User Manual
Diezel Hagen
AmplifierTable of Contents
Chapter One: Safety
1.1 Safety Warnings

Chapter Two: Using Your Hagen
2.1 Mains Connections, Power and Standby
2.1.1 Mains/connect to power outlet
2.1.2 Power up, Warm up, Standby off
2.1.3 Power tube caution
2.1.4 Operating Temperature
2.1.5 Power Tube Information

Chapter Three: Peripheral Connections
3.1 Front Panel Connections
3.1.1 Signal In
3.1.2 Connection Information
3.1.3 Cable Selection
3.2 Rear Panel Connections
3.2.1 Send/Return Loop
3.2.2 Parallel and Serial Return3.2.3 Switch-able Loop as additional Volume Control
3.2.4 Switch-able Loop for external Pre-Amp
3.2.5 Switch-able Loop as switch for parallel Loop
3.2.6 Tuner Out
3.2.7 Compensated Out
3.2.8 Speaker Connections
3.2.9 Reasons for Dynamic Losses in the Effects Loop
3.3 MIDI Connections
3.3.1 MIDI In
3.3.2 MIDI Thru

Chapter Four: The Four Pre-Amplifiers
4.1 Pre-Amplifier Duties
4.1.1 Channel One
4.1.2 Channel Two
4.1.3 Channel Three
4.1.4 Channel Four
4.2 Pre-Amplifier Tubes
4.3 Noise and Microphonics

Chapter Five: Power Amplifier
5.1 Tone and Volume of the Power Amplifier
5.1.1 Master Volume
5.1.2 Presence
5.1.3 Deep
5.2 Power Amplifier Tubes
5.2.1 Function
5.2.2 Selection
5.2.3 Life Span & Tube Fuses

Chapter Six: Functions and Switches
6.1 Programming Hagen
6.2 Manual Channel Selection
6.3 Loop on/off
6.4 Mute on/off
6.5 Master 2
6.6 Store

Chapter Seven: Midi
7.1 MIDI
7.2 MIDI In
7.3 MIDI Thru
7.4 MIDI Communication
7.4.1 Omni Mode
7.4.2 Single Channel Mode – automatic Channel Recognition
7.4.3 Single Channel Mode – manual Channel selection
7.5 Program Information
7.6 Phantom Power

Chapter Eight: Columbus and FS7HA
Chapter Nine: Maintenance and Cleaning
9.1 Cleaning
9.2 Care
9.3 Tube Change

Chapter One: Safety
1.1 Safety Warnings
We would like to stress the importance of the following points, for reasons of your personal safety,
product longevity and product liability.
Do not use the amplifier in or near wet locations
Do not store the amplifier in damp or wet locations
Do not operate the Amplifier on voltages other than those designated on the rear panel of theamplifier.
Do not open the panels of the amplifier. No user serviceable parts inside.
Your Hagen operates on very high internal voltages, which may still be present after the Amplifier
has been turned off and disconnected for a while.
Do not use the Amplifier for anything other than its design purpose: To Amplify Electric Guitar
Signals!
Do not use fuses other than those intended and specified for the amplifier
Do not use 2-conductor extension cords or anything other than 3-pole g rounded outlets for thisAppliance. Your life may depend on it!
Please observe the following points when transporting your Hagen:
Hagen is a Tube Powered Amplifier; therefore it is sensitive to shock, especially after playing theamplifier for a while. Please store and transport your amplifier gently, and try and avoid
temperature extremes in storage, which might cause condensation resulting in moisture on internal
components. Usually a 60 Minute acclimatization period is sufficient to ensure safe operation.
The Amplifier should be stored in a controlled environment, and it should be transported in asuitable flight case. Make sure the Amplifier gets transported in its normal operating position, not
upside down or on its side.
The Hagen’s Design incorporates a very potent power amplifier. It is configured to deliver satisfying
guitar tone at most volume levels, from a small bedroom to a large arena. In its normal operational
volume level (75-80dB) it will provide beautiful tones with very little coloration. For reasons of yourown personal health, please do not run the amplifier above these levels for extended periods oftime without wearing hearing protection. Hearing Loss is a long -term problem, and is normally not
curable.

