Fryette PowerStation PS1 User manual

Power Station
®
OWNERS MANUAL
VARIABLE REACTIVE LOAD + TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER
MODEL PS1
www.fryette.com

Welcome to the family!
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the FRYETTE Power Station®!
You are constantly searching for new sounds and new ways to improve your existing sound. We understand
the constantly evolving nature of artistic creativity and the search for the perfect sound to complement
your ever-widening musical vision. Providing the tools to help you create your own sonic signature is our
primary mission.
Amplier attenuators have been around in various forms and congurations for decades and yet the most
common and aggravating shortcomings which plague every available attenuator regardless of cost remain:
1) Lack of transparency – All resistive type amplier attenuators negatively impact the tonal quality of
your amplier at some or all volume settings.
2) Limited controllability – Attenuators that use step type level select switches are typically difcult or
impossible to set to the exact volume you may be trying to achieve. Variable rheostat type attenuators
cause frequency losses and are often plagued by high contact resistance that can cause level dro-
pouts and may even damage your amplier output transformer.
3) Loss of dynamic amplier performance – All resistive attenuators interrupt the natural interaction
between the speaker and power tube stage of your amplier causing an articial, compressed
sound and stiff feel.
Enter the Fryette Power Station® – a new amplier attenuator and re-amplication solution, offering
players intuitive and precise control over amplier volume, distortion behavior and a wide range of highly
rened tonal qualities previously unavailable from any single attenuating or re-amping product.
Built on decades of experience producing the nest all-tube power amps available, the Power Station is a
practical and highly functional tool that solves problems frequently encountered in live playing and recording
environments. It beautifully accentuates the inherent qualities of any amplier and allows your amplier to
breathe and dynamically respond to your playing technique the way a great guitar amp should. The Power
Station is designed to be transparent, user friendly, reliable and ultra-responsive to a wide array of guitar
amplier and speaker types. It also integrates seamlessly with any combination of internal and external
speaker congurations.
The Power Station also excels as a power booster, something that no other attenuator can do. Just as
you would connect a big amp to reduce output volume, the Power Station can also be used to boost the
output of a small amplier. Imagine taking your mini-amp or small vintage combo to a gig and having
enough power to be heard without sacricing feel and tonal quality. It is not only possible, but easy and
fun!
Getting familiar with the Power Station is easy, so don’t be terribly surprised when you nd yourself up
and running in no time. First-hand experience and real world application will yield the ultimate satisfaction
of nding your own path to comprehension and self-expression.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol warns the user of dangerous voltage levels localized within the enclosure.
This symbol advises the user to read all accompanying literature for safe operation of the unit.
XRead, retain, and follow all instructions. Heed all warnings.
XOnly connect the power supply cord to an earth grounded AC receptacle in accordance with the voltage and frequency
ratings listed under the AC input on the rear panel of this product.
XWARNING:Topreventdamage,reorshockhazard,donotexposethisunittorainormoisture.
XUnplugthepowersupplycordbeforecleaningtheunitexterior(useadampclothonly).Waituntiltheunitis
completely dry before reconnecting it to power.
XMaintain unobstructed air space behind and above the unit to allow for proper ventilation and cooling.
XThis product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other products that
produce heat.
XThisproductmaybeequippedwithapolarizedplug(onebladewiderthantheother).Thisisasafetyfeature.Ifyou
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of this plug.
XProtect the power supply cord from being pinched or abraded.
XThe power supply cord of this product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time, or during electrical storms.
XThisproductshouldbeservicedbyqualiedservicepersonnelwhen:thepowersupplycordortheplughasbeen
damaged;orobjectshavefallen,orliquidhasbeenspilledontotheproduct;ortheproducthasbeenexposedto
rain;ortheproductdoesnotappeartooperatenormallyorexhibitsamarkedchangeinperformance;ortheproduct
has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
XDonotdriporsplashliquids,norplaceliquidlledcontainersontheunit.
XCAUTION:Nouserserviceablepartsinside,referservicingtoqualiedpersonnelonly.
XFRYETTE®ampliersandloudspeakersystemsarecapableofproducingveryhighsoundpressurelevelswhich
may cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. Use care when setting and adjusting volume levels during use.
XHazardous voltages may be present within the chassis even with the power switch off and power cord connected.
Therefore, disconnect the power cord from the rear panel power inlet before servicing. The power inlet must remain
readily operable.
XEXTENDED USE OF YOUR AMPLIFIER AT HIGH OUTPUT POWER WILL PLACE THERMAL STRESS ON THE OUTPUT
TUBES, OUTPUT TRANSFORMER AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS, AND MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR
AMPLIFIER. OLDER AMPLIFIERS MAY HAVE CRITICAL COMPONENTS WHICH HAVE DETERIORATED OVER TIME,
SUCH AS COUPLING AND FILTER CAPACITORS, WIRING INSULATION, TUBE SOCKETS, GRID RESISTORS, AND
THE INTERNAL INSULATION OF THE OUTPUT TRANSFORMER WINDINGS. THESE COMPONENTS MAY BE EXCESSIVELY
STRESSED UNDER SUSTAINED HIGH POWER OPERATION AND MAY FAIL IF NOT PROPERLY USED AND MAINTAINED.
XPLEASE CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR OUTPUT TUBES, AND REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE OLD OR FRAGILE
BEFORE USING THE AMPLIFIER AT HIGH POWER LEVELS WITH THE POWER STATION CONNECTED. OUTPUT
TUBES CAN EASILY FAIL WHEN STRESSED. CATASTROPHIC TUBE FAILURE CAN ALSO DAMAGE OTHER COMPONENTS
SUCH AS THE OUTPUT TRANSFORMER.
XTHE POWER STATION IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WITH SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS THAT USE CURRENT FEEDBACK
AND AN UNGROUNDED OUTPUT. USING THE POWER STATION WITH SUCH PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE OSCILLATION
AND POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER.
XTHE POWER STATION IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WITH CLASS D OR PWM AMPLIFIERS.
XFRYETTE AMPLIFICATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR AMPLIFIER THAT MAY OCCUR IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THE POWER STATION.

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
Power Station
- Integrated Reactance Amplifier -
O PE R AT EVOLUME PRESENCE DEPTH
BYPASS POWER
ON
Variable Reactive Load + Tube Power Amplifier
EDGE
F L AT
BRITE
DEEP
F L AT
WARM
®
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
REACTIVE LOAD VOICING SWITCHES
The Reactive Load in the Power Station is what absorbs your ampliers - the load amplier - output power
and therefore the volume of a loud amplier. It’s easier to think of the Reactive Load as a substitute or
dummy speaker. It reacts to your amplier in the same way that a speaker reacts to your amplier and this
is what helps your amplier retain its original tone and feel at any volume. Like the speaker connected to
an amplier, the response of the Reactive Load and it’s interaction with the load amp changes at different
volume settings. The Voicing Switches allow you to ne tune the response of the Reactive Load at your
preferred playing volumes.
1. EDGE/BRITE/FLAT – This switch sets the high frequency (Treble/Presence) response of the
reactive load in the Power Station. This will determine how much of your load amplier’s top end
presence and clarity will be retained. At high volume settings, this switch will normally be set FLAT
or possibly BRITE if you want a little more cut in your live or recorded mix.
2. DEEP/WARM/FLAT - This switch sets the low frequency (Bass/Resonance) response of the reactive
load in the Power Station. This will determine how much of your load amplier’s low end punch and
depth will be retained. At high volume settings, this switch will normally be set FLAT or possibly
WARM if you want a little more low-end projection in your live or recorded mix.
NOTE:Theseswitchesonlyoperatewhenyourloadamplier’sspeakeroutputisconnectedto
thePowerStationAmpInjack.
POWER AMPLIFIER CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3. VOLUME – Sets the overall playing volume, or sound coming out of your speaker cabinet.
4. PRESENCE – Sets the high-end frequency response of the power amplier stage in the Power Station.
5. DEPTH – Sets the low-end frequency response of the power amplier stage in the Power Station.
6. STANDBY/BYPASS– In Standby mode, this switch bypasses the Power Station, puts the internal
tube power amplier stage on standby and connects the load amplier directly to the speaker cabinet.
7. AC MAINS SWITCH – Turns AC power on and off and indicates AC operation.
NOTE:TheStandby/Bypassswitchonlyallowssoundtopassdirectlythroughtothespeakerin
BypassmodewhenyourloadamplierspeakeroutputisconnectedtothePowerStationAmpIn
jack.WhenusingonlytheLineInjack,thisswitchturnsthePowerStationonStandbymode.In
Standbymodetherewillbenosoundfromthespeaker.

