Bugera 1990 User Manual

User Manual

BUGERA 1990

Classic 120-Watt Hi-Gain Dual Reverb Valve Amplier Head

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2 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

Table of Contents

Thank you .......................................................................2

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

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

Control elements ............................................................ 5

Front panel .................................................................................... 5

Rear panel ..................................................................................... 6

Footswitch .................................................................................... 7

Inside the BUGERA ..................................................................... 7

Wiring the BUGERA .................................................................... 8

Audio connections ..................................................................... 9

Specications ............................................................... 10

Thank you

Congratulations! By purchasing the BUGERA 1990, you get a classic 100-Watt
valve amplier which stands out for its raw power, reliability and mind-blowing
“soul tone.” The 2-channel preamplier design including BUGERA ECC83/ECC83A
preamp valves for breathtaking punch and impressive gain. First-grade BUGERA
5881 power valves, comprehensive sound control, 2 integrated reverb eects and
an eect loop with volume control round o the BUGERA 1990.

BUGERA instrument ampliers are handmade under stringent production
guidelines to ensure long life and reliability. Each one includes our classic
valve electronics, hard-wearing switches and potentiometers, high-quality
transformers and, not to forget, our hand-selected, precision-matched BUGERA
valves. And, owing to their careful construction and component assembly,
theyare able to stand up to the toughest demands.

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3 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

12. Use only with the

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Important Safety
Instructions

Warning

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.

Caution

High voltage! Risk of death! To avoid lethal

electric shock, do not open the casing.
There are no user-serviceable components inside. Referall
maintenance to quali ed service personnel. Remove the
mains cable when the unit is not in use.

Warning

To eliminate the risk of  re and electric

shock, do not expose this unit to rain or
moisture and splashing or dripping liquid, which might
enter the device. Do not place any objects  lled with
liquid, such as vases, on the unit.

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.

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 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. 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.

17. 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 unless you are
quali ed to do so.

© 2013 MUSICGroupIPLtd.
Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

LIMITED WARRANTY

For the applicable warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding MUSIC Group’s
Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at
www.music-group.com/warranty.

This symbol, wherever it appears,

alertsyou to important operating and

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

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 instruc tions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including ampli ers) 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  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. Only use attachments/accessories speci ed by
themanufacturer.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND APPEARANCES
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND
ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED. BEHRINGER,
KLARKTEKNIK, MIDAS, BUGERA, AND TURBOSOUND
ARE 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
UNDERTAKING OR REPRESENTATION. THIS MANUAL
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.

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4 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Failure to observe the following points
may result in damage to the amplier or
loudspeakers. Damage caused in such a

way are not covered by warranty.

• Observe the correct impedance for your loudspeaker
and use the appropriate output socket.

• Always use loudspeaker cables for connection
between the amplier and the loudspeaker. Never
use other types of cable such as instrument cable and
microphone cable.

Before you get started

Your product was carefully packed at the factory
to ensure safe transport. Nevertheless, if the box
is damaged inspect the unit immediately for signs
ofdamage.

• If the unit is damaged please do NOT return it to us,
but notify your dealer and the shipping company
immediately, otherwise, claims for damage or
replacement may not be granted.

• Always use the original box to prevent damage
during storage or transport.

• Make sure that children cannot play unsupervised
with the unit or its packaging.

Important notes concerning
installation

• The sound quality may diminish within the range of
powerful broadcasting stations and high-frequency
sources. Increase the distance between the
transmitter and the device and use shielded cables
forallconnections.

• Please ensure proper disposal of all
packingmaterials.

• Ensure adequate air supply and to avoid overheating
do not place the unit near radiators etc.

• Please make sure that all devices are properly
grounded. For your own safety, never remove or
disable the ground conductors from the devices
or on the power cords. The unit must always be
connected to the mains outlet with a protective
groundingconnection.

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5 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

Control elements

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)

Front pane l of the BUGERA 1990

Front panel

(1) The POWER switch is used to turn the power of the BUGERA amplier on

ando.

(2) The STAND BY switch allows you to place the amp in STANDBY mode

(OFFposition). This way the amp is idle, but the operational temperature of
the valves is maintained (POWER switch turned on). When the switch is set
to its ON position the amplier is activated.

 ATTENTION!

TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR AMP, NEVER USE THE BUGERA VALVE
AMPLIFIER WITHOUT A LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTED!

(3) The CHANNEL push button switches between the CLEAN and the

LEADchannel.

◊ You can also activate both channels with the supplied footswitch.

Refer to “Footswitch” for details.

(4) This is the VOLUME control that lets you adjust the volume level of the

LEADchannel.

(5) This REVERB rotary knob adjusts the eect level of the built-in REVERB

in the LEAD channel. The provided footswitch activates the REVERB eect
(seeChapter “Footswitch”).

(8) The PRESENCE rotary knob changes the tone of the amplier in the upper

frequencies. This emphasizes the high end and makes the sound crisper.

