Backline 350 & 210
Owner’s Manual
Backline 350
Backline 210
1
Backline 350 & 210
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................
Safety Information..........................................................
Quick Start.......................................................................
Settings & Sounds............................................................
Sound Tips.......................................................................
Front & Rear Panel Controls........................................
Installation & Maintenance..........................................
Backline 210 Combo.....................................................
Tech Talk........................................................................
Specifications.................................................................
Notes...............................................................................
*All Features and specifications are subject to change without notice
**This list is subject to change without notice.
Please read the Safety Information section on page 5 before continuing.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
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Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Drive
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: 209-234-7300
fax: 209-234-8420
www.gallien-krueger.com
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Congratulations
Backline 350 & 210
Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger Backline 350/210
product is surely the result of much careful consideration
on your part. For our part, we at Gallien-Krueger are
pleased that you chose us, and are determined that you
will be a satisfied customer. In choosing a Backline 350/
210 product, you now own an amplifier with many unique
features, which will allow you to create your own distinct
sound.
To get the most out of your new purchase please take a
few minutes to read through this manual. If you are in a
hurry, we suggest you at least read through the Quick Start
and Safety Information sections before setting up your
new rig. This will help get you started and give you a few
quick tips, but is not a substitute for reading the rest of the
manual.
Your Backline unit should have come with the following
items, please check the contents of the box to ensure that
you have everything.
Included with your Backline 350 Head:
Backline 350 1
Rack mount ears with hardware 2
Power cord 1
Owner’s manual 1
Warranty card 1
Safety instructions sheet 1
If your Backline 350/210 did not come with all the
items listed, or if you encounter problems while setting
up your new equipment, please contact your local
dealer, or us as soon as possible at:
Gallien-Krueger, Inc.
2234 Industrial Drive
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: (209) 234-7300
fax: (209) 234-8420
Internet: www.gallien-krueger.com
Email: sales@gallien.com
We wish you a lifetime of good playing and remember
to always have fun!
Introduction
Included with your Backline 210 Combo:
Backline 210 1
Power Cord 1
Owner’s Manual 1
Warranty Card 1
Safety Instructions Sheet 1
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GK Philosophy
I have never seen the point in doing things the way
others have done them. I also have not been very
interested in following the latest fad. I am a Stanford
educated engineer who worked his way through school
as a musician. Like all musicians, I have lugged
amplifiers up stairways and into car trunks, always
wondering why these things had to be so heavy, bulky,
and hard to handle.
As I am the principal innovator at
Introduction
reflect my attitudes and life experiences. I don’t model
my designs after other manufacturer’s products (as
some of our competitors are proud of reciting). Instead,
I believe new and old problems are best solved with new
solutions. Having taken our own path,
enjoy a unique, unmatched sound, allowing the artist
using them every opportunity to make an original
statement.
Having supported my products for over thirty years, I
have learned from the story they tell.
Krueger
ment to support that legacy. Just as the products I
created thirty years ago are still telling their story, the
products we create today will be talking to us tomorrow.
We’ll be listening,
is a reflection of that story, and has a commit-
GK
, our products
GK
Gallien-
Backline 350 & 210
products
Robert Gallien
Founder & President
4
Safety Information
Backline 350 & 210
Verify Line Voltage and Amperage Before
Use:
Your new Backline unit has been factory
configured for use with:
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Connecting the amplifier to a line with specifications
other than indicated above can create a safety and fire
hazard, and may damage the amplifier. If you have any
questions about the voltage requirements for your specific
model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact your
dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use:
The high power output of your amplifier may require
heavy current draw under Full-Load conditions. To insure
proper performance and avoid potential safety hazards, we
recommend connection to line circuits with Amperage
specified “as above”. Connecting multiple amplifiers to
the same circuit, or connecting the amplifier to the same
circuit used by other heavy-power devices, such as highwattage lights, may cause circuit breakers to trip. It is
always a good idea to avoid using any audio equipment
on the same AC circuit as equipment with motors, such as
air conditioners or refrigerators. This will lessen to
possibility of power variation and electrical start-up noise
affecting your sound.
Warning: Do not disconnect or plug in the
instrument/speaker cable with the amplifier
power on. Be sure the amplifier unit is turned
off before connecting anything to it.
120 Volt/60Hz 15 Amp circuit for USA &
Canada.
