Gallien-Krueger Backline 100 User manual

Operating
Instructions
Backline100
Guitar Amplifier

Operating Instructions
800RB
A WORD ABOUT OUR NEW AMPLIFIER
Over 20 years ago, Bob Gallien's first product, the
226A Guitar Amplifier was on the backline at Woodstock. It
was the beginning of a long line of top quality guitar amplifiers
whose reputation still holds strong today. Following in that
tradition, the BackLine 100 combines time-honored features
such as 3-spring reverb and passive equalization with Gallien-
Krueger developments like GIVEtechnology, channel switching,
and VCVrecording compensation, to achieve a perfect blend
of vintage and modern technologies.
GIVE(Gate Induced Valve Effect) is the culmination
of Bob Gallien's twenty-five year pursuit - to optimize the superior
qualities inherent in field effect devices for audio applications.
Beginning in the '60s, while still an engineering student at
Stanford, Bob began using field effect devices in the critical signal
path areas of his amplifier designs. Each design since then has
yielded new discoveries and improvements in the sound. The
BackLine 100 has been developed around the latest and most
comprehensive use of what we now call GIVE TECHNOLOGY.
This design provides the smooth overdrive and even harmonic
distortion characteristics common to vintage tube amplification
without the hassles and expense of tube failures. The result is a
punchy, warm clean sound, and a hot, out-front lead sound that
gets the most out of your playing.
Integrated with GIVEare a host of intelligent features
developed by Gallien-Krueger engineers that make the BackLine
an ideal amp for the nineties. Input Shape, separate equalizers
(with shift) for each channel, presence, and VCVfiltering
combine to make the BackLine a sound monster. Add three
channel operation, through the Lead 1/Lead 2 feature, and you
get an amp that gives you anything you want, from clean, to
crunch, to lead, and it will do it with virtually any guitar, and any
speaker system.
VCV(Vintage Cabinet Voicing) has been a part of
Gallien-Krueger amps for over ten years. Originally it was
designed to make the 250ML sound big, even through its dual 6''
speakers. Now it is a selectable feature on the BackLine 100. So
whether you are recording, using headphones, using a small
speaker or a stack, you will always have that big sound.
Twenty-five years of continuous improvement are also
apparent in the BackLine 100 power amp. Bob has perfected a
constant current amplifier that interacts with the speaker to
produce the low end "thump" and high end brilliance needed to
put your guitar sound out front. In addition, the new power amp
will integrate the output current to zero in the event of an output
short. When the short is removed, the amp is ready to go again.
You don't have to worry about an accidental short blowing your
gig.
The dictionary defines Paragon as a model of perfection.
That is the only fitting description for the speaker Gallien-
Krueger designed for the BackLine 100. The 100 watt Paragon
12'' guitar speaker will keep its cool when you push it, and deliver
a sound with all the warmth and tone you expect from Gallien-
Krueger. The exceptional Paragon speaker is also available in a
full line of speaker cabinets from Gallien-Krueger.
We are proud of the BackLine 100 and feel it has passed
its final test with your purchase. This manual is intended to
familiarize you with the operation and features of your new
amplifier. If used properly, it should give you years of musical
enjoyment and trouble-free service.
CAUTIONS
• TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THESE UNITS TO RAIN, MOISTURE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT.
• IF SERVICE ON YOUR AMPLIFIER IS NECESSARY, PLEASE REFER TO A GK AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
REMOVE PROTECTIVE COVERS FROM THE AMPLIFIER OR SERVICE THE AMP YOUR SELF. LETHAL CONDITIONS EXIST INSIDE!
• FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE OF YOUR NEW AMPLIFIER, PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY.

