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V4 Guitar Amplifiers
User Guide
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INDEX
Page 2: Index and Safety Instructions.
Page 3: Controls and Connections – Guitar Input, Effects Loop.
Page 4: Two Notes Routing, Line Out, Footswitch, Cab Sim XLR, Headphones, Speaker Out, 9Vdc socket.
Page 5: Cooling Fan Switch, Sim Presets, Sim Level, Two notes CAB SIM Quick Start Guide.
Page 6: Two notes CAB SIM Quick Start Guide, (continued).
Page 7: Two notes CAB SIM Quick Start Guide, (continued).
Page 8: Top Panel Controls, EQ Section, Reverb & Master Volumes. Input Gain II/Volume 2
Page 9: Tone, (Copper Only), Gain I/Vol 1, Volume/Master Volume, (Duchess Only), Tremolo, Top panel
Footswitch, Liquid Warnings.
Page 10: Dimensions, Output Power Levels, Installed Valve details, Warranty Information.
Page 11: Swapping Valves, The Valve Story.
Page 12: Contact Information, Personal Notes, Issue Number.
Congratulations!
…and thank you for buying a Victory V4 Power Series Guitar Amplifier.
SAFETY FIRST
We want you to enjoy your amplifier to the best of its potential. So please…
Before you go any further, take a moment to read these SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read these guidelines & keep them
• Follow all instructions, guidelines & warnings, especially those in RED
• Do not use this amplifier near water or any other liquid
• Do not block any openings
• Do not attempt to clean the amplifier with any fluids: use only a dry cloth
• Do not attempt to modify or service this product yourself
• Removing covers could mean you are exposed to dangerous voltages that may result in severe injury or
death
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel
• Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
(a) When the cord or plug is damaged;
(b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product;
(c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water;
(d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation;
(e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way;
(f) When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service.
• Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

What’s included?
Your new Victory Amplifier comes with the following:
A mains lead for your country.
This User Guide, (please check the website periodically as these owner’s manuals are constantly being
updated to give you more information about your Victory product). The issue number can be found on
the last page.
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CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

Understand what does what in your V4 Guitar Amplifier. Controls and operation are very similar for all
the V4 amplifiers with just a few noted variations:

GUITAR INPUT
Plug in your guitar here, or connect in line with your front-end pedals.

EFFECTS LOOP
The V4 Amplifier has an effects loop, which is a simple, low impedance, series loop.

The SEND socket is for connection to the input of effects units. On the V4 it is a lower impedance version
of the signal that appears at the INPUT. Use the send to connect to floor pedals or rack effects such as
Delay, Chorus and Reverb etc. Effects such as Overdrive, Fuzz, Wah Wah and Tuners often give better
results plugged into the Instrument Input on the front panel. The Send socket can also be used on its own
to send a signal to another amplifier.

The RETURN socket is for connection to the output of effects units. When not used, it is internally
connected to the SEND, therefore the EFFECTS LOOP can be ignored if not in use. It can also be used as a
small signal ‘Slave’ input from another amplifier but DO NOT plug an amplifier’s speaker output into the
Return socket or very bad things will happen.

The RETURN socket is also very useful for fault diagnosis. If your V4 Amplifier doesn’t produce any sound
when played, plug the guitar directly into the RETURN socket and play. This bypasses the entire pre-
amplifier section and sends the guitar signal through just the output stage. If sound is now heard then
the problem is in the pre-amp section and is likely to be a faulty pre-amp valve.
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TWO NOTES OUTPUT switch

This function controls the routing of the Two Notes CAB SIM signal.
The switch when on, (out), routes the Two notes CAB SIM signal to the TRS Line Out socket and the XLR
CAB SIM output. When off, (in), the CAB SIM signal is routed to just the XLR CAB SIM output.

LINE OUT, (Balanced)

The Line Out is a TRS socket allowing for balanced connection to a PA system or desk. The signal is Post-
EQ and Effects Loop so all the Tone settings and Reverb effects will be included. It is also post-FX so any
pedals effects will also be included. The level of this signal is nominally +6.8dBu with respect to 0.775
Volts RMS but is around +4.6dBV with respect to 1V RMS. This signal level is plenty to drive a desk.

