Fender Champion II 50 Guitar Amplifier User Manual

1. Introduction

The Fender Champion II 50 Guitar Amplifier is a versatile and user-friendly amplifier designed for guitarists of all levels. Whether you are practicing at home, recording, or performing live, the Champion II 50 delivers world-renowned Fender clean and overdrive tones, along with a wide array of built-in effects. This manual provides essential information to help you set up, operate, and maintain your amplifier, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Fender Champion II 50 Guitar Amplifier.

2. Key Features

• 50 Watts of Power: Provides ample volume for practice, small gigs, and band rehearsals.
• 12-inch Fender Special Design Speaker: Delivers rich, full-bodied sound.
• Two Channels, Single Input: Offers versatile tone options with a dedicated clean channel and an additional channel for various amp voicings.
• Built-in Effects: Includes Reverb, Delay/Echo, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibratone, and more for enhanced sound shaping.
• Diverse Amp Voicings: Explore a wide range of British and modern distortion flavors, from jazz to country, blues to metal.
• TAP Button: Easily set delay times and tremolo speeds to match song tempos.
• Auxiliary Input: Connect external devices like MP3 players for jamming along.
• Headphone Output: Enables private practice without disturbing others.

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking and Placement

Carefully remove the amplifier from its packaging. Ensure all components are present, including the Champion II Amplifier unit. Place the amplifier on a stable, flat surface, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture. Allow for adequate ventilation around the unit.

Figure 3.1: Rear view of the amplifier, showing the speaker and power input.

3.2 Power Connection

1. Ensure the amplifier's POWER switch is in the OFF position.
2. Connect the supplied power cord to the INPUT POWER receptacle on the rear panel of the amplifier.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded AC outlet of the correct voltage (100-120V~50/60Hz).

3.3 Connecting Your Guitar

Plug your guitar cable into the INPUT jack on the front panel of the amplifier.

3.4 Connecting External Devices

• AUX Input: Connect an external audio device (e.g., MP3 player, phone) to the AUX input jack using a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo cable. This allows you to play along with backing tracks.
• Headphone Output: For private practice, plug your headphones into the PHONES output jack. This will mute the amplifier's speaker.

4. Operating the Amplifier

4.1 Front Panel Controls

Figure 4.1: Detailed view of the amplifier's control panel.

• INPUT: Connect your guitar here.
• FTSW (Footswitch): Connect an optional footswitch for channel switching.
• VOLUME 1: Controls the volume of Channel 1 (Clean).
• CH SELECT: Toggles between Channel 1 (Clean) and Channel 2 (Amp Voicings/Effects).
• GAIN: Adjusts the amount of overdrive/distortion for Channel 2.
• VOLUME 2: Controls the volume of Channel 2.
• VOICE: Selects different amplifier voicings (e.g., Classic Fender, British, Modern Distortion).
• TREBLE: Adjusts the high-frequency response.
• BASS: Adjusts the low-frequency response.
• MODIFY: Adjusts parameters for certain effects.
• FX SELECT: Chooses from various built-in effects (Reverb, Delay/Echo, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibratone, etc.).
• TAP: Sets the tempo for time-based effects like Delay and Tremolo. Hold for dotted eighth note function.
• AUX: Auxiliary input for external audio devices.
• PHONES: Headphone output.
• PWR (Power): Power indicator light.

4.2 Understanding Channels and Effects

The Champion II 50 features two distinct channels. Channel 1 provides a pristine clean tone, ideal for jazz, country, or any style requiring clarity. Channel 2 offers a wide palette of amp voicings and distortion types, allowing you to explore various genres from blues to metal. The built-in effects can be applied to either channel, adding depth and character to your sound. Experiment with the VOICE and FX SELECT knobs to discover your preferred tones.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

To clean your amplifier, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents, as these can damage the finish. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the amplifier.

5.2 Storage

When not in use for extended periods, store the amplifier in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. It is recommended to cover the amplifier to protect it from dust.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your Fender Champion II 50 amplifier, please refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• No Sound:
  • Check if the amplifier is powered on and the PWR light is illuminated.
  • Ensure your guitar cable is securely connected to both the guitar and the amplifier's INPUT jack.
  • Verify that the VOLUME knobs are turned up.
  • If headphones are plugged into the PHONES jack, unplug them as this mutes the speaker.
• Distorted Sound (unintended):
  • Check the GAIN and VOLUME 2 settings; they might be too high.
  • Ensure the VOICE knob is set to a clean voicing if you desire a clean tone.
• Effects Not Working:
  • Verify the FX SELECT knob is not set to 'OFF'.
  • Adjust the MODIFY knob to ensure the effect parameter is audible.

For further assistance, please contact Fender customer support.

7. Specifications

8. What's in the Box

• Champion II Amplifier

9. Warranty and Support

The Fender Champion II 50 Guitar Amplifier comes with a 2-Year Warranty. For warranty claims, technical support, or any product-related inquiries, please visit the official Fender website or contact Fender customer service directly. Retain your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

Fender Official Website: www.fender.com