Behringer gm108 User Manual

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GM108
Users Manual
ENGLISH
Version 1.0 June 2003
V-TONE
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V-TONE GM108
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain and moisture.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
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 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, extension cords, and the point at which they exit the unit.
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.
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V-TONE GM108
V-TONE
True Analog Modeling 15-Watt Guitar Amp with 8" Speaker
s Extremely versatile practice amplifier with authentic analog amp modeling
s Original 20-Watt vintage-design guitar speaker
GM108
s Authentic Analog Modeling for 3 classic guitar amps, 3 speaker simulation models plus 3 gain modes
providing you with 27 classic sound presets
s Wide-range drive control for super-fat sounds with any pickup types
s Dedicated 3-band EQ and master level control
s CD input allows you to play along with your favorite music
s Powerful headphone output with speaker simulation
s Rugged construction for years of trouble-free use
s Designed in Germany. Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system
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V-TONE GM108
FOREWORD
Dear musician,
first of all, congratula­tions on selecting this BEHRINGER guitar amp.
The V-TONE GM108 is indeed a truly grown-up modeling amp. As such, it will provide you with loads of pure pleasure.
Had somebody claimed a couple of years ago that you could get such a feature-rich modeling amp at such an unbe­lievable price, he would have been made fun of.
But thats exactly what I wanted to create, and we have indeed made it!
With our V-TONE GM108, you get an amp that lets you walk in the foot steps of many famous guitarists. Get it out of the box, hook it up, and its ready to go. The V-TONE GM108 has it all: from the classic clean sounds to the bad-boy heavy sounds.
While designing the new V-TONE GM108, it was very important to us to give you an absolutely top-notch list of features. Because one thing you can always be sure of: due to our year-long experience in the music industry, we know exactly what an amp needs to be able to survive out there in the real world. It doesnt matter how often you intend to use your V-TONE GM108 to practice or to jam with your friends: the quality and the sound are going to provide nothing but raw fun.
If you ask yourself, how do they do it, how can they offer such a great amp at such an unbelievable price, there is a very simple answer: you have influenced this price quite a bit! Many satisfied customers mean large sales volumes, enabling us to get better purchasing terms for components, etc. We have simply passed our savings on to you! Thats only fair, isnt it?
But enough talking. We hope that you, as a future great guitarist, will one day be able to say: my first real amp was a BEHRINGER. If you get that far, than we have done our job well.
On that note: we wish you tons of success!
Thank you very much,
1. INTRODUCTION
With the GM108 youve got your hands on a sizzling-hot guitar
amp that will push your buttons in all the right places!
Simply cool, simply amazing
Our one-of-a-kind V-TONE Analog Modeling gives you the hottest, most in guitar amp sounds on earth without placing unreasonable demands on the amount of background knowledge you need to have. The V-TONE GM108 has everything you need to create exactly the sound you want right at your fingertips.
Wanna change the sound of your amp in a second? Simply use one of the switches to select another amp or another speaker. And thats it! Combined with all the other settings that you can make, you can produce an entire array of different sounds. And all that without getting yelled at by the neighbors: just plug in your headphones and start playing! But beware:
+ High-volume music can damage your hearing and/
or your headphones. Turn the MASTER control to zero (all the way to the left) before you power up your amp. Always try to play at appropriate volume levels.
Absolute power and tube sound
Protecting your hearing aside, if you crank up your V-TONE GM108, it can cause quite a stirr in your practice room or even on the stage ;-). How your amp is wired is shown in figures 2.1 and 2.2.
The GM108 with V-TONE Analog Modeling gives you a tube sound full of life that will simply blow you away. From crystal­clear all the way to ultra-distorted, anything and everything is possible.
In doing so, you remain in full control over the volume: you can create the same sound, regardless of whether you play at bedroom levels or if you play at full blast in your practice room.
Jam!
