BUGERA BVP5500 Valve Bass Amplifier

Safety and Operation Guide

Important: Read this document before using the product. Refer to the booklet for more information.

Safety Precautions

⚠️ CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!

⚠️ ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE! NE PAS OUVRIR!

⚡️ To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover or any parts. Do not touch internal components. If the product malfunctions, contact authorized service personnel.

? To prevent fire and electric shock hazards, do not install this unit in wet or humid locations. Avoid exposing the unit to water. Do not place water-containing objects, such as vases, on the unit.

⚡️ Warning: High voltage is present inside areas marked with this symbol. Touching these areas may result in electric shock.

? Important instructions for handling and care are included in the accompanying owner's manual. Please read it carefully before use.

General Safety Instructions

1. Read the owner's manual thoroughly.
2. Keep the owner's manual for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this unit near water.
6. Always use a dry cloth for cleaning.
7. Install the unit in a location that does not obstruct ventilation, following the instructions in the owner's manual.
8. Keep the unit away from heat sources such as electric heaters, heat-air flow devices, stoves, or cooking surfaces.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized (one blade wider than the other) or grounding-type (three-prong) plug. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched. Pay attention to the connection of the power cord, plug, and outlet to the unit.
11. Ensure all equipment is properly grounded.
12. If using a power strip or power outlet as the disconnecting device, ensure it is readily accessible.
13. Only use accessories specified by the manufacturer.
14. Use only carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables specified by the manufacturer or sold with the unit. Exercise caution when moving carts with the unit to avoid injury from tipping.
15. Unplug the unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
16. In case of malfunction, contact authorized service personnel. If the power cord or plug is damaged, liquid has spilled into the unit, objects have fallen into the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, it does not operate normally, or it has been dropped, have it inspected and serviced by qualified personnel.

Connection Examples

The following diagrams illustrate typical connection setups for the BUGERA BVP5500.

Example 1: Basic Setup with Effects

This setup shows a guitar connected to the BUGERA BVP5500. An external effects processor (e.g., Virtualizer Pro DSP2024P) and a tuner (e.g., Racktuner BTR2000) are connected via the Effects Loop (Send/Return) and Tuner Output respectively. A dual footswitch (e.g., FSB102BVP) is connected for remote control. The amplifier is then connected to speaker cabinets.

Example 2: Advanced Setup with Mixer and Multiple Effects

This setup connects a guitar to the BVP5500. Multiple effects pedals (e.g., Bass Chorus BCH100, Bass Limiter Enhancer BLE100, Echo Machine EM600, Ultra Wah UW300, TU300 Tuner) are chained and connected via the Effects Loop. A mixer (e.g., Xenyx 1202FX) is connected to the Line Output for recording or live sound reinforcement. A dual footswitch (e.g., FSB102BVP) is also connected. The amplifier is connected to speaker cabinets.

Controls

Familiarize yourself with the controls on the front and rear panels of the BVP5500.

Front Panel Controls

• INPUT JACK: Connect your instrument here using a 1/4" TS cable.
• (CLIP) LED: Monitors the signal level from the amplifier's circuits. It should light up occasionally, not constantly.
• GAIN: Adjusts the preamp input level. Turn clockwise to increase gain.
• PRIMARY TONE CONTROLS: BASS, MID, FREQUENCY, TREBLE. These controls shape your tone by boosting or cutting various frequency ranges.
• GAIN CONTROL: This knob adjusts the preamp's input level.
• 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQ: Use the graphic EQ sliders to boost or cut specific frequency bands for detailed tone shaping.
• MASTER VOLUME & VALVE GAIN:
  • MASTER VOLUME: Controls the overall volume of the amplifier.
  • VALVE GAIN: Turning this knob fully clockwise maximizes dynamic response. Turning it counter-clockwise provides valve compression and harmonics.
• EFFECTS LOOP/INSERT CHANNEL: Connect external effects processors into the signal path or send the preamp's tone to the power amp. This typically involves SEND and RETURN jacks.
• TUNER OUTPUT/FOOTSWITCH: A direct signal from the INPUT JACK is split here. Connect an external tuner or the FSB102BVP footswitch.

Rear Panel Connections

• SPEAKER CABLE JACKS: Connect the BVP5500 to speaker cabinets using professional speaker cables with 1/4" or locking plugs. The minimum total load impedance is 4 ohms.
• LINE OUTPUT (BALANCED OUTPUT): These balanced output jacks send the BVP5500's signal to a mixer or recorder. The LEVEL knob adjusts the signal volume. The PRE/POST button allows you to select between the direct signal from the front panel instrument input or the signal processed by the preamp and effects loop.

Getting Started: Initial Setup

Follow these steps for your initial setup:

1. Connect your bass guitar to the INPUT JACK using a 1/4" TS instrument cable.
2. Set the GAIN CONTROL and MASTER VOLUME knobs to their minimum settings. Turn the VALVE GAIN to maximum. Set all other controls to their center positions.
3. Turn up the GAIN CONTROL until the (CLIP) LED lights up occasionally as you play.
4. Turn up the MASTER VOLUME CONTROL to the desired listening level.
5. Adjust the PRIMARY TONE CONTROLS (BASS, MID, FREQUENCY, TREBLE) to shape your basic tone.
6. Use the GRAPHIC EQ sliders to fine-tune your tone. Move sliders up or down to boost or cut specific frequencies. Adjust the LEVEL slider to compensate for any gain changes from the main GRAPHIC EQ sliders.

Technical Specifications

Important Notes

Failure to observe the following may result in damage to the amplifier or loudspeakers. Damage incurred under such circumstances is not covered by warranty.

• Ensure loudspeakers have the correct impedance and that appropriate output sockets are used.
• Always use speaker cables to connect the amplifier and loudspeakers. Do not use instrument or microphone cables.

Before Use

This product was carefully packed at the factory for safe transport. If the cardboard box shows signs of damage, inspect the equipment immediately for physical damage.

• If the equipment is damaged, do not send it back to us directly. Notify your retailer and the shipping carrier immediately. Otherwise, all exchange/repair requests may be invalidated.
• Always use the original packaging to prevent damage during storage and transport.
• Keep children away and do not let them play with the equipment or packaging.
• Dispose of all packaging materials in an environmentally appropriate manner.
• Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not use near heating appliances to avoid overheating.
• Ensure all equipment is properly grounded. Do not remove the ground conductor from the equipment or power cord. The equipment must always be connected to a safety ground outlet.

Important Installation Notes

• Sound quality may be affected by strong broadcast radio waves or high-frequency sources. Maintain distance from transmitters and use shielded cables for all connections.

Other Important Information

1. Fuse Holder / Voltage Selection: Before connecting the unit to a power socket, ensure you are using the correct mains voltage for your model. Some units feature a fuse holder with two positions for switching between 230V and 120V. Never replace a fuse with one of an incorrect rating.
2. Malfunctions: BUGERA intends to repair BUGERA products as quickly as possible. Please contact your BUGERA dealer. If there is no BUGERA dealer near you, contact one of our subsidiaries or distributors listed in the support area of www.bugera-amps.com.

Further Information

Need More Information About This Product?

For advanced users, more detailed PDF Owner's Manuals are available on www.bugera-amps.com. These can be downloaded in English, French, Spanish, and often German, among other languages.

Technical data and product appearance are subject to change without notice. The information contained herein is current at the time of printing. BUGERA assumes no liability for any damage or loss resulting from actions taken by customers based on any or all of the statements, representations, or specifications contained herein. Colors and specifications may vary slightly from the product. Products are sold only through authorized BUGERA dealers. Distributors and dealers are not authorized agents of BUGERA and have no authority to bind BUGERA in any manner, whether by express or implied undertaking or representation. This manual is protected by copyright. No part of this manual may be reproduced, used, modified, transmitted, distributed, or adapted without the prior written consent of RED CHIP COMPANY LTD.

Copyright © 2009 Red Chip Company Ltd. Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands