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Manual V1.0

OR15 Manual

Introduction

Thank You for Choosing Orange

Ever since the founding of the company in 1968, Orange has been a pioneering force in the guitar amplification industry. Today, with a team of the world’s finest amplifier engineers, Orange continues to push back the boundaries of conventional valve amplifier design.

Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality control has allowed our amplifiers to stand the test of time, giving their owners as much pleasure now, as the day they were bought. To maintain this level of excellence, each Orange amplifier is put through many rigorous test procedures before leaving the factory.

The warmth, tonal quality and rich harmonics generated by a valve amplifier cannot be reproduced by ‘artificial’ means. Many guitarists have reached the same conclusion: neither the transistor nor the microchip is a true alternative to valve technology.

This manual contains valuable technical and safety information. Please take the time to read this manual as the information may enhance the sound and performance of your amplifier. We are confident that you will be delighted with your new purchase and that it will provide you with many years of enjoyment. You are now a member of the Legendary British Guitar Amplifier Owners Club!

In the interests of product improvement, the contents of this manual may be subject to change without notice.

Safety

Important Safety Information

1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus 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 polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised 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) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus 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.

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE PRODUCT. REFER ALL SERVICING TO AUTHORISED ORANGE SERVICE PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Terminals labelled as “Speaker Outputs” must be connected to a speaker cabinet of the designated load rating using an un-shielded two conductor cable for speaker use at all times during operation.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle and "WARNING" are intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating instructions. Failure to heed the instructions will result in severe injury or death.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. For indoor use only. Do not place liquids, or objects containing liquids on or near the apparatus

Models which use a mains cord/plug to connect to the mains electricity supply must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. The voltage selector switch and mains fuse are set at the factory for the country or region in which this Orange product is intended to be sold. To prevent serious damage to the product, ensure that the rated AC mains voltage indicated on the product's rear panel agrees with the mains voltage from your AC mains outlet before connecting the mains cord/plug.

If the product is to be used outside of the factory set region, ensure the voltage selector switch (found on the rear or side panel) is set to the correct voltage for the new country/region and that the appropriate mains fuse is fitted in the pull-out fuse tray below the IEC mains input.

The correct mains fuse rating for your product is printed on the chassis. Use only the same 250V type and rating as specified for the product. Different operating voltages may require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. If you are unsure, contact your Orange Dealer.

This Orange product conforms to UL 60065:2001 (Seventh Edition) + A1:2005 + A2:2010 for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus. Certified to CAN/CSA CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60065:03

This Orange product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste. Please contact your local authority for details of your nearest approved recycling facility.

If you are in California, USA, we are required to tell you
"California Proposition 65 Warning. Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.p65warnings.ca.gov".
There is a complicated story about why this law exists. We encourage you to search unbiased and neutral articles online to discover more about the nuances of this law.

Before you turn it on…

IMPORTANT!

The voltage-selector switch and mains fuse is set at the factory for the country or region in which this Orange product is intended to be sold. To prevent serious damage to the product, ensure that the rated AC mains voltage indicated on the product's rear panel agrees with the mains voltage from your AC mains inlet before connecting the IEC power cable.

If the product is to be used outside of the factory set region, please ensure the voltage selector switch (found on the rear or side panel) is set to the correct voltage for the new country/region and that the appropriate mains fuse is fitted in the pull-out fuse tray below the IEC mains input.

The correct mains fuse rating for the product is printed on the chassis (see ‘ Rear Panel Features’). Use only the same type and rating as specified for the product. Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord
and attachment plugs. If you are unsure, please contact your Orange Dealer.

BEFORE USING YOUR AMPLIFIER

Always ensure the amp's volume control(s) are set to zero before switching on the power to amplifier.

To prevent hum and electrical noise operate your amplifier and instruments as far away from other electronic devices (especially fluorescent and neon lamps) as possible as these generate extremely high levels of electronic noise.

SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTIONS (HEADS & COMBOS):

Voltage selection

  • The voltage-selector switch and mains fuse is set at the factory for the country or region in which this Orange product is intended to be sold. To prevent serious damage to the product, ensure that the rated AC mains voltage indicated on the product's rear panel matches the mains voltage from your AC mains inlet before connecting the IEC power cable. If the product is to be used outside of the factory-set region, please ensure the voltage-selector switch (found on the rear or side panel) is set to the correct voltage for the country/region, and that the appropriate mains fuse is fitted in the pull-out fuse tray below the IEC mains input. The correct mains fuse rating for the product is printed on the chassis (see "Rear Panel") Use only the same type and rating as specified for the product. Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. If you are unsure, please contact your Orange dealer.

    Before using your amp

    Note: Always ensure the amp's volume control(s) are set to zero before switching on the power to amplifier. To prevent hum and electrical noise, operate your amplifier and instruments as far away from other electronic devices (especially fluorescent and neon lamps) as possible, as these generate extremely high levels of electronic noise.

    SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTIONS (HEADS and COMBOS)

    Make sure the correct speaker load is connected at all times during operation.

    • Do not connect to a speaker load which is less than 8 Ohms in total!
    • Always connect to a cabinet of an appropriate power rating/handling!
    • Never use two cabinets of different/mismatched impedance!
    • Only connect speakers using a quality dedicated speaker cable. Never use an instrument cable!
    • Never connect headphones to the speaker outputs!
    • If you are unsure, please contact your Orange Dealer.

      Only connect speaker cabinets in accordance with this manual. Failure to do so will cause damage to the amplifier and void any warranty:

      Heads:
    • 1 x 16 Ohm cabinet – Use the 16 Ohm speaker jack socket (rear of chassis).
    • 2 x 16 Ohm cabinets – Use both of the 8 Ohm speaker jack sockets (rear of chassis).
    • 1 x 8 Ohm cabinet – Use either of the 8 Ohm speaker jack sockets (rear of chassis).
    • Combos:

      All Orange valve combos have an internal speaker load of 16 Ohms and are connected to the amplifier's 16 Ohm output at the factory. When using an extension cabinet, only ever connect a 16 Ohm cabinet!

      To connect an extension cabinet to the combo reconnect the internal speaker jack to either of the 8 Ohm speaker outputs, and connect a 16 Ohm extension cabinet to the other 8 Ohm speaker output.

      Be sure to reconnect the internal speaker to the 16 Ohm output when an extension cabinet is not attached.

      VALVES:

      When powering up, ensure the amplifier is set to the STBY position on the front panel for a minimum of two minutes prior to performance. This will prolong the life of the valves.

      The HT Fuse(s) (rear of chassis) will blow in the event of output valve failure in order to protect the internal circuitry from damage. Orange recommends output valves are replaced in full matched sets. Orange models fitted with EL34 or 6550 valves will also benefit from a bias adjustment which should only be undertaken by a qualified technician. When changing the HT fuse, gently push down on the fuse holder and turn anticlockwise to release the fuse.

  • Panel Features

    Volume

     Adjusts the output volume level. At higher settings, the output stage will begin to breakup into natural overdrive. Experiment further with the Output switch to achieve the desired output level and response.

    Note: with the Gain set to zero, no sound will be heard.

    Treble

    Adjusts the high-end frequencies. Turning clockwise produces brighter tones.

    Middle

    Adjusts the mid-range response . Turning clockwise produces ‘fatter’ tones. With higher Gain settings, turn the Middle control fully anti-clockwise for a ‘scooped’ modern tone.

    Bass

    Adjusts the low-end  frequencies. Turning clockwise produces deeper tones.

    Gain

    Adjusts the Gain level. With 4 stages of gain available a wide range of tones are achievable, from mild overdrive through to very heavy distortion at higher settings. Lower Gain settings will produce cleaner tones and may require an increase in Volume to compensate.

    Power

    The jewel light will illuminate when the mains switch is set to ON. The Output switch should be set to STANDBY prior to performance. Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier’.

    Output

    Selects between 15 Watts (full power), Standby and 7  Watts (half power) modes.

    7 Watts produces a different response and greater levels of output valve distortion/breakup at lower volume levels.

    Input

    Use a quality shielded instrument cable to connect your instrument to the Input jack socket.

    Speaker Outputs

    Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier‘ for full speaker cabinet options. If you are unsure, please contact your Orange dealer.

    Return & Send

    Effects Loop (Series)

    Use the Send jack to connect to the input of external effects processors/pedals. Connect the output of external effects to the Return jack on the amplifier. Time based effects (e.g. delays and reverbs) are often best placed in the Effects Loop, whereas overdrive pedals, filters and wahs etc. are usually best placed between the guitar and the amp’s Input. Experiment with placement to achieve the desired sound.

     

    HT Fuse

    This fuse will blow in the event of output valve failure. Replace this fuse only with the exact type and rating as printed on the chassis.

    Mains Input and Mains Fuse

    Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier‘. Connect the supplied IEC cable to the AC Mains Input. Ensure the Power switch is set to OFF before connecting the IEC cable. The mains fuse is located in the pull-out tray underneath the AC Mains Input. If the mains fuse blows, replace only with the exact rating for your region . If the mains fuse continues to blow contact your Orange dealer.

    Voltage Selector Switch (side panel)

    IMPORTANT!

    Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier‘.

    Fuses & Valves

    Fuses:

    Mains fuse (230V): T500mA
    Mains fuse (100/120V):T1A

    HT fuse: F250mA

    Valves:

    Preamp and phase inverter: 3 x ECC83/12AX7
    Effects loop: 1 x ECC81/12AX7
    Poweramp: 2 x EL84

     Valve positions diagrams available at www.orangeamps.com