VHT Pitbull G-50-CL - User Manual

URL: www.vhtamp.com e-mail: productinfo@vhtamp.com
PITTBULL MODEL G-50-CL FUNCTIONS
FRONT PANEL, LEFT TO RIGHT
1. INPUT HI - High sensitivity input (also has a brighter tone).
2. INPUT LOW - Low sensitivity input (also has a slightly darker tone).
3. CHANNEL SELECT
– Front panel channel switching function. Button must be OUT for footswitch to operate.
4. GAIN - Amount of overdrive on RED Channel.
5. HI GAIN
– Gain Stacking Switch. Activates additional tube overdrive gain stage. Normal = 3 stages, Hi = 4 stages.
6. VOLUME - Amount of volume on RED Channel. Pre FX loop.
7. BOOST
- Switches from low gain (clean to slightly dirty) to medium gain (crunch to medium overdrive)
8. TREBLE – Passive High frequency equalization.
9. EDGE
– Frequency-dependent gain boost. Enhances upper string harmonics and sustain.
10. MIDDLE – Passive Mid frequency equalization.
11. SHIFT
- Shifts Treble, Middle and Bass shelving down (Mid Boost)
12. BASS – Passive low frequency equalization.
13. GAIN
- Amount of overdrive on GREEN Channel.
14. HI GAIN – Gain Stacking Switch. Activates additional tube overdrive gain stage. Normal = 3 stages, Hi = 4 stages.
15. VOLUME
- Amount of volume on GREEN Channel. Pre FX loop.
16. BOOST - Switches from low gain (clean to slightly dirty) to medium gain (crunch to medium overdrive)
17. TREBLE
– Passive High frequency equalization.
18. EDGE – Frequency-dependent gain boost. Enhances upper string harmonics and sustain.
19. MIDDLE
– Passive Mid frequency equalization.
20. SHIFT - Shifts Treble, Middle and Bass shelving down (Mid Boost)
21. BASS
– Passive low frequency equalization.
22. MASTER VOLUME - Power amp volume control. Post FX loop
23. GRAPHIC EQ
(Optional) – 100Hz, 250 Hz, 630 Hz, 1.2KHz, 2.3KHz, 5KHz, 12 dB cut or boost per band. Activated
by rear panel pushbutton or footswitch. Rear panel button must be OUT for footswitch to operate.
24. PRESENCE
– High frequency variable feedback in power amp section. Mounted on rear panel on EQ equipped
models.
25. VOICING
- Frequency contour. Increases 6dB per octave-2.5 kHz up, 250 Hz down. Non-EQ models only.
26. DEPTH - Variable damping (Low frequency resonance). Mounted on rear panel on EQ equipped models.
27. STANDBY
- Turns on high voltage to output section.
28. MAINS - Lovely emerald green, don’t you think?
1201 S. FLOWER STREE
T
BURBANK, CA 91502
PH
(
818
)
846-4000 FAX
(
818
)
846-4040

Summary

Front Panel Controls and Functions

Input and Channel Selection

Controls for input sensitivity, channel switching, and gain.

Channel Volume and Gain Boost

Volume and boost functions for both Red and Green channels.

Tone and EQ Controls

Passive equalization (Treble, Middle, Bass) and special tone shaping.

Master and Specialty Controls

Master volume, graphic EQ, presence, voicing, depth, and power controls.

Rear Panel Connections and Settings

Effects Loop and Footswitch

Controls for effects send/return, level, and footswitch connection.

Output and Level Controls

Speaker output, line out, and line level controls.

Power Amp Mode and Tube Selection

Settings for power amp operation modes and tube biasing.

Tube Functions and Locations

Preamp and Phase Inverter Tubes

Locations and functions of preamp (12AX7) and phase inverter tubes.

Reverb Driver and Rectifier Tubes

Locations and functions of reverb driver (EF86) and rectifier tubes.

Power Tubes

Locations and types of power tubes (EL34/6L6).

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Period and Obligations

Details on the warranty duration and user obligations.

Warranty Exclusions

Specific conditions and causes not covered by the warranty.

Overview

1. Front Panel Controls (Left to Right)
2. Rear Panel Controls (Right to Left)
3. Tube Function and Location Chart
4. Limited Warranty
5. Warranty Obligations
6. Warranty Exclusions
7. Contact Information

The VHT Pittbull Model G-50-CL is a high-performance guitar amplifier designed for professional use, offering a wide range of tonal options and robust construction. This document outlines its functions, technical specifications, usage features, and maintenance considerations.