Chapter Two: Using Your Hagen
2.1 Mains Connections, Power and Standby
2.1.1 Mains/Connection to Power Outlet
Please make sure that both switches (Power and Standby) are in the off position before connecting
to the Mains circuit. Verify line voltage before connecting the power cord. Never start Hagen
without speakers being connected to the proper terminals. (See 3.2.8)

2.1.2 Power up, Warm up, Standby off
First turn the Power switch to on (facing up). The indicator will light up. This starts the tube
heating process. After about 40 seconds, the tubes have sufficiently heated for normal operation.
Your Hagen is now ready for operation and the standby switch can be turned to “run” (also facingup). Premature activation of the standby switch will lead to unnecessary tube stress andsubsequent reduction of the power tube’s life span.

2.1.3 Power Tube Caution
Tubes are electronic components that only function with vacuum intact and under very highoperating temperatures. Each tube has one or more heating filaments, much like a light bulb.
These filaments heat up the Anode of the tube. If you switch the standby switch before these
Anodes have reached their operating temperature then the Anode surfaces are not heated evenly
yet; the “operating temperature” of the tube is not reached yet. This causes undue stress on the
tubes and their related components inside the amp. One should therefore always give the amp it’smuch needed warm-up time, even if musical inspiration hits with full force.

2.1.4 Operating Temperature
It will take a little more time after warm-up until everything inside the amp is working in sync andto it’s fullest potential. A trained ear will notice a slightly warmer tone and better complexity intone after playing the amp for a short while. It’s like warming up before running a marathon. Get
it?

2.1.5 Power Tube Life
The power tubes of your amplifier are subject to a certain aging process. Once one of the tubes
shows signs of aging, unreliability or unusual noise, then we suggest that you replace all power
tubes. Matched tube sets wear relatively even, or so our experience suggests. This means if one
goes, the others are not far from meeting the same fate.
The aging process manifests itself by a depletion of a thin layer of Wolfram on the Anodes. This cantake anywhere from 6 month to 3 years, depending on the amount of use of the amplifier. The
amount of wear is determined by the amount of performance that is asked from the tube.

Chapter Three: Peripheral Connections
3.1 Front Panel Connections
3.1.1 The input jack (“IN”)
The input jack receives your Electric Guitar signal by means of a shielded guitar cord with 1/4”
mono style plug.
Your guitar cord is an important part of your signal chain and its quality and construction typeclearly affect the overall tone of your rig. Try and buy the best quality guitar cord that you can orwant to afford. Call us if you have doubts and need recommendations. This is where the smart“weak link” comment comes in. Get it?

3.1.2 Cable ABC
Some cords and cables sound very neutral; others color the sound spectrum and/or attenuate highfrequencies due to capacitance inside the wire and shield. What are we talking about? OK. A
capacitor is used in electronic crossovers, amongst other things, to divide low and highfrequencies. Capacitance in a cable therefore cuts your guitar’s high end to a certain degree.
Generally, the longer of a cord you use, the more of the cords inherent characteristics will be
audible.

3.1.3 Cable Selection
In certain instances it is desirable to match a guitar cord to a specific instrument. One can use theotherwise undesirable qualities of a cord to one’s advantage, if one has the time and patience toexperiment with different cords and guitars. You should do this when playing with a band or when
you are recording. Sometimes it is difficult to tell a component’s true advantages until it is used in
the right context. A guitar that has very piercing highs could theoretically be tamed down
somewhat by the use of a long guitar cord that offers some high-end attenuation. The loops ofyour Diezel Hagen send signals at higher levels and impedances, which makes this section of
wiring less sensitive. You should still use reliable and good quality wiring for all loops and inserts.

3.2 Rear Panel Connections
3.2.1 Send/Return Loop
The System consists of 3 separate Loops. It allows creation of effects path in either serial, parallel,or switched configurations. The individual channel volume controls determine the signal strength at
the send jacks. The range is - ... to +10dB. The output impedance is 4.7 kOhm. If you want to use
the loops, then connect the “Send” to the input of the Effects unit. Be sure and adjust the input
level of the effects unit to the amplifiers level. Most effects units have led bar or other level control
devices. The Output of the effects unit must be connected to one of the return jacks, parallel,
switched, or serial. If you use the parallel return, then the signal can be mixed to the original
signal via the rear panel mounted “Volume” control.