230 Volt/50Hz 10 Amp circuit for Europe
& Australia.
100 Volt/50Hz 15 Amp circuit for Japan.
Proper AC circuit for all other countries.
Do Not Use Extension Cords:
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord supplied
with your unit. If a replacement cord is used, make
certain that it is of consistent quality and gauge as the
original. We do not recommend using extension cords
with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run
power cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy objects
on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced
immediately with cords meeting factory specifications.
Handle The AC Power Cord Gently:
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet,
always pull the plug, never pull the cord. If you do not
intend to use the amplifier for a considerable length of
time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.
Mains Disconnect:
If the AC mains has to be completly disconnected, the
plug/power cord is used as the mains disconnect device
and shall remain readily operable.
Do Not Open The Amplifier Enclosure:
There are no user-serviceable components inside this
product. Opening the amplifier enclosure may present a
shock hazard, and modification to the product will void
your warranty. If liquid enters the unit, or any metal
object such as a paper clip, wire, or staple accidentally
falls inside the enclosure, disconnect the unit from the AC
power source immediately and consult an authorized
service station.
Unpacking:
The carton and packing materials used in shipping your
new amplifier were specially designed to cushion it from
the shocks and vibration that occur during transport. We
suggest that you save the carton and packing materials for
use in shipping, in the event you move, or the amplifier
needs repair.
Safety Information
5
Quick Start
Backline 350 & 210
Your Backline unit is designed to be simple to operate. All
controls have a well defined purpose and are well behaved.
These directions will take you through the basics and give
you a good start for setting up your sound.
1.
Set the power switch to Off and connect the supplied power
cord from the amplifier AC receptacle to an AC power
outlet of proper voltage and power rating (see safety
Quick Start
information on page 5 for details).
2. (Backline 350 Only)
Connect your speaker cabinet to the amplifier output
marked 175W. Be sure not to exceed the recommended
speaker load listed below.
Maximum Recommended Speaker Load:
One 4 0hm or two 8 ohm cabinets. One 8 ohm cabinet is
okay.
If you are using an RBH/SBX series cabinet, set the
crossover switch to full range.
3.
Set all EQ controls and the Boost control to 12 o’clock.
The Voicing Filter should be turned all the way down (or
switched off) to get a flat response. Set the Gain, Level-A,
Level-B and Master Volumes at 0. Set the A/B switch to off
(Channel A).
4.
Using an instrument cable, connect your bass to the Input
jack and turn the power switch on, set the master control
to 3 o’clock, slowly bring the Level-A volume up and play.
If the clip LED flashes excessively, push the button marked
-
10db in. Occasional clip light flashes while playing very
hard is okay. Do not turn the volume control in the input
section past 1 o’clock unless you want an overdrive effect.
If you have a bass with passive electronics make sure the
controls are all the way up. If you have a bass with active
electronics, turn all of the EQ controls on the bass to the
middle or flat position.
At This Point:
You should be hearing your bass quite well. You can use
the volume and Master to achieve a comfortable sound
level.
5.
Now you are ready to check out the overdrive feature
(Channel-B). Push in the Level A/B button. The overdrive LED should light. Set the Gain control to 9 o’clock
as a starting point. Slowly raise the Level-B volume to the
desired sound level. This will give a slightly distorted
sound. Raising the gain will add more distortion and
sustain. (See Sound Tips for more detail).
Characteristics of the Backline 350/210:
The Backline Series is a flexible, user-friendly state-of-theart bass series, designed to deliver maximum performance. This is accomplished through these important
features:
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Extremely high current power supply and
power amp circuitry, gets the sound
out of your head.
Four bass specific bands of active equalization for
precise tone control.
An adjustable voicing filter for shaping and
customizing your sound.
Balanced direct output eliminates the need
for a direct box.
Bass specific overdrive channel for all
modern sounds.
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Settings and Sounds
Backline 350 & 210
The Backline 350/210 is versatile in its sound and tone. Below
are a few suggested amp settings that can be used as starting
points to define your own sound.
Note: the Gain/Overdrive settings will vary according to the
output of your bass.
* Contour note:
At higher playing levels the contour should be set lower for mid-range clarity. To get
the 800RB contour voicing, the contour should be set to 0 or 10 only.
Tube Style Grunge:
Insane Gain:
Settings & Sounds
Both pickups recommended.
Back pickup recommended.
