Laboga Alligator AD 5202 Twin User manual

Hand made, 50 watts,
Tube Guitar Amplifier
Models:
AD 5200 Single
AD 5200 Twin
AD 5201 Single
AD 5201 Twin
AD 5202 Single
AD 5202 Twin
User's Manual

Congratulations on purchasing a tube guitar amplifier head and joining Laboga
Family. Thank you for your trust. The Alligator belongs to the world’s top tube
constructions. It is designed with 5-years of experience in creating and servicing top
quality equipment. Wide correction possibilities of the amplifier will enable each
individual to find their own sound and will ensure long hours of creative entertainment.
We hope the amplifier will satisfy all of your needs.
Enjoy playing!
IMPORTANT!
Before using the amplifier for the first time, read the instructions concerning
safety measures carefully – they are on page 5 and 6. Keep these instructions for
the future.
Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION.................................................................................4
APLIFIER FEATURES........................................................................................5
WHAT IS IN THE SET.......................................................................................5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....................................................................................6
TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE.....................................................................7
FRONT PANEL................................................................................................8
REAR PANEL...............................................................................................12
CHANGE OF TUBES IN THE AMPLIFIER................................................................14
HOW TO USE THE AMPLIFIER IN ORDER TO PROLONG TUBE'S LIFE SPAN.....................15
TECHNICAL DATA..........................................................................................15
TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................16
WIRING AMPLIFIER TO SPEAKER CABINETS..........................................................18
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AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION
The Alligator series amplifiers are handmade and of full-tube design. From the ery beginning
it has been made and tested by musicians who are best aware of the guitarist’s needs. These
amplifiers are for guitarists that play “classical” types of music from jazz, blues, hard rock, to e en
hea y metal.
The power stage is based on four EL84 tubes which gi e it an output power of 50 W. Not only
are these tubes reliable mechanically but also are characterized by creating a warm, “singing” tube
tone. The Preamp is on two 12AX7 tubes. One of the things that distinguish the EL84 tube is that
you only need half of 12AX7 for the in erter, while with EL34 or 6L6 you need to use all of it.
Despite of the preamp ha ing only two tubes, the amplifier is capable of creating a wide spectrum of
tones. The master section of the amplifier has been designed so that when playing at low olume,
the tone quality is maintained. This section is also equipped with a spring re erb.
The amplifier has two channels: clean and distorted. On the clean channel exists the
possibility of obtaining a “crunch” sound and the distorted channel offers possibilities from crunch to
e en a high gain sound. Additionally, the distorted channel offers the possibility of ha ing two
independent gains (potentiometer Gain 1 and Gain 2) controlled by a footswitch. For example, the
player may set Gain 1 for less distortion than Gain 2, which with the help of a footswitch, allows for
an easy transition between the two during a solo. This channel offers a wide ariety of tones from
classic rock and roll to hard rock, hardcore, e en metal.
Combo ersions: AD5201 Single and AD5201 Twin ha e one and AD5202 Single and AD5202
Twin ha e 2 Celestion Vintage 30 speakers which are connected to the amplifier with a thick speaker
cable with a jack plug. The player may disconnect the internal speaker and connect an external
cabinet e en of a different impedance because the amplifier has outlets of 4 Ohms, 8 Ohms, and 16
Ohms impedance.
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AMPLIFIER FEATURES
- power: 50W,
- tubes used: 4 × EL84, 2 × 12AX7,
- two channels: clean and distorted,
- olume control: clean channel, gain and olume controls – distorted channel,
- two separately controlled with a footswitch Gain1 and Gain2,
- separate tone control for both channels with separate switches for EQ mod (type Twin),
- the same tone control for both channels sharing the switch for EQ Mod (type Single),
- footswitch: changes channels and switches between Gain 1 and Gain 2,
- channel switching on relays,
- separate Bright switches for both channels,
- series effects loop with „true bypass” controlled by a footswitch (not included),
- Direct Out line le el output with speaker simulation,
- speaker outputs: 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω.
WHAT IS IN THE SET
- Footswitch Channel / Gain.
- Cable connecting footswitch and amplifier (“stereo”)
- Power supply cable.
- Owner’s manual.
- Warranty.
Page 5

