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Telonics TCA-500C 12-1U User Manual

Tca-500c series combo amplifier, mini-combos, head unit, preamplifier and external speakers
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Telonics TCA-500C Combos, Mini-
Combos, Head Unit, Preamplifier
and External Speakers
TCA-500C
TCA-500C
MINI-15 EXTERNAL
15-1U COMBO
15-MINI COMBO
SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
TCA-500C
MINI-12 EXTERNAL
TCA-500C
12-1U COMBO
SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
12-MINI COMBO
TLF-PRE500
TCA-500C-1U
LITE-FLIGHT
HEAD UNIT
PREAMPLIFER
SYSTEM
TCA-500C 212
SUPER TWIN COMBO
©2017 Telonics, Inc. All Rights Reserved
PB-009289 Rev E. 2018.02.16

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Summary of Contents for Telonics TCA-500C 12-1U

  • Page 1 MINI-15 EXTERNAL 15-1U COMBO 15-MINI COMBO SPEAKER ENCLOSURE TCA-500C MINI-12 EXTERNAL TCA-500C 12-1U COMBO SPEAKER ENCLOSURE 12-MINI COMBO TLF-PRE500 TCA-500C-1U LITE-FLIGHT HEAD UNIT PREAMPLIFER SYSTEM TCA-500C 212 SUPER TWIN COMBO ©2017 Telonics, Inc. All Rights Reserved PB-009289 Rev E. 2018.02.16...
  • Page 2 CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove from cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer Servicing to Telonics service personnel. WARNING To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Using Small “Stomp Box” Effects Units with the TCA-500 series Amplifiers ....................46 How To Be A Tone Master – Subtractive Equalization ....... 48 Telonics Tilt-Back Foot ................50 Mechanical Data ..................51 Electrical Data ..................52 Mechanical Outline Drawings ............... 53...

  • Page 4: Electromagnetic Compatibility & Warranty

    Our obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement or repair of any part or parts which prove upon our examination to be defective. This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from transportation, misuse, abuse, or alteration. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Final adjustments should always be made with the ear, without regard to where one “expects” the knob to be. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp Features: • Superb string separation at all volume levels. No muddiness! •...
  • Page 6 • Super quiet Mute circuit with LED indicator. • Digital Thermal Management System. • 24 volt DC jack on front panel to power Telonics 24 VDC FP-100 foot pedal. • 24 VDC or 9 VDC auxiliary power socket option on rear panel to power external effects units (9 VDC on Mini-Combo Models).

  • Page 7: Front Panel

    If this LED flashes on frequently, or stays on while the guitar is played, the Input Gain setting is too high and should be reduced in order to avoid distortion of your sound. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 8 Input Gain control has been adjusted as outlined above. NOTE: For the best EQ result, make sure the Blend control is at zero (0) while adjusting the Bass, Mid, and Treble tone controls. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 9 If you were to set the Mid Level control to Zero dB (3 o’clock knob position), the Mid Frequency control would ‘do nothing whatsoever” to your sound, it would have NO effect on your tone. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 10 Sets the frequency at which the Mid Level control has an effect. Several frequency intervals between 375 Hz and 1400 Hz are marked. Its effect is determined by the setting of the Mid Level control. Proper adjustment is achieved as outlined above. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 11 +1 and -1 to compensate for the venue (room size, crowd size, bandstand configuration (even for relative humidity changes, as sound propagates differently with humidity changes). NOTE: See the TCA-500C Combo Amp Setup Settings section for starting values for different types of settings. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 12 Input Gain control level (as mentioned earlier). The reverb input is a combination of the dry input after the EQ controls and the Post EQ EFX Return signal (rear panel). Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 13 50W max. Although the general thought behind providing this space is to enhance the reverb and delay effects, almost any 1U unit no more than 8 inches or 200mm deep could be installed in this space. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 14 Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 15 A good way to check this is to set the effects processor to ‘bypass’: Then set the DRY/WET Fader fully Wet and then fully Dry, you should notice virtually no change in volume; adjust the EFX Return Level to achieve this. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 16 For this reason we would therefore not recommend using effects processors in a series mode that introduce latency. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 17 TCA-500C. The ability to adjust the Dry/Wet Fader to control the effects level in a live performance situation is another advantageous feature of parallel mode. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 18 Note: when the Power Amp On/Off switch (rear panel) is Off (i.e. no sound is output from the combo speaker, but the headphones output is still active), the D.O. output remains ON because the preamplifier section is ON. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 19 RCA plug (male) to ¼ inch TRS plug cable. These are readily available at most home entertainment electronics stores and are generally stocked at Telonics as well. As such, the Auxiliary Input is not designed for low-level instrument signals.
  • Page 20 (3) blinks, therefore no sound will be heard from the speaker. The LEDs will also indicate a fan speed out of specification condition as described later, in the Thermal Management System; Fan Speed out of Spec Indication paragraph. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 21 Off. When the Mute is On the Yellow Mute LED is lit. The Mute system in the TCA-500C is very handy for string replacement, practice licks, tuning, and effects adjustment during live venue situations. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 22 *NOTE: Standard versions are wired for domestic use only. Export units are available on special order. Export AC Power Input range is 170-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz with an 8A 250VAC fuse. CAUTION: Voltages outside this range could damage the unit and cause a shock hazard. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 23 Note: If the fuse should blow immediately after being replaced DO NOT try it again, this could cause more damage; return the combo to Telonics for testing and repair. Front LED Light The Front LED Light switch is a three-position toggle switch which turns...
  • Page 24 This jack is available to provide 9 volts (regulated) DC power (1.0 amps (Mini-Combo maximum) for external effects units which the user might wish to use with Models Only) the Mini-Combo Models. Note: center pin is Negative (-) to comply with “stomp box convention” standards. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 25 This jack is available to provide 9 volts (regulated) DC power (1.0 amp (Mini-Combo maximum) for external effects units which the user might wish to use with Models Only) the Mini-Combo Models. Note: center pin is Negative (-) to comply with “stomp box convention” standards. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 26 This potentiometer allows you to select the nominal signal level coming from your effects unit, it is adjustable from +4dB to less than -30dB. Most “Pro” equipment is usually +4dB while consumer equipment is usually -10dB. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 27: Rear Panel

