KHE + Combo Amplifiers
This guide explains how to use combo amplifiers with the KHE amp cab switchers. Two connection variants are possible:
Variant A: Internal Speaker Only
In this connection variant, only the combo input is connected to the KHE. The internal combo speaker stays attached to the combo power amp. The combo guitar input is connected to the black KHE AMP INPUT jack by an instrument cable. The blue KHE AMP OUTPUT jack is not connected. Since the combo amp output is only connected to it’s internal speaker, it can not be switched to other speaker cabs, attenuators or load boxes on the KHE.
To activate an amp on the KHE, a speaker cabinet output must always be activated first. With this combo setup, this speaker cab will be silent, it only serves as a dummy cab for the KHE’s safety logic. If you use the KHE as a combo-only switcher without any speaker cabs available, send us a message and we will send you a small dummy cab plug to simulate a speaker load for the KHE.
Variant B: Separate Amp and Speaker Connection
In this connection variant the internal speaker is disconnected from the power amp and separately connected to the KHE (like a normal amp head + speaker cab). This enables to use the amplifier section with other speaker cabs, load boxes and attenuators, or use the combo speaker with other amplifiers. Be careful to not overload the small combo speakers with high-power amp heads. If the combo speaker is not used or needed, it can be left unplugged.
Connect the combo guitar input to the black KHE AMP IN jack by an instrument cable.
Connect the combo amp speaker output to the blue KHE AMP OUT jack by a speaker cable.
Connect the combo speaker to the red KHE CABINET jack by a speaker cable.
To connect the combo power amp or speaker to the KHE, it may requires a special Speaker Coupling Adapter. Make sure to only use adapters that can handle the speaker level signal (high current), such as the Neutrik NA4MP-J or the Neutrik NL8MM, or a speaker extension cable such as the ProCo S16QQFF, or a speaker connection box such as the Palmer Cab Merger. The Neutrik NA3JJ is NOT rated for speaker levels! Don’t use cheap headphone extender adapters or cables or similar (they are only rated for line level). For DIY adapter cables, check the Neutrik NJ3FC6.
Some combo amps such as the Vox AC30 have multiple speaker connections, like Internal Speaker, External Speaker, Extension Speaker. Always check the amp manual in detail to ensure a correct and safe operation. If in doubt, send us a message and we try to help figure it out.
The Master-FX-Loop Switching function of the ACS4x4FX or AFX8 can be used with combo amps too and works with both connection variants.
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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.