3rd Power AMERICAN DREAM MKII User manual

USERS GUIDE
GUITAR AMPLIFIER
™
AMERICAN DREAM
MKII
™
BROWNFACE
VOLUMETONE
INPUT
BLACKFACE
VOLUMETREBLE
INPUT
BASS
INTENSITY
STAGE
STUDIO
SPEED 1
SPEED 2
VARI-BIAS TREMOLO

2
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.

3
™
Thank you for choosing 3RD POWER as an
integral component 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 per-
forming music for 30 years on stage and in
the studio. As the principal visionary of the
company, every product we design reflects 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
™

4
Special Features of the American Dream™ MKII:
• Hand-made in the USA
• Point-to-point Turret Board Construction
• CH.1 features ’63 Brownface Voicing
• Controls include Volume and Tone controls
• CH.2 features '65 Blackface voicing
• Controls include Volume, Treble and Bass
• Vintage Special Effect: Vari-bias Tremolo featuring two foot-switchable speeds
• Controls include Intensity, Speed 1 and Speed 2
• HybridMASTER™ Proprietary volume control with Venue Switch
• Switchable GZ34 Tube Rectifier & Solid-State insert for more headroom
• Illuminating backlit logo with zero light escaping the back of the unit
• 2 x 6L6 power tubes, up to 40W (variable down to 1W with HybridMASTER)
• 16, 8 and 4 ohm speaker outputs
Special Note on Vari-bias Tremolo
Vari-bias tremolo is a special effect that appeared in various lower-powered vintage tube amplifiers.
The circuitry utilizes a vacuum tube to create a pulsating oscillation that has a very musical or
rhythmic beat to it. This oscillating signal is then fed to the cathode circuitry of a separate tube
stage. This interaction effectively turns the functionality of this tube on and off. What we hear and
feel is the effect of our sound pulsing on and off in a very organic, or rich manner.
Unique Implementation of the Tremolo Effect
The variable bias tremolo effect is often associated with controls that adjust the intensity, speed and
even the on/off status of the effect. While it is fairly common to see stomp-box tremolo pedals with
two speeds, we believe the American Dream MKII marks the first vacuum tube amplifier to imple-
ment two separate, foot-switchable speed controls for an unmatched level of tone and versatility.
We hope you enjoy our modern implementation of this rich vacuum tube effect.
Dimensions & Weights:
Subject to change anytime. Please measure your amp carefully if a custom case is being made.
These measurements do not include handle and rubber feet.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 24 x 10.5 x 9.33 in.
Weight: 57 lb.

5
Preparing to Operate your American Dream MKII™
Make certain that all connections are made prior to operating your American Dream MKII Amplifier
including power cable, speaker connection, instrument cable and instrument connection. Make cer-
tain 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’ al-
lowing the tubes to warm up. When this switch is place in the UP position, the tube circuitry is fully
functional and operating in 50W (diode rectified) mode. In the DOWN position, the amplifier is oper-
ating in 40W (tube rectified) mode.
HybridMASTER™ (3)
The HYBRID MASTER control allows you to set the overall volume level of the amplifier independ-
ent of the volume and tone settings established on the front panel. Think of this as a “micro” volume
adjustment. When turned all the way up (full clock-wise rotation), HybridMASTER is completely re-
moved from the circuit. HybridMASTER is patent-pending.
Stage/Studio Switch (4)
The STAGE/STUDIO MODE switch allows you to operate the amp at full volume (Stage mode) or at
an 80% reduction in volume (Studio mode). Think of this as a “macro” volume adjustment.
Front Panel:
1 2 3 4
BROWNFACE
VOLUMETONE
INPUT
BLACKFACE
VOLUMETREBLE
INPUT
BASS
INTENSITY
STAGE
STUDIO
SPEED 1
SPEED 2
VARI-BIAS TREMOLO

6
Input Section (6)
The INPUT jack is where you connect instrument level signals.
Volume Control (7)
The VOLUME control allows you to adjust the signal level as well as the temperament and over-
all character of your instrument’s sound.
Tone Control (8)
The TONE control allows you to adjust the tonal character of your sound.
Front Panel: Brownface Channel
8 7 6
BROWNFACE
VOLUMETONE
INPUT

7
Input Jack (9)
The INPUT jack is where you connect instrument level signals.
Volume Control (10)
The VOLUME control allows you to adjust the signal level as well as the temperament and over-
all character of your instrument’s sound.
Treble Control (11)
The TREBLE control allows you to adjust the character of the higher frequency range.
Bass Control (12)
The BASS control allows you to adjust the depth of your lower frequencies.
Intensity (13)
The INTENSITY control allows you to adjust the pulse depth of the Vari-bias tube tremolo effect.
Speed 1 (14)
The SPEED 1 control allows you to adjust the pulse rate of the Vari-bias tube tremolo effect.
Speed 2 (15)
The SPEED 2 control allows you to create a separate preset pulse rate of the Vari-bias tube tremolo
effect. You can recall this preset via the two button foot-switch.
Front Panel: Blackface Channel
91011121314
BLACKFACE
VOLUMETREBLE
INPUT
BASS
INTENSITY
SPEED 1
SPEED 2
VARI-BIAS TREMOLO
15

