Hughes & Kettner SYSTEM GUITAR COMBO ATS SIXTY User manual

ATS SIXTY
ADVANCED TUBE SYSTEM GUITAR COMBO
USER MANUAL

THF CL FAN CHANNEL:
The CLEAN channel on the ATS Sixty is constructed using solid state (transistor)
technology. This allows modern, sparkling clean sounds to be produced, like those
featured on many contemporary recordings.The traditional 3-band equalisation
section with passive tone controls also makes it possible to produce valve-like clean
sounds using the “SOFT CLICK” circuitry.
(2) VOLUME:
Volume adjusts the amplification level of the clean channel. Turned to position 8-9
you can achieve the crunchy “Soft Click” Sound. With pickups delivering more
output (humbuckers) this effect appears at lower volume settings
(5-6)
(3) BASS / MID /TREBLE:
The center frequency and bandwidth for each of this three controls has been
carefully selected to enable you to obtain a broad range of classic and modern clean
sounds. Start with a standard setting (all controls in 12‘0 clock position) and change
it as you want (f.e. more TREBLE for more harmonic overtones and sparkling clean
sounds).
(4) CHANNEL SELECT:
Switches the input signal either to the CLEAN or the OVERDRIVE channel. The
OVERDRIVE channel is active when the LED right of the channel select switch is
on.
TIP: Any conventional
footswitch can be used to
change between CLEAN and
TUBE OVERDRIVE
channels on the Sixty by
connecting it to the
FOOTSWITCH socket on
the rear panel.
TURF OVERDRIVE CHANNE
The Overdrive channel on the ATS Sixty consists of a genuine valve circuit (ECC
83). Valves produce a considerably better sound when overdriven than transistors.
The contour of the harmonic distortion and the distinctive compression effect are
the reasons why the authentic warm valve sound is sought after. However, valves do
have a couple of drawbacks!
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TURF OVERDRIVE CHANNEL
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Valves need to reach a specific operating temperature, which means that it
takes a few seconds after switching on before they are ready for use.
l
Valves are sensitive to shock. Allow the unit to cool off for a few minutes
before moving it.
0
The sound characteristics of valves do lend to change with age. You should
exchange your valves occasionally; the ECC 83 tubes used in the Sixty are
amongst the most frequently used and affordable types available. In normal
use, it should only be necessary to change the valves every few years.
(5) GAIN:
Adjusts the input sensivity of the TUBE circuitry and thereby the saturation. At
lower GAIN levels, you can achieve bluesy Clean and Crunch sounds.
In the specially marked high level section an automatic MID BOOST gets effective,
perfect for modern “hot rodded” Overdrive sounds.
The GAIN control influences the overdrive characteristics as well as the volume of
the TUBE OVERDRIVE channel. To alter the level, use the VOLUME control.
The TONE CONTROLS on the TUBE OVERDRIVE channel are active in
operation, and can therefore be used to boost specific frequency ranges. This can be
very useful for producing modern“hot rodded” distortion sounds. The filter
characteristics of the two controls are chosen so as to make selection of the
distinctive “creamy” lead and riff sounds easier.
(6) VOICE:
Voice adjusts a wide range of lower mids and thus controls the overdrive
characteristic. More “Voice” will make your guitar sound more “creamy”.
(7) BITE:
Bite controls the upper harmonics and the penetration of the guitar sound.
(8) VOLUME:
VOLUME adjusts the output volume of the TUBE OVERDRIVE and thus the
volume balance between CLEAN and OVERDRIVE.
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b 6
18 0 18
G&Ill VOICE BITE VOLUME REVERB
MISTER
(33 (6) 0 (8)
(9)
(10)
MASTERSFCTION:
An Accutronics spring unit is used to generate the reverb effect in the ATS Sixty.
The quality of a reverb is largely dependent on the lenght and number of springs
used: the unit used in the Sixty contains three
particulary long springs which make
the Sixty‘s effect deep and natural sounding.
Clean sounds require more reverb to produce the same special impression as
corresponding overdriven sounds. Distortion sounds, on the other hand, are sensitive
to reverb: too much effect swamps them and makes them unclear. For these reasons,
the reverb unit is tuned differently for each of the two channels; no change is
required when swapping channels.
(9) REVERB:
The reverb control determines the amount of reverb applied to the CLEAN and
OVERDRIVE channel.
(10) MASTER:
Master sets the power to the amp on or off. (“on” is indicated by the red LED).
(11) MAINS:
Switches the power to the amp On or Off. ( “on” is indicated by the red LED ).
THF RFAR PANEL OF THE ATS SIXTY
VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH:
European model: 220 - 240 V / USA /Japanese model: 110 - 120 V
HEADPHONES:
Socket for headphonesignal passes a special filter circuitry which adds the destinctive
guitar cab sound characteristic.
FUSE: Mains Fuse 625 mA slo-blo
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THF RFAR PANFI OF THF ATS SIXTY
LINE OUT: Line level output to feed extern poweramps, a Hughes & Kettner RED
BOX etc.
EFFECT LOOP:Effect path for extem effect devices. Connect FX SEND to the
INPUT and F’X RETURN to the output of rhe effect unit.
FOOTSWITCH: A standard on-off footswitch connected to this socket will switch
between the CLEAN and the TUBE OVERDRIVE channel.
ATS SIXTY SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMM
EFFECT DEVICE
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INPUT OUTPUT
t 1
FX SEND FX RETURN LINE OUT
II
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FOOTSWITCH
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SPEAKER CABINET PA
/ TAPE

ATS SIXTY SOUND EXAMPL ES
1. ‘VINTAGE COMBO- CLEAN SOUND
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Classical "Tweed Sound” with "Soft Click”. Specially tuned for single coil pickups.
2. ‘MODERN ULTRA CLEAN"
less GAIN: BASS and MID in 12 o'clock position The tone gets sheer, shimmering and absolutely clean.
3. "STRAT CREAM LEAD’
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~~~__..__
____~____
Full GAIN (MID BOOST is activated), VOICE and BITE controls set on 2.
4. ‘HUMBUCKER’S BLUES LEAD
Supports the dynamic range of classical humbucker guitars.
5. ‘MODERN HEAVY GUITAR
Crisp Clean for ballads (single
coils!),mighty powerchords and fat leadtone on the overdrive channel (humhuckcrs).
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