ORANGE DUAL DARK Series User manual

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
DUAL DARK Series

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
THANK YOU!
Thank you for choosing Orange. You are now a member of the ‘Legendary
British Guitar Amplifier’ owners club!
Since 1968 when the company was founded, Orange has been a
pioneering force in the guitar amplification industry. Today, with a team
of the world’s finest amplifier engineers, Orange continues to push back
the boundaries of conventional valve amplifier design.
Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality control has allowed our
amplifiers to stand the test of time, giving their owners as much pleasure
now, as the day they were bought. To maintain this level of excellence, each Orange amplifier is put through
many rigorous test procedures before leaving the factory.
The warmth, tonal quality and rich harmonics generated by a valve amplifier cannot be reproduced by
‘artificial’ means. Many guitarists have reached the same conclusion: neither the transistor nor microchip is a
suitable alternative to valve technology.
This booklet contains valuable technical and safety information Please take the time to read this manual as the
information may enhance the sound and performance of your amplifier. We are confident that you will be
delighted with your new purchase and that it will provide you with many years of enjoyment.

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
CONTENTS
CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................................................................... 4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION....................................................................................................... 5
EMI.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
BEFORE USING YOUR AMPLIFIER............................................................................................................ 7
FRONT PANEL FEATURES ........................................................................................................................ 8
REAR PANEL FEATURES......................................................................................................................... 10
VALVES AND FUSES CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME!........................................................................................ 11
FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER .....................................................................................................11
The contents of this owner’s manual may be subject to change without notice. The latest version is available for
download on the official Orange Amplification website: http://www.orangeamps.com/support/downloads/

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
CONTACT DETAILS
Global Headquarters
Orange Amplification
OMEC House
108 Ripon Way
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire
WD6 2JA
ENGLAND
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
Orange USA
Orange USA
1741 Wilwat Drive
Suite A1
Norcross
GA 30093
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons. 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
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle and "WARNING" are intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating instructions. Failure to heed the instructions
will result in severe injury or death.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near liquid.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions: (a) When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged; (b) If liquid has
been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product; (c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water; (d) 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; (e) if the
product has been dropped or damaged in any way; (f) 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 has used 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.
The voltage selector switch and mains fuse are factory set for the region in which
your amplifier is intended to be sold. Do not tamper with this switch without
express permission from Orange Music Electronic Company Ltd.
Connect the supplied mains cord to the AC Mains Input on the amplifier to your AC mains
wall outlet. This Class I electrical equipment must be earthed. The correct mains fuse
value for your region are displayed on the unit, close to the AC Mains Input. Replace
only with the same type and value. If the mains fuse repeatedly blows, contact your
Orange dealer.

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
EMI
To reduce the possibility of outside electrical interference during performance, operate your amplifier and
instrument away from appliances/equipment that generate high levels of electronic/electromagnetic noise. This may
include, but is not limited to: fluorescent lighting, refrigerators, motors, mobile phones, radios, computers etc.
BEFORE USING YOUR AMPLIFIER
Speakers
Always ensure the correct speaker load (Ω) is connected to the SPEAKER OUTPUT terminal(s) at all times during
operation. The speaker outputs are found on the rear of the amplifier. The minimum total load is 8Ω. Only connect
cabinets as described below.
1 x 16Ωcabinet –Use the 16Ωspeaker jack socket (Rear of chassis)
2 x 16Ωcabinets –Use both of the 8Ωspeaker jack sockets (Rear of chassis)
1 x 8Ωcabinet –Use either of the 8Ωspeaker jack sockets (Rear of chassis)
Note:
Never use instrument cable to make speaker connections.
Use only quality, unshielded speaker cable.
Speaker cabinets must have power handling at least equal to the amplifier’s rated output power.
Never use two cabinets of mismatched impedance (Ω).
Valves
To prolong the lifespan of the valves installed in the amplifier, when powering up, set the
FULL/STBY/HALF selector switch to the middle (STBY) position for approximately 2 minutes. This
places the amp in STBY mode (Startup Tension Bypass, historically known as ‘standby’ mode).
This allows the valves to reach the correct temperature. After 2 minutes, switch to either the
FULL or HALF position to begin playing.

