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VHT SPECIAL 6 ULTRA
6-Watt Vacuum Tube High-Gain Guitar Amplifier
User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION.................1
OVERVIEW.............................................................2
FEATURES.............................................................3
CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS.....................4-5
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS.............................6-7
BLOCK DIAGRAM................................................8
TONE CONTROL GRAPHS..........................9-12
DEPTH CONTROL GRAPH..............................13
TEXTURE CONTROL GRAPH.........................14
SCHEMATIC........................................................15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS......................16
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this amplifier near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) 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 third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Unplug this amplifier during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the amplifier has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the amplifier, the amplifier has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14) The amplifier shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the amplifier.
15) This amplifier shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16) The power/mains plug or amplifier coupler is the disconnect device which must remain readily operable.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this amplifier to rain or moisture.
1
VHT 36W Handwired Head • Manual
VHT SPECIAL 6 ULTRA
MORE GAIN! MORE FEATURES! MORE FUN!
With its additional preamp gain stage, amazing power-attenuating Watts control, tube-driven effects loop, Line Out jack, 11-position Depth
control and 3-position Texture switch, the new high-gain Special 6 Ultra rockets the popular Special platform to the next level.
The Special 6 Ultra’s added gain stage provides plenty of overdrive for searing leads, bone-crushing crunch, and gristly grind, while its amazingly effective Watts control can reduce the volume to whisper-quiet bedroom practice levels — while maintaining the same overdriven tone,
texture and dynamic feel. We think you’ll agree — it’s truly amazing.
The Special 6 Ultra features the same unique Volume and Tone controls as the original Special 6, the same footswitchable Boost, High/Low
Power switch, and a similarly mod-friendly eyelet board.
The Special 6 Ultra also features a unique 11-position Depth control that fine-tunes the low-frequency depth and extension. Similarly, the 3-position Texture switch fine-tunes the high-frequency extension, harmonic content and texture. Inspired by vintage studio EQs like the legendary
Pultec EQP-1A, etc., these innovative tone-sculpting features allow you to precisely fine-tune the amp’s output stage frequency response and
character to perfectly suit a wide range of guitars, pickups, speakers, and musical styles — like a built-in post-production Pultec mastering EQ.
The Special 6 Ultra Combo and Head share the same chassis, circuit design, and component layout.
2
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES
VHT SPECIAL 6 ULTRA FEATURES
6 Watts Maximum Output Power
One 6V6 Output Tube
Two 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
Ultra (high gain) and Clean Inputs
Ultra (high gain) Control
Volume and Tone Controls
Footswitchable Boost Mode
Tube-Driven Effects Loop
Tube-Driven Preamp Line Out
11-Position Depth Control
3-Position Texture Switch
High/Low Power Switch
Watts Control
12” VHT ChromeBack Speaker, 60-watt, 16 ohm (Combo Only)
Switchable 4, 8, or 16 Ohm Speaker Output
Mod-friendly Eyelet-Type Board
Hand-Wired in China
3
4
1
2
3
6
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
1. Power Switch: This switch turns the amplifier on or off.
2. High/Low Power and Standby switch: The Low-Power (triode mode) setting reduces the amplifier’s maximum output power to approximately
one-half of the Full Power (pentode mode) setting. Low-Power mode produces a richer and smoother tone, with earlier breakup than HighPower mode. The middle position is Standby mode.
3. Watts Control: The Watts control adjusts the output tube’s operating voltage and maximum output power. Maximum Output power ranges
from ½ watt (fully counterclockwise) to 6 watts (fully clockwise).
4. Jewel Light: This light will be illuminated when the Power switch is in the On position; the jewel light will be off when the Power switch is in
the Off position.
4
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES CONTINUED
5. Depth Control: This 11-position rotary switch selects the output tube’s low-frequency roll-off point. Set fully clockwise for the deepest lowfrequency extension. Lower settings (counterclockwise) expose more midrange texture and detail; the lowest settings emphasize more presence and bite.
