Blackheart BH100H User Manual
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Blackheart BH100H User Manual

Guitar amplifier head
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BH100H Hot Head
Guitar Amplifier Head
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Blackheart BH100H

  • Page 1 BH100H Hot Head Guitar Amplifier Head User’s Guide...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction................3 BH100H.Special.Features............4 The.Front.Panel..............5 The.Rear.Panel..............7 Important.Information.About.Tubes.and.Tube.Products...10. Settings.To.Get.You.Started..........13 System.Block.Diagram............15 Technical.Specifications............16 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1..Read.these.instructions... 14..Refer.all.servicing.to.qualified.service.person- nel..Servicing.is.required.when.the.apparatus.has. 2..Keep.these.instructions. been.damaged.in.any.way,.such.as.power-supply. 3..Heed.all.warnings. cord.or.plug.is.damaged,.liquid.has.been.spilled. or.objects.have.fallen.into.the.apparatus,.the. 4..Follow.all.instructions. apparatus.has.been.exposed.to.rain.or.moisture,. 5..Do.not.use.this.apparatus.near.water. does.not.operate.normally,.or.has.been.dropped. 6..Clean.only.with.a.dry.cloth. 15..Do.not.overload.wall.outlets.and.extension. cords.as.this.can.result.in.a.risk.of.fire.or.electric. 7..Do.not.block.any.ventilation.openings..Install.in. shock.. accordance.with.the.manufacturer’s.instructions. 16..This.apparatus.shall.not.be.exposed.to.drip- 8..Do.not.install.near.any.heat.sources.such.as.

  • Page 3: Introduction

    Introduction If.power.truly.corrupts,.then.we.welcome.you.to.the.club.with.open.arms..That’s.right,.the.Blackheart. BH100H.packs.everything.but.the.kitchen.sink.into.this.thing.of.beauty..She.is.sexy.as.hell,.but.more. importantly,.she.sounds.fantastic!. Under.the.hood.is.a.clever.little.power.block.designed.by.none.other.than.the.Daddy.of.boutique.amp. tone,.Pyotr.Belov..After.you’re.done.staring.at.its.unusually.impressive.build.quality,.showing.it.off.to.your. buddies.and.bandmates,.and.after.you’ve.stuck.your.complimentary.Blackheart.stickers.on.your.guitar. case,.plug.it.in.and.enjoy.how.a.great.tube.amp.sounds..Pluck.out.a.few.chimey.riffs.and.then.dig.in. nice.and.hard.so.it.breaks.up.and.growls.at.you.a.bit..That’s.a.real.amp.you’re.playing.there.friend..While. you’re.at.it,.plug.it.into.your.favorite.4.x.12.cab.and.be.prepared.to.lose.your.mind..Make.sure.to.warn. the.neighbors.first! And.how.about.that.build.quality?.Just.like.all.Blackheart.Engineering.gear,.the.BH100H.is.a.thing.of. beauty.inside.and.out..16-gauge.steel,.1.6.mm.chassis.with.folded.and.spot-welded.corners,.double- sided.custom-colored.PCB.with.big,.thick,.2.oz..copper.traces.to.keep.your.tone.nice.and.fat.all.the.way. through.to.the.speaker….you.name.it,.we’re.doing.it.right..That’s.because.you.took.the.time.to.find.us,. to.make.us.the.official.supplier.of.your.personal.quest.for.the.best.tone..There’s.no.way.we’re.lettin’.you. down..As.always,.you.put.your.hard-earned.cash.on.the.table.to.get.a.piece.of.Blackheart.gear.and.we. take.that.as.a.very.personal.thing..We’re.in.it.for.the.long.haul,.just.like.you.. Vous.avez.notre.coeur, Blackheart Engineering CONSIGNES.DE.SECURITE.IMPORTANTES -..LIRE,.SUIVRE.TOUTES.LES.INSTRUCTIONS.ET.LES.PRECAUTIONS.D’UTILISATION -..NE.PAS.UTILISER.PROCHE.D’UNE.SOURCE.DE.CHALEUR.ET.NE.PAS.BLOQUER.OU.OBSTRUER.LE.SYSTEME.DE.VENTILATION.SUR.CET. APPAREIL..POUR.UNE.UTILISATION.CONFORME,.CET.APPAREIL.NECESSITE.ENVIRON.7CM.D’ESPACE.BIEN.VENTILE.AUTOUR.DE.SON. SYSTEME.DE.REFROIDISSEMENT,.AINSI.QU’UN.COURANT.D’AIR.FRAIS.CONSTANT. -..NE.PAS.UTILISER.CET.APPAREIL.PROCHE.D’UNE.SOURCE.LIQUIDE -..NETTOYER.SEULEMENT.A.L’AIDE.D’UN.CHIFFON..DOUX.ET.SEC.ET.NE.PAS.UTILISER.DE.PRODUITS.MENAGERS -..CONNECTER.UNIQUEMENT.LE.CABLE.D’ALIMENTATION.FOURNI.SUR.UNE.PRISE.AVEC.MISE.A.LA.TERRE,.ET.COMPATIBLE.AVEC.LA. TENSION,.L’INTENSITE.ET.LA.FREQUENCE.REQUISES.INDIQUEES.SUR.LA.FACE.ARRIERE.DE.L’APPAREIL -..S’ASSURER.DE.NE.PAS.MARCHER,.PLIER.OU.TIRER.SUR.LE.CABLE.D’ALIMENTATION -..DEBRANCHER.L’APPAREIL.LORS.D’UNE.TEMPETE.OU.LORS.D’UNE.TRES.LONGUE.PERIODE.DE.NON.UTILISATION -..UTILISER.UNIQUEMENT.DES.ACCESSOIRES.SPECIFIES.PAR.LE.FABRICANT.POUR.UNE.UTILISATION.EN.TOUTE.SECURITE.ET.POUR.EVITER. DES.BLESSURES -..ATTENTION:..AFIN.DE.PREVENIR.TOUT.RISQUE.DE.CHOCS.ELECTRIQUES.OU.DE.DEBUT.D’INCENDIE,.NE.PAS.EXPOSER.CET.APPAREIL.A. LA.PLUIE.ET.A.L’HUMIDITE -..TOUT.ENTRETIEN.DOIT.ETRE.FAIT.PAR.UN..TECHNICIEN.QUALIFIE -..NOS.AMPLIFICATEURS.PEUVENT.PRODUIRE.DE.TRES.HAUTES.PRESSIONS.ACOUSTIQUES.QUI.PEUVENT.CAUSER.DES.DOMMAGES. AUDITIFS.PERMANENTS.OU.DEFINITIFS..L’UTILISER.AVEC.UNE.GRANDE.PRECAUTION.EST.CONSEILLE.ET.DES.PROTECTIONS.AUDITIVES. SONT.RECOMMANDEES.POUR.UNE.UTILISATION.A.FORT.VOLUME.

