Laboga The Beast 30W Plus - head User manual

Hand made, 30/15 Watt,
Tube Guitar Amplifier
Models:
The Beast 30W Plus - head
The Beast 30W Plus – ombo
Ver. 1.0
USER'S MANUAL

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
Congratulations on purchasing a tube guitar amplifier and joining Laboga
Family. Thank you for your trust. The Alligator belongs to the world’s top tube
constructions. It is designed with o er 35-years of experience in creating and
ser icing top quality equipment. Wide ariety of tones possible to gain with this
amp allows each indi idual to find their own sound and will ensure long hours of
creati e 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 – on page 4 and 5. Keep these instructions for the
future.
Page 2

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
AMPLIFIER FEATURES.........................................................................................3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.......................................................................................4
TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE....................................................................5
FRONT PANEL....................................................................................................6
REAR PANEL......................................................................................................8
TUBES.............................................................................................................10
TECHNICAL DATA..............................................................................................11
TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................................................................13
CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................15
AMPLIFIER FEATURES
- power capacity: 30 and 15 W,
- power tubes: 4 × EL84,
- full tube preamplifier using 2 × 12AX7,
- three channels – clean, crunch and dri e (high gain),
- effects loop with le el switch (+4dB/-10dB),
- headphones output with speaker emulation – Mark II,
- built-in Di-Box with speaker emulation - balanced line out XLR,
- silent recording (built-in fake speaker load),
- olume control: olume on clean channel, gain on high-gain channel, master olume,
- separate tone controls for both channels,
- footswitch socket for channel switching,
- speaker Celestion Se enty80 (combo only),
- speaker outputs: 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω.
Page 3

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
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 and do not put it in an unstable place.
ATTENTION !!!
To a oid electrical shock ne er open the amplifier’s co er. In case of failure, refer ser icing to
qualified personnel.
Do not use the amplifier in humid and dusty places.
Amplifier produces high olume le els. Staying in places of high olume le els could cause
permanent hearing loss.
do not install the apparatus near any heat sources and do not co er the back side of the
amplifier, let the airflow cool the amplifier.
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 operate the amplifier through the unearthed mains socket.
Tubes or metal chassis can 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 rate.
Replace power tubes with well matched quartet.
!! Keep this inst uction fo the futu e use !!
Page 4

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
TECHNICAL HINTS, PROPER USAGE
•Do not use the amplifier, before connecting it to the correct cabinet, or using built-in fake
load (Speaker Off mode at the back panel).
•After switching Power On, wait about 30-60 seconds on Standby (“0”) until tubes get heated.
When turning the amplifier off, first switch to Standby and wait about 5 seconds.
•Switch the amplifier off before any cable change, except guitar cable.
•Use the 15W mode when playing at low olumes or using only headphones to keep the amp
cool.
•In order to ensure proper air circulation, do not block back side of the amplifier or any of the
entilation openings.
•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. Partyzantów 35/2
51-675 Wrocław, Polska
[email protected]
www.LabogaAmps.com
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 © 2012 LABOGA
Page 5

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
FRONT PANEL
Combo ve sion :
Head ve sion:
1. Input
Input jack socket (TS 6,3” jack) to
connect the guitar to the amplifier.
2. Clean Gain
Sensiti ity of the clean and crunch
channel. Since the same knob works
for both channels, the olume of each
one has been set separately to
compensate the difference between
them. Though, it's possible to change
the olume balance mo ing the knob –
it maximum setting the clean channel
might be louder then crunch and the
other way around.
HINT: To set correct olume balance
between clean and crunch, switch
between them and turn the knob until
reaching the expected balance.
3. C unch switch
It allows to switch between clean or
crunch channel.
Both channels share the same knobs:
Gain and Character. When the amp is
switched to the dri e channel, then
pressing this button changes the
Clean/Crunch channel only in
background and the amp stays on the
Dri e.
It works only when the Jack is
unplugged from the Footswitch socket.
When pressed the dri e channel is on –
then the red light is on.
4. Cha acte
This knob is a unique ersion of tone
control. It is like a 3-band stack in one
knob, so it works as a “tone selector”.
Each “Character” setting, from “0” to
“10”, represents different setup of
Bass, Middle and Treble knobs.
So, In e ery position of the knob, a
different tone is obtained - not the
same as the regular guitar “tone”
regulator, which only cuts treble.
E erything works only for the clean
channel.
HINT: Mo e the knob from “0” to “10”
and find your best setting. Don't be
afraid of settings close to “0”.
Page 6

