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.
The spirit of the OVERDRIVE 200 in based on legendary and almost unobtainable “high gain” amps, bringing an iconic overdrive sound within reach of the average musician. The dynamic 200 watt Quilter Tone Block power section is combined with a traditional “tone stack” EQ section to form a classic Clean channel, with a switchable Drive section that offers several classic overdrive tones.
The high impedance INPUT accepts normal guitar cables and maximizes the tone of guitar pickups. The CLEAN CHANNEL provides a GAIN control that can reach a moderate amount of overdrive, a traditional 3-BAND EQ that couples the familiar sound of the classic “tone stack” with an active MID control for greater range, and a MASTER control that adjusts the overall output wattage from 0 to 200 watts. Preceding this channel is a footswitchable DRIVE CHANNEL with three distinct modes, CRUNCH, LEAD, and CRUNCH + LEAD, which provide a wide range of clean and dirty tones. The EFFECTS LOOP provides an ideal place to connect “sweeteners” such as reverb, delay or chorus, adding their tone to the overall sound of the amp, including its overdrive. The HEADPHONE jack provides private listening as well as an alternate line-level output. A DIRECT OUT is located on the back, along with dual SPEAKER jacks that bring the best out of any normal speaker, with a highly dynamic response. The amp is stable with no speaker connected, for silent recording or practice.
Please consult the rest of this manual to obtain the best results from all these features.
A NOTE FROM PAT QUILTER:
Our goal at Quilter Labs is to bring you all the tone and dynamics of the best vintage amplifiers without the weight and drawbacks of tube technology. Despite its small size, this is a fully professional product, produced on a worldclass production line. May your new amplifier deliver many years of faithful service and become a source of inspiration and creativity.
Performance amplification is not a term we throw around lightly. Not every amplifier can perform well night after night and in all situations. A poor design choice may result in a problem on stage or in the rehearsal room, or perhaps you have a priceless classic that shouldn't be anywhere near that tipsy patron with a mug of beer.
Tone must exceed the basics. A true performance amp will deliver pure tonal excitement -- all of the harmonic content, full dynamics when you roll off the volume knob, the feel of a power supply sagging under your tonal assault. There is no substitute for great tone and how you play in its presence.
Power and restraint are both virtues. Buying one amp for practice, one for small gigs, and one for the big stage is inefficient and expensive. A performance amplifier delivers just the right volume for the room every time without fail. More importantly, it is the right solution for each and every gig regardless of external variables.
A great show without reliability can become a no-show. The best amp in the world is the one onstage working right now. A true performance amplifier never fails. It works each and every time exactly as you expect it to. None of the electrical parts go bad over time or fry out at the worst possible moment. If it has wearable parts like speakers, it protects them for you.
Consistency under adversity means the tone and power will always be there. In the club, when the room sized refrigerator is humming, the industrial grills are cooking, the deep fryers boiling, the 3 ton AC on the roof is roaring away and the neon signs are buzzing the voltage is often dangerously erratic for old-school electronics. A performance amp will automatically make the adjustment and leave you with effortless clean power. Every time. Everywhere on earth.
Quality of manufacture and excellence in design are the hallmarks of a performance amplifier. Only the best materials and construction need apply. The best sounding amp on earth is useless if it isn't constructed to take real world dings, dents, scrapes, and more. A performance amplifier is built to stand the test of time.
Portability means that your equipment can and will travel with you. You should feel just as good carrying your amp out at 2 AM as you did during the load-in. Heavy, bulky, oversized amps may look impressive at rehearsal but they just aren't practical in the real world when loading in or out and making changes onstage is measured in seconds and not hours.
At Quilter Labs we make performance amplifiers, designed to deliver all the real world behaviors inspired by tube amplifiers, with the 21st-century power, reliability, consistency, portability, and quality that you expect from the world's fastest growing amplifier company.
A switchable DRIVE CHANNEL feeds a CLEAN CHANNEL with an overall MASTER that sets peak power.