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
ATTENTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
remo e the back co er of the amplifier. Inside parts can be
repaired only by qualified ser ice personnel.
WARNING: To pre ent the risk of electrical shock do not
expose this appliance to moisture, rain or any liquid.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of dangerous oltage and
constitutes a risk of electrical
shock.
This symbol alerts the user to the
presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions.
Be cautious while transporting the cabinet.
ATTENTION !!!
•Amplifier produces high olume le els. Staying in places of high olume le els could cause
permanent hearing loss.
•To a oid electrical shock ne er open the amplifier’s co er. In case of failure, refer ser icing
to qualified personnel.
•Always use the highest quality signal cables (we recommend Laboga cable “Way of sound”)
and olume signal cables. Using improper speaker cables could cause damage to the
amplifier.
•Do not use the amplifier in humid and dusty places.
•Do not operate the amplifier through the unearthed socket.
•Lea e the amplifier and bias settings to qualified personnel.
•Tubes could get heated intensi ely, do not touch it or it could cause burning.
•Do not lea e the apparatus in the icinity of children.
•Unplug the amplifier before tube change, unplug the cord and wait for the tubes to cool
down.
•Before changing the fuse, switch the amplifier off and unplug the cord. Also, make sure you
use the fuse of the proper power.
!! Keep this instr ction for the f t re se !!
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TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE
•a oid using the amplifier in humid and dusty places
•do not put it in an unstable place
•do not install the apparatus near any heat sources
•do not use the amplifier before connecting it to the correct cabinet
•after switching on, wait about 30-60 seconds until tubes get heated
•switch the amplifier off before any cable change
•in order to ensure proper air circulation, do not block any of the entilation openings
•ne er put any liquid containers near the amplifier
•in case of any objects or liquid access inside the amplifier, urgently switch the apparatus off
and unplug the power supply cord
•protect the amplifier from any strikes
•before transporting, wait about 10 minutes for the tubes to cool down
•always use a dry or slightly wet cloth to wipe all dust. Ne er use sol ents to clean
•use additional de ices and accessories according to producer’s recommendations
•during storms or when left unused for a long period of time, power supply cord should be
unplugged from the outlet
Crossed-out wheeled bin symbol implies that in EU countries, after use, product must
be discarded separately in a special, adjusted place. It concerns both the apparatus
itself as well as other accessories bearing this symbol. Do not discard such products
together with unsorted communal wastes.
In EU countries there are special systems of collecting used electrical products.
Transporting used, electrical products in certain, adjusted places, pre ents their being
harmful to the en ironment and people’s health.
„LABOGA” Adam Laboga
ul. Partyzantow 35/2
51-675 Wroclaw, Polska
www.laboga.pl
We reser e the right to introduce any technical changes and the changes to this amplifier’s image.
This instruction is actual once it has been printed.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 LABOGA
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FRONT PANEL
Single version :
Twin version:
Page 8

