Owners Manual

for your new

Guitar Amplifier

by

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of one of Crates newest and hottest additions to
Music, the GXT Series Guitar Amplifier. Designed by one of the leading experts in tube
technology, the GXT Series captures the very heart and soul of music and puts the
World of Tone at your fingertips.
Like all Crate products, your GXT Series amplifier is made with pride in America,
using only the best components. Extensive testing at the hands and ears of skilled technicians and musicians insures you that this amplifier is the absolute best it can be.
In order to get the most out of your new amp, we strongly urge you to go over the
information contained in this manual before you begin playing.

And thank you for choosing

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
About the Preamp Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover

CAUTION

ATTENTION

VORSICHT

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR

ELEKTRISCHE SCHLAGGEFAHR
NICHT OFFENEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

ATTENTION: POUR REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS

ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE
PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN
TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.

VORSICHT: ZUR MINIMIERUNG ELEKTRISCHER SCHLAGGEFAHR NICHT

DEN DECKEL ABENHMEN. INTERNE TEILE KONNEN NICHT VOM
BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN. DIE WARTUNG IS QUALIFIZIERTEM
WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU UBERLASSEN.

THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND RELIABLE OPERATION. IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE
OF THE UNIT AND PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DAMAGES OR INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN CHASSIS; DO NOT DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OF THE
POWER CORD; CONNECT ONLY TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED AC POWER OUTLET.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE
LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED, AND EAR PROTECTION RECOMMENDED IF
UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME. THE CHART BELOW SHOWS THE U.S. GOVERNMENTS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) REGULATIONS WHICH WERE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF THIS PUBLICATION FOR PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE, PER
29CFR1910.95, TABLE G-16:
SOUND LEVEL DBA, DURATION PER DAY
SLOW RESPONSE
IN HOURS
90
8
92
6
95
4
97
3
100
2

SOUND LEVEL DBA,

SLOW RESPONSE
102
105
110
115

DURATION PER DAY

IN HOURS
1 - 1 1/2
1
1/2
1/4 or less

ACCORDING TO OSHA, ANY EXPOSURE IN EXCESS TO THESE AMOUNTS LISTED ABOVE COULD RESULT IN SOME HEARING LOSS.
EXPLANATION OF
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:

"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"

= "DANGER HAUTE TENSION"

"GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG"

"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"

= "REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"

"UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG NACHSCHLAGEN"

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

Introduction:
The GXT Series guitar amplifier represents Crates never-ending quest to offer musicians more of what they want: more flexibility, more tone control and more satisfaction.
The clean channel offers sounds that range from warm and clean to cool and crunchy,
with everything in between. The distortion channel, with its two separate gain controls,
offers sounds that range from crunchy to completely devastating.
Each channels preamp section is tube-driven and has a three band rotary EQ for
total tone control. A solid state power amp section delivers the full intensity of tone,
regardless of volume level, into loads as low as 4 ohms. A parallel effects loop with mix
control allows for noise free blending of your favorite external effects.
Each of the GXT Series amplifiers delivers 100 watts of musical output power. GXT
Series combos use Crate Custom speakers for outstanding tone.

Features:
Here's a quick overview of the GXT Series features and controls. Additional
information can be found on the pages indicated.

2 Inputs: One straight, one padded, to accommodate todays wide variety of guitar pickups (page 4).
2 Gain Controls: The distortion channels two gain controls can be set at different
levels, creating a third channel (page 4).
Boost, boost, boost: The clean channel features a Bright switch and a Low/High
Gain Boost switch. The distortion channels Gain 2 has a switchable Mid Boost for
added punch and even greater flexibility (page 4).
Effects Mix: Allows you to adjust the level of your external effects to achieve just
the right sound (page 4).
Parallel Effects Loop: For noise free connecting of external effects. Governed by
the Effects Mix control (page 4,5).
CFP-3 Footswitch: Allows remote control of reverb, channel select and selection
between the two gain controls of the distortion channel (page 5).
Musician Made in the U.S.A.

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

The Front Panel:

1. 0dB INPUT: Connect your guitar or wireless
receiver into this standard 1/4" jack using a
shielded instrument cable. This jack is straight
(no pad). If your guitar has a very hot output
use the -6dB jack (#2).
2. -6dB INPUT: Connect your guitar here if it
has a hot output. This jack is padded 6dB to
compensate for high output signals.

Channel A (Clean):
3. GAIN: Set the input signal level with this control. With a lower gain setting and a higher
Master (#8) setting, the output will be crystal
clear. As the gain increases so will the output
level and the amount of preamp distortion,
resulting in a bluesy crunch rhythm sound.
4. BRIGHT: Add a biting edge to your sound by
pressing this push-button switch in. The bright
switch adds 6dB at 5kHz.
5. TREBLE: Adjust the high end response with
this control. The high control covers a range of
30dB at 4kHz.

This can also be performed with the supplied footswitch.

