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3. Using the Ironman II
Purpose
The Ironman II precision attenuator allows you to reduce the volume level at the
speaker(s) while allowing the amplifier to operate at full output power, for natural power
tube overdrive and distortion. The Ironman II allows you to select the amount of the
amplifier's output power that is sent to the speakers, with the rest of the power being
dissipated within the Ironman II.
Impedance Matching
One unique feature of the Ironman II is its dual Impedance controls - one for the
amplifier input, and one for the speaker output. These dual impedance controls allow
you to match your speaker to your amplifier, even if the speaker impedance differs from
the amplifiers' output impedance.
You can even perform this matching without attenuating. To do this, simply set the
attenuation knob to 0db, and make sure the Attenuate/Bypass switch is in the
Attenuate setting. Then, set the Amplifier Impedance switch and the Speaker
Impedance switch as appropriate to match the speaker to the amplifier.
Adjusting the Controls
When adjusting any of the front or back panel controls, it's best to dampen the strings
of your guitar, so that no significant amount of signal is being generated by the
amplifier.
Use as a Dummy Load
The Ironman II may be used as a dummy load, to provide a proper load for your
amplifier, with no speakers attached. This is typically done in recording, where the
Ironman II's Line-Out will be used to drive a mixing board, or when an amplifier is
being "slaved" to a larger amp (with the Line-Out signal driving another amplifier).
Here's how to set the Ironman II when using it as a dummy load:
•
Attenuation Control:
-38db
•
Solo Switch:
OFF
•
Range Switch:
LO
•
Amplifier Impedance Switch: set to match amplifier output impedance
•
Speaker Impedance Switch: setting doesn't matter
•
Nothing plugged into the Speaker jacks
Summary of Contents for Ironman II
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