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The Atlantic Ocean is the body of water that connects the United States to the United Kingdom, and the Atlantic from Jackson Ampworks is the amplifier that does the same for the legendary guitar tones that each of these regions produce.
Designed as a high gain, non-master volume amplifier, the Atlantic from Jackson Ampworks may very well be one of the most versatile and flexible amplifiers ever built. Designed to deliver clean tones that are full bodied with plenty of chime, and overdriven tones that ooze with liquid gain and sustain, the Atlantic covers a tremendous amount of tonal ground.
The first mode-switching amplifier from Jackson Ampworks, the Atlantic, when in Vintage Mode, utilizes two 12AX7 gain stages to deliver its pristine clean tones and its lower gain, more vintage overdriven tones. When the foot switch-able Modern Mode is selected, a third 12AX7 gain stage is added, which results in increased gain, increased sustain and unparalleled dynamics. One of the most remarkable features of the Atlantic is that regardless of which mode is selected, or the amount of gain that is dialed in, the Atlantic cleans up brilliantly with nothing more than a simple twist of the guitars volume control. This feature allows the player to precisely control the amount of overdrive present in your tone, as well as control the infinite range of dynamics that your playing style produces.
The Atlantic from Jackson Ampworks: Bridging the best tones of the United States to the best tones of the United Kingdom! |
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Overview |
Power |
19W |
Class |
Pure Class A |
Output Tubes |
EL34 - (2) |
| Preamp Tubes |
12AX7 - (2) |
| Phase Invert. |
12AX7 - (1) |
| Rectifier |
Solid State |
| Output Transformer |
Custom Wound Over Spec |
| Chassis |
Stainless Steel |
| Construction |
Hand Wired Turret Board |
| Tone |
US Clean Meets UK Overdrive |
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When designing the Atlantic, I wanted to produce an amplifier that would possess the tonal qualities that would enable me to use this amplifier on gigs that range from everything to Country, Blues, Jazz and even Hard Rock. Having been an SRV fan for many years, I have always used his clean tones as a benchmark for how a clean electric guitar should sound, and the Atlantic, with its thick, rich and authoritative cleans meet this standard perfectly.
On the other end of the tonal spectrum, my standard for hard rock guitar tone has always been EVH. With his legendary early vintage overdriven tone, and his later modern high gain tone, EVH set the standard for which modern rock guitar tone will forever be judged. It is with these diverse tones in mind that the Modern Mode of the Atlantic was created. Picking up where the Vintage Mode left off, the Modern Mode takes the tone of the Atlantic one step farther by adding increased gain, increased sustain and unparallel dynamics.
Having worked for many years to perfect this balance of vintage cleans and modern overdrive and high gain, I am very proud to announce that the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic has achieved its design goal of bringing the two worlds of guitar tone together. |
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| Features and Construction |
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As a standard configuration, the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is offered in a head cabinet. These head cabinets are made from 13-ply Baltic Birch that feature Finger Joint edges for added reliability and structural integrity. When ordering, any color of Tolex that we offer is available at no additional charge! |
The Stainless Steel front panel of the Atlantic features both HIGH and LOW ISOLATED INPUT JACKS for use with guitars of varying output. These Switchcraft INPUT JACKS are the most rugged and reliable jacks ever made and are the standard by which all 1/4" Phone Jacks are judged. Each INPUT JACK is fully isolated from the chassis and has been done so to keep stray ground currents from entering the sensitive input stage and causing hum or any other unwelcome noises in the amplifier.
To the right of the INPUT JACKS, are located the potentiometers that are used for the various controls. These potentiometers are 2W SEALED CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC potentiometers made by Clarostat. These Mil-Spec potentiometers are the finest potentiometers made and feature a 25,000 cycle life along with a Stainless Steel shaft and Housing. These potentiometers have been chosen for the long life and exceptionally low noise levels.
