Tech 21 Character Plus Series

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POWER REQUIREMENTS

Utilizes included 9V DC, 100-240V universal auto-switching power

supply, 200mA, center negative.

Tech 21 Model #DC9.

NOTE: See page 2 for instructions how to change the prong

assembly.

For replacements, contact your local dealer/distributor, or Tech 21.

Maximum power consumption: approx 55mA.

ARNINGS:

* There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Attempting to repair unit is

not recommended and may void warranty.

* Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For

your own protection: be sure serial number labels on the unit’s back

plate and exterior box are intact, and return your warranty

registration card or register online.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to com-

ply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-

vide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate

radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with

the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-

tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur

in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-

ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to cor-

rect the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARRANTY:

ONE YEAR LIMITED. PROOF OF PURCHASE REQUIRED.

Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials and

workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase to the original

purchaser and is not transferable. This warranty does not include dam-

age resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect cur-

rent or voltage. If unit becomes defective within warranty period, Tech

21 will repair or replace it free of charge. After expiration, Tech 21 will

repair defective unit for a fee.

REPAIRS:

ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S. and Canada: Call Tech 21 for

Return Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept

packages without prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred)

and proper insurance.

FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:

Contact Tech 21 weekdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST: 973-777-6996.

Hand-built in the U.S.A. using high-quality components

sourced domestically and around the globe.

T: 973-777-6996 • F: 973-777-9899

E: info@tech21nyc.com • W: tech21nyc.com

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Tech 21 Character Plus Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
General Controls (Common to SansAmp Section)
Specific Pedal Models and Features
Screaming Blonde
English Muffy
Fuzzy Brit
Mop Top Liverpool
Placement Notes
Maintenance Features

The SansAmp Character Plus Series, developed by Tech 21, represents a significant advancement in guitar signal processing, offering a range of pedals that combine amplifier emulation with historic effects. Each pedal in the series is designed to provide players with versatile tone-shaping capabilities, drawing from a rich history of iconic amplifier and effect pairings.

Function Description:

The SansAmp Character Plus Series pedals are multi-functional devices that can be used as stompboxes with a guitar amp, pre-amps driving a power amp, or direct recording devices into a mixer or computer. At their core, these pedals utilize Tech 21's proprietary 100% analog SansAmp technology to emulate the sound and characteristics of various tube amplifiers. Each pedal features two independent sections: an SansAmp section for amplifier emulation and an independent effect section (Scream, Muff, Fuzz, or Boost, depending on the model). This dual-section design allows users to engage either the amp emulation, the effect, or both simultaneously, effectively providing "a stompbox within a stompbox." The "Character" control is a key feature, allowing continuous variation across an entire tonal range, spanning decades of sounds associated with specific amplifier styles. EQ controls (Low, Mid, High) and speaker simulation are integrated to further tailor the overall sound, reflecting the unique personality traits of each amp style.

Important Technical Specifications:

Power Requirements: 9V DC, 100-240V universal auto-switching power supply, 200mA, center negative. Tech 21 Model #DC9. Maximum power consumption: approx 55mA.
Input: 1/4" ImegOhm instrument level. Normal operation signal level to Input should be close to that of a standard guitar (approximately 250mV).
Outputs:
- 1/4" Universal Output: Unbalanced Low Z output. Unity gain when pedal is in bypass mode. Drives long cables without signal loss.
- Balanced XLR Output: Balanced Low Z output.
- Both outputs can be used simultaneously (e.g., 1/4" Out to amp and XLR Out to PA mixer).
Construction: Hand-built in the U.S.A. using high-quality components.
Bypass: Buffered bypass, designed to eliminate pops, clicks, high-end loss, and signal loss associated with other switching circuits.
Actuators: Smooth, custom, silent-switching actuators.

Usage Features:

General Controls (Common to SansAmp Section):

DRIVE A and DRIVE B: Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, mimicking a tube amp's output section being pushed. The first half of the rotation increases both volume and overdrive.
CHAR A and CHAR B: These controls sweep through an entire range of tonal possibilities associated with the specific amplifier style of the pedal. They influence frequency response, attack, and drive characteristics. Adjusting Character may require re-adjusting gain and tone settings.
LOW, MID, HIGH: Active post-EQ section providing ±12dB cut and boost. Unlike passive tone controls, these offer full control like a studio mixing board. Specific frequency tunings vary by pedal model.
VOL A and VOL B: Adjusts the overall volume of the SansAmp section.
Speaker Simulation: An integral part of the SansAmp circuitry, designed for a smooth, even response of a multiply-miked cabinet. It avoids peaks, valleys, and notches of single miking. The speaker curve does not adversely affect or interfere with the frequency response of the user's own cabinet and works in tandem with the EQ controls.