  • Page 4: Bh100H.special.features

    BH100H Special Features: •. Versatile,.yet.simple.to.operate,.100W.head.with.selectable.power.and.class.of.operation.. •. 100.Watts.RMS.in.Pentode.mode,.50.Watts.in.Triode.mode.via.Class-AB,.push-pull.. . operation.. •. 60.Watts.RMS.in.Pentode.mode,.30.Watts.in.Triode.mode.via.Class-A,.push-pull.. operation. •. All.tube.signal.path.. •. Six.12AX7/ECC83.preamp.tubes. •. Four.EL34/6CA7.power.amp.tubes •. Two.independent.channels. •. Channel.1.(LOUD).with.Drive,.Level,.Treble,.Middle,.and.Bass.controls..This.channel.. . is.voiced.for.crisp.cleans,.classic.rock.and.heavy.blues.tones.. •. Channel.2.(F’N.LOUD).with.Gain,.Level,.Treble,.Middle,.and.Bass.controls..This.. channel.is.voiced.to.capture.classic.crunch.and.sweet.overdriven.lead.tones.. •. Both.channels.share.the.Master.Volume.and.Presence.controls. •. 4,.8,.and.16.ohm.speaker.outputs.and.1/4”.line.output. •. Global.presence.and.master.volume.control.over.both.channels. •. Tube-buffered.effects.loop.(shared.by.both.channels).may.operate.in.Series.or.Parallel. modes.with.Send.Level.and.Return.Level.controls. •. Two-button.footswitch:. •. Channel.selection..

