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INPUT:
This is the instrument INPUT jack. This jack feeds the preamp and since the Tr a n s aT l a n T i c is a high gain amplifier and
therefore very sensitive, always use a high quality shielded cable between the instrument and the amplifier. This will prevent unwanted
noise and microphonic cable sounds.
FOOTSWITCH:
This 1/4 inch stereo jack is for connection of the Channel Select Footswitch. When the FOOTSWITCH is con-
nected here with the provided mono cable, the Channels can be controlled remotely.
VOLUME / GAIN:
These are the main front end controls in the preamp, no matter what Channel or Mode you are in, and they
meter the amount of tube drive or saturation present in the signal. These controls are called by different names (VOLUME) in Channel
1 and (GAIN) in Channel 2, but they function in the same way and do essentially the same job…
control the gain in the preamp. Their location in the circuit moves around depending on which Mode
is called up, but their function remains the same - they determine the attack character, headroom
and ultimately – how clean or dirty a given sound will be. For simplicity, from here forward we will
use the word GAIN to speak of the front end control in both Channels - even though it is labeled
VOLUME in Channel 1.
The GAIN also brings in and out upper harmonic content, depending on where it is set. As a
general rule, the lower the setting – the more upper harmonics there are passing through. As you increase the GAIN, the natural tube
saturation and compression fills in the sound, making things darker and more “round”. This trait can be used to your advantage – and
in fact serves the practical applications well – as it means that lower gain clean sounds remain open and dynamic with abundant
harmonics, while higher gain lead sounds get more compressed, warmer and more vocal.
Because the TA-15 is essentially a low power instrument (even though it’s loud), using the GAIN control tastefully, with finesse and
always with the Power Mode choice in mind is critical to achieving the best overall Tone. Unlike a 100 watt amplifier, the TA-15 is most
always adding some amount of overdrive or soft-clip into the mix – that’s part of its attraction – so it’s crucial to take that into account
to keep your attack intact and preserve the dynamic content of your sound.
IMPORTANT ! Many of the TA-15’s best sounds are found with the GAIN control set in its middle range – somewhere in the 11:00
– 2:00 region. You’ll be pleased to discover all the nuance and expression found here – especially when you start to use the Power
Modes as part of your Tone Crafting regimen. You’ll quickly find so much shaping power across those three hours (11:00 – 2:00) on the
GAIN’s Tone Clock that you may seldom roam the higher regions as the balance between preamp and power is truly magical here.
If you do need to run the GAIN in its upper region for high gain heavy styles, then your best plan of action is to stick with the 25W
Power Mode - as this will keep the low end as tight as possible and track the dynamic passages with more accuracy. However, don’t
FRONT PANEL: Controls & Features
CAUTION:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse
120 V~
60 Hz
1 A
1.25 A
SLO
BLO
SPEAKERS
8 OHM
PATENTED
6,621,907
7,173,488
7,602,927
CAUTION: CHASSIS SURFACE MAY BE HOT!
4 OHM
TRANSATLANTIC
TA -15
HANDBUILT IN PETALUMA, CAALL T UBE AMPLIFIER
®
CAUTION!
WARNING!
TUBE GUIDE
4 x 12AX7
2 x EL 84
F
U
S
E
F
U
S
E
INPUT
FT SW
VOLUME TREBLE BASS GAIN TREBLE BASS MASTER
POWER
STANDBY
NORMAL
15 15
HI 1
TOP BST
25W
FT
SW
5W
TWEED
HI 2
25W
5W
ON
ON
MASTER
PULL
CUT /
™
-15
GAIN
15
HI 1
FT
SW
TWEED
HI 2
25W
5W
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