Hughes & Kettner Blonde Edition User manual

ENGLISH
DEUTSCH
FRANÇAIS
ITALIANO
ESPAÑOL
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
MANUAL
illustrations

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DEUTSCH
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Max. power
consumption 65 VA
50 - 60 Hz
FX-UNIT
RED
BOX
LINE OUT LINE IN
IN OUT
INPUT
FOOTSWITCH
FS-1
LINE OUT
PHONES

Congratulations and thank you for
choosing the HUGHES & KETTNER
EDITION BLONDE amp!
Ateam of guitarists and technicians developed the
EDITION BLONDE amps with a single purpose in mind: To provide
you with sophisticated guitar sounds and practical features in an
easy-to-handle package.
The EDITION BLONDE is the ideal workhorse for discerning players
who want happening tone in a compact amp. The EDITION
BLONDE's high-performance Current Feedback power amp delivers
not only 40 watts of punch, but also the sought-after tone of a classic
tube amp.
One component playing a major role in the overall tone of the amp
is the RockDriver Junior 12“ speaker. Custom-made for Hughes &
Kettner to our specifications by Celestion, this speaker not only per -
fectly captures the essence of vintage sound, but also is extremely
efficient. This makes your EDITION BLONDE
substantially louder than other amplifiers having
the same output power rating.
The EDITION BLONDE has the versatility, sound, and features that
inspires you to perform your best in smaller venues, rehearsal rooms
and studios.
Its logical control layout gives you immediate access to the EDITION
BLONDE's world of sound. This manual introduces you to its many
features and application options.
We wish you a lot of fun and success with your new
EDITION BLONDE!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
BEFORE POWERING UP
1.0 CHANNELS 6
2.0 JACKS AND CONTROL FEATURES 7
3.0 STANDARD SETUP/CABLE CONNECTIONS 8
4.0 OPERATING THE EDITION BLONDE
4.1 SELECTING CHANNELS
4.2 THE EDITION BLONDE AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS
4.3 THE EDITION BLONDE AND MIXING CONSOLES
5.0 SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING 9
7.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9
BEFORE POWERING UP
-Check that the local current and the amp's AC power rating
are identical before you plug the power cord into an AC out-
let.
-Ensure that air can circulate freely around your amp's ventila-
tion ducts.
-Place the amp on a stable platform where it is not exposed to
mechanical shocks and temperature extremes which may
damage the amp or endanger the safety of bystanders.
-Hughes & Kettner is not liable for damages due to improper
use.
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1.0 CHANNELS
The EDITION BLONDE features a newly developed
preamp that not only produces authentic harmonic
overdrive but also responds dynamically to your
picking style. Based on semiconductors, this innova-
tive circuitry simulates the sound-shaping elements
of tube amps and delivers sound quality unparalleled
in this price range. It also provides the dynamics
demanding guitarists require for musical expression.
CLEAN:
Depending on the preamp control settings, the EDI-
TION BLONDE delivers a variety of contemporary
and vintage clean tones. At higher VOLUME settings,
the "SoftClick" circuitry delivers that slight edge you
would expect from a vintage tube amp. If desired,
the CLEAN channel can put out plenty of crunch.
LEAD:
This channel delivers direct, in-your-face classic rock
sounds with a very British feel. The MID control is a
very effective sound-shaping tool; it lets you dial in
many different lead sounds.
REVERB:
In the signal chain, the EDITION BLONDE reverb
section is located after the FX loop so you can use it
for external effects and still achieve a clean reverb
sound. Additionally, the reverb level automatically
adjusts its own level when you switch between
channels, more for clean, less for lead.
2.0 JACKS AND CONTROL FEATURES
2.1. FRONT PANEL:
INPUT: Input sensitivity is broad enough to handle guitars
equipped with humbuckers, active pickups, or single coils.
CLEAN VOL: Determines the CLEAN channel's volume.
Depending on the type of pickups in your instrument, the amp
will begin to clip somewhere around the 12 o'clock setting
(SoftClick).
CHANNEL SELECT: This channel selector switch activates eit-
her the CLEAN or LEAD channel. The LEAD channel is active
when the button is pressed.
RED LEAD LED: The red LED illuminates when the LEAD chan-
nel is active.

