Ampeg B500DR User Manual
User ’s Guide
for the
B500DR
Programmable Bass Amplifier
Made with Pride in the U.S.A. by
2
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Programming the B500DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEPALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
• DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNITREQUIRES 3”
(75CM) 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 BYTHE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION 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 PERMA-
NENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
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.
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.
"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 SYMBÔLESGRAPHIQUES:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
“VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
=
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B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier
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. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by SLM Electronics could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment under FCC rules.
3
An Introduction to the Ampeg B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier:
Thank you for making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career – choosing one
of the finest bass amps available, the Ampeg B500DR. This programmable bass amplifier delivers up to
500 watts of unsurpassed musical power, and offers several outstanding features.
All of the features and controls of your B500DR are covered in detail within the pages of this user’s guide.
We recommend going over them before you use the amplifier.
Features:
In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, the
B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier offers you more power, performance and flexibility than any other
bass amp in its class. The outstanding features of your new amplifier, features which set it apart from the
competition, are listed below.
• FOUR PROGRAMMABLE PRESETS: Program and keep four presets - access them with the
front panel Preset pushbuttons or with the Ampeg AFP4BD four-button footswitch (supplied)
Complete information about the B500DR’s presets and programs is on page 7.
• TWO SWITCHABLE INPUTS: Allows you to connect two instruments to the amplifier at one
time, then switch between them without having to disconnect and reconnect any cables - saves
time and eliminates distracting noise
• INPUT P AD: Useful for instruments with active and/or high output pickups
• LED INDICATOR CONTROL KNOBS: LEDs surrounding the Gain, EQ and Effects Blend con-
trols provide a visual indication of their settings for the selected Preset
• PEAK METER FEATURE: The LEDs around the Gain control act as a Peak/VU meter
• FX BLEND: Varies the amount of external effects mixed into the signal
• LIMIT CIRCUIT: Built-in protection from overdriving the amplifier - can be disabled by the front
panel Limit Defeat switch
• HEAVY-DUTY SPEAKER JACKS: A Speakon®jack is provided for a more reliable connection at
higher outputs, as well as a pair of 1/4” jacks
• BALANCED LINE OUTPUT: Balanced XLR line output jack with Level control - switchable for
Pre or Post EQ
• EFFECTS LOOP: Allows you to connect external effects to the amplifier
• POWER AMP IN/PREAMP OUT:A separate preamp may be connected to the Power Amp In
jack, and the Preamp Out jack may be connected to a slave amp, or use as a patch point for
active devices such as compressors, EQs, etc.
• CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION: A heavy duty, resettable circuit breaker provides protection
against fault conditions
Speakon®is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.
B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier
4
The Front Panel:
1. INPUT 1, INPUT 2: Use these jacks to connect your instrument(s)
to the amplifier by means of a shielded instrument cable. Only one
Input jack is active at a time, as determined by the Input switch (#2).
2. INPUT: Use this switch to select which of the Input jacks (#1) is
active. The LEDs adjacent to the jacks indicate which of the Inputs is
active. This feature is perfect in situations where a player switches
between two instruments during a performance: you may start with
the instrument connected to Input 1, for instance, then change to the
instrument connected to Input 2 - without changing patch cords!
3. PAD: Use this switch to activate the input pad - if your instrument
has active or high output pickups, activating the pad will allow you to
set the Gain control (#4) at a more useable setting. The adjacent LED
illuminates when the Pad is active.
4. GAIN: Use this control to adjust the input signal level. When a signal is present the LEDs around this control act as a Peak indicator:
adjust the Gain control until the two LEDs furthest clockwise flash
occasionally while playing. Once you have adjusted the Gain control,
the LEDs serve as a VU meter and will illuminate according to the
strength of the signal from your instrument.
5. ULTRA HIGH: Use this switch to boost the high frequencies. The
adjacent LED illuminates when the Ultra High is active.
