Behringer BX1800 User Manual

User Manual

ULTRABASS BX1800

180-Watt Bass Amplier with Original BUGERA Speaker
and VTC-Technology

2 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ...................................... 3

Legal Disclaimer ............................................................. 3

Limited Warranty ...........................................................3

1. Introduction ............................................................... 5

1.1 Before you get started ...................................................... 5

1.1.1 Shi pment .......................................................................... 5

1.1.2 Initial operation ............................................................. 5

1.1.3 Online registration ....................................................... 5

2. Wiring Tips ................................................................. 6

3. Control Elements ....................................................... 7

4. Audio Connections .................................................... 8

5. Specications ............................................................. 8

3 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

UNDERTAKING OR REPRESENTATION. THIS MANUAL

ce

electronic components of this product to be free of defects

period is mandated by applicable local laws. If the product

Incase MUSICGroup decides to replace the entire product,

Important Safety Instructions

Terminals marked with this symbol carry
electrical current of su cient magnitude

to constitute risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with
¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. Allother
installation or modi cation should be performed only
by quali edpersonnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears,

alertsyou to the presence of uninsulated

dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be su cient to constitute a
risk ofshock.

This symbol, wherever it appears,

alertsyou to important operating and

maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Caution

To reduce the risk of electric shock, donot

remove the top cover (or the rear section).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
quali ed personnel.

Caution

To reduce the risk of  re or electric shock,

do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects  lled with liquids,
suchas vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

Caution

These service instructions are for use

by quali ed service personnel only.
Toreduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by quali ed
servicepersonnel.

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 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 ampli ers) that produce heat.

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  t 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. Use only attachments/accessories speci ed by
themanufacturer.

12. Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table speci ed 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 quali ed ser vice personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus 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 apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
beendropped.

15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.

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

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND APPEARANCES
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND
ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED. BEHRINGER IS
PART OF THE MUSIC GROUP MUSICGROUP.COM.
ALL TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR
RESPECTIVE OWNERS. MUSICGROUP ACCEPTS NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS WHICH MAY BE SUFFERED
BY ANY PERSON WHO RELIES EITHER WHOLLY OR
IN PART UPON ANY DESCRIPTION, PHOTOGRAPH
OR STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN. COLORS AND
SPECIFICATIONS MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL PRODUCT.
MUSIC GROUP PRODUCTS ARE SOLD THROUGH
AUTHORIZED FULLFILLERS AND RESELLERS ONLY.
FULLFILLERSAND RESELLERS ARE NOT AGENTS OF
MUSICGROUP AND HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO AUTHORITY
TO BIND MUSICGROUP BY ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED

IS COPYRIGHTED. NO PART OF THIS MANUAL MAY
BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM
OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING AND RECORDING OF ANY
KIND, FOR ANY PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MUSICGROUPIPLTD.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2012 MUSICGroupIPLtd.
Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146,
Road Town, Tor tola, British Virgin Islands

LIMITED WARRANTY

§ 1 Warranty

(1) This limited warranty is valid only if you purchased
the product from a MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller in
the country of purchase. A list of authorized resellers can
be found on BEHRINGER’s website behringer. com under
“Where to Buy”, or you can contact the MUSIC Group o
closest to you.

(2) MUSICGroup* warrants the mechanical and

in material and workmanship if used under normal
operating conditions for a period of one (1) year from
the original date of purchase (see the Limited Warranty
terms in §4 below), unless a longer minimum warranty

shows any defects within the speci ed warranty period
and that defect is not excluded under §4, MUSICGroup
shall, at its discretion, either replace or repair the product
using suitable new or reconditioned product or parts.

thislimited warranty shall apply to the replacement
product for the remaining initial warranty period, i.e.,
one (1) year (or otherwise applicable minimum warranty
period) from the date of purchase of the original product.

(3) Upon validation of the warranty claim, the repaired
or replacement product will be returned to the user
freight prepaid by MUSICGroup.

(4) Warranty claims other than those indicated above
are expressly excluded.

PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT. IT IS YOUR PROOF
OF PURCHASE COVERING YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH PROOF
OFPURCHASE.

§ 2 Online registration

Please do remember to register your new BEHRINGER
equipment right after your purchase at behringer. com
under “Support” and kindly read the terms and conditions
of our limited warranty carefully. Registeringyour
purchase and equipment with us helps us process
your repair claims quicker and more e ciently.
Thankyouforyour cooperation!

§ 3 Return materials authorization

(1) To obtain warranty service, please contact the
retailer from whom the equipment was purchased.
Should your MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not be
located in your vicinity, you may contact the MUSICGroup
Authorized Ful ller for your country listed under

4 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

“Support” at behringer. com. Ifyour country is not

• connection or operation of the unit in any way

This warranty does not detract from the seller’s

Warranty service conditions are subject to change without

listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with
by our “OnlineSupport” which may also be found under
“Support” at behringer. com. Alternatively,please submit
an online warranty claim at behringer. com BEFORE
returning the product. All inquiries must be accompanied
by a description of the problem and the serial number
of the product. Afterverifying the product’s warranty
eligibility with the original sales receipt, MUSICGroup
will then issue a ReturnMaterials Authorization
(“RMA”)number.

(2) Subsequently, the product must be returned in
its original shipping carton, together with the return
authorization number to the address indicated by
MUSICGroup.

(3) Shipments without freight prepaid will not
beaccepted.

§ 4 Warranty Exclusions

(1) This limited warranty does not cover consumable
parts including, but not limited to, fuses and batteries.
Where applicable, MUSICGroup warrants the valves or
meters contained in the product to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90)
days from date of purchase.

(2) This limited warranty does not cover the product
if it has been electronically or mechanically modi ed
in any way. If the product needs to be modi ed or
adapted in order to comply with applicable technical
or safety standards on a national or local level, inany
country which is not the country for which the
product was originally developed and manufactured,
thismodi cation/adaptation shall not be considered a
defect in materials or workmanship. Thislimited warranty
does not cover any such modi cation/adaptation,
regardless of whether it was carried out properly or not.
Under the terms of this limited warranty, MUSICGroup
shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from
such a modi cation/adaptation.

(3) This limited warranty covers only the product
hardware. It does not cover technical assistance for
hardware or software usage and it does not cover
any software products whether or not contained in
the product. Any such software is provided “AS IS”
unless expressly provided for in any enclosed software
limitedwarranty.

(4) This limited warranty is invalid if the
factory- appliedserial number has been altered or
removed from theproduct.

(5) Free inspections and maintenance/repair work
are expressly excluded from this limited warranty,
inparticular, if caused by improper handling of the
product by the user. This also applies to defects caused
by normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders,
crossfaders, potentiometers, keys/buttons, guitar strings,
illuminantsand similar parts.

(6) Damage/defects caused by the following conditions
are not covered by this limited warranty:

• improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the
unit in compliance with the instructions given in
BEHRINGER user or service manuals;

that does not comply with the technical or safety
regulations applicable in the country where the
product is used;

• damage/defects caused by acts of God/Nature
(accident,  re,  ood, etc) or any other condition that
is beyond the control of MUSICGroup.

(7) Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by
unauthorized personnel (user included) will void the
limitedwarranty.

(8) If an inspection of the product by MUSICGroup
shows that the defect in question is not covered by the
limited warranty, the inspection costs are payable by
thecustomer.

(9) Products which do not meet the terms of this
limited warranty will be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s
expense. MUSICGroup or its authorized service center will
inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer
fails to submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after
noti cation, MUSICGroup will return the unit C.O.D. with
a separate invoice for freight and packing. Such costs will
also be invoiced separately when the buyer has sent in a
written repair order.

(10) MUSIC Group Authorized Resellers do not sell new
products directly in online auctions. Purchasesmade
through an online auction are on a “buyer beware” basis.
Online auction con rmations or sales receipts are not
accepted for warranty veri cation and MUSICGroup will
not repair or replace any product purchased through an
online auction.