Along with intuitive VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS and PRESENCE controls, the Atlantic also features a CONTOUR control. The CONTOUR control, which is a passive tone control located in the preamp section of the amplifier, allows the user to roll off and smooth some of the high end that may be present when using high overdrive settings. |
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The right side of the front control panel contains the Jeweled INDICATOR LIGHT, which is illuminated when the POWER switch is in the on position. Also positioned next to the INDICATOR LIGHT are the beveled MODE LED's (light emitting diodes). These LED's indicate which operating mode has been selected. The GREEN LED indicates that the VINTAGE mode has been selected, and the RED LED indicates that the MODERN mode has been selected. To the right of the LED's are the STANDBY and POWER switches. These Heavy Duty Carling switches are rated for many times more current that they will ever see in our amplifiers and have been chosen for their durability and performance. A decorative retaining ring has been used to fasten these switches. |
The EMBLEM for each Jackson Ampworks Amplifier and Speaker Cabinet is Die Cast, Chrome Plated and then Clear Coated to guarantee a lifetime of exceptional durability and appearance. The design of the EMBLEM also complements the angle of the WHITE V on the front of the amplifier and works to further augment the brand identity of our amplifiers. |
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Every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier features our Trademark White V with Wrap Around Sides and Back. This visual trademark, in our opinion is as important as our logo, as players will come to recognize a Jackson Ampworks Amplifier from a great distance even before they are able to read the emblem.
Also shown is the comfortable leather handle that makes transporting the amplifier much more enjoyable. This handle has been mounted to the cabinet using Tee-Nuts. The use of Tee-Nuts allows for a much stronger mechanical connection and eliminates the possibility of the handle screws from ever becoming stripped when carrying the amplifier.
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The back of the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is as visually appealing as the front. From the White Stripe that continues across the back panel, to the Stainless Steel Perf Metal Grille, no aspect of a Jackson Ampworks Amplifier has been overlooked. Having taken the time to consider every last visual detail, Jackson Ampworks is pleased to offer amplifiers that look as good as they sound! |
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The corners of all of our amplifiers and speaker cabinets are covered and wrapped in such a way as to create a seamless joint that does not disrupt the eye as it scans the cabinet. Also pictured here is one of the Stainless Steel Machine Screws that are used to attach the back panel to the amplifier. |
The Stainless Steel Perf Metal Grille adds a tremendous visual appeal to the back of the amplifier. As an added benefit, the 1/4" holes in this Stainless Steel Perf Metal Grille allow for better cooling of the output tubes. Note the attention to detail in the white stripe as it crosses the back of the amplifier. |
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Each Jackson Ampworks Amplifier includes an IEC type of power cable. IEC cables are more convenient to use when traveling as they can be removed to more easily facilitate transporting. Also included in this IEC connector is an integrated fuse which helps to maintain the clean appearance of the back panel. This IEC connector also has a spare fuse housed inside of it in the event that the fuse needs to be replaced while on the road.
To the right of the IEC connector is the FAN SWITCH that is used to control the speed of the internal cooling fan. The internal cooling fan was included to hold the output tubes at a safe operating temperature. By cooling the output tubes, the output tubes will last years longer and sound more consistent from gig to gig.
By including a dual speed fan, the user can now select the LO setting when playing in situations that require absolute quiet such as a recording studio. When absolute quiet is not required, the HI position can be selected to provide additional cooling of the output tubes. NOTE: During testing, Jackson Ampworks amplifiers have been run for several days while in the LO setting without overheating.
Below the FAN SWITCH is the B+ FUSE HOLDER. This fuse protects the high voltage winding of the power transformer in the event that an output tube shorts or draws too much current. |
The OMNI-RANGE BIAS ADJUSTMENT, or ORBA for short, is a completely new fixed bias system developed by Jackson Ampworks that provides a level of flexibility and performance unequaled in any guitar amplifier. The ORBA, which uses the Current Method for setting the bias point, measures the actual current flow through the output tubes, and is therefore the most accurate method of determining and setting the bias point.
As an additional benefit, the ORBA will allow the use of previously unmatched output tubes. Because of this, the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is exceptionally quiet as the push-pull output section is able to work together to completely rid the amplifier of unwanted output section hum.
In an EXCLUSIVE FEATURE, the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic, as a result of the ORBA now allows users to run dissimilar output tubes and match them perfectly! Because of the ORBA, users can now use a KT88 with a 6V6, an EL34 with a 6L6-GC, a KT66 with a EL34 etc! The tonal possibilities are endless!
The Omni Range Bias Adjustment system consists of 6 key components that are essential for the precise measuring and adjusting of the bias setting for each amplifier.
These components are as follows:
BIAS CHART – This bias chart contains the correct bias setting for each output tube listed here. Notice that output tubes that range from the 6V6 to the KT88 can now be safely used as a result of the ORBA system.
