Sarno Music Solutions SMS Classic User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Rev. 2a – 07/12/14
SMSCTP-2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
2 Introduction
3 How It Works
4 WARNINGS
5 Tube Information / Specifications
6 Warranty
7 Service Information
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SMS Classic Tube Preamp.
The "Classic" is designed to be pure and simple. It is a boutique quality
preamplifier using the finest selected components for the ultimate pristine clean
tube tone. We use vintage style audio capacitors, boutique, audio-grade resistors,
and high performance components throughout. Operating the "SMS Classic"
requires very little explanation if you've ever used a guitar amplifier before. But
we'll hit each point briefly so you have a thorough understanding of it. The SMS
Classic is entirely hand built in the USA. Enjoy!

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HOW IT WORKS
INPUT jack - This is an instrument level input with a typical 1MegΩinput impedance. It should
comfortably handle most any guitar, steel guitar, bass guitar, or acoustic instrument levels.
GAIN - This knob controls the loudness, obviously. One thing to remember is that this preamp is very
much designed as a clean machine, and it is not meant to be cranked up and overdriven like other
preamps. So keep that in mind as you put the "Classic" to use.
Bright/Dark switch - The up or "bright" position is just like what you'd find on many classic tube
amplifiers. It adds those crispy highs up above 5kHz if your tone needs it. The middle position of the
switch is off or neutral. The down or "dark" position offers pretty much the opposite of what the "bright"
position does. It gently shaves off those crispy highs for an even warmer top end. If you use this preamp in
a direct (DI) situation, it can help tame those "tweetery" highs. Thru a normal guitar type speaker, the
"dark" position is not very noticeable.
TREBLE - Yup, it controls the amount of treble.
MID - The midrange control on this preamp is a cut-only function. Cranking the "MID" knob will
approach a flat response but never boost mids. The voicing of this preamp will always tend to have some
degree of midrange dip, just like any classic guitar amp. Mid settings below 12-noon will have subtler
changes in the sound compared to settings past noon.
BASS - You guessed it. This knob controls the amount of bass frequencies in the sound.
REVERB - This knob controls the amount of reverb that gets blended in. The internal reverb is a high
quality 24bit "hall" type that has a realistic and natural sound that blends well with just about anything.
POWER - Up is on, down is off. The little blue light will tell you it's on. Remember that these are tubes,
and they typically take about 12 to 15 seconds to warm up and start working. It's recommended that you
generally leave the preamp on once it's on. Too much powering on and off can age the tubes prematurely.
Also since it's just a preamp, the unit consumes very little power and creates very little heat (unlike a tube
"power" amp), so don't be afraid to leave it on for many hours at a time if you know you'll be using it
frequently throughout the day or night. Don't leave it on 24/7, but you get the idea. If you're on set break
at a gig and want to mute your rig, just turn the gain down to zero instead of turning it off.
OUTPUT - On the back of the preamp there is an output jack. This jack is an unbalanced type output
which means you should use a simple guitar-type cord to make the connection. It's best to keep the length
of your cable run as short as possible. The output level from the preamp can be very high if you drive the
preamp hard enough, so keep that in mind when you connect the preamp to a power amplifier, a DI box,
an effects unit, a recording interface, or whatever.
OUTPUT PAD KNOB - Right next to the output jack on the rear of the preamp is the "pad" knob. By
the nature of this preamp circuit, the output level can be extremely hot. This knob helps to pad down the
output signal level to be more usable in most situations. Initially try your preamp with the front panel
"Gain" knob set around noon to 1 o'clock. Then use the rear "pad" knob to adjust the final output level to
best match your setup. You may find that the pad knob wants to be set down below noon, but feel free to
set it wherever it needs to be. This will optimize the "gain structure" as well as minimize noise.

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WARNINGS
The SMS Classic Tube Preamp contains lethal voltages. The raw supply has
over 300 volts present at a number of points on the circuit board. So if you ever decide to
have a qualified person open the unit to change or replace tubes, be absolutely sure that
the AC power is not connected to the preamp and that at least 2 minutes have passed to
allow for the voltage to dissipate before ever entering the unit. The tubes can be gently
wiggled into and out of their sockets fairly easily.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. No user
serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol with 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.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Before using your SMS Classic Tube Preamp, carefully read applicable
items of operating instructions and safety suggestions.
1. Obey all warnings on the SMS Classic Tube Preamp and in the SMS Classic Tube
Preamp Owner’s Manual.
2. Do not perform service operations beyond those described in this manual. In the
following circumstances, all repairs should be performed by qualified service personnel
only:
!Liquid is spilled into the unit
!An object falls into the unit
!The unit does not operate normally or changes in performance in a
significant way
!The unit is dropped or the enclosure is damaged
3. Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or
damage. Be sure to practice “safe listening