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
5. D ive Gain
Gain control for the distorted channel.
With a little alue you can obtain fuzz
effect or soft o erdri e. By turning the
gain right, distortion is rising until
reaching the high gain. Note that for
guitars with Humbucker pick-ups or any
high output signal pick-up, it is
possible, that turning the knob to the
right, does not make more distortion,
but more noise. It is designed that way,
to allow low signal guitars also to reach
a high-gain.
HINT: To find the best olume balance
between channels, use Clean Gain
knob; in lower Drive Gain settings, it's
better to work in lower Clean Gain
settings and the other way around.
6. Channel selection
It allows to change between clean-
crunch or dri e.
It works only when the Jack is
unplugged from the Footswitch socket.
When pressed the dri e channel is on –
then the red light is on.
7. Bass
Adjusts the low-frequency for Dri e
channel only
8. Mid. Switch
It changes the frequencies of the EQ
stack. Although it affect mostly middle
frequencies, it changes a bit also a
bottom and high. It works then as it
would be two different EQ circuits, but
switchable.
9. T eble
Adjusts the high-frequency tone for
Dri e channel only.
HINT: Set all EQ potentiometers in a
12.00 o’clock position, then adjust
them indi idually to get the best tone.
Remember, that the frequencies of
each controller are related to each
other, the change of one influences the
other.
10. Maste Volume
Master olume control.
HINT: Apart from controlling the
olume, it influences saturation of the
power tubes. Maximum setting force
power tubes to work at saturation and
therefore a power section distortion
appear.
11. Stand By / Powe selecto switch
In the middle position (“0”), the
amplifier is at standby. Switching to
any other position, sends the plate
oltage to the tubes – in these
positions the amplifier plays.
To work in 30W mode, switch to “I”.
To work in 15W mode, switch to “II”.
IMPORTANT: Before turning the amp
in, you should check, if switch is in the
“0” position. Then wait about 1 min.
before switching to either “I”, or “II”
mode.
HINT: Both settings makes the circuit
working with different plate oltages –
the 15W mode - with lower oltage.
Therefore if you normally operate at
low olumes, or use just headphones
use the 15W mode to prolong longer
life span.
12. Powe switch
The switch turns the mains power
supply on and off. The amplifier is off
when the switch is in position “0” –
then the red indicator lamp is not
illuminated.
The amplifier is on when the switch is
in position “I” – the switch is
illuminated in red.
IMPORTANT: Before turning the
amplifier on, always make sure that
the Standby switch is in position “0” –
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,
afterwords you can turn the Power off.
Page 7

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
REAR PANEL
Combo:
Head:
1. Main fuse integ ated with mains
powe supply socket
Slo-Blo fuse T1,25A is in
the case, integrated with
power supply socket.
There is one spare fuse
included.
HINT: Take out the
power cord during a
storm or when unused.
HINT: While changing the fuse, make
sure the blades of the fuse socket are
properly installed.
ATTENTION! Before you change
the fuse, always unplug the
amplifier from the power outlet.
ATTENTION! Always change the
fuse for one of the same alue.
2. Socket double button footswitch
TRS jack socket, which controls the
channel switching. Use a double button
footswitch with ”stereo” cable – check
description on front panel Channel and
Crunch for more details. Inserting a
plug into this socket, brakes internal
connection in the amplifier, which
bypasses the front-panel channel
switches.
3. Retu n socket
Effects loop return socket with
switchable le el. Plugging any jack in
the socket, brakes the amplifier's
internal connection between preamp
and power amp. Therefore it can be
used also as a power amp input with
line le el (+4dB) or instrument le el (-
10dB) signal, so you can plug here the
alternati e preamplifier, including a
simple stomp box.
4. Effects loop level switch
It switches the signal le el in the
effects loop between -10dB (instrument
le el) and +4dB (pro line le el).
5. Send socket
Effects loop send socket with
switchable le el. Plugging any jack in
the socket, brakes the amplifier's
internal connection between preamp
and power amp. Therefore it can be
used also as a power amp input with
line le el (+4dB) or instrument le el (-
10dB) signal, so you can plug here the
Page 8
Spae fuse
Main fuse

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
alternati e preamplifier, including a
simple stomp box.
6. Powe output socket fo a 4 ohm
impedance cabinet
7. Powe output socket fo an 8 ohm
impedance cabinet
8. Powe output socket fo a 16 ohm
impedance cabinet
E ery tube amplifier needs to work with
a load, so it's not allowed to play
without speaker or any dummy load
connected – read about Speaker switch
below.
ATTENTION! There must be always
some load connected to the amplifier
- a speaker or internal dummy load.
Before turning the amplifier on, make
sure the cabinet is connected to the
appropriate power output socket, or
the Speaker switch is at “OFF”.
ATTENTION! Do not connect the
cabinets with different impedance at
the same time.
9. Phones socket
The output 6,3” jack socket, with
second generation speaker simulation
for connecting headphones. It allows to
play silent without speaker connected.
The signal at Phones is taken from the
speaker output, after power tubes and
the output transformer. Therefore it
consist all good, that tube power
amplifier ha e. The signal is then
modified in the guitar speaker
emulator, to reach the similar tone to a
guitar cabinet.
Phones output is always acti e. This
allows to play at home silent, using just
headphones, but it's necessary to turn
the Speaker switch to “OFF”, to apply
the internal dummy load, e en if no
speaker is connected. It also allows to
use monitoring headphones, when the
speaker is connected and the Speaker
switch at “ON”.
Headphones olume is controlled by
Master Volume knob at the front panel.
Note: the simulation tone character
might sound different on arious
headphones due to their different
frequency response.
HINT: To get the best tone, use high
impedance professional headphones.
ATTENTION! To play silent using
just headphones, always turn the
Speaker switch to “OFF”.
10. Balanced line output XLR socket
Balanced line output with built-in Di-
Box, with separating transformer, which
reduces buzz and hum from ground
loops, while connecting to mixing
consoles and home recording systems
or other de ices.
Although it's separated from the
Phones output, it also takes signal from
power tubes, after the output
transformer and then the signal is
modified in the same guitar speaker
emulation, as the Phones output.
The output is always acti e, no matter
if the Speaker switch is at “ON” or
“OFF”.
11. Speake switch
Switch connects or disconnects speaker
outputs.
Position ON: If the switch is at “On”,
then the signal goes to speaker output
sockets and the internal speaker works
(if connected), or any other cabinet
connected instead. Note: Use only one
output at the same time.
Position OFF: When the switch is at
“OFF”, the signal goes to the built-in
dummy load, so the tubes work
properly – as they were connected to
the speaker. Then, no sound comes
from any speaker connected.
Page 9