RANGE – This locking control is used as a course adjustment for setting the current flow of both output tubes at the same time. The inclusion of this control adds a great deal of flexibility to the ORBA, thus allowing a full range of output tubes to be used. If this control were eliminated, the user would only have a small range of adjustment when biasing tubes and many popular output tubes such as the KT88 and the 6V6 could not be used. Therefore the inclusion of the RANGE control allows a full range of output tubes to be used with the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic, thus expanding the users’ tonal range!
DIGITAL METER – This meter is constantly measuring the idle current of the selected tube and provides immediate feedback on the condition of the output tube. Please note that the protective film over the meter was still in place during the photo shoot.
V1 TRIM – This locking control is used to fine tune the current flow for V1, or the left output tube and is completely independent of the V2 control.
SELECT SWITCH – This control is used to select which tube the Digital Meter is viewing. By placing the select switch to the Left, the Digital Meter is now measuring the Left Output Tube or V1. By placing the select switch to the Right, the Digital Meter is now measuring the Right Output Tube or V2.
V2 TRIM – This locking control is used to fine tune the current flow for V2, or the right output tube and is completely independent of the V1 control.
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Each Jackson Ampworks Amplifier is made available with a 4, 8, and 16 ohm IMPEDANCE SELECTOR. By including this selector, and selecting it to match the impedance of the speaker cabinet being used, any common speaker cabinet can be used with the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic provided that the speaker cabinet can handle the power of the amplifier.
Every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier uses FULLY ISOLATED SWITCHCRAFT JACKS for the SPEAKER OUTS, INPUTS and in the case of the Atlantic, the FOOTSWITCH. Switchcraft Jacks are the most rugged and reliable jacks ever made and are the standard by which all 1/4" Phone Jacks are judged. As previously noted, each speaker jack is fully isolated from the chassis and has been done so to keep stray ground currents from causing hum or any other unwelcome noises in the amplifier. |
Located on the rear panel of the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is the MODE SELECTOR SWITCH which allows the user to select between the VINTAGE and MODERN MODES of the Atlantic. The MODE SELECTOR SWITCH was included not only as a means for selecting between the VINTAGE and MODERN MODES, but also as a way to allow the user to switch MODES should he/she forget to bring their FOOTSWITCH when playing out.
When in VINTAGE MODE, the Atlantic has a gain structure that is similar to that of a vintage British guitar amplifier. When in this setting, the Atlantic has a generous amount of clean headroom which transitions seamlessly into a warm and woody overdrive as the VOLUME control is increased.
By selected the MODERN MODE, more preamp gain is added to the amplifier and both sustain and overdrive are increased. Picking up where the VINTAGE MODE left off, the MODERN MODE provides rich and harmonic overdriven tones that are perfect for heavier rhythms, solos or times when a gain and volume boost are required. HINT: When in VINTAGE MODE, set the VOLUME control at approximately the 1:00 position for an incredible rhythm tone with a slight amount of breakup, and use the MODERN MODE as a solo or lead boost.
Also included with the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is a foot switch that allows the user to remotely control the VINTAGE/MODERN MODES. NOTE: In order to use the FOOTSWITCH, the MODE SELECTOR SWITCH must be in the VINTAGE MODE.
Located below the FOOTSWITCH JACK is the Laser Engraved SERIAL NUMBER PLATE for the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic.
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In this rear view of the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic, the back cover has been removed to allow an unrestricted view of the TRANSFORMERS, OUTPUT TUBES as well as the PREAMP TUBES. |
Unlike traditional amplifiers, the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic uses THREADED METAL INSERTS as anchors for the MACHINE SCREWS that are used to attach the back panel to the cabinet. Since the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic was designed to allow users to exchange output tubes easily, the inclusion of THREADED METAL INSERTS allows the user to remove the back panel countless times without the possibility of stripping the mounting holes.
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Every Jackson Ampworks amplifier features a custom designed power supply. In the foreground of this picture are the FILTER CHOKE and FILTER CAPACITORS. These components work to smooth and filter the DC power that is used throughout the amplifier. Located behind the FILTER CHOKE is the POWER TRANSFORMER. The POWER TRANSFORMER is the power supply for the entire amplifier. Every voltage needed to power the amplifier is derived from the custom wound POWER TRANSFORMER.
