FEATURES
Your MATCHLESS is a straight-forward amplifier devoid of bells and whistles. It
is an all tube design including the power supply rectifier. Cathode bias operation is
utilized for the output stage. The tone-boost channel uses a 12AX7 triode as the first
preamplifier, while the vari-tone channel uses a 6267 pentode. This configuration offers a
unique tonal difference between the two channels.
All C-30 amplifiers incorporate a
MASTER
volume control feature and a
HI-LO
power setting switch enabling the artist to take full advantage of the harmonic rich nature
of an all vacuum tube design. MATCHLESS amplifiers are available in a variety of
configurations thus facilitating the various operating requirements of the modern
musician with a taste for that truly vintage sound. An effects loop is available as an option
for most amplifiers. MATCHLESS amplifiers may be ordered as single, dual or quad
speaker combos as well as separate head and cabinet configurations.
A rack mount version of the C-30 head is also available. Speaker enclosures are
available for use with rack mount amplifiers or as auxiliary cabinets for all combo
amplifiers and amplifier heads. Cabinets can also be ordered with custom impedance
ratings; this is especially useful when multiple speaker systems are used.
OPERATION: GENERAL
Your MATCHLESS is an all tube design. If your experience is limited with regard
to vacuum tube instrument amplifiers, you should become familiar with the
characteristics that differentiate vacuum tube designs from their solid-state
counterparts.... aside from tone or sonic performance.
1. Vacuum tube amplifiers require a "warm up" period of up to one minute before
they become operational, and they usually sound better as they "cook". This is due to the
fact that electrons only flow when the
cathode
of a tube is fully
heated.
This is also the
reason vacuum tube amplifiers run so much hotter than solid-state designs.
2. Many vacuum tube amplifiers incorporate a STAND-BY switch which aside
from muting the amplifier, performs a more valuable function of removing current from
the circuit while allowing the
heaters
to remain energized. The STAND-BY mode is used
during short breaks and is usually preferred to turning the amplifier off. This allows the
amplifier to cool, and greatly enhances the useful life of the output tubes.
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