Fryette Power Load PL-IR User manual

OWNERS MANUAL
Power Load®
TUNABLE REACTIVE LOAD ANALOG CAB + IR
MODEL PL-IR

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Congratulaons and thank you for choosing the FRYETTE Power Load PL-IR.
You are constantly searching for new sounds and new ways to improve your exisng sound. We understand the
constantly evolving nature of arsc creavity 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.
The Fryee Power Load is an easy to use, tunable reacve load coupled to a powerful Analog Cab + Mic Emulaon and
IR Loader that allows you to silently record your favorite clean and cranked guitar tube amplifier. You can now fine tune
the reacve behavior of your amplifier‘s response, choose your favorite IR and dial in the response character of the Cab
+ Mic Emulaon for unprecedented control of your direct performance.
Whether you are recording, performing live, wring, praccing, or just jamming with headphones, the Fryee Power
Load will surprise you with its ability to get the most out of your favorite tube amp – silently!
FEATURES
• Award Winning Power Staon® Reacve Load with Selectable High and Low Frequency Response.
• Eight High Quality Fryee Cab Models.
• User IR Loader.
• Analog Cab + Mic Emulaon.
• 200W Speaker Load Capacity.
• Selectable Input Impedance (2/4, 8 or 16 Ohm).
• Silent Recording Capability.
• Rear Panel Auxiliary Input With AMP/LINE Level Switch.
• Stereo Headphone Amp with Program Input and Dedicated Stereo FX Loop.
• Passive Unbalanced and Transformer-Isolated Balanced XLR Direct Outputs.
• Variable Line Level and Phase Switch for Passive Direct Outputs.
• Acve Unbalanced Phone and Balanced XLR Analog Cab and IR Outputs.
• Universal Input 12VDC power supply.

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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 operaon of the unit.
• Read, retain, and follow all instrucons. Heed all warnings.
• Only connect to the supplied DC Adapter, or another power source in accordance with the voltage and current rang
listed on the rear panel of this product.
• WARNING: To prevent damage, fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
• Unplug the power supply before cleaning the unit exterior (use a damp cloth only). Wait unl the unit is completely
dry before reconnecng it to power.
• Maintain unobstructed air space behind and above the unit to allow for proper venlaon and cooling.
• This product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other products that
produce heat.
• Protect the power supply cord from being pinched or abraded.
• The power supply of this product should be unplugged from the outlet when le unused for a long period of me, or
during electrical storms.
• This product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: the power supply inlet 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.
• Do not drip or splash liquids, nor place liquid filled containers on the unit.
• CAUTION: No user serviceable parts inside, refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• FRYETTE® amplifiers, headphone amplifiers and loudspeaker systems are capable of producing very high sound
pressure levels which may cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. Use care when seng and adjusng
volume levels during use.
• THE POWER LOAD IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WITH SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS THAT USE CURRENT FEED BACK AND
AN UNGROUNDED OUTPUT. USING THE POWER LOAD WITH SUCH PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE OSCILLATION AND
POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER.
• THE POWER LOAD IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WITH CLASS D OR PWM AMPLIFIERS.
• FRYETTE® AMPLIFICATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR AMPLIFIER THAT MAY OCCUR IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THE POWER LOAD.

© 2022 Fryee® Amplificaon. All rights reserved. Specificaons subject to change without noce.4
The Reacve Load in the PL-IR is what absorbs the output power of the amplifier connected to the Amp In jack,
and therefore the volume of that amplifier. It’s easier to think of the Reacve Load as a substute or dummy
speaker. It reacts to your amplifier in the same way that a speaker reacts to your amplifier and this is what helps
your amplifier retain its original tone and feel. Like the speaker connected to an amplifier, the response of the
Reacve Load and its interacon with the load amp changes at different volume sengs. The Voicing Switches
allow you to fine tune the response of the Reacve Load at your preferred playing volumes.
1. EDGE/BRITE/FLAT – This switch sets the high frequency (Treble/Presence) response of the reacve load in
the PL-IR. This will determine how much of your load amplifier’s top end presence and clarity will be retained.
At high volume sengs, this switch will normally be set FLAT or possibly BRITE if you want a lile more cut in
your live or recorded mix.
2. DEEP/WARM/FLAT - This switch sets the low frequency (Bass/Resonance) response of the reacve load in the
Power Load. This will determine how much of your load amplifier’s low end punch and depth will be
retained. At high volume sengs, this switch will normally be set FLAT or possibly WARM if you want a lile
more low-end projecon in your live or recorded mix.
NOTE: These switches only operate when your load amplifier’s speaker output is connected to the PL-IR
Amp Input jack. They remain operaonal whether the Power Load is powered on or off. These are
bypassed when a cab is connected to the CAB THRU jack.
IR CAB SECTION
3. IR LEVEL – This adjusts the IR OUT signal output level.
4. BANK/PRESET – This rotary switch selects the BANK – upper row of LEDs and PRESET – lower row of LEDs.
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
Works without power