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
TUBES
Tube placement in the chassis
V1 – 12AX7 preamp tube. It's the ery first tube stages of the preamplifier. Therefore it might
produce an effect called microphonic. It's a normal effect arying on the tube. First half of this
tube works only for dri e channel and the second one works for both.
V2 – 12AX7 preamp tube. It's next stage of the preamplifier. First half of this tube amplifies the
signal, adding quite a bit of distortion, but only for the dri e channel and the second half is the
in erter. Between those two stages the Effects Loop is located.
V3 ÷ V6 – EL84M power pentodes working in push-pull circuit. They work with self biasing, so it's
not possible to adjust it after tube replacing. All four power tubes work, no matter which
output power mode is chosen, because lower output power is achie ed by reducing supply
oltages.
Replacing tubes in the head ersion, is rather not possible without taking the chassis out of the
housing. You need then to unscrew four screws, take the chassis out a bit and then unplug the wire
connecting screen on the housing with the chassis – the connecto is inside the chassis.
Preamp tubes are co ered with metal shield. To take it of you need to twist it until it will pop out.
Power tubes are holed just by spring retainers.
Page 10

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
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
- 16 Ω output impedance
•Output power: 30 W / 15 W
EFFECTS LOOP:
•Effects Loop Send output le el: -10 dBV / +4dBV
•Effects Loop Send output impedance: 100 Ω
•Effects Loop Return output le el: -10 dBV / +4dBV
•Effects Loop Return output impedance: 47 kΩ
TUBES:
•Preamp section: two 12AX7
•Power section: four EL84M
POWER SUPLY:
•230V AC / 50Hz – mains fuse: Slo-Blo T1,25A/250V
•110V AC / 60Hz – mains fuse: Slo-Blo T2,5A/250V
Maximum power consumption: 100 VA
HOUSING:
The Beast 30 Plus head
•Dimensions (width x depth x height): 450 x 225 x 200 [mm]
•Weight: 10,5 kg
The Beast 30 Plus combo
•Dimensions (width x depth x height): 460 x 235 x 440 [mm]
•Weight: 15,5 kg
Page 11

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
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
Laboga ser ice personnel or any Laboga retailer. Don’t repair it
yourself.
The amplifier doesn’t play,
but LED diodes lit.
First check if the speaker switch is at “ON”. Then 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, are not turned down.
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 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:
5). 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.
6). If you can’t hear the guitar, contact Laboga ser ice or any
Laboga retailer.
Clean channel works, but
the distorted channel is
mute.
Check if any Drive Gain or olume knob isn’t turned down. If not,
unplug the amplifier from the mains electric supply, wait for the
tubes to cool down, unscrew rear grate and replace the V1. If there
are no results, contact 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 gray). If yes, immediately turn the amplifier off and
contact Laboga ser ice or any Laboga retailer.
Page 12

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
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. Plug a
short instrument cable from Send to Return in the Effects Loop. Pop
the tubes using some stick or pencil to check whether it's a “tube
problem”.
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
important while consulting the ser ice department). Unplug the
guitar and switch to the distorted channel – watch if sounds
disappear when you turn down the Drive Gain:
•If yes, unplug the amplifier from the main power supply, wait for
the tubes to cool down, replace the V1 with V2. If the problem
disappears, keep such tube configuration.
•If not, turn the Master Volume down and check if sounds
disappear. If yes, unplug the amplifier from the mains electric
power, wait for the tubes to cool down and replace V2. It could
happen, that sounds won’t stop e en if the Master is turned
down - then contact Laboga ser ice and tell your obser ations.
Footswitch won’t change
channels
Unplug the cable from the ootswitch 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 Crunch in the footswitch will
not be acti e and only clean-dri e will work.
If that doesn’t help, contact authorized Laboga ser ice or any
Laboga retailer.
Page 13

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
CONNECTIONS
Page 14

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
Page 15

LABOGA – The Beast 30 Plus
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 LABOGA
Page 16