§ 5 Warranty transferability

This limited warranty is extended exclusively to the
original buyer (customer of authorized reseller) andis
not transferable to anyone who may subsequently
purchase this product. No other person (reseller,etc.)
shallbe entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf
of MUSICGroup.

§ 6 Claim for damage

Subject only to the operation of mandatory applicable
local laws, MUSICGroup shall have no liability to the buyer
under this warranty for any consequential or indirect
loss or damage of any kind. In no event shall the liability
of MUSICGroup under this limited warranty exceed the
invoiced value of the product.

§ 7 Limitation of liability

This limited warranty is the complete and exclusive
warranty between you and MUSICGroup. It supersedes
all other written or oral communications related to this
product. MUSICGroup provides no other warranties for
this product.

§ 8 Other warranty rights and
nationallaw

(1) This limited warranty does not exclude or limit the
buyer’s statutory rights as a consumer in any way.

(2) The limited warranty regulations mentioned herein
are applicable unless they constitute an infringement of
applicable mandatory local laws.

(3)

obligations in regard to any lack of conformity of the
product and any hidden defect.

§ 9 Amendment

notice. For the latest warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding MUSICGroup’s
limited warranty, please see complete details online at
behringer. com.

* MUSICGroup Macao Commercial O shore Limited of
RuedePequim No. 202-A, Macau Finance Centre 9/J, Macau,
including all MUSICGroup companies

5 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

1. Introduction

With the BX1800 you have acquired a state-of-the-art Bass Workstation that sets
new standards in bass amp engineering. Right from the start, our goal has been
to design a revolutionary amp that stands out from the herd of “ordinary” bass
ampliers. And indeed, the BX1800 gives you plenty of functionality and a broad
range of connection and expansion options. In short: you’ll be fascinated to nd
that the BX1800 is a Workstation with a character.

VTC Virtual Tube Circuitry

The VTC Virtual Tube Circuitry was specially developed to lend the bass sound the
unique character of classic tube amps.

Jam it up!

With its CD player input, your BX1800 is the ultimate prac tice amp,
becauseitcouldn’t be easier to play along to your favorite music. If you don’t
want anybody listening to what you’re playing, or simply wish to avoid disturbing
the neighbors, just use your headphones. The BEHRINGER HPS3000 is ideal just
forthat.

◊ Please read the manual carefully and keep it around for

future reference.

Attention!

◊ High volume levels can damage your hearing or your headphones.

Please turn down the VOLUME control to zero (all the way to the left)
before you power up the amp. Always make sure you use appropriate
volume levels.

1.1.2 Initial operation

Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling. To avoid
overheating, please do not place the ULTRABASS near radiators and other
equipment emanating heat.

◊ Please keep in mind that all the equipment has to be grounded at all

times. For your own protection, never change or disable the grounding
on your equipment or on the cables! The unit shall always be connected
to the mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

1.1.3 Online registration

Please register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase
by visiting http://behringer.com and read the terms and conditions of our
warrantycarefully.

Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, it is our intention to have it
repaired as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty service, please contact
the BEHRINGER retailer from whom the equipment was purchased. Shouldyour
BEHRINGER dealer not be located in your vicinity, you may directly contact
one of our subsidiaries. Corresponding contact information is included in the
original equipment packaging (Global Contact Information/European Contact
Information). Should your country not be listed, please contact the distributor
nearest you. A list of distributors can be found in the support area of our website
(http://behringer.com).

Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair
claims more quickly and eciently.

Thank you for your cooperation!

1.1 Before you get started

1.1.1 Shipment

Your BX1800 was carefully packed at the factory, and the packaging was
designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend
that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of
physical damage that may have occurred during transit.

◊ If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to BEHRINGER.

Instead, notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately.
Otherwise, claims for damage or replacement may not be honored.

◊ Always use the original packing carton to prevent damage during

storage or transport.

◊ Make sure that no children are left unsupervised with the BX1800 or

its packaging.