Deep Bass:
Slap:
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Front pickup recommended.
Both pickups recommended.
Backline 350 & 210
Sound Tips
The Backline Series has several unique features which, if
used properly, will obtain that sound you have been
searching for.
The Equalizer:
The Equalizer is used to fine tune your sound. When
adjusting it, do it a little at a time. These are active
circuits, and small changes can make a big difference in
your sound. With a little experimentation you will find
Sound Tips
that this equalizer is very easy to use, never sounds weird
and provides you with a large variety of great sounds,
unique to GK.
Contour:
Increasing the Contour level will scoop out mid-range
frequencies while boosting the highs and lows. The
sound, once again, is unique to GK and unavailable on
any other Bass amp. Lower contour settings are recommended for midrange clarity at higher playing levels. For
800RB voicing, set the contour control either on 0 or 10
(Off, On on 800RB).
Overdrive:
The Overdrive channel allows you to create entirely new
bass sounds. Modern bass players are just beginning to
experiment with distortion and now you can too. Turning
the gain control within its range will give you everything
from a funky blues sound all the way to full saturation
and sustain.
Direct Out:
The Backline 350/210 provides a low noise, high
quality balanced direct out for connection to PA and
recording consoles. With the Pre/Post EQ switch set to
“Pre” (Out), the direct output signal is fed directly from
our low noise, high headroom, FET input stage providing a low noise output superior to external direct boxes
and impedance transformers. The Direct Output signal
is only effected by the -10dB Pad, and Tuning Mute
controls. This allows you to adjust your tone and
volume on stage without changing the Direct Out signal
level and confusing your sound man.
Changing the Pre/Post EQ switch to “Post” (In), sends
the “GK sound” and preamp response to the Direct Out
jack. This gives you complete control over the Direct
Out’s tone and volume. In addition, a Ground (Gnd)
Lift switch is included to remove hum and buzz when
connecting to equipment powered by a different ground
system.
Boost/Master:
Turning up the Boost control, will add a little growl to
your tone. This is an unmistakable GK trademark sound,
that you will grow to appreciate. Raising the Boost while
lowering the Master will add more growl while keeping the
sound level the same. Growl is actually a small amount
of even order harmonic distortion, that sounds great
through a woofer. For most playing situations, the Master
is set between 12 & 3 o’clock. The cleanest sound is
obtained by setting the Master at 12 o’clock, and going
above 3 o’clock for maximum power situations.
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Backline 350 & 210
Front Panel Controls
1-Input:
A standard ¼" input jack and input attenuator button.
The button is generally left out, except in rare cases when
the clip LED flashes or distortion occurs at low volume
settings.
2-Tuning Mute Button:
Set this switch to “On” when tuning up. No signal will be
sent to the speakers, or the P.A. system.
3-Gain:
Controls the amount of overdrive in the “B” channel. At
low settings it provides a smooth distorted sound. At high
levels it will provide full saturation with long sustain.
4-Level-B:
Adjusts the output level of the Overdrive channel.
5-Level-A:
Sets preamp gain after the input stage. It is used in
conjunction with the input pad, to optimize the
amplifier’s headroom.
6-Contour:
Drops the mid-range frequencies while boosting lows &
highs.
Active Equalization:
7-Treble:
Boost and cut at 7kHz+14dB shelving type. Add or remove
edge and definition.
8-High Mid:
Boost and cut at 1 kHz +6dB -10dB, “Q Optimized,” band
pass type. Works on lower string harmonics, and effects
the punch of your sound.
9-Low Mid:
Boost and cut at 250Hz +6dB -10dB, “Q Optimized,” band
pass type. Works on the main body of your sound.
10-Bass:
Boost and cut at 60Hz +10dB, shelving type. Controls low
end push.
Outputs:
11-Boost:
A post EQ gain stage using GIVE technology which adds
“growl” as it is turned up.
12-Master:
Controls output level of the amplifier.
13-Effects Loop:
Send and return jacks provided for the insertion of effects
after the EQ, but before the boost section. Some effect
units have gain, turning the BOOST down, will compensate for this.
14-Tuner Output:
Output to tuner.
Front & Rear Panel Controls
15-Footswitch /A/B:
¼" jack for a standard single pole latching foot switch.
It Switches from channel “A” to “B”. The “A/B” switch
must be out for this function to operate.
16-Balanced Direct Out:
An electronically balanced output, that you can run to
your P.A. system.
