JHS Pedals Little Black Amp Box Signal Converter Instruction Manual

Introduction

The JHS Pedals Little Black Amp Box is a compact, passive signal converter designed to manage the volume of your tube amplifier without compromising its natural tone. It is particularly useful for taming loud tube amps, allowing you to achieve desirable preamp saturation at lower, more manageable volumes. This device operates within your amplifier's series effects loop, providing a master volume control for the power section.

This manual provides essential information on setting up, operating, and maintaining your Little Black Amp Box to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Setup

The Little Black Amp Box is designed for use with amplifiers featuring a series effects loop. It is a passive device and does not require external power. Proper connection is crucial for correct operation and to prevent damage to your equipment.

Connection Steps:

1. Ensure your amplifier is turned off and unplugged from the power source before making any connections.
2. Locate the "SEND" and "RETURN" jacks on your amplifier's effects loop.
3. Connect a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable from your amplifier's "SEND" jack to the Input of the JHS Little Black Amp Box. The input is typically marked with a speaker icon and radiating waves.
4. Connect another standard 1/4-inch instrument cable from the Output of the JHS Little Black Amp Box to your amplifier's "RETURN" jack. The output is the opposite side of the input.
5. If using other effects pedals in your amplifier's effects loop, the Little Black Amp Box should generally be placed last in the effects loop chain, just before the signal returns to the amplifier.

Important Note:

The Little Black Amp Box is a signal attenuator for the effects loop. It is NOT a speaker attenuator or load box. Do not connect it between your amplifier's speaker output and your speaker cabinet, as this can severely damage your amplifier.

Operating Instructions

Once properly connected, the JHS Little Black Amp Box provides a simple yet effective way to manage your amplifier's volume.

Volume Control:

• The single knob on the Little Black Amp Box acts as a master volume for the signal returning to your amplifier's power section.
• Turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease it.
• You can set your amplifier's main volume and gain controls to your desired "sweet spot" for optimal tone and preamp saturation, then use the Little Black Amp Box to bring the overall output volume down to a comfortable level for practice, recording, or smaller venues.
• Since it is a passive device, it does not require any power supply to operate.

Maintenance

The JHS Little Black Amp Box is a robust and passive device, requiring minimal maintenance.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the enclosure. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the unit in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Cable Inspection: Periodically check your instrument cables for any signs of wear or damage to ensure optimal signal integrity.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Little Black Amp Box, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound or Low Volume:
  • Ensure all cables are securely connected to the correct input/output jacks on both the Little Black Amp Box and your amplifier's effects loop (SEND to Input, Output to RETURN).
  • Verify that your amplifier has a series effects loop. This device is not compatible with parallel effects loops or direct connection between the amp and speaker.
  • Check the volume knob on the Little Black Amp Box; ensure it is not turned completely down.
  • Test your instrument cables to ensure they are not faulty.
• Unexpected Tone Changes:
  • While designed to be transparent, ensure the Little Black Amp Box is placed correctly in your effects loop chain, typically as the last device before returning to the amp.
  • Ensure the cables used are of good quality and appropriate length.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details and direct support contact information are not provided in the product data. Please refer to the official JHS Pedals website or your retailer for the most up-to-date warranty policy and customer support options.

For general inquiries or further assistance, you may visit the JHS Pedals Store on Amazon.