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1
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 radia-
tors, 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 plug has two blades and a ground-
ing 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 appara-
tus 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 man-
ufacturer may void your authority to operate the amplifier.

Explanation of symbols
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous" voltage within the product's enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
humans.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended

to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in this manual.

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.

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Forward by Patrick Quilter

Congratulations on your purchase of the Tone Block 201, which provides

an ideal link between any good loudspeaker and the musician’s instrument
or electronic tone source (pedal board, digital processor, or keyboard).
Despite its small size and streamlined controls, this little powerhouse can
replace almost any stage amp ever made.
The INPUT accepts normal guitar cables. The GAIN control adjusts a
wide range of signals from clean to overdrive. The TRI-Q control blends
three distinct voices, providing far more tone shaping than an ordinary
“tone” control. The VOICE selector selects five overall “personalities” to
match various musical styles. The HI-CUT controls the overall bandwidth
and “takes the edge off” overly bright speakers. The MASTER adjusts
the amplifier’s warm, musical power output from 0 to a full 200 watts,
offering clean headroom and/or rich overdrive at will. An EFFECTS LOOP
completes the front panel features, and the rear provides twin SPEAKER
outputs (4-8 ohms) and a DIRECT OUT for easy interface to stage or
studio audio systems. A rack mount kit is also available, mounting one or
two Tone Blocks in a 2RU rack adaptor.
Please consult this manual to obtain the best results. Quilter Labs uses
the latest power technology to maximize warmth and dynamics without the
weight and drawbacks of classic tube technology. We receive advice from
musicians far and wide, but our constant goal is to make products that we
ourselves are proud to use. The result is a serious professional tool with
performance that meets or beats handmade amps costing several times as
much. We hope you enjoy your new amplifier. May it deliver many years of
flawless service and provide a source of inspiration and creativity.

Carton Contents
1 Quilter Tone Block 201 Amplifier
1 IEC AC Power Cord
1 Owner’s Manual
1 Cover

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FRONT PANEL:

INPUT: Accepts standard guitar or any other signal.

FX SEND: Sends post overdrive signal to external effects units at approx.
1V peak. May also be used as a line output.
RETURN: Returns effects signals to the Master and into the power
amplifier.
GAIN: The left half of the range is suitable for line-level signals such as
keyboards, mixer outputs, or external pre-amps. The right half of the range
will produce increasing amounts of overdrive.
TRI-Q: The frequency response is flat, or neutral, in the middle. The left
end of the control accesses a “scooped” EQ with full treble and bass, but
less midrange, often used for greater “chime” and clarity. The right end
of the control accesses a midrange-treble boost with reduced bass, often
used for a more forward lead-guitar effect. These three main voices are
blended smoothly on in-between settings.
VOICE: FULL Q is the natural vintage sound of the amplifier. TWEED
applies tone shaping to represent a small open-back cabinet. JAZZ
reduces gain and increases headroom for a cleaner sound. SURF adds
a “blackface” mid scoop for more bass and chime. LEAD applies tone
shaping after the overdrive to increase penetration.
HI-CUT: "Takes the edge off" the amplifier's naturally wide bandwidth as it
is turned up, creating the effect of a mellower speaker.
MASTER: Sets the overload or clipping point of the amplifier, from zero to
200 watts, approximately as shown on the panel.

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REAR PANEL – AC POWER, SPEAKERS

International Power Supply: The Tone Block works with all known worldwide
AC voltages (100-250V), which allows you to play just about anywhere on
the planet.
Locking IEC Power Cord: 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 may also be used with the
amplifier. Always ensure that the
ground contact is intact on both the
cord and receptacle.
Speaker Outputs: 8 and 4 ohm jacks
support optimum matching of single
or dual 8-ohm speakers as well as
4 ohms. 16 ohms may be used in
the 8-ohm jack with good results,
and almost any impedance will work
safely, including no load. The amplifier will adjust the output impedance
and tone balance automatically.
Direct Out: Provides a mic-level, isolated
signal that may be used instead of placing
a microphone in front of the speaker.
The signal is equalized to match the
response of most cone-type speakers.

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MOUNTING THE TONE BLOCK:

Multiple holes are provided in the cover to enable the Tone Block
to be mounted in a variety of situations. The rubber feet may be
removed if desired; save the mounting screws for re-use to ensure
proper fit and retention.

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CARING FOR YOUR AMPLIFIER:

Clean the outer surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or vacuum with a soft
brush. Never use any abrasives, harsh cleaners or solvents. The Tone
Block 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 amplifier 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. Also, consider
investing in a cover. Quilter makes an
excellent cover designed to protect
your Tone Block from a world of snags,
scrapes and spills.

