1 – Read and keep these instructions.
2 – Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
3 – WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water.
4 – Clean only with a dry cloth.
5 – WARNING: To prevent excessive temperature rise, operate product only in free air with unrestricted ventilation. Do not install in confined spaces or near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
6 – Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
7 – Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
8 – Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
9 – The appliance coupler (or attachment plug) is the mains disconnect device and should remain readily accessible when amplifier is in use.
10 – Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
11 – This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
12 – Changes or modifications made by the user that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void your authority to operate the amplifier.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
Our goal: preserve and expand the classic tones that define the electric guitar while giving the professional musician a reliable, efficient, lightweight amplifier powerful enough to play any gig.
No shortcuts have been taken in the design and manufacturing. Every component and circuit is selected solely on the basis of superior results. Where advanced design or premium components significantly boost performance, we have made the investment. Costs are kept as low as possible using a well-managed high volume production process.
The result is a serious professional tool with performance that meets or beats handmade amps costing and weighing several times as much.
We hope you enjoy your new amplifier. May it give you many years of flawless service and provide a source of inspiration and creativity.
Sets MIC/LINE Master Volume
Sets Overdrive. Clean at low settings, increasing overdrive above half.
Active tone controls
Overdrive limiter
Sets Tremelo rate
Sets Reverb level
Sets Reverb sustain
Sets overall crispiness
Sets CH 2 Master Volume
Instrument inputs
Sets additional Overdrive Boost
Activates Boost and selects 1 of 4 types of Boost
Reverb Path Assignment. Select CH1 only, both, or two locations in CH2
Selects 1 of 4 overall voicings or CH1 as a clean preset
The first time you use your amplifier, we recommend that you set up the front panel controls as shown in the illustration below:
• Set VOL 1 to its minimum position (we’ll use CH 1 later).
• Set GAIN, BASS, MID and TREB to their middle positions.
• Set LIM, TREM, and REV to their minimum position.
• Set PRES to its maximum position.
• Set VOL 2 to about ¼ level.
• Set the MODE switch to FULLQ.
Plug your guitar into the INST HI jack. As you play, use the GAIN and VOL 2 controls to adjust the overdrive distortion and overall loudness of the amplifier.
The tone controls (BASS, MID and TREB) are neutral in the middle position. Turn them up and down to boost or cut their respective frequencies.
The PRES control produces a crisp aggressive sound on full, and a more mellow response when turned down.
For increased overdrive, move the BOOST selector to the LOUD position and set the amount of additional gain with the BOOST level control. The other boost settings change the voicing of the amplifier and are described later in this manual.
Turning up the overdrive limiter (LIM) progressively reduces overdrive distortion while maintaining lower-level sustain.
To add reverb, turn up the REV control. The DWELL control sets the decay time of the reverb tail. Use the PATH switch to select which channel or mix gets reverb. Use the MIX, PRE or POST settings when playing Channel 2.
The next section of the manual will describe in more detail each control and feature of the amplifier.
The MicroPro 200 features two independent amplifier channels, combined into a single speaker, which can be used separately or simultaneously. Each channel has a maximum RMS output of 100 watts. CH 1, the MIC/LINE channel, may also be used as a “clean” channel, with access to minimal effects. CH 2, the Instrument channel, is typically used as the “overdrive” channel and which can use all the amp’s effects.
In normal 2-channel mode, VOL 1 controls the loudness of the MIC/LINE input and VOL 2 controls the loudness of the INSTR inputs.
To use VOL 1 as a clean-channel preset, set the MODE switch to VOL 1 (CLEAN). The INSTR input is now routed through Channel 1 and is controlled by its master volume (VOL 1).
By adjusting the VOL 1 and VOL 2 controls, you can achieve a balanced loudness level between the two channels.
(There is no special overdrive circuitry on Channel 1, but you may still hear some distortion if exceeding the 100 watt limit.)
When switched to Channel 1, the MODE backlight color changes from Blue (FULLQ) to Orange (VOL 1), to remind you to use the VOL 1 control. Controls that are reserved for Channel 2 presets have their LEDs turned off. BASS, MID, TREB are still effective; reverb can be used when the PATH switch is set to the CH 1 or MIX positions.
Footswitch Control:
In this mode, the footswitch can route your sound from the clean channel to the overdrive channel by engaging the MODE switch.Using the BOOST and LIM footswitches can give you even more switchable tonal presets when using Channel 2.