LEAD GAIN: Controls the amount of distortion in the LEAD
channel.
LEAD MASTER: Determines the LEAD channel volume level in
relation to the CLEAN channel volume level.
EQ SECTION: Common BASS, MID and TREBLE controls for
the both channels. MID and TREBLE controls influence each
other, as is standard in tube amps: if you boost the treble, the
mids are cut and vice versa. This sound-shaping feature allows
you to dial in a wide variety of subtle tonal variations.
REVERB: Controls how much integrated reverb is added to the
signal. Reverb is automatically adjusted for each channel when
you switch channels.
MASTER: Controls the amp‘s master volume level. The LINE
OUT signal is unaffected by the MASTER control.
LINE OUT: Use this jack to feed the signal to the input of an FX
processor. You can also route the signal to a second power amp
or through a RED BOX to a mixing console.
LINE IN: If you are sending the LINE OUT signal to an FX pro-
cessor, connect the output from that processor to this jack.
FOOTSWITCH: This jack is for a standard footswitch (e.g.
Hughes & Kettner FS-1) and it allows you to switch back and
forth between the CLEAN and LEAD channels. When using a
footswitch, ensure the CHANNEL SELECT switch on the amp‘s
front panel is set to CLEAN.
PHONES: Headphone jack. The speaker is automatically swit-
ched off when a plug is inserted into this jack.
2.2 REAR PANEL:
MAINS: Connect the included Euro-norm mains cord to this
socket. Ensure the amp's voltage rating matches your local AC
voltage rating before you plug the cord into the wall socket.
3.0 STANDARD SETUP/
CABLE CONNECTIONS
4.0 OPERATING THE EDITION BLONDE
4.1 SELECTING CHANNELS
Use the CHANNEL SELECT switch or an external footswitch to
change channels.
NOTE: Before using a footswitch, set the CHANNEL
SELECT switch on front panel of the amp itself to the CLEAN
position.

4.2 THE EDITION BLONDE AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS
The effects loop on the EDITION BLONDE is a serial effects
loop, meaning that the entire preamp signal is routed to the FX
device and processed there.
To connect a signal processor:
- Connect the processor‘s INPUT to the EDITION BLONDE
LINE OUT jack and the processor‘s OUTPUT to the
EDITION BLONDE LINE IN jack.
- To avoid noise, signal degradation, and interrupted signals,
only use high-quality patch cables.
- Make sure the processor is not distorting the signal. Check the
processor's gain LEDs (if it is equipped with this type of display)
and use the input and output controls to dial in a suitable level.
- Distortion devices are not designed for use in an FX loop. As
a rule of thumb, any kind of device that compresses the signal
should be connected first in the signal chain. Depending on the
type of effect you want to achieve, you may want to connect
your compressor directly between the instrument and the amp's
input.
- If you are using several processors or stomp boxes, ensure
you connect them in the proper order.
4.3 THE EDITION BLONDE AND MIXING CON-
SOLES
If you want to feed the EDITION BLONDE's signal to a mixing
console, we recommend you route it through a Hughes &
Kettner RED BOX. Patch the signal from the LINE OUT jack, as
this signal path's level is not influenced by the MASTER setting.
The RED BOX balances the signal and simulates a speaker
cabinet.
5.0 SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE
MAINTENANCE
The EDITION BLONDE does not require service of any type.
However, there are a few precautions you should heed to ensu-
re your amp lasts for many years.
- Ensure all peripheral devices, cords and cables are in a state
of good repair. Defective speaker cables are the most common
cause of power amp failure. Poor-quality cables will cause hum
and undesirable noise.
- Make certain your amp's ventilation ducts are not blocked or
covered. Proper cooling will prolong the life of your amp.
- Avoid mechanical shocks and exposure to extreme heat, dust
and especially moisture.
- When connecting peripheral devices, always pay close atten-
tion to their specifications. Never connect devices with high
output signal levels (e.g. power amps) to your amp's input.
- Ensure you have the correct AC power rating available before
you plug in the amp. If in doubt, ask the venue's sound techni-
cian or the custodian of the building you are rehearsing in.

