Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of your Ampeg BA-210V2 450-Watt Bass Combo Amplifier. The BA-210V2 is designed to deliver classic Ampeg bass tone with features optimized for stage performance. It includes a Bass Scrambler overdrive, a true 60-degree monitoring angle, front-facing controls, auxiliary inputs, and a headphone jack.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the amplifier to ensure proper setup and to maximize your experience with this product.
Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- 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-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the 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.
Features
The Ampeg BA-210V2 Bass Combo Amplifier offers a range of features designed for bass players seeking powerful tone and versatility:
- 450 Watts RMS Power: Delivers substantial power suitable for stage performance.
- 2x10" Ampeg Custom Speakers: Equipped with two 10-inch Ampeg Custom speakers for clear and robust bass reproduction.
- Bass Scrambler Overdrive: Provides a classic tube-like grind, allowing for versatile tonal options.
- Ultra Hi/Lo Tone Shaping: Offers enhanced tonal flexibility for sculpting your sound.
- 1" HF Tweeter: Includes a 1-inch high-frequency tweeter for extended treble response.
- 60° Monitoring Angle: The cabinet design allows for a true 60-degree monitoring angle, directing sound towards the player.
- Front-Facing Controls: All controls are conveniently located on the front panel for easy access.
- Auxiliary Input: Allows connection of external audio devices for practice.
- Headphone Jack: Enables silent practice.
Controls and Connections
Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides all necessary controls for shaping your sound and connecting your instrument and other devices.
Figure 1: Front Panel Overview of the BA-210V2 Amplifier.
- Input: Connect your bass guitar here.
- -15 dB Pad: Engages a 15 dB attenuation for active basses or high-output instruments to prevent input clipping.
- Scrambler (Drive, Blend):
- Drive: Adjusts the amount of overdrive/distortion.
- Blend: Mixes the overdriven signal with the clean signal.
- Volume: Controls the overall output level of the amplifier.
- Ultra Hi: Boosts high frequencies for added clarity and presence.
- Ultra Lo: Boosts low frequencies for a deeper, fuller bass tone.
- Bass: Adjusts the low-frequency equalization.
- Mid: Adjusts the mid-frequency equalization.
- Treble: Adjusts the high-frequency equalization.
- AUX Level: Controls the volume of the auxiliary input.
- AUX In: 3.5mm stereo input for connecting external audio devices like MP3 players or phones.
- Line Out: XLR balanced output for connecting to a mixing console or recording interface.
- Send: Output for sending signal to external effects processors.
- Return: Input for receiving signal from external effects processors.
- Phones: 1/4-inch stereo headphone output for silent practice.
- HF Mute: Mutes the high-frequency tweeter. Useful for certain tones or when using external cabinets without tweeters.
- Footswitch: Input for an optional footswitch to control the Scrambler and HF Mute functions.
- Power: On/Off switch for the amplifier.
Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel provides connections for power and external speaker options.
Figure 2: Rear Panel Overview of the BA-210V2 Amplifier.
- AC Power Input: Connect the supplied AC power cord here.
- External Speaker Output: 1/4-inch output for connecting an external speaker cabinet. Ensure the impedance matches the amplifier's requirements.
Setup
Unpacking and Placement
- Carefully remove the amplifier from its packaging.
- Place the amplifier on a stable, level surface.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block air vents.
- The BA-210V2 can be used in a standard upright position or tilted back at a 60-degree angle for use as a floor monitor.
Figure 3: BA-210V2 in 60-degree monitoring position.
Connecting Your Instrument
- Ensure the amplifier's power switch is in the OFF position.
- Connect your bass guitar to the Input jack using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- If using an active bass or a high-output instrument, engage the -15 dB Pad switch to prevent input clipping.
Powering On/Off
- Before powering on, ensure all volume controls are set to their minimum.
- Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC Power Input on the rear panel and then to a grounded electrical outlet.
- Flip the Power switch to the ON position. The power indicator light will illuminate.
- To power off, turn down all volume controls, then flip the Power switch to the OFF position.
Operating Instructions
Basic Tone Setting
- Start with the Bass, Mid, and Treble controls at their center (12 o'clock) positions.
- Slowly increase the Volume control to a desired listening level.
- Adjust the Bass, Mid, and Treble controls to achieve your preferred tone.
- Experiment with the Ultra Hi and Ultra Lo switches to further shape your sound.
Using the Bass Scrambler Overdrive
- Engage the Scrambler switch to activate the overdrive circuit.
- Adjust the Drive knob to control the amount of distortion.
- Use the Blend knob to mix the overdriven signal with your clean bass tone. A lower blend setting will retain more of your original signal, while a higher setting will emphasize the overdrive.
Auxiliary Input and Headphone Use
- Connect an external audio source (e.g., smartphone, MP3 player) to the AUX In jack using a 3.5mm stereo cable.
- Adjust the playback volume on your external device and the AUX Level knob on the amplifier to balance the sound with your bass.
- For silent practice, connect headphones to the Phones jack. This will mute the amplifier's internal speakers.
External Speaker Connection
- The BA-210V2 can power an external speaker cabinet. Connect a speaker cable from the External Speaker Output on the rear panel to your external cabinet.
- Ensure the impedance of the external cabinet matches the amplifier's requirements (typically 8 ohms). Refer to the specifications section for details.
DI Output and Effects Loop
- The Line Out (XLR) provides a balanced signal for direct connection to a mixing console or recording device.
- The Send and Return jacks form an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects processors into your signal chain. Connect the Send to the input of your effect and the output of your effect to the Return.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean the amplifier with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the amplifier in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
- Ventilation: Always ensure that the amplifier's ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed to prevent overheating.
- Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound | Power cord not connected; Power switch off; Volume controls at minimum; Instrument cable faulty; Speaker cable faulty (if external speaker used); HF Mute engaged. | Check power connections; Turn power switch ON; Increase volume; Test/replace cables; Check HF Mute switch. |
| Distorted sound | Input signal too hot; Volume too high; Scrambler Drive too high; Faulty instrument or cable. | Engage -15 dB pad; Reduce input gain or instrument volume; Lower amplifier volume; Adjust Scrambler Drive/Blend; Test with another instrument/cable. |
| Hum or noise | Ground loop; Faulty cables; Nearby electrical interference. | Ensure proper grounding; Use shielded cables; Try different power outlets; Move amplifier away from other electronic devices. |
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | BA-210v2 |
| Output Wattage | 450 Watts RMS |
| Speakers | 2 x 10" Ampeg Custom Speakers, 1 x 1" HF Tweeter |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 25.7 x 15.7 x 20.7 inches (65.3 x 39.9 x 52.6 cm) |
| Weight | 50 pounds (22.7 kg) |
| Input Pad | -15 dB |
| Auxiliary Input | 3.5mm Stereo Jack |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" Stereo Jack |
| Line Out | XLR Balanced |
| Effects Loop | Send/Return 1/4" Jacks |
| Footswitch Control | Scrambler On/Off, HF Mute On/Off |
Figure 4: Dimensions of the BA-210V2 Amplifier.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Ampeg website. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself, as this may void your warranty.
For further assistance, contact Ampeg customer support through their official channels.
