3rd Power American Dream 112 User Manual - User Manual

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U S E R S G U I D E

1 1 2 C O M B O & H E A D

Your 3RD POWER Amplifier is a professional musical instrument amplifier. The information
contained herein is current at the time of publication. However, specifications are subject to
change without prior notice.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

•

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

•

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

•

HEED ALL WARNINGS.

•

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

•

YOUR AMPLIFIER IS LOUD!
EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND VOLUMES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE !
Practice “safe listening.”

•

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified personnel. Always unplug AC
power before removing chassis.

•

IF YOU INTEND ON OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE OF THE USA: Always insure
that unit is wired for proper voltage. Make certain all connections and grounding con-
forms with local standards. Make certain that you have obtained authorization to operate
prior to connecting to power supply.

•

WARNING: Vacuum tube amplifiers generate heat. To insure proper ventilation always
make certain there is at least four inches (100mm) of space behind the rear of the ampli-
fier cabinet.

•

Keep away from curtains or any flammable objects.

•

WARNING: Do not block any ventilation openings on the rear or top of the amplifier. Do
not impede ventilation by placing objects on top of the amplifier which extend past the
rear edge of its cabinet.

•

WARNING: Do not expose the amplifier to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing water. Do
not place objects filled with liquids on or nearby the amplifier.

•

WARNING: Always make certain proper load is connected before operating the amplifier.
Failure to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage to the amplifier.

•

Do not expose amplifier to direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures.

•

Always insure that amplifier is properly grounded. Always unplug AC power cord before
changing fuse or any tubes. When replacing fuse, use only same type and rating.

•

Avoid direct contact with heated tubes. Keep amplifier away from children.

•

Be sure to connect to an AC power supply that meets the power supply specifications
listed on the rear of the unit. Remove the power plug from the AC mains socket if the unit
is to be stored for an extended period of time. If there is any danger of lightning occurring
nearby, remove the power plug from the wall socket in advance.

•

To avoid damaging your speakers and other music equipment, turn off the power of all
related equipment before making the connections.

•

Do not use excessive force in handling control buttons, switches and controls. Do not
use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit. Wipe off the exterior with
soft cloth.

™

Thank you for choosing 3RD
POWER as an integral compo-
nent of your musical journey.

Music is a thrilling blend of
tone, attitude and technique.
When the right combination
occurs, magic happens and it’s
experienced by everyone.

I’ve had the extraordinary

privilege of performing music for 30 years on stage and in the studio.
As the principal visionary of the company, every product we design re-
flects my energy, attitude and life experiences.

Each amplifier we create is designed to help you tell your musical story
- IN 3D!!!

Rock on!
- James Scott

MOVING FORWARD... IN 3D

Special Features:

• Hand-built and hand-wired in the USA
• Dual Channel All-Tube design
• Selectable 40

/20

6 Power Amp section

• ‘Brownface’ Channel with Volume and Tone Controls plus Bright

Switch

• ‘Blackface’ Channel with Volume, Treble and Bass Controls plus

Bright Switch

• Global Presence control
• 112 Combo Version features patent-pending SWITCHBACK™

speaker enclosure design

Dimensions & Weights:

Subject to change anytime. Please measure your amp carefully if a Cus-
tom Case is being made. These measurements do not include handle
and rubber feet.

Dimensions (WxHxD): 25 x 22.85 x 10.5 in.
Weight: 57 lb.

Preparing to Operate your American Dream™

Make certain that all connections are made prior to operating your
American Dream™ Amplifier including power cable, speaker connec-
tion, instrument cable and instrument connection. Make certain that all
tubes are installed.

Power Switch (1)

The POWER switch, when placed in the UP position, provides AC wall
power to the amplifier.

Standby Switch (2)

The STANDBY switch, when placed in the CENTER position, puts the
amplifier in ‘standby mode’ allowing the tubes to warm up. When this
switch is place in the UP position, the tube circuitry is fully functional
and operating in 40

(pentode) mode. In the DOWN position, the am-

plifier is operating in 20

(triode) mode.

Presence Control (3)

The global PRESENCE control affects both channels and allows you to
adjust the character or ‘forwardness’ of your sound. Low settings cre-
ate ‘darker’ tones, whereas higher settings create a ‘brilliant’ or crisp
sound.

Front Panel:

Input Jack (4)

The INPUT jack is where you connect instrument level signals.

Bright Switch (5)

The BRIGHT SWITCH allows you to emphasize the higher frequen-
cies of your sound.

Volume Control (6)

The VOLUME control allows you to adjust the signal level as well as
the temperament and overall character of your instrument’s sound.
The

Brownface

channel has been optimized to provide superb versatility

with a particular emphasis on mid-range frequencies.