The amp defaults to the CLEAN channel when powered up (although the footswitch will retain settings if used). Use the CLEAN CHANNEL GAIN and 3-BAND EQ to establish a good baseline guitar sound. Switch to the DRIVE CHANNEL and use its GAIN and OUTPUT to establish an independent overdrive level, bypassing certain Clean Channel controls as explained below. Two distinct overdrive voices can be selected or combined to offer three distinct overdrive effects. The MASTER regulates the amp’s overall volume and peak power.
Accepts standard guitar or any other signal. An extra high input impedance optimizes the sound of your guitar pickups.
Mainly for clean work, but may also be set for moderate overdrive. The GAIN determines how hard the amp pushes towards overdrive. Depending on the volume of your guitar pickups and playing attack, the sound should remain clean from 0 to 5, with breakup setting in between 5 and 8, reaching moderate overdrive on 10. The BASS and TREBLE controls use classic “tone stack” circuitry for a familiar response. The MID control uses active cut-boost circuitry for much greater range than the traditional “tone stack” Mid control. All of these settings are fairly interactive, so be sure to systematically explore the full range of each control. The MASTER control regulates the overall loudness or peak power level of the amplifier, without changing the tone established by the Clean and Drive controls. Approximate wattage markings are shown from 0 to 200 watts, which should align with tube amps having similar wattage ratings. The actual power depends somewhat on speaker properties, so the markings are only a guideline. For maximum headroom, use high Master settings. For heavy overdrive, set the Master at or below the rated power of your speakers to prevent damage.
Two distinct voices, CRUNCH and LEAD can be selected, individually or together, offering three major overdrive alternatives. The selected Drive voices are indicated by front panel LEDs above their respective switches, which also indicate the Drive selection when using the footswitch. The Drive stage responds like a single-ended triode, with a smooth transition into clipping that quickly “loads up” to a fully distorted onslaught with a rich mixture of harmonics for expressiveness. The Drive GAIN regulates overdrive, and the OUTPUT control determines the volume sent to the Clean Channel. When using the Drive channel, the Clean Gain is bypassed, so it may be set as desired for an independent Clean volume.
This switch routes the guitar signal through a “Blackface” mid scoop before entering the Drive stage, for a “medium gain” overdrive with a full bodied bass and lots of chime, but less mid clutter. The Drive Output re-enters the signal path after the Clean Channel EQ, but before the Master, for a “natural overdrive” tone similar to many classic American amps. Drive Outputs above about 7 can overdrive the Clean channel for a layered-overdrive effect.
This switch engages full midrange gain going into the Drive stage, for maximum overdrive breakup. The Drive Output re-enters the Clean channel BEFORE its 3-band EQ section, so the EQ voices the tone of the distortion. This typically results in a much more aggressive overdrive tone which can be heavily shaped as desired. . Depending on EQ settings, the clean channel can reach overdrive for Drive Output levels above about 6-7, for a layered-distortion effect.
Using both switches engages the full-strength Lead gain for maximum overdrive, but the Output re-enters the Clean channel AFTER the 3-band EQ, to provide a “natural overdrive” alternative to the equalized overdrive of the Lead Option.
TIP: The Drive channel may also be pre-set as an alternative clean or edge-of-breakup sound by using less Drive Gain and more Drive Output.
Due to psycho-acoustic factors, the ear tends to hear low volume overdrive as an artificial effect, so it is a good idea to initially explore overdrive at a reasonably robust volume level. Once you have heard how the amp “stretches out” at concert volume, you will have a better feel for the sound of the overdrive at low Master volumes.
A rich assortment of pedals is half the fun of modern guitar playing, and the OD-200 is designed to optimize the performance of your pedal collection.
The FX SEND jack delivers a 1V signal to external effects. Chorus, delay, and reverb pedals will work very well here, since their sound will overlay cleanly on top of the overall sound of the amp, including any overdrive. For example, establish a nice overdrive sound and then listen to a dramatic swirly chorus effect, or a rich cascade of clean delay echoes overlaid on top of overdrive. The last device in the effects chain should be patched back to the RETURN jack.
Distortion or overdrive pedals should be used between the guitar and the amplifier input, so the amp’s tone shaping can be applied to their sound. Effects pedals can be used before the amp input as well, but their sound will become increasingly buried if heavy overdrive is used.