The FILTER CHOKE, POWER TRANSFORMER and OUTPUT TRANSFORMER have each been custom POWDER COATED to not only protect the transformers from rust, but to also insure their long lasting visual appearance. |
Each output tube is equipped with a SPRING TUBE RETAINER. These retainers keep the output tubes firmly seated in their sockets and work to reduce vibrations that can cause damage to output tubes.
Notice the COOLING FAN behind the output tubes. This dual speed 35 cubic feet per minute fan works continuously to reduce and control the operating temperature of the output tubes, thus extending their life and performance. |
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Jackson Ampworks features highly polished ALUMINUM TUBE SHIELDS on each of the tubes that uses a 9-PIN socket. These shields prevent electromagnetic noise from reaching the sensitive preamp section and therefore work to make the amp as quiet as possible. |
Shown here is a back view of the chassis as it appears suspended in our custom chassis display stand. The entire chassis is fabricated from 0.090" HAND POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL and features LASER CUT HOLES, WELDED and POLISHED CORNERS and COUNTERSUNK SCREW HOLES.
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Each FACE PANEL on the Atlantic, both front and back, are fabricated from 0.030" STAINLESS STEEL, which like the chassis, has been cut using a LASER. Panels that are cut with a LASER to not suffer from the burrs and rough edges that panels which have been "punched" do. |
Another benefit to LASER CUTTING a chassis and panel set is that the tolerances are incredibly tight. Both the front and back panels marry perfectly to the chassis which allow for a much more consistent and visually appealing product.
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Jackson Ampworks TRANSFORMERS, which we have custom designed to our specifications, have been produced by the transformer experts at Heyboer. After years of working with many transformer manufacturers, Jackson Ampworks is now using Heyboer transformers exclusively as we have found after years of research that Heyboer transformers are the most toneful and reliable transformers that we've used and are the perfect transformers to help deliver the signature Jackson Ampworks Tone. |
Each of our transformers have been CUSTOM POWDER COATED using a two part process. The first color coat, our own custom sparkling pearl color, is applied first and after the color coat is cured, a crystal clear coat is applied. Adding the clear coat works to add depth and dimension to the existing color coat and makes our transformer end bells look deep enough to swim in!
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Jackson Ampworks exclusively uses STAINLESS STEEL MOUNTING HARDWARE for each of its amplifiers. By using STAINLESS STEEL MOUNTING HARDWARE, not only does it make for a more strong and durable amplifier, the lasting appearance if guaranteed as STAINLESS STEEL does not corrode or tarnish like other hardware. Also, Jackson Ampworks uses STAINLESS STEEL NYLOCK NUTS with every bolt and screw on the amplifier. NYLOCK NUTS, are the fastener of choice for use in an amplifier that will be used on the road, as their nylon inserts resist vibrations and keep the nut firmly fastened in place! |
When designing an amplifier, proper layout of the components is as critical as component selection itself. Notice that all of the components that produce a magnetic field, such as the POWER TRANSFORMER, CHOKE and OUTPUT TRANSFORMER have been placed as far from the input stages as possible. Doing this is one of the many reasons why a Jackson Ampworks Amplifier is the most toneful and noise-free tube amplifier you will ever hear!
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In this view of the chassis, the COOLING FAN, which is located behind the output tubes can be seen. This two speed cooling fan is a vital part of the amplifier and works to extend tube life and ensure reliability for years to come. |
The POWER TRANSFORMER supplies all of the voltages used throughout the amplifier and its performance is critical for the proper performance of the amplifier. Custom designed by Jackson Ampworks, this POWER TRANSFORMER has been OVERBUILT to withstand continual use for years, and guarantee the longevity and performance of the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic!
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The CHOKE and the HIGH VOLTAGE FILTER CAPACITORS located next to it are responsible for filtering and smoothing the DC voltage that is used throughout the amplifier. Proper filtering of the power supply is critical for the proper performance of the amplifier, as a well filtered power supply will make the amplifier stable and noise free. |
The DUAL SPEED COOLING FAN which is located between the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER and the OUTPUT TUBES is an added reliability feature that every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier contains. This cooling fan while in the LO setting is almost completely inaudible and is perfect for recording sessions when absolute quiet is required. When playing in situations where absolute quiet is not required, such as live gigs, the HI setting can be used to facilitate better cooling of the OUTPUT TUBES. Also, because of the position of the COOLING FAN, as the air is blown across the OUTPUT TUBES, air is drawn and circulated across the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER which works to keep the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER completely cool even after several hours of heavy use.
