RedPlate BlackLoop User manual

RedPlate BlackLoop Operations Guide
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BlackLoop
Operations Manual
Welcome to the RedPlate Family, thank you for your purchase of a RedPlate BlackLoop
amplifier. Please take a moment and review this manual for an understanding of all the
available features (or just put all the knobs at noon and play).
This Manual applies to BlackLoop models produced after 12/01/2011.
Signal Path Block Diagram:
FRONT PANEL:
Input Jack –Typical High impedance input to the amplifier. Designed to be “Pedal Friendly” in
the unlikely event you will ever use a pedal in front of the BlackLoop.
CLEAN PREAMP SECTION

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The Clean Preamp is designed to imitate (and surpass) all of the “classic” guitar amp preamps.
The BlackLoop Mode control gives the player the ability to shift midrange center point frequency.
Bright Switch –Center = OFF, Down = sound of new strings, Up = normal Bright response.
Volume –Typical setting is between 3 and 5 but experimentation is encouraged.
Treble Control - Adjusts highs (also upper midrange when the Mid Boost is engaged).
Middle Control –Controls the amount of Midrange frequencies, somewhat interactive with
the Bass Control.
Bass Control –Sets the amount of low end. Can be rotated to zero where it clicks off for a full
tone stack lift.
Mode Selector –A six position rotary switch, it steps through 5 progressively fatter positions of
the midrange center frequency and achieves maximum fat midrange by engaging Mid Boost in
position 6 (see the Other Features section of this manual for details).
DRIVE SECTION
The Drive section controls the amount of character to add to the clean tone. The section’s
range of effect can be just a hint of early break up or a full on aggressive heavy metal distortion.
Gain Control –Bypasses the section when rotated to zero, this control sets the amount of
signal for the first gain stage of the section. Low settings are smoother and higher settings are
more aggressive.
Drive Control –Sets the amount of distortion by controlling the level between the 2 gain
stages of the section. Pull this control to shift into more gain and girth for the distortion.

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Level Control –Sets the output volume of the section. Higher settings are “bigger” and more 3
dimensional. Pull this control to engage a high frequency roll off.
MASTER SECTION
Presence Control –The presence circuit uses global negative feedback to remove low
frequencies which frees up bandwidth for more midrange and highs. Think of it as a tone control to
balance the relationship between highs and lows, especially when the amplifier is naturally
producing increased low end at louder volumes. The control clicks off when rotated to zero for no
presence.
Master Volume –This is an active control and actually adds gain at the higher settings. The
cleanest tones are achieved at settings below 7.
Standby Switch –This switch allows the tubes to warm up before operating the amplifier. Wait
1 minute after power on to move it up to the operate position. For improved tube life and
performance do not leave the amplifier in Standby position for longer than 20 minutes (better to just
leave it in operate mode during performance intermissions).
REAR PANEL SECTION
Domestic (USA):
Rear Panel Export:
IEC Module –contains the main power switch, power cord inlet connector and the fuse drawer.
To access the fuse(s) use a small flat blade screwdriver in the notch at the side of the power cord
inlet connector, the drawer snaps out in a rearward direction. The BlackLoop uses the smaller
European (5mm X 20mm) sized fuses. A time delay variety (SLO-BLO) is recommended
Voltage Selector- (export version only) Rotate the selector switch for the proper VAC
selection. Make sure to use the correct fuse as noted on the rear panel.
HI/LO POWER Switch –(Domestic Version only) Changes the voltage on the power amp
input stage (Phase Inverter tube) so the amplifier breaks up sooner.
Impedance Selector Ω - Set this to the total impedance of all attached speakers. When 6V6
tubes are used, set to the next lower number.