◊ Please ensure proper disposal of all packing materials.

6 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

2. Wiring Tips

Figures 2.1 and 2.2 show you how to connect your bass to the amplier.

If you want to use an eects unit (for example, the BEHRINGER X V-AMP PRO)
toexperiment with some out-of-the-ordinary sounds, you can connect your bass
directly to the input of the unit. Then, connect a second cable from the eects
output to the input on your bass amp.

If you have an electronic tuner, please be sure to insert it pre eects device,
sothat the tuner only receives a dry signal without eects components.

X V-AMP PRO: no additional tuner required.

◊ The built-in loudspeaker is disabled automatically when you plug in

the headphones.

ADJUST

1

2

3

4

GAIN

/ VOLUME

2ND FUNCTION

COPY

PEDAL

CONFIGURE

BASS EQ PRESENCE

BYPASS/TUNER

BEHRINGER X V-AMP

Input

Output

CD Player

BEHRINGER

HPS3000

Fig. 2.2 shows a recommended setup for amplifying the sound of your BX1800
using a sound reinforcement system of any size. This way, you can also use your
amp for playing live or for rehearsals with your band.

BEHRINGER
EUROPOWER
EP1500

BEHRINGER
BASS V-AMP

BEHRINGER

EUROLIVE B1520 PRO

BEHRINGER
EURORACK
UB1222FX-PRO

Outputs

Input

Instrument In

Main

Outputs

XLR D.I.

Out

Instrument

input

E-Bass

BEHRINGER
ULTRABASS BX1800

Fig. 2.1: Example of a se tup using the ULTRABASS BX180 0

CD player

input

Headphone

E-Bass

Fig. 2.2: Liv e setup

BEHRINGER
ULTRABASS BX1800

7 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

3. Control Elements

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Fig. 3.1: Front view

(1) Connect your bass to the INPUT jack, using a standard cable with a

¼" TS connector.

(2) Press the PAD switch when using active instruments with high output levels.

In this case the INPUT jack features 6 dB less gain. For passive instruments
the PAD button has to be depressed.

(3) Pressing the SHAPE button will activate the Shape function. The Shape

function on your BX1800 provides a revolutionary type of lter that you can
use to modify your bass sound.

(4) Use the VOLUME control to adjust the volume of the instrument channel.

Tochange the balance between the instrument and CD volume level,
useyour instrument ’s volume control.

(5) The LOW control allows you to boost or cut the low-frequency range.

(6) Using the LOW MID control you can boost or cut the lower mids.

(7) The HIGH MID control allows you to boost or cut the upper mids.

(11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16)

(15) Use the balanced D.I. OUT XLR output to feed the audio signal from your

ULTRABASS to an external mixing console. The D.I. OUT signal is post-EQ.

(16) Use the POWER switch to switch the BX1800 on or o. You should always

make sure that the POWER switch is in the “O” position when initially
connecting the unit to the mains.

To disconnect the unit from the mains, pull out the main cord plug.
Wheninstalling the product, ensure that the plug is easily accessible.

◊ Please note: Merely switching the unit off does not mean that it

is fully disconnected from the mains. When not using the unit for
prolonged periods of time, please unplug the unit ’s power cord from
the power outlet.

(19)

(18)

(8) The HIGH control governs the high-frequency range to give your bass a more

“cutting” sound.

(9) Use the CD IN connectors to connect the output of your CD player, tape deck,

CD or MD walkman. This way you can play along to music or bass guitar
tutorial CDs.

(10) The BX1800 features an FX INSERT-Loop for external eects. Connec t the

SEND output to the input of your eects device, for example, our proven

multi-eec ts processor BEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PRO DSP2024P. This output
can also be used to connec t your tuner.

(11) Connec t the RETURN jack to the output of your eects device. Since the

BX1800 features a serial eects path, the mix ratio must be set on your
eects device.

(12) The PHONES jack is for headphones. When you plug in your headphones,

thebuilt-in loudspeaker is muted.

