Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing your new
Aiken Intruder amplifier!
The Intruder is an all-tube amplifier,
available in 18,30, or 50 watt versions. This
amplifier is truly touch-sensitive, going from
clean to crunch to singing leads by just
adjusting the volume control on the guitar.
The design features two internally-jumpered
channels, which are independently voiced,
to provide a wide range of tones from any
guitar, using single-coil or humbucking
pickups.
The amplifier was designed specifically to
capture those old plexi/ali/bassman tones at
less than ear-shattering volumes, with the
addition of an effects loop and a very
transparent master volume.
Features include:
All-tube signal path. Preamp tubes are 12AX7/ECC83. Output tubes are JJ/Tesla EL84
(18W) or SED (formerly Svetlana) EL34 (30W). Rectifier uses massive 3 amp 1000V
ultra-fast recovery diodes (FREDs) for the utmost reliability without the RF noise “spikes”
inherent in standard rectifiers.
Front panel controls/connections: Input jack, Volume 1 (bright), Volume 2 (dark), Bass,
Mid, Treble, Presence, Output Level. Input channels are internally jumpered to allow a
mix of the two volume controls to provide a wide range of tones, allowing the amplifier to
work well with any guitar, either single-coil or humbucker. Exclusive Plexi/Ali front panel
switch to reconfigure the preamp section to early "plexi" style for a full rich tone (great for
warm clean tones) or the later aluminum, or "ali" style preamp, which is voiced brighter
and tighter in the low end (best for distortion styles).
Unique frequency-compensated output level control. Unlike most master volumes, this
control doesn't get thin or buzzy as you turn the volume down. The tonal quality rivals
that of our built-in attenuators, and is infinitely variable, allowing fine control of output
level. When turned all the way up, it is effectively out of the circuit completely, so it
doesn't affect the full-volume tone/signal path at all.
Effects loop: 1/4" TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) insert style jack. Nominal 0dBu level allows use
of line-level effects for lowest noise levels. The TRS insert jack allows use of a single
TRS cable to connect the effects, instead of the two 1/4" cables normally required for an
effects loop.
Rear panel controls/connections: AC mains input, interntional voltage selector allowing
operation at 100V/120V/200V/220V/230V/240V 50/60Hz, impedance selector switch for
4, 8, or 16 ohm operation, two 1/4" speaker jacks, and effects loop jack. Also includes
locking mil-style RV6L bias pot and three tip jacks for easy bias setting without having to
remove the chassis from the cabinet.
Solid, finger-jointed birch-ply cabinet. The head is 20" wide, 8 ¾” tall, and 9” deep. The
1x12 combo is 23" wide, 18 1/2" tall, and 10 1/4" deep.
IntruderMKIIManual.doc 06/17/13 Page 3 of 17
Copyright 2004-2011, Aiken Amplification, Inc.