  • Page 5: The.front.panel

    The Front Panel: Power & Master Section PRESENCE VOLUME BASS CLASS AB FULL POWER STAND CLASS A HALF POWER MASTER BH100H ON/OFF SWITCH:.Use.this.switch.to. modes.of.operation.and.output.power. turn.the.amplifier.on.and.off.. rating..The.Pentode.is.the.aggressive. setting.that.gives.you.full.output.power,. CLASS AB/STAND BY/CLASS A:. while.the.Triode.is.a.smoother.setting. Before.turning.on.the.amplifier,.be.sure. that.reduces.the.output.power.by.50%. to.set.the.switch.to.‘Stand.by’.(middle. INDICATOR LAMP: This.illuminates. position)..After.a.minute.or.two,.the. amplifier.will.have.warmed.up.and.you.
  • Page 6 CHANNEL BASS MIDDLE VOLUME BASS MIDDLE TREBLE LEVEL GAIN The Front SELECT Panel: Channel Two F’n Loud Section CHANNEL TWO – F’N LOUD BASS:.Use.this.to.adjust.the.output. between.the.output.of.the.EQ.and. level.of.the.low.frequencies..The.adjust- before.the.input.to.the.effects.loop. ment.range.is.8.dB.at.100.Hz. 11. CHANNEL TWO INDICATOR LED:. MIDDLE:.Use.this.to.adjust.the.output. This.LED.lights.up.when.Channel.Two.is. level.of.the.mid.frequencies..The.adjust- selected.. ment.range.is.8.dB.at.1.kHz.. 12. GAIN:.Use.this.to.adjust.the.preamp. TREBLE:.Use.this.to.adjust.the.output.

  • Page 7: The.rear.panel

    The Rear Panel: SERIES EFFECT EFFECT FOOT SEND LEVEL RETURN LEVEL SEND RETURN SWITCH PARALLEL 23. EFFECT RETURN:.This.jack.is.desig- The.rear.panel.has.connections.for.the.AC. power.cord,.external.speaker.cabinets,.a. nated.to.be.connected.(using.a.good. line.out,.an.effects.loop.and.a.footswitch. quality.shielded.cable).to.the.output.of. your.last.external.effect.(if.more.than. WARNING!.Never.turn.on.or.use.the.ampli- one.effect.is.used).. fier.without.a.load.or.speaker.connected.to. 24. EFFECT SEND: This.jack.is.designated. the.amplifier.. to.be.connected.(using.a.good.quality. 21. AC Power Input with Mains Fuse:. shielded.cable).to.the.input.of.your.first.
  • Page 8 The Rear Panel con’t... FOOT LINE OUT SWITCH 4 OHMS 4 OHMS 8 OHMS 8 OHMS 16 OHMS 31. LINE OUT:.The.line.output.jack.is.des- Here.is.how.it.works:.set.the.Series/Parallel. switch.to.Series.mode..Next,.set.the.Send. ignated.to.go.directly.to.the.board.or. and.Return.level.controls.to.their.maximum. speaker.simulator.for.recording..Even. settings.and.set.FX/Boost.to.ON.(the.red. if.utilizing.the.line.out.feature,.a.load.or. LED.on.the.footswitch.will.illuminate)..This. speaker.still.needs.to.be.connected.to. is.the.maximum.boosted.signal.level..When. the.amplifier. you.turn.the.FX/Boost.OFF,.the.Send.and. Connecting speaker cabinets Return.level.controls.are.bypassed..You. should.notice.a.difference.in.the.output. The.hookup.diagrams.on.the.next.page. level.when.switching.the.FX/Boost.ON.and. show.some.different.cabinets,.their.imped- OFF..Now.that.you.found.the.range.of.your.
  • Page 9 Typical connections to speaker cabinets 4 OHMS 4 OHMS 8 OHMS 8 OHMS 16 OHMS 4 OHMS 4 OHMS 8 OHMS 8 OHMS 16 OHMS Speaker Speaker Cabinets 16Ω 16Ω Cabinet 16Ω in parallel Two 16 ohm cabinets. Total Load = 8 ohm One 16 ohm cabinet.

