VVT AMPS Rick Derringer HyperDrive User manual

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Signature Amplifier
by
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps, Inc.
2580B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
When we began discussions with Rick about a signature amp, we were somewhat intimidated. How do you
build an amp for a guitar virtuoso and Rock ‘n Roll legend like Rick Derringer? He has played almost every
production and boutique amp under the sun. His musical style can shift from rock to blues to jazz to
contemporary Christian in a heartbeat. It seemed like a daunting task but we like a challenge. Rick already
owned a couple of our 6V6 based amps and seemed to like them a great deal. So, from a marketing
standpoint I tried to steer him toward our Earthquake 2.2 model. It’s small enough to fit under the seat on an
airplane, weighs in at 12 pounds, has great tone, and is exceptionally loud for 22 watts. I figured that we
could repackage that amp in a nice cabinet, add a footswitch for the preamp boost, put a Derringer logo on
the front, and we’re done. I’m seeing visions of magazine ads boasting about the great tone, with leaders
lines like, “Put a Derringer in your pocket!” and other corny stuff. But Rick said, “No, I want at least 50 watts
for live shows. The Earthquake 4.5 has possibilities but…” So, now I’m thinking where do we go from here?
We knew that Rick would not put his name on a repackaged vintage amp clone; any talented amp builder can
do that. And, we wanted to build Rick an amp that would be worthy of his signature. So, I told Rick about
another amp design that my business partner Tony and I had been working on for four years. It’s a high gain
design that we dubbed the Earthquake 9.1 Overdrive. But Rick said, “I don’t like high gain amps; they always
have this buzzy thing going on in the background.” When we heard that we just smiled. That was THE same
issue that we had with channel-switching-high-gain amps and was the reason that we started VVT Amps. At
this point I could write a book about Tony’s obsession with this amp but I’ll try not to digress too much. Once
we had the basic circuit design, Tony tweaked the amp with every imaginable circuit permutation and
component searching for THE TONE. I have to say that Tony has golden ears, is a fabulous guitarist, and his
stubbornness paid off. The bees buzzing in the background are gone; the overdrive tone is thick and rich with
lots of harmonic content, superb output tube compression, and the clean channel is oh so sweet. Then, I
asked Rick, “What if we could build an overdrive amp using four 6V6s without the buzz and a clean channel
that you could live on?” He said he would be interested in hearing that. So I built the prototype and Tony
tweaked it to perfection. We said a prayer, sent it to Rick for testing, and waited on his response. It was only
a week or so, but it seemed like a year, when Rick called and said, “This is it. I’m in the studio and this amp
rocks royally. But I want an access port for the overdrive tone stack. I want ivory tolex, a copper colored front
with hardwood accents, and I don’t use an effects loop.” The result is the Rick Derringer HyperDrive. It has
the best hand wound transformers by Mercury Magnetics and other components were selected for durability
and most of all TONE. This amp has the versatility of an SUV and will cover any genre of music. It’s
exceptionally sweet with almost any guitar: tele/strat single coils, P90s, or humbuckers. Toss your pedal
board but you may want to keep your tuner and wah. Am I bragging? You bet I am! I think we make the
best amps on the planet and the Rick Derringer HyperDrive is exceptional in the hands of a good guitarist.
Jim Hill
Chief Braggart and Go-fer
VVT Amps, Inc.

Important Information:
1. Please read all of the information contained in this document.
2. HUM - Some hum or amplified noise is normal. As the volume is increased some
amplified noise may be noticeable and will be more apparent in a quiet room.
Additionally, tubes have inherent noise as do resistors. However, excessive hum
(noise) can be caused by electronic devices such as neon signs, light dimmers,
fluorescent lights, aquariums, etc. located near the amp or your guitar. Hum can
vary with different outlets, rooms, buildings and guitar pickups.
3. Do not operate this amp without a speaker load
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
WARNING: This guitar amplifier contains lethal HIGH VOLTAGE. To avoid risk of injury or
death from electric shock, do not open the enclosure or remove the chassis from the
cabinet. Refer all service work to qualified personnel.
WARNING: This amplifier contains Vacuum Tubes. Vacuum tubes are heated to produce
electrical currents and they get HOT. Touching this surface could result in bodily injury. To
reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow the surface to cool before touching.
DO NOT touch or attempt to remove vacuum tubes until they have had time to cool.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: This amplifier should not be used near water (near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc).
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The amplifier should only be connected to a 120VAC household
power source.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization is not defeated. Do not remove the ground from the power cord.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
amplifier.
SERVICING: You should not attempt to service this amp beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: Your amplifier is equipped with a marked fuse receptacle, replace only with the
same type fuse.

