PRS Guitars Archon User Manual

Service Notes
Tubes
Tubes are consumables, as they have a given usable lifespan. They are part of the
heart of the tone, so keeping correctly operating tubes is essential. Tubes can fail
catastrophically or gradually, and it’s good to know what to look for if they start
to go bad. Periodically inspect them and look to see if anything inside the tube is
glowing cherry red other than the normal orange glow of the filament. This would
indicate a situation where the tube is conducting more current than it is capable
of handling and most likely about to fail. Two other conditions to observe are:
1) filaments not glowing or 2) a miniature fireworks display inside the tube. Any
of the above conditions indicate serious problems with the tube and should be
taken care of immediately. Tubes quite often are the cause of spurious noise in the
amp. Microphonic tubes will squeal or rale with the vibrations of the cabinet.
If suspected, tap each tube lightly with a pencil with the amp powered up—the
suspect tube will let you know. Note that there is a normal metallic clinking when
doing this, but a microphonic tube will be quite loud.
Replacing preamp tubes will not require any adjustment, but the power tubes will
need rebiasing to assure proper operation. After power tube replacement, initially
inspect the tubes often to assure there are no “cherry red” components within
the tube. Tubes today can have a wide variety of tolerances and a re-bias is highly
recommended with new ones.
NOTE! Capacitors may retain an electric charge and can be dangerous even when
the unit is o, unplugged, and has not been played for an extended period of
time. USE CAUTION!!!!
Archon Guitar Amplifier
User’s Manual
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Guitars.

PRS Guitars Archon Specifications

General

Channels	2 (Clean and Lead)
Power Output	50 Watts
Effects Loop	Yes
EQ	Bass, Middle, Treble per channel
Master Volume	Yes
Controls	Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Master Volume

Summary

Service Notes

Tubes

Discusses tube lifespan, failure indicators like red glowing, no filament glow, or internal sparks, and microphonics.

Capacitor Safety Warning

Alerts users that capacitors retain charge and pose a shock hazard even when the unit is unplugged.

Using Your PRS Amplifier

Powering Up

Step-by-step guide for connecting, powering on, and warming up the amplifier using the standby switch.

Front Panel Controls Overview

Details input, channel selectors, individual channel controls (Volume, EQ), bright switches, and global Presence/Depth.

On/Standby/Off and LED Indicator

Explains the function of the power switch and the importance of the mains indicator LED.

Rear Panel Controls

Mains Socket, Fuses, and Safety Symbols

Covers mains connection, fuse types and ratings, and interpretation of safety warning symbols.

Effects Loop and Output Power

Instructions for connecting effects pedals and adjusting output power for tonal variation.

Speaker Jacks and Impedance Selector

Guidance on connecting speaker cabinets and matching impedance to prevent damage.

Footswitch Jack

Information on connecting the included footswitch for channel switching and effects loop control.