IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY)

1 – Read and keep these instructions.

2 – Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
3–
moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water.
4 – Clean only with a dry cloth.
5 – Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other

6 – Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a
grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
rician for the replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
7– Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
8 – Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
9 – The appliance coupler (or attachment plug) is the mains disconnect device and should

10 – Refer
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
11 – This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
12 – pproved by the

Explanation of symbols

intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous"

to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in this manual.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE

COVER. NO USER–SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

to rain or moisture.
CONTACT!
(AC power, and Ignition)

Basic Controls
(Inputs, Gain, Limiter, Master)

EQ
(Bass, Mid, Treb)

Effects
(Effects Loop, Onboard Reverb)

SIG VOL
(Line, Head Phones)

Care and Service

(How to care for your CUB)

Specs/Warnings
(Specifications & Notices)

Troubleshooting
(Emergency Checklists)
 CABLES
The AC power cord that comes with your Aviator CUB plugs
into the AC inlet underneath the chassis (yellow arrow).
The special AC cord has an extra friction lock to reduce the
chance it will come unplugged during use, but any standard
IEC cord will fit. Always ensure that the ground contact is
intact on both the cord and the receptacle.
Pro Tip: It is convenient to stow the plugged-in cord care-
fully in the bottom of the cabinet during transport and stor-
age but take steps to prevent the AC cable from bouncing
around and puncturing the speaker during in-flight turbu-
lence.
 CONTACT!
Turning your amplifier on is easy! The Power switch is lo-
cated above the AC inlet on the back of the amplifier. Reach
over and flip it up for power. It normally takes several sec-
onds for the supply to ramp up from a cold start. When the
yellow “ON” indicator lights up, you are ready for takeoff!
 THREE INPUT VOICES - THREE AMPS IN ONE!
TWEED Based on an actual late 50’s 12-inch tweed
combo, this voicing delivers a fat honest tone
from the days before elaborate EQ controls,
with plenty of gain for gloriously rich over-
drive.
BLONDE Based on an actual early 1960s blonde this
first generation of the “tone stack” had a wider
treble boost, delivering a clear bell-like tone
and plenty of oomph for a big sound while
staying cleaner than tweed amps.
BLACK Based on a 1965 black-tolex 12 inch combo,
the final “tone stack” alignment with its sweet
silky highs and nice full bass is considered by
many to be the pinnacle of clean American
tone, even when pushed into overdrive.

The Tweed, Blonde, and Black inputs have

independent 2 meg preamps that bring your
pickups to life with extra-high impedance to
INPUTS
preserve the delicate overtones of all mag-
netic pickups. Multiple instruments may be
connected without cross-loading, or a single
instrument can be switched using an external
input switcher. Try each one and hear how
the sound of iconic amps evolved during the
era when the electric guitar first became a hit
instrument.
 OVE
GAIN
RD
RI
Much like a throttle control, the Gain regu-
VE
CLEAN

lates how hard the amp “pushes”, ranging from

HIGH
GAIN
GAIN clean easy "cruising", to mild breakup, all the
way up to “full dive-bomber” overdrive. The
Spkr Vol acts as an overall loudness control, so you can do
your “stunt flying” at any level from whisper soft to full stage
output.
LIMITER
OVE
RDSometimes you want a “rev limit-
RI
ITER EFFE
er” that keeps you from getting too
VE

IM
MO
MORE DRIVE
CT
CLEAN

RE SUSTAIN

deep into overdrive while you are

HIGH
GAIN
GAIN LIMITER focused on your playing. As you turn
up the Limiter, it progressively
brings down a “soft ceiling” that can keep overdrive to a
“rolling boil” in low settings, or stay out of overdrive on
higher settings without losing sustain. It’s almost like having
“cruise control” for your drive level.
Pro Tip: the Limiter will not affect soft signals, it only kicks
in above the threshold you set. It may help to have an assis-
tant run the knob up and down while you are playing at fairly
high gain, so you can hear what it does. And it can’t clean up
external distortion from pedals, it only regulates the internal
overdrive.
SPKR VOL
As noted above, you will generally use less Gain and more
Spkr Vol for clean sound with dynamic headroom, and you
will use more Gain and perhaps less Spkr Vol for overdrive
sound at any desired loudness.
 ACTIVE EQ CONTROLS
Early amp designers had to limit tone control range to get
high overall gain. Today we benefit from much stronger
active EQ controls that greatly extend the possibilities of the
three classic input voices. To hear the effect of each control,
have an assistant run each knob through its full range while
you are playing. Typically controls are set somewhere in
the middle, but they are meant to be used if it helps get the
sound you want.