- Refrain from do-it-yourself repairs! Have a qualified
service technician replace internal fuses.
With the unit off and unplugged, use a soft damp cloth to clean
the exterior surface of the EDITION BLONDE.
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 The EDITION BLONDE will not switch on:
• The amp is not getting any AC power. Check the mains cable
to see if it is connected properly.
• The mains fuse is defective. Replace the fuse with another
identical fuse. If this fuse also trips, consult your Hughes &
Kettner dealer.
6.2 The EDITION BLONDE is connected properly, but no
sound is audible.
• One or several GAIN and MASTER controls may be turned
all the way down. Dial in a higher setting.
• A short circuit in the speaker signal chain may have
tripped an internal fuse. Make sure none of the connections are
shorted out and have a qualified service technician replace the
fuse (identical specifications are a must).
6.3 The footswitch does not switch channels:
• The front panel selector switch may be in the LEAD
position. Set it to CLEAN (in this case, CLEAN = off).
• The footswitch is not connected to the
EDITION BLONDE. Plug it into the appropriate jack.
6.4 When accessed, the LINE OUT/LINE IN jacks cause
annoying hum.
•An electrical or magnetic field is causing interference. Use
higher-quality cables or re-arrange the cables you are using to
reduce interference to a minimum. If this still does not improve
the situation, use a DI box.
• The grounding of the connected devices may be causing a
ground loop. DO NOT SEVER THE GROUND OF THE
CONNECTED DEVICES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Try
plugging all devices into the same socket via an AC power dis-
tributor/power strip. If this doesn't eliminate the noise, you
must ensure the connection is galvanically separated by routing
the signal through a DI box.
6.5 You have connected an FX processor to the LINE OUT
jack and the signal is totally distorted, even when
you have dialed in a clean sound.
• The LINE OUT signal is overloading the input of the FX pro-
cessor. Reduce the processor‘s input sensitivity ("INPUT" or
"GAIN").
6.6 You have connected an FX processor to the LINE OUT
jack of the EDITION BLONDE and the signal's volume
level is way too low.
• The FX processor's output level is set incorrectly. Turn it up.

7.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PREAMPSECTION
Preamp section:
CLEAN + LEAD solid state channels
INPUT:-10 dBV/ 1 Mohm
LINE IN: -6 dBV/ 50 kohms
LINE OUT:0 dBV/ 1kohm
Power amp section::
'CURRENT FEEDBACK' solid-state power amp
Output Power: 40 watts RMS into 8 ohms
Freqency response:
20 Hz - 30 kHz (into 8 ohms)
Speaker:
CELESTION RockDriver Junior 12”, 8 ohms
GENERAL FEATURES:
Voltage:
230 V~ (European model)
117 V~ (American model)
100 V~ (Japanese model)
Max. power consumption:
65 VA
Mains Fuse:
slo-blo 250 mA(230 V)
slo-blo 500 mA(117 V)
slo-blo 630 mA(100 V)
Dimensions: (W x H x D)
488 x 440 x 270 mms
19.2“ x 17.3“ x 10.7“
Weight:
approx. 32.2 lbs./approx.14,5 kgs

