INTRODUCTION
The ROLLS HA32 PLAY BOY is an instrument preamp/headphone amp for guitarists that would like a channel switching amplifier in a belt pack size. The unit is housed in a black steel chassis and can be powered by two internal 9 volt batteries or external adapter. It has built in chorus/slap back echo and a speaker simulator so it may be connected directly to a mixer and retain the sound of a “miked” amp. It also features a LINE IN control and jack for playing along with program material or for using the HA32 as a stand alone speaker simulator.
USING THE HA32 PLAY BOY
Plug the guitar into INSTRUMENT IN jack and the headphones into the HEADPHONE OUT jack. The CHANNEL 1/2 switch switches between the two sets of GAIN and VOLUME controls, the LED indicates which controls are active. The GAIN adjusts the amount of channel drive and the VOLUME acts as a master volume for that channel. For the cleanest sound the VOLUME should be fully clockwise and the GAIN used for loudness. The PRESENCE control acts as a bass boost or treble boost, the LINE IN is for mixing another sound with the guitar. It uses a line level and since the control is placed directly after the jack it can accept very high levels including speaker level with no distortion.
The analog delay section of the HA32 is it’s most impressive feature, with it you can get sounds that can’t be matched any other way. The LED indicates when the delay is active. REGEN is for the amount of feedback in the delay path and can adjust from mellow chorus to “steely” flanging. The DEPTH is a combination sweep depth and delay time control with the longest delay being at 10 and the widest sweep being and 1. The SPEED control is the sweep speed and will adjust from shimmering vibrato to slow mellow chorus.
GETTING THE SOUND YOU WANT
The HA32 is capable of a great many sounds because if its extremely high gain and wide range delay section. A great amount of experimentation will reveal the full range capabili- ties of the HA32 inspite of its small size. Here are some examples.
Sound | REGEN | DEPTH | SPEED |
Slap back echo | To taste | 1 (off) | no effect |
Chorus | 1 (off) | 5 - 10 | to taste |
Flanging | 10 | 6 - 10 | to taste |
SPEAKER SIMULATION
The electronic speaker simulator in the HA32 will simulate a 12" high efficiency speaker and gives the Play Boy it’s rich sound. To use the HA32 as a speaker simulator connect the LINE IN to the source speaker or line out and the LINE OUT on the HA32 to the mixing console, this will make miking the source unnecessary. The simulator may be disabled by changing the position of the header jumper inside the case.
POWERING THE HA32
Batteries or AC power may be used. To install batteries remove the two side screws and tilt out the back of the case showing the two battery holders. Install two alkaline batteries into the holders making sure the snaps are oriented properly. If AC power is used be sure to use at least 12 VAC adapter or at least 15 VDC at 200 Ma. or the unit may seem noisy or work erratically.
SPECIFICATIONS |
|
Input impedance | 500K ohm |
Output, headphone imp | 10 ohm |
Maximum input level | 1 dBV |
Maximum output level | 6 dBV |
Headroom | 97 dB |
Max gain | 55 dB (PRESENCE flat) |
Sweep speed | .1 Hz to 8 Hz |
Delay time | 3 Ms to 40 Ms |
Switches | 2 high rel. ROLLS actuators |
Speaker simulation | 12" full range high efficiency |
Inputs | Instrument and line both 1/4" |
Outputs | Stereo Headphone and line both 1/4" |
Power | 12 VAC adapter or 2 nine volt batteries |
Power jack | “DC” type 2 mm X 5 mm with center gnd. |
Dimensions | 5" X 6.5" X 1.2" (12.7 X 16.5 X 3 CM) |
Weight | 2.5 LBS (1.14 KG) |