Tone Control (7)

The TONE control of the

Brownface

channel allows you to adjust the

tonal emphasis of your sound from ‘dark’ to ‘bark’. This control also
works in conjunction with the VOLUME control and will have a subtle
yet substantial affect on the level of perceived instrument gain.

Front Panel:

Brownface

Channel

Input Jack (8)

The INPUT jack is where you connect instrument level signals.

Bright Switch (9)

The BRIGHT SWITCH allows you to emphasize the higher frequen-
cies of your sound.

Volume Control (10)

The VOLUME control allows you to adjust the signal level as well as
the temperament and overall character of your instruments sound. The

Blackface

channel has been optimized to provide superb versatility with

a particular emphasis on refining the mid-range frequencies to deliver a
fuller, or ‘wider’ sounding tone.

Treble Control (11)

The TREBLE control allows you to adjust the character of the higher
frequency range. The TREBLE circuitry has been optimized to deliver
excellent high frequency character while retaining a smooth tempera-
ment.

Bass Control (12)

The BASS control allows you to adjust the depth of your lower fre-
quencies. The BASS circuitry has been optimized to provide deep, rich
low frequencies.

Front Panel:

Blackface

Channel

AC Input (13)

The AC INPUT socket (TYPE IEC Grounded) is a required connec-
tion for operating your AMERICAN DREAM™ at 117V (standard
USA household electrical power).

Mains Fuse (14)

The MAINS FUSE requires a 3 AMP fast-acting fuse. This fuse pro-
tects your amplifier from voltage peaks from your power outlet.

H.T. Fuse (15)

The H.T. FUSE requires a 1 AMP slow-blow fuse. The H.T. FUSE
usually blows if your power amp tubes are bad to protect the circuit
from being damaged.

SAFETY NOTES

1) Always plug your amp into a properly grounded 3 prong AC out-

let.

2) Never plug your amp into an ungrounded outlet.
1) Never remove or break off the 3rd prong safety ground pin

from the power cord.

1) Never use a damaged or ungrounded power cord.
2) Always use the proper value and type fuse according to the rear-

panel markings.

3) Never attempt to replace the fuse while the amplifier is still

plugged into the power source. The fuse should only be re-
placed when the power cord has been disconnected from its
power source.

Back Panel:

16-OHM Speaker Output (16)

The 16-OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT is provided for connecting your
amplifier to standard 16 OHM speaker cabinet.

8-OHM Speaker Output (17)

The 8-OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT is provided for connecting your
amplifier to single 8-OHM speaker, such as the internal speaker for the
combo unit.

4-OHM Speaker Outputs (18)

The two (2) 4-OHM DISCREET SPEAKER OUTPUTs are provided
for connecting your amplifier to single 4-OHM speaker cabinet or for
connecting two (2) 8-OHM speaker cabinets in parallel.

SAFETY NOTES

1) Never operate your amplifier without a connected speaker cabi-

net. This will damage your tubes or transformers - or both.

2) Always operate your amplifier with the proper impedance out-

put that matches your speaker cabinets(s).

3) In all cases, always use a good quality heavy gauge speaker cable

(not a shielded instrument cable) to connect your AMERICAN
DREAM to the speaker cabinet(s).

Back Panel:

HybridMASTER™ (16)

The HYBRID MASTER control allows you to set the overall volume
level of the amplifier independent of the volume and tone settings es-
tablished on the front panel. This is a patent-pending circuit design
developed by 3rd Power and is available exclusively on Dream and
Dream Solo series amplifiers.

Things to Try

• “40 Watt” Mode with HybridMASTER set to 50% will reduce the

volume in half while retaining the tone and feel of the amplifier.

• “20 Watt” Mode with HybridMASTER set to 50% will reduce the

volume by 75% while retaining the tone and feel of the amplifier.

Back Panel:

SWITCHBACK™ 112 Design Concept

The AMERICAN DREAM 112 combo version features our patent-
pending triangular speaker enclosure design. This design produces an
outstanding sound-field unattainable with typical speaker enclosures
with some very important additional benefits.

Basically, we’ve embedded a triangular speaker chamber within a rec-
tangular exterior shell. This creates (3) three separate chambers. Each
chamber creates a separate environment isolating the chassis, tubes and
transformers from the speaker virtually eliminating rattles and
vibration-born noises associated with speaker movement.

Chamber One (19)

Shows a chamber containing the transformers and output tubes.

Chamber Two (20)

Shows a chamber containing the speaker.

Chamber Three (21)

Shows a chamber containing the preamp tubes.

Operational Notes: SWITCHBACK™ Cabinet

What can I do with a SWITCHBACK™ Cabinet?

The SWITCHBACK cabinet design allows you to go from

CLOSED

(22)

OPEN BACK (23)

operation.

The sound quality of the OPEN BACK mode is wide and room-filling
while the sound of the CLOSED BACK mode is focussed and punchy.