The V-TONE GM108 is simply an awesome practice amp because its CD input lets you jam to your favorite CDswithout upsetting your neighbors! If you want (or are told!) to keep it on the quiet side, all you need is some headphones. The BEHRINGER HPS3000, for example, is the perfect choice for exactly that!
This one is for keeps!
The electronic components of your V-TONE GM108 are well protected in its robust steel casing. The casing also has high­quality, environment-friendly MDF wood that is covered with high-resistance leatherette. Your GM108 wont leave you stranded even during tough stage use.
+ The purpose of this manual is to familiarize you
with all the functions of your new amp so you put to good use all that the amp has to offer. After you have read it through, keep it somewhere where you can later find it. Its of no use to you when its lost ;-).
Uli Behringer
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1.1 Before you get started
The GM108 was carefully packed at the factory to assure it will survive the rigors of the road. If the cardboard packaging looks like its been through a lot, please inspect the contents and look for indications of damage.
+ In case your amp is damaged, DO NOT send it
directly to us. Instead, first notify the store where you bought it as well as the carrier who made the delivery. Otherwise, you may void your warranty.
Always make sure your V-TONE GM108 gets enough air flow and never put it near the heating or other heat-emitting equipment to avoid damage to the amp.
1. INTRODUCTION
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V-TONE GM108
2. WIRING HINTS
The following illustrations show you how to connect your
guitar to the amp.
If you want to use stomp boxes or an effects pedal to experi­ment with different new sounds, simply connect the guitar directly to the input of your effects unit. Of course, you will need an additional cable for this purpose to connect the output of the effects unit to the amp input.
If you own an electronic tuner, you should hook it up pre
effects unit to avoid interference.
+ Your amps speaker is automatically muted when
you insert a plug into the headphone connector .
Fig. 2.1: V-TONE GM108 setup (example)
Fig. 2.2: Live setup (example)
Fig. 2.2 shows how your GM108 can be connected to a sound reinforcement system. This way, your amp can hold its turf even when used for performing live or with a loud band.
2. WIRING HINTS
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V-TONE GM108
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
3.1 Front panel
Fig. 3.1: Front panel control elements
Use the INST(RUMENT) INPUT connector to hook up your guitar. Use a standard 1/4" TS cable.
The DRIVE control regulates how much distortion you produce (depending on what amp, mode and speaker combination you select). The DRIVE control works in unison with the MASTER control. To some extent, the DRIVE control also affects the volume. To achieve the same volume level, turning DRIVE down means you have to somewhat increase MASTER. The more you crank up DRIVE, the louder it will get, so that you can finally adjust the volume using MASTER. This way, you can greatly vary your sound and still be in charge of volume.
For guitar pros: You can use the volume control of your guitar as a creative tool as well. The more you turn it up, the more distortion you end up with!
The AMP switch lets you decide which one of the three classically inspired guitar amp sounds you wish to recreate.
TWEED: Offers the legendary American clean sound, with dynamic bass and clear transparence.
BRITISH: Aggressive in the mids, tough and full of punch, thats how you can describe this setting. You get the classic rock sound of the most famous British amps.
CALIF(ORNIAN): Lead and hot rhythms sounds are what you get with this setting. This is the amp for that typical Nu Metal Californian sound.
Use the MODE switch to select one of the three settings (CLEAN, HI GAIN and HOT) for the basic sound you selected with the AMP switch. The following description gives you some rough idea about the many possibilities.
Experiment with DRIVE to come up with exactly the sound you are looking for!
CLEAN: as the name says, clean sound, without distortion.
HI GAIN: ranges from crunchy to strongly distorted
sounds.
HOT: heavily distorted sound with endless sustain and an extra dollop of presence.
Use the SPEAKER switch to adjust yet another parameter: select one of the three outstanding loudspeaker simulations that best fits the amp you go with.
UK: 4 x 12" speaker in an enclosed casing.
US: 2 x 12" open-back speaker.
FLAT: specially tailored for the GM108.