BASS
The Bass control boosts or cuts frequencies below 500 Hz,
with the strongest action below 200 Hz, primarily affecting
the guitar’s bass strings. This regulates the fullness of the
sound and can compensate for overly thin or heavy sounding
pickups.* 140

120

DB

BASS 100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ
 MID
The Mid control boosts or cuts frequencies between the Bass
and Treb frequencies. Reducing midrange will “unclutter” or
open up the sound, whereas more midrange promotes hotter
overdrive.*
140

120

DB

MID 100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

TREB
The Treb control boosts or cuts frequencies above 500Hz with
the strongest action between 1K and 5K. This is the “chime”
region, so more Treb will increase sparkle and penetration,
while less Treb will tame clashing pickups and produce a mel-
low sound.*
140

120

DB

TREB 100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

* Graphs representative. For actual measured response see specifications section.

 EFFECTS LOOP
The Aviator Cub’s Effects Loop joins classic tone with modern
technology. When our beloved vintage amps were first designed,
“pedals” had not been invented. As the years went by, early “fuzz-
tones” and the ever popular wah-wah pedal evolved into today’s
rich assortment of drive pedals, modulators, and time-based
effects. The early amps were recorded in the studio with effects
applied afterwards during mix-down, but if you played live, you
had to put your pedals in front of the amp, which often resulted
in their sound being buried under amp distortion. Eventually Ef-
fect Loops were added to bring the “studio to the stage”, but the
final power output stage still went straight to the speaker, unable
to be modulated by effects. Quilter amps develop all their “tone
mojo” in the preamp, prior to the Effects Loop, so modulators
and time-based effects can process the entire sound of the amp
including its overdrive. This provides the “full studio sound” to
any stage or jam session with maximum fidelity and convenience.
The Effects Loop operates at 1V full scale which matches well
with all popular modulators and time-based effects.
JACKS
Effects Send takes the signal to the outboard devices, and Effects
Return brings it back into the amp. Adjust the outboard devices
so there is no significant change in overall volume when en-
gaged. Drive pedals are still typically used in front of the amp so
their tone can be fully
adjusted using the preamp controls.
Pro Tip: outboard tracks can be inserted into the signal chain by
using the Effects Return jack as an input. The preamp’s output
will be mixed 50/50. Adjust the outboard device’s volume to get
a nice balance.
 WET
DRY

Lorem

REVERB

REVERB
The Cub uses a self-contained digital reverb with analog voic-
ing to make it sit comfortably in the mix. The Reverb con-
trol ranges from “dry” on the left, “normal” in the middle and
“drenched” on the right – “Surf’s Up!”
The Reverb control is in series with and post Effects Loop.

DELAY- FISH
AD-VERB PREACH-CHORUS
Lorem ipsum
OUT

OUT

OUT
IN

IN

IN
 SIGNAL OUTPUT SECTION
The Signal Outputs greatly add to the Cub’s versatility for
recording and silent practice. The Line output allows the pilot
to connect directly to a mixing console or DAW interface. The
Head Ph output drives your “cans” for quiet practice. Both of
these outputs have an internal cabinet simulator to warm up
the tone for recording, house feed, or headphone practice.
This direct sound will be “in the zone” but can still be used
with outboard IR models or EQ tweaks for greater variety.

