Index of /support/files/Discontinued User Manuals/B5R
3 An Introduction to your new Ampeg B5R Bass Amplifier: Thank you for making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career – choosing one
Owner's Guide for the
B5R
Bass Amplifier
Made with Pride in the U.S.A. by
B5R Bass Amplifier
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Important Safeguards and Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
Declaration Of Conformity
#32, Effective 01-01-2001
Manufacturer's Name: Production Facility: Production Facility: Shipping Facility: Office Facility:
SLM Electronics 1901 Congressional Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA 700 Hwy 202 W, Yellville, AR 72687, USA 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133, USA
Product Type:
Audio Amplifier
Complies with the following Standards:
Safety:
EN60065, E60065, C22.2, UL6500 and/or UL813
EMC:
Directive 89/336/EEC, EN55103, EN55013, EN61000,
and/or FCC 47CFR 15B clA
Supplementary information provided by: SLM Electronics - R & D Engineering
1901 Congressional Drive, St Louis, MO 63146, USA Tel.: 314-569-0141, Fax: 314-569-0175
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
PRECAUCION
RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO NO ABRA
ATTENTION
RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS ELECTRICAS, NO PERMITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO. NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO PUEDO REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS.
ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉ AFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POUR REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
· READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
· DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3" (75CM) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
· DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
· CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
· ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS.
· PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
· UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
· ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
· WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
· SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
· OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS: EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS: EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
= "VOLTAJE PELIGROSO"
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
= "ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES."
"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
2
B5R Bass Amplifier
An Introduction to your new Ampeg B5R Bass Amplifier:
Thank you for making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career choosing one of the finest bass amps available, the Ampeg B5R. This versatile and powerful bass amplifier delivers up to 675 watts of unsurpassed musical power, and offers several outstanding features.
All of the features and controls of your B5R are covered in detail within the pages of this owner's guide. We recommend going over them before you use the amplifier.
Features:
In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, the B5R offers you more power, performance and flexibility than any other bass amplifier in its class. The outstanding features of your new amplifier, features which set it apart from the competition, are listed below.
· TWO SEPARATE CHANNELS: Clean and Overdrive, with the ability to combine the two for a unique sound and added versatility
· TWO 5-POSITION STYLE CONTROLS: Take your pick from five different tone variations to best suit your playing style
· OCTAVE CIRCUIT: Adds another signal to the input signal, one octave lower than the original · FX BLEND: Varies the amount of external effects mixed into the signal · TUNER OUT JACK: Allows connection to an electronic tuner and provides an "always live" mon-
itor feed even when the other outputs are muted · HEAVY-DUTY SPEAKER JACKS: A Speakon® jack is provided for a more reliable connection at
higher outputs, as well as a pair of 1/4" jacks · TRANSFORMER BALANCED/UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUTS: Balanced XLR and 1/4" line
output jacks · EFFECTS LOOP: Connect your effects here for increased intensity and quieter operation · POWER AMP IN/PREAMP OUT: A separate preamp may be connected to the Power Amp In
jack, and the Preamp Out jack may be connected to a slave amp, or use as a patch point for active devices such as compressors, EQs, etc. · FOOTSWITCH CONTROL: Use footswitches to control channel selection, the octave circuit, and the channel combine feature · CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION: A heavy duty, resettable circuit breaker provides protection against fault conditions · BUILT-IN NOISE GATE: A preset internal noise gate helps keep the Overdrive channel quiet while no signal is present
Important Safeguards and Precautions:
All Ampeg products are designed for continuous safe operation, as long as common sense is used and steps are taken to help avoid certain problems. Abiding by the following rules can help prevent damage to your amplifier, yourself and others.
· The amplifier is equipped with a three-pronged AC power cord. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, NEVER remove or otherwise attempt to defeat the ground pin of the power cord.
· Connect the amplifier ONLY to a properly grounded AC outlet of the proper voltage for your amp. · Avoid sudden temperature extremes, rain and moisture. Also, avoid sudden and intense impact. (If the unit has been subjected to
any of the preceding abuses, have it looked at by an authorized service center.) · NEVER set the amplifier on a support that might give out under its weight. · Always keep the total speaker impedance at or above the rated load. · Unplug the amplifier before cleaning it. NEVER spray liquid cleaners onto the amplifier. Wipe it with a slightly dampened, lint-free
cloth to remove dirt and film. · Do not use the amplifier if it has sustained damage to the chassis, controls, or power cord. Refer the unit to an authorized service
center for inspection. · Amplifiers capable of producing high volume levels are also capable of inflicting permanent hearing loss or damage, if the exposure
to such levels is prolonged. Such damage is progressive and irreversible! Consider using quality hearing protection devices.
3 Speakon® is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.
The Front Panel:
B5R Bass Amplifier
12 34 5 6 7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
1. 0dB INPUT: The signal output from an instrument (active or passive typically passive) or a line level signal may be connected here by means of a shielded instrument cable. The signal at this jack is sent into the preamp at full amplitude.
