Ashdown AGM Series User manual

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ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM USER GUIDE
PAGE
4-5 AGM-484H
6-7 AGM-30-OFFSET
8-9 AGM-684C
10-11 AGM-284C
12-13 AGM-5C

ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM USER GUIDE
IMPORTANT SAFTEY INFORMATION
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THE AMPLIFIER
This product has been manufactured according to strict specications and voltage
requirements that are applicable in the country for which it is intended that this product
should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order or via a
telephone sale you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which
you reside. The intended country of use is stated via a label afxed to the REAR panel of the
amplier.
WARNING
The use of this product in any other country other than that for which it has been designed
could be dangerous and invalidate the manufactures or distributors WARRANTY.
Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be
disqualied from the manufactures or distributors warranty.

INTRODUCTION
GENERAL NOTES
Valve ampliers require care and attention to get best results and reliable operation, follow these
simple rules and you should get years of faithfull service.
• Take care when setting the amplier up, especially the routing of the signal leads
(ie instrument FX leads etc) try to keep these away from the speaker to avoid unwanted noise
• At high gain and volume levels you will need to stand further away from the amplier to avoid
unwanted noise and feed back
• With single coil type picks hum can be a problem, either from being stood to close to the
amplier or from the room itself, typical sources of hum are power supplies, computers, low
voltage halogen and uorescent lighting, energy saving bulbs etc.
• Crackling noise can result from central heating and refrigerators, worth remembering if you get
annoying pops etc. when you are trying to record at home.
• Moblie phones can cause some interesting noises and interference especially if placed on top of
the amplier or in your pocket.
BE SAFE:
• Keep the amplier dry and don’t stand drinks or other containers of liquids on it.
• Store the amplier somewhere dry, away from condensation etc.
• When using the amplier don’t cover the ventilation holes or use it next to a radiator etc.
• Always use good quality leads for connecting the instrument and speaker to the amplier.
• Check the mains cables from time to time replace if damaged in any way.
• Have the amplier serviced at least once a year especially if you gig on a regular basis, Valves are
fragile and usually fail due to rough handling and vibration, combos use more valves than heads
as a rule due to the valves being in the same cabinet as the speaker. Many crackling noises are a
direct result of a failing valve.
The Full set of Safety instructions can be found in the back of this user manual together with
warranty information and a warranty registration card.

ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM USER GUIDE
INPUTS
The AGM range features 1/4” jack sockets which are be used to connect the output from your
guitar to the amplier Always use a high quality guitar lead to ensure a reliable connection, the
integrity of your signal, and the minimising of noise.
On some models there are two inputs , where tted these have different tunings to
give either a bright classic brit crunch as the base tone or a heavy thick American tone Single
inputs are voiced to accommodate all tones .
AUX INPUT
Where tted the Aux input is accessed through either a 3.5mm Mini jack or ¼” socket and is
designed to be driven by the output from a signal source such as an MP3 or Phone the level can
be mixed with the guitar signal from the
Pre amp and the overall volume controlled with the Master control.
BOOST
Where tted The Boost control is used add an extra gain boost and is controlled by the “Boost”
control on the front panel. The function is placed ahead of the preamplier so works in a similar
way to a boost pedal.
GAIN CONTROLS
The Gain control or controls are used to vary the amount of signal passing through the pre amp.
With the control set low you will be able to get clean tones (used in conjunction with the Master
as described later). Increasing the gain allows more signal to pass through the preamp, causing
the amplier to overdrive and distort.
MUTE CONTROL
Where tted the mute switch simply mutes the output of the amplier so instrument changing can
be accomplished
in silence.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS:
BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, PRESENCE (WHERE FITTED)
This is the equalisation part of the amplier, and these controls shape the overall response of the
amplier. Balancing these controls can provide you with a large range of tones from which to
work. All the controls are interactive (moving one will alter the way the others function) and you
should spend some time experimenting to nd out what’s available.
On some models there is an EQ button tted, this changes the values in the equalisation circuit
from a typical British style EQ to a typical American style EQ.
REVERB
Where tted the Reverb control allows the user to vary the amount of reverberation applied to the
signal before being fed to the power amplier. Reverb is used to add “space “ around the sound
and enhances the tone of the amplier.
MASTERS
The Master Volume controls the nal amount of signal that is fed to the power amp and therefore
the overall volume of the amplier. The Master works in conjunction with the Gain control as
follows. For clean tones the Master needs to be fully up, controlling the overall volume with the
Gain control. For distortion tones at controllable levels, turn the Master down and the Gain up.
Varying the Gain will control the amount of distortion and the Master will control the overall level
of the sound. Some models have dual master volumes that work in conjunction with the gain
controls it therefore follows that master 1 will be used with gain 1 and so on
EFFECTS LOOP (WHERE FITTED)
The FX sockets on the front or rear panel are 1/4” jack connectors which accommodate both the
Signal send to the effects pedal or rack, and the Return back from the effects unit to the amplier.
It is therefore necessary to use either a stereo cable terminated in two mono 1/4” jack plugs at one
end (which connects to the FX sockets on the amplier) and a pair of mono 1/4” jack plugs at the
other (which connect to the input and output of the effects unit Or alternatively two mono jack to
jack leads.
STEALTH SWITCH (WHERE FITTED)
The Stealth switch is located on the front the amplier. When switched into Stealth mode,
the output of the amplier is reduced , enabling the full range of tones to be achieved at lower
overall volume levels in recording applications.

ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM USER GUIDE
CHANNEL/BOOST SWITCHING (WHERE FITTED)
The Channel and Boost manual switches are tted either to the rear panel or front panel of the
amplier These functions are designed to be used and accessed via the connected footswitch, the
manual switches are present mainly as a backup . note switches must be in the off position for the
footswitch to function.
RECORDING OUT (WHERE FITTED)
The recording out jack where tted has an electronically tailored frequency response designed
to approximately replicate the response of a Celestion Alnico speaker tted into an open back
cabinet. This lter is all analogue and no digital electronics are used. The signal for this is derived
from the output of the amplier proper and therefore will contain all distortions and Equalisation
dialled in by the user. This output can be used with the speaker connected or with the amplier
switched into headphone mode (see below)
PHONES OUT (WHERE FITTED)
The phones out is activated from the front panel with the speaker switch, in headphone mode the
speaker is replaced with a resistive load for silent operation.
Volume is controlled with the Master volume in the usual way .
REAR PANEL SOCKETS
On ALL models there is the Mains inlet this is a IEC connector which Must have a Mains lead
plugged into it, - this must be of an approved type and it MUST be the 3 WIRE GROUNDED type
(see safety notes elsewhere in this manual).
Mains switch is also situated on the rear , this is used to turn the unit on and off between playing
sessions, (disconnect from the mains supply if it is intended not to use the unit for several hours or
days ).
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Speaker outputs are ¼” jack connectors either 8 Ohms or 16 Ohms ( note that it is imperative you
do not operate the unit without a speaker plugged in !)

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS:
NOTES:

ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM USER GUIDE
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:

USER GUIDE
AGM-484H
• Single channel Pre amplier with boost mode and Boost
master volume footswitch selectable
• 4 x JJ Electronics ECC83s preamplier tubes
• 4 cascaded gain stages for classic clean tones through to full
metal mayhem
• Extra gain and Clip switches
• Bass, middle, treble and presence controls
• Master volume control
• Series valve driven and recovered effects loop
• 30 Watts output from 4 x JJ Electronics EL84 valves
• Output meter shows average power output
• 8/16 Ohm speaker outputs for a variety of cabinet options
• Housed in a steel fan cooled enclosure

USER GUIDE
ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:

USER GUIDE
AGM-30-OFFSET
• Dual channel Pre amplier with overall boost mode all
footswitch selectable
• 4 x JJ Electronics ECC83s preamplier tubes
• 3 or 4 switch selectable cascaded gain stages for classic
clean tones through to full metal mayhem
• Bass, middle, treble and presence controls
• Twin master volume controls
• Stealth switch reduces overall volume for studio use
• Tone switch changes the EQ from classic British to classic
American
• Series valve driven and recovered effects loop
• 30 Watts output from 4 x JJ Electronics EL84 valves
• 8/16 Ohm speaker outputs for a variety of cabinet options
• Plywood Tolex covered classically styled cabinet

USER GUIDE
ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM
TRIODE
PENTODE
SPRINGCHANNEL F/SWITCH
MODE
15W
30W
45W
PAIRS
TUBE SELECTORS POWER CONSUMTION MAX 450 W
AC SUPPLY 50/60 hZ
HUMBUCKER
SINGLE COIL
GAIN 1 TREBLEMIDDLEBASS GAIN 2VOL 1 TREBLEMIDDLEBASS CASS VOL 2
SEND
RETURN
MASTER SPRING
MUTE
POWER
ON
CHANNEL 2
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:

