Amp Types and Compatibility

The KHE is compatible with all type of mono guitar amps: amp heads, combos, tube or valve amps, transistor or solid-state amps, also Class-D amps, even in bridged mono. It is compatible with all types of guitar power attenuators and load boxes. However, some amps have special features or specifications that require special attention when using them with the KHE:

Maximum Switching Power Rating

The KHE has a maximum power switching rating of 150 W RMS. Learn more: KHE Maximum Amp Switching Power Rating

Combo Amplifiers

Combo amps can be used in two ways with the KHE: Either the combo is only used with its internal speaker. Or, the combo amp and speaker are separated and connected individually to the KHE, like a normal amp head plus speaker cabinet. Learn more: KHE Combo Guide

Amps with FX-Loop (4-CM)

Most modern amps have an post-amp fx-loop, to use effects like Delay or Reverb after the preamp section. In combination with the ACS4x4FX or AFX8, the amp fx-loops can be connected to the KHE, and a pedal board with Delay, Reverb, Noise Gate and such can be connected to the KHE Master-FX-Loop. This enables the KHE to automatically switch the effect pedals to the activated amp fx-loop and share the pedal board with all amps. Learn more: KHE FX-Loop Switching (coming soon)

Amps without an FX-Loop

Most modern amps have an fx-loop. But some (vintage) amps don’t. The KHE cannot add or create a post-amp fx-loop for an amp without an fx-loop. Only amps with a real fx-loop can take full advantage of this feature. Alternatively, is is possible to route the input section for these amps differently, so the fx-loop is active in front of the amp, rather than in the post-amp fx-loop. Learn more: ACS Front-FX-Loop. Alternatively, consider using a power attenuator with a built-in fx-loop, such as the Boss Waza TAE or the Fryette Power Station.

Amps with built-in Reverb or Effects

Some amps have built-in effect, such as a spring reverb or multi-fx processor. When using such amps with the KHE, special attention is necessary. When using high fx-settings, such as loud and long delay repeats or reverb, deactivate the effect first (or let it ring out) before switching amps on the KHE, especially at high volumes. This prevents the load resistors inside the KHE from overheating due to the ongoing effect signal. It using moderate effect settings or low volumes, this precaution may be unnecessary. No special attention is needed with effect pedals used with the KHE Master-FX-Loop, you can switch while you play.

Amps with HIGH and LOW Input Jacks

Some amps have two input jacks, labeled HIGH and LOW or similar. These inputs have different input level sensitivity. Usually the HIGH input is preferred. Only one jack can be connected to the KHE.

Amps with two Input Channel Jacks

Some two-channels amps have a separate input jack for each channel, such as a Vox AC30 or vintage Marshall amps. Only one jack can be connected to the KHE. It is not possible to connect the inputs across multiple KHE channels (risk of damage). The best way to use these amps is to have a simple passive A/B/Y box in front of the amp inputs. The input of the A/B/Y connects to the KHE Amp Input. So you can select the amp channel by the a/b/y box. Make sure to use a passive A/B/Y box with no 9V power at all. If using an active a/b/y box, power it by battery or use a dedicated isolated 9V power output. Do not daisy-chain the power from the normal pedal board as it could result in a dangerous (hidden) ground loop.

Amps with two or more Speaker Output Jacks

Some amps have multiple speaker outputs, like parallel outputs or 4/8/16 Ohm output. Only connect one output. Do not connect multiple outputs to the KHE and do not use the other speaker output jacks at all. Contact KHE if unsure.

Solid-State or Transistor Amps

The KHE is compatible with all types of Solid-State or Transistor amps, even Class-D amps in bridged mono mode. The KHE has a maximum switching rating of 150W RMS. Some attenuators or load boxes do not work with solid-state amps. Check the product manuals of your gear and verify it can be used together.

Bass Amps

The KHE is not compatible with bass amps. Most modern bass amps have 600W or more output power, which is way too much and not safe to use with the KHE. Thus, it is not recommended to use the KHE as a bass amp switcher.

Preamps

To use preamps with the KHE, each preamp must have it’s own dedicated power amp. The KHE can not automatically switch a preamp to an amp-fx-return. Learn more: KHE + Preamp Setups (coming soon)

Stereo Power Amps (2ch)

Stereo power amps, such as the Mesa 50:50 or 2:90 or Marshall 50/50, can be used as a power amp for preamps. Each power amp channel has one preamp and is connected like a normal amp head to the KHE. It is not possible to use it stereo - only one amp can be active at the time. If only using one channel of the stereo preamp, make sure to power-off the second channel. If it has no power switch, turn the output level all the way down and connect an external load box to this output. The KHE can not function as a dummy load for the unused amp output channel. Learn more: KHE + Preamp Setups (coming soon)

Stereo Amp Heads

It is not recommended to use stereo amp heads such as the Diezel VH-4S or similar with the KHE. These amps have a stereo power amp with a mono preamp. Only one power amp channel can be connected to the KHE. It is not possible to connect the second power amp channel to the KHE at all. It has to be loaded by an external load box to keep it safe. The amp could only be used in mono. Be very careful when using such amps with the KHE (it’s not recommended). The KHE can not function as a dummy load for the unused amp output channel.

Stereo Cabinets

Some speaker cabinets have a mono or stereo operation mode. Speaker cabs can only be connected and used in mono with the ACS. It is not recommended to connect such cabs in stereo with two cables to the ACS. Doing so will cause problems with transistor- and solid-state amps, and also can create a ground loop if only one side of the cab is activated on the ACS. Only connect a speaker cabinet with one cable to the ACS in mono operation mode.

Stereo Effects

Stereo effects can only be used and connected in mono. The second output is not connected or switched at all. The effect will be in mono. Learn more: ACS Master-FX-Loop-Switching

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Disclaimer: All product names, trademarks, and logos used in this guide belong to their respective owners. This guide is purely informational and does not suggest endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with the mentioned companies. While great efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, actual compatibility of our product with third-party products may vary, and we do not guarantee their performance or functionality. ALWAYS READ AND STUDY THE USER MANUALS OF THE INVOLVED PRODUCTS. Users are advised to thoroughly test and validate any combinations, and we disclaim responsibility for any issues that may arise. If you have any feedback to help improving this guide, please let us know.