Table of Contents:
Introduction.............................................................................................3
The Front Panel ...................................................................................4,5
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products
A Brief History Of The Tube............................................................6
Preamp Tube Types and Usage......................................................7
The Nature of Tubes: Why (and When) to Replace Them ...........8
Survival Tips For Tube Amplifiers..................................................9
System Block Diagram.........................................................................10
Technical Specifications .......................................................back cover
2
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” (75mm) 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 OPERA-
TION 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.
• WARNING: THIS UNIT REQUIRES A SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRIC CODES HAVING THE LINE SUPPLY VOLTAGE,
POWER, AND FREQUENCY IDENTIFIED ON THE REAR OF THE UNIT. THE OUTLET MUST REMAIN ACCESSIBLE TO DISCONNECT THE UNIT IF A
FAULT SHOULD ARISE WHILE IN USE. THIS UNIT SHOULD BE UNPLUGGED WHEN NOT IN USE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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.
"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"
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS:
EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
“VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
=
=
PRECAUCION
RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO
NO ABRA
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
RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
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.
2
Thank you for selecting the Ampeg Rocket Bass amplifier. Inspired
by the classic Ampeg bass amps of the sixties, this easy-to-use
amplifier represents Ampeg’s quest to provide you the finest
instrument amplification systems available. In order to get the most
out of your new amplifier, please read this user’s guide prior to its use.
3
Introduction:
1. 0dB Input accepts a standard 1/4” instrument
plug from your bass. This input is suited for use
with instruments that have passive electronics.
2. -15dB Input accepts a standard 1/4” instrument plug from high output basses. This input is
padded 15dB to compensate for higher output
sources and is suited for use with basses that
have active electronics or high output pickups.
3. Ultra Low increases the low frequency output
by 7dB at 40Hz. This adds to the rumble and
overall feel of the low bass notes.
4. Ultra Mid decreases the mid frequency output by 6dB at 600Hz. This removes some of the
middle frequencies for a “contoured” sound.
5. Ultra High increases the high frequency output by 7dB at 5kHz. This adds crispness to your
sound.
6. Peak LED illuminates when the Gain control
(#8) is set too high. This indicates overdriving of
the preamplifier which causes clipping. (See the
Gain control, #8.)
7. Signal LED illuminates when the Gain control
(#8) is adjusted properly. (See the text for the
Gain control.)
8. Gain must be adjusted to match the output of
your instrument to the amplifier. For the proper
setting, turn on the amplifier, rotate the Gain
control and the Master control (#13) fully counter clockwise and begin playing your bass.
Rotate the Gain control clockwise until the
Signal LED (#7) illuminates while playing and
the Peak LED (#6) flashes occasionally.
9. Bass adjusts the output level of the low frequencies and offers a cut or boost of 12dB at
70Hz.
10. Low Mid adjusts the output level of the lower
midrange frequencies and offers a cut or boost
of 12dB at 300Hz.
11. High Mid adjusts the output level of the
upper midrange frequencies and offers a cut or
boost of 11dB at 1.5kHz.
12. Treble adjusts the output level of the high
frequencies and offers a cut or boost of 14dB at
7kHz.
4
The Front Panel:
6
1 2 3 4 5
7
8 9 10
13. Master controls the overall output level of
the amplifier.
14. XLR Line Out supplies a mono line level signal for connecting to a mixing console, tape
recorder or external amplifier. The signal at this
jack is pre-Master and post-EQ.
15. Phones allows the connection of a pair of
stereo headphones for private practice sessions. The internal speaker is disconnected
whenever headphones are used.
16. Line Out / Phones adjusts the output level
of the signal at the XLR Line Out jack (#14) and
the signal level at the Phones jack (#15).
17. Power light indicates the amplifier is turned
on by glowing an iridescent blue color.
18. Power switch is used to turn the amplifier
on and off.
19. Power cord (rear panel, not shown) connects the amplifier to a suitable source of A.C.
voltage. The grounded power cord should only
be plugged into a grounded power outlet that
meets all applicable electrical codes and is compatible with the voltage, power and frequency
requirements stated on the rear panel. Do not
attempt to defeat the safety groung connection!
5
17
11 13 16
12
14
15
18
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products:
6
A Brief History Of The Tube:
In 1883, Edison discovered that electrons would flow from a suspended filament when enclosed
in an evacuated lamp. Years later, in 1905, 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 the "Fleming's Valve" and the vacuum tube was a fact of life. The door to electronic amplification was now open.
During World War II, data gleaned from their intensive research on the detectors used in radar
systems led Bell Telephone Laboratories to the invention of the transistor. This reliable little
device gained quick support as the new component for amplification. The death of the vacuum
tube seemed imminent as designers, scientists, and engineers reveled in the idea of replacing
large, fragile glass tubes with these small, solid-state devices.