Front Panel Features
1. INPUT JACK
Accepts a standard 1/4'' phone plug and a signal
level up to +4 dBV.
2. INPUT SHAPE
A "pre-distortion" filter which, in the "out" position,
rolls off the very low frequencies to prevent muddy
sounding distortion at high gain levels. When "in"
it boosts the bass for a better low gain sound.
3. LEAD MODE (1-2)
Lead 1 (out) provides lower gain for a blues sound
or crunch rhythm, while Lead 2 (in) is for high gain
overdrive and lead soloing.
4. GAIN
Used in conjunction with Lead Model it can vary
the sound from a slight overdrive to high gain saturation
with fuller harmonics and increased sustain.
5. VOLUME
Sets the overall Lead Channel volume coming out
of the speaker(s) or headphones.
6. EQ SHIFT
Shifts the operating frequencies of the equalizer
section to provide a boost in the high-midrange.
7. THREE-BAND PASSIVE EQUALIZER
Located after the distortion stages for maximum
effect, it provides tone control over 3 frequency
ranges - low, middle, and high - specifically suited
for an overdriven guitar tone.
8. LEAD SELECT SWITCH & LED
Pushing this switch in will light the LED to indicate
that the amp is in the Lead Mode.
9. VOLUME
Sets the overall Clean Channel volume level at the
output. Use in conjunction with the Lead Volume
to balance the level of each channel for channel
switching.
10. EQ SHIFT
Shifts the operating frequencies of the equalizer in
this case, it provides more bass for a mellower
sound.
11. THREE-BAND PASSIVE EQUALIZER
Provides tone control over three frequency ranges
specifically suited for a clean guitar tone.
12. PRESENCE
Affects the very high frequency range controlling
the "edge" of a lead tone and the brightness of a
clean sound.
13. REVERB
Controls the amount of signal coming from the
built- in 3-Spring Reverb that is to be mixed with
the dry signal.
14. VCVCIRCUIT SWITCH
The VCV(vintage Cabinet Voicing) filter
provides a bass boost, a high-mid peak, and a high
frequency roll-off that simulates a speaker being
miked and is very useful in recording direct to tape.
This switch allows that same filter to be switched in
for use in the speaker and the headphones.
15. RF2 FOOTSWITCH JACK
This jack accepts a 1/4'' stereo plug for connection
to the RF2 footswitch which allows remote switching
between Clean and Lead channels and Lead 1/Lead
2 when Lead Channel is selected.
NOTE : LEAD MODE and LEAD SELECT
should be pushed in for RF2 operation.
16&17 EFFECTS LOOP
Provides a means of adding in-line effects (see
Sample Hook-ups). The Send can also be used as a
preamp output with no recording compensation.
18. LINE OUT (RECORDING COMPENSATED)
Provides a line-level signal with VCVfiltering
useful for going direct to a PA mixer or studio
recorder.
19. POWER SWITCH & LED
Turns unit on (1) and off (0). LED turns on to
indicate power is on. Unplug unit if not being used
for extended periods.
Rear Panel Feature
20. HEADPHONE JACK
Brings the power amp signal to a level that allows
standard headphones to be driven. The VCVis
recommended for headphone operation.
21. INTERNAL SPEAKER SWITCH
Allows internal speaker to be turned off (in "out"
position) for use with headphones or silent direct
recording or if the unit is used for driving a larger 4
ohm cabinet such as a 4x12''.
Note : No damage will result from operating the
amplifier with the speaker disconnected.
22. EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK
Allows external speakers to be driven by the inter-
nal power amp. For optimum performance and to
avoid damaging the amplifier, use the following
minimum external speaker impedance:
INTERNAL SPEAKER "ON" : 8 ohm minimum
total external impedance.
INTERNAL SPEAKER "OFF" : 4 ohm minimum
total external impedance.
23. AC RECEPTACLE & FUSE HOLDER
This combination grounded AC jack and fuse holder
accepts a detachable power cord. If a replacement
is needed, it should be UL rated at 10
amps/125VAC or 5 amps/240VAC.
Never operate this amplifier with any other than the
recommended fuse type : 5mm x 20mm, slow blow,
250V with ampere ratings as follows:
Line Voltage Fuse Rating Fuse #
100 VAC 5 Amps T5A-250V
117 VAC 4 Amps T4A-250V
230 VAC 2 Amps T2A-250V
To replace fuse, simply slide out the fuse holder
using a screwdriver, as shown on the left. A spare
fuse is located in a sliding compartment directly
behind the embossed fuse symbol.

Getting Started
1. Plug your guitar into the input jack and make
sure all of its volumes and tone controls are set
to "10". You can fine tune them later.
2. On the BackLine 100 - Start with the tone
controls and Presence control in the center
position (12 o'clock), all other controls on "0",
and all switches out.
3. Gradually turn up the "Clean Volume" control,
while playing, and set to desired level.
4. Experiment with the EQ Shift and tone controls
for your desired clean sound. Then add
Presence, Reverb, or the VCVfilter to suit
your tastes.
5. Switch to the Lead Channel by engaging the
Lead Select switch.
6. This time, turn up the "Lead Volume" slightly
and then increase the Gain until you have found
a suitable gain level (you may want to experi-
ment with the Lead 1/Lead 2 switch and the
Input Shape at this time, as well). Then continue
to set the Volume for a proper output level.
7. Again, follow the steps from 4 to fine-tune your
sound. There are many settings to experiment
with here, and you should try as many possibilities
as you can because you will probably find a
number of them that are very pleasing.
8. To help familiarized yourself with the
BackLine100's controls, you may want to use
the selected settings (shown on the right) as a
starting point. Please take note that these
settings are designed for specific guitar body
types as well as pickup configurations. Enjoy.
Selected Settings
(On Right)
• Controls shown in black are active or in the "in"
position.
• Volume settings will be somewhat dependant on
speaker configurations, desired volume level, and
outboard effects.
• Settings are intended for the BackLine 100
Combo as well as the BackLine 100 Head.
Start is a registered trademark of Fender, Les Paul is a registered
trademark of Gibson.

