Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers OD-2 Series User manual

Carol-Ann
Custom Amplifiers, LLC
OD-2 Series
50W & 100W Amplifier
Operation Manual
Manual V2.00

Contents
OD-2 Series ..........................................................................................................1
50W & 100W Amplifiers.......................................................................................1
Operation Manual ................................................................................................1
Introdu tion..........................................................................................................3
Operation..............................................................................................................4
Before Initial Operation:..........................................................................................................4
Powering up and down:...........................................................................................................4
Front Panel...............................................................................................................................5
Rear Panel................................................................................................................................6
Rear Panel (cont)......................................................................................................................7
Maintenan e..........................................................................................................8
Important afety Information..................................................................................................8
Replacing Tubes.......................................................................................................................9
Warranty..............................................................................................................11
Page 2 of 11

Introdu tion
Thank you very much for purchasing an OD2- eries Amplifier and we welcome you to the
growing family of Carol-Ann owners. You are in great company !! We hope you have many
hours of enjoyment and inspiration with your new OD2 Amplifier. Please take the time to read
this manual and get to know your new OD2.
The OD2- eries Amplifier is a totally hand built touring class professional guitar amplifier
available in two standard power ratings, 50W and 100W.
The OD-2 eries Amplifier combo is also available in 50W and 100W formats. The standard
50W combo is fitted with a Celestion Lead 80 speaker. An EVM-12L is available as an option.
The 100W combo is fitted as standard with an EVM-12L speaker. Please talk to your local
Dealer regarding all options available for the OD-2. The OD-2 series is available with either
6L6GC or EL34 power tubes.
The 2-Channel foot-switchable design is based on two distinct tonal platforms or channels.
Channel A is the lower gain channel and can produce clean tones that can range from crystal
clean with a strong percussive attack all the way through to a wonderfully touch sensitive crunch.
Channel B takes over from where Channel A finishes and ranges from a crunch to a beautiful
high gain tone rich with a 3D balanced harmonic content that works equally well for single
notes, multi-string passages or full chords, with perfect separation and tonal balance between the
notes. This channel will also clean up very well using the guitars volume control, allowing the
creation of many different timbres and dynamics.
A footwitchable gain boost further extends the tonal possibilities of Channel B, allowing for
more compressed liquid lead tones. (A mid-boost option is available on request from the Dealer
in place of the gain boost)
Please read this manual fully to get a better understanding of the design and operation of your
amplifier.
Please note: This manual does not cover the 'OD-2r' model 18/30W ampli ier.
Please read and understand any important safety notes relating to the operation and maintenance
of your amplifier.
We hope you have a lot of enjoyment creating and spreading music through one of our amplifiers
and want to extend our thanks once again for trusting us with your tone.
Alan Phillips
President
Page 3 of 11

Operation
Before Initial Operation:
1. Inspect to make sure all power & preamp tubes are intact & snugly seated in
their sockets. They may have been disturbed during transit.
2. Make sure a speaker load is plugged into the correct speaker jack
on the back of the amplifier (8 or 16 ohm).
Note: Failure to have a speaker connected to the amp will result in damage to the
amplifier! Damage caused by failing to connect the correct speaker load is not
covered by the mplifiers warranty.
3. Ensure all LEVEL and GAIN settings are initially set to a low setting and that the EFX
END levels (on the back panel) is set to around 40 – 50 %.
4. Install cable from footswitch into rear panel input marked FOOT WITCH ( 3 pin XLR
ocket).
5. Install instrument cable from guitar into front panel INPUT.
Powering up and down:
1. Ensure both POWER and TANDBY switches (rear panel) are in the DOWN
position.
2. Plug the amplifier into a wall outlet.
3. POWER UP the amplifier by flipping POWER switch UP. WAIT at least 1 minute for
tubes to warm up.
4. Flip TANDBY switch UP. The amplifier is now fully on and ready to use. Feel free to
adjust all controls as needed.
5. TO PUT MP IN ST NDBY MODE- imply flip the TANDBY switch DOWN.
6. TO PUT MP IN PL Y MODE- imply flip the TANDBY switch UP.
7. TO TURN MP OFF Flip the TANDBY switch DOWN. Wait at least 30 seconds and
then flip the POWER switch down.
Page 4 of 11

Front Panel
1. Input Jack – Guitar input jack.
2. Sparkle Switch – Adds upper harmonics to both Channels.
Shift Switch – This switch is used to change the gain and the range of the tones controls on Channel A. In the up
position, the channel has more midrange and gain, in the down position it is a much flatter response with less gain.
3. Pre-Gain – This control sets the overall input gain for both Channels. ettings between 11 and 2 O'clock are typical.
4. Drive – This control sets the amount of Overdrive present in Channel B.
5. Treble - Controls the higher frequency content.
6. Middle – Controls the mid frequency content.
7. Bass - Controls the bass frequency content.
8. CH Master – This control sets the overall volume of Channel A.
9. CH B Master – This control sets the overall volume of Channel B.
10. Presence – This control sets the overall high frequency content for both Channels.
11. Power Indicator – Illuminates when power is applied to the amplifier.
Page 5 of 11

Rear Panel
1. IEC Connector – Mains power connector.
2. Supply Selector (Export only) – et the Amplifier to run on 115V~ or 230V~.
3. Power Fuse – Fast Blow. 50W – 3A, 100W – 5A.
Warning: Always replace use with correct type and rating.
4. Power Switch
5. Standby Switch
6. HT Fuse – Slow Blow. 50W – 0.5A, 100W – 1A
Warning: Always replace use with correct type and rating.
7. Speaker Output – 8 ohm Speaker Output
8. Speaker Output – 16 ohm Speaker Output
9. Effect Loop Return Jack – Connect to the output of the effects you want to run in the effects loop.
10. Effect Loop Send Jack – Connect to the input of the effects you want to run in the effects loop.
Page 6 of 11

Rear Panel ( ont)
11. Effects Loop Send Level – et according to the devices used in the loop to match the input level correctly.
Note: This control can be used to attenuate the overall volume of the amplifier, even when no effects devices
are connected to the loop and is useful to help get more range on the master volume controls. This is really
useful when when playing small venues or for practicing quietly. Please note that if this Level Control is set to zero
then no sound will come out of the amplifier.
12. Footswitch Connector – The footswitch is attached to the amplifier via a standard 3 pin XLR-XLR
Microphone cable; therefore it is easily possible to extend the length of this cable. However, to ensure reliable
performance keep the maximum length from exceeding 100 feet. The left hand switch on the footswitch (Amber
LED) operates the channel selector (or mid boost if fitted). The right hand switch on the footswitch (Red LED)
operates the channel selection.
Page 7 of 11

Maintenan e
Important Safety Information
SERIOUS INJURY OR DE TH C N OCCUR S DIRECT OR INDIRECT
RESULT OF ELECTROCUTION.
There are lethal voltages present inside the chassis on multiple exposed terminals.
Under certain circumstances this mplifier is capable of storing lethal charges for
extended periods of time, even if it has been disconnected from the wall outlet.
lways fully discharge power supply capacitors before commencing any work inside
the chassis.
Under no circumstances attempt to make any bias adjustments while holding a
guitar that is plugged in to the mplifier.
This amplifier must LW YS be grounded (earthed) by use of a 3 Pin Power Cord.
3 Pin to 2 Pin converters are unsafe and leave the amplifier without a suitable
ground fault path, this can lead to damage, injury or death if an internal fault
should occur.
Never work inside a live chassis. lways ensure the power cable is disconnected
from the power source.
Service work MUST LW YS be carried out by a Qualified Technician There are
no user serviceable parts inside the chassis.
We will not support, nor will provide information to any person wishing to 'modify'
or 'convert' the equipment in any way from its supplied specification.
Note: Circuit boards may contain areas covered with an insulating non-epoxy
compound to help reduce induced noise from sources such as fluorescent lights,
stage lights etc. This potting compound can be easily removed in the event of
mplifier service by using an electrical heat gun on a low setting to make the
compound pliable.
Page 8 of 11