FOOTSWITCH: CHANNEL I/II (Tip) REVERB (Ring) Kraken, Sheriff, Jack & Copper.
This socket is for an optional 2-Way latching footswitch to remotely switch the Channels and the Reverb
effect ON/OFF. These can be purchased from https://www.victoryamps.com/product-
category/merchandise/

FOOTSWITCH: TREMOLO (Tip) REVERB (Ring) Duchess Only

This socket is for an optional 2-Way latching footswitch to remotely switch the Tremolo and the Reverb
effect ON/OFF. These can be purchased from https://www.victoryamps.com/product-
category/merchandise/

CAB SIM OUT (XLR)

This socket is for the CAB SIM output from the embedded Two notes Hardware Interface. It is a balanced
signal to connect to a computer interface, (for recording) or to a mixing desk or powered PA System. This
output is independent from the LINE OUTPUT enabling the user to send a non-SIM output and SIM-
output simultaneously.
The level of CAB SIM out is adjusted by a dedicated SIM LEVEL control on the top panel.
Please see later notes for a ‘Quick Start Guide’ on using the Two notes Remote Software.
(XLR wiring: Pin 1 GND, Pin 2 +ve Signal, Pin 3 -ve Signal).

Headphones Socket:
We have tested this output with a comprehensive range of headphones from 32 Ohm to 250 Ohm. When
using 250 Ohm devices, (most common for studio use), the noise floor with no guitar signal input will be
extremely low if not silent. Using lower impedance headphones may result in a small amount of residual
noise due to the increased current draw associated with smaller load impedances.

Take care with this output as it can produce very high levels. Prolonged use of loud headphones may
damage your hearing.

SPEAKER OUTPUT
Connect a suitable speaker to this socket using a mono ¼” jack cable. This must be a non-screened 2-core
loudspeaker cable. Never use a screened guitar or patch cable as these will present a capacitive load to
the output stage which they really don’t like. Please see the section on Page 9 for further details and
output powers available.

9Vdc OUT socket, (max. 500mA)

This 9Vdc output can be used to power effects pedals. Please note the current draw of any units that you
power from this outlet and ensure that the total doesn’t exceed 500mA. The power consumption varies
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tremendously from effect to effect; many draw as little as 30mA so you could power 16 of these from
the socket but others draw 300mA or more allowing only one to be connected.

COOLING FAN SWITCH

The V4 Guitar Amplifiers are fitted with a 60mm 12V fan. We’ve reduced the voltage to around 3.5V
resulting in the best speed vs noise vs cooling. The V4 Amplifier does not rely on this fan for correct
operation, it’s fitted to reduce the external heat of the chassis, which without the fan is still within the
CE/UKCA allowed temperature specifications. In the unlikely event of fan failure, the amplifier can still
be used until such time that the fan can be replaced. For very quiet environments, especially when
recording, the fan can be switched off but please monitor the chassis temperature and if it becomes
excessive, turn the fan back on. For live use at high output volume levels, we recommend always having
the fan on.

Two notes Cabinet Simulation Controls for all models – Kraken shown for reference.

SIM PRESETS
This switch allows you to choose from 6 preset CAB SIMs installed in the Two notes hardware.

SIM LEVEL
This control varies the amount of CAB SIM output level from the rear mounted XLR socket for connection
to an audio interface for computer recording or to a mixing desk for live use.

Two notes CAB SIM Quick Start Guide: The supplied pre-installed CAB SIMs will be specific to the V4
Amplifier you have purchased. The following are details for the V4 Kraken, shown for reference.
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1. Firstly, it is not essential to connect the V4 Amplifier to a computer to use the 6 pre-installed CAB
SIMs. The amplifier is pre-installed with 6 cabinet simulations and these are as follows:
001 RABEA PRESET 1 - GAIN 1 CRUNCH
002 RABEA PRESET 2 - GAIN 2 HIGH
003 RABEA PRESET 3 - GAIN 1 LOW, MA
004 RABEA PRESET 4 - GAIN 1 HIGH
005 RABEA PRESET 5 - KRAKEN STRAT
006 RABEA PRESET 6 - GAIN 2 LEAD
These are immediately accessible using the PRESET 6-way switch and the amount of CAB SIM signal can
be controlled using the SIM LEVEL control.
However, to get the full functionality of the Two notes CAB SIM, you will need to install the TORPEDO
REMOTE software. Here are the links to the Torpedo Remote installers for Windows and MAC:

Win64: https://www.two-notes.com/download/6858/

Win32: https://www.two-notes.com/download/6856/

Mac OSX 10.9+: https://www.two-notes.com/download/6860/

Download and then execute the software to install it, following the on-screen instructions.

