce the warm, "saturating" characteristic of vacuum tubes with solid-state equipment. Our innovative new Renown*" features a
new effect that we call "SATURATION'"." which produces the kind of gain compression/oxpansion that has previously been obtainable
only with a select few extremely high gain, relatively powerful tube-type amps. In the past, many companies have attempted to reproduce
the much sougnt after characteristics of vacuum tubes by using field effect transistors. MOS FETS. interstage transformers series gain
stages, etc. The results were usually loud but did not accomplish the goal. We feel our new SATURATION™ circuit gives the necessary
dynamic characteristics, harmonic texture, and compression/expansion so eagerly sought after by contemporary musicians.
To complement the sophisticated circuitry of this dual channel amplifier, we have included the latest generation of tonal networks in
each channel The lead channel contains a three-band passive network and an active presence control. The unique presence control is
located at iheproper point in the circuitry toallow incremental control over the extreme highs... even when playing in the distortion mode.
The normel channel utilizes active type high and low equalization and our unique Pararrid™ control lor the vital midrange frequencies.
Our Paramid™ circuit enables true boost or cut capability in the midrange, as well as enabling shifting the center frequency over an
extremely wide range.
The combination of input dynamics. Saturation'" effect, and extremely effective equalization circuitry enables the Renown™ toquite
literally simulate almost any guitar sound available from any amp, old or new. Each channel also features its own pre and post gain
controls in conjunction with our unique Automix™ switching circuitry.
In addition to the above, a full range reverb has been included utilizing a current source drive circuit for optimized damping and
maximum performance from the reverb delay line. The Renown's™ rugged power amplifier is capable of delivering more than 160WRMS
and all of its operating parameters circuitry and components have been carefully matched and designed in conjunction with its internal
12" SCORPION™ speakers. Wehave utilized the total ayalam approach for precisely matching and balancing each component even down
to !he internal tooling for the loudspeaker cone itself in order lo ach eve theexact and vital interplay so necessary in achieving the level of
performance produced by this unit The ruggedly constructed V/* cabinet is covered with a tough 34 oz. vinyl which has proven to be
unmatched for roadability and durability.
FRONT PANEL
INPUTS (A) (B)
The new Renown™ has been provided with two input jacks, each having different sensitivities anda unique arrangement allowing the
gain of both jacks to be equalized when instrumentsare plugged into both jacks. The high gain jack (A) isthe input normally used and has
considerably more sensitivity and input impedance than the low gain jack (B). This low gain jack has been included to allow extension of
the input dynamic range. If the output signal from your instrument is prematurely overloading (distorting) the hiqh qain input, then the
low gain Input (-6dB) should be used
LEAD CHANNEL_
GAIN BLOCK™
The lead channel of the Renown™has been designed utilizing our new "GAIN BLOCK"" signal processing front end. The provision of
three interacting controls allows total control of the amp's gain structure (dynamics), harmonic content, overload texture, and output
level. Eacn of the three control functions must be understood, and adeauate experimentation time must be spent In order to fully utilize
the potential of this unique and innovative new amp.
PRE GAIN/PULL BRIGHT CONTROL (C)
Our lead channel pre gain control is similar to a conventional volume control in that it is the first level setting device in the system Our
input preamp circuitry utilizes variable negative feedback with the pre gain control as part of the active circuit. Utilization of this type
circuitry enables an opt mum combination of input dynamic range, input impedance, and low noise operation for any particular gain
setting. Operation should present no problem since its action is conventional even though the associated circuitry is quite different from
older, totally passive circuits. Please be aware that this control exhibits the professional logarithmic (audio) taper having approximately
one-fourth of the gain achieved ai the 12:00 o'clock position with the balance being obtained as the control is rotated clockwise. Many
manufacturers utilize "linear" action controls that concentrato almost all of the gain in the first one-third of the control rotation. While this
"linear operation" is "initially impressive," It should be noted that having all the gain "up front" m the first ona-third turn is misleading and
significantly reduces the amount of control latitude available
WARNING:
TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE
HAZARD. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.