3.2.2 Parallel or Serial
Which is better for you? Read on.
There are 2 ways to handle effects signals. If you use the serial return, then the signal path of yourHagen is interrupted, the signal is sent to the processor, gets more or less processed, then sent
back to the serial return into the power amp. Digital effects units often digitize this signal, thenprocess it, then convert it back to analog, then send it to the amp. This is called ADA conversion. It
is necessary for digital effects units to do this to your guitar signal, so that it becomes a digitalcode, which the processor can read and understand. Your tubes, however, need an old fashioned
analog signal, so the processor needs to convert the signal back to analog before it goes back to
the amp. Generally, even in highest quality effects processors, this causes a change in the original
signal, typically a loss of tonality and warmth, also noticeable as a “harder” sound.
When you use the serial loop for an effects unit like this, then your signal will have been ADA
converted at least once. Tone junkies and vintage freaks alike will more than likely have hives
developing by now. But, as always, there is a better way. Using the Parallel loop and the mix(labeled “Volume”) control on the back determines how much effect signal is being added to theoriginal signal, which now still flows through the amplifier. There is always an analog connection
between the send and return jacks: a parallel loop!
Important: You must set the mix control on the effects unit to 100% wet when using the parallelloop. Otherwise there will be nasty phasing problems resulting in unsatisfactory tone. The signal
portion that is unaffected by the mix control in the effects unit would reach the amplifier at adifferent time due to the cabling, and cause phasing cancellations.

3.2.3 Switch-able Loop as additional Volume Control
Those of you who can live without processors in the parallel loop can use this loop for a second
master volume for each channel.
To do this, just loop a short 1/4” cable from the switch-able send to parallel loop return. Now you
can choose a second master volume by turning the mix control past 1:00 PM to full open, and pushthe ‘ Loop” button to activate your second master volume. Now, with the loop activated, the mix
control can act as another way to control volume.

3.2.4 Switch-able Loop for external pre-amp
One might extend one’s tonal variety by hooking up an external guitar pre-amp to the switch-able
return jack. Now the external preamp, once selected via the “Loop” function, can feed the Hagen’s
power amp. To operate a jack needs to plugged into the input jack!

3.2.5 Switch-able Parallel Loop
To route your effects signal parallel to the original signal, connect the switch-able send to the inputof your effects unit and go from the output of your effects unit to the parallel return. Now you canswitch the send to the effects unit on and off via midi, with the effects signal decaying naturally
when the loop is turned off.

3.2.6 Tuner Out
You guessed it – it’s for a guitar tuner. Stays lit while mute is activated. So you can tune without
annoying your band members, or the audience.

3.2.7 Compensated Out
A frequency corrected signal will leave this jack if you connect it to a mixer or recording device.
Use it to quietly compose or send an auxiliary signal to a console etc. Always make sure that youramp is connected to either a loudspeaker or a load.

3.2.8 Speaker Connections
Hagen has 5 speaker jacks: 1 for a 16-Ohm load, 2 for 2 16-Ohm loads or 1 8Ohm load, and 2 for
2 8-Ohm loads or 1 4-Ohm load. Confusing? Oh, yes! Just do what it says on the jacks, and you’ll
be fine

3.2.9 Top 5 Reasons for dynamic losses in the effects loop
Many different factors can be responsible for loss of dynamics, aside from those mentioned in 3.2.2(ADA conversion). A vital point that often leads to frustration is a maladjusted output level of aneffects unit. If the output level is too high, then unwanted distortion is caused in the power amp. If
it is too low, then the rig will not sound punchy and might get lost easily in the band sound. Whenused in the serial loop, the output of the effects unit determines the ultimate drive signal strengthof the power amp. The output level should be matched to give the best possible sound with all 3
channels without over driving the power amp section. Headroom adjustments of 10% are usually
sufficient.

3.3 MIDI Connections
3.3.1 MIDI In
Midi in receives “program change” orders from commonly available midi pedals and control
systems. The Hagen is able to supply phantom power to your midi pedal via a 7-prong DIN midicable. This can help unclutter your stage system and rids the artist of these pesky power supplies.
Pin 1 and 6 is ground (-) Pin 3 and 7 is hot (+)
The voltage is 12 VDC, which is acceptable for 90% of all midi pedals. Maximum power usage ofthe pedal cannot exceed 800mA (0.8A) Please observe proper polarity to avoid damage to the
MIDI pedal.

