Gallien-krueger MB2 500 User Manual

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Page 1

500

OWNER’S MANUAL

Page 2

Congratulations!

Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger MB² Series a ful co at G and are de

noitcudortnI

customer. In ch you now own an amplifier w

atures which will allow you to create your own

fe di

stinct sound.

mplifier is surely the result of much care-

nsideration

allien-Krueger are pleased that you chose us,

termined that you will be a satisfied

on your part. For our part, we

oosing a MB² Series amplifier,

ith many unique

MB² SERIES

et the most out of your new purchase, please

To g take a few minut

ou are in a hurry, we suggest you at least read

If y th

rough the Quick Start section before setting up your new rig. This w give y for reading the re

Yo ing i ensure that y

Included with your MB² Series Ampliﬁer:

Power cord 1 Owner’s manual 1 W S O

If your M items l setting up your new equipment, pl your loc

Gallien-Krueger, Inc. 2 Stockto phone: ( fax: ( Interne Email: info@ga

ou a few quick tips, but is not a subs

ur amplifier should have come with the follow-

tems, please check the contents of the box to

arranty card 1

afety instructions sheet 1

ne button foot switch 1

B² Series amplifier did not come with all the

isted, or if you encounter problems while

al dealer or GK as soon as possible.

ndustrial Drive

234 I

n, CA 95206

209) 234-7300

209) 234-8420

t: www.gallien-krueger.com

es to read through this manual.

ill help get you started and

titute

st of the manual.

ou have everything.

ease contact

llien.com

GK Philosophy

I have never s way others have d very intere

ford educated engineer who worked my

Stan way through sch mus

icians, I have lugged amplifiers up stairways

and into car tr

gs had to be so heavy, bulky, and hard to

thin handle.

As the principal in reflect my a don’t m facturer s’ produc old p Having taken our own path, GK p unique, unm opportunity to make an original s

Ha years, I have learned from the story they tell. Gallien-Krueger is a refl has a com the produc are s today w

We’ll be l

odel my designs af ter other manu-

roblems are best solved with new solutions.

ving supported my products for over thirty

till telling their story, the products we create

ill be talking to us tomorrow.

een the point in doing things the

one them. I also have not been

sted in following the latest fad. I’m a

ool as a musician. Like all

unks, always wondering why these

novator at GK, our products

ttitudes and life experiences. I

ts. Instead, I believe new and

roducts enjoy a

atched sound, allowing you every

tatement.

ection of that story, and

mitment to support that legacy. Just as

ts I created over thirty five years ago

istening,

We w remember to always have fun!

ish you a lifetime of good playing and

Robert Gallien Founder and President

Page 3

MB² SERIES

C A U T I O N

RIS K OF ELE CTR IC SH OCK

DO NOT OP EN

C A U T I O N:

WA RN ING:

TO RED UC E THE R IS K O F E LE CT RI C S HO CK, D O N OT RE MO

VE TO P C OV ER . N O USE R- SE RV IC EABL E PA RT S

INS ID E. RE

FER SE RVI CING TO Q UA LI FI ED SE RV IC E

PER SO NN EL .

TO R EDUC E T HE R ISK OF F IR E OR E LE CT RI C S HOC K, DO N OT E

XP OS E TH IS A PP LI ANC E TO R AI N OR MO IS TU RE

The li ght nin g f las h wi th a rro w

he ad

sy mbo l, w ith in th e

eq uil at e

ra l t ri ang le, is

in te

nd ed to a ler t the us er to th e

pr ese nc e o f u

ni nsu la ted “d ang ero us v olt age ”

wi th

in th e pr odu ct i nc los ure t hat ma y b e o f

su ffi ci

en t m ag nit ude t o c ons ti tut e

a r isk of e

le cti tr ic sho ck to pe rso ns

The ex cl

am ati on p oin t wi th in a n

eq uil at e

ra l t ri ang le, is in ten ded

to a

le rt th e u ser t o t he p res enc e

of i

mp ort an t o per at ing an d

ma int e

na nce (s erv ici

ng ) i ns tru cti on s i n t he

li te

ra tur e ac com pa nyi ng the ap pli anc e.