2. Once the TORPEDO REMOTE is installed, connect the V4 Amplifier to the computer using a
standard USB A to USB B cable, (a printer cable for example). The USB socket can be found on the
left-hand side of the Amplifier.
3. Switch the Amplifier ON using the rear illuminated mains switch. It is not necessary at this stage
to connect any other leads and a speaker is not required. The Class D output stage allows for use
without a speaker or load attached.
4. The computer will recognize the V4 Amp and install device drivers. If you want to check that it
has installed correctly, in Windows you can go to: control panel/device manager and chose View,
(3rd Tab) and click on ‘Devices by Container’ The V4 Amp should show up at the bottom of the list
like this:

5. Now start the TORPEDO REMOTE software from the new desktop icon.
6. Click OK when prompted and the software will connect to the Amp and open up the software
interface.
7. Your V4 Amp has already been installed with the necessary Two notes firmware and presets but
it has not been registered with Two notes yet. The first thing to do, is sign up for a free account
and register your V4 Amplifier so it is associated with your account. This will allow you to back up
any user-created presets and purchase more CAB SIMs to use with your amp. All of your licenses
will then be accessible through the software interface which will connect to your online account.
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8. Once registered, you’re ready to go! You can of course choose to continue as a guest but to get all
the benefits, we strongly advise you to set up an account.
9. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various facilities. The software includes an
EQ section, an Audio Enhancer, a fully configurable Reverb, a Noise Gate, a Power Amp selector,
two Microphones that can be selected and positioned, from a range of 8 different models, a
guitar tuner and finally an output level control.
10. To check that the software is fully linked to the V4 Amp, switch the top panel SIM PRESET switch
to all 6 positions and see the resulting change on the software interface. The SIM LEVEL control
when adjusted should move the purple level slider on the software interface.
11. You are now ready to start making music so connect your V4 Amp to an audio interface via the
CAB SIM XLR output and plug your guitar into the GUITAR INPUT on the rear of the amplifier.

12. Whilst playing, you can alter any of the parameters in real time and see what effect they have on
the tone.
13. When you have completed setting up the tone for one preset, (e.g., PRESET 1), you can save this
new configuration by clicking on ‘save’ next to the preset name at the top of the screen. This will
open the ‘Saving preset’ menu. Choose a new name for this and what number to save it as. Only
the first 6 presets in the list will be accessible by the V4 Kraken so you can move them around
and put your newly created preset in location 1 for example. Now switching the SIM PRESET on
the V4 to position 1 will access the newly created preset.
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14. The CAB SIM XLR output is post-EQ, post-Master Volumes, post-FX LOOP and post-Reverb
meaning that all top panel controls will affect the CAB SIM signal. You can add any number of
pedals in the input of the V4 amp and in the FX LOOP and these will all be included in the CAB
SIM signal output. The built-in Reverb can be blended with the Two notes Reverb section.
15. The CAB SIM RESET pushbutton found behind a small hole on the front face of the amplifier is a
failsafe feature for development and in-field servicing. It ensures there is always a way to restart
and reprogram a frozen unit. If an infield update goes wrong, it allows the end user to restart the
unit at home, without having to send the unit to a service centre, which can save lots of time and
money. Please do not push this button unless instructed to do so by an official Victory Service
representative. It is not a standard ‘Factory Reset’ tool and should not be viewed as such!
Top Panel Controls.
These have the same operation for all 5 V4 models except where stated.
BASS
The Bass controls the low frequency content of your sound. Higher levels of bass can be good at low
volumes, but take care when running the amp louder – you may find you need to reduce the bass
control. As with all the EQ pots, adjust to taste!

MIDDLE
Controls the midrange frequencies in your sound. Run the middle control higher to help cut through a
band mix, or generally fatten and ‘widen’ your sound. Run it lower for a lighter, less ‘in-your-face’ kind
of sound.

TREBLE
Controls the high frequency content of your sound and is also a powerful tone shaper when it comes to
overdrive character.

REVERB
The V4 Amplifiers have a built-in Digital Reverb and this control varies the amount of Reverb added to
the guitar signal.

MASTER VOLUME II (TREBLE BOOST MASTER on Copper, HOTROD MASTER on Sheriff)

The Master Volume II control is used to set the stage or overall volume of the amplifier when switched
to Channel II/TREBLE BOOST/HOTROD. If this is turned to maximum, then the V4 Amp becomes a non-
master volume amplifier where the Input Volume control in conjunction with the Volume control on the
guitar allows for a wide range of Volumes & Gains to be achieved. This can be very powerful for tone
shaping.