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The custom designed OUTPUT TRANSFORMER for the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic has been engineered to withstand 3 times the output that the 19W Atlantic can deliver! By over engineering the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER in this way, the Atlantic can be played at maximum volume for many hours without fear of failure or overheating. To assist the COOLING FAN in keeping the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER cool, the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER has been designed with "air gaps" around the mounting brackets. These air gaps allow air to vent and circulate around the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER and keep the windings and core cool even during periods of extended use!
This CUSTOM OUTPUT TRANSFORMER, make by Heyboer, is wound on a PAPER BOBBIN just like the legendary vintage OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS of the past. During development and testing, a side-by-side comparison of two OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS, one wound on a PAPER BOBBIN, and the other wound on a plastic bobbin was done. After creating an ideal testing schenario, the PAPER BOBBIN OUTPUT TRANSFORMER was found to have a much more accurate VINTAGE TONE without the piercing high end that the plastic bobbin unit produced. |
Each PREAMP TUBE on the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic comes equipped with a TUBE SHIELD / TUBE RETAINER. These polished aluminum can type of TUBE RETAINERS not only hold the PREAMP TUBE firmly in place, which helps to reduce vibrations which can lead to microphonic tubes, but they also act as an electromagnetic shield to keep stray noises from entering the sensitive input stages of the amplifier.
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HAND POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL PANELS have been used for both the front and back panels of the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic. These panels, which feature SILKSCREENED TEXT and ARTWORK, will keep their brilliant appearance and will continue to add durability and performance for years to come! |
The MULLARD EL34 OUTPUT TUBES that come standard with the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic are key to achieving the proper voice for the amplifier! These OUTPUT TUBES possess the sonic character that the Atlantic was designed around and work to produce the woody overdriven tones and warm clean tones that people have been pursuing for years! Also pictured here are the SPRING TUBE RETAINERS that are used to keep the OUTPUT TUBES firmly seated in their sockets.
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In this pre-assembly picture, the corner detail of the amplifier chassis can be seen. These chassis which are cut, folded and then welded into their final shape make for an indestructible platform for an amplifier. The 0.090" STAINLESS STEEL used to fabricate these chassis will never wear out, strip out, or be destroyed even during extreme use! Not only does STAINLESS STEEL make an excellent structural platform on which to build an amplifier, but because it is non-magnetic, electromagnetic currents from the transformers will not be absorbed into the chassis and be allowed to flow into the rest of the amp, thereby making the amplifier much more quiet!
Note the incredible attention to detail in the seamless corners as well as the countersunk screws used to attach the PLATE NUTS. |
Jackson Ampworks is the only amplifier manufacturer to use AIRCRAFT GRADE NYLOCK PLATE NUTS to mount our chassis to our cabinets. These NYLOCK PLATE NUTS, which feature a nylon insert, will secure the STAINLESS STEEL MOUNTING BOLT and keep it from ever becoming loose even when operating in harsh touring conditions.
Each PLATE NUT has been drilled and tapped to accept a #4-40 machine screw which is used to attach the PLATE NUT to the chassis. |
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Once installed, the PLATE NUTS create a seamless and stylized approach to mounting the chassis which blends in perfectly with the STAINLESS STEEL CHASSIS. |
In this picture, the precision of the LASER CUT CHASSIS can be seen. As a result of using a LASER CUT CHASSIS, there are no burrs or rough edges on any of the holes and the appearance is consistent from one production run to the next.
Also shown here are the countersunk holes for the various mounting screws used throughout the amplifier. Every countersunk screw on the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic uses STAINLESS STEEL 100 DEGREE HEAD SCREWS as their increased surface area makes for a more secure and durable connection. |
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In this image, the precision of the LASER CUT CHASSIS is shown. Because of the high precision of a LASER CUTTING MACHINE, complex shapes can be cut in thick gauges of STAINLESS STEEL without causing distortions or bends in the materials. |
This picture, which shows the NYLOCK PLATE NUT in both the installed and un-installed state, gives an excellent representation of how the PLATE NUT is used to mount the chassis to the cabinet.
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Jackson Ampworks uses 0.125" G10 FIBERGLASS boards to mount its turrets and components. G10 FIBERGLASS is an ideal material for mounting turrets to as it is a non-conductor, is temperature stable, and because it is impervious to moisture will not suffer from tweed-disease* as many of the paper based vintage turret boards do.
