In short: CHUCK fits into a range of setups. The key is to use the right output:
- Passive guitar or PA cabinet: SPEAKER
- PA or mixing console: OUT 1 or OUT 2
- Active FRFR cabinet: OUT 1 or OUT 2
- Audio interface: OUT 1, OUT 2 or USB
- Guitar amp input: OUT 1 or OUT 2
- FX Return or Power Amp In: OUT 1 or OUT 2
- External power amp: OUT 1 or OUT 2
The amplified SPEAKER output always belongs on a passive speaker cabinet. For devices with a normal audio input, use OUT 1 or OUT 2.
Straight into a passive guitar cabinet
Connect the SPEAKER output to a passive guitar cabinet, using a proper speaker cable. CHUCK delivers roughly:
- 25 watts into 4 ohms
- 12.5 watts into 8 ohms
- 6.25 watts into 16 ohms
The total impedance must not drop below 4 ohms. Since you're using a real guitar cabinet, the IR is normally switched off.
Straight into a PA or mixing console
Connect OUT 1 or OUT 2 to a line input of the mixing console. For longer cable runs, a balanced XLR connection is recommended.
For a finished guitar sound, IR and AMP simulation should be active for the output you use. The IR recreates the sound of a mic'd speaker cabinet. Start with a low output level and then adjust it on CHUCK and at the console. If a ground loop occurs, the GND-LIFT switch for the XLR outputs can help. The SPEAKER output must not be connected directly to a normal console input.
Into an active FRFR cabinet
An active FRFR cabinet already has its own power amp. So connect it to OUT 1 or OUT 2 — not to the SPEAKER output. Since a full-range speaker doesn't create the sound of a guitar cabinet by itself, IR and AMP simulation should normally be active.
Into the input of a guitar amp
You can connect OUT 1 or OUT 2 to the normal guitar input of an amp. The signal then also runs through that amp's preamp and tone controls. Recommended starting point:
- Set the amp to the cleanest possible channel.
- Set gain low to begin with.
- Switch off the IR in CHUCK.
- Switch off AMP simulation to begin with.
- Start with a low output level on CHUCK.
- Keep the amp's tone controls as neutral as possible.
In this setup, both preamps shape the tone. The result is therefore influenced more strongly by the connected amp than when you connect to its FX Return.
Into the FX Return or Power Amp In
If the guitar amp has an FX Return or Power Amp In, its preamp can be bypassed. Connect OUT 1 or OUT 2 from CHUCK to this input. CHUCK then handles preamplification and tone shaping; the other amp essentially works as a power amp only. When using a normal guitar cabinet, use this as a starting point:
- Switch off the IR.
- Switch off AMP simulation to begin with.
- Set a low output level.
- Then raise the volume slowly.
Whether AMP simulation makes sense here depends on the amp used and the sound you want. In front of a real guitar cabinet, the IR should normally stay off.
Into an external power amp
Connect OUT 1 or OUT 2 to the line input of the power amp. The speaker cabinet is then connected to the external power amp. For a power amp with a classic guitar cabinet, IR and AMP simulation are normally switched off. If the power amp drives a neutral full-range system, both functions can stay on. Never use CHUCK's SPEAKER output as an input signal for a normal power amp.
Into an audio interface
For analog recording, connect OUT 1 or OUT 2 to a line input of the audio interface. Alternatively, CHUCK can be used directly as an audio interface over USB. For a ready-to-use guitar signal, IR and AMP simulation should be active. If speaker or amp simulation is to happen later in the DAW, the corresponding functions can be switched off.
Using two outputs at once
OUT 1 and OUT 2 carry the same mono signal but can be configured differently. For example, OUT 1 can feed the PA with IR and AMP simulation, while OUT 2 feeds an external guitar power amp without IR and AMP simulation. The output settings are global and apply to all presets.
⚠️ Important safety rule: The SPEAKER output is a power output. It must not be connected directly to any of the following: a guitar amp input, FX Return or Power Amp In, a line input, a mixing console, an audio interface, or an active speaker cabinet. For these connections, use OUT 1 or OUT 2. The exception is DI boxes or load boxes explicitly rated for speaker level. These must be designed for the power involved and connected according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Key takeaways
- Passive cabinet: use SPEAKER.
- PA, active cabinet or power amp: use OUT 1 or OUT 2.
- In front of a real guitar cabinet, normally switch the IR off.
- For PA and full-range systems, normally switch the IR on.
- Set all volumes low to begin with.
- Never connect the SPEAKER output to a normal audio input.