Things To Do Before Operating The Amp - Hughes & Kettner Coreblade AS 64 Manual

6
Foreword
Congratulations on your choice, the Hughes & Kettner®
Drawing on a rich heritage reaching back over a quarter of a century to the
world's first fully-programmable amp, the AS 64,
today's standards for both technology and tone.
C o r e b l a d e is a thoroughbred tube amp with four independent
channels, none of which share even a single knob. Every channel has a unique
sonic character, and power amp feedback has a tremendous impact on shaping
response . So, we devised a variable power amp feedback circuit that is
reconfigured when you switch channels to bring out even more of the selected
channel's distinctive flavor.
Three integrated effects modules and innovative IPM™ (Inversed Parallel
Modulation) technology let you shape and refine your tone with surgical precision
by blending in the wet signal. Best of all, you can enjoy the advantages of this
parallel circuit not only with reverb and delay, but also with chorus, phaser,
flanger, and even tremolo effects. This means the signal path runs uninterrupted
from the input jack to the speaker out, ensuring your source signal's freshness,
dynamic range, and sonic glory remain intact.
C o r e b l a d e delivers to-die-for tone, and much more. Its professional
features make the touring musician's life on stage so much easier:
Unrivalled switching convenience for live performances:
All of 's knobs apart from the MASTER are fully
C o r e b l a d e
programmable, to include the integrated effect modules. 128 presets are available,
ready for actuation by tapping a toe on the factory-included MIDI board's
buttons.
Professional SmartLoop™ FX routing:
The FX loop is also fully programmable so you can integrate outboard effect
devices into your C o r e b l a d e
configured as a parallel or serial circuit for each preset. And switching MIDI-
enabled signal processors is a piece of cake courtesy of
MIDI Thru port.
Handy memory backup to a USB stick:
C o r e b l a d e boasts a feature you won't find on any other tube amp: You
can dump your presets direct to a USB stick without going to a computer first,
either to archive your sounds or take them with you from amp and amp and stage
to stage.
Ultra precise IDB™ noise gate:
The Intelligent Dual Breakpoint noise gate gauges levels simultaneously at two
key points - the INPUT jack and the preamp's output - in the signal chain. This
allows the noise gate to adapt its response to suit every application. And that
means you can use it as a stylistic device for cutting signals hard on stage and as a
sensitive noise suppressor in the studio.
TSC™ for reliable power amp tube management:
The Tube Safety Control constantly adjusts the amp's bias to the optimum value,
ensuring your choice of power amp tubes - EL34s or 6L6s - delivers the best
possible tone everywhere, all the time. If a tube fails, you can still finish the gig.
And in a fix, you can even swap tubes in a matter of minutes without having to
take the amp to a shop.
Maintenance-free PRN™ knobs:
Sited behind every programmable knob is a zero-maintenance Programmable
Resistor Network. For one, it renders programmed settings with exacting
C o r e b l a d e
C o r e b l a d e
C o r e b l a d e sets
presets. The SmartLoop™ can be
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precision. For the other, it doesn't wear. Look forward to tweaking knobs that
never scratch, crackle, or fail throughout the amp's lifetime.
.
Made in Germany
The Custom Shop in the ISO 9001-certified Hughes & Kettner® plant in
Germany built your C o r e b l a d e
craftspeople apply the most stringent standards to bring you the benefits of a
tough, rugged amp you can count on throughout its extraordinarily long life.
Please register your new C o r e b l a d e
fee three-year warranty. Simply fill out and send in the included warranty card or
– to make things even simpler - register online at www.Hughes-and-Kettner.com.
Enjoy your
C o r e b l a d e

Things to Do Before Operating the Amp

Please read the safety instructions on page 62 before operating the amp. The
manufacturer disclaims any liability or responsibility whatsoever for any damage
or defect to this and other devices resulting from misuse.
Powering Up
Before you plug in the amp, ensure
STANDBY switches are off with the toggle switches in the down position, and
the voltage rating shown next to the MAINS INPUT matches your local mains
current. The arrow in the picture on the right points to this voltage setting. If the
rating next to the arrow does not match the local mains voltage, do not plug in
your amp! See section 8 for more on this.
Connecting a Speaker Cabinet
Always remember to never operate your
connected speaker cabinet. Also ensure the cabinet's impedance value measured in
ohms matches that of the selected. Never use outputs for different impedances at
the same time! See section 5.1.
's
Input
Plug your guitar in here. Please use quality cords designed for guitars only.
FSM 432 MIDI Board
Connect the included FSM 432 MIDI board to this port so you can select
presets. You need the FSM 432 or another MIDI board to operate all of
C o r e b l a d e 's functions. See section 1.2.3 for more about this. You'll
find more info on the FSM 432 in sections 5.5.1 and 7.1.
Do This before Hitting the On Switch
A word of warning before you fire up your
volume levels can cause hearing damage. Spare yourself nasty surprises and make a
habit of twisting the MASTER knob to the far left before turning on the amp.
Mains
This switch enables mains current to flow. When you engage it, the blue pilot
lamp illuminates and the tubes begin heating up. Ensure the STANDBY switch
is set to the down position, and give the tubes at least 30 seconds to get toasty.
They'll thank you for your patience by lasting longer.
Standby
The STANDBY switch gets the tube's anode current flowing and brings the amp
online. Please use the STANDBY rather than the MAINS switch when taking
short breaks so tubes remain at their operating temperature.
from the bottom up. Our seasoned
within 30 days of purchase to get a
. Best wishes,
Your Hughes & Kettner® team
's MAINS and
C o r e b l a d e
without a
C o r e b l a d e
: It's loud! High
C o r e b l a d e