Front Panel Controls (Left to Right)

• INPUT HI: High sensitivity input with a brighter tone, suitable for guitars with lower output pickups or for achieving a more articulate sound.
• INPUT LOW: Low sensitivity input with a slightly darker tone, ideal for guitars with high output pickups or for a warmer, less aggressive sound.
• CHANNEL SELECT: A front panel button for switching between channels. For footswitch operation, this button must be in the OUT position.
• GAIN (RED Channel): Controls the amount of overdrive for the RED channel, allowing for a spectrum from subtle crunch to heavy distortion.
• HI GAIN (RED Channel): A gain stacking switch that activates an additional tube overdrive gain stage. In the "Normal" setting, there are 3 gain stages, while "Hi" engages 4 stages for increased saturation.
• VOLUME (RED Channel): Adjusts the output volume of the RED channel. This control is positioned before the FX loop.
• BOOST (RED Channel): Switches the gain level from low (clean to slightly dirty) to medium (crunch to medium overdrive), offering a quick way to add punch or sustain.
• TREBLE (RED Channel): A passive high-frequency equalization control for shaping the brightness and presence of the RED channel.
• EDGE (RED Channel): A frequency-dependent gain boost that enhances upper string harmonics and sustain, adding a cutting quality to the tone.
• MIDDLE (RED Channel): A passive mid-frequency equalization control for shaping the body and warmth of the RED channel.
• SHIFT (RED Channel): Shifts the Treble, Middle, and Bass shelving points downwards, effectively providing a "Mid Boost" for a thicker sound.
• BASS (RED Channel): A passive low-frequency equalization control for shaping the depth and fullness of the RED channel.
• GAIN (GREEN Channel): Controls the amount of overdrive for the GREEN channel, offering a range from clean to overdriven tones.
• HI GAIN (GREEN Channel): A gain stacking switch that activates an additional tube overdrive gain stage. In the "Normal" setting, there are 3 gain stages, while "Hi" engages 4 stages for increased saturation.
• VOLUME (GREEN Channel): Adjusts the output volume of the GREEN channel. This control is positioned before the FX loop.
• BOOST (GREEN Channel): Switches the gain level from low (clean to slightly dirty) to medium (crunch to medium overdrive), offering a quick way to add punch or sustain.
• TREBLE (GREEN Channel): A passive high-frequency equalization control for shaping the brightness and presence of the GREEN channel.
• EDGE (GREEN Channel): A frequency-dependent gain boost that enhances upper string harmonics and sustain, adding a cutting quality to the tone.
• MIDDLE (GREEN Channel): A passive mid-frequency equalization control for shaping the body and warmth of the GREEN channel.
• SHIFT (GREEN Channel): Shifts the Treble, Middle, and Bass shelving points downwards, effectively providing a "Mid Boost" for a thicker sound.
• BASS (GREEN Channel): A passive low-frequency equalization control for shaping the depth and fullness of the GREEN channel.
• MASTER VOLUME: Controls the overall power amp volume. This control is positioned after the FX loop.
• GRAPHIC EQ (Optional): An optional 10-band graphic equalizer with controls for 100Hz, 250Hz, 630Hz, 1.2KHz, 2.3KHz, and 5KHz. Each band offers 12 dB of cut or boost. It can be activated by a rear panel pushbutton or a footswitch. For footswitch operation, the rear panel button must be in the OUT position.
• PRESENCE: A high-frequency variable feedback control located in the power amp section. This control is mounted on the rear panel of EQ-equipped models and adds sparkle and definition to the overall sound.
• VOICING: A frequency contour control that increases 6dB per octave at 2.5 kHz up and 250 Hz down. This feature is available only on non-EQ models and shapes the overall tonal character.
• DEPTH: A variable damping control that affects low-frequency resonance. This control is mounted on the rear panel of EQ-equipped models and allows for adjustment of the amplifier's low-end response.
• STANDBY: Engages the high voltage to the output section, allowing the tubes to warm up before full operation.
• MAINS: The main power switch for the amplifier.

Rear Panel Controls (Right to Left)