3.3.2 MIDI Thru
This jack routes the midi signal to other midi partners. MIDI data not addressed to the Hagen getslooped through this jack.
See chapter 7 for MIDI programming instructions

Chapter Four: Four Pre-Amplifiers
4.1 Pre-Amplifiers and their Functions
The Diezel Hagen comes equipped with 4 different and totally independent preamps. This allows
the artist to play every conceivable musical style without having to make major changes to his or
her amplifier. The preamps are voiced to deliver the 4 most wanted guitar tone flavors: 1-Clean, 2Crunch, 3-Heavy, 4- Lead or heavy riffing.

This concept delivers 4 stellar guitar sounds with excellent playability, warm dynamics and razor
sharp equalization possibilities. The tone controls work in an unusually wide range, so a little
adjustment goes a long way. As with so many other things - less is often more. We suggest you
start exploring the channels with all controls set to 12:00 o’clock, and the master volume justslightly cracked open. (To avoid hearing damage)

4.1.1 Channel One (Clean Tone)
Clean Tone is a very sensitive subject, because there are so many different ideas on how a clean
amp should sound like. Clean tonal textures require much higher dynamic range than distorted
sounds. From hard and percussive sounds to soft and warm blossoming tones. Hagen was
designed to offer as many of the clean variety as possible. Your choice of guitars and pickups will
have a large part in this equation.

4.1.2 Channel Two (Crunch)This channel’s main objective is to cover soft and heavy overdrive and distortion sounds. The
gainpot will adjust the amount of distortion here, going from a very mild crunchy sound at lower
settings to a hot rodded crunch sound when set to 100%.

4.1.3 Channel Three (Heavy)This channel is voiced for highly articulate single note lines or for very heavy and massive rhythm
guitar. Due to its slight midrange accent and very high gain structure, it possesses good punch andwill, with ease and authority, rule any stage or studio. The “less is often more” rule applies herealso.

4.1.4 Channel 4 (Lead or heavy riffing)This channel either is suitable for lead and soloing with the gainpot between 11 and 12 o’clock,while further increase of it will give you monstrous distortion for the heaviest riffing.

4.2 Pre-amp Tubes
The pre-amps are equipped with 12AX7 tubes in all positions. The pre-amp tubes are not used tomake big power, but merely as pre-amplifiers. Therefore their life expectancy is much higher thanthat of the power amplifier tubes.
This is not to undermine their utter importance in overall sound and response of the amplifier. Also,
many nuisance defects like crackling noises and low dynamics are directly related to defective preamp tubes. Like all other tubes, 12AX7 tubes come in many different gain stages, and offer a wide
variety of tonal behavior. Our choice for production was made to ensure a wide variety of tones,
with low noise and, hopefully, excellent reliability.

4.3 Microphonics and Bad Noises
The overall performance of pre-amp tubes is easily influenced by mechanical factors from theoutside. This would manifest itself by a sudden feedback sound with high pitch. The input stage is
especially suspect to this phenomenon. If one encounters microphonic tube behavior, then the firsttube should be checked as a rule. Pre-Amplifier tubes can also cause hum or other bad noises, likecrackling or ticking.

Chapter Five: Power Amplifier
5.1 Tone and Volume of the Power Amplifier
5.1.1 Master Volume
As the name suggests, this controls the overall, global volume of the amplifier. For your enjoyment,
there is also a second programmable master volume control, which allows volume adjustments via
remote control while you are playing. Both controls are laid out so that even a low-performance
effects unit can be used and amplified in the loops.
With the switch “Mas2” you can select the second master volume (“Master 2”) for soloing andadjust the loudness with it. Of course (as most functions of Hagen) it can be switched via midi.

5.1.2 PresenceThis knob controls frequencies over 3KHz. Treble is produced and dispersed in a very small beamfrom the speaker, so be sure to position yourself in the projection area of the speaker when making
adjustments.

5.1.3 Deep
The Deep control is an active bass control, contrary to conventional bass controls. It controls thefrequencies around 120Hz without influencing the overall dynamic range of the power amplifier.
Diezel Co. is not responsible for disintegrating speaker cabinets.

