KHE + Two Notes Reload 2
This guide explains how to use the Two Notes Reload 2 in combination with the KHE Amp / Cab Switchers. Make sure to read this guide and all product manuals before hooking things up. If incorrectly connected or used, the equipment may be damaged. Better be safe than sorry!
Disclaimer: All KHE ACS Amp/Cab Switchers are 100% compatible with the Reload2 (bridged) Class-D technology. Most other amp switchers don’t work with bridged class-d attenuators or amps, but the KHE ACS is fully compatible. Luckily I was predicting this attenuator technology when I was developing the KHE amp switchers and designed them accordingly.
Before we start, it’s important to understand how the Reload 2 works. The Reload 2 is an active-type attenuator: It uses a reactive load box (silent) at the amp input, and a (stereo) power amplifier at the cabinet outputs (solid-state). Between the load box and PA, the Reload 2 has a stereo fx-loop (post-fx), which enables to conveniently share a single stereo fx-pedalboard with all amps and use it with stereo speaker cabs. See the Reload 2 Block Diagram and the Reload 2 User Manual here.
All of the Reload 2 functions can be used with the KHE ACS amp/cab selectors.
Wiring & Setup
Caution: Before connecting the attenuator to the KHE, confirm that the KHE, amps, and cabs are all functioning properly. Start with a basic KHE setup (amps + cabs only), then add components step by step. Same with the Reload fx-loop—only connect it after the core setup works.
The Reload 2 is best connected to the ACS Attenuator Insert Loop. This is a serial insert point between the amp outputs and the speaker cabs, to use the attenuator with all of them. By default, the KHE Attenuator Insert Loop is deactivated. If not activated, the attenuator won’t work correctly (see more below).
Initial Attenuator Setup:
Connect the Reload FROM AMP jack to the white KHE S-LINE SEND, using a speaker cable. This sends the activated amp speaker output signal to the input of the Reload reactive load box. Set the Reload Amp Impedance switch to match the amplifier.
Connect the Reload CAB OUT A jack to the white KHE S-LINE RETURN jack, using a speaker cable. This sends the Reload speaker output A signal back into the KHE cabinet switching section.
Do not connect CAB OUT B for the moment (see more below).
Power-On the KHE. Do not power-on the amps or Reload yet. Turn the master volume of the Reload and amps down.
Activate the KHE Attenuator Loop in the System Menu after connecting it. If not activated, the attenuator won’t work correctly. See this link: How to activate the KHE Attenuator Insert Loop
Power-On the Reload and the Amp Heads and let them warm-up for 2 minutes.
Activate an Amp/Cab on the KHE and slowly increase the volume of the amp and the Reload and test everything in detail.
The system is now ready to use.
Warnings:
If using the ACS Attenuator Loop, always make sure to have it activated. If not activated, the Reload may be damaged under signal condition.
Do not connect the Reload CAB A/B outputs to the ACS Cab outputs (red jacks). This routing does not work in any way and may damage the Reload. Only connect it to the S-Line Return, or directly to a speaker cab.
Do not use any right-angle connectors on the KHE or Reload. Touching metal housings of the connectors can create critical short-circuits which can cause malfunctions to the devices.
Never use a “Earth/PE-Grounded” speaker cab or load box with the Reload CAB outputs.
Stereo Cabs:
The Reload 2 has a stereo speaker output: Cab A and Cab B, which each has its own solid-state power amp. With the ACS, the Reload 2 can be used in full stereo:
Output Cab A is connected to the ACS S-Line Return, to select and switch between different speaker cabs with the ACS.
Cab B can not be switched by the ACS. It must be connected directly to a single speaker cab outside the ACS system. The ACS is a mono switcher, thus it cannot switch between different speaker cabs for Cab B. Never connect the Reload Cab B output to the ACS!
For a mono operation, it is possible and safe to use just one Reload Cab output. It is not required to connect a load to the unused cab output, the Reload works fine without it (see the Reload manual “3.2 Top Tip”)
Stereo FX-Loop:
The Reload 2 has a stereo fx-loop. In combination with the ACS, it enables to conveniently share a single stereo fx-pedalboard with all amps and use it with stereo speaker cabs (dual-mono).
FX A: Connect the FX-A input to the Reload Send A jack (bottom jack). Connect the FX-A output to the Reload Return A jack (top jack).
FX B: Connect the FX-B input to the Reload Send B jack (bottom jack). Connect the FX-B output to the Reload Return B jack (top jack).
