Hughes & Kettner ATS 120 User Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of
your Hughes
& Kettner ATS 120!
The ATS 120 has been developed to combine optimum sound quality and flexibility with
simple, user-friendly operation.
The ATS 120‘s design makes the majority of functions self-explanatory. This user
manual is intended to give you an overview of all the possibilities and features of the
amplifier.
Enjoy your ATS
120!
Front panel control elements
(1) INPUTS: sockets for connecting your instrument cable.
Nowadays, many different electric guitars are available, ranging from the classic Strat
with its “single coil” pickups to modern designs incorporating very high power active
humbucking units. To ensure that all types of pickups can be ideally matched to the
preamp of the ATS 120, two inputs are provided with different sensitivity ratings.
LO: Input for guitars fitted with high output / active pickup systems.
HI: Input for guitars fitted with traditional passive pickup systems.
The ATS 120‘s three channels
The Hughes & Kettner ATS 120 offers three separate channels, each of which has it‘s
own distinctive sound characteristics. The individual channels offer a wide variety of
different sounds thanks to their independent GAIN / VOLUME controls and
equalisation sections.
Selecting a channel
Above the individual VOLUME or GAIN control of each channel (Clean - Volume,
Crunch
- Gain and Lead - Gain) there is a pushbutton which is used to activate it.
The active channel is indicated by an arrow-shaped LED. When using the CRUNCH
and LEAD channels, different
coloured LED arrows are used to indicate which GAIN
and MASTER controls are operational.

Hughes & Kettner ATS 120 Specifications

General

Type	Guitar Amplifier Head
Power Output	120 Watts
Channels	3 (Clean, Crunch, Lead)
Effects	Reverb
EQ	3-Band
Footswitch	Yes (Channel Switching)

Summary

Front Panel Control Elements

INPUTS

Sockets for connecting your instrument cable, with LO/HI sensitivity ratings for different pickups.

The ATS 120's Three Channels

Selecting a Channel

Describes how to activate channels using pushbuttons and identifies active channels via LEDs.

The ATS 120 Clean Channel

VOLUME

Determines the volume of the CLEAN channel; affects clipped rhythm sounds with different pickups.

BASS, MID, TREBLE

Three tone controls for generating various clean sounds; start from standard 12 o'clock setting.

BRIGHT

Provides additional boost to high, shimmering harmonics in the clean channel.

The ATS 120 Crunch Channel

CRUNCH GAIN

Determines input sensitivity for matching pickups; controls clean to overdrive sounds.

CRUNCH VOL.

Controls the CRUNCH channel's volume relative to other channels.

The ATS 120 Lead Channel

LEAD GAIN

Sets input sensitivity for fine-tuning distortion and compression on the LEAD channel.

LEAD FAT

Adds fullness and punch to the lead sound, especially for thin-sounding guitars.

LEAD VOL

Sets the LEAD channel's volume relation to other channels without altering sound character.

The Tube Channel's Equalisation Section

The Reverb, FX- and Master Section

REVERB

Controls the amount of tuned reverb for all three channels (Clean, Crunch, Lead).

FX-MIX

Determines relative volumes of original and external effect unit signals.

MASTER

Controls the overall volume of the ATS 120 amplifier.

MAINS

Power on/off switch; red LED indicates when the unit is switched on.

The Rear Panel on the ATS 120

MAINS LEAD SOCKET

Point for connecting the euro mains lead included with your amplifier.

FUSE

Safety holder for the mains fuse (AT 1250mA); can be removed for replacement.

VOLTAGE SELECTOR

Allows operation on 220 or 240 volt supply by rotating the insert in the fuse holder.

SPEAKERS

Sockets for connecting loudspeakers or cabinets; specifies minimum impedance requirements.

HEADPHONES

Socket for standard stereo headphones with tailored frequency response for practice.

POWER AMP IN AND LINE OUT

Sockets for preamplifier signal output or connecting external preamps/amps.

FX LOOP

Loop for external effects devices, with SEND/RETURN sockets and sensitivity adjustment.

FX-SELECT

Mini switches to allocate effects units to specific channels, enabling channel-change activation.

STAGEBOARD

9-pin socket for connecting the optional ATS 120 Stageboard for switching facilities.

ATS 120 Connections

ATS 120 Sound Examples

Care and Guarantee Conditions

A Word About Valves

Valves need warm-up time, are sensitive to shock, and their characteristics change over time.

Where to Use the Amplifier

Avoid conditions like extreme temperatures, humidity, poor ventilation, or vibrations for safe operation.

Servicing and Repairs

Refer faults to authorised dealers; unauthorized repairs invalidate the guarantee.

Guarantee Conditions

Product accompanied by warranty card and proof of inspection.