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Congratulations and thank you for choosing the Rick Derringer Signature Amplifier! At VVT we I know you
are constantly searching for new sounds and new ways to improve your existing sound. We understand the
constantly evolving nature of artistic creativity and the search for the perfect sound to complement your ever-
widening musical vision. Providing the tools to help you to create your own sonic signature is our primary
mission.
As with all VVT amplifiers, the HyperDrive beautifully accentuates the inherent qualities of any instrument. It
breathes and dynamically responds to your playing technique exactly the way a great amplifier should. The
VVT Overdrive and HyperDrive models are all tube designs: no clipping diodes or transistors are used in any
part of the signal path. The preamp section has a broad dynamic range which accounts for its extra touch
sensitivity, tonal shaping characteristics, and excellent guitar volume control response. In addition, overdrive
voicing can easily be dialed up using the unique GAIN/LEVEL structure and can be tweaked to perfection on
the internal tone stack. The presence control adds dimension of an in your face sparkle to a smoother jazzy
tone. From there, the boost switch lifts the mid frequencies in the 500-1K Hz range. Just a little tweaking on
your guitar volume and tone controls will yield a surprising amount of control. All VVT Overdrive amps are
designed for big round tone and dynamic response at low to medium guitar volumes and provide a rapid but
smooth transition into saturation - turning rich and thick at full guitar volume. The combination of preamp
voicing and power amp response will enhance the unique character of any guitar and pick-up combination.
The specially designed, precision wound, power and output transformers from Mercury Magnetics produce
optimum performance, reliability, and stability delivering excellent power tube response and just the right
amount of natural output transformer saturation and compression.
Getting familiar with the HyperDrive is easy, so don’t be terribly surprised when you find yourself up and
running in no time; although, we highly recommend you spending some quality time with your amp due to it’s
chameleon like qualities. You may find yourself dialing in tones you thought might never be possible or find
some tones unique to your playing style. First hand experience and real world application will yield the
ultimate satisfaction of. Finding your own path of comprehension and self-expression can only be achieved by
mastering your instrument in combination with your new amp. This amp is not intended to make you play or
sound like Rick but we hope it will inspire you to develop your own signature tone.
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The input level of this amplifier determines how much drive and sustain your guitar will produce. Tonal
balance, which we refer to as VOICING, determines how your amp will respond to your playing style and how
it will sound with a particular guitar. Like all amplifiers, the Overdrive amps have tone and gain controls. But,
unlike any other amplifiers, the OD amps give you total control over VOICING and GAIN. This
VOLUME/GAIN/LEVEL/ MASTER VOLUME configuration is the key to dialing in great overdriven tone and
volume for your specific requirements.
The Volume control increases preamp gain as you rotate the knob clockwise. As the gain increases, the tonal
balance is shifted from treble and upper mid frequency emphasis which produce up front sparkling tone, to a
lower mid and bass emphasis, which produces a thick meaty tone. The VOLUME CONTROL AFFECTS
BOTH CLEAN AND OVERDRIVE CHANNELS. In order to achieve a smooth, saturated, overdrive tone the
VOLUME control needs to be set at least the 12 o’clock position.
The GAIN Control increases the gain in overdrive. As you rotate the knob clockwise you will notice an
increase in drive as well as a certain amount of compression, though the sonic qualities will shift as well, as
the gain increases the tone will become brighter with more bite.
The LEVEL controls the overall balance between the clean and overdrive channels, the tonal effects while
increasing the LEVEL provide a meatier fuller tone. This is where balancing both gain and level controls is key
to achieving the desired tone while at the same time keeping the amps volume at just the right level, different
combinations of Gain and Level settings, will have a dramatic effect on the response of the amplifier and the
personality of your instrument. It is easy to get familiar with the action of these controls and you’ll be amazed
with your ability to make any guitar sound mellow, fat, soulful or aggressive.