DUAL MONO / LINK A>B: For stereo-fx, set it to DUAL MONO. If set to LINK A>B, only loop A is active and Cab B will receive the same fx-processing from loop A (mono-fx but stereo-cabs).
DRY / WET MIX: To start, set the switch to OFF, so it is a 100% wet serial loop. If required, set it to ON and blend the fx-signal with the dry-signal to taste. Note: When using partial wet/dry settings, be aware of potential phase-issues caused by the AD/DA latency of digital fx-units.
Silent Recording / Load Box Mode:
For silent recording with the Reload in the KHE attenuator loop, simply turn the Reload Cabinet Volume knobs down to zero, so the speaker cab is silent (load box operation). On the ACS, you still have to enable a speaker cab in order to activate the amp (safety function), but it will be silent.
Alternative Operation:
Instead of using the ACS Attenuator Loop, the Reload Amp Input can be connected to a red KHE Cabinet Output jack. This enables to use the Reload as a pure load box for silent recording, with optional speaker cabs at the Reload Cab Outputs.
Or, it can be used in a switchable Wet-Dry-Wet rig: Use the Reload for the wet speaker cabs + fx-processing, and use a second cab on the ACS for the pure dry signal. For this, you'll have to enable Dual-Cab mode on the ACS and be aware of the impedance. Learn more: ACS Dual-Cab Mode
Things To Know
4-Cable-Method Setups:
4-CM setups are possible too: Connect the guitar to the input of the front-section of the 4-cm device, and connect the output of the front-section to the ACS guitar input. The post-section is connected as shown in the diagram above. In some cases, it is required to isolate the input signal with an isolation box (such as the Lehle P-ISO) between the front-output and the ACS input, to eliminate a possible ground loop between the front- and post section (hum, squealing or feedback noise). Use a dedicated isolated 9V output for the 4-cm-pedal (don’t share the power-ground with other pedals to avoid ground loops).
Impedance:
Since the Reload 2 is a combination of load box + power amp, it isolates the amp heads from the actual speaker load. The amp head only sees the Reload load box impedance. Thus, it is not required to match the amp head impedance to the real cabinet impedance.
Set the Reload Amp Input impedance to the same value as the connected amp, so they are matched.
The Reload CAB Outputs are universal type (solid-state PA) and work with all 4-8-16ohm speaker cabs without risk of mismatch.
Don’t go below 4ohm at the Reload speaker output (no DualCab-Mode with 4ohm cabs!)
Learn more about impedance in the KHE Impedance Guide and in the Two Notes Audio - Impedance Selection Guide.
Attenuator Bypass:
The KHE ACS can not bypass the attenuator. If you no longer want to use the attenuator, it must be disconnected from the ACS and the attenuator loop must be deactivated in the system menu. Learn more: ACS Attenuator Insert Loop
Line Outputs / XLR:
All these jacks, knobs and features of the Reload 2 can be used as normal.
Power-On Sequence:
All amps + KHE + gear power off > KHE power on > Reload2 power on > Amp Heads on with standby for 2 minutes > KHE activate AMP > Ready to rock!
Power-Off Sequence:
Deactivate KHE Amp+Cab > Amps+Gear+Reload power off > KHE power off > Good Night!
Device Position in the Room
In some situations, being close to the attenuator or load box with the guitar can result in a high-pitched squealing noise. This happens due to the high magnetic field generated by the inductors and transformers of the attenuator or load box, causing feedback with the guitar pickups. Try physically separating them and avoid standing too close to the device with your guitar. You can find additional information in this Video by Fryette Amplification and in this Blog Post by Two Notes Audio on the topic. Make sure to provide proper cooling airflow for the attenuator or load box.
Load + Switching Power Rating
The Two Notes Reload 2 reactive load box is rated for 200W RMS. The KHE has a maximum power switching rating of 150W. Do not generate more than 150W with the amplifier. Learn more: KHE Maximum Amp Power Rating and Two Notes Article
Transistor & Solid-State Amps
The Two Notes Reload 2 and the KHE can safely be used with transistor & solid-state amplifiers (many other attenuators can’t). When using solid-state amps, make sure the maximum output power does not exceed 150W RMS. See this Two Notes Article on the topic.
Activating the KHE Attenuator Loop
The KHE Attenuator Insert Loop can be activated in the KHE System Menu. By default, the attenuator loop is turned off. It needs to be turned on for the attenuator to function properly.
Connect the attenuator to the white KHE S-Line jacks as shown in the diagram. Turn down the volume of the attenuator and the amps.
