Peavey Backstage® Chorus 208
SINGLE UNIT GUITAR AMPLIFIER
This document provides operating instructions, control descriptions, tone settings, specifications, and safety information for the Peavey Backstage Chorus 208 guitar amplifier.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel of the Backstage Chorus 208 features a comprehensive array of controls for shaping your guitar's tone and effects.
Inputs
HIGH GAIN INPUT (1)
Used for most electric guitars. It is 10 dB louder than the Low Gain input.
LOW GAIN INPUT (2)
Provided for instruments that have extremely high outputs, which can result in overdriving (distorting) the High Gain input. If both inputs are used simultaneously, the output levels are the same (both are High Gain).
Channel Controls
NORMAL GAIN (3)
Controls the volume level of the Normal channel and is not affected by the SuperSat® or Post Gain controls.
CHORUS SELECT SWITCH (4)
The "in" position of this switch activates the Chorus effect. The "out" position defeats the Chorus. Note: The Chorus effect must be activated to be controlled via remote footswitch.
CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH (5)
Allows selection of the Lead or Normal channel. The "in" position of the switch selects the Lead channel and the "out" position selects Normal. Note: Channel selection may also be accomplished by the remote footswitch. If the remote selection is desired, the channel switch must be in the "in" (Lead) position.
Tone Shaping
LOW, MID, & HIGH EQ (6)
Passive tone controls that regulate the low, mid, and high frequencies, respectively.
SUPERSAT®/PULL GAIN (7)
A transistor simulation of tube distortion (soft clipping). To activate the SuperSat effect, the Lead channel must be activated. Pulling the Gain switch boosts overall system gain.
POST GAIN (8)
Controls the overall volume level of the Lead channel. The final level adjustment should be made after the desired sound has been achieved.
BOTTOM (9)
An active tone control (shelving type ±15 dB) that varies the low frequency boost or cut. Note: This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
BODY (10)
An active tone control (peak/notch, ±15 dB) that varies the mid frequency boost or cut. Note: This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
EDGE (11)
An active tone control (shelving type, ±15 dB) that varies the high frequency boost or cut. Note: This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
Effects
REVERB (12)
Controls the overall reverb level.
RATE CONTROL (13)
Controls the sweep rate (frequency) of the chorus effect.
DEPTH CONTROL (14)
Controls the depth (intensity) of the chorus effect.
Power
POWER LED (15)
Illuminates when AC power is being supplied to the amp.
POWER SWITCH (16)
Depress the switch to the "On" position. The red pilot light (LED) will illuminate indicating power is being supplied to the unit.
Rear Panel Connections
LINE CORD (120V PRODUCTS ONLY) (17)
For your safety, a 3-wire line (mains) cable with proper grounding facilities is incorporated. It is not advisable to remove the ground pin. If using the equipment without proper grounding facilities, suitable grounding adaptors should be used. Proper grounding reduces noise and shock hazard.
PREAMP OUT MIX 2 (18)
The Preamp Output can be used to route the amplified signal to a mixing console, tape recorder, etc. Connect using a shielded cable. This patch does not affect the operation of the amplifier. Note: When only this jack is used, a mixed chorus effect is present. When both preamp out jacks are engaged, only the chorused signal appears.
STEREO HEADPHONE JACK (19)
Provided for use with any stereo headset. One channel delivers signals processed by the chorus circuit, while the other delivers "dry" (unprocessed) signals. Monaural headsets are not recommended.
PREAMP OUT DRY 1 (20)
The preamp output can be used to route the amplified signal to a mixing console, tape recorder, etc. Connect using a shielded cable. This patch does not affect the operation of the amplifier. Note: The dry (unchorused) signal is always present at this jack, even when both preamp out jacks are engaged. This jack should be used for normal preamp out patching when the chorus effect is not desired.
REMOTE SWITCH (21)
Provided for connection of the optional remote footswitch (#5996). The footswitch is used to select the Lead or Normal channels and defeat reverb and the chorus effect.
Tone Settings
Tone settings are general and will vary according to type of guitar, strings, pickup, and playing style. These examples provide a starting point for desired tonality.