REAR PANEL FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
MAINS INPUT
SPKR OUT
GROUND
LIFT
POWER STATION MODEL PS-1
STEVEN FRYETTE DESIGN, INC.
AMP IN
IMPEDANCE
SELECT
SPEAKER
4
8
16
4
8
16
ONE 150W MA X
TWO
AMPLIFIER
FX SEND LINE IN
FX RETN
FX
LEVEL
LINE OUT
FUSE
MAIN
T3A
AVIS: RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS OUVRIR:
WARNING: HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL:
CAUTION: DO NOT E XPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO R AIN OR MOISTURE:
CAUTION REPLACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
ECHANGE DE MEME TYPE
REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE
HI
LO
1
3768 91112 2 4510
1. LINE IN – This input will accept signal from any line level source, such as a preamp, amplier line
out, effects processor, pedal preamp or iPhone. Virtually any device that you want to amplify to
listening level through a speaker cabinet can be connected here.
2. LINE OUT – This is a frequency compensated output that takes the signal from the load amplier’s
speaker output plugged into the Power Station Amp In jack and makes it available to drive any
external device, such as a mixer, recording input, computer recording interface, power amplier or
signal processor. Use this feature to send your onstage sound to an external processor and then to
FOH, an onstage powered monitor or a “wet” only amp/effect/speaker system.
3. FX SEND – Low impedance effects send jack for use with external effects processor. This connec-
tion is post AMP IN and LINE IN, so any effect connected here will be inserted between your load
amplier or external preamp and the Power Station internal tube power amp.
4. FX RETURN – High impedance effects return jack for use with external effects processor. As with
the FX SEND, this connection is post AMP IN and LINE IN, so any effect connected here will be
inserted between your load amplier or external preamp and the Power Station internal power amp.
5. FX LEVEL – This sets the signal level inside the loop. Use the HI position for line level (+4 to 0dB)
devices. Use the LO position for guitar level devices (-10 to -20dB) such as pedal delays, etc. In LO
mode you can even plug your guitar, bass, acoustic instrument pickup or keyboard directly in here
for a great clean/jazz tube amplied sound.
6. AMP IN – Connect the speaker output from the amplier that you want to attenuate or boost - the
load amplier - here. Set the Impedance Select switch to the desired setting to match your ampli-
er. This input can accept up to 150W of amplier output power.
NOTE:Setthisimpedancetomatchboththespeakerandtheloadamplier.Mostcabshavea
xedimpedanceandyouusuallyhaveachoiceofimpedanceonyouramplier.Thereforeitis
besttochoosetheamplierimpedancethatwillmatchyourspeakercab.Thiswillassurethat
youramplierandspeakerarematchedcorrectlywhenthePowerStationisbypassed.
7. AMPLIFIER IMPEDANCE – Sets the impedance of the internal reactive load for optimum perfor-
mance from your amplier. Simply set the impedance selector switch for the impedance required by
your amplier.
8. SPEAKER 1 / SPEAKER 2 – Two parallel wired output jacks are provided for connection to any ca-
binet or combination of cabinets that total 4, 8 or 16 ohms impedance. This is a simple way to solve
impedance questions. For example, when using only a single 16 ohm cabinet (typically a 4X12 cabi-
net), it is connected to the top jack and you will set the switch to 16 ohms. When using two 16 ohm
cabinets, simply connect them to the two parallel jacks and set the switch to 8. When using two 8
ohm cabs, set this switch to 4 ohms.
IMPORTANT:TheSPEAKER1jackhasanopenloadprotectionfeature.Ifnocableisconnected
tothisjackthePowerStationwillremainlockedinBYPASS/STANDBYmoderegardlessofthe
front panel Standby switch setting. This is done to prevent potential damage to your valuable
vintageampshouldthespeakercablebecomedisconnectedwhileinBypassmode.

9. CABINET IMPEDANCE – When one or both of the two parallel jacks are connected, simply set the
impedance selector switch for connection according to the chart below:
16Ω + None = 16Ω,
16Ω + 16Ω = 8Ω,
8Ω + None = 8Ω
8Ω + 8Ω = 4Ω
4Ω + None = 4Ω
A SPEAKER MUST ALWAYS BE PLUGGED INTO ONE OF THESE JACKS WHEN THE AMPLI-
FIER IS ON OR DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. SWITCH THE AMPLIFIER OFF OR TO STANDBY WHEN
CHANGING SPEAKER CONNECTIONS OR IMPEDANCE SETTINGS.
