INTRODUCTION
PTINOS (TINO-SYSTEM) is a functionally identical version of the PTINO
(TWO IN ONE, AMP SELECTOR switch for two amps to one speaker). The opera-
tion can also be done either by a footswitch or a switching system.
CONCEpT
Ambitious guitarists often prefer different amps for different basic
sounds. For lead and crunch tones, the amp distortion of less power-
ful amplifiers is especially appreciated. However, for clean settings,
this kind of amplifier provides insufficient volume. To meet the diffe-
rent requirements, it would therefore be ideal to use two amplifiers on
stage. However, this increases the cost considerably, since each ampli-
fier will have to be associated with compatible loudspeakers to be placed
on the stage. In order to reduce the time and effort needed, Palmer has
developed the "TWO IN ONE" switching system, or TINO. It allows you to
use two amplifiers in turn with only one speaker. The usual problems,
such as ground loops between two amplifiers, as well as the requirement
that tube amplifiers always need a load on the output, have been solved
through clever design. Of course, TWO IN ONE also works with transistor
amplifiers, or a combination of tubes and transistor amps. Except for the
external power supply, the entire electronics system fits in a 1 U 9.5"
chassis. If the switch cannot be done with a switching system, a standard
footswitch can be connected to the corresponding 6.3 mm jack. (Requires a
switch, not push-buttons!)
P-Tino routes the guitar signal to the chosen amplifier, while the se-
cond unused amplifier is turned off to prevent unwanted interference.
(As if the potentiometer on the guitar was switched off). The gain from
the instrument input to output is one (Unity Gain). The built-in buffer
only converts the impedance, so that a high-impedance guitar becomes less
prone to interference. When the guitar signal is switched, the speaker is
switched simultaneously, while the speaker output from the mute amplifier
is connected to a load (Dummy Load). Therefore, tube amplifiers are abso-
lutely safe from dangerous idling.
If you connect two amplifiers with one another, a heavy buzzing sound
often overlays the guitar signal. This undesirable effect is known as
ground loop and occurs between mains-operated devices because of doub-
le grounding. The TWO IN ONE prevents this from happening by decoupling
the outputs to the amplifiers using high-quality isolating repeaters. A
sliding switch-over between the amplifiers also ensures that the process
occurs click-free and without interruption.
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