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5. USB – This connector is used to load IRs. Below is a list of the factory installed IRs.
To load an IR, do the following:
A. Disconnect the AC adapter from the rear of the unit.
B. Connect a USB cable from the front panel to your computer.
C. Open an explorer window and navigate to the new USB drive.
D. In that drive locaon:
a. There will be 4 Bank folders labeled 0-3 relang to PL-IR front panel Banks 1-4.
b. In each Bank folder is a Preset folder numbered 0-3 relang to front panel Preset 1-4.
c. Bank 3&4 (folder 2&3) are copies of Bank 1&2 (folder 0&1).
d. Use Bank 1 and 2 as your factory locaons and Bank 3 and 4 to store your added IRs.
E. Select a bank/preset folder and copy your IR .wav file over the one in the folder you selected.
F. A system file named “preset.pan” may also occupy that folder. Do not delete it.
G. You may get a message that asks if you want to load your file without its “properes”. Select yes.
That’s inconsequenal informaon.
H. Disconnect the USB cable and connect the AC adapter.
I. You are now ready to access your new IR.
6. CLIP - This indicator warns you when the input signal level exceeds the maximum headroom of the IR loader.
ANALOG CAB SECTION
7. ANALOG LEVEL – This adjusts the ANALOG OUT 2 signal output level. This does NOT adjust the output level of
the CAB THRU.
8. 0/180 SWITCH – Flips the phase of the audio signal 180 degrees for the ANALOG OUT 2 outputs only.
9. LO MID – This speaker curve simulaon control adjusts the lo mid frequency behavior of the ANALOG CAB
emulator. Control range is +/- 12dB, center detent is flat.
10. IN/OUT – This switch engages the ANALOG CAB emulator. You can dis-engage this secon if you are using an
external Impulse Response (IR) cabinet simulator.

11. HI MID – This speaker curve simulaon control adjusts the hi mid frequency behavior of the ANALOG CAB
emulator. Control range is +/- 12dB, center detent is flat.
12. AIR/BITE – This switch selects the type of mic and placement simulaon. The AIR seng creates a more open
sound (emphasizing higher frequencies), similar to an off-axis mic placement. The BITE seng creates a more
pronounced top end, accentuang the upper-mid frequencies, similar to an on-axis mic placement.
13. EMPHASIS – This microphone simulaon control adjusts the high frequency behavior of the ANALOG CAB
emulator in conjuncon with the AIR/BITE SWITCH. Control range is +/- 12dB, center detent is flat.
14. POWER INDICATOR LED – Indicates when 12VDC electrical power is connected.
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW
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LINE INPUT SECTION
1. LINE INPUT – This input can be used to run preamps or pedals through the IR and the ANALOG CAB + MIC
Emulaon of the POWER LOAD. You can also send full range recordings through the POWER LOAD to add the
IR and CAB + MIC Emulaon to pre-recorded tracks.
2. AUX LEVEL SWITCH – When set to AMP, this switch engages a -10 dB pad on the Line Input for use with high
level signal sources.
Note: When nothing is plugged into the Line Input Jack, the Aux Level switch acts as a sensivity pad for the
front panel level controls. This is ideal when running a cranked, non-master volume high-powered tube
amplifier.
3. MIC LEVEL BALANCED OUT.
4. LINE LEVEL TIP/SLEEVE UNBALANCED OUT.
Works without power