6. ULTRA LOW: Use this switch to boost the low frequencies. The
adjacent LED illuminates when the Ultra Low is active.
7. BASS: Use this control to adjust the low frequency output of the
amplifier.
8. ULTRA MID: Use this control to adjust the midrange frequency
output of the amplifier.
9. TREBLE: Use this control to adjust the high frequency output of
the amplifier.
10. FX BLEND: Use this control to adjust the mix between the direct
(dry) signal and the effects (wet) when the effects loop (#24-25) is
used. Full counterclockwise results in all direct signal (no effect) and
full clockwise gives all effect and no direct signal. The clockwise position is equivalent to a series effects loop and should be used with
such devices as limiters and equalizers.
11. PRESETS: Use these switches to select one of four presets for
the amplifier. Complete information on presets and programs is on
page 7.
12. MASTER: Use this control to adjust the overall output level of the
amplifier.
13. LIMIT DEFEAT: The B500DR employs a limiter circuit to prevent
overdrive distortion at or near full power. This switch, when depressed,
disables the internal limiter circuit. The adjacent LED illuminates when
the limiter circuit is operating.
14.POWER:Use this switch to turn the amplifier on (top of the switch
depressed) and off (bottom of the switch depressed).
B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier
1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 1412 131156
The Rear Panel:
5
15. CIRCUIT BREAKER: The B500DR employs an AC line circuit breaker to help protect against damage due to excessive
current demands. If the amplifier stops working, check the circuit
breaker. If it has opened, the button will be protruding and showing a contrasting color. You can reset the circuit breaker by pushing it in until it latches. The breaker must cool down for a short
time before the button will latch. If the circuit breaker opens
repeatedly , have the amplifier checked by a qualified service person.
16. AC LINE IN: Firmly insert the supplied AC power cord into
this socket until it is fully seated. This grounded power cord is to
be plugged into a grounded power outlet, wired to current electric codes and compatible with voltage, power, and frequency
requirements stated on the rear panel. Do no attempt to defeat
the safety ground connection.
17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: The 1/4” jacks offer a convenient
method of connecting to speaker cabinets using cables terminated with 1/4” plugs. However, when using the amplifier at or near
its full output power, using the Speakon®jack is recommended.
18. FOOTSWITCH: Use this jack to connect the Ampeg AFP4BD
four button footswitch to the amplifier for remote selection of the
four presets.
19.BALANCED LINE OUT: Use this jack to send a pre-Master,
line level signal to a house mixing board, recording console or
external amplifier(s). Pin 2 = positive (+), pin 3 = negative (-).
20. LEVEL: Use this control to adjust the level of the signal at the
Balanced Line Out jack (#19).
21. POWER AMP INPUT: Use this jack to connect the output of
an external preamp directly into the power amp circuitry of the
B500DR by means of a shielded signal cable. The preamp signal is disengaged when this jack is used.
22. PREAMP OUTPUT: Use this jack to send a preamp signal to
an external power amplifier, mixing board, external effects, etc.
by means of a shielded instrument cable. Using this output does
not break the connection to the internal power amplifier.
23. PRE/POST: This switch, when depressed, sends a post-EQ
preamp signal to the Balanced Line Out jack (#19). The signal at
the balanced Line Out jack (#19) is pre-EQ when this switch is in
the out position.
24. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN: Use this jack to connect the
B500DR to the output of an external effects device by means of
a shielded signal cable.
27. EFFECTS LOOP SEND: Use this jack to connect the
B500DR to the input of an external effects device by means of a
shielded signal cable.
B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
1615 17 18 21 22 24 2519 20 23
#98689
7 43565 15531 9
(21) SERIAL# BMCDN20083
Line: 120V Freq: 60 Pwr: XXVA
B500DR
6
Some Suggested Settings
ROCK:
JAZZ:
COUNTRY:
FUNK “POPPING:”
Rack Mounting
When mounting the amplifier 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 continually safe and secure installation.
B500DR Programmable Bass Amplifier
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
ON
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