When the footswitch is connected, the front panel switch
is disabled. See #24, rear panel.

10. CHANNEL SELECT: Select the active

channel with this switch. The adjacent green
LED glows when channel A is selected (switch
out), the red LED glows when channel B is
selected (switch in).
This can also be performed with the supplied footswitch.
When the footswitch is connected, the front panel switch
is disabled. See #24, rear panel.

Channel B (Distortion):
Use the two gain controls to their fullest potential: set one for a mellow lead or a rough rhythm
tone and the other for a screaming lead sound.
A footswitch allows freedom of control (see #24).

7. BASS: Adjust the bottom end response with

this control. This control covers a range of 30dB
at 40Hz.

11. GAIN 1: Adjust the amount of preamp distortion with this control. With the control towards
0 (to the left) the signal is relatively clean. As
you turn the control up the distortion increases,
along with the overall output level. This control
is only active when the Gain Select switch (#9)
is set to Gain 1 (switch out) or when it is selected by the supplied footswitch.

8. MASTER: Set the output level of channel A

with this control. Use this control along with the
Gain (#3) to create a wide variety of sounds and
volumes.

12. MID BOOST: Increase the punch of the

Gain 2 control (#13) with this switch. The boost
is active when the switch is pressed in and Gain
2 is selected.

9. BOOST/GAIN SELECT: This is a dual function switch. For the clean channel (Ch. A, switch
#10 out) it selects between Low Gain (switch
out) and High gain (switch in). For the dirty

13. GAIN 2: Similar to Gain 1: adjust the

amount of preamp distortion with this control.
With the control towards 0 (to the left) the signal is relatively clean. As you turn the control up

6. MID: Adjust the midrange response with this

control. This control covers a range of 12dB at
500Hz.

channel (Ch. B, switch #10 in) it selects

between Gain 1 (switch out, control #11 is
active) and Gain 2 (switch in, control #13 is
active).

the distortion increases, along with the overall

output level. This control is only active when the
Gain Select switch (#9) is set to Gain 2 (switch
in) or when it is selected by a footswitch. Gain 2
has a bit more of a midrange punch than gain 1,
even without the Mid Boost engaged.
14. TREBLE: Adjust the high end response with
this control. The high control covers a range of
16dB at 2.5kHz.
15. MID: Adjust the midrange response with this
control. The mid control covers a range of 6dB
at 1kHz.
16. BASS: Adjust the bottom end response with
this control. The low control covers a range of
20dB at 100Hz.
17. MASTER: Set the output level of channel B
with this control. Use this control along with the
Gains (#11 & 13) to create a wide variety of
sounds and volumes.
18. REVERB: Adjust the amount of reverberation with this control: at the "0" position the signal is "dry" (no reverb). As you turn the control
up, the amount of reverb increases.
Reverb on/off can be controlled with the supplied
footswitch. See #24, rear panel.

19. FX MIX: Adjust the level of external effects

connected to the effects loop (see #23) with this
control. Effects can be blended in at the desired
level and do not disengage the onboard reverb.
The 0 position is dry (no external effects); as
you turn the control up the level of external
effects increases.
20. POWER: This switch applies AC voltage to
the amplifier, turning it ON in the up position.

GXT-Series

V~
MAX

Hz

Guitar Amplifier

47-450-02

SPEAKERS

140VA
120VAC/60Hz

EFFECTS LOOP

80 WATTS RMS @ 8 OHMS

4 OHM MINIMUM LOAD

RETURN

CAUTION
HOT!

FOOTSWITCH

SEND

CH./GAIN
SELECT

REVERB

RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

MODEL:
SERIAL:
LINE:
WATTS:

RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE.
NE PAS OUVRIR.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
47-450-01

21

22

23

24

The Rear Panel:

21. AC LINE IN: Plug the male end of this cord
into a properly grounded AC outlet of the correct
voltage. DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND PIN
OF THE AC PLUG! Use only the supplied
power cord. If the amplifier is to be used outside
of the United States, see your authorized Crate
dealer for information about alternate line cords
and power converters if needed.
22. SPEAKER JACK: Use this jack to connect
the amplifier to external speaker cabinet(s) if
desired. The amplifier can power speaker loads
as low as 4 ohms. Use the chart which follows
to determine the total impedance of multiple
cabinets.
I M P O R TA N T N O T E A B O U T C E R TA I N
EXPORT UNITS: In some areas 1/4 speaker
jacks are not acceptable for use on amplifiers capable of high output power levels.
For this reason the Speaker jack on your
amplifier may resemble the illustration
below. Connect the amplifier to your speaker(s) using cables rated for very high output
power, terminated with the appropriate connectors.

