SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Safety Instructions............................................................................................................ 2–3 Introduction / Features......................................................................................................................... 4 The Front Panel............................................................................................................................... 5–6 The Rear Panel...............
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Introduction Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of an Ampeg SVT-VR bass guitar amplifier. This versatile and powerful bass amplifier delivers up to 300 watts of unsurpassed quality, offering the classic vibrance of tubes, as well as contemporary features. The SVT-VR amplifier is an ideal companion to the SVT-410HLF, SVT-610HLF, SVT-810AV or SVT-810E cabinet, available separately.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier The Front Panel 1 1. 2. 2 3 7 8 9 4 5 6 ONE: (The Channel One Input jacks): The signal output from an instrument or a line-level signal may be connected to this 1/4" input by means of a shielded instrument cable. Either the bright or normal jack may be used. The bright jack enhances the high frequencies of the input signal. The signal at these jacks is sent into the channel one preamp section [tone and volume controls].
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier The Front Panel continued 1 2 3 7 8 9 4 5 6 11. TREBLE: Use this to adjust the high frequency level of channel two. This provides up to 12 dB of boost, or 12 dB of cut at 4 kHz. The high frequency output is flat at the center position. 12. BASS: Use this to adjust the low frequency level of channel two. This provides up to 12 dB of boost, or 12 dB of cut at 40 Hz. The low frequency output is flat at the center position. 13.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier The Rear Panel 17 18 19 20 17. IEC POWER INPUT CONNECTOR: This is where you connect the supplied AC power cord. Plug the male end of the cord into a grounded AC outlet. DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND PRONG OF THE AC PLUG! 18. FUSE: This protects the unit from damage due to overload conditions or power line surges. If the fuse blows, replace it only with the same size and type. 19. POLARITY: Place this switch in the position that provides the least electrical buzz from the unit.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier The Rear Panel continued 17 18 19 20 21 28. IMPEDANCE SELECTOR: Use this switch to match the output impedance of the amp to the speaker(s) being used (2 or 4 ohms). For help in deciding the total impedance of your system, consult the chart below. Cabinet Impedance Number of Cabinets Total Impedance 2 ohms 1 2 ohms 4 ohms 1 4 ohms 4 ohms 2 2 ohms 8 ohms 2 4 ohms 8 ohms 4 2 ohms 22 23 25 26 27 24 28 29 29.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Suggested Settings Standard: * Back Pickup Fretless: Hard Edge: “Scooped”: * * * * = as needed 9
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Personal Settings 10
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Important information about tubes A brief history of the tube: In 1883, Thomas Edison discovered that electrons would flow from a suspended filament when enclosed in an evacuated lamp. Years later, in 1905, John Ambrose Fleming expanded on Edison’s discovery and created the “Fleming Valve”. Then, in 1907, Dr. Lee de Forest added a third component – the grid – to “Fleming’s Valve” and the vacuum tube was a fact of life. The door to electronic amplification was now open.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Tube types and usage continued... Power tubes are the largest tubes used in an amplifier, generate the most heat and wear out the fastest. These tubes convert the low-level, conditioned signal from the preamplifier into a level that is sufficient to drive the speakers. There are several types of power tubes available, each of which offers a different performance/sound characteristic. For example, the EL34 power tube produces a great classic rock sound.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier The nature of tubes continued... Whenever replacing power tube(s): • Always have the amplifier’s bias voltage checked by a qualified service center. Improper bias voltage will cause degradation in performance and possibly damage tubes and/or the amplifier. (See the section below titled “The importance of proper biasing” for more information on this subject). • We highly recommend replacing the driver tube(s), as well.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Survival Tips for Tube Amplifiers To prolong tube life, observe these tips and recommendations: • Match the impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) to the amplifier. Improper impedance matching will contribute to early tube degradation and may cause premature tube failure. • Make sure the speaker(s) are properly connected prior to turning on the amplifier. • After playing the amplifier, allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Changing the Tubes Tubes wear out in direct proportion to how often and how hard you use the amplifier. Power tubes should be checked at least once a year – more frequently if you use the amplifier nearly every day. When power tubes wear out, the amplifier will begin to grow weak, lack punch, fade up and down, or lose highs and lows. Power tubes work together in a push/pull configuration and should be replaced at the same time with matched or balanced tubes.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier Troubleshooting In the unlikely event that your SVT-VR 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 cure for the problem is something quite simple. If you think the problem may be worn out tubes, see page 12–13 for symptoms of tube failure.
NORMAL TWO BRIGHT NORMAL ONE BRIGHT LIFT LEVEL ULTRA ULTRA VOLUME HIGH LOW POST PRE ULTRA ULTRA VOLUME HIGH LOW GND BASS TREBLE TRANSFORMER BAL.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier SVT–VR Technical Specifications Output Power Rating 300 watts rms minimum continuous @ <5% THD into 2 or 4 ohms, 0.
SVT-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier SVT–VR Service Information Service Information If you are having a problem with your SVT-VR, you can go to our website (www.ampeg.com) and click on Support for service information, or call Technical Support at 1-800-898-3211 Monday – Friday during normal business hours, Pacific Time, to receive assistance. If you are outside of the U.S., contact your local distributor for technical support and service. The SVT-VR is covered with a durable fabric-backed vinyl material.
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