RedPlate BlackVerb Jr User manual

RedPlate BlackVerb Jr Operations Guide
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BlackVerb Jr
Operations Manual
Welcome to the RedPlate Family, thank you for your purchase of a RedPlate BlackVerb Jr
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 BlackVerb Jr models produced after 011/01/2013.
Signal Path Block Diagram:
FRONT PANEL:
Input Jack –Typical High impedance input to the amplifier. Designed to be “Pedal Friendly” for
use with all your favorite pedal choices.
The Clean Preamp is designed to imitate (and surpass) all of the “classic” guitar amp preamps.
The BlackVerb Jr preamp gives the player the ability to do two unique things:
1. Shift the midrange center point frequency.
2. Do a full tone stack lift. (See Bass Control description).
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 Mode Switch is rotated to
position 6).
Middle Control –Controls the amount of Midrange frequencies, somewhat interactive with
the Bass Control.

RedPlate BlackVerb Jr Operations Guide
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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 a MidRange
Boost in position 6.
Reverb Control –Sets the amount of the reverberation effect. Can be rotated to zero where it
takes the reverb out of the circuit.
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 (and a more aggressive tone).
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):
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 right side of the power
cord inlet connector, the drawer snaps out in a rearward direction. The BVJRl uses the European
style (5mm X 20mm) fuses. A time delay variety (SLO-BLO) is recommended. A fuse in the range
of 2 to 3 Amps is fine for domestic use (110 –125 VAC) and 1.25 to 1.5 amps is fine for Export use
(220 –240 VAC).
Voltage Selector - The export models may have a rotary switch for voltage selection; make
sure the correct value is selected before applying power.
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.
Impedance Selector Ω- Set this to the total impedance of all attached speakers. When 6V6
tubes are used, set to the next lower number.
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.
Humbucker / Single coil Switch –Sets the amount of bass gain in the input stage, useful for
matching the amplifier to the guitar type.
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).

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2. Toggle the main power switch to the up position (this switch is located next to the power
cord inlet on the IEC module). The front panel pilot light should be lit.
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 BlackVerb Jr 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).
TUBE CHART

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All tube brands are acceptable, a long plate is preferred in the V3 (Phase Inverter) position.
This is a cathode biased amp so no biasing is needed or possible. 6V6 tubes can be used
instead of the 6L6 GC output tubes when less power output is desired. When 6V6 tubes are
used, set the impedance selector to the next lower number. Warning –No user
serviceable parts inside so unless you know what you’re doing please refer
to a qualified service person only.
INTERNAL TRIM POT
The BlackVerb Jr has an internal trim pot for PI Balance –Useful for working with unmatched
12AX7 tubes in the phase inverter position. Refer to qualified personnel for proper setting.
OTHER STUFF
40 Watts –6L6GC tubes, 18 Watts 6V6GT tubes
12” Combo 17” X 17” X 8” - Average weight 35 pounds
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
1812 W Cinnabar AVE
Phoenix AZ 85021
www.RedPlateAmps.com
email: [email protected]
Thanks again for joining the RedPlate Family –Henry