KOOL BLACK User manual

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Hand made in the Netherlands
BLACK
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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Thank you for choosing ool Amplification and congratulations on acquiring one of the most
incredible sounding all tube guitar amplifiers available today!
ool Amplification is Holland’s foremost guitar amp company, located 35 km north of
Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Amp-designer and guitarist Aryjan ool has been tweaking
amplifiers and electric guitars since the early nineties. His passion for the electric guitar and
tube amps resulted in the establishment of ool Amplification in 2007. Ever since its
foundation, the company’s reputation has been growing rapidly. ool amplifiers and cabinets
have been part of numerous recordings and live rigs of Holland’s biggest acts. Over the last
few years steadily guitarists all over the world have been discovering these hidden jewels from
Europe’s lowlands…
Among many other things like windmills, clogs and ‘total football’, the Netherlands are also
very well known for cradling guitar virtuosos such as Edward van Halen, Jan Akkerman and
Adrian Vandenberg. Art, design and technology are at the heart of the Dutch identity and
expressed through the world famous ‘Dutch Design’ philosophy. Here at ool Amplification we
are proud to be part of that history and honour these great traditions and heritage through the
design and manufacturing of our amplifiers and cabinets. The principle of blending beauty and
functionality to perfection is always at heart of all of our designs.
Every ool Amplification product is proudly handmade from A to Z in our own custom shop,
right here in the Netherlands. The equation of Dutch Design, state-of-the-art technology, old-
world-craftsmanship and the use of the best components and the finest materials available,
result in a unique blend of awesome tone, feel and functionality.
From countless conversations and correspondence with ool Amplification users we learned
how much guitar players appreciate the reliability, simplicity and the unique character and feel
of our amps and cabs. We are confident your new ool amplifier will do the same for you and
bring you countless moments of joy and inspiration.
BLACK
Roaring like a fighter-jet engine, the "BLAC " is by far the most brutal amp in our product
range.
If you're demanding articulate crushing tone, tons and tons of gain, superfast attack, tight bass
response and ultra-fat mids this is your weapon of choice....

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
We want you to enjoy your amplifier to the best of its potential. So please before you go any
further, take a moment to read these SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read these guidelines & keep them
Follow all instructions, guidelines & warnings.
Do not use this amplifier near water or any other liquid
Do not subject to direct sunlight for longer periods of time
Do not store directly near heat source
Do not store in moist environment
Do not block any openings
Do not attempt to clean the amplifier with any fluids: use only a dry cloth
Do not attempt to modify or service this product yourself
•Removing covers could mean you are exposed to dangerous voltages that may result in
severe injury or death
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel
• It is the nature of tube amplifiers to get hot, so please let it cool down for at least 5 minutes
before moving it.
• Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged;
If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product;
If the product has been exposed to rain or water;
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation;
If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way;
When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for
service.
• Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician
uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
What’s included?
Your amplifier comes with the following:
A mains lead for your country
3 button footswitch
This User Guide


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FRONT PANEL
INPUT: Plug in your guitar here.
CH1 GAIN: This control effectively sets the gain on channel 1
BRIGHT SWITCH: Adds subtle top end to channel 1 (does not affect channel 2 !)
HOT/MILD SWITCH: Switches between a cleaner and crunchier sounds.. Like switching
CH2 GAIN: The overdrive sounds are harmonically rich full and fat.
Turning back the gain to around twelve o’clock and the CH2 MASTER at full and you will get a
more Plexi style sounds with endless sustain, very Gary Moore. With the GAIN around 3 o’clock
and CH2 MASTER around 3 o’clock you will find some great Metal overdrive sounds.
BASS: This controls the low frequency content of your sound. Low levels of bass can be good
at low volumes, to capture naturel tone, sustain and feel of higher volume setting.
MIDDLE: Controls the midrange frequencies in your sound. Run the middle control higher to
help cut through a band mix, or generally fatten and ‘widen’ your sound. Run it lower for a
lighter, less ‘in-your-face’ kind of sound.
TREBLE: Controls the high frequency content of your sound and is also a powerful tone shaper
when it comes to character.
CH2 MASTER: This master volume works only on channel 2. It helps you level the volumes of
Channel 1 and 2 but it also colours your tone. The best tonal results are obtained by setting the
CH2 Master between 12 and 15 o’clock. Tech Talk: Just like the JCM800’s this master is
placed before the phase splitter tube.
PRESENCE: This controls a different part of the high frequency response of your amplifier than
the treble control. It helps you tame or enliven your tone depending on your situation, without
having to change your EQ. Tech-talk: As the presence is in the negative feedback line in the
power section of your amp it works most effectively when the (SVC) Volume is cranked up.
VOLUME 1 (=SVC): All ool Amps are equipped with our acclaimed “Seamless Volume Control”
system (SVC). It enables the amp to produce 0,1 Watt bedroom volume levels yet retaining
great tone and sustain. The (SVC) Volume control is used to set the overall volume of the amp.
If the (SVC) Volume is turned to maximum the amp becomes a non-master volume amplifier.
Tech-talk: The (SVC) Volume is positioned in the power section of the amp after the phase
splitter tube.

