Behringer BASS V-AMP PRO User Manual
Users Manual
Version 1.1 March 2003
ENGLISH
BASS V-AMP
BASS V-AMP PRO
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts
inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this device to rain and moisture.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this device near water.
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturers 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, extension cords, and the
point at which they exit the unit.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
important operating and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the device.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
device combination to avoid injury from stumbling over
it.
13) Unplug this device during lightning storms or when
not used for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged
in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the device, the unit has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
2
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
The Ultimate Tone Toolbox for Bass, Acoustic/Electric Guitar and Keyboard Amp Modeling
s
32 unsurpassed authentic amp models: 16 classic bass amps, 8 of the best V-AMP amp models, 4 typical
keyboard amps and 4 acoustic models
s
23 renowned cabinet simulations: from traditional to contemporary sounds with original characterfrom
1 x 8" to 8 x 10", all the way to 18" speakers
s
16 absolutely first-class effects, e.g. Ultrabass, 3-Voice Synth, Delay/Loop Sampler, Chorus, Flanger,
Rotary Speaker, Voice Box, Wah Wah as well as various combinationsmay be used without amp simulation
as well!
s
4 renowned distortion and overdrive stomp boxes with adjustable DRIVE, TONE, BOOST and SPLIT functions
BASSV-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
s
125 outstanding presets in 25 banks, easily editable and storable
s
Independent compressor and efficient denoiser
s
Integrated, auto-chromatic tuner (can be calibrated) for easy tuning of bass guitars and other electronic
instruments
s Extensive MIDI implementation for control/automation of all MIDI functions
s
BASS V-AMP: Adjustable stereo aux input for mixing line-level signals (e.g. CD player, sound card etc.)
s
BASS V-AMP: Gig bag and footswitch (for switching presets and activating the tuner) included
s
BASS V-AMP PRO: AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs and adjustable wordclock input for synchronization
with 24-bit and 32 - 96 kHz
s
BASS V-AMP PRO: Balanced stereo XLR DI output with ground/lift switch and ULTRA-G speaker simulation
s
BASS V-AMP PRO: Pre DSP and post DSP effects loops for connecting external effects processors
s
Extremely rugged construction guarantees outstanding dependability, even under harsh conditions
s
Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system
3
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
welcome to the team of
BEHRINGER users, and
thank you very much for
expressing your confidence in us by purchasing the BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO.
Writing this foreword for
you gives me great
pleasure, because it
represents the culmination of many months
of hard work delivered
by our engineering team
to achieve a very
ambitious goal: to present two outstanding
virtual bass amplifiers,
whose advanced sound
capabilities and re-
markable features offer a maximum of flexibility and performance.
The task of designing our new BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed
by focusing on you, the discerning user and musician. Meeting
your expectations also meant a lot of work and night shifts. But
it was fun, too. Developing a product usually brings a lot of
people together, and what a great feeling it is when all who
participated in such a project can be proud of what theyve
achieved.
It is our philosophy to share our enjoyment with you, because
you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER team.
With your highly competent suggestions for new products youve
made a significant contribution to shaping our company and making
it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality
as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely
reasonable price. All of this will enable you to give free rein to
your creativity without being hampered by budget constraints.
We are often asked how we manage to produce such highquality devices at such unbelievably low prices. The answer is
quite simple: its you, our customers! Many satisfied customers
mean large sales volumes enabling us to get better purchasing
terms for components, etc. Isnt it only fair to pass this benefit on
to you? Because we know that your success is our success
too!
I would like to thank all of you who have made the BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO possible. You have all made your own personal
contributions, from the developers to the many other employees
at this company, and to you, the BEHRINGER user.
