Crate GFX-30 Guitar Amplifier

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Crate GFX-30 guitar amplifier. This amplifier features a "Clean" channel with a 3-band EQ and Level control, and an "Overdrive" channel with Crate's patented "Flex-Wave" circuitry. The "Flex-Wave" circuitry includes Gain, Level, and Crate's Shape control. An integrated DSP section allows for a variety of digital effects, including delay, flange, chorus, and reverb, each with its own level control. The GFX-30 offers enhanced flexibility and performance.

A special damping circuit simulates the "current source" output of a tube amp, providing solid-state reliability with classic tube sounds.

The GFX-30 is manufactured in the U.S.A. using high-quality components. Extensive testing by skilled technicians and musicians ensures optimal performance.

To maximize your experience, please review this manual before playing.

Thank you for choosing Crate.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel features controls for both the Overdrive and Clean channels, as well as DSP and power indicators.

Overdrive Channel Controls:

• 1: INPUT: Connect your guitar here using a shielded instrument cable.
• Overdrive Channel Description: A high-gain channel providing sounds from a slight edge to serious overdrive.
• 2: GAIN: Adjusts compression and distortion. Lower settings yield a thick, compressed sound, while higher settings increase distortion. Crate's "Flex Wave" circuitry uses sequential cascading gains for rich, touch-sensitive distortion. Use with Shape and Level controls for diverse sounds.
• 3: SHAPE: Fine-tunes the distortion character. Turning left emphasizes mid frequencies; turning right emphasizes low and high frequencies.
• 4: LEVEL: Sets the output volume for the Overdrive Channel. Fully left is no output; turning right increases volume. Use with Gain and Shape controls for various sounds.

Clean Channel Controls:

• 5: OVERDRIVE Switch: Engages the Overdrive Channel when pressed in. The Clean Channel is selected when the switch is out. A footswitch can override this.
• Clean Channel Description: A normal-gain channel designed for crystal-clear sounds.
• 6: LEVEL: Sets the output volume for the Clean Channel. Fully left is no output; turning right increases volume.
• 7: LOW: Adjusts the low-frequency output level. Turning left reduces, right increases. Offers a range of 25dB at 80Hz.
• 8: MID: Adjusts the mid-frequency output level. Turning left reduces, right increases. Offers a range of 19dB at 900Hz.
• 9: HIGH: Adjusts the high-frequency output level. Turning left reduces, right increases. Offers a range of 23dB at 5kHz.
• 10: DSP LEVEL: Controls the amount of digital signal processing. Fully left results in a "dry" signal (no effect); turning right increases the effect level. The DSP can be toggled on/off with an optional footswitch.

DSP Modes

• 11: DSP MODE: Selects the type of digital effect. Categories include Delay, Flange, and Chorus, each with two variations:
  • Slapback delay
  • Long delay w/regeneration
  • Light Flange
  • Heavy Flange
  • Slow Chorus
  • Fast Chorus
  • Chorus w/small room reverb
  • Chorus w/large room reverb
  • Small room reverb
  • Large room reverb

Connections and Features

• 12: FOOTSWITCH: Connect a two-button footswitch (e.g., Crate CFP-2) for remote control of Channel Select and DSP on/off.
• 13: HEADPHONES: For private practice, plug stereo headphones into this jack. The internal speaker is automatically disconnected when headphones are used.
• 14: SPEAKER*: Connect to an extension speaker cabinet using this jack. The jack is wired in series with the internal speaker(s).
• 15: ON LED: Illuminates when the GFX-30 is powered on and ready.
• 16: POWER SWITCH: Toggles the amplifier ON (up position) and OFF (down position).
• 17: POWER CORD: Equipped with a heavy-duty, grounded three-wire power cord. Ensure it is plugged into a properly wired, grounded 120-volt, 60Hz AC outlet. For units purchased outside the U.S., refer to rear panel for power ratings. Never defeat the ground connection.
• 18: FUSE: Protects the amplifier from power source issues. If the fuse blows, replace it only with the same size and type. Repeated fuse blowing may indicate an AC source problem; contact a dealer for service.

Warning: Do not attempt to use headphones in the Speaker jack. Permanent hearing damage may result. ?

Safety Warnings (Multilingual Summary): The document includes safety warnings in English, Spanish ("PRECAUCION"), and French ("ATTENTION"), all advising against opening the unit to avoid electric shock and warning about exposure to rain or moisture.

Technical Specifications

Cleaning and Care

The GFX-30 is covered with a durable black Tolex material. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Never spray cleaning agents directly onto the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleansers that could damage the finish.

Important Safety Instructions

Please read, follow, heed, and keep all instructions and warnings.

• Do not operate near heat sources or block ventilation openings. Maintain at least 3 inches (75mm) of well-ventilated space around the unit.
• Do not use near splashing, falling, spraying, or standing liquids.
• Clean only with a lint-free damp cloth; do not use cleaning agents.
• Connect the power cord only to a polarized, safety-grounded outlet that complies with electrical codes and matches the apparatus's voltage, power, and frequency requirements.
• Protect the power cord from damage (e.g., being walked on, pinched, or strained).
• Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for extended periods.
• Use only manufacturer-specified attachments, accessories, stands, or brackets for safe operation and to prevent injury.
• If the apparatus does not operate normally, shows physical damage, or has been exposed to moisture, it requires service.
• Service must be performed by qualified personnel.
• Hearing Protection Advisory: This amplifier can produce high sound pressure levels. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent hearing impairment or loss. User caution is advised, and ear protection is recommended when operating at high volumes.

Graphical Symbol Explanations:

• Symbol: ⚡
  Meaning: Dangerous Voltage. Refer to the instruction manual.
• Symbol: ⚠️
  Meaning: Important safety information. Refer to the instruction manual.

Safety Warnings (Multilingual Summary): The document includes safety warnings in English, Spanish ("PRECAUCION"), and French ("ATTENTION"), all advising against opening the unit to avoid electric shock and warning about exposure to rain or moisture.

About Crate

Crate continually develops new products and improves existing ones. Specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Visit Crate online at: www.crateamps.com

© 1998 SLM Electronics, A Division of St. Louis Music, 1400 Ferguson, St. Louis, MO. 63133

Part Number: 47-454-01 • Revision: 03/02