These TURRET BOARDS, which are drilled, cut and countersunk on a CNC machine, offer incredible precision from unit to unit which allows them to marry up perfectly to their mounting holes which are LASER CUT on the STAINLESS STEEL chassis.
* Tweed disease refers to a condition in many vintage amplifiers in which moisture is absorbed into the turret board, thereby compromising the insulating material and therefore the electrical circuit as well. |
Every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier features a LAYDOWN POWER TRANSFORMER that features SOLDER LUGS. The benefit of a LAYDOWN POWER TRANSFORMER is two fold. First, because the transformer is lying down, it's magnetic field is not in alignment with the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER therefore eliminating the possibility of coupling between it and the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER, thereby eliminating any hum that might be caused by the POWER TRANSFORMER coupling to the OUTPUT TRANSFORMER.
The second benefit of a LAYDOWN POWER TRANSFORMER that uses SOLDER LUGS is that installation is much more clean and neat as leads solder directly to the POWER TRANSFORMER instead of the unnecessary clutter of flying leads that originate from the POWER TRANSFORMER.
Note, the Jackson Ampworks series of Amplifiers have been designed to work with both 120VAC as well as 220VAC. |
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Heavy Duty CARLING SWITCHES have been used for the POWER and STANDBY SWITCHES. These CARLING SWITCHES are rated for many times more current than they will ever see in the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic. CARLING SWITCHES are the highest quality switches available for this type of application, and provide the substantial tactile feedback that is in keeping with an amplifier of this quality. |
Located on the POWER SWITCH is a VARISTOR. A VARISTOR
is a surge protection device that is connected directly across the AC input. When a power surge or voltage spike is sensed, the varistor's resistance rapidly decreases, creating an instant shunt path for the over-voltage, thereby saving the components of the amplifier.
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Jackson Ampworks uses DC REGULATED HEATERS for the PREAMP TUBES in our amplifiers. By using a REGULATED DC SUPPLY to heat the preamp tubes, the unnecessary noise of AC heaters is completely eliminated. The use of DC REGULATED HEATERS is one of the many reasons that a Jackson Ampworks Amplifier is the most toneful and noise-free tube amplifier that you have ever heard! |
Shown here is the most important connection on the entire amplifier: the SAFETY GROUND. This HEAVY GAUGE TEFLON SAFETY GROUND LEAD is kept short and ties directly to the amplifier chassis thereby providing the least resistance connection possible.
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In this picture, the HIGH VOLTAGE FILTER CAPACITORS are shown. These FILTER CAPACITORS filter and smooth the DC VOLTAGE that is used throughout the amplifier and work to make the amplifier as quiet as possible.
Every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier is fully STAR GROUNDED with a DISTRIBUTED POWER SUPPLY and ALL grounds, with the exception of the SAFETY GROUND, tie to the chassis at ONLY ONE POINT. This design standard, impractical for cost driven manufacturers, makes for a much MORE STABLE and MORE QUIET amplifier than amplifiers that use a random grounding scheme. |
Shown here is the TOGGLE SWITCH that selects between the HI and LO setting of the DUAL SPEED COOLING FAN. This switch allows the COOLING FAN to operate in the LO setting, when ABSOLUTE QUIET is called for, as well as the HI setting when playing in situations that do not require ABSOLUTE QUIET.
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Jackson Ampworks exclusively uses GOLD PLATED CERAMIC TUBE SOCKETS. These CERAMIC TUBE SOCKETS will last much longer than traditional sockets as the CERAMIC material is much more resistant to shorting and provides much better insulation between the tubes pins. The GOLD PLATED PINS also make for an extremely low resistance connection that translates into less noise and more reliability as the TUBE SOCKET PINS will not corrode over time.
Also shown in this picture is the SILVER PLATED 600V TEFLON COATED WIRE that is used in every Jackson Ampworks Amplifier. Jackson Ampworks uses TEFLON COATED WIRE exclusively as it is not subject to cracking, discoloring or damage from heat like traditional PCV wire is. |
Jackson Ampworks uses the TURRET BOARD method of construction as it is the most stable and structurally strong method of constructing a circuit board. Staked to the 0.125" FIBERGLASS board are SUPER HEAVY DUTY TIN PLATED BRASS TURRETS that the individual components are then hand soldered to. This method of construction is more labor intensive than traditional PC Board construction, but the added effort makes for a more reliable and toneful amplifier.