My friends, its been worth the effort!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 5
1.1 Before you get started ................................................. 5
1.1.1 Serial number ..................................................... 5
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS ............................................... 5
2.1 Unit top/front side ......................................................... 5
2.2 Rear panel of the BASS V-AMP PRO........................... 7
2.3 BASS V-AMP connectors (side) .................................. 8
3. APPLICATION EXAMPLES/OPERATING MODES ....... 8
3.1 Selecting an operating mode (CONFIGURATION) ........ 8
3.2 Standard setup ............................................................. 8
3.3 Recording situation ....................................................... 9
3.4 Live setup with a connection to an external bass ........
amplifier ......................................................................... 9
4. PRESETS OF THE BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO . 9
4.1 Recalling presets .......................................................... 9
4.2 Editing presets ............................................................ 10
4.3 Saving user presets ................................................... 10
4.4 Overriding edits/Restoring single factory presets ..... 10
4.5 Restoring all factory presets ...................................... 10
5. AMP/SPEAKER SIMULATION ..................................10
5.1 Amp descriptions ........................................................ 11
5.2 Speaker descriptions .................................................. 12
5.3 Denoiser and compressor .......................................... 13
6. EFFECTS PROCESSOR ............................................ 13
6.1 Pre-amp effects .......................................................... 13
6.2 (OVER)DRIVE simulations .......................................... 13
6.3 Post amp effects ........................................................ 14
6.3.1 Reverb and delay algorithms ........................... 14
6.3.2 Modulation effects ............................................ 14
6.3.3 Special effects ................................................. 14
6.3.4 Virtual analog bass synth ................................ 15
7. TUNER ......................................................................15
7.1 Tuning instruments ..................................................... 15
7.2 Setting up the a reference tone .............................. 15
8. INSTALLATION .........................................................15
8.1 Rack mounting (BASS V-AMP PRO) .......................... 15
8.2 Voltage (BASS V-AMP PRO) ...................................... 15
8.3 Audio connections...................................................... 15
8.4 MIDI connections ......................................................... 16
8.4.1 Receiving/sending MIDI-SysEx data ................ 16
8.5 AES/EBU and S/PDIF standards ................................. 16
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
4
9. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 17
10.APPENDIX ............................................................... 19
11.WARRANTY .............................................................20
WARNING!
We would like to bring your attention to the fact that
+
extremely loud sound levels may damage your
hearing as well as your headphones. Please lower
all OUTPUT LEVEL knobs all the way to the left before
powering up the unit.
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! By purchasing the BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO, you have selected a modern virtual bass
amplifier that sets new standards in the world of bass preamps.
Our primary goal was to achieve the classic sound of bass
amps by using Physical Modeling and implementing the newest
DSP effects. Following the tremendous success of our V-AMP
and its successor V-AMP 2, with the BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO we are finally able to offer bass players the
same diversity of sound.
However, we went a step further and expanded the concept
to include items of interest to keyboarders and electric/acoustic
guitar players. Those who have already used the V-AMP or the
V-AMP 2 will appreciate the BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO as
a terrific improvement.
We wanted to create two devices that would stir conversations
in years to come: the BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO is
universally usable and offers authentic amp and even speaker
soundsall this without having to transport heavy equipment!
Additionally, the most modern multi-effects processors assure
unprecedented tonal freedom. In short, the BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO gives you a sound machine sporting the
hottest features of the day.
Future EPROM updates will make sure your BASS V-AMP/
BASS V-AMP PRO always has the latest software and features.
BEHRINGER is a company in the field of professional audio
studio technology. We have been successfully developing
products for live and studio applications for years. Among those
are microphones and 19" gear of all kinds (compressors,
enhancers, noise gates, tube processors, headphone amplifiers,
digital effects units etc.), monitoring and PA loudspeakers as
well as professional live and recording mixing consoles. Our
entire technical know-how has gone into creating your
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO.
To top it all, we worked together with professional bass players,
whose sound suggestions led to the creation of original artist
presets. Just a single glance at the separate preset sheet will be
enough to completely amaze you.
Flexibility is what matters most in the music industry. Bass
players should be able to offer a wide array of different sounds,
and should also be able to temporarily adjust to the demands of
home recording, studio and live applications. Bulky amp
combinations are out of sync with todays times precisely
because of this reason. The BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
offers you a maximum set of features in a compact unit that can
be figured out in no time.
But enough talking: Nothing will convince you more than the
shear joy of what you will hear and feel the first time you play
with your BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO. You will experience
a latest-generation virtual bass amplifier with fascinating features:
s Extreme sound variety and flexible output routing options
for bass players
s Multi effects, amp and loudspeaker simulations for keyboard
players
s Remarkably clean, high-gain sound and acoustic simulations
for electric guitars
s Sound enhancer for acoustic guitar sound pickup
s Uncompromising loop/sampler function, super-phat analog
bass synth and the best distortion pedal simulations.