Suggested
G-K Systems
Putting together the right system is as important
to your final sound as choosing the right amplifier
or the right guitar. Here are our favorite systems,
each designed to optimize the power and
versatility of the BackLine 100 Combo and
Head. For the ultimate system, use GK cabinets,
the only cabs specifically designed for GK
electronics.
Backline 100
Block Diagram
Specifications
Max input : 1.4Vrms
Output : 70W into 8Ω
100W into 4Ω(@ less than 5% THD)
Signal - to - Noise Ratio : (Clean Channel) 35mVrms @ 1KHz
(Lead Channel) .4mVrms @ 1Khz
Return Sensitivity : .58Vrms @ 1KHz
Clean Equalization : Mid : +4, -5dB @ 400Hz
w/Shift : +3, -6dB @ 700Hz
Treble : +6, -12dB @ 2KHz
Bass : +4, -10dB @ 80Hz
Lead Equalization : Mid : +4, -8dB @ 800Hz
w/Shift : +3, -5dB @ 500Hz
Treble : +5, -6dB @ 4KHz
Bass : +2, -3dB @ 80Hz
Presence : +2, -3dB @ 4KHz
Input Impedance : Input ………………………1 MΩ
Return ……………………100KΩ
Output Impedance : Send ………………………3 KΩ
Line Out (Recording Compensated ) ………..1KW
Reverb : 3 - Spring Accutronics
Dimensions : 112 Combo : 19'' W x 17''H x 12''D (42lbs.)
Head : 21''W x 9''H x 9.7''D
Footswitch : GK RF2 and standard 3-connector stereo cord (1/4''
plugs)
Troubleshooting
Your new amp, if handled with care, should give you
trouble-free performance. If operated according to
instructions in this manual, your only maintenance
should be occasional external cleaning.
Often when an electrical component provides
poor, erratic, or no performance, it is due to minor
problems or irregularities which may be corrected
easily by someone knowing very little about elec-
tronics.
We have provided the accompanying chart for
your reference. If you have any problems at all,
please check this list first. If your problem is major
and there is definitely something wrong with the
unit, please refer to the list of GK Authorized
Service Centers included with the paperwork in the
packing box. If necessary, call your local GK Dealer
to locate you nearest GK Authorized Service Center.
You may also call our Service Department at (408)
441-7970, ext.38 for reference to your nearest GK
Authorized Service Center.
PROBLEMS:PROBABLE CAUSES/SOLUTIONS:
LEDs light but no signal from Speaker Outputs, Be sure all tone controls and volumes are turned up at
Headphones, or Line Outputs: least part way.
LEDs light, tone and volumes turned up but no sound. Check Interconnections with speakers.
LEDs light, tone and volumes up, speakers and Check guitar volume, pick-ups, cord, and repair or
connections OK, but no signal from output. replace if necessary.
Channel Switching or Lead Mode Select not Be sure front panel On/Off buttons are "in", Check
functioning with footswitch plugged in and footswitch cable.
appropriate LED indicators "on".
Loud hum. Check grounding of the unit and any effects going
through the effects loop. Proper grounding is mandatory.
Excessive noise. Repair or replace guitar cord. Make sure external effects
are patched into the Send and Return and not before the
Input. Test guitar pick-ups.
After playing for some time, the unit becomes Turn off power switch and allow unit to cool off. Turn on
hot to touch and shuts off 0 no LEDs lit or power again. If is comes on, make sure speaker load is
signal coming out. no less than 4 ohms or that unit is not affected by another
heat source (stage lighting, direct sunlight, etc.)
Amp is not hot to touch and still no power Check power cord, AC outlet and fuse. If all are OK or
no LEDs lit or signal coming out. fuse is blown, call your local GK Authorized Service
Center. Note : Be sure the correct fuse is being used.

GALLIEN-KRUEGER • 2240 PARAGON DR. • SAN JOSE, CA 95131
US: [phone] • FAX [phone]
EUROPE: 41.42.234520 • FAX: [phone]