RedPlate CDS3 Operations Guide
Page 4
©
RedPlateAmps 2012
REAR PANEL SECTION
Domestic (USA):
Rear Panel Export:
IEC Module
– contains the main power switch, power cord inlet connector and the fuse drawer. To access the fuse(s)
use a small flat blade screwdriver in the notch at the side of the power cord inlet connector, the drawer snaps out in a
rearward direction. The CDS3 can use either a standard 3AG size or the smaller European (5mm X 20mm) sized
fuses (also called GMA fuses). A time delay variety (SLO-BLO) is recommended.
Standby Switch
– This switch allows the tubes to warm up before operating the amplifier. Wait 1 minute after power on
to move it up to the operate position. For improved tube life and performance do not leave the amplifier in Standby position
for longer than 20 minutes (better to just leave it in operate mode during performance intermissions).
FIXED/CATHODE (50 WATT / 40 WATT) Switch
– This switch changes the bias architecture of the output tubes from
fixed bias (50 WATT) to cathode biased (40 WATT).
The 40 WATT position allows the use of 6V6 tubes for lower power output (~18 Watts with 6V6).
Bias adjustment and bias test point
– Allows external access for bias adjustment (see bias procedure in the
Maintenance
section).
Impedance Selector Ω
- Set this to the total impedance of all attached speakers. When 6V6 tubes are used, set to the
next lower number.
Speaker Jacks
– The MAIN and EXT jacks are wired in parallel. The MAIN jack must be used first because it has a
protection device. ALWAYS HAVE A SPEAKER CONNECTED TO AVOID PERMANENT AMPLIFIER AND OUTPUT TUBE
DAMAGE.
LINE OUT
– A line level signal jack derived from the speaker output which contains the whole tone of the amplifier.
SEND and RETURN Jacks
– The send jack connects to the input of an external effects device and the return jack
connects to the output of an external effects device. The send jack can also be used as a preamp out. The return jack
interrupts the signal path so the external effects unit must mix the wet and dry signals. The return jack can also be used as
a power amp in jack for slave applications. The Master and Presence controls are still active.
Reverb Control
- Sets the amount of reverberation effect, takes the reverb out of circuit when rotated to zero (there will
be a slight volume and tone change).
Tweed/OD
Switch
– Reduces the girth and lightens the tone of the Tweed preamp and Overdrive functions. Useful
for higher output pickups which may contribute to too much bass gain when using the Tweed or Overdrive channels.
Fat/Humbucker / Single coil Switch
– Sets the amount of bass gain in the input stage, useful for matching the
amplifier to the guitar type.
Footswitch Jack
- This is a standard 180 degree 5 pin DIN jack for footswitch connection. If a replacement cable is
needed, make sure all 5 wires are supported. The pinout is conveniently located on the rear panel for use with automated
switcher conversion boxes.
OTHER FEATURES
The CDS3 comes complete with a 3 button footswitch and a footswitch cable. The cable used is a regular MIDI cable
and replacements are readily available in any length at most music stores.