USER GUIDE
AGM-684C
• Full Dual channel Pre amplier with individual Equalisation
and channel volume controls- footswitch selectable
• Channel 2 features an additional Cascade control for high
gain tones
• Dual voiced inputs and mute switch for silent instrument
changes
• 4 x JJ Electronics ECC83s preamplier tubes
• Bass, middle, treble controls for each channel
• Overall master volume control
• Genuine Accutronics Valve driven reverb spring Tank and
level control
• Series valve driven and recovered effects loop with defeat
switch
• Multi Mode Power amplier with 6 power output levels
Triode / pentode operation
• 45,30 and 15 watts output pentode mode
• 22,15 and 8 watts output in Triode mode
• 6 x JJ Electronics EL84 valves
• 8 and 16 Ohm speaker output for use with a different
speaker cabinets
• Plywood Tolex covered classically styled cabinet tted with
Celestion Creamback speaker

USER GUIDE
ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:

USER GUIDE
AGM-284C
• Single channel Pre amplier with Boost mode footswitch
selectable
• 3 x JJ Electronics ECC83s preamplier tubes
• Bass, middle, treble and Presence controls
• Master volume control
• Genuine Accutronics reverb block and level control
• Series effects loop
• Up to 15 Watts output from 2 x JJ Electronics EL84 valves
• 8 and16 Ohm speaker output for use with a different speak-
er cabinets
• Plywood Tolex covered classically styled cabinet tted with
Celestion Creamback speaker.

USER GUIDE
ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM
Front Panel:
Rear Panel:

USER GUIDE
AGM-5C
• Single channel Pre amplier with Genuine Accutronics
reverb block
• 1 x JJ Electronics ECC83s preamplier tube
• Bass, middle, treble and controls
• Twin master volume controls
• Stealth switch reduces overall volume and activates Speak-
er Tone compensation for studio use
• Series effects loop
• Aux input for backing tracks, MP3 etc.
• Speaker switch for silent made recording ( activates head-
phone output )
• Recording out socket- ltered to simulate the response of a
Celestion Alnico speaker
• Up to 5 Watts output from 1 x JJ Electronics EL84 valve
• 16 Ohm speaker output for use with a different speaker
cabinet
• Plywood Tolex covered classically styled cabinet tted with
Celestion Creamback speaker.

USER GUIDE
ASHDOWN ENGINEERING - AGM
WARRANTY
Your amplier is covered by a Five Year warranty, against defects in materials and workmanship,
for the original purchaser. Ashdown will, at their discretion, replace or repair any product or
part thereof, which is found by Ashdown to be defective. This warranty shall not apply to the
damage of covering, ttings or nishes when affected by carelessness, accident or extreme
climate changes. Nor does it apply to normal wear and tear of parts such as valves, fuses, light
bulbs, speakers, controls etc. In the unlikely event of any defect, please contact an authorised
Ashdown dealer. All transport charges are to be pre-paid by the Owner. Unless your purchase is
registered on-line, normal country warranty laws apply.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This Ashdown amplier has been designed to provide you with many years of faithful service
– on the road, in a studio or in a domestic environment. By following the rules set out below,
you will ensure that the unit functions safely. Valve (tube) instrument ampliers contain very
high voltages and fragile glass tubes and should therefore be handled with care. A number of
important precautions which must be observed are set out below. If you are in any doubt about
any aspect of the amplier’s operation, stop using it immediately and do not resume operation
until the amplier has been thoroughly inspected by a qualied technician.
1) STORAGE AND MOVING
When your amplier is not in use make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the mains
outlet, and that all leads are removed from the amplier, including jack leads and footswitch
leads. Jack socket connectors are self-cleaning, so the process of plugging in and unplugging
the leads when not in use will ensure that the internal contacts will be cleaned when you plug in
again. Store your amplier in a warm, dry place away from moisture and condensation. A motor
vehicle or cellar may look dry but condensation can form inside the unit causing short circuits
and possible electric shock. If you suspect the amplier may have become exposed to moisture,
move it to a warm dry place and leave it to dry out for at least 48 hours before attempting to use
it. Condensation can also occur when you move the amplier from a hot humid place (such as a
nightclub) to a cold place (like a motor vehicle). In such instances, always move the amplier into
a warm dry room to prevent damage. When moving the amplier, handle it as carefully as you
would your instruments. Although solidly built, an amplier is easily damaged by shock, so be
careful not to drop it or allow it to fall over. Use a protective cover to protect the nish and, if you
are transporting it with other equipment, make sure that the amplier is on a solid oor at the
bottom of the pile. Ampliers are heavy. Take care when lifting, always use the handles tted to
the amplier to move it, and get help if you have to lift the amplier to a greater height than you
feel comfortable with. Never attempt to operate the amplier after it has been dropped. Take it
to a qualied technician and have it checked before using it again.