1.1 Before you get started
The BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO was carefully packed at
the assembly plant to assure its secure transport.
Should the condition of the cardboard box suggest that damage
may have taken place, please inspect the unit immediately and
look for physical indications of damage.
+ Damaged units should NEVER be sent directly to us.
Please inform the dealer from whom you acquired
the unit immediately as well as the transportation
company from which you took delivery. Otherwise,
all claims for replacement/repair may be rendered
invalid.
Please make sure the unit is provided with sufficient ventilation,
and never place the BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO on top of
an amplifier or in the vicinity of a heater to avoid the risk of
overheating.
+ Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please
make sure you have selected the correct voltage!
Power is supplied via the cable included with the unit. All
requiered safety precautions have been adhered to. When you
hook up your BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO to the mains, the
unit is automatically turned on.
+ Please make sure that the unit is grounded at all
times. For your own protection, you should never
tamper with the grounding of the cable or the unit
itself.
MIDI connections (IN, OUT/THRU) use standard DIN plug-in
connectors. Data transfer takes place via the dry-contact optical
couplers. Additional information can be found in chapter 8
(INSTALLATION).
1.1.1 Serial number
The serial number of your BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO is
located on the back. Please send the completely filled out
registration card within 14 days of purchase to assure
unproblematic warranty processing in the future. Or use our
online registration form at www.behringer.com.
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
An illustration of all control elements is located on the separate
sheet included with this users manual. The controls on both
devices are numbered the same way. How the two versions
differ is clearly marked by using the designations BASS V-AMP
only or BASS V-AMP PRO only. Connections on both versions
are covered in a separate chapter in this users manual.
2.1 Unit top/front side
Turn your BASS V-AMP PRO on using the POWER switch.
The POWER switch should always be in the Off position
(depressed) whenever you first connect the unit to the
mains.
+ Please note: Merely switching the unit off does not
mean that it is fully disconnected from the mains
(BASS V-AMP PRO only). When not using the unit for
prolonged periods of time, please unplug the units
power cord from the wall.
The GAIN control determines level and saturation characteristics of the amp simulation.
The VOLUME control governs the volume of the selected
preset.
The BASS control on the EQ section lowers or elevates
bass frequencies.
+ When the TAP button is depressed, the BASS
control changes its function to DEEP control, which
influences the sound in the lower frequency
segment.
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
5
BASS V-AMP/BASS V-AMP PRO
The MID control lowers or elevates the mid frequencies.
+ MID-SHIFT/SHAPE: When you select an amp simulation
using the AMPS control, press the TAP button to
use the MID control to adjust the mid frequency
range (SHIFT). With amp simulations that dont
originally have such a function, pressing the TAP
button as described above activates the BEHRINGER
SHAPE filter instead.
The TREBLE control regulates the upper frequency range
of an activated preset.
+ Pressing the TAP button changes the function
of the TREBLE control to PRESENCE control. This
enables lowering/elevating upper frequency range
values of a filter selected for the amp model active
at this time. This filter simulates the frequencydependent coupling of tube amps.
+ Please pay attention to the special functions
(described under ) of the following points: ,
and !
The AMPS control lets you select one of the 32 amp
simulations. 16 LEDs surround this control, whereby 1 LED
is assigned to 2 amp types. You select one of the first 16
amp types (white lettering) by simply turning the control.
To select the next 16 amps (17 - 32, grey lettering), keep
the TAP button pressed as you turn the AMPS control.
+ The 17 - 32 LED in the lower left corner of the
DISPLAY lights up when one of the amp simulations
numbered 17 - 32 is selected.
Additionally, you have the option to activate a PREAMP
BYPASS via the TUNER and TAP key combination. When PREAMP BYPASS feature is activated, no
AMPS control LED is on. To disengage the PREAMP
BYPASS feature, either select an amp model of your choice
or press the TUNER and TAP keys again.
These five keys are used (among other things) for preset
selection of the presets bank shown in the display.