1. Channel selection
Switch to change channels of the
amplifier. It works only when Jack is
unplugged from the Footswitch socket.
In position “up” the clean channel is
on, whereas, in position “down” the
distorted channel is on.
2. Footswitch
Socket to connect
a footswitch, with
controlled Channel
switching and Gain
selecting. TRS
Jack socket (T –
tip:1, R – ring: 2,
S – slee e: 3),
where tip changes channels, ring -
changes masters, slee e is ground. It
uses “stereo” cable, which can be also
replaced by “mono” cable, howe er
then, the Gain switch will not be acti e
and, in the amplifier, only
potentiometer Gain 2 will be acti e.
3. Inp t
Input jack socket to connect to the
guitar.
4. Bright
High frequency boost for the clean
channel.
5. Clean Vol me
Volume of the clean channel.
HINT: At a low setting of this
potentiometer, you get a clean sound.
When you boost the clean
potentiometer, you get sound that is
more saturated until some crunch is
achie ed. When you turn the Master
down and boost the Clean, you obtain
more crunch. So you can get crunch on
both channels, which, at the same
time, differ in character and dynamics.
6. Gain 1
Gain control for the distorted channel.
HINT: With a little alue you can
obtain crunch effect or o erdri e. By
adding gain, distortion is added until
reading high gain. For guitars with
Humbucker pick-ups and high output
signal, it is possible, that turning the
knob to the right, does not cause more
distortion. It only gi es more noise of
the amplifier. It is designed that way,
because each guitar has a different
output signal le el, and the alue of
gain was set up that way, that in the
case of guitars with less signal, it is
also possible to get more distortion.
7. Gain 2.
Second gain control for the distorted
channel which is only a ailable when
the footswitch is used.
This is a duplicate of Gain 1. They
both can be set independently and
selected with the use of a footswitch.
HINT: This potentiometer can be used
to boost distortion, e.g. while soloing.
To achie e such effect, set Gain 2 knob
in such a way that after switching from
Gain 1, the more distortion is heard.
8. Drive Vol me
Distorted channel olume. Proportions
between clean and distorted channel
can be set by this potentiometer.
9. Bright
High frequency boost for distorted
channel. Apart from high frequency
boost, the switch also changes
distortion character. It is possible that
using certain controls of equalizer or
gain, high frequency boost will be less
noticeable.
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Only for the Single version
10. Bass
Adjusts the low-frequency tone for
both channels.
11. Middle
Adjusts the middle-frequency tone for
both channels.
12. Treble
Adjusts the high-frequency tone for
both channels.
HINT: Set all the potentiometers in a
12.00 o’clock position, then adjust
them indi idually to get the best
sound. Remember, that the
frequencies of each controller are
related to each other, the change of
one influences the others.
13. EQ Mod
Shift of equalizer’s band for both
channels.
HINT: Pro ides arious EQ frequencies
for both positions of the switch. It
results in a shift of frequencies of the
Middle filter and a change in low tones.
In both settings of the EQ Mod, you
get an entirely different sound of the
amplifier and arious EQ functions.
The most radical change of sound may
be obtained especially in a less Middle
knob setting.
Only for the Twin version
14. Bass
Adjusts the low-frequency tone for the
clean channel.
15. Middle
Adjusts the middle-frequency tone for
the clean channel.
16. Treble
Adjusts the high-frequency tone for the
clean channel.
HINT: Set all the potentiometers in a
12.00 o’clock position, then adjust
them indi idually to get the best
sound. Remember, that the
frequencies of each controller are
related to each other, the change of
one influences the others.
17. Bass
Adjusts the low-frequency tone for the
distorted channel.
18. Middle
Adjusts the middle-frequency tone for
the distorted channel.
19. Treble
Adjusts the high-frequency tone for
distorted channel.
HINT: Set all the potentiometers in a
12.00 o’clock position, then adjust
them indi idually to get the best
sound. Remember, that the
frequencies of each controller are
related to each other, the change of
one influences the others.
20. EQ Mod
Shift of equalizer’s band for the clean
channel.
21. EQ Mod
Shift of equalizer’s band for the
distorted channel.
HINT: Pro ides arious EQ
frequencies for both positions of the
switch. It results in a shift of
frequencies of the Middle filter and a
change in low tones. In both settings
of the EQ Mod, you get an entirely
different sound of the amplifier and
arious EQ functions.
Page 10

22. Reverb
Control of the spring re erb effect
le el.
23. Master Vol me
Master olume control.
HINT: Besides controlling the olume,
it influences saturation of the clean
channel. Therefore, when turned down
to a lower le el, a crunch sound can be
obtained on the clean channel.
24. Lampka sygnalizacyjna
When glowing, the amplifier in on.
HINT: There is a 12V bulb under the
co er, which can be unscrewed without
taking the chassis out. If the light
needs to be replaced, turn the amplifier
off, unscrew the metal nut, gently push
the bulb in and turn left at the same
time until the bulb comes free from the
holder.
25. Stand By
In position “up” the amplifier is ready
to work. Changing it to positions “ON”
sends anode oltage to the tubes – in
these positions the amplifier plays.
HINT: You should keep the switch in
the “up” position if there are long
breaks between playing. You should
also wait about 1 min. between
switching the Standby to the “up”
position and turning the amplifier off.
26. Power
This switch turns the amplifier on and
off. The amplifier is off when the switch
is in position “up” – then the lamp - 24
is not illuminated.
The amplifier is on when the switch is
in position “ON” – the switch is
illuminated in red. In this position the
amplifier does not play, but tubes are
hot, and you can change channels.
HINT: Before turning the amplifier on,
always make sure that the Standby
switch is in position “up” – it will
extend the life span of the tubes. The
amplifier should be turned on in the
following way: first, turn on the Power
switch and wait about 1 minute. Next,
you can turn the Standby on.
Turning off the amplifier works the
other way around. First, turn the
Standby on, then wait about 1 minute,
afterward you can turn the Power off.
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REAR PANEL
Combo:
Head:
1. Main f se integrated with power
s pply socket
Slo Blo fuse T1.25A
is in the case,
integrated with
power supply
socket. There is
one spare fuse
inside.
HINT: Take out the power cord during
a storm or when unused for a longer
period of time.
HINT: While changing the fuse , make
sure the blades of the fuse are
properly installed.
ATTENTION! Before you
change the fuse, always unplug
the amplifier from the power
outlet and wait for at least one
minute.
ATTENTION! Always change
the fuse for one of the same
alue.
2. Additional footswitch socket
An additional footswitch (not included)
can be connected to this socket. It
controls bypass of the effects loop and
reverb. When the effects loop is
bypassed, the Return socket is not
acti e. But, the Send socket is acti e.
(look at hint in point 5).
The proper footswitch effects
Loop/Re erb can be bought from any
Laboga dealer.
Page 12
Spare fuse
Main fuse

