Harley Benton HB-80R Guitar Combo User Manual

General Information

This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.

Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

1.1 Symbols and Signal Words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

Safety Instructions

Intended Use

This device is intended to be used for amplification and playback of signals from musical instruments with electromagnetic pickups. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety Precautions

• DANGER! Risk of injury and choking hazard for children! Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such as knobs) that children could play with.
• DANGER! Danger to life due to electric current! Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the device when covers, safety equipment or optical components are missing or damaged.
• DANGER! Danger to life due to electric current! A short circuit could lead to a fire hazard and risk of death. Always use a proper, ready-made insulated triple-core mains cable with a safety plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. In case of isolation damage, disconnect immediately the power supply and arrange repair. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified electrician.
• WARNING! Possible hearing damage due to operating the device at a high volume! The device can produce volume levels that, when operated at a high volume, may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Avoid operating the device at excessively high volumes over an extended period of time. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use adequate ear-muffs.
• WARNING! Possible hearing damage due to high volumes on headphones! The use of headphones at high volumes may result in permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Avoid operating headphones at high volumes, in particular over an extended period of time.
• NOTICE! Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighbouring heat sources! If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources, the device can overheat and burst into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources. Never operate the device in the immediate vicinity of naked flames.
• NOTICE! Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions! The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.
• NOTICE! Damage to the device due to high voltages! The device can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the device matches the local power grid before plugging in the device. Only operate the device from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). Ensure that the power cord plug is easily accessible at all times if it is the only device to safely disconnect the device from the mains supply. As a precaution, disconnect the device from the power grid when storms are approaching or if the device will not be used for a longer period.
• NOTICE! Risk of fire due to installation of a wrong fuse! Using fuses of a different type than compatible with the device may cause a fire and seriously damage the device. Only use fuses of the same type. Observe the labelling on the device casing and the information in the "Technical data" chapter.
• NOTICE! Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet! The plasticiser in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor, resulting in permanent dark stains after a while. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt pads to prevent direct contact between the product’s rubber feet and the floor.

Features

Special features of the device:

• Power rating: 65 watts
• 1 x 12" Celestion speaker
• Two channels (selectable)
• Effects loop
• Built-in reverb effect
• Inputs:
  • AUX
  • Foot switch (not included)
• Outputs:
  • Headphones
  • Speakers
  • Line
• Standby function

Installation and Startup

Unpack and check carefully for any transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust, and moisture during transportation or storage, use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.

Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

NOTICE! Possible property damage to adjacent devices due to magnetic fields. Speakers generate a static magnetic field. This magnetic field can affect other neighbouring units and in unfavorable cases damage them. Ensure that speakers are always at a sufficient distance away from sensitive equipment that may be affected by an external magnetic field.

Connections and Controls

Front Panel

The front panel features the following controls and connections:

• 1 [INPUT]: 1/4" jack socket to connect your instrument. Can also connect other active signal sources like CD or MP3 players, keyboards, mixers etc.
• 2 [GAIN]: Control to adjust the preamp gain of the signal in channel 1.
• 3 [VOICE]: Control to adjust the tone colour of the signal in channel 1.
• 4 [BASS]: Control to adjust the bass in channel 1.
• 5 [TREBLE]: Control to adjust the treble in channel 1.
• 6 [VOLUME]: Control to adjust the volume in channel 1.
• 7 [CHANNEL SELECT]: Toggle switch to enable channel 1 or channel 2. The LED of the active channel lights permanently during operation.
• 8 [GAIN ON]: Toggle switch to enable the preamplifier (gain) in channel 2.
• 9 [GAIN]: Control to adjust the preamp gain of the signal in channel 2.
• 11 [BASS]: Control to adjust the bass in channel 2.
• 12 [MIDDLE]: Control to adjust the mids in channel 2.
• 13 [VOLUME]: Control to adjust the volume in channel 2.
• 14 [REVERB]: Control to adjust the reverb effect (channel 1 and 2).
• 15 Aux Input: For connecting an MP3 or CD player (3.5 mm mini jack socket).
• 16 Headphones Output: (3.5 mm mini phone socket). When headphones are connected, the internal speakers are automatically muted.
• 17 [LINE OUT]: Output (3.5 mm mini jack socket) for connecting an external amplifier or recording device.
• 18 [POWER]: Main switch. Turns the device on and off.
• 19 Status indicator channel 1: LED that lights during operation when channel 1 is activated.
• 20 Gain indicator: LED that lights during operation when the preamp of channel 2 is activated.
• 21 Status indicator channel 2: LED that lights during operation when channel 2 is activated.
• 22 Standby indicator: LED. If there is no signal at the instruments input [INPUT] for 30 minutes, the device will automatically enter standby mode (LED green). As soon as the device receives a signal again at the instruments input [INPUT], the device automatically switches back to normal mode (LED red).

Rear Panel

The rear panel features the following connections:

• 23 AC INPUT/FUSE: IEC chassis plug with fuse holder. Power Source: 230V~50Hz, Power Consumption: 42W (max. 160W), Output Power: 80W (RMS).
• 24 [FOOT SWITCH]: Input socket for a foot switch (1/4" jack socket).
• 25 [LOUDSPEAKER]: Output for connecting an external speaker box (1/4" jack socket). The impedance of the external speaker must be at least 8 Ω.
• 26 [FX SEND | RETURN]: Input and output jack sockets for looping in an effects device (effects loop) (1/4" jack sockets).

Technical Specifications

Further Information

Plug and Connection Assignment

Introduction

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in 'Sound & Light' caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or 'just' in poor transmission quality!

Balanced and Unbalanced Transmission

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environments and in hi-fi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.

Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.

In a professional environment, therefore, balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors 'Ground' and 'Signal', in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.

Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

Connector Types

1/4" TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

Pinout:

• 1: Signal
• 2: Ground, shielding

Three-pole 1/8" mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

Pinout:

• 1: Signal (left)
• 2: Signal (right)
• 3: Ground, shielding

Cleaning

Clean the device components that are accessible from the outside regularly. The cleaning frequency depends on the operating environment: damp, smoky, or particularly dirty environments can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the device components.

• Clean with a dry soft cloth.
• Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.
• Never use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.

Protecting the Environment

Disposal of the Packing Material

[Recycling Symbol] Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging. These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.

Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and markings on the packaging.

[French Disposal Note] Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.

Disposal of Your Old Device

[WEEE Symbol] This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.

Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead, deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility. You can also return the device to a retailer if they offer to take the device back for free or if they are legally obliged to do so. When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. You can also return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current conditions on www.thomann.de.

Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow human beings. This is because the proper handling of old devices negates the potential negative effects of hazardous substances, and because it conserves resources by recycling them.

Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental protection. Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically valuable alternative to disposal. For example, use the classified ads of Thomann GmbH.

If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing of it.