(9) The passive TREBLE control adjusts the upper frequency range.

(10) The passive MID control adjusts the middle frequency range.

(11) The passive BASS control adjusts the lower frequency range.

(12) This GAIN control species the input level of the LEAD channel. Turn the

control to the right to increase the preamplier’s distortion and sustain.

(13) This GAIN rotar y knob adjusts the input level of the CLEAN channel.

Turningthe knob to the right increases the level of the preamplier and,
therefore, the signal’s strength.

(14) The jack labeled INPUT is the ¼" input connector on the BUGERA for hooking

up your guitar. Use a commercially available ¼" mono cable.

(6) This is the VOLUME control that lets you adjust the volume level of the

CLEAN channel.

(7) This REVERB rotary knob adjusts the eect level of the built-in REVERB in

the CLEAN channel. The provided footswitch activates the REVERB eect
(seeChapter “Footswitch”).

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6 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

(15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25)

Rear panel o f the BUGERA 1960

Rear panel

(26)

 CAUTION!

Hot! Risk of injury! During use, the valves get very hot and high surface
temperatures may be reached at the rear of this unit. Avoid touching
the controls and connectors on the rear panel during use. To avoid
accidental contact with hot surfaces, place the rear panel so that it
faces a wall.

(15) The FOOTSW(itch) jack is used to connect to the provided footswitch.

Pleasemake sure that a cable has been connected before turning on the
amplier. For more information, read Chapter “Footswitch.”

(16) The LEVEL rotar y knob adjusts the output level of the signal sent to an

external eects unit or any other signal processor (0 – 10). Turning the knob
to the right increases the signal level, whereas turning it to the left decreases
the signal level. In order to produce sound with the least possible noise,
wesuggest using a high setting without distorting the signal.

(17) The SEND output is used to connect a shielded ¼" mono jack cable to the

input of an external eects unit.

(18) The RETURN input is used to connect a shielded ¼" mono jack cable to the

output of an external eects unit.

(19) The RECORDING output is used to connect directly to a recording device or

a PA system. This signal is specially ltered to provide the optimum signal
quality for this application.

(20) The DIRECT output is used to route the amplier’s unltered preamp signal,

for example, to a second amplier and loudspeaker system by retaining the
original sound.

(21) The IMPEDANCE switch lets you specify the loudspeaker impedance.

Alwaysapply the value that is identical to the impedance of the used
speakercabinet. Please also read “Wiring the BUGERA“.

 ATTENTION!

TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR AMP, NEVER USE THE BUGERA VALVE
AMPLIFIER WITHOUT A LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTED!



(23) This POWER switch reduces the output power of the amplier. In 50 W

mode, the amplier switches to triode operation, reducing the output power
by half (from 100 W to approx. 50 W). In 100 W mode, the amplier runs at
full power in pentode operation (100 W).



(24) WARNING: ONLY REPLACE THE FUSE WHEN THE MAINS CABLE HAS BEEN

DISCONNECTED! The FUSE is found in the fuse holder. If the fuse is
blown, itneeds to be replaced with a fuse of the same kind by all means.
Otherwise,the unit could seriously be damaged, in which case the warranty
is void. If the fuse is blown repeatedly, you should take the unit to a qualied
service technician.



(25) The IEC MAINS connector is used to connect the mains cable that has

the appropriate voltage ratings for your country (included). At all times,
makethe connections to the amplier before plugging the cable into a
power outlet.



(22) Both the paralleled LOUDSPEAKER outputs (¼" mono jacks) are used

to connect the speaker cabinet(s). The minimum impedance is 4 Ohms.
TheIMPEDANCE switch should always be set to match the impedance of the
used speaker cabinet.

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(26) This is the SERIAL NUMBER of the amplier.

7 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

Footswitch

(27) (28)

Footswitch

(27) The CLEAN switch activates the CLEAN channel.

(28) The LEAD switch activates the LEAD channel.



The parts inside the amplier operate at high voltages and high
temperatures. To avoid damage and injury that results from re or
electric shock, do not drop or spill anything into the unit’scasing.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNELONLY

Remove the backside of the amplier’s casing to get to the valves and the
controlelements.

(29) These are the sockets for the ECC38/ECC38A preamp valves.

(30) These are the sockets for the 5881 power amp valves.



(31) The BIAS TEST connector lets you connect a voltmeter in order to measure

the power amp valves (bias adjustment). Make sure that the voltmeter is set
to direct current (DC).

(32) The BIAS ADJUST control is used to make the bias-adjustment.

◊ Replacing the power amp valves also requires bias adjustment.

You should always use sets of four matched valves. The valves of the
BUGERA Series are ideal for this purpose.

Inside the BUGERA

DANGER!

High voltage! Risk of death!