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SPECIFICATIONS:
ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE
Power Output: 0 to 200 watts, 4-8 ohms
AC Power Req.: 100-240Vac, 50-60Hz, 250W Max
Input Connections: 1/4" mono
Direct Out: XLR-M, 300mv full scale, balanced, ground lifted
10K min.
Speaker 1 Output: 8 ohms, 200 W minimum recommended rating
Speaker 2 Output: 4 ohms, 200 W minimum recommended rating
DIMENSIONS
HxWxD 2.5” (6.35cm ) x 8.4” (21.3cm) x 7.2” (18.3cm)
Weight 4 lbs (1.8kg)

TROUBLESHOOTING:
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
such as a lamp.
Amp shuts off then after a • Automatic thermal protection is activating.
short time, turns back on Reduce the volume at least 30% and keep the
amplifier out of direct sunlight or tightly enclosed
spaces.
• Continued intermittent behavior indicates need
for servicing.
No audio (using a guitar) • Confirm that the MASTER control and the GAIN
controls are turned up.
• Ensure the guitar plug is inserted fully at each
end.
• Try using a different guitar cable.
• Check that the pickup selector switch and volume
on the guitar are set correctly.
• Ensure that the rear panel speaker plug is fully
inserted into the SPEAKER jack.
Weak or fluctuating audio • Check connections and power supply or batteries
in pedal board.
• Excessive heat can result in thermal limiting.
Reduce power or supply more cooling.

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TROUBLESHOOTING:
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 as the amplifier to
help avoid ground loops.
If the hum goes away when you turn down the
guitar:
• Single coil pickups can be a source of hum,
especially if near RF sources like light dimmers or
neon lights. Some guitars have a mode where two
pickups are in reverse polarity to each other. This
mode can often reduce hum.
• Check that the guitar’s cavities are well shielded.
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.
Amp sounds garbled at all • Check speaker by temporarily trying an external
volumes speaker. Caution: reduce MASTER volume until
sound level has been confirmed.
• Try plugging instrument directly into the amp,
bypassing outboard processing. If sound is then
clean, check outboard processing for problems.
Desire clean tone, getting • Turn down the GAIN control and turn up MASTER.
too much overdrive
Desire overdrive tone, not • Turn down MASTER and increase GAIN until the
getting enough overdrive desired overdrive is obtained, then reset MASTER
to desired loudness.
• Turn up guitar volume.
• Try higher output pickups.
Tone sounds “dull” with no • Confirm EQ settings.
high frequencies • Check your guitar’s tone controls.
Amplifier Requires Service
If any of the 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 service breaker (Wall breaker)

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LIMITED TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY:
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT COMPLETELY. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AS WELL
AS LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. BY
ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE PRODUCT(S), YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY
AND ACCEPT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Quilter Laboratories, LLC (Quilter Labs) guarantees its products to be free from defective
material and/or workmanship and will replace defective parts and repair malfunctioning
products under this warranty when the defect occurs under normal installation and
use—provided the unit is returned to our factory via pre-paid transportation with a copy
of proof of purchase. (i.e. sales receipt). This warranty provides that the examination of
the return product must indicate, in our judgment, a manufacturing defect. This warranty
does not extend to any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident,
or where the date code or serial number has been defaced or removed. Quilter Labs
shall not be liable for incidental and/or consequential damages. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights.
This limited warranty is freely transferable during the term of the warranty period. The
warranty on Quilter products is NOT VALID if the products have been purchased from
an unauthorized dealer/online e-tailer, or if the factory serial number has been removed,
defaced, or replaced in any way.
Customers may have additional rights, which vary from state to state or from country
to country. In the event that a provision of this limited warranty is void, prohibited or
superseded by local laws, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect. The Quilter
Labs limited warranty in the United States is valid for a period of three (3) years from
date of purchase except that footswitches, covers, cabinets, handles, and cabinet
hardware are warranted for a period of one (1) year and speakers, and all other included
accessory products for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT OR ONLINE ORDER
RECORD, AS IT IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE COVERING YOUR LIMITED
WARRANTY. TO TRANSFER THE WARRANTY TO A SUBSEQUENT PURCHASER,
YOU MUST ENDORSE THE SALE OF THE PRODUCT TO THE SUBSEQUENT
PURCHASER ON THE FRONT OF THE SALES RECEIPT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH ENDORSED SALES RECEIPT.
Defective products that qualify for coverage under this warranty will be repaired or
replaced, (at Quilter Labs’ discretion) with a like or comparable product, without charge.
To receive warranty service, return the complete product to Quilter Labs, LLC, with
proof of purchase, during the applicable warranty period. The Quilter Labs Dealer
from whom you purchased your product may also be authorized for warranty service
and should be the first point of contact when service is required. TRANSPORTATION
COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. Any repair or service
performed by any person or entity other than an Authorized Quilter Labs Electronics
Service Center is not covered by this limited warranty.
Other questions regarding this warranty can be answered by calling
(714) 519-6114 or by contacting your authorized Quilter distributor.
Email: info@quilterlabs.com

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FACTORY SERVICE:

To return an amplifier to Quilter Labs for service under the warranty policy, please visit
www.quilterlabs.com and fill out the Return Request Form. If you do not have access to
the website, you may send a request by letter to Quilter Labs at 1700 Sunflower, Suite
A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please include the serial number of the amplifier and a copy
of your sales receipt. Instructions on how to send your amplifier will be provided.
Do not attempt to open the amplifier and service it yourself. Any attempt to service the
amplifier by a non-authorized service technician may void your warranty.

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.

Quilter Laboratories, LLC

1700 Sunflower, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 519-6114
www.quilterlabs.com

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P/N 000730 Rev. A