MASTER VOLUME I (VINTAGE MASTER on Sheriff)

The Master Volume I control is used to set the stage or overall volume of the amplifier when switched to
Channel I. If this is turned to maximum, then the V4 Amp becomes a non-master volume amplifier where
the Input Volume control in conjunction with the Volume control on the guitar allows for a wide range of
Volumes & Gains to be achieved. This can be very powerful for tone shaping.

GAIN II (VOL 2 on Jack, HOTROD GAIN on Sheriff)

This adjusts the input sensitivity, (gain) of CHANNEL II/Channel 2/HOTROD CHANNEL. Use low settings
for maximum clean headroom and higher settings when you want to introduce more natural valve
overdrive to your tone.
Balancing your input GAIN level with your Master Volume level is crucial in delivering the tone and feel
that works best for you.
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TONE – Copper only

This control is used to fine-tune the upper mids and treble response on the V4 Copper.

GAIN I (VOL1 on Jack, VINTAGE GAIN on Sheriff)

This adjusts the input sensitivity, (gain) of Channel I/Channel 1/Vintage Channel. Use low settings for
maximum clean headroom and higher settings when you want to introduce more natural valve overdrive
to your tone.
Balancing your input GAIN level with your Master Volume level is crucial in delivering the tone and feel
that works best for you.

VOLUME – V4 Duchess only

This adjusts the input sensitivity. Use low settings for maximum clean headroom and higher settings
when you want to introduce more natural valve overdrive to your tone.
Balancing your input Volume level with your master volume level is crucial in delivering the tone and
feel that works best for you.

TREMOLO SPEED – V4 Duchess only

This controls the speed of the Tremolo effect. Please experiment in conjunction with the Depth control
to find the most pleasing settings for your sound.

TREMOLO DEPTH – V4 Duchess only

This controls the Amplitude Modulation of the Tremolo effect, turning the volume of the output stage
up and down continuously to varying degrees depending on where the control is set. Basically, it
controls the amount of Tremolo effect.

MASTER VOLUME – V4 Duchess only

The Master Volume control is used to set the stage or overall volume of the amplifier. If this is turned to
maximum, then the V4 Amp becomes a non-master volume amplifier where the Input Volume control in
conjunction with the Volume control on the guitar allows for a wide range of Volumes & Gains to be
achieved. This can be very powerful for tone shaping.

TOP PANEL FOOTSWITCH:

Kraken – switches between GAIN I/II Channels
Copper – switches the TREBLE BOOST ON/OFF
Duchess – switches the TREMOLO ON/OFF
Sheriff – switches between VINTAGE/HOTROD Channels
Jack – switches between CHANNEL 1/2

VERY IMPORTANT WARNINGS!!

In certain countries, (specifically, Nordic countries), is it totally forbidden to open up any electronic
equipment or to work on them at all unless you are a fully qualified and approved technician. Please
check the laws in your country and do not attempt to change valves/tubes or re-bias the amplifier if the
law forbids this. In this case, please take your amplifier or piece of electronic equipment to a qualified
and approved electronics technician.

In certain countries it is also totally forbidden to keep or place any liquids on top of the amplifier, (e.g.,
beer, water bottles, glass, drinks etc). This may cause serious electric shocks and/or dangerous
situations.
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Also, it is totally forbidden to use the preamp in the event of rain splatters/water drops getting into or
onto the amp.

Even if it is not a law in your country, you should never allow liquids near the amplifier or attempt to use
the amplifier if it has been subjected to any moisture as this could result in a fatal electric shock.

All Victory amplifiers are constructed using Posidrive Screws & Machine Bolts. These are an
improvement on the Phillips type of fixing which uses a 4-blade screwdriver. The Posidrive uses an 8-
Blade screwdriver which allows for more precision and higher torque. Please try to use Posidrive
Screwdrivers when working on a Victory amplifier to avoid damaging any fixings. These are readily
available from all good tool suppliers. We recommend having a No.1 and a No.2 Point Posidrive
screwdriver.
We have deliberately fitted the V4 Amplifier with countersunk screws for fixing the baseplate. This is to
allow for the feet being removed and the amp then being Velcro’d flush to your pedal board should you
so wish. This will not create any addition heat issues but please monitor chassis temperatures and use
the fan when required.