6. Texture Switch: This 3-position rocker switch selects the output’s high-frequency roll-off point. The middle position provides maximum
top-end extension and the most harmonically complex texture; the left position provides subtle high-frequency roll-off for a slightly smoother
texture; the right position rolls-off more high frequencies for the smoothest texture.
7. Tone Control: This control adjusts the balance of the high and low frequencies.
8. Volume Control: Turning this knob clockwise increases the preamp drive and overall sound level. The Volume control is functional when
using either Clean or Ultra inputs.
9. Pull Boost: Pull this knob to partially bypass the internal tone shaping/voicing circuitry, which boosts the preamp gain and increases the
midrange emphasis. This feature can also be accessed by the footswitch.
NOTE: THE BOOST FOOTSWITCH WILL ONLY FUNCTION WHEN THE VOLUME KNOB IS IN THE PULLED POSITION.
10. Clean Input Jack: Use this input when cleaner lower-gain tones are desired. (When using the Clean input, turn the Ultra knob off to reduce
preamp noise.)
11. Ultra Control: This control adjusts the level of the extra gain (the Ultra control only functions when using the Ultra input).
12. Ultra Input Jack: This input engages the additional Ultra gain stage for maximum overdrive.
REAR PANEL FEATURES
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Footswitch Jack: Plug the Boost footswitch into this jack.
NOTE: THE BOOST FOOTSWITCH WILL ONLY FUNCTION WHEN THE VOLUME KNOB IS IN THE PULLED POSITION.
s2. Effects Loop Send and Return Jacks: The post-preamp Effects Loop can accommodate a wide range of effects. The send level is dependent on the preamp gain. High preamp gain levels may overdrive some sensitive guitar-level effects pedals.
3. Line Out Jack: The preamp Line Out is in parallel with the Effects Loop Send and Return jacks, it can be used to send a tube-buffered
low-impedance (unbalanced) signal to other equipment such as mixing consoles or other amplifiers. Multiple Special 6 Ultra amplifiers can be
linked by connecting the Line Out jack to the Effects Return of the second amplifier. Several Special 6 Ultras can be linked in this manner, with
the first amplifier’s preamp serving as the master preamp for all additional amplifiers.
5
6
REAR PANEL FEATURES CONTINUED
4. Impedance Selector: This 3-position slide switch selects the appropriate output impedance to match your speaker cabinet’s impedance.
5. Speaker Output Jacks: These two jacks are wired in parallel. The Special 6 Ultra combo has a 16-ohm speaker that is connected to the
internal speaker jack. The combo’s speaker remains connected when using the external Speaker Output jacks. When using the combo with an
additional speaker cabinet, switch the Impedance selector to 8 ohms.
6. Power IEC Receptacle: Use the included power cord with this unit in accordance with the AC line voltage and frequency ratings listed on
this manual and rear panel of this amplifier. For lowest noise and safest operation, always provide the amplifier with proper AC grounding.
7
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Line Out
Ultra Input V1A Ultra Level
Clean
V1B
Tone Stack Pull Boost Volume Tone
V2A
Send
Receive
V2B
V3
Depth
Watts Texture Speaker
8
TONE CONTROL - CLEAN INPUT (NO BOOST)
9
TONE CONTROL - CLEAN INPUT (PULL BOOST)
10
TONE CONTROL - ULTRA INPUT (NO BOOST)
d
B
r
TONE CONTROL - ULTRA INPUT (PULL BOOST)
+10
+10
+5
+5
+0
+0
-5
-5
-10
-10
-15
-15
-20
-20
-25
-25
-30
-30
-35
-35
-40
-40
-45
-45
-50
-50
-55
-55
-60
-60
-65
-65
-70
20
50
100
200
500
1k
2k
5k
10k
20k
d
B
r
-70
Hz
11
12
DEPTH CONTROL
d
B
r
TEXTURE CONTROL
+20
+20
+18
+18
+16
+16
+14
+14
+12
+12
+10
+10
+8
+8
+6
+6
+4
+4
+2
+2
+0
+0
-2
-2
-4
-4
-6
-6
-8
-8
-10
-10
-12
-12
-14
-14
-16
-16
-18
-18
-20
-20
-22
-22
-24
-24
-26
-26
-28
-28
-30
13
20
50
100
200
500
1k
Hz
2k
5k
10k
20k
d
B
r
d
B
r
d
B
r
-30
14
3
4
Ceramic
R2
1M
R3
1K5
Ceramic
C8
1u/100V
2
FILM
C11
101/500V
C10
103/500V
VR1
1M
R7
1M
R9
1K5
FILM
473/400V
C14
2u2/63V
220mV AC
T
T NC
G NC
G
FOOT SWITCH
TP3
1.5V DC
1.5V DC
TP2
1
2
R12
68K
JK6
LINE OUT
104V DC
R17
470K
R18
1K5
R20
R19
100K
Push/Pull Pot
Push=Shunt (Clean)
Pull=NC (Boost)
C20
224/630V
1K5
JK4
T
T NC
G NC
G
SEND
R21
100K
JK5
3
R27
1M
S1C
R28
1M
S1D
R29
1M
S1E
R30
1M
S1F
R31
1M
S1G
S1H
R32
1M
R33
1M
S1I
R34
1M
S1J
S1K
R35
1M
R36
1M
R38
C21
103/500V
Ceramic
TP9
T
T NC
G NC
G
C24
224/100V
FILM
C25
334/100V
FILM
C26
474/100V
FILM
C27
684/100V
C28
1u/100V
FILM
FILM
C29
2u2/63V
C30
3u3/63V
C31
4u7/63V
C32
10u/63V
C33
15u/63V
5K6
S4
TEXTURE
C50
2u2/100V (I)
350V DC
C53
0.1/630V
TEST CONDITIONS:
1. WATTS & DEPTH TO MIN
2. TONE TO CENTER
3. ULTRA & CLEAN VOLUME TO MAX
323V to 25V DC
TP14
TP15
308V DC
WATTS
R44
470K
R45
100K
B+1
ZD1
12V 1W
C42
C41
47u/450V 104/600V
G
B
C45
C44
22u/450V
C43
22u/450V 104/600V
C46
104/600V
T6.3AL/250V SLOW BLOW
F2
C3
22u/450V
GREEN
2
V3B
6V6GTW
7
BR1
25A
R50
100R
V1C
12AX7
R52
220R
C47
RED
D5
LED (RED)
V2C
12AX7
TP18
A
WHT
R51
100R
Title
15
Size
VHT Special 6 Ultra
Number:
Revision
Rev5.0
A3
Date:
1
2
3
4
5
6
3/10/2011
7
8
Black vinyl and black grille cloth
Dimensions (H x W x D):
Combo: 18’’ x 19.5’’ x 10.5” (457mm x 495mm x 267mm)
Head: 10.25” x 19.5’’ x 9.75’’ (257mm x 495mm x 250mm)
6.2V DC
GREEN
Controls:
Ultra, Volume (with Pull-Boost), Tone, Texture, Depth, Watts, High/Low Power
Cabinet:Finger jointed birch plywood
Cosmetics:
C4
104/600V
D4
1N4007
RED
One 12” VHT ChromeBack (60-watts, 16 ohms)
B+4
1K 3W
Q1
MTP6N60E
R46
100K
TP17
R49
10K
B+2
R48
288V DC
TP16
5
NTC(10R/5A)
NF72-10D15
WHITE
470K
1N4007
8.2n/1KV
2
4
J6
C38
VR4
1M
9
A
J4
D3
R43
330R 5W
C40
104/600V
5
YELLOW/GREEN
WHITE
RT1
BLACK
C39
R47
10R 5W
9
WHITE
R41
R42
10K
4
J5
IEC
IN4007
8.2n/1KV
12000u/16V
POWER SWITCH
T1AL/250V SLOW BLOW
F1
BLACK
J3 S2 BLACK
BLACK
STB FULL/HALF
C48
0.1/630V
AC
C37
IN4007
8.2n/1KV
326V to 26V DC
B+3
3
D2
F3
1
RED
T1
STBY
PENTODE
ON
STBY
ON
S3
T0.5AL/250V SLOW BLOW
47u/450V
C36
TRIODE
TP13
8.2n/1KV
D
D1
FILM
S
C35
B
JK8
EXT SPK2
C51
3u3/100V (II)
FILM
Speaker (combo only):
