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LINE OUT – 

This ¼” jack provides an unbalanced signal that is derived after the power amp and output 

transformer. This signal level is dependent upon the Preamp and Master Volume settings. This output jack 

can be used for sending the Black Pearl 30’s® signal to another amplifier or recording device. The signal is 

frequency compensated to emulate a similar tone coming through the amplifier’s speaker cabinet. It is ideal for 

feeding a passive transformer isolated direct box for effective connection to a PA system, or for recording use.

EFFECTS LOOP – 

This is a serial effects loop, meaning that the signal exits the send jack passes through 

the attached processing device like a compressor or effect processor, and returns through the return jack. 

There is a “normaling” switch built into the return jack that interrupts the “normal path” signal from the preamp 

to allow the signal from the effects loop to enter the power amplifier. The send jack can be used as a preamp 

out and the return jack can be used as a power amp in. 

FOOTSWITCH JACK

 – This ¼” jack is where the BP30’s single button foot switch is connected. A 20 foot 

cable is attached to the heavy-duty steel footswitch. IMPORTANT: The front panel selector switch must be in 

the FOOT SWITCH position for the footswitch to function. 

FAN SWITCH – 

Traditionally, Class A designs normally run hotter thus reducing power tube life. The Black 

Pearl 30® offers a whisper quiet fan externally mounted on the bottom of the chassis. This fan reduces the 

heat around the tubes and inside the chassis by approx 50 °F. A fan switch is provided for those who may 

prefer to not use this feature.

IEC RECEPTACLE AND FUSE HOLDER

 – The detachable power cord should be inserted here before the 

cord is plugged into an AC power source. Within the bottom portion of this receptacle is a small drawer that holds 

the mains power fuse. An extra fuse is included in this plastic housing. It may be necessary to use a small tool to 

pry the small drawer open. Be sure to use the appropriately rated fuse for your AC mains voltage conditions.

WARNING:

•  NEVER OPEN THIS FUSE HOLDER WITH THE POWER CORD PLUGGED IN.
•  USE ONLY THE FUSE VALUE AS INDICATED IN THE VOLTAGE CHART.
•  NEVER ATTEMPT TO DISABLE THE MAINS POWER FUSE.

LINE VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

 – Changes the voltage of the AC power with which the amp will 

operate. 115 volts is the standard in the USA and Canada. 230 volts is the standard for most of Europe and 

South America. Consult the voltage chart if you plan to use this amp for a voltage other than how it was 

shipped from the factory, so that the proper fuse can be inserted. The BP 30 is rated for operation from both 50 

HZ and 60 HZ power sources.

SPEAKER CABINET (COMBO VERSION)

•  The Black Pearl 30® cabinet is constructed from 9 ply and 13 ply birch plywood. The cabinetry construction 

is precise and designed to enhance the rich rounded tone of the amplifier and the Eminence® Alnico Red 

Fang™ loudspeaker. 

•  The open-back cabinet design further enriches the Black Pearl 30’s® classic tone. 

GETTING STARTED

•  The Black Pearl 30® ships with all tubes installed. There is no need to remove any packaging around the tubes. 
•  After un-boxing the amp verify that the AC input voltage selector switch matches the power in your area.
•  Make sure you send in your warranty registration card.
•  Read your owners manual. There is valuable information and safety tips in this manual and the knowledge 

you learn here will translate into enjoyable quality tone for years to come.

Summary of Contents for BLACK PEARL 30 BP30

Page 1: ...lly crafted black military spec PCB s with robust precision routed direct to point gold flashed signal traces neatly dressed wiring and custom tube sockets and retainers all to ensure that every amp built delivers the Black Pearl 30 s boutique tone yet will withstand the rigors of the road They say Tone is in your fingers but it s our tube rectifier design custom wound transformers and choice of E...

Page 2: ...nt of sag and soft tube compression is present to let your notes respond and sing EMINENCE RED FANG ALNICO SPEAKERS Alnico speakers contributed greatly to the wonderful tones produced by vintage Class A designs Their sensitivity was partly responsible for these amps dynamic response as well Due to Alnico s expense speakers using this magnet material fell out of wide use in the 1970 s and they are ...

Page 3: ...ngs The important Middle filter is very powerful It changes the feel and character of the amp as it actually adds gain and sustain to the signal path when placed in the 2 o clock to 5 o clock positions TOP This control is more like the classic presence network within the power tube stage controlling high frequency content and clarity within the critical phase inverter stage REVERB Adjusts the amou...

Page 4: ...an cause electrons to stray from the intended path and collide with unintentional targets This wastes energy and efficiency but provides a unique tonal character that some players seek Fortunately several methods exist that allow us to operate a pentode power tube in triode mode by fixing the screen grid more solidly to the plate supply with the Triode Pentode switch effectively eliminating the sc...

Page 5: ...CLE AND FUSE HOLDER The detachable power cord should be inserted here before the cord is plugged into an AC power source Within the bottom portion of this receptacle is a small drawer that holds the mains power fuse An extra fuse is included in this plastic housing It may be necessary to use a small tool to pry the small drawer open Be sure to use the appropriately rated fuse for your AC mains vol...

Page 6: ...ck up Recommendation Single Coil Setting Name Black Magic Woman Pick up Recommendation Humbucker Neck Setting Name Rat Strat Pick up Recommendation Single Coil Setting Name Searing Slide Pick up Recommendation Single Coil NOTE All examples shown are with the amp power mode in 30 watt Pentode mode When using the amp in the Triode mode due to the inherent darker tonality increase Treble or Top to yo...

Page 7: ... cool Each tube is secured with a special tube retainer that keeps the tube seated properly and also helps to counter act unwanted tube microphonics A small Phillips screw driver will be needed to unscrew the round tube retainer After this retainer has been removed rock the tube slightly and gently while pulling up on the tube and remove it carefully When re installing tubes note that the pin posi...

Page 8: ...ional audio equipment should attempt to operate this device In addition by use of this device the user agrees to hold Genz Benz and its designers sales agents and all other affiliates and related parties harmless in the event of any accident injury damage or loss resulting from such use Manufacturer s sole responsibility is to provide a warranty on the specified performance of the product under no...

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