    Note; this input is optimised for a 0dB line level signal. Note; Signals applied to the Aux Input will be analog modelled when output from the Direct Out. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 28: Functions

    (Note that when this is done, a ground lifting device such as a HUM-X must be used on the “Slave” unit in order to prevent a loud and unpleasant ground loop hum.) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 29: Functions

    Pre EQ Insert This insert return is prior to all of the effects and equalization circuits. This includes TBro, Hum, Reverb, Wet/Dry fader, and all of the Input Return Tone controls. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 30 We recommend using a 4 ohm external speaker. (You can use an 8 ohm or even NOTE: a 16 ohm external speaker; however the volume level from the external speaker will be slightly lower than the internal speaker.) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 31 Ext Speaker speaker is all that is used. In the Internal + External position, the external speaker is placed in series with the internal 4 ohm speaker. (See more details on the previous page.) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 32 Ext Speaker speaker is all that is used. In the Internal + External position, the external speaker is placed in series with the internal 4 ohm speaker. (See more details on page 29.) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 33 Two 8 ohm speakers in parallel equal 4 ohms. An 8 ohm and a 4 ohm ohm Telonics NEO speaker in parallel equal 2.67 ohms which is too low an impedance load. Speakers) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 34: Tca-500C Head Unit (Only) Amp Controls Functions &Jacks

    Speaker Output the speaker connection. A ¼” plug can be used in the center connection of the jack or a standard Speakon plug to connect to your speaker. The minimum impedance is 4 ohms. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 35: Tca-500C Combo Amp Setup Settings

    Once the equalization is set to your satisfaction, the BLEND control can be rocked slowly while striking a wide grip of strings repeatedly to accurately “fine tune” all the EQ settings at one time. Remember that these controls are sensitive, so a little adjustment can change a lot. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 36 Once the equalization is set to your satisfaction, the BLEND control can be rocked slowly while striking a wide grip of strings repeatedly to accurately “fine tune” all the EQ settings at one time. Remember that these controls are sensitive, so a little adjustment can change a lot. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 37: Tca-500C Thermal Management System

    Should this ‘Flashing’ persist, this could be indicative of a fan failure, and could lead to the amplifier overheating. In this case, the amplifier should be returned to the factory for repairs. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 38 The amplifier’s temperature is indicated on the front panel via the status LEDs: Temperature is below the Medium temperature Green winking threshold Temperature is above the Medium temperature Green and Yellow winking threshold Temperature is above the High temperature Green, Yellow, and Red winking threshold Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 39: Frequently Asked Questions

    On and still get a stereo feed to your headphones complete with stereo effects. Use it to mute your output while changing a string, tuning up, running through upcoming licks or adjusting the effects unit. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 40 Normally, you would be stuck. By using this control, you can simply reach over, set your house volume through the PA board, and hopefully, not start a “sound war” when he returns to the booth….. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 41: (Optional) External Control Units