17-Pre/Post EQ Button:
Selects the direct out signal from before or after the EQ.
18-Power/Protect LED:
The LED turns red at turn-on for five seconds while the
amp powers up. The LED turns green when the amp is
ready. Should the amp experience a fault (over heat,
over current) the amp will mute and this LED will go
red until the condition is corrected.
19-Power Switch:
Turns the amplifier on or off. Should a problem occur
during operation press this switch out first. This turns
the amp off, but does not completely disconnect the
power from the AC mains. The power LED should be off
at this point.
20-Mid:
Boost and cut at 250Hz +6dB -10dB.
21-Mix:
Stereo line input for playing with music from CD, etc..
Rear Panel Controls
1- AC Receptacle:
The power cord is detachable and plugs in here.
2- Speaker Out:
175W power amp output. It delivers 175 watts into 4
Ohms, 115 watts into 8 Ohms.
Lower impedances should not be used. Higher impedances such as 16 Ohms or No Load are acceptable. No
damage will result from operating the amplifier with
the speakers disconnected.
The Backline 210 internal speakers are running at a 4
ohm load. DO NOT use an external speaker cabinet
with the Backline 210 with the internal speakers
connected.
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Front & Rear Panel Controls
Front & Rear Panel Controls
Backline 350 & 210
Front Panel
Rear Panel
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Backline 350 & 210
Installation and Maintenance
Installation:
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To insure proper operation and to avoid
potential safety hazards, place the unit on a
firm, level surface. When installing the unit
in a rack, be sure the mounting hardware can
support the amplifier’s weight. To save space in
your rack, the Backline’s feet can be removed
using a Philips head screwdriver.
Make certain that proper space is provided
for ventilation(at least one inch above). If the
amplifier will be installed in a rack or
other enclosed area, make sure that there is
sufficient air movement within the enclosure to
allow proper cooling. Consult your dealer for
more information.
For combos, make sure there is three feet of
clearance around the sides, top, back and front,
of the unit for maximum ventalation.
Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold
locations, and areas that are exposed to direct
sunlight, or near heating equipment.
Avoid moist or humid locations.
Remember, power amplifiers generate heat.
The heat sink fins and ventilation slots that
form part of the enclosure are specially
designed to remove this heat. Placing other
electronic equipment near these heatdissipation systems may possibly affect the
long-term reliability of both your amplifier and
the other equipment.
Installation & Maintenance
Cleaning:
When the unit gets dirty, clean only with a dry cloth.
Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol, or other volatile
cleaning agents. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they
may damage the finish of metal parts. Avoid spraying
insecticides near the unit.
Maintenance:
Your new amplifier is rugged. It was built to give you
years of trouble-free operation, if it is operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual.
The only maintenance required is cleaning. If you are
going to move your amplifier around frequently, we
recommend a road case to protect it from scratches and
road wear.
Positioning:
The Backline combo series should always be used as a
floor standing unit. These combos are not intended for
stacking or table-top placement.
Moving the Unit:
Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect any
interconnection cords with other components, and make
sure that you disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.
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Backline Combos
Speaker Configurations:
Backline 210: Two 8 Ohm 10" speaker
The Backline 210 combo electronics are identical to the
Backline 350 head and are rated for the same maximum
Backline Combos
power output and speaker load (175W into 4 Ohms). To
drive an external cabinet, the combo’s internal speaker
can be disconnected by unplugging the speaker cable
connected to the combo’s back panel.
Maximum load with the internal speaker
disconnected:
Backline 210: One 4 Ohm cabinet, or two 8
Backline 350 & 210
ohm cabinets
Rock Back Feature:
The Backline combos are designed to operate in the
upright or rock back position. This offers maximum
flexibility for all playing situations. On tight stages or
practice room situations, being able to rock the unit back
allows you to hear yourself with more clarity.
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Tech Talk
Backline 350 & 210
Current Output & Bass Response:
When a power amplifier is pushing several speaker cones
and a high-power transient, like when a string slap comes
along, the amp has to tap into a large power reserve to
maintain cone control. If the amplifier doesn’t have this
ability, the sound is unresponsive and less out front. The
amp loses it’s punch and feel at higher playing levels.
Instead of responding to your every command, the
amplifier simply cuts those transients off, leaving you with
the feeling that something is missing in your sound.
