Hughes & Kettner DSM manual Powering UP, AMP Models and Effects

ZENTERA-MANUAL

BEFORE POWERING UP- Check and make sure that the local current and the amp's AC power rating are identical before you plug the zenTera®'s mains cord into an AC outlet. - Ensure that air can circulate freely around your amp's ventilation ducts. - Place the amp on a stable platform where it is not exposed to mechanical shocks and will not endanger the safety of anyone nearby. Avoid temperature extremes and excessive humidity, both of which can damage the amp and may cause an electrical shock. - The manufacturer is not liable for any damage to the amp due to improper use.

Important information! Note that the zenTera should not be exposed to extreme cold over longer periods. Though unlikely, it is possible that the internal battery will lose its charge. This battery provides power to the system when it is switched off. Under normal conditions, it is recharged when you power the amp up.

1.0 QUICK START GUIDE OR OPERATING MANUAL?

We've included a quick guide for all those who are raring to go right now and can't be bothered to wade through the entire owner's manual. In just a few steps, it will familiarize you with the sound-shaping features of the zenTera® and explain its key functions. Even if this quick guide provides enough information to let you get off to a good start, please bear in mind that the zenTera®'s possibilities are legion. You won't find out about all of them until you take the time to read the owner's manual.

2.0 POWERING UP

Activate the zenTera® by flipping the POWER switch located on the far right. The zenTera® will go on line in one of two statuses, loading either the preset that was active before the amp was switched off or the last setting that was dialed in before the amp was switched off. These two possibilities are explained in greater detail in section 7.3, WAKE UP.

3.0AMP MODELS AND EFFECTS

3.1AMP MODELS

TWEED 4 x 10

The ultimate vintage blues amp revered by almost all historic greats of the genre, it still spells bliss for many a modern-day blues blaster. The breadth and depth of its dynamic range and its fat, expressive lead tone are what made it famous. From squeaky clean to a throaty growl and all points in between, this amp puts meaning into the phrase "living on blues power."

BRIT EL 84

The amp for classic guitar-driven pop and rock. Judging by the many stellar songwriters who appear on its reference list, this amp would undoubtedly be the hands-down winner in a poll of song-smiths. Unarguably, its EL84-loaded, Class A power amp delivers the sweetest harmonic distortion of all tube amps. And its flexible tone controls with the legendary Cut and Top Boost circuits elicit chiming, sparkling sounds as well as fat lead tone. Cranked wide open, it also delivers gritty, roots rock-approved goods.

Note that the zenTera®'s PRESENCE knob takes over the CUT function. The Top Boost circuit is integrated into the MID knob, which is handy because this lets you dial smoothly rather than switch hard from Normal to Top Boost mode.

PLEXI 50

This British EL34-powered classic made music history. Many a genre- defining steel-string slinger wielded its considerable sonic clout to leave an indelible mark on the face of modern music. With its hair-trigger response, the PLEXI will do exactly what the position of your guitar's volume knob tells it to. Turn the volume down low, and you get fat, clean tone with shimmering top end. As you crank the knob, you can hear that vintage rock roar unfold.

PLEXI 100

The PLEXI on steroids, this 100-watt sensation literally rocked the late '60s and continued to dominate the heavy rock scene throughout the '70s and well into the '80s. A staple of innumerable rock productions, this amp's dynamic response made it the tool of choice for many an audio alchemist. Indeed, it can be said with some authority that this beast's big, cutting sound defined what great rock tone is all about. It will also make you the object of fear and loathing in your neighborhood, because you won't feel the full fury of its sonic assault until you crank it to the hilt.

You can select from among eleven different models of amps - herein called amp types - by rotating the zenTera®'s WAMP TYPE knob. Every amp type has a distinctive sonic personality that is best suited for very specific styles of music. In addition to vintage milestones that literally made amp history, the zenTera® also offers emulations of some contemporary amps. In the following, we'll take a quick look at each amp type.

BLACK FACE

This American beauty is the definitive amp for classic clean tone. Although you'd be hard-pressed to drive it into the distortion zone, its big sound and enormous punch left an indelible mark on several of styles of music - it even helped shape certain playing techniques. This piece of gear has won friends and influenced people far and wide, from funk rhythm kings to jazz masters, from blues howlers to country pickers.

Note that the BRIGHT function found on the original is integrated into the zenTera®'s GAIN knob. GAIN settings of up to 5.0 (12 o'clock position) elicit that characteristic treble boost of the original's BRIGHT switch. The top end is not boosted at higher settings.

TWEED DELUXE

The kid brother of the big tweed amp, its raw, throaty textures are held in high esteem by connoisseurs of vintage grit. A purist's dream come true, its simple yet brilliant circuitry delivers earthy, fat tweed tone unrivalled by any other amp.

On the downside, the original was equipped with just one tone knob, so we elected to assign a sound-shaping functionality to the 3-band EQ and the PRESENCE knob for this emulation. This gives you a lot more musically meaningful tweaking options without sacrificing the tone that makes this amp type so special.

BRIT HI GAIN

A logical outgrowth of the razor-edged sound of British steel, this amp delivers gear-grinding overdrive and meltdown lead sounds with truck- loads of sustain and in-your-face punch. The tone controls are tweaked to deliver the response of a modern-day boutique amp, adding many shades and hues to your sonic palette. Less subtly, its scooped mids elicit a merciless metal edge, while its over-the-top high end has been rumored to peal paint at a hundred paces.

ULTRA GAIN

A zenTera® special, this is what you get when you hop up a British

100-watt amp until it is hot enough to roast weenies. And, frankly, the result is awe-inspiring - the fattest and most creamy lead sound imaginable.

USA HI GAIN

This amp's peerless tone is the product of three rectifier tubes.

A real firecracker, it throws red-hot sparks of distortion for a fresh, dynamic tone. With its fat, bad and downright angry overdrive, this amp can take on many guises. Playing a key role in the rise of grunge in the '90s, it has since become the tool of choice for New Metal merchants. And with good reason, for few other amps can match its intensity and depth of musical expression, particularly for soloing.

ACOUSTIC AMP

This is the DSMTM version of the Montana, Hughes & Kettner's acoustic amp.

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