• REVERB: Adjusts the reverb level for both channels. This feature is optional and available only on reverb-equipped models.
• EFFECTS LEVEL/MIX: In Series Mode, this controls the effect return level. In Parallel Mode, it adjusts the effect blend amount.
• EFFECTS SEND: Provides a preamp output for external effects, and also serves as a preamp output for recording or slaving another amplifier.
• EFFECTS LEVEL: Sets the overall send and return level for the effects loop. "LOW" corresponds to -10dB, while "HI" corresponds to 0dB.
• SERIES/PARALLEL: Selects between Series or Parallel operation for the effects loop. Refer to the FAQs at www.vhtamp.com for a detailed explanation of these modes.
• EFFECTS RETURN: This is the power amp input for returning external effects or other signal sources.
• EFFECTS: Activates the F/X Loop. This can also be activated by the footswitch jack. For footswitch operation, the rear panel button must be in the OUT position.
• FOOTSWITCH: Connector for the footswitch controller, allowing remote control of various amplifier functions.
• LINE OUT: A power amp line out jack for connecting to recording devices or other amplifiers.
• LINE LEVEL: Controls the power amp line level output.
• SPEAKER OUTPUT: The "Use First" jack must be plugged in for the amplifier to produce sound.
• IMPEDANCE SELECT: A switch to select between 4, 8, and 16 ohm speaker impedances. The speaker jacks are wired in parallel.
• POWER AMP MODE: ENHANCE/NORMAL/AUTO:
  • ENHANCE: Operates the power amplifier from a Silicon Rectifier, providing a crisp tone and increased power amp dynamics.
  • NORMAL: Operates the power amplifier from a Tube Rectifier, resulting in a smoother tone and increased power amp compression and distortion. This mode also leads to a slight reduction in output power to approximately 40 watts.
  • AUTO: Ties the MODE SWITCH to the front panel or foot-controlled channel switching function. In this mode, NORMAL operates on the RED channel, and ENHANCE operates on the GREEN channel.
• POWER AMP MODE: Class AB/Class A:
  • Class AB: Operates power tubes in fixed bias mode for full power, delivering crisp highs and deep low end.
  • Class A: Operates power tubes in Cathode Bias mode for a slightly reduced output (30 Watts in Class A/NORMAL Mode) and softer highs and lows.
• EL34/6L6 SWITCH (Mounted on top of chassis behind grille):
  • EL34: Sets the bias for operation with EL34 power tubes.
  • 6L6: Sets the bias for operation with 6L6 power tubes.
  • Note: This is a discontinued feature on later models.

Tube Function and Location Chart

The amplifier uses 12AX7 tubes, with each having two sections/functions (Section A shown first, Section B second). Factory recommended tubes are listed, and the numbering sequence is from right to left, looking at the back of the amp, starting with the row closest to the front panel.

• V1 (shielded tube):
  • Input Gain Stage 1 and signal splitter for both channels.
  • Gain Stage 2 for the Green channel.
  • Recommended tubes: 12AX7WB Sovtek, 12AX7 China Selected (use in place of WB if more gain is required).
• V2 (12AX7 China):
  • Gain Stage 2 for the Red channel.
  • Gain Stage 4 for Red and Green channels (active when either Gain Switch is set to HI).
• V3 (12AX7 China):
  • Gain Stage 3 for Red and Green channels.
  • Tone Control Driver for Red and Green channels.
• V4 (EF86/6267):
  • Reverb Driver. Small Signal Pentode. Reverb Option Only (Earlier versions used EL84).
  • Note: Not interchangeable with 12AX7 or EL84.
• V5 (12AX7 China):
  • Phase Inverter.
• V6 (5U4GB Russia, 5U5G China):
  • Rectifier Tube.
• V6-9 (EL34B-STR, EL34 SED, EL34 Svetlana, EL34EH):
  • Power Tubes.

Limited Warranty

VHT Amplification products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. Tubes, fuses, and speakers are covered by a 90-day warranty.

Warranty Obligations:

1. Original proof of purchase is required for warranty service.
2. Transportation costs to and from an authorized VHT service outlet are the user's responsibility. Units sent directly to the VHT factory for warranty repairs must be authorized by VHT and shipped prepaid.

Warranty Exclusions:

1. Adjustments of consumer-operated controls (as explained in the manual), or products with altered, missing, or defaced serial numbers.
2. Appearance of accessory items including cabinets, cabinet parts, or knobs.
3. Uncrating, setup, installation, or removal and reinstallation of products for repair.
4. Repairs necessitated by causes beyond VHT's control, including unauthorized service or parts, damaged/broken tubes, incorrect line voltage, improper maintenance, modification/repair by the user, abuse, misuse, neglect, accident, fire, flood, or other Acts of God.
5. For products sold outside the U.S., responsibility lies with the local VHT representative, and warranty terms may differ. Contact the local VHT distributor or dealer for information.

This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. VHT is not liable for special or consequential damages arising from the use of this product or delays in warranty performance. Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranties or consequential damages, so these exclusions may not apply to all users. This warranty provides specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state.

Contact Information:

VHT Amplification, Inc. 1201 S. Flower Street Burbank, CA 91502 TEL: (818) 846-4000 FAX: (818) 846-4040 Website: www.vhtamp.com Email: productinfo@vhtamp.com

VHT Pitbull G-50-CL Specifications

General

Brand	VHT
Model	Pitbull G-50-CL
Category	Musical Instrument Amplifier
Language	English