Hook up the output of your CD player, tape deck or walkman to the CD INPUT connector. An MD player will do too. This way, you can play music CDs or even CDs accompanying guitar-playing books and practice at the same time. Of course, you can do the same using your stereo, but then you couldnt hear both signals simultaneously via your headphones!
The CD INPUT comes as a standard 1/4" TRS stereo jack connector. If your CD player features RCA outputs, then youll need an adapter or an adapter cable. You can get both at most audio stores. Fig. 5.3 in chapter 5 shows you what such an adapter looks like. You can also use a mono cable (fig. 5.4) without damaging the amp or your CD player.
Wanna have more bass? Then crank LOW all the way up.
The MID control is used to lower or increase mid frequencies.
+ If you are playing alone, lower these frequencies
relative to bass/highs to get a cool sound. When youre playing in a band, increase these frequencies relative to bass/highs to cut through. Just keep on tweaking your sound until you get it right!
The HIGH control regulates high frequencies. Use HIGH to get your guitar to sound sharper.
Hook up your headphones using the HEADPHONE connector. Your amps loudspeaker is automatically muted as soon as your headphones are connected.
+ Some headphones cant handle extremely high
volumes without beginning to distort. Turn the LEVEL control somewhat down until you notice the distortion is gone.
The LEVEL control governs the overall volume of your V-TONE GM108. LEVEL should always be at zero (all the way to the left) whenever you hit POWER or when you unplug the cable out of your guitar or your amp. Otherwise, loud crackling noise can occur, and they are good for neither your amp nor your ears.
Use POWER to power up your GM108. You should always make sure that the POWER switch is in the Off position when initially connecting the unit to the mains.
+ Please take 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.
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3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
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V-TONE GM108
3.2 Rear panel
Fig. 3.2: GM108 rear panel
SERIAL NUMBER. Your V-TONE GM108 is delivered with
a warranty card. Fill it out and send it to us within 14 days of the date of purchase to assure you are entitled to extended warranty coverage.
Or go to www.behringer.com and register your purchase online.
Fig. 4.1: Basic setting CLEAN 1
This setting creates a clear sound that is ideal for finger picking. If you want to use stomp boxes, this setting will be very helpful:
4. BASIC SETTINGS
The following five illustrations show you how you can setup
your V-TONE GM108.
These settings greatly differ from one another and let you fully exploit the sound diversity of your amp. That way, you have a solid foundation for working on developing your own, recognizable sound and tone.
The unique sound of your effects will come through more strongly.
Fig. 4.2: Basic setting CLEAN 2
This is a great setting for playing country, jazz or blues. A hint:
Using the pickup closest to the guitars neck lets you achieve a
Fig. 4.3: Basic setting CRUNCH
This setting is optimal for distorted rock guitar parts and power
chords.
Fig. 4.4: Basic setting LEAD
This hot lead guitar sound rocks!
rich, clean sound. Try using two pickups at the same time. Youll create an open, bell-like sound.
To get a tighter sound, try using the pickups located farther away from the guitar neck.
4. BASIC SETTINGS
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V-TONE GM108
With the almost endless choice of different sounds you have at your fingertips, you will soon develop your own playing style and broaden the limits of your skills.
This goes for all settings: What guitar you use with your V-TONE GM108 will also influence the overall sound of your playing. Thats why we can only give you hints that will make getting started easier. The bulk of the work lies in your hands.
+ Most guitars sound at their best when volume and
tone controls on the guitar are turned as far up as they go.
Experiment with all controls to get more experience and to figure out how to get the sound you like. When they find a setting they like, many experienced guitarist write down this setting to remember it for future use. On page 9 you will find amp illustrations in which you can enter your own favorite settings.
A hint: Photocopy this page so you can keep on re-using it in the future!
5. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The guitar input of the BEHRINGER V-TONE GM108 comes as mono 1/4" TS connector.
+ Please keep in mind that all 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 you use!