    EKG leads: “White on the Right”. (NOTE: A two-button foot pedal switch is also available from Telonics which accomplishes the same remote switching functions for the TCA-500C. A single ¼ inch TRS stereo cable is used to connect the foot pedal switch unit to the Foot Switch jack on the rear panel of the TCA-500C.)
  • Page 42 FOOTSWITCH jack on the left side of the rear panel of the MX-200 EFX unit. The two ¼ inch TRS stereo cables used for connection are available from Telonics. Momentarily depressing these two buttons does exactly the same thing as depressing the two BYPASS buttons on the front panel of the MX-200.

  • Page 43: Handy Patch Midi Controller Mc100

    MIDI controller designed specifically to interface the steel guitar player with MIDI- enabled effects processors mounted in the 1U rack space of the Telonics TCA-500 series combo and head-only amplifiers. It is supplied in the form of a small box which...
  • Page 44 Accessories available for a Handy-Patch system: 1) Handy-Patch MIDI Controller - model MC100 2) Handy-Patch to TCA-500C 7-pin MIDI cable assembly – MC100/7PIN-LEAD1 3) Mounting bracket and Swivel Assembly 4) Footswitch, Fast Preset 3 – Not yet available Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 45 Switch Out jack on the G-Major 2 and the Foot Switch jack on the TCA-500C as shown in the picture above. NOTE: See the Handy Patch User’s Manual for more detailed information. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 46: Using Small "Stomp Box" Effects Units With The Tca-500 Series Amplifiers

    OMBO ODELS The Telonics TCA-500 Mini-Combo amplifiers do not offer a 1U rack space in order to conserve weight and space. They are equipped with minimal internal effects. It is therefore sometimes desirable to add one or more additional effect(s) using small, special purpose 9 Volt “Stomp-Box”...
  • Page 47 However, the user must be aware that these models DO NOT provide a 9 VDC power source for stomp box effects units. Rather, they offer 24 VDC for the Handy-Patch remote MIDI controller. (This 24 VDC output jack may alternatively be used as a second power source for Telonics model FP-100 foot volume pedals.) NOTE that the 24 VDC output jack on these models is wired CENTER PIN POSITIVE (+), outer barrel negative (-).

  • Page 48: How To Be A Tone Master - Subtractive Equalization

    First bring down the high end a bit, and then raise the overall (master) gain to compensate for the gain loss. This effectively raises the bottom end EQ. This requires careful listening to know how much to cut and how much master gain to compensate with. Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 49 Watch out for the low end. Too much energy in the bottom octaves (below 300 Hz) will mask the higher frequencies and cause you to want to add more highs. You'll end up chasing your tail running after the perfect tone. When it comes to using EQ, "Less is more". Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 50: Telonics Tilt-Back Foot

    ELONICS A special Telonics – designed Tilt-Back Foot is provided on the following Models: TCA-500B&C & Combo Amps TCA-500B&C Mini-Combo Amps External Speaker Cabinets for TCA-500B&C Mini-Combos The Tilt-Back Foot is designed to tilt the amplifier slightly backward to enhance visibility of the control panel.

  • Page 51: Mechanical Data

    & No 1U external effects unit TCA-500C Mini-15 Combo – 33.7 lb. (15.286 kg) With 15 inch speaker TCA-500C Mini-12 Combo - 28.6 lb. (12.973 kg) With 12 inch speaker TCA-500C Head Unit – 12.8 lb. (5.806 kg) Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 52: Electrical Data

    20 Hz < f > 20 kHz, both channels driven 115 V ac Output power @10%THD+N = 4 Ohm 400 W rms typical 20 Hz < f > 20 kHz, both channels driven (Max power 500 W) 115 V ac Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

  • Page 53: Mechanical Outline Drawings

    TCA-500C 15-1U COMBO ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 54 TCA-500C 12-1U COMBO ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 55 TCA-500C 15-MINI COMBO ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 56 TCA-500C 12-MINI COMBO ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 57 MINI-15 EXTERNAL SPEAKER ENCLOSURE ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 58 MINI-12 EXTERNAL SPEAKER ENCLOSURE ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 59 TCA-500C 212 SUPER TWIN COMBO ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 60 TCA-500C-1U HEAD UNIT ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 61 TLF-PRE500 LITE-FLIGHT PREAMPLIFER SYSTEM ECHANICAL UTLINE RAWINGS Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...
  • Page 62 Telonics TCA-500C Combo Amp PB-009289 Rev E...

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