A microphone input plugs into the XLR portion of the MIC/LINE input jack. A mono, line-level input connects using the ¼ʺ center portion of the jack.
This channel works well with dynamic microphones, acoustic guitars with built-in preamps, keyboards and playback of accompanying music.
Channel 1 is also a good choice if you use a preamp or modeling processor before the amplifier. The rich, open sound of the amplifier works as an ideal canvas for digital modeling and effects.
This channel is essentially free of distortion; however you may hear some distortion when exceeding the 100 watt rating.
VOL 1 controls the loudness of the MIC/LINE input. Except for certain reverb settings (see below), this is the only control that affects the MIC/LINE inputs.
To use reverb on Channel 1, set the PATH switch to CH 1 or MIX positions.
When the MODE selector is in the VOL 1 (CLEAN) position, Channel 2’s INSTR signal is routed through Channel 1 and responds to VOL 1, BASS, MID, and TREB
Channel 2 is tailored for electric guitars. INST-HI has a 2 meg input impedance that preserves the delicate overtones of standard pickups. INST-LO has a 100K impedance and 6 dB attenuation which may work well with active guitar pickups. Use the input that sounds best to you.
If two guitars are plugged in at once, they are blended together but each one reduces the output of the other somewhat.
Channel 2 has 14 highly active controls which are explained in detail below.
The threshold of overdrive depends on playing style and type of guitar pickups. With no added Boost (see below), the sound should be clean below GAIN settings of “3” (as shown in the illustration to the left). Somewhere between “3” and “6”, the amp should begin to overdrive on loud notes. Overdrive should increase greatly as GAIN is increased to “10”.
The BOOST control (on the left) sets the amount of additional boost from 3dB to 15dB. The BOOST VOICE selector (on the right) can be OFF, or set to one of four boost voices, SCOOP, BRIGHT, LOUD and HOT, each of which provides a different kind of boost with its own musical value.
No additional gain is applied
This voice boosts gain with a slight midrange scoop, adding relatively clean volume with more bass and treble ”chime.”
This voice boosts upper midrange and treble for more penetration and “clang.”
This voice boosts all frequencies equally for more overdrive.
This voice produces an aggressive type of overdrive, at a level similar to the maximum clean volume, as one type of “lead preset.”
Note: the PRES control can be used to help tame the high end if the distortion sounds too bright and “fizzy.”
Footswitch control:
The footswitch bypasses BOOST when the LED is off, and activates the selected BOOST when the LED is on. When the boost voice selector is in the OFF position, the boost footswitch has no effect even if the LED is on.
The BASS, MID and TREB controls adjust equalization or tone for the INSTR inputs, whether routed to CH 1 or CH 2. The controls are active boost/cut controls with a neutral response on their middle detent (“5”). Up to 12dB of boost or cut is available depending on frequency. The frequencies and control curves have been carefully designed to enhance the sound of the electric guitar.
Unlike the traditional “tone stack”, the MicroPro controls are totally neutral at their center position. This allows you to hear the natural sound of your guitar before you start making adjustments. Only slight adjustments may be needed depending on the type of guitar you are using.
Intentional use of overdrive greatly expands the range of the electric guitar, adding sustain and exciting overtones to the basic plucked sound. The internal overdrive limiter adds more versatility by preserving overdrive sustain while controlling the amount of distortion.
Zero LIM permits full overdrive. Setting LIM at “2” or “3” keeps overdrive down to a “rolling boil.” Higher settings continue to replace overdrive distortion with a clean, singing sustain. In effect, LIM replaces overdrive’s “hard ceiling” with a softer cushioned ceiling that can be adjusted to taste. The trade-off is that the “feel” of limiting is more elastic or rubbery than normal overdrive.
Footswitch control:
When the footswitch is engaged (LED on), LIM is active and overdrive will be reduced in accordance with the control setting. When the footswitch is off, the limiter is bypassed. Enabling and bypassing the limiter offers yet another preset to transition from clean to overdrive.
Tremolo was one of the first effects offered on vintage amplifiers. To avoid panel clutter, the MicroPro 200 uses a single TREM knob, with a fixed depth and unusually wide frequency range, adjustable from a very slow breathing to a fast staccato. To support exact matching of the pulse rate, this knob has smooth, non-detented operation, and of course, a footswitch bypass.
The MicroPro 200 uses a premium digital reverb chip with a smoother decay and a lower noise floor than a classic spring tank. The reverb is voiced to “float” nicely in the mix.