The additional footswitch
socket is in TRS form (T
– tip: 1; R – ring: 2; S –
Slee e: 3), where the tip
acti ates the bypass of
the effects loop, the ring
turns the re erb off, and
the slee e is ground.
3. Balanced line o tp t with g itar
speaker’s em lation
Balanced output with 0dBV line le el,
where the signal is taken from speaker
transformer through guitar speaker
emulation.
HINT: Output can be used to connect
the amplifier directly to a mixer or
other de ices
ATTENTION! This output can’t
be used without a speaker or
fake load (“dummy load”)
connected to power output
socket.
4. Effects loop socket – “Ret rn”
Inserting a plug into this socket brakes
internal connection in the amplifier,
which bypasses the effects loop.
HINT: This input can also be used as
line input, therefore the amplifier
ser es as a power amp.
5. Effects loop socket - “Send”
Output signal socket taken from the
preamplifier. Nominal signal output
le el is 0dBV.
HINT: This output always has signal,
e en if the loop is not used.
Consequently, the outlet can be used
to connect a guitar tuner permanently
– it does not influence the sound.
6. Power o tp t socket for a 4 ohm
impedance cabinet.
7. Power o tp t socket for an 8 ohm
impedance cabinet.
8. Power o tp t socket for a 16 ohm
impedance cabinet.
ATTENTION! Do not connect
the cabinets with different
impedance at the same time.
ATTENTION! Before turning
the amplifier on, make sure the
cabinet is connected to the
appropriate power output
socket.
Page 13

CHANGE OF TUBES IN THE AMPLIFIER
Positions of t bes in the amplifier:
MODEL FUNCTION
V1 12AX7 first preamp tube
V2 12AX7 second preamp tube
V3 ÷ V6 EL84 power tubes
Hints concerning t bes.
Lea e tube change and bias setting for qualified personnel. Tubes could get heated
intensi ely. If you touch them, you can get burnt. That is why, before you change tubes, turn
amplifier off, take the plug out and wait for them to cool down.
Before you change tubes, pay attention if their “feet” are straight because the feet ha e to be
positioned in a certain way.
The first sign informing that tubes should be changed is worse sound of the amplifier. The
sound gets flat and the dynamics are worse. There are certain signs that imply tubes should be
changed: red outer metal co er, which is normally gray; flashes inside the tube, or other unusual
signs.
Use only new tubes. Power tubes should all be changed at the same time for a quartet of
EL84 tubes. It is a pentode, which is characterized by ha ing a longer life span and is more
mechanically reliable than EL34 for example. A quartet of power tubes, like any other tubes, can be
purchased in a Laboga ser ice.
It is recommended to use V1 and V2 with low noise and/or “low microphonics”. Because the
amplifier has high sensiti ity, hums may appear when all the knobs are set “to the right” position
and the amplifier is on the distorted channel.
Page 14

HOW TO USE THE AMPLIFIER IN ORDER TO PROLONG TUBES’ LIFE-SPAN
1). The amplifier should always be switched on in the following way: first turn Power on and wait
for 1 minute. Then, you can turn the Standby. Switching the amplifier off is the other way
around – first turn Standby off, then wait 1 minute, then you can turn power off.
2). Always use a matched quartet of power tubes, from Laboga or renowned producers.
3). Before transporting the amplifier, wait for the amplifier, especially for the tubes, to cool down.
4). When you don’t use the amplifier, it is ad isable to regulate Standby to position “0”
5). An excessi e amount of dust on the tubes may decrease heat distribution of the tubes, which
could shorten tubes’ life-span. Use an original Laboga co er or hard case to pre ent damage
and dust.
TECHNICAL DATA
INPUTS:
•Guitar input sensiti ity:: -10 dBV
•Maximum signal le el: +4 dBV
•Input impedance: 1 MΩ
OUTPUTS:
•Power output impedance:
- 4 Ω output impedance
- 8 Ω output impedance
- 16Ω output impedance
•Output power: 50 W
•Balanced line signal le el output: -3 dBV
EFFECTS LOOP:
•Effects Loop Send output le el: 0 dBV
•Effects Loop Send output impedance: 100 Ω
•Effects Loop Return output le el: 0 dBV
•Effects Loop Return output impedance: 470 kΩ
TUBES:
•Preamp section: two 12AX7
•Power section: four EL84M
POWER SUPLY:
•230V AC / 50Hz – mains fuse: SloBlo T1,25A/250V
•110V AC / 60Hz – mains fuse: SloBlo T2,5A/250V
Maximum power consumption: 184 VA
CASE:
Alligator AD5200
•Dimensions: 670 x 275 x 250
•Weight: 21 kg
Alligator AD5201
•Dimensions: 490 x 270 x 450
•Weight: 29 kg
Alligator AD5202
•Dimensions: 670 x 278 x 515
•Weight: 37 kg
Page 15

TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM RECOMMENDED INTERVENTION
The amplifier doesn’t play,
LED diodes aren’t lit, control
light isn’t lit.
Check if the main fuse isn’t blown or if the power supply cord isn’t
broken (use another). If it still doesn’t help, contact Laboga ser ice
personnel or any Laboga retailer.
There is smoke coming out of
the amplifier.
Immediately unplug the amplifier from the mains outlet and
contact authorized Laboga ser ice personnel or any Laboga retailer.
Don’t repair it yourself.
The amplifier doesn’t play, but
LED diodes are lit.
Check if guitar cable is connected and if guitar cabinet works
properly. Then, check if guitar’s olume potentiometer, Master or
other potentiometers ha ing influence on amplifier’s olume, aren’t
mute.
If the abo e mentioned hints fail, unplug the amplifier from main
outlet, wait at least 1 minute and check if anode fuse isn’t blown. If
the fuse is blown, change it for a new one, turn the amplifier on
again and obser e the tubes for any unusual signs. If, after you
the change it, it blows again, contact authorized Laboga ser ice or
any Laboga retailer.
If the fuse wasn’t blown, put guitar cable to the Return socket at
the back of the amplifier and check if you can hear the guitar:
•If you do, check if any of preamp tubes aren’t broken by
swapping them. If there is still no result, contact authorized
Laboga ser ice or any Laboga retailer.
•If you can’t hear the guitar, contact authorized Laboga
ser ice or any Laboga retailer.
Clean channel works, but the
distorted channel is mute.
Check if Lead Gain or Lead Volume isn’t mute. If not, unplug the
amplifier from the mains electric supply, wait for the tubes to cool
down, unscrew rear grate and change V2. If there are no results,
contact authorized Laboga ser ice or any Laboga retailer.
The amplifier makes hum
e en after turning Master
down.
Check if the outer metal co er in any of the power tubes is glowing
red (it is usually grey). If yes, immediately turn the amplifier off
and contact authorized Laboga ser ice or any Laboga retailer.
Page 16

While playing there are weird
sounds – crackle, or the
sounds anish completely
Check if the power cable is inserted properly and if it isn’t falling
out of the socket. Additionally, check the quality of the speaker’s
cable – if it isn’t damaged and if the cable has the proper diameter.
The amplifier gi es
uncontrollable weird, loud
sounds e en if guitar is
unplugged.
Obser e if it happens on both channels (this information can be
crucial while consulting the ser ice department). Unplug the guitar
and switch to the distorted channel – watch if sounds cease when
you mute ead Gain:
•If yes, unplug the amplifier from the main power supply, wait
for the tubes to cool down, unscrew the rear grate and change
V1 for any other tube. If the problem disappears, keep such
tube configuration.
•If sounds don’t fade, turn the ead Volume down and check if
sounds disappear. If yes, unplug the amplifier from the mains
electric power, wait for the tubes to cool down, unscrew the
rear grate and change V2 for V3 or V4. If it doesn’t, turn the
Master down. It could happen that sounds won’t stop e en after
turning the Master down - then contact authorized Laboga
ser ice and tell about your obser ations
Footswitch won’t change
channels
Unplug the cable from the Footswitch and try to change channels;
•If channels can be changed, then plug in another footswitch
cable to the amplifier. It should be a “stereo” cable. You can
also plug in a “mono” cable, but the Master in the footswitch
will not be acti e and only Master 2 will work.
If that doesn’t help, contact authorized Laboga ser ice or any
Laboga retailer.
Page 17

WIRING AMPLIFIER TO SPAKER CABINETS
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 LABOGA
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