Fig. 5.3: Stereo adapter cable
Fig. 5.4: Mono adapter cable
Fig. 5.1: Wiring of an unbalanced 1/4" TS connector for use
with INSTRUMENT INPUT
Fig. 5.2: Wiring of a stereo headphones connector
for use with CD INPUT
6. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS
Guitar input
Connector 1/4" TS mono connector
CD input
Connector 1/4" TRS stereo connector
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Headphone output
Connector 1/4" TRS stereo connector
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Power amp output 15 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms
LOUDSPEAKER
Type 8" vintage design guitar
speaker Impedance 4 Ohms Power handling 20 Watts
POWER SUPPLY
Mains voltage
USA/Canada 120 V~, 60 Hz Europe/U.K./Australia 230 V~, 50 Hz Japan 100 V~, 50 - 60 Hz
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Dimmensions (H x W x D) approx. 322 mm (13 1/8") x
357 mm (14 1/16") x 162 mm
(6 3/8") Weight approx. 5.15 kg (11 lbs. 3 oz.)
BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of these efforts, modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice. Specifications and appearance may differ from those listed or shown.
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6. SPECIFICATIONS
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V-TONE GM108
7.APPENDIX
Drive Amp Mode Speaker Low Mid High Master
Notes:
Drive Amp Mode Speaker Low Mid High Master
Notes:
Song:
Song:
Drive Amp Mode Speaker Low Mid High Master
Notes:
Drive Amp Mode Speaker Low Mid High Master
Notes:
Song:
Song:
7. APPENDIX
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V-TONE GM108
8. WARRANTY
§ 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION
To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days of the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any extended warranty claims. Based on the conditions herein, the buyer may also choose to use the online registration option via the Internet (www.behringer.com or www.behringer.de).
§ 2 WARRANTY
1. BEHRINGER (BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH including all BEHRINGER subsidiaries listed on the enclosed page, except BEHRINGER Japan) warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year* from the original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty regulations described below. If the product shows any defects within the specified warranty period that are not excluded from this warranty as described under § 3 and 4, BEHRINGER shall, at its discretion, either replace or repair the product using suitable new or reconditioned parts. In the case that other parts are used which constitute an improvement, BEHRINGER may, at its discretion, charge the customer for the additional cost of these parts.
2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be returned to the user freight prepaid.
3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
§ 3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer) must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed list) during normal business hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem. BEHRINGER will then issue a return authorization number.
2. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with the return authorization number to the address indicated by BEHRINGER.
3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted.
§ 4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealers invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by BEHRINGER under the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product at BEHRINGER.
2. If the product needs to be modified 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 modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover any such modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, BEHRINGER shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from such a modification/adaptation.
3. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly excluded from this 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, potentiometers, keys/buttons and similar parts.
4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty:
s improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in
compliance with the instructions given in BEHRINGER user or service manuals.
s connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not
comply with the technical or safety regulations applicable in the country where the product is used.
s damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other
condition that is beyond the control of BEHRINGER.
5. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by unauthorized personnel (user included) will void the warranty.
6. If an inspection of the product by BEHRINGER shows that the defect in question is not covered by the warranty, the inspection costs are payable by the customer.
7. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be repaired exclusively at the buyers expense. BEHRINGER will inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after notification, BEHRINGER 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.
§ 5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer (customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf of BEHRINGER.
§ 6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
Failure of BEHRINGER to provide proper warranty service shall not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential) damages. In no event shall the liability of BEHRINGER exceed the invoiced value of the product.
§ 7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS AND NATIONAL LAW
1. This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyers statutory rights provided by national law, in particular, any such rights against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase contract.
2. The warranty regulations mentioned herein are applicable unless they constitute an infringement of national warranty law.
* Customers in the European Union please contact BEHRINGER
Germany Support for further details.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. 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
BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 36-38, 47877 Willich-Münchheide II, Germany
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purpose, without the express written permission of BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER is a registered trademark. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2003 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
Tel. +49 2154 9206 0, Fax +49 2154 9206 4903
8. WARRANTY
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