Leap 10 Tube User Manual

The Leap 10 Tube is a 10-inch portable tube amplifier with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, classic tube preamp stage, multiple input options, headphone output, and vintage-inspired design. It features analog VU meters, tone controls (Bass, Middle, Treble), effects loop, and is powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 10-inch speaker, tube preamp section, Bluetooth receiver, Front Panel controls, Input jacks, Headphone output, Effects loop.

Feature	Description
Input Jacks	1/4" instrument input and 3.5mm AUX input
Bluetooth Receiver	For wireless audio streaming from compatible devices
Headphone Output	3.5mm jack for private listening
AC Power Input	For power connection
Effects Loop	Send/Return jacks for external effects processors
POWER Switch	Turns amplifier on/off
STANDBY Switch	Tube warm-up/cool-down protection
GAIN Control	Adjusts preamp tube distortion level
MASTER Volume	Controls overall output volume
VU Meters	Analog meters showing output level

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

1. Position amplifier: Ensure adequate ventilation (minimum 6 inches clearance on all sides).
2. Connect instrument: Use 1/4" cable from instrument to INPUT jack.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into AC outlet last.
4. For effects: Connect processors to EFFECTS LOOP jacks if desired.

WARNING! Tubes become extremely hot during operation. Do not touch and keep away from flammable materials. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier; follow proper startup sequence.

1. Power sequence: Ensure STANDBY is engaged (switch down), then turn POWER on. Wait 30 seconds before engaging STANDBY (switch up).
2. Initial volume: Set GAIN and MASTER to minimum before playing.
3. Bluetooth pairing: Press and hold PAIR button until LED flashes, then select "Leap 10" on your device.
4. Tone adjustment: Start with all tone controls at 12 o'clock position.

CAUTION! Always use STANDBY switch when turning on/off to extend tube life. Allow tubes to cool for 5 minutes before moving amplifier.

Specifications

• Power Output: 10 Watts RMS.
• Speaker: 10-inch custom voiced speaker.
• Tubes: 12AX7 preamp tube, EL84 power tube.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 1/4" Input, 3.5mm AUX, Headphone out, Effects Loop.
• Controls: GAIN, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, MASTER, PRESENCE.
• Meters: Analog VU meters for output monitoring.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Dimensions: 14" W x 10" H x 8" D.
• Weight: 15 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, STANDBY, GAIN, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, PRESENCE, MASTER, HEADPHONE, PAIR button.

Rear Panel: INPUT, AUX IN, EFFECTS SEND/RETURN, AC POWER.

Tone Controls: BASS (low frequencies), MIDDLE (midrange), TREBLE (high frequencies), PRESENCE (high-end clarity). Volume: GAIN (preamp distortion level), MASTER (power amp volume). Bluetooth: PAIR button for device connection, status LED. Headphone: Automatically mutes speaker when plugged in.

Connecting Devices

Instrument: 1/4" cable to INPUT. Audio devices: 3.5mm cable to AUX IN. Effects: Send/Return jacks for processors.

1. Turn amplifier to STANDBY before connecting devices.
2. Use quality shielded cables to minimize noise.
3. For effects loop: Connect processor between SEND and RETURN jacks.
4. Headphones: Plug into front panel jack (disables speaker output).

Tip: Keep cable runs as short as possible to maintain signal integrity. Avoid running power cables parallel to audio cables.

Bluetooth Pairing

Supports wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, computers.

1. Enable pairing: Press and hold PAIR button until LED flashes rapidly.
2. Device search: On your Bluetooth device, search for available devices.
3. Select amplifier: Choose "Leap 10" from device list.
4. Confirmation: LED will change to solid blue when connected.
5. Playback: Start audio on your device; control volume from device and MASTER control.
6. Disconnect: Turn off Bluetooth on device or press PAIR for 5 seconds.

WARNING! Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet. Obstacles may reduce range. For critical listening, use wired connection.

Tone Shaping

Use tone controls to shape your sound. Recommended starting points:

• Clean: GAIN low, BASS 3, MIDDLE 5, TREBLE 6, PRESENCE 4
• Blues: GAIN 5, BASS 4, MIDDLE 6, TREBLE 5, PRESENCE 3
• Rock: GAIN 7, BASS 6, MIDDLE 7, TREBLE 6, PRESENCE 5
• Jazz: GAIN 3, BASS 5, MIDDLE 4, TREBLE 4, PRESENCE 2

Effects Loop: Place time-based effects (delay, reverb) in loop for best results. Adjust SEND level to match processor input requirements.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Vacuum vents periodically to prevent dust buildup.

Tube Replacement: Tubes typically last 1,000-2,000 hours. Signs for replacement: excessive noise, microphonic feedback, loss of output. Consult qualified technician for tube replacement.

CAUTION! Never touch tubes with bare hands when hot. Allow 30 minutes cooling time. Use cloth or gloves if immediate handling is necessary.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Bluetooth®: Bluetooth SIG qualified. Copyright © 2025 Leap Audio; all trademarks property of their respective owners. For support, visit www.leapaudio.com or contact 1-800-555-LEAP.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	STANDBY engaged/volume	Disengage STANDBY; check GAIN/MASTER settings; verify input source.
Excessive hum/buzz	Cables/grounding/tubes	Check cable connections; try different outlet; tubes may need replacement.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Enter pairing mode; move device closer; restart both devices.
Distorted sound	GAIN too high	Reduce GAIN control; check instrument output level.
VU meters not moving	Signal path	Check input connection; ensure volume controls are up; test with different source.
Tubes glowing unusually	Power/tube failure	Check power supply; if red plating occurs, turn off immediately and consult technician.

Reset: Power off completely, wait 60 seconds, then restart with proper sequence.

Service: 1-800-555-LEAP; www.leapaudio.com/support