High voltages of up to 500 V DC may be present inside the casing for
long periods after being disconnected from the mains. To avoid lethal
electric shock, do not open the casing. There are no user-serviceable
components inside. Refer all maintenance to qualied service
personnel. Remove the mains cable when the unit is not in use.

(29)

 CAUTION:

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT BIAS ADJUSTMENTS BE CARRIED OUT BY
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL!

Inside the BU GERA 1990

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8 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

Wiring the BUGERA

 CAUTION!

Hot! Risk of injury! During use, the valves will get very hot and high
surface temperatures may be reached at the rear of this unit. To avoid
burning yourself, make all connections while the unit is still cold.

 ATTENTION!

TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR AMP, NEVER USE THE BUGERA VALVE
AMPLIFIER WITHOUT A LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTED!

The BUGERA amplier has two paralleled LOUDSPEAKER outputs which are used
to connect one or two speaker cabinets.

If you only connect one speaker cabinet, be sure that the IMPEDANCE switch is set
to match the impedance of the connec ted cabinet.

If you want to connect two speaker cabinets, both cabinets should have to the
same impedance. Be sure to have set the IMPEDANCE switch correctly. In this
case, set it to half the value of one of the cabinets. When using two 16-Ohm
cabinets, the switch therefore needs to be set to 8 Ohms; and with two 8-Ohm
cabinets, set it to the minimum impedance of 4 Ohms.

Speaker cabinets

1 x 16 Ω

1 x 8 Ω

1 x 4 Ω

2 x 16 Ω

2 x 8 Ω

Impedances

Loudspeaker
output

IMPEDANCE switch

16 Ω 8 Ω 4 Ω

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

BUGERA 1990

When you use two speaker boxes with diering impedance values, the speaker
with the lower impedance will provide the highest output power. In this case the
IMPEDANCE switch must be set to half the value of the speaker with the lower
impedance value. Example: 16 ohms + 8 ohms -> 4 ohms.

Speaker cabinet BUGERA 412H-BK

Connecting a speaker

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9 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

The following gure shows a setup with an external eects unit connected via
the FX LOOP. What’s more, the RECORDING output is connected to a mixer’s line
channel to feed the signal to a recording device. The speaker signal of the
connected loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone and is fed to the mixer via a
mic input. This way you get a second guitar signal that is amplied over a
PAsystem or can be recorded additionally or both.

PA loudspeaker

Power amplier

Main Out

Multitrack recorder

Eects processor

Mixing console

Send Return

Audio connections

The inputs and outputs of the BUGERA amplier use mono jack connectors.

Unbalanced ¼" TS connector

strain relief clamp

sleeve

tip

sleeve

(ground/shield)

tip

(signal)

¼" mono jack conne ctor

Recording out

Microphone

Set-up for l ive playing

Instrument input

Electric guitar

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10 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

Specications

Preamp Section

Valves

Type 2 x ECC83A

1 x ECC83

Instrument Input

Impedance 1 MΩ

Clean Channel

Nominal input level –10 dBV

Minimum input level –50 dBV

Maximum input level 0 dBV

Lead Channel

Nominal input level –80 dBV

Minimum input level –92 dBV

Effects Send

Impedance 15 kΩ

Nominal output level –12 to 0 dBV

Effects Return

Impedance 15 kΩ

Power Supply

Power Consumption Maximum 350 W

Mains Voltage / Fuse

100 – 120 V~, 50/60 Hz T 3.15 A H 250 V

220 – 230 V~, 50/60 Hz T 1.6 A H 250 V

Mains Connector Standard IEC receptacle

Dimensions/Weight

Dimensions (H x W x D) 12.2 x 27.2 x 9.6"

310 x 690 x 245 mm

Weight 49.6 lbs / 22.5 kg

We are constant ly striving to main tain the highest pr ofessional stan dards. As a result of t hese effor ts,

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 illus trated.

Minimum input sensitivity –12 to 0 dBV

Recording Output

Impedance 47 kΩ

Nominal output level +0 dBV

Direct Output

Impedance 10 kΩ

Nominal output level +3 dBV

Power Amplier Section

Valves

Type 4 x 5881

Output Power

Peak power 60 W/120 W switchable / 16, 8, 4 Ω

Loudspeaker Connectors

Type ¼" TS connectors, unbalanced

Load impedance 4 Ω / 8 Ω / 16 Ω switchable

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11 BUGERA 1990 User Manual

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION COMPLIANCE
INFORMATION

BUGERA

BUGERA 1990

Responsible Party Name: MUSIC Group Services US Inc.

Address: 18912 North Creek Parkway,

Suite 200 Bothell, WA 98011,
USA

Phone/Fax No.: Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

BUGERA 1990

complies with the FCC rules as mentioned in the followingparagraph:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a ClassB
digital device, pur suant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc tions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the followingmeasures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician forhelp.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter ference received, including inter ference that may
cause undesired operation.

Important information:

Changes or modications to the equipment not expressly approved by MUSIC Group
can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.

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