Surprise sound SE-120 User manual
SE-120 TM
Owner’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Description
The SE-120 is a guitar speaker emulator and load box. The input is
connected to the speaker output of a guitar amplifier, and the outputs
are line or mic level filtered or unfiltered signals. The filtered output
emulates the sound of a close-miced guitar speaker cab. There is an
internal dummy speaker load for amplifiers rated at up to 120 watts
and a THRU jack to connect speakers or dummy loads instead of
using the internal load.
Inputs and Outputs (on back panel)
INPUTS: These ¼” mono jacks are used to connect to the speaker
output of a guitar amplifier. Use the correct jack based on the output
impedance of the amplifier (4, 8 or 16 ohms). A speaker cable must
be used for this connection.
THRU IN: This ¼” mono jack is used as the input from the amplifier’s
speaker out jack only when an external speaker or dummy load is
connected to the THRU OUT jack of the SE120. When a cable is
plugged into this jack the internal dummy load is disconnected. This
jack is not used if the internal dummy load is used.
THRU OUT: This ¼” mono jack is used to connect to a speaker or
dummy load. This jack is not used if the internal dummy load is used.
If the internal dummy load is used then nothing should be connected
to the THRU jack
UNFILTERED OUT: This ¼” mono jack is the line or microphone
level unbalanced and unfiltered output. If this output is used then
software or other hardware speaker emulation should be used.
FILTERED OUT: This ¼” mono jack is the line or microphone level
unbalanced and filtered output. If this output is used then software or
other hardware speaker emulation is not needed.
XLR: This jack is the line or microphone level balanced output. This
output can be used simultaneously with the other outputs. This output
can be switched between filtered, unfiltered and off (center position)
with the switch on the right side of the jack. The ground can be
floated using the switch on the left side of the jack.
Controls (on front panel)
UNFILTERED VOL: These controls set the volume of the unfiltered
outputs. The toggle switch sets the coarse volume range and the
knob provides fine volume control.
FILTERED VOL: These controls set the volume of the filtered
outputs. The toggle switch sets the coarse volume range and the
knob provides fine volume control.
BRIGHT: This knob is used to control the high frequency response of
the filtered outputs. Turning clockwise mimics the effects of moving a
microphone closer to the center of a speaker.
CAB: This 3-way toggle switch controls the low frequency response
of the filtered outputs. The 3 settings mimic different speaker cabinet
sizes.
Operating Instructions
Connect the speaker output of a guitar amplifier to the appropriate
input jack on the SE-120 using a speaker cable.
If you want to use the internal dummy speaker load, use one of the
4, 8 or 16 ohm input jacks
If you want to use a speaker cab, use the THRU IN jack. In this case
you must connect a speaker cab to the THRU OUT jack or
damage to the amplifier may result.
Connect one or more of the output jacks to a mixer, recording device
or computer. If using the FILTERED OUT ¼” jack it is recommended
to switch the XLR jack to the off setting (center position) by using the
toggle switch to the right of the XLR jack. This will improve the bass
response.
Set the output volume using the VOL controls. Set the volume as
high as possible without audible clipping.
Adjust the BRIGHT and CAB controls for the sound you want.
The SE-120 will become quite warm when using high power
amplifiers. Keep about 1” of clearance above and 0.5” below the unit.
Keep in mind that running amplifiers at maximum power will shorten
the life of the output tubes.
Operating Tips
It is a common practice to use a microphone very close to a speaker
cab for live performance or recording. This technique eliminates
bleed-through from other instruments and also eliminates room
reverberation for a more consistent sound. The result is a dry mono
sound that is a little bass-shy due to the lack of floor/room bass
reinforcement. EQ and stereo reverb are typically used to produce a
sound more like a live performance.
The SE-120 emulates the sound of a close-miced speaker cab, with all
of the advantages and some of the limitations mentioned above.
Therefore, the SE-120’s output may sound dry and a little bass-shy
without enhancement. EQ and stereo reverb pedals or software
should be used to enhance the bass and add room reverberation.
Recorder,
Mixer or
Computer
Stereo
Reverb Delay SE120
OUT Amp
SPK
IN
4
8
16
Using the Internal Load
Delay SE120
OUT Amp
SPK
Using a Speaker Cab
Speaker
Cab
Stereo
Reverb
Recorder,
Mixer or
Computer
THRU
OUT
THRU
IN
Specifications
Input impedance
4, 8 16 ohm jacks 4, 8, 16 ohms
(reactive load)
THRU IN jack THRU OUT load
Output impedance
Unbalanced 2K ohms max
Balanced (XLR) 100 ohms
Maximum amplifier rating 120 watts
Warranty and Repair
The warranty period is 2 years. If during the first 2 years the
SE-120 needs repair, Surprise Sound Lab will repair or replace
it at no charge. The owner will be responsible for shipping
charges. Any problems due to misuse, abuse or modification
will not be covered under the warranty. Any repairs outside of
the warranty will be performed by Surprise Sound Lab for a
for any repair requests.