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Speaker Jacks –The MAIN and EXT jacks are wired in parallel. The MAIN jack must be used
first because it has a protection device. ALWAYS HAVE A SPEAKER CONNECTED TO AVOID
PERMANENT AMPLIFIER AND OUTPUT TUBE DAMAGE.
LINE OUT –A line level signal jack derived from the speaker output which contains the whole
tone of the amplifier.
SEND and RETURN Jacks –The send jack connects to the input of an external effects device
and the return jack connects to the output of an external effects device. The return jack interrupts
the signal path so the external effects unit must mix the wet and dry signals.
Footswitch Jack - This is a standard 180 degree 5 pin DIN jack for footswitch connection. If a
replacement cable is needed, make sure all 5 wires are supported. The pinout is conveniently
located on the rear panel for use with automated switcher conversion boxes.
OTHER FEATURES
The BlackLoop comes complete with a 3 button footswitch and a footswitch cable. The cable
used is a regular MIDI cable and is readily available in any length at most music stores.
FOOTSWITCH
MID –Midrange Boost feature. When engaged, the size of the treble capacitor is increased to
allow for more upper midrange. The footswitch button does not work when position 6 of the rotary
MODE switch on the front panel is selected because it is a duplicate function.
DRIVE –Character Boost feature. When lit, the Drive section of the amplifier is active, not lit,
means the section is bypassed. The footswitch button does not work when the front panel Gain
control is rotated to zero because it is a duplicate function.
BOOST –Girth Boost feature. When lit, adds volume and tone by doing a partial tone stack lift.
The footswitch button does not have any effect when the front panel Bass control is rotated to zero
because it is a partial version of the same function.
POWER ON/OFF PROCEDURE
1. Check the front panel Standby switch to make sure it is toggled downward for Standby
operation (the Standby switch is located at the right side of the front panel next to the pilot
light).
2. Toggle the main power switch to the up position (this switch is located at the edge of the
IEC input module). The front panel pilot light should be lit.

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3. Wait one minute and then toggle the front panel Standby switch upwards to the Operate
position.
4. POWER OFF –Toggle the main power switch downward, there is no need to go into
standby first although it will not hurt anything.
MAINTENANCE SECTION
Your BlackLoop amp has been designed for years of trouble free operation. The vacuum tubes
will need to be replaced over time. We recommend new output tubes every 160 - 240 hours and
new preamp tubes every 320 - 480 hours.
The front and rear panels have a protective finish that can be easily scratched with abrasives
so always use a damp soft cloth to clean them (never use paper towels). The cabinetry can be
cleaned with our super secret tolex cleaner (on a paper towel - 2 squirts of WD-40 and 4 squirts
window cleaner), let your keyboard player try it on his plastic keys, it replicates the feel of a brand
new keyboard.
TUBE CHART
All tube brands are acceptable, a long plate is preferred in the V4 (Phase Inverter) position.
Warning –No user serviceable parts inside so unless you know what you’re
doing please refer to a qualified service person only.
BIAS PROCEDURE
The BlackLoop is a cathode biased amp so no biasing is required.
INTERNAL TRIM POT
The BlackLoop has 1 internal trim pot for the PI Balance –Useful for working with unmatched
12AX7 tubes in the phase inverter position. Refer to qualified personnel for proper setting.

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RedPlateAmps Warranty
At RedPlateAmps we pride ourselves making products that are built to last. The workmanship in
your RedPlate amplifier is warranted to be problem free for the lifetime of the original owner, or in
the event of resale a onetime transfer to a new owner for coverage for 3 years from the original
manufacture date (please inform us of an ownership change to insure coverage). The actual
electrical components in your amplifier are warranted for a period of 3 years. Exclusions are
vacuum tubes, reverb tanks, cables, speakers and cosmetics which are warranted for 30 days.
Improper handling or product misuse or product abuse or unauthorized repair work or
unauthorized modifications may nullify your warranty. Eligibility for coverage and covered items
are at the sole discretion of RedPlateAmps.
RedPlateAmps
www.RedPlateAmps.com
email: [email protected]
Thanks again for joining the RedPlate Family –Keith and Henry
FAVORITE SETTINGS
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Copy or print the next page to record your own favorites. Once you’ve zeroed in on your
signature setting please email the completed template to [e-mail] –we may
include your favorite in the online version of this manual.

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