Power on the KHE. If the attenuator has a bypass switch, set it to active.
Enter the System Menu by pressing the KHE CTRL button for 3 seconds, then release it. The CTRL light starts to blink 1x, indicating “Page 1 - System Functions” is active. “Page 2 - MIDI Menu” would have 2x blinks of the CTRL light. To flip the menu page, short-press the CTRL button. The attenuator loop control is on “Page 1 - System Functions”.
Press Switch AMP 4 to activate the attenuator loop in the System Menu. If the light of amp 4 turns ON, the loop is activated. If AMP 4 light blinks 4 times, it means no attenuator was detected by the KHE and the attenuator loop didn't get activated for safety reasons (check the wiring & cables). If the light of amp 4 is off, the loop is deactivated.
Exit and save the System Menu by pressing the CTRL button again for 3 seconds, then releasing it. The CTRL turns red (or green if linked) and the switcher is back in normal switching operation. All settings are saved and will be automatically loaded on the next power-up.
Activate a speaker cab and an amplifier on the KHE. Slowly increase the volume of the amp and the attenuator and verify everything works as intended.
Notes:
The attenuator loop won't turn on if no actual attenuator is connected. The KHE checks the attenuator load resistance, and if it doesn't detect it, the attenuator loop stays inactive for safety (AMP 4 light blinks four times). It's crucial to connect the attenuator before activating the loop.
Turning off the KHE Attenuator Loop doesn't bypass the attenuator. The KHE does not have an Attenuator Bypass function. To fully deactivate the attenuator, both disconnect the attenuator cables at the S-Line jacks and disable it in the system menu. It's essential to always deactivate and disconnect the attenuator to prevent potential damage to the KHE, the amps, or the attenuator. If the Attenuator Loop is inactive, the S-Line jacks operate in Link Mode configuration for connecting KHE switchers.
When the KHE powers up, the attenuator loop is only activated if the KHE detects the presence of the attenuator. If the attenuator is not connected or in bypass mode, the attenuator loop remains disabled. All cab lights will blink if the attenuator is missing or in bypass state (new 2024 feature, serial no. B6-xxx or higher).
Therefore, if the attenuator has a BYPASS switch, it's important to set it to 'on/active' before turning on the KHE.
Learn more: ACS Attenuator Loop Guide
Troubleshooting & FAQ
No sound at all / Attenuator isn’t working correctly
Check if the Attenuator Loop is activated in the KHE System Menu.
Maybe it got deactivated because it not connected during power-up (safety feature)?Make sure an amp + cab is activated on the KHE
Double check wiring, it’s easy to mix things up.
Make sure cables are fully inserted & functional.
Downsize system to only amps+cabs with no attenuator or pedals.
Make sure the devices are being operated correctly.
Hum Noise or High-Pitched Squealing Feedback Noise
Is the KHE Attenuator Loop activated? Double-check everything above.
Dynamic Noise: Does the noise change with your position in the room? Does it get worse if you move closer to the attenuator or load box? If the noise disappears when turning the guitar volume down, then the noise is most likely caused by magnetic interference with the (reactive) load device and the guitar pickups. You are standing too close to the device. Move your guitar around to learn how it reacts. Try moving the attenuator or load box a little further away or lower gain and volume as a last resort.
Static Noise: If the noise is still present, even with the guitar volume turned all the way down and not changing with your position in the room, the noise is most-likely caused by a ground loop somewhere. First, check the pedals and the fx-loops. Make sure to use isolated 9V power for the fx-loop to avoid ground loop. Don’t use daisy-chain power adapter cables. Temporary remove the pedals to isolate the problem. If using a noise gate with key input such as the Fortin Zuul, use a splitter with transformer isolation for the key input to avoid ground loop. Keep the pre- and post pedal section ground isolated all the time. Experiment with the Ground Lift Switch settings. Make sure to have an amp activated on the KHE.
Sound or noise coming from inside amp/attenuator/load box
Sound of broken speaker inside the amp: When an amp or load box is pushed hard, it can cause weird noise and sound which kind of sounds like a small broken speaker, coming from inside of the amp or transformers. Fear not! This is normal. The vibrations from the transformer laminations and inductors can create strange distorted sounds, but there's nothing to worry about.
High-pitched squeal coming from inside the amp: Immediately power everything off (KHE, Amps) and verify the correct wiring of the amp. Make sure the cables are fully inserted and in good working shape.
Learn more: KHE Troubleshooting Guide and ACS Attenuator Loop Guide
Return Home: KHE ACS Help Center
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.