The REV control sets the amount of reverb added to the signal.
The DWELL control adjusts the decay time from a short “klonk” to a lush “heavenly choir.”
The PATH switch controls whether reverb is applied to CH 1, CH 2 or both, as well as offering some additional variations on the reverb sound and how it interacts with Tremolo.
• CH 1 – Applies reverb only to CH 1(MIC/LINE).
• MIX – Applies reverb to CH 1 and CH 2 after the overdrive stage. This produces cleaner overdrive, with reverb applied afterwards, as in a studio or recording session.
• PRE (CH 2 only) – Reverb is applied before the gain, tremolo and clipping stages. The tremolo applies to the reverb as well as the direct signal, and the reverb will get very “large” at high gains.
• POST (CH 2 only) – Reverb is applied after the gain and tremolo stages but before clipping. The reverb is post-tremolo, which reduces tremolo depth somewhat, and produces more controlled reverb levels at high gains.
Footswitch control:
The footswitch LED is on when reverb is active, and off when bypassed. The footswitch controls the signal at the input of the reverb stage. When turned off, the remaining reverb tail decays naturally. This means you can “deposit” a burst of music and let it taper off while you continue to play dry.
The PRES control adjusts the overall sound of Channel 2, including any overdrive, from a mellow “singing” quality to a crisp full-range attack, to suit the style of music.
Maximum Presence delivers the amplifier’s full frequency range for a crisp, aggressive sound. Turning down the control produces a mellower, singing quality that may enhance a blues or jazz style, and tames a harsh or overly bright tone.
VOL 2 is the master volume control for Channel 2. It regulates the overall loudness of the channel without altering the amplifier's tone or overdrive. Lower settings are suitable for practice or quiet venues. High settings enable the amp to compete on stage with drums or much larger amplifiers.
TIP: For a loud, clean tone, set VOL 2 full up, and adjust the GAIN control to the desired volume. LIM can also be increased to prevent unexpected overdrive.
MINI, TWEED and CLASSIC are analog emulations that capture the tone and dynamics of several classic amplifier types. FULLQ is the natural, full-bodied sound of the MicroPro, and the default position that the MODE footswitch returns to.
VOL 1 (CLEAN) shifts the signal to CH 1, allowing for a clean preset.
Represents a small battery-powered or practice amp with rather abrupt overdrive and very limited bass response. Often useful as a “novelty” or “toy” alternative to the normal FullQ sound of the amplifier.
Represents a 1950’s era amplifier, with a mellow tone, chesty open-back bass response, and rich, chewy overdrive similar to “cathode-bias” circuits.
Similar to larger ‘60s era amplifiers, with fairly full-range bass, a slight mid scoop, and crisper “fixed-bias” overdrive. The result is slightly glassier sounding compared to FullQ.
This sound represents the full development of the Quilter tone. It combines the open airy quality and fast attack of modern direct-coupled circuitry with the rich chewy overdrive normally found only in handtuned, open-loop amplifiers. Each of the vintage sounds has its charms, but FullQ represents “high definition” guitar amplification at its finest.
This is a special mode designed to allow two-channel switching. When in this mode, the VOL 1 control sets the clean gain. Certain CH 2 controls, GAIN, LIM, PRES, BOOST and VOL 2 are reserved as presets for the FullQ mode. Note that the LEDs above these controls go out in VOL 1 mode.
Footswitch control:
When the footswitch is engaged (LED on), the FULLQ mode is active, as indicated by a blue color. When the footswitch is off, the mode selected with the knob becomes active, as indicated by orange and amber colors. When set to VOL 1 (clean), the MODE switch allows you to go from clean to an overdrive tone.
The glowing blue Quilter logo lets you know the power is on while the control legends make the front panel of the amp easily readable in a dark room.
Footswitch control:
When the footswitch is used to bypass various controls, their panel LEDs are turned off, helping you see which features are bypassed.
Simply reach over the right side of the amp to flip the power switch on and off.
The MicroPro 200 can be used on all known domestic AC voltages (100-250V) which allows you to play just about anywhere on the planet.
The power cord that comes with your amplifier is designed to lock into the AC inlet to reduce the chance it will come unplugged during use. Press the yellow button on the cord to release it. Any normal 3-prong IEC cord can still be used with the amplifier as well. Always ensure that the ground contact is intact on both the cord and receptacle.