Tubes:Two 12AX7; One 6V6
T
T NC
G NC
G
4ohm
6 watts
Amp Type:Hand-wired high-gain single-ended tube
T
T NC
G NC
G
8ohm
R54
15R 10W
TP11
Maximum Output Power:
12" 16 OHMS
JK7
EXT SPK1
Black 0 ohm
19V DC
R39
470R 5W
C
JK9
INTERNAL SPK
Yellow 4 ohm
16ohm
V3A
6V6GTW
R37
220K
C34
22u/63V
Brown 8 ohm
Blue
4 R40 470R 3W
5
Name/Model:VHT Special 6 Ultra
6-Watt High Gain Vacuum Tube Guitar Amplifier / VHT Special 6 Ultra
Power Requirements & Consumption:
100/115VAC, 50/60Hz; 120VAC, 60Hz; 220VAC/230VAC240/VAC, 50/60Hz
TP10
TP12
Red T2 Orange 16 ohm
1, 8
S1B
1.2V DC
C22
4u7/63V
FILM
DEPTH
R26
1M
(0.5W)
R24
1K5
300mV AC
TP7
S1A
FILM
6V AC
B+1
C
V2B
12AX7
T
T NC
G NC
G
RETURN
300mV AC
1P-11T ROTARY SWITCH
7
33K
R22
1M
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
C23
472/400V
D
R23
TP6
S1/VR1
JK3
TP5
V2A
12AX7
R16
6K8
FILM
G
G NC
T NC
T
3
6
V1B
12AX7
Ceramic
Ceramic
Ultra
7
33K
3
T
T NC
G NC
G
JK2
CLEAN
R6
5.6K
R25
220K
TP8
472/400V
C2
101/500V
FILM
Mica
3
C1
103/500V
C9
152/500V
C7
101/500V
V1A
12AX7
3
2
R1
68K
R8
B+3
300mV AC
C15
C18
221/500V Mica (Cy2-2A)
471/500V Mica (Cy2-2A)
R13
180K
R11
CLEAN
TONE
R14
100K
VR2
C19
VR3
27K
1M
C16
C13
2
2 1M
101/500V FILM
103/630V
Mica
104/400V
R15
FILM
33K
C17
C49
1
T
T NC
G NC
G
R5
470K
3
JK1
ULTRA
C12
10P/500V
Mica
1
D
TP4
FILM
Mica
8
7
B+3
R10
100K
120mVAC
C6
222/630V
8
C5
10P/500V
TP1
B+4
R4
100K
1
8mVAC
6
1
B+4
C52
102/500V
5
6
2
8
1
Net Weight:
Head: 26.5 lbs. (12 kg)
Combo: 37.5 lbs. (17 kg)
16
Limited Warranty Information
This amplifier is warranted, to the original Purchaser, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5)
years, excluding the tubes and speaker, which are warranted for ninety (90) days, from the original date of purchase.
The manufacturer shall, at its option, either repair or replace the defective product if the product is returned to the original place
of purchase. If any product returned is not defective within this warranty, the manufacturer shall so advise the Purchaser and
thereafter shall dispose of said product in accordance with the Purchaser’s instructions and at the Purchaser’s cost. This warranty
is not transferable by the Purchaser.
The warranty shall not apply to wearable parts, these items include, but are not limited to, amplifier knobs, feet, and handles.
The warranty shall not apply, if the product has been misused or damaged as a result of neglect, abuse, alteration, improper
handling, unauthorized repair or modification, accident or causes external to the product, such as, but not limited to, excessive heat
or humidity.
The manufacturer’s sole and exclusive maximum liability for any claim by the Purchaser shall not exceed the wholesale
value of the product. In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for any indirect, incidental, collateral, exemplary, or
consequential damages of losses arising out of the Purchaser’s purchase of the product. The above limitations may not apply in
some states (U.S.), international regions or countries.
VHT
AMPLIFICATION
HAND-WIRED IN CHINA