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VOLUME 1 and VOLUME 2 are switchable by the VOLUME button on the footswitch
VOLUME 2 (=SVC): This Volume is identical to Volume 1. By setting Volume 2 to a higher level
you can boost your solo’s and/or increase headroom of your clean(er) sounds
ON/STANBY: Leave this in STANDBY mode for at least 1 minute for maximum tube life, switch
to ON mode when you are ready to use the amp. Place back in STANDBY mode when you’re not
using the amp for a break.
ON/OFF: Turn this ON to power the amp. Leave amp in STANDBY MODE for at least 1 minute.
The amp reaches it electrical/musical sweet spot within 10 minutes and then stabilizes to
deliver hours and hours of heavenly tone.
POWERLAMP: This lights up when the amp is powered.
REAR PANEL
MAINS INLET (IEC Socket): Please only use the correct mains cord for your territory!
The mains inlet contains a slide where the mains fuse is located. Always use the correct rating
and type of fuse indicated as indicated on the back of your amplifier.
HT FUSE: The HT or ‘High Tension’ fuse protects the high voltage for the tube supply. If this
fuse blows, the first step is to replace it with an identical fuse. Always use the correct rating
and type of fuse as indicated on the back of your amplifier. The HT fuse may sometimes blow
due to ‘flash-over’ inside an output tube. This is where during the manufacturing process, not
all of the gas is removed from the glass envelope and the ‘getter’ inside the tube, usually made
from barium or magnesium oxide, will burn or evaporate these remaining gasses resulting in
the common silvered internal surface of the tube. This process, which is more likely to happen
with new equipment, draws high current momentarily and can blow the HT fuse. It will rarely
cause any damage so just replacing the fuse is sufficient to get the amp running normally
again. However, if the HT FUSE repeatedly blows, it may indicate a serious tube failure where
internal parts of a tube are shorted and in this case the amplifier needs to be checked by a
qualified engineer to assess the problem.
SPEA ER OUTPUT: Plug your speaker cabinet(s) in here.
Warning!: We strongly advise to not mismatch your amp with the speaker cabinet.

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IMPEDANCE SELECTOR: Enables you to match your amp with the impedance of your speaker
cabinet. When using a single cabinet please choose one of the two output sockets. (It does not
matter which one you choose as they are wired in parallel internally)
For a single 4 Ohm cabinetsPlease set the impedance selector to 4 Ohm
For a single 8 Ohm cabinetsPlease set the impedance selector to 8 Ohm
For a single 16 Ohm cabinetsPlease set the impedance selector to 16 Ohm
For a pair of 8 Ohm cabinetsPlease set the impedance selector to 4 Ohm
For a pair of 16 Ohm cabinets Please set the impedance selector to 8 Ohm
EFFECTS LOOP – Your amp is equipped with a 12AU7 buffered - low impedance - series effects
loop. The effects loop can be switched on and off using the footswitch. When switched off the
effects loop is true-bypassed. By using the 12AU7, the effects loop is as neutral as ‘tube-
technically’ possible. But as with any electronic component added to the circuit there will be a
slight change in tone. It depends very much on which kind of guitar is being used whether this
sound change is audible or not. Please keep in mind that probably the most change in sound
will be caused by the used effect(s). For a proper use of the effects loop on channel 2 it is
important to set the ‘channel 2 master’ between 12 and 15 o’clock.
SEND JAC : This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded
guitar cable.
RETURN JAC : This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded
guitar cable.
FOOTSWITCH: The 3 button footswitch is an integral part of your amplifier. This means you
need the footswitch to switch channels, effects loop and (SVC) volumes. When the footswitch
is disconnected the amp switches automatically to: Channel 2, Effects loop ‘on’, Volume 2.
PLEASE NOTE: The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Terminals
labelled as “Speaker Outputs” must be connected to a speaker cabinet of the designated load
rating using an un-shielded two conductor cable for speaker use at all times during operation.
Never use a guitar cable to connect the amplifier to a speaker as this presents the amplifier
with a ‘capacitive load’. This can cause instability or oscillation which may seriously damage
tubes and/or the expensive output transformer.