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HEADPHONE EFFECTS LOOP SECTION
NOTE: This is a dedicated effects loop for the headphone out only and is fed by the IR loader.
NOTE: This effects loop does not feed the direct outputs. When using the Power Load for live performance or
direct recording, place effects before your amp or aer (using the mixing console inserts or digital plug ins).
(See the applicaon examples in this manual).
5. FX SEND – Sends a buffered low impedance mono signal out to your external effects.
6. FX RETURN L – High impedance mono effects return jack for use with external effects processor.
7. FX RETURN R – High impedance effects return jack for use with external effects processor.
8. PROGRAM INPUT – This is a 3.5 mm input jack for plugging in your MP3 player or other stereo music source.
This input is unaffected by the effects loop, global eq, and IR. This input can only be heard through the
headphone output. The program level in the headphones is determined by the output level control of the
device being used.
9. HEADPHONE JACK – The headphone output is a ¼” stereo headphone output.
CAUTION: This professional-quality headphone amplifier is capable of high sound pressure levels. Use care
when seng and adjusng volume levels during use.
ANALOG OUT 1 – PASSIVE USE
This is the sound of your amp, direct, without cabs or IRs applied. This secon is ONLY affected by the Reacve Load
Voicing Switches on the front panel, and the Line Level control on the rear panel. This is designed for direct record-
ing your raw amp performance and can be used with an IR cab sim or other external speaker simulator for recording
or re-amping.
10. MIC LEVEL BALANCED OUT – Not adjustable. Output level will be determined by loudness seng of the
amplifier connected to AMP IN.
11. 0/180 SWITCH – Reverses the phase of the audio signal 180 degrees for ANALOG OUT 1 XLR out only.
12. LINE LEVEL TIP/SLEEVE UNBALANCED OUT.
13. LINE LEVEL CONTROL FOR UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUT.
ANALOG OUT 2
This secon is affected by the Analog Cab + Mic emulaon when it is engaged on the front panel. Signal is full range
with front panel switch (10) is set to OUT posion.
14. MIC LEVEL BALANCED OUT.
15. LINE LEVEL TIP/SLEEVE UNBALANCED OUT.
16. GROUND LIFT – This switch separates the internal circuit ground from chassis and power ground in order to
eliminate possible ground loops between the Power Load and other equipment. Select the posion which
yields quietest operaon.

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CONNECTING YOUR AMP
17. AMP IN – Connect the speaker output from the amplifier that you want to use – the load amplifier – here. Set
the Impedance Select switch to the desired seng to match your amplifier. The total power handling capacity
of the reacve load is as follows: Amp In (Max Connuous): 200W @ 2, 4 & 16 Ohms. 150W @ 8 Ohms.
NOTE: The Power Load is fan cooled and the fan will start to spin slowly once the incoming power level
reaches roughly 20 was. The fan speed will increase up to its maximum once you are driving the Power
Load to 100 was or more connuously.
18. CAB THRU – This sends the output of your amplifier to your guitar speaker cabinet. The impedance of the
cabinet should match the impedance of the amplifier, and the AMP IMPEDANCE switch on the Power Load
should match the impedance of the amp.
19. AMP IMPEDANCE SWITCH – 2/4, 8 or 16 ohms. This sets the impedance of the internal reacve load for
opmum performance from your amplifier. Simply set the impedance selector switch for the impedance
required by your amplifier.
NOTE: Set this impedance to match both the speaker and the load amplifier. Most cabs have a fixed
impedance and you usually have a choice of impedance on your amplifier. Therefore it is best to choose the
amplifier impedance that will match your speaker cab. This will assure that your amplifier and speaker are
matched correctly.
20. 12VDC Power Supply connecon. Required for the IR OUT and ANALOG OUT 2 output.

© 2022 Fryee® Amplificaon. All rights reserved. Specificaons subject to change without noce.9
APPLICATION EXAMPLES

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
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APPLICATION EXAMPLES
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APPLICATION EXAMPLES
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WON’T TURN ON
1. Make sure 12V DC power supply cord is securely
connected.
2. Verify the power source with something you
know works.
NO SOUND/OUTPUT
1. Check input cable.
2. Check volume control.
3. Make sure your amplifier volume and/or gain
controls are turned up.
4. Check speaker cables to see if they are disconnected
or shorted.
5. Make sure that the impedance selector is fully
engaged in its detent.
6. Check the standby switch of your amplifier.
7. Check for a blown speaker.
8. Check the mains fuse of your amplifier, and replace
if necessary. If it blows again, refer to qualified
service personnel.
EXCESSIVE HUM WHEN DIRECT RECORDING OR
SENDING DIRECT 1 OR 2 TO FRONT OF HOUSE
1. Check Ground Li switch (on front and back panel).
USE ONLY THE FACTORY SUPPLIED ADAPTER OR A UL APPROVED EQUIVALENT TYPE
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, PLEASE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
EXCESSIVE DIRECT 2 OUTPUT LEVEL AND
DISTORTION
1. Make sure Level Switch on rear panel is properly set.
2. Make sure you are not overloading the input of your
interface.
RUNNING HOT
1. Make sure that the unit has adequate venlaon.
2. Make sure that the impedance selector is set to the
proper impedance.
3. Make sure that fan is operaonal when amplifier is
being played.
NOTE:
Always set your amplifier to standby when taking breaks
and turn your amplifier off when not in use. This will
extend tube life and improve long term reliability.
DISTORTION
1. Check the impedance seng.
2. Check the speaker cable for shorts.
3. Check the speaker.
4. Check the signal level at input and other devices in the
signal path or in the loop.
DIMENSIONS:
HEIGHT: 3.2 in (8.1 cm)
WIDTH: 8.7 in (22 cm)
DEPTH: 6.2 in (15.7 cm)
WEIGHT: 4.7 lb (2.1 kg)
MODEL: Power Load IR
MODEL NUMBER: PL-IR
POWER REQUIREMENT: 12VDC 500mA Center
Negave
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 2/4Ω/8Ω/16Ω (selectable)
© 2022 Fryee® Amplificaon. All rights reserved. Specificaons subject to change without noce.13
SPECIFICATIONS
Product specificaons are subject to change without noce.