Using the cub for live performance

1) House Feed: Plug a 1/4" TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) cable into
the Line jack, with XLR or other connector on the other end
as required for the console.
2) While playing your loudest, adjust the Sig Vol knob until
your sound operator is satisfied with the level. Leave it alone
after this.
3) Live Stage Sound: Adjust Spkr Vol to get a suitable sound
level for you and the band. This volume is independent of the
Sig Vol and you can adjust as needed without upsetting the
sound operator.
4) Silent Stages: Leave the Spkr Vol at zero and work with the
sound operator to get a suitable volume in your in-ear moni-
tors or stage monitors.
 Using the cub for silent practice

1) Turn Spkr Vol all the way down.

2) Plug a 1/4" Headphone jack into the Signal Output jack la-
beled Head Ph.
3) Start with Sig Vol fairly low, and adjust Gain etc to get the
sound you want
4) Then set the Sig Vol at a comfortable level for practicing.
Pro Tip: Protect your hearing by keeping headphone volume
reasonable. You may get some headphone distortion at exces-
sive levels.
 FACTORY SERVICE
To return an amplifier to Quilter Labs for service under the
warranty policy, please visit www.quilterlabs.com and look
for the support link. If you do not have access to the website,
you may also reach us by phone at 714-519-6114 or by mail
at this address.

Support - Quilter Labs, LLC

1700 Sunflower Ave Ste A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Please include the serial number of the amplifier, the Mod-

el (Typically located on the serial label.) and a copy of your
sales receipt.

DO NOT ATTEMPT to open the amplifier and service it your-

self. Servicing by a non-authorized service technician may
void the warranty.
 CARING FOR YOUR AVIATOR CUB
Clean the outer surfaces with a clean damp cloth, or vacuum
with a soft brush. Never use abrasives, harsh chemical cleaners,
or solvents. When storing or transporting your CUB, make sure
any loose items stowed in the speaker compartment are se-
cured, and protect the amp with the included nylon cover.
The CUB is manufactured with high quality components, com-
bining state of the art factory automation and hand craftsman-
ship to give you a product you can be proud of. Each CUB goes
through an extensive testing process before it ever leaves the
factory, ensuring that your amplifier will give you years of flaw-
less service.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Any
repairs should be performed by a trained service professional.
Always use the amplifier in a well ventilated environment and
protect from external heat sources such as furnaces or direct
sunlight.
Prolonged high-volume playing can cause heat buildup in the
speaker which reduces its working lifetime. If you find it neces-
sary to consistently use the amplifier at full volume, we recom-
mend using a PA system and the Line Out function to supple-
ment the sound level.
 SPECIFICATIONS:
ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE
INPUT ¼” Mono, 2 meg impedance, 1.5-5Vpk (depending on EQ)
FX LOOP ¼” mono, 1V full scale, 1K out, 47K inp (with FX Send lifted)
SIG OUT (LINE) ¼” TRS, balanced line, 40 ohms each leg, 2V full scale
HEADPHONE ¼” TRS, 40 ohms each channel, 0-3V peak
(depending on SIG VOL)
SPEAKER OUT 0-50W (depending on SPKR VOL setting)
AC POWER 100-240Vac, 50-60Hz, 100W maximum
LOUDSPEAKER
Custom Quilter Special Design, by Eminence
COMBO DIMENSIONS - NET
HxWxD Height: 16.5” (41.9 cm) Width: 16.5” (41.9cm) Depth: 10.8” (27.3cm)
WEIGHT 21.55 lbs (9.8kg)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
HxWxD Height: 19.5” (49.5cm) Width: 20.0” (50.8cm) Depth: 14” (35.6cm)
WEIGHT 26.5 lbs (12.2kg)
COVER
PROTECTIVE Ballistic Nylon with pouch on rear
COVER

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS - NEUTRAL VOICING

140

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

Tweed
Blonde
Black
Note: all settings measured with flat EQ.
 FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS - BLACK INPUT
140
BLACK-EQ CURVE (NEUTRAL)

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLACK-BASS CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLACK-MID CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLACK-TREBLE CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ
 FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS - BLONDE INPUT

140
BLONDE-EQ CURVE (NEUTRAL)

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLONDE-BASS CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLONDE-MID CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
BLONDE-TREBLE CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ
 FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS - TWEED INPUT

140
TWEED-EQ CURVE (NEUTRAL)

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
TWEED-BASS CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
TWEED-MID CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ

140
TWEED-TREBLE CONTROL RANGE EQ CURVE

120

DB

100

80
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
HZ
 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OWNERS:
Factory Service

Please retain the shipping carton and packing materials in the unlikely event
your Quilter product needs servicing.

