Crate Manuals & User Guides

Crate Amplifiers, historically a division of St. Louis Music (SLM Electronics), has a long legacy of engineering and building high-quality musical instrument amplification equipment. Designed through the cooperative efforts of specialized engineers and professional musicians, Crate products cater to the specific audio requirements of both gigging and practicing musicians.

Throughout its history in the USA, Crate has developed a versatile product lineup. This ranges from classic vintage-style tube amplifiers, like the popular V-Series combos, to modern solid-state units equipped with digital signal processing (DSP). Featuring proprietary innovations like FlexWave tone circuitry and Channel Tracking memory features, Crate amplifiers deliver everything from crystal clear cleans to heavy overdrive, making them a staple for reliable performance on stage and in the studio.

• Where are Crate amplifiers manufactured?

  Historically, Crate amplifiers were manufactured in the U.S.A. at the Crate factory in St. Louis, Missouri by SLM Electronics, a division of St. Louis Music Supply Company.

• What is Crate's FlexWave circuitry?

  FlexWave is Crate's proprietary analog circuitry that uses sequential cascading gains to deliver distortion rich in harmonics and touch sensitivity, accurately simulating the overdrive characteristics of a tube amp on solid-state models.

• What is Channel Tracking on Crate DSP amplifiers?

  Channel Tracking automatically stores your digital signal processing (DSP) settings, such as delay, modulation, and reverb, to memory for each channel. When you switch channels, your previous effect settings for that specific channel are instantly recalled.

• What kind of tubes do Crate V-Series amplifiers use?

  Crate V-Series amplifiers utilize high-quality preamp tubes (typically 12AX7s) paired with distinct power tubes for their specific wattage. For example, the 33-watt V33 models use EL84 tubes, while the 50-watt V50 models rely on 6L6GC tubes for increased headroom and classic vintage tone.