  • Page 10: Important.information.about.tubes.and.tube.products

    Important Information about Tubes and Tube Products: The Nature Of Tubes — Why (And When) To Replace Them: Tubes.are.made.up.of.a.number.of.fragile.mechanical.components.that.are.vacuum-sealed.in.a. glass.envelope.or.bubble..The.tube’s.longevity.is.based.on.a.number.of.factors.which.include. how.hard.and.often.the.amplifier.is.played,.vibration.from.the.speakers,.road.travel,.repeated. set.up.and.tear.down,.etc. Any.time.you.notice.a.change.in.your.amplifier’s.performance,.check.the.tubes.first. If.it’s.been.a.while.since.the.tubes.were.replaced.and.the.sound.from.your.amplifier.lacks. punch,.fades.in.and.out,.loses.highs.or.lows.or.produces.unusual.sounds,.the.power.tubes. probably.need.to.be.replaced..If.your.amplifier.squeals,.makes.noise,.loses.gain,.starts.to. hum,.lacks.“sensitivity”,.or.feels.as.if.it.is.working.against.you,.the.preamplifier.tubes.may. need.to.be.replaced. The.power.tubes.are.subjected.to.considerably.more.stress.than.the.preamplifier.tubes.. Consequently,.they.almost.always.fail/degrade.first..If.deteriorating.power.tubes.aren’t. replaced.they.will.ultimately.fail..Depending.on.the.failure.mode,.they.may.even.cause.severe. damage.to.the.audio.output.transformer.and/or.other.components.in.the.amplifier..Replacing. the.tubes.before.they.fail.completely.has.the.potential.to.save.you.time,.money.and.unwanted. trouble..Since.power.tubes.work.together.in.an.amplifier,.it.is.crucial.that.they.(if.there.is.more. than.one).be.replaced.by.a.matched.set..If.you’re.on.the.road.a.lot,.we.recommend.that.you. carry.a.spare.matched.set.of.replacement.power.tubes.and.their.associated.driver.tubes. After.turning.off.the.power.and.disconnecting.the.amplifier.from.the.power.source,.carefully. check.the.tubes.(in.bright.light).for.cracks.or.white.spots.inside.the.glass.or.any.other.appar- ent.damage..Then,.with.the.power.on,.view.the.tubes.in.a.dark.room..Look.for.preamplifier. tubes.that.do.not.glow.at.all.or.power.tubes.that.glow.excessively.red. Whenever.you.replace.the.power.tube(s): •.
  • Page 11 Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued): The Importance Of Proper Biasing: For.the.best.performance.and.longest.tube.life,.proper.biasing.is.imperative..Bias.is.the.nega- tive.voltage.which.is.applied.to.the.power.tube’s.control.grid.to.set.the.level.of.idle.current.. We.cannot.over.emphasize.the.difference.in.warmth.of.tone.and.dynamic.response.that.come. with.proper.biasing..If.the.bias.is.set.too.high.(over.biased),.the.sound.from.the.amp.will.be. distorted.at.all.levels..If.the.bias.is.set.too.low,.(under.biased).the.power.tubes.will.run.hot.(the. plates.inside.the.tubes.may.glow.red.due.to.excessive.heat).and.the.sound.from.the.amplifier. will.lack.power.and.punch..The.excessive.heat.greatly.reduces.tube.life.–.from.a.few.days.to. as.little.as.a.few.hours.in.extreme.cases..Setting.the.bias.on.your.amp.is.like.setting.the.idle. on.your.car..If.it’s.too.high.or.hot.it’s.running.away.with.you.and.if.it’s.too.low.or.cold.it.will. choke.when.you.step.on.it. The.bias.is.adjusted.at.the.factory.in.accordance.with.the.type.of.power.tube(s).installed.in. your.amplifier..It.is.important.to.point.out.that.tubes.of.the.same.type.and.specification.typi- cally.exhibit.different.performance.characteristics..Consequently,.whenever.power.tubes.are. replaced,.the.bias.voltage.must.be.checked.(unless.the.amplifier.is.equipped.with.“self-biasing”. circuitry).and.readjusted.to.accommodate.the.operating.parameters.of.the.replacement.tubes. Depending.on.the.model.and.amplifier.type,.there.may.be.hum.balance.controls,.trim.pots,.or. bias.adjustment.controls.on.its.rear.panel..However,.the.bias.adjustment.should.be.performed. only.by.qualified.service.personnel.with.the.proper,.calibrated.test.equipment.
  • Page 12 Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued): Survival Tips For Tube Amplifiers: To.prolong.tube.life,.observe.these.tips.and.recommendations: •. Match.the.impedance.of.your.speaker.cabinet(s).to.your.amplifier..Improper.impedance. matching.will.contribute.to.early.tube.degradation.and.may.cause.premature.tube.failure. •. Make.sure.the.speaker(s).are.properly.connected.prior.to.turning.on.the.amplifier. •. After.playing.the.amplifier,.allow.sufficient.time.for.it.to.properly.cool.down.prior.to.moving. it..A.properly.cooled.amplifier.prolongs.tube.life.due.to.the.internal.components.being.less. susceptible.to.the.damage.caused.by.vibration. •. Allow.the.amplifier.to.warm.up.to.room.temperature.before.turning.it.on..The.heat.gener- ated.by.the.tube.elements.can.crack.a.cold.glass.housing. •. Replace.the.output.tube(s).before.the.performance.degrades.or.the.tubes.fail.completely.. Replace.the.tube(s).on.a.regular.basis.(at.least.once.per.year.or.as.often.as.every.4.to.6. months.if.you.play.long.and.hard.every.day). •. Always.have.the.bias.checked.after.replacing.the.output.tubes.(unless.the.amplifier.is. equipped.with.“self-biasing.circuitry”)..This.should.be.done.ONLY.at.a.qualified.service. center..Improper.biasing.could.result.in.the.tubes.running.too.hot,.which.greatly.reduces. the.life.of.the.tubes.–.or.too.cold,.which.results.in.distorted.sound.regardless.of.level. settings..Do.not.play.the.amplifier.if.it.exhibits.these.symptoms.–.get.the.bias.checked/ adjusted.immediately.to.prevent.tube.failure.and/or.other.damage. •. If.the.locating.notch.on.the.base.of.a.power.tube.breaks.off,.replace.the.tube..This.signifi- cantly.reduces.the.risk.of.damaging.your.amplifier.by.incorrectly.inserting.the.tube. •.

