Behringer V-AMPIRE VERSION 1.3, V-AMP 2 VERSION 1.3, V-AMP PRO VERSION 1.3 User Manual

User’s Manual

Version 1.4 December 2005

V-AMPIRE

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

V-AMP PRO

V-AMP 2

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

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. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure—voltage that may be sufficient 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.

DETAILED 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 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 the 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 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) CAUTION - These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions unless you are qualified to do so.

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

Ultra-flexible virtual guitar amps with tube simulation and digital multi-effects processor

V 32 authentic virtual amp simulations, 15 speaker cabinets and preamp bypass

V Dedicated selectors for amp model, speaker cabinet and digital effects

V Amps selector allows you to directly select popular guitar amp simulations ranging from classic clean to

crunch and modern Hi Gain sounds with the original tube amp character

V Effects selector selects first-class effects such as chorus, flanger, phaser, rotary, auto wah, echo, delay,

compressor and various effects combinations—can be used without amp simulation!

V Dedicated reverb control adds 1 of 9 different reverb types

V 125 memory locations divided into 25 banks for easy editing

V Extensive MIDI implementation allows complete real-time remote control and automation, data transfer

and access to additional parameters

V Five globally selectable configurations for various studio and live applications, some with additional 3-band

live-EQ

V-AMPIRE/ V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

V Built-in chromatic tuner for connection of your guitar or other electronic instruments

V V-AMPIRE: 2 x 60 Watt guitar combo with 1 x 12" BUGERATM loudspeaker

V V-AMPIRE: Two additional outputs for connection of external loudspeakers

V V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO: Balanced stereo XLR DI Out with ground lift and switchable ULTRA-G speaker

simulation

V V-AMPIRE/V-AMP 2: Adjustable stereo aux input for line-level signals (CD, drum computer, sound card etc.)

V V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO: Pre DSP send/return loop for dry recording and wet monitoring or as serial

effects loop

V V-AMP PRO: AES/EBU and S/PDIF connectors allow usage as universal A/D converter with high-impedance

input, 24-bit/96 kHz resolution and 100 dB dynamic range

V V-AMP PRO: BNC wordclock input for external sample rate synchronization up to 96 kHz

V V-AMP PRO: Post DSP stereo inserts for connection of external effects devices

V V-AMP 2: Gig bag and footswitch for preset selection and tuner control included

V Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany.

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

FOREWORD

Dear Customer, welcome to the team of

BEHRINGER users, and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in us by purchasing this virtual guitar amplifier.

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 develop three outstanding devices, that give you maximum flexibility

and performance with their unique sound character and broad range of functions. The task of designing these new products 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 they’ve 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 you’ve 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: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes, enabling us to get better purchasing terms for components, etc. Isn’t 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 V-AMPIRE/ V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2 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, it’s been worth the effort!

Thank you very much,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................5

1.1 ... before you get started ............................................. 5

1.1.1 Online registration .............................................. 5

2. CONTROL ELEMENTS ...............................................5

2.1 Front panel/surface ...................................................... 5

2.2 Rear panel/side............................................................. 7

3. OPERATING MODES AND APPLICA TIONS ................8

3.1 Selecting an operating mode in CONFIGURATION

mode ............................................................................. 8

3.2 Rehearsal or recording at home .................................. 8

3.2.1 V-AMPIRE ........................................................... 8

3.2.2 V-AMP PRO ........................................................ 8

3.2.3 V-AMP 2.............................................................. 8

3.3 Live on stage or in a rehearsal room ........................... 9

3.3.1 V-AMPIRE ........................................................... 9

3.3.2 V-AMP PRO ........................................................ 9

3.3.3 V-AMP 2.............................................................. 9

3.4 Recording...................................................................... 9

3.4.1 V-AMPIRE ........................................................... 9

3.4.2 V-AMP PRO ........................................................ 9

3.4.3 V-AMP 2.............................................................. 9

4. PRESETS ................................................................. 10

4.1 Calling up presets ....................................................... 10

4.2 Editing presets ............................................................ 10

4.3 Storing presets ........................................................... 10

4.4 Discarding an edited preset/restoring a single

factory preset ............................................................. 11

4.5 Restoring all factory presets ...................................... 11

5. AMP/SPEAKER SIMULATION .................................. 11

5.1 Amp descriptions ........................................................ 11

5.2 Speaker descriptions .................................................. 12

6. EFFECTS PROCESSOR ............................................13

6.1 Wah Wah .................................................................... 13

6.2 Effect descriptions ..................................................... 13

6.2.1 Reverb and delay algorithms ........................... 13

6.2.2 Modulation effects ............................................ 14

6.2.3 Combinations of effect algorithms

(multi-effects programs) .................................. 14

6.2.4 Special effects ................................................. 14

6.3 The separate reverb effect ........................................ 14

7. TUNER ......................................................................14

7.1 Tuning your guitar....................................................... 14

7.2 Setting reference pitch “A” ........................................ 15

8. INSTALLATION ......................................................... 15

8.1 Mains voltage .............................................................. 15

8.2 Audio connections ...................................................... 15

8.3 MIDI connections......................................................... 16

8.3.1 Sending/receiving MIDI-Sysex data ................. 16

8.4 AES/EBU and S/PDIF standards ................................. 16

9. APPENDIX ................................................................17

Uli Behringer

10.SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................18

11.WARRANTY.............................................................20

CAUTION!