10. GROUND LIFT – This switch separates the internal circuit ground from chassis and power ground
in order to eliminate possible ground loops between the Power Station and the load amplier
connected to the AMP IN jack. Select the position which yields quietest operation. With a properly
wired AC outlet and factory supplied AC cord, this switch may not produce a noticeable difference.
11. MAINS FUSE – Protects the amplier from electrical faults. Replace only with type and rating spe-
cied on the rear panel of your amplier.
12. AC MAINS INPUT – Connect to a grounded outlet in accordance with the voltage and frequency
specied on the rear panel of your amplier.
USE ONLY THE FACTORY SUPPLIED CORDSET OR A UL APPROVED EQUIVALENT TYPE
TUBE FUNCTION AND LOCATION
Power and phase inverter tubes are mounted horizontally near the back of the unit. The power tubes are
factory biased for optimum performance. No provision for internal or external biasing is provided. To insu-
re that the Power Station will remain within safe temperature operating limits, the bias must not be mo-
died or tampered with. Doing so will immediately void the warranty. Tube types are factory selected for
superior performance, consistent tone quality and reliability. Power tubes are factory tested and matched.
For best performance, replace only with factory recommended tubes.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, PLEASE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNNEL. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
V1 – 12AX7 Power amplier driver and phase inverter.
V2, V3 – 6L6 Power tubes.
USE ONLY 6L6 OR EQUIVALENT. NOT INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ANY OTHER TUBE TYPES!
Any type or brand of 6L6 can be used in this amplier without adjustment or modication.
It is important to keep the amplier on standby during breaks, and powered down when not in use to keep
things cool and to extend tube life.
Even though you may follow this advice carefully, you will still observe that the amplier tends to run hot
during use. This is normal and there is not only a cooling fan and plenty of ventilation in the chassis
design, but all of the critical components and transformers are designed to withstand much more heat
than you will normally experience at during typical operation.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
1.AmpheadtoPowerStationtoCabwitheffectinloopandlineoutgoingtomixer.
2.CombotoPowerStationandbacktospeakerwitheffectinloop.
Amplifier
MAINS INPUT
SPKR OUT
GROUND
LIFT
POWER STATION MODEL PS-1
STEVEN FRYETTE DESIGN, INC.
AMP IN
IMPEDANCE
SELECT
SPEAKER
4
8
16
4
8
16
ONE 150W MAX
TWO
AMPLIFIER
FX SEND LINE IN
FX RETN
FX
LEVEL
LINE OUT
FUSE
MAIN
T3A
AVIS: RISQ UES DE CHOC ELECT RIQUE, NE PAS OUV RIR:
WARNING: H AZARDOUS VOLTAGE INSI DE. REFER
SERVICI NG TO QUALIFIED SE RVICE PERSONNEL :
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMEN T TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE:
CAUTION REP LACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
ECHANGE DE MEME TYPE
REFER SE RVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON NEL
NO USER S ERVICABLE PARTS IN SIDE
HI
LO
MAINS INPUT
SPKR OUT
GROUND
LIFT
POWER STATION MODEL PS-1
STEVEN FRYETTE DESIGN, INC.
AMP IN
IMPEDANCE
SELECT
SPEAKER
4
8
16
4
8
16
ONE 150W MAX
TWO
AMPLIFIER
FX SEND LINE IN
FX RETN
FX
LEVEL
LINE OUT
FUSE
MAIN
T3A
AVIS: RISQ UES DE CHOC ELECT RIQUE, NE PAS OUV RIR:
WARNING: H AZARDOUS VOLTAGE INSI DE. REFER
SERVICI NG TO QUALIFIED SE RVICE PERSONNEL :
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMEN T TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE:
CAUTION REP LACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
ECHANGE DE MEME TYPE
REFER SE RVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON NEL
NO USER S ERVICABLE PARTS IN SIDE
HI
LO
AMP SPEAKER OUT
AMP SPEAKER OUT
SPEAKER
CAB IN
SPEAKER
Combo

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
3.PreamptoPowerStationLineIn,effectinloopandPowerStationspeakerouttospeaker.