  • Page 13: Settings.to.get.you.started

    Some Favorite in-house BH100H Settings (Channel 1 - LOUD): Setting One: Moving Air CHANNEL CHANNEL OLUME BASS MIDDLE TREBLE PRESENCE LEVEL VOLUME GAIN BASS BASS MIDDLE MIDDLE TREBLE TREBLE LEVEL LEVEL GAIN DRIVE SELECT SELECT CLASS AB FULL POWER STAND...
  • Page 14 Some Favorite in-house BH100H Settings (Channel 2 - F’N LOUD): Setting Six: Whole Lotta Attitude CHANNEL PRESENCE VOLUME BASS MIDDLE TREBLE LEVEL GAIN SELECT CLASS AB FULL POWER STAND CLASS A HALF POWER MASTER BH100H CHANNEL TWO – F’N LOUD...

  • Page 15: System.block.diagram

    System Block Diagram ATTENTION —.Le.présent.appareil.numérique. NOTE: This.equipment.has.been.tested.and.found. n’émet.pas.de.bruits.radioélectriques.dépassant. to.comply.with.the.limits.for.a.Class.B.digital. las.limites.applicables.aux.appareils.numériques. device,.pursuant.to.part.15.of.the.FCC.Rules.. de.class.A/de.class.B.(selon.le.cas).prescrites. These.limits.are.designed.to.provide.reason- dans.le.réglement.sur.le.brouillage.radioélectrique. able.protection.against.harmful.interference.in.a. édicté.par.les.ministere.des.communications.du. residential.installation..This.equipment.generates,. Canada. uses,.and.can.radiate.radio.frequency.energy. and,.if.not.installed.and.used.in.accordance.with. the.instructions,.may.cause.harmful.interference. Exposure.to.extremely.high.noise.levels.may. to.radio.communications..However,.there.is.no. cause.permanent.hearing.loss..Individuals.vary. guarantee.that.interference.will.not.occur.in.a. considerably.in.susceptibility.to.noise-induced. particular.installation..If.this.equipment.does. hearing.loss,.but.nearly.everyone.will.lose.some. cause.harmful.interference.to.radio.or.television. hearing.if.exposed.to.sufficiently.intense.noise. reception,.which.can.be.determined.by.turning.the. for.a.period.of.time..The.U.S..Government’s. equipment.off.and.on,.the.user.is.encouraged.to. Occupational.Safety.and.Health.Administration. try.to.correct.the.interference.by.one.or.more.of. (OSHA).has.specified.the.permissible.noise.level. the.following.measures: exposures.shown.in.the.following.chart. •. Reorient.or.relocate.the.receiving.antenna. According.to.OSHA,.any.exposure.in.excess.

  • Page 16: Technical.specifications

    Depth.-.11.in/280.mm,.Width.-.30.in/760.mm Weight. 52.0.lb/23.6.kg The Blackheart BH100H Hot Head is covered with a durable fabric-backed vinyl material. Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Never spray cleaning agents onto the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleansers which would damage the finish. Blackheart continually develops new products, as well as improves existing ones. For this reason, the specifica- tions and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.

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