Ampeg SVT-3 PRO Owner’s Manual

SVT-3 PRO

Bass Guitar Amplifier

BRT

-15dB

HI

LO

PEAK /
MUTE

MASTER TUBE GAINTREBLEFREQUENCYMIDRANGEBASSGAININPUT

+12dB

MUTE

0

-12dB

EQ

ON

zHk9zH33 5kHz2kHz900Hz600Hz300Hz150Hz80Hz

+8dB

POWER

LEVEL

-10dB

ON

Owner’s Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................... 2–3

Introduction / Features ........................................................................................................................ 4

The Front Panel .............................................................................................................................. 5–7

The Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................... 8–9

Suggested Settings .......................................................................................................................... 10

Personal Settings.............................................................................................................................. 11

Rack Mounting / Thermal Considerations............................................................................................ 12

Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................. 13

Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................14

Troubleshooting / Service Information ................................................................................................15

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.

Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

11.

Only use attachments/accessories specified
by the manufacturer.

12.

Use only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as

2

PORTABLE CART

WARNING

SVT-3 PRO Bass Guitar Amplifier

power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

15.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension
cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric
shock.

16.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing, and no object filled with
liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be
placed on the apparatus.

17.

This apparatus has been designed with Class-I
construction and must be connected to a mains
socket outlet with a protective earthing connection
(the third grounding prong).

18.

The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
used as the disconnect device, so the disconnect
device shall remain readily operable.

19.

For the terminals marked with symbol of “ ”
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock. The external wiring
connected to the terminals requires installation by
an instructed person or the used of ready-made
leads or cords.

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not

AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.

CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de
"voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé
pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction
accompagnant l'appareil.

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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.
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.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly
approved by LOUD Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever
is applicable)
tus as
Department

CONSIGNES DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES

- LIRE, SUIVRE TOUTES LES INSTRUCTIONS ET LES PRECAUTIONS D’UTILISATION

- NE PAS UTILISER PROCHE D’UNE SOURCE DE CHALEUR ET NE PAS BLOQUER OU OBSTRUER LE SYSTEME DE VENTILATION SUR CET APPAREIL. POUR UNE
UTILISATION CONFORME, CET APPAREIL NECESSITE ENVIRON 7CM D’ESPACE BIEN VENTILE AUTOUR DE SON SYSTEME DE REFROIDISSEMENT, AINSI QU’UN COURANT
D’AIR FRAIS CONSTANT

- NE PAS UTILISER CET APPAREIL PROCHE D’UNE SOURCE LIQUIDE

- NETTOYER SEULEMENT A L’AIDE D’UN CHIFFON DOUX ET SEC ET NE PAS UTILISER DE PRODUITS MENAGERS

- CONNECTER UNIQUEMENT LE CABLE D’ALIMENTATION FOURNI SUR UNE PRISE AVEC MISE A LA TERRE, ET COMPATIBLE AVEC LA TENSION, L’INTENSITE ET LA
FREQUENCE REQUISES INDIQUEES SUR LA FACE ARRIERE DE L’APPAREIL

- S’ASSURER DE NE PAS MARCHER, PLIER OU TIRER SUR LE CABLE D’ALIMENTATION

- DEBRANCHER L’APPAREIL LORS D’UNE TEMPETE OU LORS D’UNE TRES LONGUE PERIODE DE NON UTILISATION

- UTILISER UNIQUEMENT DES ACCESSOIRES SPECIFIES PAR LE FABRICANT POUR UNE UTILISATION EN TOUTE SECURITE ET POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES

- ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUT RISQUE DE CHOCS ELECTRIQUES OU DE DEBUT D’INCENDIE, NE PAS EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA PLUIE ET A L’HUMIDITE

- TOUT ENTRETIEN DOIT ETRE FAIT PAR UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE

- NOS AMPLIFICATEURS PEUVENT PRODUIRE DE TRES HAUTES PRESSIONS ACOUSTIQUES QUI PEUVENT CAUSER DES DOMMAGES AUDITIFS PERMANENTS OU
DEFINITIFS. L’UTILISER AVEC UNE GRANDE PRECAUTION EST CONSEILLE ET DES PROTECTIONS AUDITIVES SONT RECOMMANDEES POUR UNE UTILISATION A FORT
VOLUME.

- ATTENTION: CET APPAREIL REQUIERT UNE PRISE MURALE AVEC MISE A LA TERRE, AUX NORMES ACTUELLES ET COMPATIBLE AVEC LES SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRIQUES SE TROUVANT EN FACE ARRIERE DE L’APPAREIL. LA PRISE ELECTRIQUE DOIT RESTER ACCESSIBLE POUR DEBRANCHER L’APPAREIL EN CAS DE DEFAUT
PENDANT L’UTILISATION

- CET APPAREIL DOIT ETRE DEBRANCHE SI IL N’EST PAS UTILISE

Elimination correcte du produit : Ce symbole indique que ce produit ne doit pas être éliminé avec les ordures ménagères, comme le prévoiT la directive WEEE (2002/96/
EC) et votre loi nationale.

Ce produit doit être remis à un site de recyclage des déchets électriques et des équipements électroniques (EEE).

Un mauvais recyclage de ce type de déchet peut avoir de possibles impacts négatifs sur l’environnement et la santé humaine dus aux émanations de substances.