4.iPhonewithguitarinterfacetoLineInandPowerStationspeakerouttospeaker.
PREA MP
MAINS INPUT
SPKR OUT
GROUND
LIFT
POWER STATION MODEL PS-1
STEVEN FRYETTE DESIGN, INC.
AMP IN
IMPEDANCE
SELECT
SPEAKER
4
8
16
4
8
16
ONE 150W MAX
TWO
AMPLIFIER
FX SEND LINE IN
FX RETN
FX
LEVEL
LINE OUT
FUSE
MAIN
T3A
AVIS: RISQ UES DE CHOC ELECT RIQUE, NE PAS OUV RIR:
WARNING: H AZARDOUS VOLTAGE INSI DE. REFER
SERVICI NG TO QUALIFIED SE RVICE PERSONNEL :
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMEN T TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE:
CAUTION REP LACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
ECHANGE DE MEME TYPE
REFER SE RVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON NEL
NO USER S ERVICABLE PARTS IN SIDE
HI
LO
MAINS INPUT
SPKR OUT
GROUND
LIFT
POWER STATION MODEL PS-1
STEVEN FRYETTE DESIGN, INC.
AMP IN
IMPEDANCE
SELECT
SPEAKER
4
8
16
4
8
16
ONE 150W MAX
TWO
AMPLIFIER
FX SEND LINE IN
FX RETN
FX
LEVEL
LINE OUT
FUSE
MAIN
T3A
AVIS: RISQ UES DE CHOC ELECT RIQUE, NE PAS OUV RIR:
WARNING: H AZARDOUS VOLTAGE INSI DE. REFER
SERVICI NG TO QUALIFIED SE RVICE PERSONNEL :
CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMEN T TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE:
CAUTION REP LACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE FUSE
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE
ECHANGE DE MEME TYPE
REFER SE RVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON NEL
NO USER S ERVICABLE PARTS IN SIDE
HI
LO

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS
WON’TTURNON
1. Make sure AC cord is securely connected at
both ends.
2. Verify the power source with something you
know works.
3. Check the mains fuse, and replace if necessary.
If it blows again, refer to qualied service personnel.
NO SOUND
1. Check input cable.
2. Check volume controls.
3. Make sure the amplier volume and/or gain
controls are turned up.
4. Check to see if the effects loop is connected
correctly.
5. Check speaker cable to see if it is disconnected
or shorted.
6. Make sure that the impedance selector is fully
engaged in its detent.
7. Check the standby switch.
8. Check for a blown speaker.
9. Check the mains fuse, and replace if necessary.
If it blows again, refer to qualied service personnel.
WON’TSWITCHTOOPERATE
1. Check the mains fuse, and replace if neces-
sary. If it blows again, refer to qualied service
personnel.
EFFECTS NOT OPERATING
1. Make sure effects send and return cables are
good and properly connected.
RUNNING HOT
1. Make sure that the unit has adequate ventilation.
2. Make sure that the impedance selector is set to
the proper impedance.
3. Power tubes may be drawing excessive current
(refer to qualied service personnel).
NOTE: Always set the amplier to standby when
taking breaks and turn the amplier off when
not in use. This will extend tube life and improve
long term reliability.
DISTORTION
1. Check the impedance setting.
2. Check the speaker cable for shorts.
3. Check the speaker.
4. Check the signal level at other devices in the
signal path or in the loop.
5. Power tubes may be weak (refer to qualied
service personnel).
BLOWING MAINS FUSE
1. Bad power tube or other internal power supply
component (refer to qualied service personnel).
MODEL: POWER STATION
MODEL NUMBER: PS1.
POWER REQUIREMENT: 180W
POWER AMP OUTPUT: 50W RMS @ 5% THD,
1kHz sine into 8Ω
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 4Ω/8Ω/16Ω (selectable)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 4Ω/8Ω/16Ω (selectable)
FUSE:
100V UNITS: T3.15A, 125/250V.
120V UNITS: T3A, 250V.
220V-240V UNITS: T1.6A, 250V.
DIMENSIONS:
HEIGHT: 3.6 in (9.1 cm)
WIDTH: 14 in (35.5 cm)
DEPTH: 9 in (22.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 15 lb (6.8 kg)
Product specications are subject to change without notice.