Low Frequency Roll-off

CLOSED-BACK mode begins rolling off the lows at around 80Hz.
OPEN-BACK mode begins rolling off the lows at around 60Hz.

Invaluable Stage and Studio Tool

In performance situations, you can control the amount of low fre-
quency projection by choosing which mode to run. Some rooms are
boomy or have boomy stages - a problem that the CLOSED-BACK
mode would help solve. Some rooms are dull and just begging you to
go with an OPEN-BACK setup to bring it to life!

In the studio, tracking different guitar parts in various combinations of
open or closed back configurations with either 22w or 10w provides a
ton of variety in your guitar sounds without having to change the mic
position or having to ‘work in’ another piece of equipment.

Operational Notes: SWITCHBACK™ Cabinet

Tube Layout and Requirements:

V1 - V3: JJ 12AX7A (spiral filament)
V4 and V5: Winged “C” 6L6 output tubes

Bias Adjustment

Your AMERICAN DREAM comes from the factory biased for 6L6
tubes. Bias adjustments are not intended to be user-serviceable. At-
tempting to adjust the bias yourself will expose you to very dangerous
high-voltage electricity that can kill you. Special test equipment and
knowledge of amp circuits and tubes are required to perform this func-
tion. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO THIS YOURSELF.

Tube Replacement

WE RECOMMEND TAKING YOUR AMPLIFIER TO A QUALI-
FIED TECHNICIAN FOR SERVICING YOUR TUBES. Make cer-
tain the amplifier is turned off and has been allowed ample time to cool
down. Be very careful when you remove the tubes as they might still be
very hot! Do not touch tube sockets with fingers! Even after turning
your amp off and unplugging it from the power outlet there could be
enough voltage stored in the capacitors to give you a lethal electrical
shock.

WARNING:

1) Do not remove the back panel.
2) Do not attempt to check or replace tubes yourself. Refer to an

authorized service center.

3) Never touch the tubes while the amplifier is turned on or has re-

cently been turned ON. You can severely burn your fingers and
hands

Operational Notes:

TUBE CHART

LIMITED WARRANTY

Thank you for choosing 3RD POWER Amplification. 3RD POWER takes great pride in producing
high-quality tube amplifiers and speaker cabinets. Each product is thoroughly tested prior to shipment.

The AMERICAN DREAM™

is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material

and workmanship for a period of 33-1/3 years from the original date of purchase. An original sales re-
ceipt will establish coverage under this warranty. This warranty does not cover service or parts to re-
pair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse, normal wear, disaster, misuse, over-powering, negli-

gence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures and service, repair or modifications to the product
which have not been authorized by 3RD POWER. If this product is defective in materials or workman-

ship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided below.

Tubes:

3RD POWER warrants the original purchaser that the tubes used in the AMERICAN DREAM

will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the original purchase
date. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under this warranty. This warranty is in lieu of all

other expressed warranties. If tubes fail within the initial 90 day period your sole remedy shall be the
replacement of tubes as provided below.

Return Procedures: In the unlikely event that a defect should occur, follow the procedure outlined below.
Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, freight pre-paid and insured di-

rectly to 3RD POWER. A Return Authorization Number must be obtained prior to shipping the prod-
uct. Contact 3RD POWER to obtain this RA number. Products must be shipped in their original pack-
aging or equivalent. IN any case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is borne by the purchaser. The RA

number must appear in large print directly below the shipping address. Always include a brief descrip-
tion of the defect, along with your correct return address and telephone number.

When calling to inquire about a returned product, always refer to the RA number. If 3RD POWER de-
termines that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during the warranty pe-

riod, 3RD POWER has the option of repairing or replacing the product at no additional charge, except
as set forth below. All replaced parts become property of 3RD POWER. Products replaced or repaired

under this warranty will be returned via ground shipping within the United States, freight prepaid.
3RD POWER is not responsible for costs associated with expedited shipping, either to 3RD POWER or
returned of the product to the customer.

Incidental or Consequential Damage: In no event will 3RD POWER be liable for any incidental or con-

sequential damages arising out of  the use or inability to use any 3RD POWER product, even if  a 3RD
POWER dealer has been advised of  the possibility of  such damages or any other claim by any other
party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of  consequential damages, so the above limi-

tation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

For your protection: Please complete and mail the Purchase Information Card within (10) ten days of
the date of purchase so that we may contact you directly in the event a safety notification issued in the

accordance with the 1972 Consumer Product Safety Act.

Customer Support: Our dedicated staff is ready to assist you should you have any questions with regard
to your product. Please call: (615) 945-3393 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, Central
Standard Time).

3RD POWER Amplification LLC

2020 Fieldstone Parkway

Suite 900-316

Franklin, TN 37069

Phone: (615) 945-3393

Web Site

www.3rdPower.com

Friday, April 27, 2012

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