Introduction
The KAT N-CHANNEL unit provides the EXACT tonal signature of the Normal Channel and output stage of an AC30 style amplifier. The Preamp section is, as per the AC30, provided by a pair of ECC83 valves running at the same HT voltage as they do in the real amplifier, whilst the output stage is handled by a solid-state emulator circuit. The first pre-amp valve is the input amplifier, the second, the phase inverter. The output stage emulator is a full differential arrangement that even includes the grid clamping so often exhibited by the four EL84’s as they are pushed into creamy compressed distortion.
The N-CHANNEL will allow the user to experience full AC30 (Normal Channel) tone into pretty much any guitar amplifier, be it valve or solid-state and at any level, so this unit is not just ideal for studio or bedroom playing, but also live performance as it will allow the user to kick-in a full AC30 rig at any volume as and when required. The N-CHANNEL is fitted with a True Bypass stomp switch to allow the unit to be engaged or disengaged as required.
Setting Up
Due to the high voltage HT required, the N-CHANNEL unit is mains powered. The units are shipped pre-configured to the mains supply of the country it is being shipped to. The voltage that the unit has been configured to is written on the front of the carton and on the rear on the unit. Please make sure that this voltage is correct for your own supply before plugging the unit in.
The audio connections, both on 1/4” Jack sockets, are identified as ‘INPUT’ and ‘AMP’. Connect the input as you would any other amplifier, i.e.. guitar, or, guitar effect (Treble Booster) output to the N-CHANNEL ‘INPUT’. Connect the N-CHANNEL ‘AMP’ output to your amplifier input.
Controls
The N-CHANNEL controls are simple and offer similar functions to the original amplifier. The controls are ‘LEVEL’, ‘TONE’ AND ‘CH VOL’.
‘CH VOL’ – This is the same as the normal channel volume on an AC30. Signal-wise, it sits between the output of the first amplifier stage and the input to the phase inverter. Turning this control clockwise allows the first amplifier stage to push (drive) the phase inverter valve stage harder. As an example, when AC30’s are used in Brian May mode, this control is usually set fully clockwise.
‘TONE’ – This is a fully functional tone control rather than the ‘TONE CUT’ control found on the AC30. Its purpose is to provide fine-tuning of the output tone when the N-CHANNEL is connected to differing amplifiers. As a general rule, the response is flat with the control knob in the mid (upright) position. Rotating it clockwise from that point will increase the high frequencies above 5KHz, whilst rotating it counterclockwise will reduce the high frequencies above 5KHz.
‘LEVEL’ – This controls the audio level produced by the N-CHANNEL and allows you to set the relative levels between the effect being switched in or out. The ‘LEVEL’ control is not intended as a ‘DRIVE’ function to push the final amp into distortion. It is there to allow the user the ability to set the overall level that the final amplifier is producing. We would suggest the input volume of the final amplifier is set to around the mid-point, then use the N-CHANNEL ‘LEVEL’ control to set the final level (loudness) for the room.