Dans un même temps, votre coopération à un recyclage correct de ce produit contribuera à la bonne utilisation des ressources naturelles.

Pour connaître l’endroit où il est possible de recycler ces équipements, merci de contacter votre mairie, les services de recyclages ou le service des déchets ménagers.

limits for radio noise emissions from digital appara-

set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian

of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de
bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appa­reils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites
dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les
ministere des communications du Canada.

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent
hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise­induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing
if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The
U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown
in the following chart.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these per­missible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against
potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is
recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of
producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while
the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear
canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equip­ment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in
excess of the limits set forth here:

Duration, per
day in hours

8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway Train
3 97
2 100 Very loud classical music

1.5 102
1 105 The boss screaming at his minions about

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

Sound
Level dBA, Slow
Response

Typical Example

manual deadlines

Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste,
according to the WEEE directive (2002/96/EC) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized col­lection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a
possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally asso­ciated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage
of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your
local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

3

SVT-3 PRO Bass Guitar Amplifier

Introduction

Congratulations!

This compact, yet dynamically powerful bass amplifier, delivers a searing 450 watts of
unsurpassed quality, offering the classic vibrance of tubes, as well as contemporary features.

The SVT-3 PRO amplifier is an ideal companion to the Classic Series, Pro Series, or PF
cabinets, available separately.

Like all Ampeg products, your SVT-3 PRO amplifier is designed by musicians and built using
only the best of components. Each amplifier is tested to confirm that it meets our
specifications, and we believe that this amplifier is the absolute best that it can be. In order to
get the most out of your new amplifier, please read this manual before you begin playing.

Best of luck in all of your musical endeavors!

Sincerely,

The dedicated team at Ampeg

You are now the proud owner of an Ampeg SVT-3 PRO bass guitar amplifier.

Features

Here are some of the features packed into your new amplifier:

• 5–POSITION MIDRANGE SELECTOR: Take your pick from the five center frequency
points available to get just the right midrange voice [page 5].

• TUBE GAIN: Control the dynamics of tonal response characteristics from the power amp;
from punch to compressed [page 6].

• 9–BAND GRAPHIC EQ: Use as a “second channel” for bass solos, or to shape the
sound to your own exacting standards. An independent level control allows you to adjust
the Graphic EQ volume [page 6-7].

• TRANSFORMER BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS: Independent level control. One balanced
XLR and one balanced/unbalanced 1/4" jack to patch into house consoles, mixing boards,
or external power amplifiers [page 8].

• EFFECTS LOOP: Connect effects here for increased intensity and quieter operation
[page 9].

• POWER AMP IN AND 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 [page 9].

4

The Front Panel

1 4 16 19 205 8 9 11 12 181713102 3 6 7 14 15

BRT

-15dB

HI

LO

PEAK /
MUTE

MASTER TUBE GAINTREBLEFREQUENCYMIDRANGEBASSGAININPUT

1. INPUT: The signal output from an
instrument (active or passive) may be
connected to this 1/4" input by means
of a shielded instrument cable.

2. BRIGHT: When this switch is engaged, a

more lively top end response [+6 dB at
2 kHz] is added to the input signal.

3. –15 dB: Press this switch in to reduce
the input signal by 15 dB and
compensate for higher output sources.
This attenuation is suited for use with
basses that have active electronics or
high-output pickups. Use this pad if you
notice that the peak/mute LED comes
on regularly. It will reduce the chance of
overdriving the preamplifier stage and
allow more usable range and fine
adjustment of the gain control.

4. PEAK/MUTE LED: This red warning
LED will come on if: the mute switch
is engaged, or if the input signal is too
high, the gain control is set too high, or
there is too much boost from the bass,
midrange and treble controls. If it comes
on regularly, even when these controls
are low, try engaging the –15 dB pad.

5. GAIN: This varies the amount of signal
driving the preamplifier. If a small
clockwise rotation from minimum leads
to overloading and the peak LED
illuminating, try engaging the –15 dB
pad. This will give more usable range
with the gain control.

+12dB

MUTE

0

-12dB

EQ

ON

zHk9zH33 5kHz2kHz900Hz600Hz300Hz150Hz80Hz

+8dB

POWER

LEVEL

-10dB

ON

6. ULTRA HI: This switch, when engaged,
enhances the amount of high frequency
output by 6 dB at 5 kHz.

7. ULTRA LO: This switch, when engaged,
enhances the amount of low-end output
by 2 dB at 40 Hz and –10 dB cut at
500 Hz.

8. BASS: Use this to adjust the low
frequency level of the amplifier.
This provides up to 12 dB of boost,
or 12 dB of cut at 50 Hz. The low
frequency output is flat at the center
position.

9. MIDRANGE: Use this to adjust the
midrange frequency level of the
amplifier. This provides up to 15 dB of
boost, or 15 dB of cut at the center
frequency selected by the frequency
control. The midrange frequency output
is flat at the center position. Rotate the
control counter clockwise for a
“contoured” sound (more distant, less
midrange output) or clockwise for a
sound which really cuts through.

10. FREQUENCY: This control allows you to
select the center frequency for the
midrange control, giving you a choice of
five “voices” for the midrange. The
numbers correspond to the following
center frequencies: 1=220 Hz,
2=450 Hz, 3=800 Hz, 4=1.6 kHz,
5=3 kHz.

5