2. -15dB INPUT: The signal output from an instrument (active or passive typically active) or a line level signal may be connected here by means of a shielded instrument cable. The signal at this jack is reduced 15dB before it is sent into the preamp.
3. MUTE: This switch, when depressed, mutes all outputs except the Tuner Out (28). This is excellent for tuning your bass with an electronic tuner without having to adjust any levels or turn down your stage volume.
4. COMBINE: This switch, when depressed, allows the clean channel to remain active when the overdrive channel is selected, combining the two channels to create a different-sounding "third channel."
CLEAN CHANNEL: 5. VOLUME: This control adjusts the output level for the clean channel and the input to the Octave circuit (16). Adjust this control no higher than that which causes the Peak/Mute LED (6) to flash on strong signal peaks.
NOTE: The B5R employs an internal noise gate to keep residual noise to a minimum. Regardless of which channel is selected, the Clean channel Volume control (5) must be turned up above "0" in order for the noise gate to trigger.
6. PEAK/MUTE LED: This LED flashes when the signal level in the preamp approaches clipping. When the Mute switch (3) is depressed, this LED remains illuminated until the Mute is turned off.
7. STYLE: This five-position switch allows you to vary the tone of the clean channel. The following table lists each of the different settings experiment with the Style and other EQ controls for the results which suit you best.
POSITION 1: Fully "scooped" mids (mid cut) POSITION 2: Traditional passive tone setting POSITION 3: Basically flat POSITION 4: Boosted high end POSITION 5: Basically flat with low end roll-off for
loud playing without "muddiness"
8. BASS: This is the primary low frequency control which has a range of 22dB @ 50Hz.
9. ULTRA MID: This is the primary midrange control which has a range of 13dB @ 250Hz.
4
10. TREBLE: This is the primary high frequency control which has a range of 22dB @ 8kHz.
11. CHANNEL SELECT: This switch selects the clean channel in the out position and the overdrive channel when depressed.
OVERDRIVE CHANNEL: 12. OD BOOST: This switch, when depressed, adds gain and tone shaping to the overdrive channel signal for heavy overdrive.
13. GAIN: This control sets the level of the signal entering the preamp stage.
14. STYLE: This five-position switch allows you to vary the tone of the overdrive channel. The following table lists each of the different settings experiment with the Style control for the results which suit you best.
POSITION 1: Mid cut for clean to semi-overdriven sound POSITION 2: Slight mid cut POSITION 3: Basically flat POSITION 4: High end roll-off POSITION 5: Large mid peak tailored for heavily overdriven
sound combined with the clean channel
15. VOLUME: This control adjusts the output level for the overdrive channel.
16. OCTAVE VOLUME: This control adjusts the output level for an added signal which is one octave lower than the instrument's original signal. This signal is dependent on the clean channel's Volume control (5) and can be switched by the Octave footswitch (31). The effectiveness of this signal depends on playing style, pickup selection, and neck position.
17. FX BLEND: This control varies the mix between the direct (dry) signal and the effects (wet) when the effects loop (26,27) is used. Full counterclockwise results in all direct signal (no effect) and full clockwise gives all effect and no direct signal. The clockwise position is equivalent to a series effects loop and should be used with such devices as limiters and equalizers.
18. MASTER: This control sets the overall output level of the amplifier.
19. OD/CLEAN LEDS: The red LED ("OD," upper) illuminates when the overdrive channel is selected, while the green LED ("CLEAN," lower) illuminates when the clean channel is selected.
20. POWER: This heavy-duty rocker switch applies AC power to the amplifier. The amp is ON when the top of the switch is depressed, OFF when the bottom of the switch is depressed.
The Rear Panel:
21
B5R Bass Amplifier
24 25
26 27 28
22
23
29 30 31 32
21. CIRCUIT BREAKER: The B5R employs an AC line circuit breaker to help protect against damage due to excessive current demands. If the amplifier stops working, check the circuit breaker. If it has opened, the button will be protruding and showing a contrasting color. You can reset the circuit breaker by pushing it in until it latches. The breaker must cool down for a short time before the button will latch. If the circuit breaker opens repeatedly, have the amplifier checked by a qualified service person.
22. AC LINE IN: Firmly insert the supplied AC power cord into this socket until it is fully seated. This grounded power cord is to be plugged into a grounded power outlet, wired to current electric codes and compatible with voltage, power, and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. Do no attempt to defeat the safety ground connection.
23. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: The 1/4" jacks offer a convenient method of connecting to speaker cabinets using cables terminated with 1/4" plugs. However, when using the amplifier at or near its full output power, using the Speakon® jack is recommended.
24,25. TRANSFORMER BAL. LINE OUT: These jacks supply a pre-Master, line level signal for connection to a house mixing board, recording console or external amplifier(s). The 1/4" jack (24) provides a balanced or an unbalanced signal (depending on the signal cable used); the XLR-type jack (25) provides a balanced signal.
26. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN: When using external effects, connect the effect's output into this jack by means of a shielded instrument cable.
27. EFFECTS LOOP SEND: When using an external signal processor, connect this jack to the input of the effect by means of a shielded instrument cable.