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
FRONT PANEL FEATURES
(RIGHT TO LEFT)
Input Jack Socket
Plug your instrument into this jack socket.
Gain Control (Channel B)
This controls the gain level of Channel B.
Shape Control (Channel B)
This controls the frequency sweep on Channel B. It adjusts between all midrange (minimum setting) to all bass
and treble with no midrange (maximum setting).
Volume Control (Channel B)
This controls the output volume of Channel B.
Gain Control (Channel A)
This controls the gain level of Channel A.
Bass Control (Channel A)
This controls the bass response of Channel A.
Middle Control (Channel A)
This controls the midrange response of Channel A.
Treble Control (Channel A)

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
This controls the treble response of Channel A.
Volume Control (Channel A)
This controls the output volume of Channel A.
Attenuator Control
This controls the amount of attenuation for both channels. Turn clockwise to reduce the overall volume level.
This can be defeated using a latching footswitch for a volume boost.
Channel Switch
Use any latching footswitch to change channel using this socket. (Note –The front panel channel toggle switch
must be switched to Channel A for the footswitch to function.)
FULL/STBY/HALF Toggle Switch.
Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier. This turns on the operating voltages to the valves so that the amp is ready
to play when switched to either the ‘FULL’ or ‘HALF’ position. ‘FULL’or ‘HALF’refers to the output power mode.
Dual Dark 50: Full Power = 50 Watts. Half Power = 25 Watts.
Dual Dark 100: (see Rear Panel Features)
Mains Power Toggle Switch.
This turns on the mains power to the amplifier and allows the valves to warm up before use.
(Note –The Half/STBY/Full toggle switch should be in the ‘’STBY’ position while the valves are warming up.)

DUAL DARK SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
REAR PANEL FEATURES
SEND / RETURN (Effects Loop)
Use the ‘Send’ jack socket to connect to the input of time based effects pedals such as delay, chorus, etc. Use the
‘Return’ jack socket to connect to the effects pedal’s output.
FOOTSWITCH
CHANNEL: Use any latching footswitch to change channel remotely. Note –The front panel channel toggle switch
must be switched to Channel A for the Channel footswitch to function. ATTENUATOR: Use any latching
footswitch to defeat the Attenuator control. This works well as a volume boost where extra gain is not required.
Note: An Orange footswitch will illuminate when the boost is not engaged.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS (16Ω, 8Ω, 8Ω)
Please to refer to ‘Using Your Amplifier’.
HT FUSE
This fuse will blow in the event of an output valve failure. Only replace with the correct rating and type, as
printed on the amplifier, after having replaced the faulty valve(s). Bias adjustment should only be performed by
a qualified technician.
4 OUTPUT VALVES / 2 OUTPUT VALVES SELECTOR SWITCH
This switch works in conjunction with the FULL/STBY/HALF switch on the front panel. This allows for the
following output power modes:
Half Power/2 Output Valves = 30 Watts.
Full Power/2 Output Valves = 50 Watts.
Half Power/4 Output Valves = 70 Watts.
Full Power/4 Output Valves = 100 Watts.
DUAL DARK 100 Only

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OWNER’S MANUAL
VALVES AND FUSES CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME!
From time to time output and preamp valves may fail. The fuse on the rear labelled ‘HT FUSE’ will blow if any of
the power amp/output stage valves fail. This helps to protect the rest of the circuitry.
We suggest that output valves are changed at least once a year and that all class AB models (50 watts and above) will
benefit from having the bias checked and adjusted. Bias checking must be carried out by a qualified engineer.
Orange amps are protected from damage caused by valve failure and inconsistent mains voltage by various fuses.
We recommend that Orange users have a set of spare valves and fuses.
For more information on maintenance and for accessories and spares, please visit:
www.orangeamps.com
FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER
Orange amplifiers are under warranty for one year from the date of purchase, covering parts and labour, subject to
consumer protection laws in the country of purchase and distributor’s terms and conditions. An additional year can
be added free of charge by registering online.
Valves and speakers supplied with an Orange amp or purchased separately at our online store are covered for 90
days from the date of purchase.
The warranty status of any Orange product is subject to its being used for its intended purpose in suitable
conditions. As the manufacturer we reserve the right to refuse to warranty any Orange product which has been
misused in any way whatsoever.
REGISTER RIGHT NOW AT www.orangeamps.com