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FRONT PANEL, RIGHT TO LEFT:
1. INPUT - GUITAR INPUT. Plug in your guitar or stomp box here.
2. BOOST Switch – Turns the Mid Frequency boost on or off for the clean and overdrive channel.
3. OD Switch – Turns the Overdrive Channel on or off.
Note: The BOOST and OD Switches provide the same functions as the footswitch. Ifthese
switches are in the ON (UP) position the footswitch WILL NOT WORK. Likewise, if the footswitces
are ON the front panel switches WILL NOT WORK.
4. VOLUME – Sets the amount of drive for the clean and overdrive channels. This first gain control also
serves as a tone shaping control, counter-clockwise for crisp and articulate, clockwise for thick and
saturated.
5. MASTER VOLUME - Power amp output control – Loudness
6. EQUALIZATION SECTION – Passive / Interactive tone controls.
a. TREBLE – High frequency equalization.
b. MIDDLE – Mid frequency equalization.
c. BASS – Low frequency equalization.
7. GAIN – Sets the amount of drive for the OD channel only
8. LEVL – Sets the output level of the OD channel only
9. PRESENCE – High frequency variable feedback in power amp section.
10. STANDBY Switch - Turns ON/OFF DC voltage to the amp.
11. POWER INDICATOR LAMP – Lights when the POWER Switch is ON
12. POWER Switch – Turns AC power ON or OFF.
REAR PANEL, RIGHT TO LEFT:
1. AC MAINS INPUT – 120VAC 60Hz Power Inlet. Use only the factory supplied AC cord set or a UL
approved equivalent type.
2. AC Power FUSE – 2 Amp Slo-Blo Fuse – Only replace with same type and rating.
3. SPEAKER Jacks – 4, 8, 16 Ohm Outputs. Total speaker load impedance should not exceed
minimum or maximum ratings. Two 8 Ohm cabs = 4 Ohms, two 16 Ohm cabs = 8 Ohms. Use a
speaker cable to connect to your speaker cabinet. DO NOT use a guitar/audio cable; they cannot
handle the current necessary to drive your speakers and may damage the amplifier.
4. FOOTSWITCH Jack – 5 pin XLR jack. Plug the supplied footswitch in here.
FOOTSWITCH:
1. OD Switch – Turns the OD Channel ON or OFF
2. BOOST Switch – Turns the mid frequency boost ON or OFF
Note: The Front Panel BOOST and OD Switches must be in the OFF (DOWN) position to activate
the FOOTSWITCH. The LEDs on the FOOTSWITCH will light whenever the OD or BOOST functions
are active.

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Tube locations are indicated by the V (Valve) listing below. All tubes are factory selected for superior
performance, consistent tone quality, and reliability. While substituting other brands may not cause damage
to the amplifier this may affect amplifier performance in unpredictable ways. For best performance, replace
only with factory recommended tubes. Warning! Substituting other tube types is not recommended.
Warning! This amp operates with fixed bias. If the output tubes are changed, the bias MUST be set to
operate with the new tubes. Failure to properly set bias WILL affect tone, may ruin your new tubes, or
DAMAGE your amplifier. If you do not know how to adjust output tube bias please take your amp to a
qualified tube amp technician. We recommend setting the bias between 50% and 70% of maximum plate
dissipation by monitoring cathode current.
Factory recommended tubes are listed under each location. Numbering sequence is left to right looking at
back of amp starting with V1 to the far left side.
V1 (shielded tube) - JJ/Tesla ECC83S (12AX7), Clean Channel
V2 (shielded tube) - JJ/Tesla ECC83S (12AX7), OD Channel
V3 (shielded tube) - JJ/Tesla ECC83S (12AX7), Phase Inverter
V4-V7 – JJ/Tesla 6V6S – Output Power Tubes
USE ONLY JJ/TESLA 6V6S Output Tubes. Plate voltage in the Rick Derringer HyperDrive exceeds the
maximum design rating of NOS and other 6V6 tubes. THE OUTPUT TUBES ARE NOT
INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ANY OTHER TUBE TYPES!
A FEW SETTINGS TO GET STARTED
CLASSIC ROCK MODE
A good starting point for great 70’s/80s style Rock
JAZZ FUSION
A good starting point for a clean spanky tone to a thick fat Overdrive tone
HEAVY METAL
Enter Heavy Metal Land. Go from AC/DC type tones on the clean channel to an over the top feedback on demand tone.
Also great for you Eddie Van Halen type tones.