8
AC Input (16)
The AC INPUT socket (TYPE IEC Grounded) is a required connection for operating your DREAM
WEAVER™ MKII at 120V (standard USA household electrical power).
Mains Fuse (17)
The MAINS FUSE requires a 2 AMP slow blow fuse. This fuse protects your amplifier from voltage
peaks from your power outlet.
H.T. Fuse (18)
The H.T. FUSE requires a .3 AMP (300 milliamp) slow-blow fuse. The H.T. FUSE usually blows if your
power tubes are bad to protect the circuit from being damaged.
SAFETY NOTES:
• Always plug your amp into a properly grounded 3 prong AC outlet.
• Never plug your amp into an ungrounded outlet.
• Never remove or break off the 3rd prong safety ground pin from the power cord.
• Never use a damaged or ungrounded power cord.
• Always use the proper value and type fuse according to the rear-panel markings.
• Never attempt to replace the fuse while the amplifier is still plugged into the power source. The
fuse should only be replaced when the power cord has been disconnected from its power source.
Back Panel:
161718
150--

9
16-OHM Speaker Output (19)
The 16-OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT is provided for connecting your amplifier to standard 16 OHM
speaker cabinet.
8-OHM Speaker Outputs (20)
The 8-OHM SPEAKER OUTPUTS are wired in parallel. They are provided for connecting your ampli-
fier to a single 8-OHM speaker, or two 16-OHM speaker cabinets.
4-OHM Speaker Outputs (21)
The 8-OHM SPEAKER OUTPUTS are wired in parallel. They are provided for connecting your ampli-
fier to a single 4-OHM speaker, or two 8-OHM speaker cabinets.
SAFETY NOTES:
• Never operate your amplifier without a connected speaker cabinet. This will damage your tubes
or transformers - or both.
• Always operate your amplifier with the proper impedance output that matches your speaker
cabinets(s).
• In all cases, always use a good quality heavy gauge speaker cable (not a shielded instrument
cable) to connect your AMERICAN DREAM MKII to the speaker cabinet(s).
Back Panel:
160--
192021

10
Foot-Switch (TRS) Jack (22)
The FOOT-SWITCH (TRS) jack of the American Dream MKII allows you to remotely control the on-
board Vari-bias tube tremolo effect. Parameters controlled include: Tremolo ON/OFF, and the selec-
tion of tremolo Speed 1 or Speed 2.
Special Note on Vari-bias Tremolo
Vari-bias tremolo is a special effect that appeared in various lower-powered vintage tube amplifiers.
The circuitry utilizes a vacuum tube to create a pulsating oscillation that has a very musical or
rhythmic beat to it. This oscillating signal is then fed to the cathode circuitry of a separate tube
stage. This interaction effectively turns the functionality of this tube on and off. What we hear and
feel is the effect of our sound pulsing on and off in a very organic, or rich manner.
Unique Implementation of the Tremolo Effect
The variable bias tremolo effect is often associated with controls that adjust the intensity, speed and
even the on/off status of the effect. While it is fairly common to see stomp-box tremolo pedals with
two speeds, we believe the American Dream MKII marks the first vacuum tube amplifier to imple-
ment two separate, foot-switchable speed controls for an unmatched level of tone and versatility.
We hope you enjoy our modern implementation of this rich vacuum tube effect.
OPERATION NOTES:
• When operating the Vari-bias Tremolo effect with the remote foot-switch, start by placing the
Intensity knob at roughly “2 o’clock” (or 70% rotation). In our experience, this is the sweet-spot
for the best balance between effect ON and effect OFF performance.
Back Panel:
22
150--

11
Tube Layout and Requirements:
V1, V2 and V3: JJ 12AX7 (Preamp)
V4: Sovtek 12AX7LPS (Phase Inverter)
V5 and V6: Tungsol 6L6GC output tubes
V7 and V8: Rectifier tube sockets (V7 loaded with Diode Adapter, V8 GZ34 Tube Rectifier)
Bias Adjustment
Your AMERICAN DREAM MKII comes from the factory biased for 6L6 tubes. Bias adjustments are not
intended to be user-serviceable. Attempting to adjust the bias yourself will expose you to very dan-
gerous high-voltage electricity that can kill you. Special test equipment and knowledge of amp cir-
cuits and tubes are required to perform this function. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO THIS YOURSELF.
Tube Replacement
WE RECOMMEND TAKING YOUR AMPLIFIER TO A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FOR SERVICING YOUR
TUBES. Make certain 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:
• Do not remove the back panel.
• Do not attempt to check or replace tubes yourself. Refer to an authorized service center.
• Never touch the tubes while the amplifier is turned on or has recently been turned ON. You can
Operational Notes:
TUBE CHART
.5”
#8
#8 V1
preamp
preamp
tremolo
output
output
phase inverter
diode
rectifier
tube
rectifier V2
V3
V4
V5V6
V7
V8

12
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.
Your amplifier 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 receipt will establish coverage under
this warranty. This warranty does not cover service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse,
normal wear, disaster, misuse, over-powering, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures and serv-
ice, repair or modifications to the product which have not been authorized by 3RD POWER. If this product is de-
fective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as pro-
vided below.
Tubes: 3RD POWER warrants the original purchaser that the tubes used in the unit 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 es-
tablish 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. Defec-
tive products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, freight pre-paid and insured directly to 3RD
POWER. A Return Authorization Number must be obtained prior to shipping the product. Contact 3RD POWER to
obtain this RA number. Products must be shipped in their original packaging 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 description 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 determines that
the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during the warranty period, 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 expe-
dited 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 consequential
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 limitation 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: [phone] (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time).

3RD POWER Amplification LLC
1307 Jewel Street
Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: [phone]
Web Site
www.3rdPower.com
Friday, June 5, 2015
™