Also shown in the foreground are the HIGH WATTAGE POWER RESISTORS used in the POWER SUPPLY RAIL. These METAL OXIDE POWER RESISTORS have been selected to handle the constant voltage and current flow of the POWER SUPPLY RAIL while still performing flawlessly.
ALUMINUM STANDOFFS have been used to support the TURRET BOARD and the COUNTERSUNK SCREW shows the attention to detail given in even the smallest of places. |
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Jackson Ampworks is proud to use the Mallory 150 series of COUPLING CAPACITORS. During development of the Atlantic, many COUPLING CAPACITORS from many manufacturers were tested, and the Mallory 150 series of capacitors were found to produce the MOST ACCURATE and VINTAGE TONE of any of the COUPLING CAPACITORS that we tested.
1W CARBON FILM RESISTORS are used everywhere in the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic, with the exception of the METAL OXIDE POWER RESISTORS. These resistors were chosen as they possess the VINTAGE TONE of the carbon comp resistors of the past, but are much MORE QUIET and not subject to the noise and value drift of the carbon comp resistors.
The FILTER CAPACITORS located along the TURRET BOARD are the ATOM series of capacitors made by SPRAGUE. These capacitors are noted in the audio industry as having EXCELLENT TONE along with GREAT STABILITY and RELIABILITY.
Note that as the FILTER CAPACITORS are located along the TURRET BOARD, the GROUNDS for each stage of the amplifier are able to be grounded at the FILTER CAPACITOR that feeds that stage. This is a design ideal that is not possible in other types of construction, and one of the many features that makes Jackson Ampworks Amplifiers the most TONEFUL and NOISE FREE tube amplifiers you have ever heard!
Also note the MASSIVE 14 AWG BUS WIRE that is used to connect all of the GROUNDS on the TURRET BOARD. This 14 AWG BUS WIRE creates an extremely LOW RESISTANCE PATH TO GROUND for the TURRET BOARD and works to FURTHER REDUCE NOISE LEVELS! |
Jackson Ampworks is very proud to feature 2W SEALED CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC POTENTIOMETERS made by CLAROSTAT. These Mil-Spec POTENTIOMETERS are the most quiet and reliable POTENTIOMETERS made and feature completely SILENT PERFORMANCE! Also, because these POTENTIOMETERS are sealed, dust and debris cannot enter the POTENTIOMETER over time and cause unwanted noise, unlike POTENTIOMETERS that are not sealed.
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In this picture, the TONE STACK for the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic is shown. The TONE STACK is the circuit of the amplifier that shapes the tone or EQ of the amplifier. In traditional designs, the TONE STACK components are located on the circuit board with several leads spanning to the POTENTIOMETERS. Such designs lead to excess lead length, which allows the opportunity for extraneous noise to be absorbed and further amplified by the amplifier.
Instead of this traditional design, Jackson Ampworks has chosen to mount all of TONE STACK's components right at the POTENTIOMETERS, and run a SINGLE SHIELDED CABLE from the TURRET BOARD to the TONE STACK COMPONENTS. Doing so removes several feet of unnecessary wire and makes the amplifier MUCH MORE QUIET THAN TRADITIONAL DESIGNS. |
Like the OCTAL SOCKETS shown above, the Jackson Ampworks Atlantic uses GOLD PLATED CERAMIC TUBE SOCKETS for its NOVAL or 9-PIN sockets. These CERAMIC SOCKETS are much more reliable than traditional plastic sockets as they are able to withstand much greater operating temperatures, and will not short out even under high current conditions.
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Jackson Ampworks uses SHIELDED TEFLON CABLE on EVERY GRID for EVERY PREAMP TUBE, INCLUDING THE PHASE INVERTER. Taking the extra time and effort to use SHIELDED CABLE on EVERY PREAMP TUBE is one more example of the meticulous process used when making the MOST TONEFUL and NOISE-FREE amplifiers ever made!
Also shown here are the TEFLON COVERED BUS WIRES that supply the REGULATED DC VOLTAGE to the PREAMP TUBE HEATERS. |
Regardless of whether on the OUTPUT TUBES or the PREAMP TUBES, the GRID RESISTORS on a Jackson Ampworks Amplifier are ALWAYS mounted directly to the tube socket. Doing so helps to prevent oscillations and the ZERO LEAD LENGTH allows the GRID RESISTOR to function optimally. |

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