In EDIT mode (activated by simultaneously pressing the
arrow keys described under ), the function of individual
keys is indicated by the print located directly above the
respective button:
s A: Activates the MIDI function. By utilizing the arrow keys,
the MIDI channel used for sending and receiving (1 to 16)
can be set up.
After selecting a MIDI function via the A key, pressing the
TAP key relays the MIDI out connector to MIDI Thru. When in
this mode, the unit sends no MIDI information of its own;
instead, it merely passes on the data received at the MIDI In.
s B: Switches the DRIVE function on and off. When DRIVE
is enabled, the controls , and take up the
following functions:
- GAIN regulates the distortion degree (DRIVE).
- The VOLUME control regulates an additional volume
control (BOOST).
- Use the MID control like the tone control on a simulated
distortion pedal (TONE).
Well-known floor effects units are simulated with these
setups.
+ When the DRIVE function is activated, turning the
EFFECTS MIX controls lets you also set up the WahWah. The LEDs surrounding the EFFECTS MIX control
show the position of the pedal. When the LED is not
on, the Wah-Wah is inactive.
+ When the Auto Wah/P-Funkn is activated, the Wah-
Wah cannot be used.
s C: This key activates the CABINETS mode. Use the arrow
keys to select a type of loudspeaker or a combination of
loudspeakers. You can also completely switch off the
speaker simulation (-). Additional information is available
in chapter 5.2.
s D: Activates the X-OVER function. Use the arrows to
regulate the cut-off frequency between high-pass and
low-pass filter. This is done in 50 gradients (please also
see chapter 6.3).
s E: Activates the DENOISER function. You may change the
threshold of the expander by using the arrow keys. The
EFFECTS control regulates the sensitivity of the noise
reduction system, while pressing TAP changes the function
of the EFFECTS control so that it regulates the frequency
range of the noise reduction system (also see ch. 5.3).
+ After preset editing, press the TUNER/EXIT button
to quit (the EDIT MODE LED dies out).
+ DIGITAL OUT: The digital output on the BASS V-AMP PRO
can be configured by pressing buttons A and B
simultaneously. The display shows SP for S/PDIF
or AE for AES/EBU format. Alternating between
the two formats is done by using the TAP key. The
LEDs let you see the respective sample rate
(internal synchronization and sampling rates of 44.1,
48 or 96 kHz or external wordclock synchronization;
see table 2.1). To select the most appropriate
sampling rate for the receiving unit, please use the
arrow keys. Press the TUNER/EXIT key to quit.
+ CONFIGURATION: By pressing the D and E keys
simultaneously on your BASS V-AMP PRO, you can
select the global operating mode (keys B and D on
your BASS V-AMP), so that an adjustment to diverse
studio and live situations is possible (see chapter
3). Please press the TUNER/EXIT key to quit.
The TUNER key engages the tuner. Additionally, you can
exit the EDIT mode by pressing this key (see chapter 7).
Both arrow keys are used to select the next preset bank
(BANK DOWN und BANK UP). Keeping the keys pressed
lets you quickly jump through the preset banks. Pressing
both arrow keys at the same time engages the EDIT mode.
When you press one of the A - E buttons ( ) afterwards,
each arrow key takes over an edit function.
The TAP key has eight functions:
s Tap: Tap the TAP key in the rhythm of a tune, and the
selected effect adjusts automatically to the appropriate
speed.
s Deep: By keeping the TAP key pressed, the BASS
control assumes the function of a DEEP control, so that it
regulates the sound in the deep bass end of the spectrum.
s Mid-Shift/Shape: When an amp simulation is selected
using the AMPS control, keep the TAP key pressed and
use the MID control to regulate the middle portion of the
frequency range (SHIFT).
Our BEHRINGER SHAPE filter is automatically activated
with amp simulations that do not have such a function (as
described above) in the original.
s Presence: Keep the TAP key pressed to use the
TREBLE control to regulate PRESENCE in a particular amp
simulation.
s 2nd parameter: The second effect parameter (regulated
by the EFFECTS control) is accessed by keeping the TAP
button pressed (see chapter 6).
s Amp models 17 - 32: Keep the TAP key pressed and
select the desired simulation by using the AMPS control.
s MIDI Thru: The MIDI Out connector can be set to MIDI
Thru (see A).
6
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
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