Radial Engineering Tonebone Headbone VT User Manual

Radial Engineering Ltd. Headbone User Guide
True to the Music
Matching the Speaker Load
The Headbone itself has no effect on amplier load or speaker impedance.
You must manage the speaker connections for the best impedance match.
It is important to note that most ampliers are designed to work best at their
rated impedance. If your amp features selectable impedance loads, use
the one that matches your speaker cabinet. Always consult the amplier’s
specications to ensure the speaker connections are within the amplier’s
accepted working range.
While matched loads between the amplier and speaker are the ideal,
unmatched loads can be used. The guidelines below will explain the
ramications of using unmatched loads.
Using Unmatched Speaker Loads With Tube Amps
Driving a speaker load that is lower than the amps output impedance
(8-Ohm amp with 4-Ohm speaker) tends to drive the tubes harder, which
means they will not last as long. On the other hand, a higher speaker
impedance load (4-Ohm amp with 8-Ohm speaker) will generally sound
less full and less punchy, but tube life is extended.
8
Amp type
Tube amp
Lower speaker impedance
Connecting a 4-Ohm cabinet
will make amps sound more
punchy and warm. You get
shorter tube life.
Higher speaker impedance
Connecting a 16-Ohm cab-
inet will make amps sound
less punchy & warm. You get
longer tube life.
Rated impedance
8-Ohm
Grounding for Safety!
The Headbone is powered by an external power supply with a oating
ground. This means that the guitar derives it’s ground thru the amplier
connected to the Headbone’s To Amp-1 Input jack.
The To Amp-2 Input jack is transformer-isolated from ground to eliminate
hum or buzz caused by so-called ground loops passing between amp-1
and amp-2. A recessed ground-lift switch is provided to bypass the trans-
former and reconnect the ground through amp-2. The switch is factory
set in the lifted position Should the amplier connected to the To Amp-1
Input jack not be properly grounded, this switch may be depressed to
connect the ground path through amp-2.
For safety, always use properly grounded guitar amps with 3-prong elec-
trical AC plugs. The third prong is a safety ground that protects you from
electrical shock. Most ampliers have been subjected to safety tests from
authorities like UL or CSA. Ampliers that have passed these tests are
safe to use with your Headbone. If you intend to use the Headbone with
amps that only have 2-prong AC plugs, such as old vintage amps, you
are doing so at your own risk. Please consult a qualied technician if you
are not sure how to establish a safety ground connection.

Radial Engineering Tonebone Headbone VT Specifications

General

Brand	Radial Engineering
Model	Tonebone Headbone VT
Category	Amplifier
Language	English