◊ The headphone signal can also be routed to a mixing console or

sound reinforcement system. Connect the headphones output on
your BX1800 to the line input (LINE IN) on the console (for example,
BEHRINGER EURORACK UB1222FX-PRO). Please use a mono cable for
this application.

◊ Some headphones produce distortion if the volume level is too high.

Please cut back the VOLUME control until the distortion disappears.

(13) Use the MASTER control to adjust the output level of the D.I. OUT output.

(17)

Fig. 3.2 Rear view

(17) MAINS CONNECTION. Use the power cord supplied with the unit to connect

it to the mains.

(18) FUSE HOLDER/VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Before connecting the unit to the

mains, make sure that the voltage setting matches your local voltage.
Ablown fuse should only be replaced by a fuse of the same type and rating.
Onsome units, the fuse holder can be switched to one of two positions,
i.e.230 V and 120 V. When operating the unit outside Europe at 120 V,
ahigher fuse rating is required.

(19) SERIAL NUMBER.

(14) The GND LIFT switch disconnects (switch pressed) the ground connection

at the D.I. OUT output to eectively eliminate hum noise resulting from
groundloops.

8 ULTRABASS BX1800 User Manual

4. Audio Connections

Except for the D.I. OUT output which is on a balanced XLR connector, your
BEHRINGER ULTRABASS BX1800 features ¼" connectors on inputs and output.
More detailed information can be found in chapter 5, “Specications.”

◊ Please keep in mind that all the equipment has to be grounded at all

times. For your own protection, never change or disable the grounding
on your equipment or on the cables! The unit shall always be connected
to the mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Unbalanced ¼" TS connector

strain relief clamp

sleeve

tip

sleeve

(ground/shield)

tip

(signal)

Fig. 4.1: ¼" mono connector ( TS) for the INPUT

5. Specications

Audio Inputs

Active instrument input ¼" mono jack, unbalanced

Input impedance approx. 220 kΩ unbalanced

Passive instrument input ¼" mono jack, unbalanced

Input impedance approx. 730 kΩ unbalanced

Return ¼" mono jack, unbalanced

Input impedance approx. 15 kΩ unbalanced

CD input RCA, unbalanced

Audio Outputs

Send ¼" mono jack, unbalanced

Output impedance min. 2 kΩ unbalanced

D.I. Out XLR connector, servo-balanced

Output impedance approx. 100 Ω balanced

Output level max. 0 dBu

System Data

¼" TRS headphones connector

strain relief clamp

sleeve

ring

tip

sleeve

ground/shield

ring

right signal

tip

left signal

Fig. 4.2: ¼" stereo connector (TRS) for headphones

1

12

3

input

1 = ground/shield
2 = hot (+ve)
3 = cold (-ve)

For unbalanced use, pin 1 and pin 3 have to be bridged

Fig. 4.3: XLR connectors

2

3

output

Power amp output 180 Watts

Loudspeaker

High-power bass speaker 15" BUGERA Classic Tone Series

Tweeter custom-made horn tweeter

Power Supply

Mains Voltages

U.S./Canada 120 V~, 60 Hz

Europe/U.K./Australia 230 V~, 50 Hz

China 220 V~, 50 Hz

Japan 100 V~, 50 - 60 Hz

General export model 120/230 V~, 50 - 60 Hz

Power consumption max. 290 W

Fuse 100 - 120 V~: T 6.3 A H 250 V

200 - 240 V~: T 3.15 A H 250 V

Mains connection Standard IEC receptacle

Dimensions/Weight

tip tip

shield

Fig. 4.4: RCA cab le

sleevesleeve

Dimensions (H x W x D) approx. 22.4 x 12.2 x 19.7"

approx. 570 x 310 x 500 mm

Weight approx. 54.12 lbs / 24.6 kg

BEHRINGER i s constantly str iving to maintain the h ighest profess ional standards. A s a result of these e ffort s,

modific ations may be made f rom time to time to exi sting product s without prio r notice. Specif ications and

appearance m ay differ fro m those listed or sho wn.

We Hear You