Please note that high volume levels may cause



permanent damage to your hearing and/or your headphones. Turn all LEVEL controls to the left before you switch on the unit. Be sure to keep the volume at an appropriate level.

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations! With the V-AMPIRE, V-AMP PRO and V-AMP 2 you have acquired an up-to-date guitar amp of the newest generation. Each one offers you a range of sonic posibilities as wide as your own imagination.

With the V-AMPIRE you own the new combo version of our famous V-AMP 2. It’s an allrounder with so many features that you hardly need any other equipment.

The V-AMP PRO is the “big brother” of the V-AMP 2. Besides the V-AMP 2 features, the PRO version offers digital output signals and you can even select the output format. External synchronization of your V-AMP PRO is possible via wordclock.

The V-AMP 2 is the revised and furtherly developed wellknown V-AMP model. With this modern virtual guitar amp we have set a new standard. The V-AMP 2 offers 32 authentic amp and even special loudspeaker cabinet sounds without the usual transportation problems.

But enough of this talk: Nothing will convince you more than what you hear and feel when you test your virtual amp for the first time.

But ...

1.1 ... before you get started

The unit was carefully packed at the factory and the packaging is 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 which may have occurred during transit.

 If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to

BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately. Otherwise, claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.

Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and, to avoid overheating, please do not place the device near radiators etc.

 Before you connect the unit to the mains, please

make sure that the voltage setting on the unit matches the local voltage!

The mains connection of the V-AMP 2 is made by using the enclosed power supply, which meets all of the international safety certification requirements. As soon as the V-AMP 2 is connected to the mains via its power supply, the unit is switched on automatically.

 Please make sure that all units have a proper

ground connection. For your own safety, never remove or disable the ground conductor from the unit or of the AC power cord. The unit shall always be connected to the mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

The MIDI connections (IN, OUT/THRU) are for standard DIN connectors. Data is transferred via ground-free opto-couplers. Further information can be found in chapter 8 “INSTALLATION”.

1.1.1 Online registration

Please, do remember to register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by visiting www.behringer.com (alternatively www.behringer.de) and kindly read the terms and conditions of our warranty carefully.

Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, our goal is to have it repaired as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty service, please contact the 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 (www.behringer.com).

Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims quicker and more efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation!

2. CONTROL ELEMENTS

On the added view sheet you will find the corresponding illustrations for all control elements. The numbering of most of the control elements is the same for all three products. Because of the different design and some varying elements, the numbering is not always consistent. We therefore marked those differences adding a “V-AMPIRE only”, “V-AMP PRO only” or “V-AMP 2 only”.

2.1 Front panel/surface

Use the POWER switch to put the V-AMPIRE (rear) and the V-AMP PRO (front) into operation. The POWER switch should be in the “off” position (not pressed) if you want to connect the device to the mains.

 Attention: The POWER switch does not fully

disconnect the unit from the mains. Unplug the power cord completely when the unit is not used for prolonged periods of time.

The GAIN control determines the distortion level of an amp simulation.

The VOLUME control determines the volume of the selected preset.

The BASS control in the EQ section is for boosting or cutting the low-frequency range.

The MID control is for boosting or cutting the mid-range frequencies.

TREBLE controls the high-frequency range of the selected preset.

 The LED rings around the VOLUME, BASS, MID,

TREBLE, GAIN, EFFECTS MIX and REVERB controls each have nine LEDs. On each ring either one LED or two neighboring LEDs (in between positon) will light up at a time, indicating a total of 17 different positions.

 If the TAP key is down, the TREBLE control

functions as a PRESENCE control. This enables you to boost/cut a high-frequency filter tuned to whatever amp model is active, thus simulating the frequency-dependent coupling of tube amps.

The AMPS control is for selecting one of 32 different amplifier simulation models. The control is surrounded by a ring of 16 LEDs. Each LED corresponds to two types of amplifier. The first 16 simulations can be selected by turning the AMPS control (V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2: white, V-AMPIRE: black).

2. CONTROL ELEMENTS

V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2

To select the simulation models 17 - 32 (V-AMP PRO/ V-AMP 2: gray, V-AMPIRE: white), press down the TAP key while making your selection by turning the AMPS control.

 The LED “17 - 32” in the bottom left-hand corner of

the DISPLAY indicates that one of the simulation models 17 - 32 has been selected.