Since most amplifiers have limited output current
capacity, they need “current limiting circuits” to protect
against self-destruction. High-power transients trigger
these circuits, which rob the amplifier of it’s ability to
control speaker cones. This creates a mushy, unresponsive
feel to your sound.
The Backline 350/210 has an extremely high current
capacity, over fifty amps, so it doesn’t need current
limiting circuits for overload protection.
There is nothing in the Backline 350/210 power amps to
come between you and your sound except faithful, raw
power.
Equalization:
Standard tone controls and graphic equalizers give you
plenty of variation, but they don’t provide what the
instrument really needs. The fact is, graphic equalizers
are intended for room equalization. The equalization in
Gallien-Krueger amplifiers reflects 30 years of continuous
development and refinement. The GK equalizer is unique
to the industry, it’s not just a normal four band equalizer,
each section is a special circuit optimized to perform a
Bass specific job in its range of operation. These sections
are wired in series, so they add to one another creating a
tremendously flexible equalizer, that doesn’t sound weird
at any setting. Now it is possible to obtain the sound you
desire.
Contour:
Contour is used to completely revoice the amplifier.
The Contour control tunes between two different shaping
circuits, with greatly different response. With the control
all the way up, the low end is slightly boosted, the mids
are dropped and the high end is pushed up. This is only
found in GK amplifiers.
G.I.V.E. Technology:
As in all GK pre-amps, the Backline 350/210 pre-amp
incorporates what we call G.I.V.E (Gate Induced Valve
Effect) Technology. We use field effect devices with the
gate biased in a way that emphasizes the optimum
harmonic content of the signal.
Overdrive:
The Overdrive channel in your Backline unit provides
truly distinct distortion and sustain sounds. It is not a
simple clipping circuit but utilizes FET’s connected in our
exclusive G.I.V.E. configuration. This is an added flexibility unheard of in this class of product.
Smart Protection Circuitry:
The Backline 350/210’s protection circuitry constantly
monitors for unsafe operating conditions such as short
circuits, miswired speaker cables, blown speakers, improper ventilation and incorrect speaker configurations.
In addition, protection is provided during power up/power
down. If the Backline unit senses any unsafe operating
conditions, the output signal is immediately muted and
the power light changes from Green to Red. The amplifier
will remain muted until the fault is removed. If the
protection circuit activates while playing, turn the
amplifier off and check the amplifier speaker output
connections. Be sure that you are not exceeding the
maximum recommend load described in this manual. If
the problem persists, contact GK directly for technical
advice.
In Closing:
You should now have a thorough understanding of how
your new Backline unit works and what advantages it can
offer you in getting “your” sound. We thank you for
reading the Owner’s Manual and wish you the best of
times! Please send us your comments via www.gallienkrueger.com or email us at sales@gallien.com.
Tech Talk
13
Block Diagram
Specifications
Backline 350/210 Specifications:
Backline 350 & 210
Output Power: 175W @ 4 Ohms
115W @ 8 Ohms
Input Section:
Maximum Input Level 0.6V Rms
With -10dB pad 1.6V Rms
Input Impedance 1M Ohm
Send output impedance 220 Ohm
Return input impedance 60k Ohm
Tuner Output Impedance 10k Ohm
Direct Output Impedance 1000 Ohms
Equalizer:
Bass
Lo-Mid +6db/-10dB @ 250Hz
Hi-Mid +6db/-10dB @ 1kHz
Treble
Contour +2db@50Hz/
Noise -90db referenced to 175W,
Amplifier Protection: Full short circuit, thermal,&
+10db @ 60Hz
+14db @ 7kHz
-10db@500Hz/
+3db@7kHz
“A” weighted
RF protection.
Stable into reactive and
mismatched loads.
Five second muted warm-up.
Power Requirements:
U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz
325W (at fullpower)
108W (at average power)
Europe 230V/50Hz
325W (at fullpower)
108W (at average power)
Japan 100V/50Hz
325W (at fullpower)
108W (at average power)
Dimensions(HxWxD):
Backline 350: 17.5"W x 3.5"H x 8"D
(2 Rack Spaces)
Backline 210: 23"W x 19"H x 16"D
Weight:
Backline 350: 13lbs
Backline 210: 65lbs
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Backline 350 & 210
Notes
15
Backline 350/210 Owner’s Manual
Part # 160-0270-A
Printed in the U.S.A.
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