The MicroPro combo amplifier models (MP200-8, MP200-10 and MP20012) come with the internal speaker plugged into the INT SPEAKER output. An external 8 ohm speaker may be used in place of the internal speaker by unplugging this cable and connecting the external speaker.
An external 4 ohm speaker cabinet should be connected to the EXT SPEAKER output.
To use two speaker cabinets simultaneously, connect a 4-8 ohm extension speaker with a minimum of 200 watts continuous power handling to the EXT SPEAKER output and an 8 ohm cabinet (or the internal speaker) to the INT SPEAKER output. Circuitry adjusts the output impedance to split the power between the two outputs.
MicroPro 200 Head: Connect a single 4 ohm speaker cabinet, to the 4 OHM SPKR output or an 8 ohm cabinet to the 8 OHM SPKR output. When using two cabinets, a 4-8 ohm cabinet can be used in the 4 OHM SPKR output and only an 8 ohm cabinet should be connected to the 8 OHM SPKR output.
CAUTION: the amplifier can deliver up to 300 watts peak, well beyond the capacity of most single speakers. We recommend Quilter extension cabinets with power tested speakers. Quilter Labs will not be liable for damage to other speakers.
The SEND jack combines both channels at -10dB which matches consumer and pro effects. The RETURN jack interrupts the internal signal, and returns the effects output directly to the power amplifier.
Impedance is low which preserves tone, and the SEND jack remains active which keeps effects synchronized. Effects are therefore applied to the overall sound of both channels with outstanding headroom and clarity.
Footswitch control:
Without the footswitch attached, the effects loop is activated when using the RETURN jack. The effects loop is enabled when the footswitch LED is on, and bypassed when the LED is off.
The foot controller connects with the supplied cable. Both jacks on the foot controller are wired identically, so you can plug into either one. A standard network cable with RJ-45 connectors may be used as an emergency replacement or if you need a longer cable.
The isolated direct output allows you to route the output sound of the amp to a mixing board or external powered loudspeakers without using a microphone. The signal level is compatible with mic inputs, and is padded down from the actual signal across the speaker, to preserve as much of the tone quality as possible.
A high frequency rolloff is included to prevent high frequency system instability, and produces the same tone quality through full-range speakers as the internal single-cone driver.
Clean the outer surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or vacuum with a soft brush. Never use any abrasives, harsh cleaners or solvents.
The MicroPro 200 amplifier is manufactured with high quality components using modern industrial processes that greatly reduce production defects. Each amplifier goes through an intensive testing process before it leaves the factory ensuring that your amplifiers will give you years of flawless service. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Any repairs should be performed by a trained service professional.
Always use the amplifier in a well-ventilated environment and protect from external heat sources such as furnaces or direct sunlight.
Prolonged high-volume playing causes heat buildup in the speaker which reduces its working lifetime. If you find it necessary to consistently use the amp at full volume, we recommend using an extension speaker to prolong speaker life and improve sound coverage.
| ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE | |
| Power Output: | CH 1: 100 W RMS CH 2: 100 W RMS Total: 200 W RMS |
| AC Power Req: | 100-240Vac, 50-60Hz, 250W maximum |
| Input: | Mic/Line: Balanced XLR and ¼” TRS INST: ¼” Mono |
| FX Loop: | Output: ¼” Mono, -10dB, 1K ohms Input: Output ¼” Mono, 50K ohms |
| Speaker 1 Output: | 8 ohms, 200 W minimum rating |
| Speaker 2 Output: | 4-8 ohms, 200 W minimum rating |
| SPEAKERS, DIMENSIONS, WEIGHTS | |
| MP200-8 | |
| Speaker | Celestion TF0818 - 8" cone, 1.75" voice coil, 8 ohms |
| H x W x D: | 14.5 in. x 17.5 in. x 9.75 in/36.8 cm x 44.5 cm x 24.8 cm |
| Weight: | 19 lbs. (8.5 KG) |
| MP200-10 | |
| Speaker | Celestion G10 Vintage - 10" cone, 1.75" voice coil, 8 ohms |
| H x W x D: | 19 in. x 17.5 in. x 10 in./48.3 cm x 44.5 cm x 25.4 cm |
| Weight: | 21 lbs. (9.6 KG) |
| MP200-12 | |
| Speaker | Celestion Classic Lead 80 - 12" cone, 1.75" voice coil, 8 ohms |
| H x W x D: | 19 in. x 17.5 in. x 10 in./48.3 cm x 44.5 cm x 25.4 cm |
| Weight: | 26 lbs. (11.8 KG) |