28. TUNER OUT: This jack is provided for connection to an electronic tuner and is always "live," even when the Mute switch (3) is engaged, allowing for "silent tuning" as well as a monitor feed which remains active when the other outputs are muted.
29. POWER AMP INPUT: This jack connects directly to the power amp for use with an external preamp. When using an external source, connect the OUTPUT of the source to this jack by means of a shielded instrument cable to feed the signal into the power amp section. The internal signal is disconnected when a plug is inserted.
30. PREAMP OUTPUT: This jack is a direct preamp output for use with an external power amplifier, mixing board, external effects, etc. Connect the external unit input to this jack by means of a shielded instrument cable. Using this output does not break the connection to the internal power amplifier.
31. OCTAVE/COMBINE FOOTSWITCH: Connect a two button footswitch to this jack for remote control of the Octave and Combine features. The tip connection controls the Octave feature and the ring connection controls the Combine feature.
32. CHANNEL FOOTSWITCH: Connect a single button footswitch to this jack for remote channel selection.
Speakon® is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.
5
B5R Bass Amplifier
Some Suggested Settings
Since so many variables affect the actual sound of any system, the following settings are offered as starting points to help you find the exact sounds your playing demands. When using the B5R, please keep in mind the following points:
·The Volume and Gain controls are used together to set the relative levels of each channel and the octave signal.
·The Master control should be set to produce the appropriate output volume level.
SVT:
OUT
FUNK:
OUT
LOUD CLEAN ROCK:
SVT OVERDRIVEN:
OUT
ALTERNATIVE CLEAN:
OUT
HARD-DRIVEN ROCK:
OUT
OUT
LAYERED BASS W/GUITAR MIX:
IN
IN
OUT
POWER TRIO:
IN
IN
IN
Rack Mounting
When mounting the amplifier into a rack, the four bottom feet should be removed to maintain the two rack space height of the amplifier. Be sure to keep the feet and their attachment bolts for future use. If the feet are reinstalled, never use screws which will protrude farther into the amplifier than the original hardware. The rack must be a high quality enclosure capable of securely supporting the weight of the amplifier. Tighten the mounting screws securely through the amplifier's face plate, into the rack rails. Check the rack and mounting screws occasionally to ensure a continually safe and secure installation.
6
B5R Bass Amplifier
Troubleshooting
In the unlikely event that your B5R should malfunction, take a few minutes to troubleshoot it before you call for service. You can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself, and often the problem is something quite simple.
NO SOUND
LEDs LIGHT
LEDs DON'T LIGHT
Check amp controls, check for signal from bass
NO SOUND SOUND OK
Listen for hum
Check AC outlet
OUTLET OK NO POWER
Check power cord, Check house fusebox fuse, power switch or circuit breaker
NO HUM
HUM
OK
Check speaker Speaker OK
SOUND OK
Unplug bass, touch tip of cable
NO CHANGE
Replace cable
NO CHANGE
SEE BELOW
POOR SOUND
Check bass, cables
POOR SOUND
SOUND OK
Check speaker(s)
SPEAKER(S) OK, POOR SOUND
SPEAKER(S) DEFECTIVE
Replace speaker(s)
POOR SOUND SOUND OK
SEE BELOW
If the problem isn't covered above, or if the steps lead you here, then contact your Ampeg dealer for service information. Also, you should refer your amp to an authorized service center if it gets dropped, has liquid spilled into it, or sustains damage to its power cord (see page 3).
System Block Diagram
0dB INPUT
-15dB INPUT
PEAK VOLUME
TONE CIRCUITS
EFFECTS EFFECTS SEND RETURN
BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE STYLE
FX BLEND
BAL. OUTS
BOOST GAIN
OCTAVE CIRCUIT
TONE
VOLUME
SWITCHING CIRCUIT
PREAMP PWR AMP OUT IN
MASTER
STYLE OCTAVE
LIMITER
CHANNEL OCTAVE COMBINE
FOOT SWITCHES
PWR AMP
1+
1
2
2+ SPEAKER
OUTS
7
B5R Bass Amplifier
Technical Specifications
OUTPUT POWER RATING
675 Watts @ 2 Ohms (500 Watts Continuous)
380 Watts @ 4 Ohms (310 Watts Continuous)
220 Watts @ 8 Ohms (180 Watts Continuous)
TONE CONTROL RANGE
Bass: 22dB range @ 50Hz
Ultra Mid: 13dB range @250Hz
Treble: 22dB range @ 8kHz
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
75dB typical
FOOTSWITCH JACKS
A: Channel Switch; B: Octave (Tip), Channel Combine (Ring)
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Domestic: 120VAC, 60Hz, 545VA
Export: 100-120VAC 50/60Hz, 545VA
220-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 545VA
SIZE AND WEIGHT
19/17.4"W x 3.8"H (with feet) x 15.5"D; 32 lbs
Ampeg reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
www.ampeg.com Made with Pride in the U.S.A. by Ampeg · ©2002 Ampeg, 1400 Ferguson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63133 U.S.A.
P/N 47-043-01 . 102003
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