5.2 Power Amplifier Tubes
5.2.1 Function
As the name suggests, the power amp section is the part of the amplifier that produces output
power, measured in watts. Preamp signals are sent to the power amp(s), which amplifies thissignal to a level that is acceptable for loudspeakers. Guitar amplifiers utilize several different typesof power amps, which differ in output power and tone. We chose the tube type power amplifier for
its tried-andtrue performance and familiar tonal behavior.

5.2.2 Selection
Diezel Co. installs the most reliable and best sounding tubes that are currently available insufficient quantities. So it is possible that tube brand and tube type can change during production.

5.2.3 Life Span & Tube Fuses
Power tubes last 1 to 3 years, depending on care, volume and frequency of use of the amplifier. If
you use your amp only once a month, then the tubes will obviously last longer. Really… We haveheard tubes that are over 10 years old, but it was not a good thing. Tubes age in a very slow
manner, slow enough for the artist to get used to the changing tone. To keep things fresh and tokeep your tube dealer in business, we recommend re-tubing, cleaning and biasing once a year if
the amp is used frequently.
A failure of the tube fuse is indicated on the amp’s back with two LEDs for each pair of powertubes.
Once the LED is lit, you need to replace the fuse and most probably the tubes, which need to berebiased by a tech.

Please note that not all failures will be shown by these LEDs.

Chapter Six: Functions and Switches
6.1 Programming the Hagen
It is quite easy to program your Diezel Hagen and, also, easy to explain. Pushing the “Store” toggle
switch twice must follow each change in the MIDI program. After the first click, the selected blue
LED lights will blink. Click on the switch again and your program is in memory. Each of the 128
programs (patches, program changes) can be changed as often as is desired.

6.2 Manual Channel Selection
The 4 channels of the Hagen can be selected manually by activating the switch left of the channel’s
gain pot, or can be programmed via the midi control system. If you assign the Channel one switch
function to a MIDI program (for example “01”), then you can initiate this channel’s switching via
your MIDI pedal. Push “01” on your MIDI pedal after programming and the pedal will send digital
information to the amplifier. The amp will read this information and decide whether or not it is
supposed to respond. When properly programmed, it will then switch on channel one.
OK, here it is again:
Select 01 on your MIDI pedal. Select channel one of the Hagen. Now push “Store” twice. Voila, it’sa MIDI program! Now select program change “02” on your pedal, switch the amp to channel two,hit “Store” twice, and suddenly you have a MIDI pedal controller with 2 program changes. Continue
on until you run out of channels, about 1 more time.
All the other functions of the amp can be programmed in the same exact way. Remember: push
“Store” twice to finalize a MIDI program procedure. Select the program on the pedal to recall thesetting from the amp.

6.3 Loop On/Off
This function activates a device that is connected to the switch-able loop.

6.4 Mute On/Off“Mute” silences the beast. “Tuner Out” stays active. Makes sense, no?

6.5 Master 2 On/Off
Master 2 can be used for all channels.

6.6 StoreAs discussed earlier, this is the universal programming button. Activating this button twice willverify an intended program procedure. In case you have pushed this button once by accident, or if
you have started to program and don’t want to anymore for whatever reason, then you can push
any other switch (any switch but the “Store” switch) to cancel the programming procedure. The
previously established program will be preserved. On models equipped with GPS, this will call out
the quickest way to a near by music store.

Chapter Seven: MIDI
7.1 MIDI
MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instruments Digital Interface and is an internationally accepted
communications system between musical instruments (and processors and computers) of all kinds.
We will only need to learn a small portion of this “language” to use the Hagen and its peripheral
MIDI partners. We are going to learn only about “program change”.

7.2 MIDI In
MIDI In is a 7-pole DIN jack. It must be connected to the MIDI Out jack of your foot controller (orMIDI pedal), or the MIDI Out of any effects unit connected to the pedal directly.