To return a product to Quilter Labs for service under the warranty policy,
please contact Quilter Labs by phone of email. Mail can be sent to Quilter
Labs at 1700 Sunflower, Suite A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please include the
serial number of the product and a copy of your sales receipt. Instructions
on how to send your product will be provided.

Do not attempt to open the product and service it yourself. Any attempt to
service the product by a non-authorized service technician may void your
warranty.

For warranty or service information visit us online at quilterlabs.com

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particu-
lar installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the product into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Quilter Laboratories, LLC

1700 Sunflower, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 519-6114
QuilterLabs.com
YOUR AVIATOR CUB REQUIRES SERVICE
If any of the below occur, immediately unplug the amplifier
and refer to a service technician.
• Amplifier or AC cord emits smoke
• Amplifier is dropped or chassis is dented or bent
• Liquid has been spilled into the amplifier
• Loose parts inside the amplifier are heard
• AC service breaker (Wall breaker)
 Troubleshooting your CUB
Let's test • Unplug all the cables
No Sound the speaker & turn the gain and
master all the way up.
• You should hear a
Yes Hear anything? faint hissing.
Does the LED
on top turn on? No Yes
No
Try head TROUBLE-SHOOTING STEPS
phones • Carefully check your instrument
(Turn up SIG VOL)
• Unplug everything from the amplifier.
• Get a known good guitar and cable and plug
No Hear it into the BLACK INPUT JACK.
Anything? • Set Gain to 50% and Master to 50%
Yes (Pointing straight up.)
• Try plugging a known good 1/4 inch cable
Your speaker
from EFFECTS SEND to EFFECTS RETURN
may be bad. If
• Try the other inputs (TWEED AND BLONDE)
you have another
speaker, try it.

Make sure power

switch is on & AC Cable
plugged in underneath chassis

Check the
AC outlet

Check surge Still no

protector sound?
switches & breakers

Contact Us
Burning smells or signs of QuilterLabs.com
smoke
 Troubleshooting your CUB
Sudden
There is a hum Excessive noise volume drops / gain up
higher than normal

Let's check the Let's do a

High gain?
amp first thorough cable check
No Yes • The number one cause for
• Unplug all cables and set
amp gain and master to 50% • At high gain some sudden volume drops is a cable
noise is normal. or effects pedal that is going
Hum still Reduce gain. bad.
Yes • Check your cables by playing
there? • Check your cables and a chord and with your free hand
No • The AC ground in the instrument pickups / pots. gently twist the rubber ends of
outlet may be bad • Troubleshoot any effects the cable where they go into
• The ground in your AC pedals. the metal sleeve. Listen for
cable may be broken or drops in the signal level. Make
defective sure you do this for each cable
in your effects pedal chain.
Plug guitar in & • Also check your jacks and
turn down volume switches on your instrument.

Hum goes away with Yes Still have noise Let's check
volume down? with nothing the amp / speaker
No • Single coil pickups can
plugged in?
be a source of hum, try • Plug in headphones and
to keep them away from turn speaker down. (Set
other electronics like MASTER to the left 0% SIG
dimmers or neon lights. VOL up.)
• Experiment with differ-
ent pickup settings and Volume drops / need to
guitar positions to identify increase gain continues?
null zones.
• Make sure your guitar Yes No
electronics cavity is well
shielded.
Check cables /
• If you have any other AC instrument again.
powered sources or effects,
make sure they are plugged
into the same receptacle to • Your speaker
avoid ground loops. may be bad. If
Contact Us you have another
speaker, try it.
QuilterLabs.com