CABINET
IMPEDANCE
8 ohms
16 ohms
16 ohms

NUMBER
OF CABS
2
2
4

TOTAL
IMPEDANCE
4 ohms
8 ohms
4 ohms

Never connect the amp to a load of less than

4 ohms!
23. PARALLEL EFFECTS LOOP: Connection
to an external effects device is made with these
jacks. Using shielded signal cables, connect the
EFFECTS LOOP SEND jack to the input jack of
the effect; the output jack of the effect to the
EFFECTS LOOP RETURN jack. The amount of
external effect in the mix is determined by the
setting of the FX MIX control (#19).

24. FOOTSWITCH JACKS: Connect the supplied three button footswitch (the Crate CFP-3)
to these jacks as follows for remote control of
reverb, channel switching and gain select. The
chart which follows and the illustration below
show the footswitch configuration.
Plug Style:
Mono (T/S)

To Amp Jack:
Reverb

Control Function:
Tip = reverb on/off

Stereo (R/T/S) Ch./Gain Select Ring = channel

Tip = gain 1 or 2

Note: The Reverb on/off shuts off the signal to

the reverb tanks input, allowing the reverb to
fade out rather than be cut off abruptly.
47-450-02

Because of parallel loop operation, the Mix on your

effects device(s) should be set to 100%.

EFFECTS LOOP
RETURN

SEND

FOOTSWITCH
REVERB

STEREO
CABLE

CH./GAIN
SELECT

MONO
CABLE

SPEAKERS

140VA
120VAC/60Hz

80 WATTS RMS @ 8 OHMS

4 OHM MINIMUM LOAD

CAUTION
HOT!
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE.
NE PAS OUVRIR.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
47-450-01

CHANNEL

GAIN
SELECT

REVERB

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

Some Suggested Settings:

SPARKLING CLEAN:
OUT
IN

OUT

BLUESY:
IN
IN

OUT

METAL:
OUT

IN

OUT

SINGING:
IN

IN

IN

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

About the Preamp Tubes:

If the amp starts to squeal, gets noisy, loses gain or starts to hum, the preamp tubes may be bad.
Since removal of the tubes may expose extremely hazardous voltage levels, always refer replacement of the preamp tubes to a qualified service center. Insist upon using only the highest quality, lowmicrophonic tubes!

System Block Diagram:

GAIN SELECT

GAIN1

0dB

TUBE
STAGE

CHANNEL B
-6dB
GAIN2

EFFECTS LOOP
SEND
RETURN

CHANNEL SELECT

MID
BOOST
FX
MIX

CHANNEL B
MID
BOOST
BRIGHT

POWER
AMP

SPEAKER
OUTS

TUBE TUBE TUBE

STAGE STAGE STAGE
TREB MID BASS MSTR

REVERB

REVERB
LEVEL

CHANNEL A
CH.A
MSTR
TREB MID BASS GAIN

GXT-Series
Guitar Amplifier

Technical Specifications:
Output Power Rating

80 watts RMS nominal @ 5% THD @8 ohms

120 watts RMS nominal @ 5% THD @ 4 ohms

Input Impedance

1M ohm

System Gain
Tone Controls

Treble
Mid
Bass
Bright
Boost

Ch. A
71dB
30dB range @ 4kHz
12dB range @ 500Hz
30dB range @ 40Hz
6dB boost @ 5kHz
16dB boost @ 400Hz

Treble
Mid
Bass
Mid Boost

Ch. B
Gain 1: 93dB, gain 2: 98db
16dB range @ 2.5kHz
6dB range @ 1kHz
20dB range @ 100Hz
8dB boost @ 700Hz

Effects Send/Return Level

0.7V RMS nominal

Tube Complement

12AX7 (2)

Internal Speaker(s)
Size and Type
Magnet
Voice Coil
Impedance

GXT-100
12 Crate Custom 80W (1)
38 oz.
1.75
8 ohm

Power Requirements

Domestic: 115VAC, 60Hz,110VA

Export:
100/115VAC, 50/60Hz, 110VA; 230VAC 50/60Hz, 110VA

Size and Weight

GXT-100/210
18H x 24W x 11D
48 lbs.

GXT-210
10 Crate Custom 50W (2)
30 oz.
1.5
16 ohm

GXT-212
20H x 26W x 11D
55 lbs.

GXT-212
12 Crate Custom 80W (2)
38 oz.
1.75
16 ohm

GXT-410
26H x 26W x 12D
70 lbs.

GXT-410
10 Crate Custom 50W (4)
30 oz.
1.5
8 ohm

GXT-100H
10H x 24W x 10D
31 lbs.

Crate continually develops new products, as well as improves existing ones. For this reason, the specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.

The GXT Series amplifiers are covered with high-quality, durable Tolex. To keep them looking their best, avoid
abrasive cleansers. Wipe the cabinets clean using a slightly dampened soft cloth. Do not spray cleaners directly
into the amplifier. Never use brass cleaners on the hardware since they could damage their protective coatings.

1997 SLM ELECTRONICS A division of St. Louis Music 1400 Ferguson Avenue St. Louis, Mo 63133
P/N 47-450-61 09/97