Cerficate of Compliance
Restricon of the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
We cerfy that all of our products (excepons see listed below) are compliant with the European Union Direcve
2002/95/EC for the Restricon of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(RoHS).
No Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6), PBB or PBDE is intenonally added to
these devices. Any trace impuries of these substances contained in the parts are below the RoHS specified thresh-
old levels.
All informaon provided in this Cerficate of Compliance is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date
this Cerficaon was issued.
Cerficate of Compliance
Registraon, Evaluaon, Authorizaon and Restricon of chemicals (REACh)
We declare that all of our products are compliant with European Union Direcve EC1907/206 for the Registraon,
Evaluaon, Authorizaon and Restricon of chemicals (REACh), and contain none or less than 0.1% of the chemicals
listed as hazardous chemicals in the REACh regulaon. All informaon provided in this Cerficate of Compliance is
accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date this Cerficaon was issued.
Declaraon of Conformity
EMC and Low Voltage Direcve (CE)
Product Name: Power Load IR
Model Number: PL-IR
This is to cerfy that the product listed above complies with the following European Union Council Direcves and
Standards relang to electromagnec compability (EMC Direcve 89/336/EEC) and the low voltage Direcve
(73/23/EEC).
This declaraon of conformity of the European Communies is the result of an examinaon carried out by Electro-
magnec Engineering Services, Inc. in accordance with European Standards EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1 and EN 60065
for low voltage, as laid down in Arcle 10 of the EMC Direcve.
Fryee Amplificaon
6850 Vineland Ave. Unit P
North Hollywood, CA 91605 USA
© 2022 Fryee® Amplificaon. All rights reserved. Specificaons subject to change without noce.14

Subject to the obligaons and exclusions found below, this product is warranted by Steven Fryee Design, Inc., (herein SFD)
against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the period of Five (5) Years from the date of purchase, with
the excepon of the tubes, fuses and speakers where applicable, which carry a 90 day warranty.
The warranty period commences on the date of purchase by the original user. Performance under this warranty must be
obtained at one of the following: an SFD Authorized Service Staon, by returning the unit to the SFD factory with prior wrien
authorizaon, or (in countries outside of the United States) by a representave SFD distributor.
Obligaons
1. This warranty will be honored only on the presentaon of the original proof of purchase.
2. Transportaon of the product to and from an authorized SFD service outlet is the responsibility of the user. Units sent
directly to the SFD factory for warranty repairs must be authorized by SFD and shipped prepaid.
Exclusions
1. This warranty shall not cover adjustment of consumer-operated controls as explained in the appropriate instrucon manual,
or products that have been altered or have missing, or defaced serial numbers.
2. This warranty shall not apply to the appearance of accessory items including but not limited to, cabinets, cabinet parts, or
knobs.
3. This warranty does not apply to uncrang, setup, installaon, or the removal and reinstallaon of products for repair.
4. This warranty shall not apply to repair or replacements necessitated by any cause beyond the control of SFD including, but
not limited to, any malfuncon, defects, or failure caused by or resulng from unauthorized service or parts, damaged or
broken tubes, incorrect line voltage, improper maintenance, modificaon or repair by the user, abuse misuse, neglect,
accident, fire, flood, or other Acts of God.
5. Responsibility for the repair of any SFD product sold outside of U.S. boundaries is borne by the SFD representave in that
parcular country or territory. Also, the warranty term and condions may be different from those stated above. Please
contact the SFD distributor or dealer in your country for more informaon.
The foregoing is in lieu of all other expressed warranes, and SFD does not authorize any party to assume for it any other
obligaon or liability. In no event shall SFD be liable for special or consequenal damages arising from the use of this product,
or for any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond our control. Some states do not allow limitaons on
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitaon of consequenal damages, so the above
limitaons on implied warranty and consequenal damages may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights.
You may have other rights that vary from state to state.
FRYETTE AMPLIFICATION
6850 VINELAND AVE. UNIT P
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91605
TEL [phone]
www.fryee.com
Copyright 2022 Steven Fryee Design, Inc.
REVISED MARCH 2022
© 2022 Fryee® Amplificaon. All rights reserved. Specificaons subject to change without noce.
15
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
U.S. and Canad ian residents: Please retain your purch ase receipt as proof of purch ase for warranty purposes. All
other internation al residents please con tact the authorized distributor your Fryette product was purch ased from.
For a list of internation al distributors please visit ww w.fr yette.com/dealers.html