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TUBES
The SMS Classic Tube Preamp has two 12AX7 vacuum tubes inside of it. These are by
far the most commonly available vacuum tubes out there. Most any guitar shop will carry
this type of tube. If you want to tweak, you can try various brands, new and old, and even
a few variations of tube as long as they stay close to the 12AX7 type.
If you do order tubes from a tube dealer, do try to make sure they've been tested for low
microphonics. There are a ton of tubes out there to be had. Here are a few types that also
work well in the "Classic": 12AX7 (also called ECC83 or ECC803 in European
nomenclature), 5751, 12AT7, 12AY7, 7025, and 6681.
SPECIFICATIONS
Tubes (2 total): 12AX7 (TAD or Sino comes stock) or similar
Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Dimensions:
Width: 19” Standard rack mount width
Height: 1-3/4” Standard single space rack unit height (1 RU)
Depth: 7.5”
Fuse: Internal 1/2AMP Slo-Blo
Mains: Internally set for either 115VAC (North America) or 230VAC (across the pond
and down under)
Input Impedance: 1MegΩ
Output Impedance: 20kΩ(approx.)
Chassis: Anodized aluminum face, powder coated aluminum chassis
Power: Standard IEC AC power cable (SVT style recommended)
Reverb: 24bit “medium/large hall” algorithm – 2.6 second decay time

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WARRANTY
1. Sarno Music Solutions warrants the SMS Classic Tube Preamp™ as free from any
defects resulting from faulty materials or workmanship for a period of two (2) years from
the date of delivery; and ninety (90) days for the tubes. This warranty is in lieu of all
other warranties expressed or implied, and Sarno Music Solutions makes no further
warranties expressed or implied including, but not so limited, any warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Warranty does not cover: damage
caused by misuse, abuse, product modification, neglect, improper installation or
operation, attempted repair by unauthorized personnel, rental or any shipping damage.
2. The exclusive remedy in the event of defects in workmanship or material shall be the
repair or replacement of such components found to be defective after examination and
inspection by Sarno Music Solutions, or replacement of the SMS Classic Tube
Preamp™ whichever Sarno Music Solutions deems appropriate. Sarno Music Solutions
shall bear the cost of transport of defective merchandise under warranty conditions
ONLY. All shipping, risk of transport, and cost of repair and/or replacement work of the
SMS Classic Tube Preamp™ made AFTER the above stated warranty period shall
be the responsibility of the Buyer.
3. It is expressly agreed that the Buyer or User shall have no claim against Sarno Music
Solutions with respect to either personal injury or damage to property or loss of profit
resulting from any defect or for any consequential damages, such as, but not so limited,
loss of business opportunities, property or personal injury losses, etc. or for any indemnity,
implied or expressed, with respect to claims by third parties, And Buyer shall indemnify
Sarno Music Solutions against any and all claims by third parties against Sarno Music
Solutions resulting from the use of equipment and/or materials purchased hereunder or
from the use of any products made from or by said equipment or materials.
4. These Terms and conditions take precedent over all other terms and conditions,
warranty statements or policies.
5. All warranties apply only to Sarno Music Solutions products purchased
and used in the USA. Please keep the shipping box in a safe place for any potential future
needs.

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SERVICE INFORMATION
Service and repairs of Sarno Music Solutions, LLC products are to be performed only at
Sarno Music Solutions, LLC unless otherwise authorized in advance. Unauthorized
service, repair, or modification will void this warranty.
Return Authorization is required prior to sending products for repair. All items MUST
be shipped to Sarno Music Solutions, LLC prepaid, insured, and properly
packaged – unless otherwise authorized in advance. Always include a letter giving
complete details of the problem along with your name, phone number and/or e-mail
address where Sarno Music Solutions, LLC can contact you if necessary. Our address:
852 Atalanta Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119 or call 314-962-7220
OUT-OF-WARRANTY SERVICE
1Contact Sarno Music Solutions, LLC to obtain return authorization.
2 All items MUST be shipped to the above address prepaid, insured, and
properly packaged. Products arriving in a non-standard package, which appear
damaged, may be refused. Shipments received “freight-collect” will be
refused.
3 Product must be shipped to Sarno Music Solutions, LLC address with a letter
stating return shipping address and description of problem.
4 Your unit will receive quality service and will be returned transportation pre-paid.
Out-of-warranty billing will be determined by nature of required repairs.