Specific Pedal Models and Features:

Screaming Blonde:

Amp Style: Fender-style.
Effect: Tube Screamer-style (Scream section).
CHAR A/B Range: Below 12 o'clock (Black and Silver Face family, soft midrange, top-end sparkle, warmer low-end breakup when driven); Around 12 o'clock (Blonde territory, more lows, mids, highs); Above 12 o'clock (Tweed era, pronounced midrange bark); Full up (lead boosted tones).
LOW: Tuned to 125 Hz.
MID: Tuned to 1kHz.
HIGH: Tuned to 3.2 kHz.
OVERDRIVE (Scream): Adjusts the amount of drive, highly interactive with guitar level.
TONE (Scream): Specialized voicing for high-end and mid-range adjustment. Flat at max, decreases high-end without losing mids or getting muddy as reduced.
LEVEL (Scream): Adjusts the level of the Scream section.
Speaker Simulation: Tuned to match standard 12" Jensen®-style speakers.

English Muffy:

Amp Style: HiWatt-style.
Effect: Big Muff-style (Muff section).
CHAR A/B Range: Below 12 o'clock (clean, classic Hi-Watt-style tones); Nearing 12 o'clock (crunchier territory, '70s Who-style); Above 12 o'clock (accentuates upper mids for Gilmour/Floyd-style leads); Full up (may cause others to flee).
LOW/HIGH (EQ): Emulate '70s British console EQ. LOW: +22dB boost or -12dB cut @ 120 Hz. HIGH: +30dB boost or -12dB cut @ 3.2 kHz.
MID (EQ): Shifting from +12dB @ 400 Hz to -12dB @ 750 Hz.
SUSTAIN (Muff): Adjusts the overall amount of fuzz.
TONE (Muff): Based on original '60s stompbox design, passive filter tilt centered at 1kHz.
LEVEL (Muff): Adjusts the level of the Muff section.
Speaker Simulation: Tuned to match Fane®-style speakers.

Fuzzy Brit:

Amp Style: Marshall-style.
Effect: Fuzz Face-style (Fuzz section).
CHAR A/B Range: Below 12 o'clock (Bluesbreaker/JTM45® era, warm, overdriven, bulldog bite); Nearing 12 o'clock (Plexi range, noticeable throatiness in mids); Above 12 o'clock ('70s Metal-face, classic presence boost); Full up (goes to 11).
LOW: Tuned to 125 Hz.
MID: Tuned to 1kHz.
HIGH: Tuned to 3.2 kHz.
FUZZ (Fuzz): Adjusts the overall amount of fuzz, highly interactive with guitar level.
TONE (Fuzz): Specialized low pass filter, shifts high cut from 10kHz to 1kHz, removes high end without losing mids or getting muddy.
LEVEL (Fuzz): Adjusts the level of the Fuzz section.
Speaker Simulation: Tuned to match English Greenback-style speakers.

Mop Top Liverpool:

Amp Style: Vox-style.
Effect: Rangemaster Booster-style (Boost section).
CHAR A Range: Below 12 o'clock (Top Boost, throatier clean, warm overdriven); Advancing towards 12 o'clock (classic British mids); Passing 12 o'clock (clarity to crunchy/overdriven); Full up (upper mid crackle of pushed Alnico speakers).
CHAR B Range: Below 12 o'clock (Top Boost, full clean, lots of bass/highs); Advancing towards 12 o'clock (classic British mids); Passing 12 o'clock (vocal quality of "Woman Tone"); Full up (boosts low mids for non-Top Boost AC30-style).
LOW: Tuned to 125 Hz.
MID: Tuned to 325 Hz.
HIGH: Tuned to 3.2 kHz.
MID SHIFT Switch: Shifts Mid frequency from 325 Hz to 250 Hz.
HIGH SHIFT Switch: Shifts High frequency from 3.2kHz to 4.5kHz.
BOOST (Boost): At 12 o'clock, it's flat. Up to 12dB Treble Boost (clockwise) for brighter, louder, edgier '60s/'70s vibe. Up to 12dB Mid-Range Boost (counter-clockwise) for tighter distortion, rhythm, and lead tones for modern vibes.
Speaker Simulation: Tuned to match English Alnico Bulldog-style speakers.

Placement Notes:

BEFORE CPS: Booster, Compression, Fuzz, Phaser/Vibe, Overdrive, Wah.
AFTER CPS: Delay, EQ, Flanger, Phaser (yes, after is good, too), Pitch Shifter, Reverb.

Maintenance Features:

Warranty: One year limited. Proof of purchase required. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover damage from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current/voltage. Tech 21 will repair or replace defective units free of charge within warranty; a fee applies after expiration.
Repairs: For U.S. and Canada residents, call Tech 21 for a Return Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred), and proper insurance.
Universal Power Supply: The power supply comes with a U.S. prong assembly. To change to European, UK, or Australia/New Zealand styles, press the PUSH switch, slide the assembly up to align side tabs with slots, pull to remove, then align and slide in the new assembly until it clicks.
Warnings: No user-serviceable parts inside; attempting repair voids warranty. Missing or altered serial numbers void warranty. Ensure serial number labels are intact and register warranty online.
FCC Compliance: Equipment tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits. Designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. If interference occurs, reorient/relocate antenna, increase separation, connect to different circuit, or consult a technician.
Low Noise Levels: Tech 21 pedals have exceptionally low noise levels, but may amplify noise from the input source. Check for pickup interference by moving guitar or turning volume off. Single coil pickups are more prone to noise. Keep cell phones away from gear.