However, there were (and still are) many serious listeners who realized that the sound produced
by a "transistor" amplifier is significantly different from that produced by a tube amplifier with
identical design specifications. They considered the sound produced by these new solid-state
devices to be hard, brittle, and lifeless. It was determined that solid-state devices produced a
less musical set of harmonics than tubes. When pushed past their limits, they tend to mute the
tone and emphasize the distortion.
Tubes, on the other hand, produce a more musical set of harmonics, the intensity of which can
be controlled by the player. This characteristic adds warmth and definition to the sound which
has become the hallmark of tube amplifiers. When tubes are driven into clipping, the harmonic
overtones can be both sweet and pleasing or intense and penetrating, depending on the musician’s musical taste and playing technique.
Over the years, application engineers have designed a number of outstanding solid-state amplifiers that sound very, very good. Some use special circuitry which enables them to simulate the
distortion characteristics of a tube amplifier. However, the tube amplifier, still held in the highest
esteem by many musicians, offers a classic "vintage" sound in a contemporary market.
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
7
Preamp Tube Types And Usage:
The tubes used in the preamplifier (12AX7, 12AU7, 12AT7, etc.) amplify the signal from your
instrument and shape the sound. They are inherently microphonic (mechanically pick up and
transmit external noises). Since these tubes are used in the critical first stages of a tube amplifier's circuitry, it is very important to use high-quality, low noise/low microphonic tubes for this
application. Although tubes of this quality may be difficult to find and typically cost more than "offthe-shelf" tubes, the improvement in performance is worth the investment.
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
8
The Nature Of Tubes: Why (And When) To Replace Them:
Tubes are made up of a number of fragile mechanical components that are vacuum-sealed in a
glass envelope or bubble. The tube's longevity is based on a number of factors which include
how hard and often the amplifier is played, vibration from the speakers, road travel, repeated set
up and tear down, etc.
If your amplifier squeals, makes noise, loses gain, starts to hum, lacks “sensitivity,” or feels as
if it is working against you, the preamp tube may need to be replaced. Remember to use only
high quality, low mocrophonic tubes.
If you’re on the road a lot, we recommend that you carry replacement tubes.
Important Information About Tubes and Tube Products (continued):
9
Survival Tips For Tube Amplifiers:
To prolong tube life, observe these tips and recommendations:
• After playing the amplifier, allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it. A
properly cooled amplifier prolongs tube life due to the internal components being less susceptible to the damage caused by vibration.
• Allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on. The heat generated
by the tube elements can crack a cold glass housing.
• Protect the amplifier from dust and moisture. If liquid gets into the amplifier proper, or if the
amplifier is dropped or otherwise mechanically abused, have it checked out at an authorized
service center before using it.
• Proper maintenance and cleaning in combination with routine checkups by your authorized
service center will insure the best performance and longest life from your amplifier.
CAUTION: Tube replacement should be performed only by qualified service personnel
who are familiar with the dangers of hazardous voltages that are typically present in tube
circuitry.
10
System Block Diagram:
12AU7
0dB
INPUT
TUBE
-15dB
INPUT
MASTER
LIMITER
POWER
AMP
GAIN
LOW
WITH HORN
WITHOUT HORN
ULTRA
LOW
LO
MID
ULTRA
MID
HI
MID
ULTRA
XO
HIGH
HIGH
HF
SPEAKER
LF
SPEAKER
LF
SPEAKER
HEAD
PHONES
LINE OUT/
HP LEVEL
BAL.
LINE OUT
11
B-200R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT POWER RATING 220 Watts RMS, 4 ohm load, 5% THD, 120 VAC
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO 70dB Typical
POWER REQUIREMENTS 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 320VA
100/120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 320VA
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 320VA
GAIN 38 dB
ULTRA LOW +7dB @ 40Hz
ULTRA MID -6dB @ 600Hz
ULTRA HIGH +7dB @ 5kHz
BASS ±12dB @70Hz
LOW MID ±12dB @300Hz
HIGH MID ±11dB @1.5kHz
TREBLE ±14dB @7kHz
PREAMP TUBE (1) 12AU7
SPEAKER SPECS 15”, 250 w, 4 ohm, 2.5” voice coil dia., 56 oz. magnet
1” High Efficiency Piezo tweeter
SIZE AND WEIGHT 22.25” W x 22.5” H x 14.25” D
69 lbs.
Ampeg continually develops new products, as well as improves existing ones. For this reason,
the specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice..
P/N 47-436-01 • 111005
www.ampeg.com
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