Earthquake Sample Setting diagrams & notes
(Make copies & use!)
Clean Channel
NOTES:
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OD Channel
NOTES:
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At VVT Amps every amp is thoroughly tested and adjusted for optimal tone. So, in normal operating
environments the internal tone stack should need no adjustment. However, we understand there are certain
circumstances where tone shaping is necessary. If so, please read the following instructions very carefully so
as to not damage the amplifier or more importantly yourself.
WARNING! - Please Read this Information Carefully:
Tube amplifiers use POTENTIALLY FATAL HIGH VOLTAGE AND CURRENT. If you are not familiar with
high voltage circuits, PLEASE DO NOT RISK YOUR LIFE BY ATTEMPTING THIS ADJUSTMENT. If you
are in any doubt as to your ability to complete this adjustment, please contact a qualified technician.
1. Place the amplifier on its side on a padded surface.
2. Remove the OD Tone Stack access cover on the bottom of the cabinet.
3. Use a flashlight or other lighting to locate the OD Tone Stack in the access port.
Before adjusting the OD tone
Make sure the amp is set with
the overdrive as well as in boost mode engaged, tweak the stack to your desired tone, making sure there is
no high pitched squealing or oscillation (We put the OD Tone Stack inside of the amp for good reason.)
After finding the tone you like, replace the access cover.
You will notice three trim pots located on the circuit
board. The tone controls are from left to right: Middle,
Bass, Treble. You will need small screwdriver with an
insulated handle. PLEASE NOTICE NOT TO TOUCH
ANY OTHER PART OF THE AMPLIFIER WHILE IT
IS ON OR OFF OTHER THAN THE ACTUAL TRIM
POTS THEMSELVES. THERE ARE LETHAL
VOLTAGES ON OTHER PARTS OF THE BOARD
THAT CAN KILL YOU. If you have any doubt as to
performing this adjustment, contact a qualified technician.

Keep the information on this page for your records.
MODEL
______________________
SERIAL NUMBER
______________________
OPTIONS INCLUDED
________________
________________
________________
PRODUCTION DATE
____/____/____
TESTED BY
______________
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps
2580B Old Washington Rd
Waldorf MD 20601
[phone]
www.vvtamps.com
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LIMITED WARRANTY
This amp is guaranteed against failure. Vacuum tubes are guaranteed for 90 DAYS from the
date of purchase. If a tube fails within the 90 day period, VVT Amps will replace the tube at
no charge. All other electronic components are guaranteed for FIVE YEARS. VVT Amps will
service your amplifier and supply all parts at no charge providing the unit is under warranty.
Any shipping costs associated with repairs are your responsibility. VVT Amps DOES NOT
PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICE OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL
SALES RECEIPT IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. VVT Amps assumes no
responsibility for external speakers or other equipment damaged by this guitar amplifier. This
warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters,
accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow
supplied instructions. Accidental damage to the amplifier, cabinet, or Tolex is not covered.
This WARRANTY does not apply to VVT amplifiers that have been tampered with, damaged
by shipping carriers, reverse engineered, or modified. This warranty is void if the amplifier is
used with power attenuator type devices (Power Soaks, Air Brakes, Hot Plates etc.). VVT
Amps, Inc. reserves the right to suspend or terminate the Warranty at our sole discretion,
should damage from any of the above limitations and or exclusions be detected upon
examination.This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No
representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for VVT Amps any liability in
connection with the sale or servicing of VVT Amp products. VVT Amps SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. If service is required you
may contact VVT Amps at 301-396-4100 or [email protected]. We will respond as soon
as possible and make arrangements to repair your amplifier. If your unit is out of warranty,
VVT Amps will repair your amplifier but you will be charged the current RATE for parts and
labor.

Specifications:
Model Name Rick Derringer HyperDrive – Signature Guitar Amplifier
Product Number 909991050
Model Number 07211951-0000
Series Signature Series
Type All Tube Amp
Audio Output 48 Watts into 8 ohms
Output Impedance 4, 8, 16 ohms
Speakers N/A
Channels Two Channels – Normal/Overdrive – One Input
Features 100% Handmade Amplifier
Voidless Plywood Cabinet,
Heavy Duty Handle,
Controls Front Panel: Right to Left
Input Jack,
Boost Switch, OD Switch,
Volume, Master Volume,
Tone Controls: Treble, Middle, Bass
Gain, Level,
Presence
Standby Switch
Power Indicator
Power Switch
Back Panel: Right to Left
AC Power Inlet
Fuse
Speaker Jacks
Footswitch Jacks
Covering Ivory or Black Textured Vinyl, Hardwood Accents
Weight
Dimensions Height:
Width:
Depth:
Tube Complement 4 X JJ 6V6S Output Tubes
2 X JJ ECC83S/12AX7 Preamp Tubes
1 X JJ ECC83S/12AX7 Phase Inverter
Accessories Footswitch – Included with amp P/N - RDHD0001
Options N/A
Introduced 4/2007
Notice Product Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change
Without Notice