Repla ing Tubes
50W Model: 2 x 6L6GC or EL-34, 3 x 12AX7, 1 x 5751
100W Model 4 x 6L6GC or EL34, 3 x 12AX7, 1 x 5751
With average usage we recommend changing your preamp tubes every three years. Only
buy the best quality tubes from a reputable supplier. We can recommend and/or supply
tubes to you.
V1 – Use a balanced, low noise, low microphonics 12AX7.
V2 - Use a balanced, low noise 12AX7.
V3 – Use a low noise 5751.
V4 – Use a balanced 12AX7
With average use we recommend changing your power tubes every 12 to 18 months.
Always use a matched set of power tubes from a reputable supplier. We can recommend
and/or supply these tubes to you.
When new power tubes have been fitted the Amplifier will require the new tubes biasing.
This is usually a job undertaken by a Qualified Technician. However, the OD eries does
not require the chassis to be removed in order to adjust the bias, and providing the owner
has a suitable bias probe, this job can be carried out with little difficulty. However if you
do not feel confident in any way, then always leave the job to a qualified Technician.
1. Remove the back panel from the cabinet.
2. Remove the old power tubes.
3. Replace the power tubes, with the bias meter attachment connected to the tubes.
Be extremely careful not to break the guiding pins. These tubes are orientated by
these plastic guides pins and can only be fitted in one way. If one breaks it is
possible to fit the tube incorrectly and damage almost certainly will occur to the
amplifer and/or tube.
4. Turn the Amplifier Power switch ON, leave the tandby switch off for now.
5. Let the Amplifier warm up for 1 minute.
6. Using a small flat blade screwdriver Locate the bias adjustment screw. It can be
found located between the power tubes as a recessed screw pot.
7. Turn the tandby witch ON and watch the meter reading.
8. Once the reading has settled, adjust the screw pot so the meter reads 35mV for
EL-34's or 42mV for 6L6GC's (per tube).
9. Leave the Amplifier on for approx 30 minutes, then recheck and adjust if needed.
Note 1 : There will o ten be small di erences (+/- 5mA max) between matched
tubes, always bias the amp using 'hottest'...i.e the tube that reads the highest mV
value as the re erence point.
Note 2: Though the OD-2 has been designed so the bias voltage tracks the wall
voltage quite closely, it must be noted that in locations where large wall voltage
Page 9 of 11

Repla ing Tubes... ont
excursions exist, the ampli ier bias should be checked and adjusted to suit that
location. We highly recommend the use o a high quality voltage stabilizing device
that can maintain a constant iltered 120V. This eliminates any issues due to
varying wall voltages at di erent locations/venues.
Page 10 of 11

Warranty
Your Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers, LLC warranty covers defects in material and workmanship
in Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers Products purchased from any of our Authorized Dealers.
What our warranty does not cover:
he warranty does not cover;
(1) Damage caused my accident, misuse, abuse, improper installation or operation, rental,
product modification or neglect.
(2) Damage occurring during shipment.
(3) Damage caused by repair or service performed by persons not authorized by Carol-Ann
Custom Amplifiers.
(4) Products on which the serial number has been altered defaced or removed;
(5) Products not purchased by an authorized Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers dealer.
Who this warranty protects:
his warranty protects only the original retail purchaser of the product.
How Long this warranty lasts:
he warranty begins on the date of purchase by the original retail purchaser. he duration of
the warranty is as follows;
Amplifiers, Preamplifier & Power Amplifiers chassis and Circuit - 2 years
Enclosures and Cabinets - 1 year. Excludes normal wear and tear.
Power ubes – 6 Months
Preamp ubes – 12 Months
What Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers will do:
We will repair or replace (at Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers discretion) products covered by
warranty at no charge for labor or materials. If the product or component must be shipped to
Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers for warranty service, the consumer must pay initial shipping
charges. If the repairs are covered by warranty, Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers will pay the
return shipping charges (UPS ground only).
How to get warranty service:
Ship defective item, prepaid, to Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers. Include a detailed description of
the problem, together with a copy of your sales receipt or other proof of purchase as evidence
of warranty coverage. Also provide a complete return shipping address.
Limitation of Implied Warranties
Any implied warranties, including warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Note: Some states do not allow
limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Exclusions of amages;
Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers liability for any defective product is limited to the repair or
replacement of the product, at Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers Amps' option. If we elect to
replace the product, the replacement maybe be a reconditioned unit. Carol-Ann Custom
Amplifiers Amps shall not be liable for damages based on inconvenience, loss of use, lost
profits, lost savings, damage to any other equipment or other items on the site of use, or any
other damages whether incidental, consequential or otherwise, even if Carol-Ann Custom
Amplifiers has been of the possibility of such damages.
Note: Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
his warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
If you have any questions about this warranty or service received or if you need assistance,
please contact the Carol-Ann Custom Amplifiers Service Center at 978-857-9026.
Due to a constant improvement process, features and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
End of Manual
Page 11 of 11