| MP200 Head | |
| H x W x D: | 4.5 in. x 17.5 in. x 7.63 in. /11.4 cm x 44.5 cm x 19.4 cm |
| Weight: | 7 lbs. (3 Kg) |
| Symptom | Action |
| No power, no lights | • Ensure that the AC cord is fully seated and connected to a live source. • Check the AC source by trying another device. |
| Amp feels hot and starts shutting off | • Automatichermal protection is activating. Reduce Master at least 30% and keep the amplifier out of direct sunlight or enclosed spaces. Amp normally runs only slightly warm. |
| Lights are on, but there is no sound (using a guitar) | • Ensure that BOOST and VOICE switches are fully engaged and are not between clicks. • Ensure the guitar plug is fully seated at each end. • Try using a different guitar cable. • Check that the pickup selector switch and volume on the guitar are set correctly. Remove any cables from the RETURN jack of the Effects loop. If this corrects the problem, track down the break in the effects chain • Try a different instrument or audio device. • Ensure that the rear panel speaker plug is fully inserted into the SPEAKER jack. • Try headphones, to see if the speaker is bad. • Listen for the normal on/off click through the speaker. If none, test with another speaker. |
| No audio (using MIC/LINE input) | • Ensure that XLR or 1/4" plug is fully inserted. • Try using a different cable. •Check that VOL 1 is not at its minimum setting. •Ensure that the rear panel speaker plug is fully inserted into the INT speaker jack. •Remove any cables from the RETURN jack of the FX Loop. If this corrects the problem, track down the break in the effects chain. |
| Distorted audio on CH 1 | • Lower the cource level. • Lower VOL 1 control. |
| No Reverb is heard | •Confirm that the REV control is turned up. • Lower VOL 1 control. •KIf panel LEDs are off, the footswitch is in Bypass. |
| Reverb has too much echo | •Adjust the DWELL control. |
| A "warbling" or pulsing sound is heard | •You may be hearing the tremelo effect. Check that the TREM control is set to its minimum position. •Check for moving reflectors such as a ceiling fan. |
| Background hum | • Ensure the guitar plug is fully inserted. • Try using a different guitar cable. Make sure it is properly shielded. • Any AC powered sources or effects should be plugged into the same receptacle or AC strip as the amplifier to help avoid ground loops. If the hum goes away when you turn down the guitar: • Single coil pickups can pick up hum, especially from light dimmers or neon lights. Some guitars have “phase switching” pickup selectors that can sometimes help. • Check that the guitar’s cavities are well shielded. • A thin “buzz” especially at partial guitar volume may indicate that the AC cord’s ground pin has been defeated. This is dangerous and leads to noise. |
| Excessive noise | • At high gain settings, some audible hiss or whoosh is normal. • Check your cables, guitar and other effects in the signal chain, especially for hum or buzz. • “Chattering” and other recurring noises are usually caused by cellphones close to the guitar or amp. |
| Amp sounds garbled at all volumes | • Try a different speaker, especially if headphones sound clear. Caution: reduce MASTER volume until sound level has been confirmed. • Try plugging instrument directly into the amp, and unplugging Effects Loop. If sound is then clean, check outboard processing for problems. |
| Desire clean tone, getting too much overdrive | • Turn down the GAIN control and turn up VOL 2. • Set the BOOST SELECT to OFF. •Turn up LIM. • Use the INST-LO input. •Try using the VOL 1 (CLEAN) Mode |
| Desire overdrive tone, not getting enough overdrive | •• Use the INST-HI input •Turn up GAIN. • Set the MODE switch to FULLQ • Set LIM to its minimum setting, or bypass with footswitch. • Set the Boost Voice Select to LOUD or HOT and turn up the Boost Level. • Try higher output pickups |
| Tone sounds "dull" with no high frequencies | •Set the PRES control to its maximum setting . • Check your guitar’s tone controls. |
| Amplifier Requires Service If any of the events below occur, immediately unplug the amplifier and refer to a service technician. • Amplifier or AC cord emits smoke • Amplifier is dropped or chassis is dented or bent • Liquid has been spilled into the amplifier • Loose parts inside the amplifier are heard • AC breaker trips |
For warranty and service information, visit our support website at support.quilterlabs.com
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the product into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.