In addition, you can activate a PREAMP BYPASS by pressing the key combination TUNER and TAP . If PREAMP BYPASS has been selected, none of the LEDs on the AMPS control lights up. To disable PREAMP BYPASS, simply select a different amp model or press both keys again.

These five keys are for selecting a preset (A - E) within one bank.

In EDIT mode (activated by simultaneously pressing the arrow keys described in ), the keys perform the function printed directly above them:

V A: Accesses the MIDI functions. Use the arrow keys to

set the MIDI channels (1 through 16) for transmitting and receiving MIDI data.

If you use key A in EDIT mode to select the MIDI function and then press the TAP key, the MIDI OUT connector is set to act as a MIDI THRU. In this setting (the TAP LED is lit) no MIDI data is sent, but the device passes on the signal received at the MIDI IN connection.

V B: Selects the DRIVE function. This noticeably raises

distortion and volume. Use the arrow keys to switch DRIVE on and off. The DRIVE function is wired pre GAIN control.

 While editing the DRIVE function, you can also

activate and adjust the Wah-Wah effect by turning the EFFECTS control. The LEDs surrounding the EFFECTS control indicate the position of the pedal. If none of the LEDs lights up, the Wah-Wah is not acitvated.

V C: This key activates the CABINETS mode. Use the arrow

keys to select the type of speaker or combination of speakers you want. You can also switch off the speaker simulation completely (“-”). For further details, please refer to chapter 5.2.

V D: Use this key to select the REVERB function. The

arrow keys can be used to select one of nine different types of reverb in addition to the multi-effects processor. For further details see chapter 6.3.

V E: Here you can activate the NOISE GATE function. Use

the arrow keys to adjust the noise reduction threshold.

 After preset editing, please press TUNER/EXIT to

quit (the EDIT MODE LED dies out).

 DIGITAL OUT: The digital output (V-AMP PRO only)

can be configured if keys A and B are pressed simultaneously. The display reads either “SP” for S/PDIF or “AE” for AES/EBU. Switch between these two formats using the TAP key. The LEDs in the display show whether you have chosen internal synchronization (with 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz sample rate) or external synchronization via word clock (see tab.

2.1 in this user’s manual). Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate sample rate with respect to the receiving device. The TUNER/EXIT key allows you to quit the DIGITAL OUT configuration.

 CONFIGURATION: If you press the D and E keys

simultaneously (B and D on the V-AMP 2), you can select the general operating mode of your device allowing adjustments to different studio and live situations (see chapter 3). Press TUNER/EXIT to quit configuration.

The TUNER button is for switching on the tuner. In addition, this button can be used to quit EDIT mode (“Exit”).

Use the two arrow keys to select a different bank (BANK DOWN and BANK UP). You can skip banks by holding each of the keys down. To activate the EDIT mode, press both keys simultaneously. If you press one of the keys A - E ( ) in that mode, the arrow keys can be used for setting parameters.

The TAP button performs seven functions:

V “Tap”: Tap the rhythm of a piece of music on the TAP

button and the selected effect automatically adapts to the tempo of the music.

V “Presence”: While holding down the TAP button, you

can use the TREBLE control to change the PRESENCE setting of the amp model you’ve selected.

V “2nd parameter”: You also can access the second effects

parameter set by using the EFFECT control while holding down the TAP button.

V “Amp models 17 - 32”: Keep the TAP button pressed

down and select an amp model using the AMPS control.

V “MIDI Thru”: The MIDI OUT connector can be set to act as

MIDI THRU (see A).

V “Drive”: Using the TAP button and the EFFECT control

changes the sound of the Wah-Wah effect.

V “Input Gain”: By pressing the TAP button in the

configuration menu (see ) you change the value (please refer to chapter 3.1 for further information).

Tab. 2.1: Output formats and display LED assignments

The DISPLAY shows you which preset bank you have selected and gives you information on parameter changes when you are editing. In TUNER mode the DISPLAY shows the pitch of the instrument connected to the unit. If one of the amplifier simulations 17 - 32 has been selected, the LED in the bottom left-hand corner of the DISPLAY lights up. Additionally, the DISPLAY reads the digital format output and the sample rate (V-AMP PRO only) and illustrates whenever the V-AMP PRO is synchronized by an external word clock signal (EXT.). Applied signals are indicated by the green SIGNAL LED, overload signals by the red CLIP LED (V-AMPIRE and V-AMP PRO only).

This control is for selecting an effect or a combination of effects. This encoder-type rotary control is also surrounded by a ring of 16 LEDs. Each LED corresonds to one specific effects preset.

Using the REVERB control, you can add the reverb content of your choice to your overall sound. By turning it to the left until all the LEDs are off, you deactivate the reverb. To fade out the original signal, turn the control to the right until only the last LED lights up.

Fig . 2.1: V-AMP PRO display

2. CONTROL ELEMENTS

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