RedPlate RedStar User manual

RedPlate RedStar Operations Guide
1
RedStar
Operations Manual
Welcome to the RedPlate Family, thank you for your purchase of a RedPlate RedStar
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 RedStar models produced after 08/01/2012.
Signal Path Block Diagram:
FRONT PANEL:
Input Jack –Typical High impedance input to the amplifier. Designed to be “Pedal Friendly”.
PREAMP SECTION
The HI GAIN Preamp Section is a variation of the popular Hi Gain American Style preamp with
even higher gain and sustain.
1. The combination of Volume and Gain lets you adjust the character of the channel at various
volume levels for consistency of tone and character in both small and large venue sizes.
2. The BYPASS feature of the Bass control bypasses the tone controls for even more “Girth”.
Volume –Sets the overall volume of the HI GAIN channel.
Gain –This control sets the amount of break up character you desire in your tone. Typical
setting is around noon but experimentation is encouraged.

RedPlate RedStar Operations Guide
2
Treble Control –Adjusts the balance of high and low frequencies.
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 (Tone Controls are Bypassed).
MASTER SECTION
Presence Control –The presence circuit uses global negative feedback to remove low
frequencies which frees up bandwidth for more midrange and highs. 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 2 o’clock.
REAR PANEL SECTION
IEC Module –contains the main power switch, power cord inlet connector and the fuse drawer
which doubles as the voltage selector on export models. To access the fuse(s) use a small flat
blade screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the power cord inlet connector, the drawer snaps
out in a rearward direction. The RedStar can accept both the larger (3AG footprint) or smaller
European (5mm X 20mm) fuses. A time delay variety (SLO-BLO) is recommended. When the
export version becomes available, the fuse drawer can be rotated for voltage selection, make sure
the correct value fuse is located on the same side of the fuse drawer as the desired selection
arrow. Line up the appropriate arrow on the fuse drawer with the arrow on the bottom right of the
module for the proper VAC selection.
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).
100 WATT / 50 WATT Switch –This switch changes the output tube by lifting the center pair of
output tubes (V8 & V9) enough to be irrelevant. The impedance selector does not have to be
changed in 50 watt mode.

RedPlate RedStar Operations Guide
3
Bias adjustment and bias test point –Allows external access for bias adjustment (see bias
procedure in the Maintenance section).
LINE OUT –A line level signal jack derived from the speaker output which contains the whole
tone of the amplifier.
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.
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.
POWER ON/OFF PROCEDURE
1. Check the Standby switch to make sure it is toggled downward for Standby operation.
2. Toggle the main power switch to the up position (this switch is located at the top of the IEC
input module). The front panel pilot light should be lit.
3. Wait one minute and then toggle the 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 RedStar 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 LAYOUT
All tube brands are acceptable, a long plate is preferred in the V6 (Phase Inverter) position.

RedPlate RedStar Operations Guide
4
Warning –No user serviceable parts inside so unless you know what you’re
doing please refer to a qualified service person only.
BIAS PROCEDURE
1. When new 6L6 GC output tubes are installed it is important to re-bias the amp for optimal
performance.
2. ALWAYS HAVE A SPEAKER CONNECTED.
3. Use a digital volt meter set to DC volts at lowest scale (MV). Makes sure the black lead is
the common terminal of the meter and the red lead is the DC voltage terminal of the meter.
4. Place the Amplifier in operate mode with the Master Volume set to zero.
5. Set the 100 WATT/ 50 WATT switch to the 100 WATT position.
6. Place the red meter lead in the test point hole (red tip jack) and touch (or clip) the black
meter lead on one of the metal output tube retainer clips.
7. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to adjust the bias pot for the bias number as stated on
the rear panel ( ± 5 MV). The reading is the sum of the idle current for all 4 tubes.
8. Recheck the reading after 10 minutes of operation, and again after a week or two of
operation.
INTERNAL TRIM POTS
The RedStar has 1 internal trim pot:
1. PI Balance –Useful for working with unmatched 12AX7 tubes in the phase inverter
position. Refer to qualified personnel for proper setting.
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