7.3 MIDI Thru
Connect this port to the midi in of other units to continue the MIDI chain

7.4 MIDI Communication
7.4.1 Omni Mode
The Omni mode will allow reading of MIDI information on all 16 channels. It is an easy way to get
into the MIDI system but it is not advisable if more MIDI partners on different channels are in thesame system. Then a certain MIDI channel should be assigned to the Hagen and its programchanges should be restricted to this channel (See 7.4.2). To put the amp into the Omni mode, holdthe “Mute” switch down and activate the “Master 2” switch quickly and then release the muteswitch. The Mute, Master 2, Loop and Store LED’s will now blink to verify that the Omni mode isbeing accepted. Channel LED´s should be off. This function needs to be disabled under somecircumstances in order to use single mode automatic or single mode manual.

7.4.2 Single Channel Mode – Automatic Channel Recognition
Your Hagen can automatically recognize the pedal’s send/receive channel. To get your amp into themood (or mode) for this, push and hold “Mute” and then activate any program change button on
your MIDI pedal. The amp will look for a program change and recognize the channel it is being sent
on. Then it will switch to this channel and stay there as soon as you let go of “Mute”.

7.4.3 Single Channel Mode – Manual Channel Selection
If you would like to have your Hagen on a certain MIDI channel, then we can accommodate you
here as well. Here is how this works:
Push and hold “Mute” and then turn on the preamp channels in the order that corresponds to yourmidi channel preference. For example: if you want to have your Hagen to respond only to MIDI
information that is being sent on channel 7, then you must hold the “Mute” button down and turnthe Preamp channel one selector off, channel two selector on, channel 3 selector on, channel 4
selector off. If you let go of “Mute” now, then your Hagen is set to respond to MIDI channel 7 only.
Get it? The table below gives you the sequence for all 16 MIDI channels.

Midi
Channel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Ch
1
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on

CH
2
off
off
on
on
off
off
on
on
off
off
on
on
off
off
on
on

CH
3
off
off
off
off
on
on
on
on
off
off
off
off
on
on
on
on

CH4
off
off
off
off
off
off
off
off
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
on

7.5 Program Information
Hagen can remember up to 128 program changes.

7.6 Phantom Power
Several of the pins in the MIDI jack can supply phantom power to your MIDI pedal, as explained inchapter 3.3.1

Chapter Eight: Footswitch (Columbus and FS7HA jacks)
The optional Columbus footswitch can be connected via the rear panel mounted XLR jack. The
Columbus will not recognize functions selected from the front panel.

Further to the right is the FS7HA jack located, where (in the future, not available yet, tba) the
proprietary FS7-Hagen footswitch is hooked via a normal guitar cable.

Chapter Nine: Maintenance and Cleaning
9.1 Cleaning
Never use a wet method of cleaning the amplifier, i.e. any amplifier. Usually it is sufficient to wipe
down the outside of the amp with a slightly moist cleaning rag. Do not use abrasive cleaningchemicals. Sometimes a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust and dirt from nooks andcrevices. Do not remove the chassis from the housing to clean the amp. The inside of your amp
carries dangerous voltages.

9.2 CareBe gentle with this amplifier. Any mechanical shocks and wide temperature changes, moisture-richenvironments and extreme conditions (dust, wind, heat, cold, moisture) can substantially shorten
tube life, in some cases, even amplifier life.
Do not block the air circulation grilles in the front and in the back of the amp. Do not push the amp
right up against objects that would interfere with its normal airflow. The top of the amplifier might
get warm after prolonged use, this is normal, but will melt your ice cream and definitely ruin yourbeer. Never put beverages on top of the amp where they could spill and flow inside the amplifier.
You’ll hate it if this happens, guaranteed!

9.3 Tube Change
Tube changes are only to be undertaken by authorized service personnel. If power tubes withdifferent values then the original ones are to be installed, then the amplifier must be re-biased
before operation can be resumed. The amplifier uses a three circuit bias system. It is quick andeasy to accomplish biasing, but involves removing the chassis and use of specialized equipment formeasuring currents inside the amplifier. Only trained professionals should attempt this procedure.

The Diezel Company wishes to express their gratitude and congratulate you on
your decision to purchase the Diezel Hagen Amplifier.

Diezel GmbH
Donaustrasse 589407 Dillingen
Germany
Email: service (at) diezelamplification. com
Homepage: www.diezelamplification.com
Steuernummer: 1115212440172570441
USt.ID: DE153734466
Geschäftsführer Peter Diezel und Peter Stapfer
Handelsregister Augsburg / HRB 13015