CA15

Acoustic Amplifier

User’s Guide
 CA15 Acoustic Amplifier

Introduction:
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of one of Crate’s latest contributions to the
world of acoustic amplification, the CA15. This compact amplifier delivers
over 12 watts of musical power and incorporates two inputs (each with its
own gain control), three bands of equalization, and reverb. A pair of RCA-
type CD Input jacks allow you to practice with your favorite music. A jack for
headphones is provided, along with a jack for connecting the CA15 to an
external speaker cabinet. A Crate Custom Design 8”woofer delivers smooth
clear sound with excellent projection and fidelity.
Your CA15 was designed by musicians and built using only the best com-
ponents. 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 amplifier, we strongly urge you
to go over the information contained in this manual before you begin playing.

And thank you for choosing CRATE.

CAUTION PRECAUCION ATTENTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
DO NOT OPEN NO ABRA NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉ
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOIS- ELECTRICAS, NO PERMITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA AFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POUR
TURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO. REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE
REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO PUEDO PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS. REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
• DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR
PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3” (75mm) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR
FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
• DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
• CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
• ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND
COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS.
• PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
• UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
• OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE 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 PRO-
TECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.

EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS: "DANGEROUS VOLTAGE" "IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS: = “VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”
= “ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES.”

EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES: "DANGER HAUTE TENSION" "REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
 CA15 Acoustic Amplifier

The Front Panel:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1,3: Input 1, Input 2. The signal output from 9: CD Input. Use these jacks to connect the
your acoustic instrument, tape player, output from a CD player, tape deck, or
rhythm machine, high-Z microphone or rhythm machine to the amplifier. The CD
other source may be connected to either or Input jacks are post EQ and Gain, so use
both of these jacks by means of a shielded the level control on the CD player (etc.) to
signal cable. Each of the input jacks is adjust the level of the signal at these jacks.
governed by its corresponding gain con- 10: Headphones. Use this jack to connect
trol (#2 for Input 1, #4 for Input 2). The headphones to the amplfier. The internal
signals from these two jacks are summed speaker is disconnected when this jack is
together after their gain stages. used.
2,4: Gain 1, Gain 2. Use these controls to set 11: External Speaker. Use this jack to connect
the input gain level for the corresponding the amplifier to an external speaker. The
input jack. These controls set the level of internal speaker is disconnected when
the input signal and serve as the amplifi- this jack is used. The impedance of the
er’s volume controls. external speaker must be 4 ohms or
5: Low. This serves as the bass control for greater. Do not attempt to use head-
both channels. Adjust this control to get phones in the External Speaker jack!
the best sounding bass response for your Permanent hearing damage could result.
instrument. Excessive boost of the low 12: Power Switch. (Rear panel, not shown)
control can cause an unnatural howling Use this switch to apply power to the
(acoustic feedback from your instrument) amplifier: the amp is on when the top of
and should be avoided. the switch is depressed, off when the bot-
6: Mid. This serves as the midrange control tom of the switch is depressed. The switch
for both channels. Adjust this control to illuminates when the amp is on.
get the best projection and midrange 13: AC Line Cord. (Rear panel, not shown)
tones for your instrument. The grounded power cord should only be
7: High. This serves as the treble control for plugged into a grounded power outlet
both channels. Adjust this control so your that meets all applicable electrical codes
high notes and harmonic overtones are and is compatible with the voltage,
lively but not overpowering. power, and frequency requirements stated
8: Reverb Level: Use this control to adjust on the rear panel. Do not attempt to
the amount of reverberation added to the defeat the safety ground connection.
signal. In the fully counter clockwise posi-
tion, the signal is dry (no reverb added).
As you rotate the control clockwise the
amount of reverb increases.
 CA15 Acoustic Amplifier
Technical Specifications:
Output Power Rating: 12+ watts RMS @ 5% THD, 4 ohm load
Low: ±15dB @ 80Hz
Mid: ±15dB @ 650Hz
High: ±15dB @ 10kHz
Input Impedance: 1.5M ohm
Max Input Signal: 7v peak to peak
Total System Gain: 52dB @ 1kHz
Input Sensitivity: 20mV
Internal Speakers: 8” Crate Custom Design, 4 ohm, 15 watts; Piezo Tweeter
Power Requirements: 120VAC, 60Hz, 30VA
100/115VAC, 50/60Hz, 30VA
230VAC, 50/60Hz, 30VA
Size and Weight: 14”H x 14”W x 12”D, 21 lbs.

System Block Diagram:

CHANNEL 1: POWER AMP
EQ EXTERNAL
INPUT SPEAKER

GAIN LOW MID HIGH REVERB REVERB SPEAKER

CHANNEL 2: LEVEL

INPUT CD HEAD
INPUT PHONES
ATTENUATOR

GAIN

Declaration Of Conformity
#33, Effective 01-01-2001
Manufacturer’s Name: SLM Electronics
Production Facility: 1901 Congressional Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA
Production Facility: 700 Hwy 202 W, Yellville, AR 72687, USA
Shipping Facility: 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA
Office Facility: 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA
Product Type: Audio Amplifier
Complies with the following Standards:
Safety: EN60065, E60065, C22.2, UL6500 and/or UL813
EMC: Directive 89/336/EEC, EN55103, EN55013, EN61000,
and/or FCC 47CFR 15B clA
Supplementary information provided by:
SLM Electronics - R & D Engineering
1901 Congressional Drive, St Louis, MO 63146, USA
Tel.: 314-569-0141, Fax: 314-569-0175

Specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.

www.crateamps.com
©2004 SLM Electronics • A Division of St. Louis Music Co.
1400 Ferguson Avenue • St. Louis, MO 63133
47-936-01 • 022404