Amplifier Dimensions:
SIZE (mm): 258(w) x 174(d) 105(h) including feet & handle. Unboxed.
320(w) x 220(h) x 165(d). Boxed.
Weight: 1.7Kgs, (3.74lbs) Unboxed. 2.6Kgs, (5.72lbs) Boxed

Output Levels
Unlike a valve output stage, the impedance of the speaker used does not need to match the amp which
will drive any load of 4 Ohms and above. However, the higher the value of the load, the less output
power will be available. The V4 Amplifier produces its maximum power into 4 Ohms and that is
180Watts RMS. The following measurements were taken at 240V mains input using a 1 KHz Sine Wave
with the output waveforms set just before clipping:

50Watts RMS into 16 Ohms

100Watts RMS into 8 Ohms
180Watts RMS into 4 Ohms
Valves: V1: EC900, (6HA5) V2, V3, V4: CV4014, (EF91).
Output Stage: ICEpower 200AS1. For the full specifications, please see:
https://icepower.dk/products/amplifier-power-modules/as-series/
The output stage is fully protected against short circuit and open circuit. This means you do not need to
have a speaker or load connected to use the V4 Amplifiers, e.g., if you are connecting straight into a desk
using the TRS LINE OUT/XLR CAB SIM OUTPUT, or into another amp using the EFFECTS RETURN or LINE
OUT/CAB SIM OUT.

Warranty & Repair

All Victory products come with a 5-year limited warranty. This covers any defects in manufacturing or
faulty components. Normally, we warranty valves, (tubes) for 90 days in line with all other valve
amplifier brands for guitar and HiFi.
However, the valves used in your new V4 Series preamp pedal were originally manufactured to NATO
specifications. Due to the extremely high-quality construction and proven reliability, Victory have taken
the unprecedented step of extending the warranty of these from 90 days to 2 years. They were designed
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to have a minimum life-span of 6000 hours which, if used for 2 hours every day, equates to over 8 years
use.
The warranty is also transferable to a new owner in the unusual event that you wish to sell your Victory
equipment.

We don’t recommend changing the valves, (tubes) just for the sake of it as the Mullard CV4014s are
arguably one of the best quality valves ever made. The valves comprise 1 x EC900 triode and 3 x CV4014
pentode, both have 7 pins rather than the normal 9. Please replace only with valves of the same type.
Replacements are available from www.victorystore.co.uk among others. They are NOT swappable with
normal dual-triode types (12AX7/ECC83 etc). Valve changes should ideally be done by a qualified
technician.
To change the valves, first unplug the mains lead and leave the unit for a few minutes to allow all
internal capacitors to discharge. Then remove the 4 x M4 Countersunk Posi-Drive bolts that hold the
base plate on using a No.2 Point Posi-Drive screwdriver. The valves are held very tightly in the ceramic
bases so a slow circular motion is required to ease them out. When replaceing, be sure to line the pins
up correctly, (there is a gap between pins 1 & 7). No Biasing or setup is required when changing valves
and the screenprinting on the base plate shows which type goes where.
Valve Story:
For those that are interested, the 3 CV4014 valves in your pedal were manufactured in 1981 in the
Mullard factory in Mitcham, Surrey, England for the British Ministry of Defence. They were then shipped
to the Royal Navy Supply Depot at Spring Quarry in Wiltshire where they have been stored in a climate-
controlled atmosphere deep underground for the past four decades. This depot is part of the vast
underground cold-war nuclear bunker facility which thankfully was never needed and has just been an
extremely expensive place to keep these valves very safe, just waiting for us to design products around
them ☺

The EC900 valve in the first stage is a low-noise triode manufactured by E.I. (Elektronska Industrija) in
the former Yugoslavia under license from Philips & Mullard using all of the Philips equipment they
purchased when Philips shut up shop in Europe. These have also proved to be incredibly reliable so we
have included them in the 2-year valve warranty.

Please contact your local dealer if you have any issues with your Victory product. Victory is setting up
Official Service Centres around the world so please check on the Victory website to see where your
nearest centre is located. These will have original Victory spare parts including the recommended valves
for your amplifier direct from the Victory factory. They also have all technical details for your product
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and have been carefully selected to ensure you get the best possible service for warranty and non-
warranty work.

We also encourage you to join the Victory Owners Facebook page, an informal, independent forum for
all things Victory. You can get advice on setting up equipment and recommendations for effects pedals
from very helpful like-minded musicians.
The Victory website now incorporates the Victory Store where you can buy spare parts such as valves
and the latest Victory merchandise, T-Shirts etc.

Contact info: service@victoryamps.co.uk

Web: Victory Amps - Victory Amps

www.youtube.com/user/VictoryAmps

(20+) Victory Amp Owners Club | Facebook

www.facebook.com/VictoryAmpsUK

https://www.victoryamps.com/product-category/merchandise/

NOTES:

HAND MADE IN ENGLAND

Issue 1 08.03.2022