Wir freuen uns, daß Du Dich für einen
HUGHES & KETTNER EDITION BLONDE Amp ent -
schieden hast!
Ein Team aus Gitarristen und Technikern hat die
EDITION BLONDE Amps mit dem Ziel entwickelt, anspruchsvolle
Gitarrensounds mit einfachster Bedienung und praxisgerechter
Ausstattung zu kombinieren.
Der EDITION BLONDE ist das ideale Arbeitsgerät für anspruchsvolle
Gitarristen, die amtliche Grundsounds in einem kompakten “Klein”-
Amp fordern. Seine leistungsstarke Current Feedback Endstufe sorgt
nicht nur für 40 Watt Leistung, sondern auch für standesgemäßen,
offenen ”Röhrencharakter”.
Einen besonderen Anteil an der Soundqualität hat dabei der Celestion
RockDriver Junior 12” Speaker. Dieser überzeugt durch seinen aut -
hentischen Vintage Soundcharakter und einen hervorragenden
Wirkungsgrad. Damit ist Dein EDITION BLONDE deutlich lauter als
andere Verstärker mit gleicher Ausgangsleistung und
überzeugt bei kleinen Livegigs, im Studio und im Übungsraum durch
Sound, Flexibilität und Ausstattung.
Das übersichtliche und komfortable Bedienkonzept macht es einfach,
direkt in die Soundwelt des EDITION BLONDE einzusteigen - diese
Bedienungsanleitung wird Dir darüber hinaus interessante Aspekte
über die Möglichkeiten und Features Deines EDITION BLONDE ver -
mitteln.
Viel Erfolg und Spaß mit Deinem
EDITION BLONDE!
INHALT
VOR DER INBETRIEBNAHME 10
1.0 DIE KANÄLE DES EDITION BLONDE 11
2.0 ANSCHLÜSSE UND BEDIENELEMENTE 12
3.0 STANDARD SET UP/VERKABELUNG 13
4.0 BEDIENUNG DES EDITION BLONDE
4.1 DAS ANWÄHLEN DER KANÄLE
4.2 DER EDITION BLONDE MIT EFFEKTGERÄTEN
4.3 DER EDITION BLONDE AM MISCHPULT
5.0 WARTUNG UND SERVICE
6.0 FEHLERBESEITIGUNG/TROUBLESHOOTING 14
7.0 TECHNISCHE DATEN 14
VOR DER INBETRIEBNAHME
- Vergewissere Dich vor dem Anschluß des EDITION BLONDE,
daß der nahe der Netzbuchse angegebene Spannungswert mit
der vorhandenen Netzspannung übereinstimmt.
- Stelle eine ausreichende Luftzufuhr an die Kühlflächen des
Gerätes sicher.
- Achte auf einen festen Stellplatz , der mechanische und ther-
mische Fremdeinwirkungen, welche die Betriebssicherheit des
Gerätes oder die Sicherheit von Personen beeinträchtigen
könnten, ausschließt.
- Für Schäden am Gerät, die durch unsachgemäßen Betrieb
entstehen wird seitens des Herstellers keine Haftung übernom-
men.
HOME

1.0 Die Kanäle des
EDITION BLONDE
Die weiterentwickelte Vorstufe des
EDITION BLONDE realisiert nicht nur harmonischen
Overdrive, sondern auch ein besonders dynamisches
Reagieren auf die Spielweise. Sein innovatives
Schaltungskonzept, das alle soundgestaltenden
Elemente von Röhrenamps in Halbleitertechnik
simuliert, verleiht dem EDITION BLONDE eine bis-
her in dieser Preisklasse nicht realisierbare
Tonqualität und ermöglicht die Dynamik, die ein
anspruchsvoller Gitarrist für seinen musikalischen
Ausdruck braucht.
CLEAN:
Je nach Einstellung der Vorstufe können moderne
oder “Vintage”- Cleansounds realisiert werden.
Bei höheren Einstellungen des VOLUME Reglers
sorgt die ”SoftClick” Schaltung für weichen
Overdrive, bekannt durch alte Vollröhrenamps. Bei
Bedarf wird so aus diesem “Clean”- ein “Crunch”-
Kanal.
LEAD:
Klassische, offene Rocksounds mit einem sehr “eng-
lischen” Spielgefühl - direkt und dynamisch.
Insbesondere die effektive Mittenregelung an der
Klangregelung ermöglicht eine große Bandbreite von
Leadsounds.
HALL:
Der Hall des EDITION BLONDE ist dem Effektweg
nachgeschaltet,so wird auch für externe Effekte ein
sauberer Halleffekt erzielt. Dabei ist der Hallpegel
nicht nur regelbar, sondern wird automatisch bei der
Kanalumschaltung den Grundsounds angepaßt.
2.0 ANSCHLÜSSE UND BEDIENELEMENTE
INPUT: Anschlußbuchse für Gitarren mit Humbuckern, aktiven
Tonabnehmersystemen oder Single Coils.
CLEAN VOL: Regelt die Lautstärke des CLEAN Kanals, je nach
Ausgangsleistung der Pickups lassen sich ab ca. “12 Uhr”
Stellung leicht übersteuerte ”Clip” Sounds realisieren
(SoftClick).