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VERY IMPORTANT WARNINGS!!
In certain countries, (specifically, Nordic countries), is it totally forbidden to open up any
electronic equipment or to work on them at all unless you are a fully qualified and approved
technician. Please check the laws in your country and do not attempt to change tubes/tubes or
re-bias the amplifier if the law forbids this. In this case, please take your amplifier to a
qualified and approved electronics technician. In certain countries it is also totally forbidden to
keep or place any liquids on top of the amplifier, (e.g. beer, water bottles, glass, drinks etc).
This may cause serious electric shocks and/or dangerous situations.
OUTPUT POWER
WARNING! This amplifier has been designed to achieve a very high sound pressure level (SPL)
so caution is required when playing in high power mode or hearing damage may result.
BIASSING (for fully qualified and approved technician only!):
Please read “VERY IMPORTANT WARNINGS” first. We strongly advise you to have re-bias jobs
of your amp done by a fully qualified and approved technician.
Information for your qualified and approved technician:
After the power tubes are being replaced by new ones your amp needs a re-bias job. To do this
the chassis of the amp does not have to be opened. The bias-pot can be accessed through a
small hole next to the power transformer using a small screwdriver. The bias can be
accurately done by using a bias device such as a TAD Bias-master. 50 Watt EL34 equipped
amps should be biased around 37 mA and 18 Watt 6V6 equipped amps should be biased around
20 mA.

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MAIN FEATURES
2 independent channels
Channel 1-Mode 1 = 'Mild', Channel 1-Mode 2 = 'Hot'
Channel 2 = 'Plexi Overdrive'
SVC Volume (channel 1 and 2)
SVC - Seamless Volume Control: from 0,1 watt 'bed room' levels to 50 watt 'Rock Arena' levels
(no tone loss at low volumes, no need for power-soak)
Ultra wide gain range control on both channels for ultimate gain versatility
True bypass effects loop
Footswitch (channel, effects loop, volume )
Outputs 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm
SPECIFICATION 18 WATT VERSION
Output: 18 Watts R.M.S.
OVERTONES
OVERTONESOVERTONES
OVERTONES transformers, custom made in BRITAIN
2 x JJ 6V6 power tubes
5 x pre-amp tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AU7 (effects loop)
Outputs 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm
Head weight: 14,5 kg
Combo weight 19,8 kg
SPECIFICATION 50 WATT VERSION
Output: 50 Watts R.M.S.
OVERTONES
OVERTONESOVERTONES
OVERTONES transformers, custom made in BRITAIN
2 x JJ 6L6 power tubes
5 x pre-amp tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AU7 (effects loop)
Outputs 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm
Head weight: approx. 16 kg
Combo weight: 21,3 kg
FINISH & CONSTRUCTION
Hand soldered / hand wired in the Netherlands by ool Amplification
Dimensions head: H=27 cm W=51 cm D=25,5 cm
Dimensions combo: H=52 cm W=51 cm D=25,5 cm

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Warranty
All ool Amplification products come with a 5 year limited warranty. This covers any defects in
manufacturing or faulty components. Tubes and speakers are warrantied for 90 days from the
purchase date but replacement parts will be at our discretion. The warranty is transferable to
a new owner in the event that you wish to sell your amplifier. Please contact us if you have any
issues with your ool Amplification product. Footswitches are covered for 12 months from
date of purchase due to the nature of their (ab)use. Take great care not to damage the cable
as this may result in an intermittent connection and erratic behaviour. If you suspect that any
of your footswitches may have become faulty, please contact ool Amplification service for
advice and options.
Notes on what to do if your amplifier experiences any strange behaviour:
ool Amplifiers are designed and built to last a lifetime. After so many years of tube amp
manufacturing the only real issues that came up are tube-related. These are either premature
tube failure or tubes that have worn out through extended use or have become micro phonic or
noisy over time.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and friendly staff is ready to help you with any warranty
or product questions you may have. Please email us at [e-mail]