CLEAN
General settings for a clean tone.
METAL
Settings geared towards heavy distortion and aggressive tones.
JAZZ
Settings suitable for jazz tones, often with a warmer, smoother sound.
MEDIUM DISTORTION
Balanced settings for classic rock and blues distortion.
COUNTRY-CLEAN
Settings designed for clean, bright tones often used in country music.
COUNTRY LEAD
Settings for lead guitar tones in country music, often with more drive.
Block Diagram Description
The block diagram illustrates the signal path within the unit, showing how inputs are processed through various stages like preamp, EQ, effects, and power amp to produce the final output.
Specifications
POWER AMP SECTION
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated Power & Load (each channel) | 30 W RMS into 8 ohms/driven separately; 25W RMS into 8 ohms/both channels driven (50 W RMS total) |
| Power @ Clipping (Typical each channel, 5% THD, 1 kHz, 120 V AC line) | 25 W RMS into 8 ohms/both channels driven |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less than 0.2%, 100 mW to 20 W RMS, 40 Hz to 15 kHz, 8 ohms (Typically below 0.1%) |
| Power Consumption (Domestic) | 150 W @ 120 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
PREAMP SECTION
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| High Gain Input Impedance | High Z, 200 K ohms |
| High Gain Input Nominal Level | -20 dBV, 100 mV RMS |
| High Gain Input Minimum Level | -36 dBV, 15 mV RMS |
| High Gain Input Maximum Level | +16 dBV, 6 V RMS |
| Low Gain Input Impedance (10 dB pad) | High Z, 69 K ohms |
| Low Gain Input Nominal Level | -10 dBV, 300 mV RMS |
| Low Gain Input Minimum Level | -26 dBV, 45 mV RMS |
| Low Gain Input Maximum Level | +26 dBV, 18 V RMS |
| Preamp #1 Output (Dry signal, no chorus) Load Impedance | 10 K ohms or greater |
| Preamp #1 Output Nominal Output | 0 dBV, 1 V RMS |
| Preamp #1 Output Maximum Output | +18 dBV, 8 V RMS |
| Preamp #2 Output (Mix of dry and chorus signals) Load Impedance | 10 K ohms or greater |
| Preamp #2 Output Nominal Output | 0 dBV, 1 V RMS |
| Preamp #2 Output Maximum Output | +18 dBV, 8 V RMS |
| Headphone Output (Stereo jack, stereo signal) Load Impedance | 4 ohms or greater/channel |
| Headphone Output Nominal Power Output | 100 mW into 4 ohms/channel |
| System Hum & Noise (@ Nominal Input Levels, 20 Hz to 20 kHz unweighted) | 74 dB below rated power |
Normal Channel Equalization
Low, mid, & high passive type EQ.
Lead Channel Voicing
Special Bottom, Body, & Edge EQ.
Pull Gain
Increases SuperSat® gain.
External Footswitch Function
Reverb defeat (when reverb control raised); Lead channel defeat (when selected with button); Chorus defeat (when selected with button).
Important Safety Instructions
⚠️ WARNING: When using electric products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Read all safety and operating instructions before using this product.
- All safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
- Obey all cautions in the operating instructions and on the back of the unit.
- All operating instructions should be followed.
- This product should not be used near water, i.e., a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, wet basement, etc.
- This product should be located so that its position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. It should not be placed flat against a wall or placed in a built-in enclosure that will impede the flow of cooling air.
- This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.
- Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
- Never break off the ground pin on the power supply cord. For more information on grounding, write for our free booklet "Shock Hazard and Grounding."
- Power supply cords should always be handled carefully. Never walk or place equipment on power supply cords. Periodically check cords for cuts or signs of stress, especially at the plug and the point where the cord exits the unit.
- The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
- If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
- Metal parts can be cleaned with a damp rag. The vinyl covering used on some units can be cleaned with a damp rag or an ammonia-based household cleaner if necessary. Disconnect unit from power supply before cleaning.
- Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through the ventilation holes or any other openings.
- This unit should be checked by a qualified service technician if:
- The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
- Anything has fallen or been spilled into the unit.
- The unit does not operate correctly.
- The unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
- The user should not attempt to service this equipment. All service work should be done by a qualified service technician.
- This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by Peavey Electronics.
Noise Exposure Information
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
| Duration Per Day In Hours | Sound Level dBA, Slow Response |
|---|---|
| 8 | 90 |
| 6 | 92 |
| 4 | 95 |
| 3 | 97 |
| 2 | 100 |
| 1 1/2 | 102 |
| 1 | 105 |
| 1/2 | 110 |
| 1/4 or less | 115 |
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or protectors must be worn when operating this amplification system to prevent permanent hearing loss. It is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
Limited Warranty
This limited warranty is valid only when purchased and registered in the United States or Canada. All exported products are subject to warranty and services specified by the authorized distributor for each country.
PEAVEY ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY/REMEDY
PEAVEY ELECTRONICS CORPORATION ("PEAVEY") warrants this product, EXCEPT for covers, footswitches, patchcords, tubes and meters, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase. This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser and is subject to the conditions, exclusions, and limitations set forth herein.
PEAVEY 90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY ON TUBES AND METERS
If this product contains tubes or meters, Peavey warrants them to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase. This warranty is also extended only to the original retail purchaser and is subject to the conditions, exclusions, and limitations set forth herein.
CONDITIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND LIMITATIONS OF LIMITED WARRANTIES
These limited warranties shall be void if:
- The first purchase of the product is for the purpose of resale.
- The original retail purchase is not made from an AUTHORIZED PEAVEY DEALER.
- The product has been damaged by accident, unreasonable use, neglect, improper service or maintenance, or other causes not arising out of defects in material or workmanship.
- The serial number affixed to the product is altered, defaced, or removed.
In the event of a defect covered by this limited warranty, Peavey will:
- For tubes or meters: Replace the defective component without charge.
- For other covered cases: Repair the defect or replace the product, at Peavey's option. All shipping costs, if necessary, are paid by the purchaser.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
The WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD SHOULD BE ACCURATELY COMPLETED AND MAILED TO AND RECEIVED BY PEAVEY WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR PURCHASE.
To obtain service under these warranties, you must:
- Bring the defective item to any PEAVEY AUTHORIZED DEALER or AUTHORIZED PEAVEY SERVICE CENTER with the ORIGINAL PROOF OF PURCHASE.
- If the DEALER or SERVICE CENTER cannot provide service, you will be directed to another authorized location.
- Alternatively, ship the defective item, prepaid, to: PEAVEY ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, International Service Center, 326 Hwy. 11 & 80 East, Meridian, MS 39301. Include a detailed description of the problem, a legible copy of the PROOF OF PURCHASE, and a complete return address. Peavey will repair or replace the product and return it, FREIGHT COLLECT.
LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
Peavey's liability is limited to actual damages up to the greater of $500.00 or the purchase price of the product. This limitation does not apply to claims for personal injury or damage to real property caused by Peavey's negligence. Peavey is not liable for damage from non-Peavey alterations or attachments, or damage to interconnected non-Peavey equipment. Peavey shall not be liable for lost profits, incidental, or consequential damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
These limited warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including implied warranties of MERCHANTABILITY and FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion of incidental/consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. These warranties give you specific legal rights that may vary by state.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD INSTRUCTIONS
- Mail the completed WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD to: PEAVEY ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, P.O. BOX 2898, Meridian, MS 39302-2898.
- Keep the PROOF OF PURCHASE.
- Notify Peavey of any address changes.
You may contact Peavey directly by telephoning (601) 483-5365.
Other Peavey Products
For further information on other Peavey products, ask your Authorized Peavey Dealer for the appropriate Peavey catalog/publication.
- Bass Guitars
- Guitars
- Bass Amplification
- Guitar Amplification
- Sound Reinforcement Enclosures
- Microphones
- Keyboards
- DJ
- Lighting
- Mixers, Powered/Non-Powered
- Accessories/Cables
- Effects Processors
- Axcess™ Wear
- The Peavey Beat™
- Monitor® Magazine
- Key Issues™
- Low Down™
- PM™ Magazine