The outlet to the right of the FX LOOP will drive standard headphones to fairly loud levels, so we recommend you keep the Master below half. Since full range headphones will reproduce much more sizzle than standard guitar speakers, the Headphone signal has a gentle high frequency rolloff to “take the edge off” to reduce listening fatigue.
Using the headphone jack does not mute the speaker. It is OK to unplug the speaker, when using headphones only.
The OD-200 works with all known worldwide AC voltages (100-250V), which allows you to play just about anywhere on the planet.
Plug the power cord that comes with your amplifier into the AC inlet on the rear. Any normal 3-prong IEC cord may also be used with the amplifier. Always ensure that the ground contact is intact on both the cord and receptacle.
Connect a single 8 or 16-ohm speaker to the lower jack, marked 8-OHMS.
Connect a single 4-ohm speaker to the upper jack, marked 4-OHMS.
For two 8-ohm speakers, or any other mix of impedances, plug one into each jack. Power will divide between the two speakers. The amplifier will not be bothered by impedance mismatches, so if the tone sounds OK, go for it!
CAUTION: The OD-200 can provide enough output to fry most single speakers, especially those built as exact re-issues of vintage 15-30W speakers. For safer results, use the MASTER to select a wattage limit that is equal or less than the speaker being used.
Clean the outer surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or vacuum with a soft brush. Never use any abrasives, harsh cleaners or solvents.
Your Overdrive 200 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 a larger speaker, or extension speaker, to prolong speaker life and improve sound coverage.
The Overdrive 200 comes with a special carrying case designed to protect your investment from the rigors of the road. Be sure to keep it safely stored inside when not in use.
| ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE | |
| Power Output: | 0 to 200 watts maximum, 4-8 ohms |
| AC Power Req: | 100-240Vac, 50-60Hz, 250W maximum |
| Input: | ¼" mono, 2M input impedance, 2V peak |
| Effects Send: | ¼” mono, 1V full scale, 600 ohms |
| Effects Return: | ¼” mono, 1V full scale, 47K |
| Headphone Output: | 1/4" stereo jack, 4V peak |
| Speaker 1 Output: | 8 ohms, up to 200 W recommended rating |
| Speaker 2 Output: | 4 ohms, up to 200 W recommended rating |
| Dual Speakers 1+2: | 48 ohms each, 100W recommended rating |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| H x W x D: | 3.15”(80mm) x 8.5” (216mm) x 5.8” (147mm) |
| Weight: | 4 lbs (1.8kg) |
Circuitry used in Quilter amplifiers is stable and there are no internal connections that might go bad. Generally, the amp works normally, or it doesn’t pass a signal at all, or in rare cases noises or dropouts occur due to cracked parts. Movable parts such as controls and inputs can be damaged or corroded, but these faults are usually apparent when cycling controls or re-inserting inputs. Most faults are traced to external causes such as cables, speakers, or instruments. The following troubleshooting chart should help narrow down the cause.
| 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 shuts off then after a short time, turns back on | • If amp feels very hot, thermal 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. • Continued intermittent behavior indicates need for servicing. |
| Pilot light is on, but no sound (using a guitar) | • Confirm that the MASTER control and the GAIN controls are both turned up. • 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. • 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. |
| Weak or fluctuating audio | • Plug guitar directly into amp and unplug the FX Loop to isolate bad pedals. Check connections and power supply or batteries in pedal board. • The amplifier almost never “loses power” without completely stopping. Look for external causes. |
| Drive Channel switches don’t work | • The footswitch overrides the front panel controls. To use the panel switches, unplug the footswitch. |
| 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. |
| Weak or fluctuating audio | • Plug guitar directly into amp and unplug the FX Loop to isolate bad pedals. Check connections and power supply or batteries in pedal board. • The amplifier almost never “loses power” without completely stopping. Look for external causes. |
| Desire clean tone, getting too much overdrive distortion | • Turn down the GAIN control and turn up MASTER. • Confirm that speakers are in good condition. |
| Desire overdrive tone, not getting enough overdrive | • Turn down MASTER and increase GAIN until the desired overdrive is obtained, then reset MASTER to desired loudness. • Turn up guitar volume. • Try higher output pickups. • More MID will promote overdrive. |
| 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
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: