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Ampeg Bass Combo B2R User Manual

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    							Owner’s Guide
    for the
    B2/B2R
    Bass Amplifier
    Made in the U.S.A.by 
    						
    							2T
    ABLEOFCONTENTS
    Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
    Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
    Important Safeguards and Precautions  . . . . . . . . . .3
    The Front Panel Controls and Their Use  . . . . . . . .4
    The Rear Panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
    Some Suggested Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
    Rack Mounting (B2R only)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
    Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
    System Block Diagram  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
    Technical Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
    Thank youfor making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career – choosing one of the
    finest bass amplifiers available, the Ampeg B2/B2R.
    Whether you’ve purchased the portable B2 combo system or the two-space rack-mountable B2R head version,
    your new B2/B2R bass amplifier provides many outstanding features. Three hundred and fifty watts of pure bass
    energy, total tone control and rugged construction make each one a true performer’s bass amp.
    In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg’s SVT amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition,
    the B2/B2R 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. 
    •9-BAND GRAPHIC EQ:Use as a “second channel” for bass solos, or to shape your sound to your
    own exacting standards. 
    •BALANCED LINE OUTPUT:XLR with independent level switch (20dB pad). Patch into house
    consoles, mixing boards, or external power amplifiers.
    • EFFECTS LOOP:For increased intensity and quieter operation of external effects.
    • POWER AMP IN and PREAMP OUT:Allows direct access into the power amp and a signal tap
    from the preamp section for even greater versatility.
    • MUSICIAN MADE IN THE U.S.A.
    An introduction To Your New Ampeg B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    Features 
    						
    							3
    CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
    DO NOT OPEN
    CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
    DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
    NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
    REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
    ATTENTIONRISQUE DELECTROCUTION
    NE PAS OUVRIR
    ATTENTION: POUR REDUIRE DELECTROCUTION NE PAS
    ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE NEST REPRABLE
    PAR LUTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, SADRESSER A UN
    TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.
    VORSICHTELEKTRISCHE SCHLAGGEFAHR
    NICHT OFFENEN
    VORSICHT: ZUR MINIMIERUNG ELEKTRISCHER SCHLAGGEFAHR NICHT
    DEN DECKEL ABENHMEN. INTERNE TEILE KONNEN NICHT VOM
    BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN. DIE WARTUNG IS QUALIFIZIERTEM
    WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU UBERLASSEN.
    THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND RELIABLE OPERATION. IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE UNITAND PREVENT ACCIDEN-
    TAL DAMAGES OR INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:
    WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN CHASSIS; DO NOT DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OF THE POWER CORD; CONNECT ONLY TO A PROP-
    ERLY GROUNDED AC POWER OUTLET.
    CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
    CAUTION:NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
    CAUTION: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.  The chart below shows the U.S.
    Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations which were in effect at the time of this publication for permissible noise exposure, per 29CRF1910, Table G-16.
    According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of those listed above could result in some hearing loss.
    IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
    REFERREZ-VOUS AU  MANUAL DUTILISATION
    UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG NACHSCHLAGEN EXPLANATION OF
    GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
    DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
    DANGER HAUTE TENSION
    GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG=
    =
    SOUND LEVEL dBA DURATION PER DAY
    SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS
    90 8
    92 6
    95 4
    97 3
    100 2SOUND LEVEL dBA DURATION PER DAY
    SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS
    102 1-1/2
    105 1
    11 0 1 / 2
    115 1/4 or less
    B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    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,
    NEVERremove or otherwise attempt to defeat the ground pin of the power cord.
    •Connect the amplifier ONLYto 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 ser-
    vice center.)
    •NEVERset the amplifier on a support that might give out under its weight.
    •Whenever using tall or stacked speaker cabinets, use them ONLYon a level surface. NEVERset tall
    or stacked cabinets on a surface with more than a five degree incline since tipping or falling could
    occur, possibly causing serious injuries.
    •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.
    •Don’t 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 irre-
    versible!  
    						
    							4
    The Front Panel Controls and Their Use
    B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    0 +12dB
    -12dB 40Hz 8kHz5kHz 2kHz 900Hz 600Hz 300Hz 150Hz 80Hz
    EQ LIMIT PEAK -15dB
    ON
    GAIN PAD BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE MASTER LIMITER INPUT
    ON
    POWER
    0
    12876541091131213
    1. 0dB (INPUT):The signal output from an
    instrument (active or passive) or a line level
    signal may be connected here by means of
    a shielded instrument cable.
    2. 15dB PAD:This switch, when
    depressed, attenuates the input signal by
    15dB. Attenuation allows the Gain control
    (#4) to be used over a larger portion of its
    range. If clipping is indicated with the Gain
    control near minimum, attenuation is need-
    ed.
    3. PEAK LED: This LED flashes when the
    signal level into the preamp approaches
    clipping. Adjust the Gain control (#4) until a
    strong signal from your instrument causes
    this LED to flicker.
    NOTE:If the LED flashes frequently with
    the gain at a low setting, use the 15dB Pad
    (#2) to attenuate the input signal and read-
    just the Gain.
    4. GAIN:This serves as the input level
    control for the amplifier. For the best signal-
    to-noise ratio set this control so the Peak
    LED (#3) flashes when you strike a string
    fairly hard.
    5. BASS:This is the primary low frequency
    control which allows for 8dB of cut or boost
    at 50Hz.6. ULTRA-MID:This is the primary
    midrange control. Rotate the control to the
    left of center for a “contoured” sound (more
    distant, less midrange output) or to the
    right of center for a pronounced (more up-
    front) tone.
    7. TREBLE:This is the primary high fre-
    quency control which allows for 12dB of
    boost or 19dB of cut at 5kHz.
    8. MASTER:Set the overall output level of
    the amplifier with this control. The Effects
    Loop and Balanced Out (#19-21,24) are
    not affected by the Master control.
    9. LIMITER:The B2/B2R uses an internal
    Optocoupler Limiter to assist in keeping the
    power amplifier’s output “clean” at extreme
    volume levels. (All amplifiers begin to clip
    their output signals as they approach maxi-
    mum output levels, resulting in distortion
    which may damage your speakers.) To
    engage the Limiter, depress the Limit
    switch. Whenever the amplifier is at full
    power, the adjacent LED will flash. This is
    an indication that the limiter is keeping peak
    signals from clipping the output.
    NOTE:Playing at full power with the Limiter
    off will give you increased output power, but
    the sound may be distorted. Use discretion
    when playing without the Limiter.10. EQ ON SWITCH:Depress this switch
    to activate the Graphic EQ. The adjacent
    LED illuminates when the EQ is on.
    11. GRAPHIC EQ:These sliders control
    the output of the frequencies indicated
    above each control. The center position of
    each control is flat (no boost or cut).
    12. POWER ON LED:This LED indicator
    illuminates when the POWER switch (#13)
    is ON.
    13. POWER SWITCH:This heavy-duty
    rocker switch applies the 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. 
    						
    							5
    The Rear Panel
    B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    MODEL:
    SERIAL:
        LINE:         V ~          Hz
    WATTS:             MAXB2R
    Q2ZZ650022
    120     60  
     
    15161819202123 24221417
    14. FAN:This temperature controlled, vari-
    able speed fan draws cool air into the
    amplifier, which forces heat out through the
    exhaust vents. Never block the vent holes
    or the fan opening.
    15. FUSE:This protects the unit from dam-
    age due to overload conditions or power
    line surges. If the fuse blows, replace it
    only with the same size and type.
    16. AC LINE IN:Firmly insert the supplied
    AC power cord into this socket until it is
    fully seated. Plug the male end of the cord
    into a grounded AC outlet. DO NOT
    DEFEAT THE GROUND PRONG OF THE
    AC PLUG!
    17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS:Use these
    jacks to connect the amplifier to your
    speaker(s) using cables terminated with
    1/4” connectors. For the B2 combo, use the
    supplied speaker cable to connect the out-
    put of the amplifier to the speaker jack. An
    extension speaker with an impedance of 8
    ohms or higher may be connected and
    allows the amplifier to deliver its maximum
    power.
    NOTE: In some areas 1/4” jacks are not
    acceptable for use as extension speak-
    er jacks. For this reason the 1/4” jacks
    on your amplifier may be factory-sealed.
    In such cases use the Speakon
    ®jack to
    connect to external speaker cabinets.For the B2R, connect the output(s) using
    high quality speaker cables.
    NOTE:When connecting multiple
    speaker cabinets to the B2/B2R, keep
    the overall impedance at or above four
    ohms!The following chart shows the total
    impedance load when connecting speaker
    cabinets in parallel:
    18. POWER AMP IN:This mono jack
    allows you to feed the preamp output of
    another amplifier to the input of the
    B2/B2R’s internal power amp. This bypass-
    es the preamp circuitry of the B2/B2R.
    WARNING: This jack goes directly into
    the power amplifier. DO NOT connect
    high level signals to it!
    19. PREAMP OUT:A post-EQ signal may
    be taken from this jack and sent to the
    house mixing board, recording console or
    external power amplifier.
    20. EFFECTS RETURN:To use an exter-
    nal effects device, connect the OUTPUT of
    the device to this jack by means of a shield-
    ed cable. This feeds the processed signal
    into the Master section of the B2/B2R.21. EFFECTS SEND:Connect the output
    from this jack to the INPUT of your effects
    by means of a shielded cable. This sends a
    post-EQ signal to your effects.
    22. -20dB SWITCH :This switch adjusts
    the output level at the Balanced Line
    Output jack (#24). The control works inde-
    pendently from the front panel Master con-
    trol. Depressing the switch activates the
    20dB pad. The result is a signal that is
    more compatible with the microphone
    inputs on a mixer.
    23. PRE/POST SWITCH:You can select
    either Pre or Post EQ for the signal at the
    Balanced Out jack (#24) with this switch.
    With the switch in the OUT position, the
    signal at the jacks will be Pre-EQ. This is a
    direct output not affected by any EQ or
    boost settings. With the switch depressed,
    the signal is Post-EQ and is controlled and
    modified by the tone controls, Graphic EQ,
    and Effects Loop.
    24. BALANCED OUTPUT:This XLR-type
    connector supplies a balanced preamp out-
    put signal for connecting to a house mixing
    board, recording console or external ampli-
    fiers with balanced inputs. The signal can
    be set to Pre or Post EQ by the back panel
    Pre/Post switch (#23). The level can be
    adjusted for either mic or line type inputs
    using the -20dB switch (#22).
    Cabinet # of Total
    Impedance Cabs Impedance
    8Ω24Ω
    16Ω28Ω
    16Ω44Ω
    Speakon®is a registered trademark of Neutrik USA 
    						
    							PEAK -15dB
    GAIN PAD BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE MASTER
    PEAK  -15dB
    GAIN PAD BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE MASTER
    PEAK  -15dB
    GAIN PAD BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE MASTER
    PEAK  -15dB
    GAIN PAD BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE MASTER
    6
    Some Suggested Settings
    Rack Mounting (B2R only)
    JAZZ: ROCK:
    COUNTRY:
    FUNK “POPPING:”B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    The setting of the Gain control depends on your particular instrument. The
    Master should be set to produce the appropriate output volume level. The
    Graphic EQ can be used to tailor the amplifier to your speaker cabinets, to
    compensate for room acoustics and to “fine tune” your sound.
    When mounting the B2R 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 continual-
    ly safe and secure installation. 
    						
    							7 B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    Troubleshooting
    In the unlikely event that your B2/B2R should malfunction, take a few minutes to troubleshoot it before you call for ser-
    vice. You can save yourself a lot of time and sometimes money by doing it yourself, and often the cure for the problem
    is something quite simple. 
    If the problem isn’t covered above, or if the steps lead you here, then contact your Ampeg dealer for service infor-
    mation. Also, you should refer your amp to an authorized service center for servicing if it gets dropped, has liquid spilled
    into it, or sustains damage to its power cord (see page 3).
    System Block Diagram
    NO SOUND
    LEDs LIGHT
    POOR SOUND
    Check bass, cables
    Check speaker(s)
    Replace speaker(s)
    POOR SOUND
    LEDs DONT LIGHT
    Check AC outlet
    NO SOUND
    NO HUMHUM
    Listen for hum
    NO CHANGE
    SOUND OK
    SOUND OK
    POOR SOUNDSOUND OK
    SOUND OK
    SOUND OK
    Check amp controls, check
    for signal from bass
    Check power cord,
    fuse, power switchCheck house fusebox
    or circuit breakerSPEAKER(S) OK,
    POOR SOUNDSPEAKER(S)
    DEFECTIVE
    Check speaker Unplug bass,
    touch tip of cable
    LOUD HUM
    Check inst. pickup
    Speaker OK
    Replace cable
    NO CHANGE
    SEE BELOWSEE BELOW
    NO POWEROUTLET OK
    OK
    INPUT
    -15dB
    -20dB
    LIMIT
    ON LIMIT
    LED
    POWER
    AMPPROTECTION
    RELAYSPEAKON
    ®JACK
    SPEAKER
    OUTPUT
    SPEAKER
    OUTPUT
    POWER
    AMP IN
    PREAMP
    OUT
    EFFECTS
    RETURN
    EFFECTS
    SEND
    THERMAL
    SHUTDOWN,
    LOW VOLTAGE,
    DC PROTECT
    COOLING
    FAN BALANCED
    LINE OUT PRE
    POST
    EQMASTERGAIN
    ON
    9 BAND EQ
    PEAK LED
    BASS TREBLE
    ULTRA MID 
    						
    							Ampeg reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
    Ampeg is proudly Made in America. ©1999 SLM Electronics, 1400 Ferguson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63133 U.S.A.
    P/N 47-577-03 • 10/99
    B2/B2R Bass Amplifier
    Technical Specifications
    OUTPUT POWER RATING350 Watts RMS, 4 ohm load, 120VAC
    200 Watts RMS, 8 ohm load, 120VAC
    POWER REQUIREMENTS
    Domestic:120VAC, 60Hz, 310VA
    Export:100/120VAC, 50/60Hz, 310VA
    230-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 310VA
    TONE CONTROL RANGE
    Bass:±8dB @ 50Hz
    Ultra Mid:±8dB @ 500Hz
    Treble:+12dB/-19dB @ 5kHz  
    GRAPHIC EQ RANGE
    40Hz:±11dB
    80Hz:±8dB
    150Hz:±8dB
    300Hz:±8dB
    600Hz:±8dB
    900Hz:±8dB
    2kHz:±8dB
    5kHz:±9dB
    8kHz:±12dB
    GAIN45dB typical, tones @ center
    SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO75dB typical
    INTERNAL SPEAKER (B2 ONLY)
    Size/Type:15” Ampeg Custom (1)
    Magnet:56 oz.
    Voice Coil:2.5”
    Impedance:8 ohms
    SIZE AND WEIGHT
    B2:24” W x 24.5” H (26.5” w/casters) x 16” D; 87 lbs.
    B2R:19” W x 1.75” H x 12.75” D; 15 lbs.
    www.ampeg.com 
    						
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