C A U T I O N:

TENTIO N:

TO PR EV ENT EL EC TR IC SH OCK , M ATC H W IDE B LAD E OF PL UG TO WI DE

S LO T, F UL LY I NS ERT ED .

PO UR

EV IT ER LE S C HO CS EL EC TRI QU ES , I NR ODU IR E L A L AME L A

PL US LA RG E D E L A

FI CH E D AN S L A B ORN E C OR RES PO NDA NT E

DE L A P RI

SE E T P OUS ER J USQ U’ AU FO ND.

Table Of Contents

Information __________________________ 4

Safety Qu

ick Start ________________________________ 5

Panel Controls ________________________6

Front Re

ar Panel Features _________________________7

mple Settings ____________________________8

und Tips ________________________________9

So In

stallation and Maintenance _________________10

ch Talk _______________________________ 11

Speciﬁcations _____________________________12

*All Features and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice

Please read the Safety Information section on page 4 and installation instructions on page 12 before continuing.

Gallien-Krueger 2234 Industrial Drive Stockton, CA 95206 phone: 209.234.7300 fax: 209.234.8420

T stnetnoC fo elba

email: info@gallien-krueger.com internet: www.gallien-krueger.com

This amp pres can cau

lifier is capable of producing high sound

sure levels. Continued exposure to high SPL’s

se dameage to your hearing. Always set

the volume at a safe l

protection if the u

Warning!

istening level or use hearing

nit is operated at higher levels.

Page 4

MB² SERIES

Safety Information

Please read all enclosed safety precautions before connecting or operating this product.

noitamrofnI ytefaS

erify L

MB² Series Bass am figured for use wi your l

120 Vol 240 Vol UK/Austra 230 Vol 100 Vol 220 Vol Proper AC circuit f

nnecting the amplifier to a line with specifications o and fire ha If y require line vol bef

Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use:

The high p require h di

tions. To insure proper performance and avoid potent tion to line circuits with amperage specified “as above”. C other heav lights, may cause circuit b 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 the possibility of power vari and e

Please refer to page 10 for more instructions concerning installation.

ine Voltage and Amperage: Your new

plifier has been factory con-

th the specific line voltage for

ocation:

t/60Hz 15 A circuit for USA/Canada. t/(50/60Hz) 10 A circuit for

lia. t/(50/60Hz) 10 A circuit for Europe. t/50Hz 15 A circuit for Japan. t/50Hz 10 A circuit for Korea.

or all other countries.

ther than indicated above can create safety

zard, and may damage the amplifier.

ou have any questions about the voltage

ments for your specific model, or ab

tage in your area, contact your dealer

ore plugging the unit into a wall outlet.

ower output of your amplifier may

eavy current draw under full-load con-

ial safety hazards, we recommend connec-

onnecting to the same circuit used by

y-power devices, such as high-wattage

reakers to trip. It is

lectrical start-up noise affecting your sound.

out the

ation

AC Power Cord:

void safety hazards, use only the power cord

To a

pplied with your unit. If a replacement cord is

su needed, make cert compliant cord. D be repl certain that theAC plug is easily a donotintend to use t length of t Main

Earth Grou

To prevent e grounding plug on the power cord, or use any plug or extension co plug p is p adapter plug w

Do Not Open the Amplifier Enclosure:

There are no user serviceable parts inside this product. Opening the amplifier enclosure may present a shock ha product w enters the unit, or any m paper c sure, disco source i service s

Set

To insure pro potential safety hazards, place the unit on a firm, level surfa instru power is on.

M ven tilation. Av cold l direct su using in moist or high humidity areas.

BLOCK T THE SIDES OF THE UNIT.

aced immediately. When setting up, make

ime, disconnect the plug from the AC

s Socket. Do not use an extention cord.

nding Connection:

rovided. Make certain that the AC outlet

roperly grounded as w

ill void your warranty. If liquid

lip accidentally falls inside the enclo-

nnect the unit from the AC power

mmediately and consult an authorized

tation.

up:

ce. Do not plug or unplug the

ment or speaker cable while the amplifier

eat & Ventilation:

ake sure there is s

ocations and areas that are exposed to

nlight or near heating equipment. Avoid

HE FAN VENT HOLES ON

ain to use a standard IEC amaged power cords should

ccessible. If you

he amplifier for a considerable

lectric shock, do not remove the

rd that does not have a grounding

ell. Do not use an

ith this product.

zard. Modification to the

etal object such as a

per operation and to avoid

pac e p rovided fo r p roper

oid using in extremely hot or

NEVER

Page 5

MB² SERIES

Quick Start

The MB² Series amplifier is designed to be simple to operate. All controls have a well defined purpose. These directions will take you through the basics and give you a good start for setting up your sound.

1. Plug it in:

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 information on page 4 for details).

2. Connect your cabinets:

Connect your speaker cabinets to the amplifier outputs marked Speaker. The MB² features dual use speaker connections. These unique jacks allow for Speakon or 1/4” plugs to be used. Be sure not to exceed the recommended speaker load as noted below.

Maximum Recommended Speaker Loads:

One 4 Ohm, or two 8 Ohm cabinets.

3. Initial front panel control settings:

Set all EQ controls and contour knob to 12 o’clock. Set the Input Volume, Master and Master B controls at 0. The Boost knob should be set to 12 o' clock and the boost button (between Boost and Master B konbs) in the out position.

tratS kciuQ

4. Plug in your bass:

Using an instrument (shielded) cable, connect your bass to the Input jack and press the power switch on. If you have active tone controls on your bass, turn all of the controls to the middle or flat position and turn the volume all the way up. If you have conventional, passive tone controls, turn all tone and volume controls all the way up.

5. Level and Master Volume settings:

Set the Master Volume to 3 o’clock. Turn the Input Volume knob up as you play to the desired output level. If the clip light (pad button) flashes more than occasionally, press the -10db pad button in and turn the Input Volume knob up. If it is still lighting often, try turning the volume down on your bass.

6. Boost/Master B:

Engage the button located between the Boost and Master B knobs. This will activate the Boost section of the pre amp. This can also be done with the included foot switch. Turn up the Master B knob to the desired volume level.

You should be hearing your bass quite well through the Master and Master B channels. At this point you can experiment with different EQ, Contour and Boost settings. Various sample settings can also be found on page 8.

Page 6

MB² SERIES

OFF

OFFONOFF

OFF

serutaeF lenaP tnorF

INPUT

-10dB

CLIP

GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS BOOST MASTER-B M

MUTE

5 6

G.I.V.E

ASTER

MB 500

Front Panel Features

Input: A standard ¼” input jack to connect act

-10 dB Pad/Clip indicator: Input attenuator button. This button is generally set to the out position except in cases where the clip LED flashes more than occasionally. It may be necessary to “pad” the input if you are using a bass w pad button light flashes red when the input is be clip indicator still flashes frequently, reduce the

Mute: Set this switch to “on” when tuning or unplugging your bass. No signal will be sent to the speakers or the P.A. system. When muted this button turns red.

Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input stage. It is used in conjunction with the input pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.

ive or passive basses using a shielded cord.

ith active electronics or very high output. The

ing overdriven. If the -10dB is pressed and the

volume on your bass.

POWER

Contour: As part of the amps active equalization the contour control decreases the mid-range frequencies while boosting low and high frequencies.

Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz +14 dB shelving type. Use this control to add or remove edge and definition.

Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz +6 dB. A “Q Optimized,” band pass type, this works on lower string harmonics and effects the punch of your

Low-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz +6dB/-10 dB. A “Q optimized” band pass type, this works

sound.

for main body of your sound.

Bass: Boost and cut a 60Hz +10 dB, shelving type. This is used to control the low end push.

Boost: This is a post E.Q. gain stage using G.I.V.E. technology which adds “growl” as it is turned up.

GIVE: This button activates the Boost and Master B volume control.. This can also be activated using the foot switch (included).

Master B: This is the master volume control when boost is activated.

Master: This is the master volume control when the boost is inactive.

Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and off. In the on position, the ring surrounding the button will light red during power up then changes to blue, indicating the amp is ready for normal operation. Should the amp experience a fault (over heat or over current) the amp will mute and the ring will light red until the condition is corrected. This LED turns off when the power is switched off. This turns the amp off but it does not completely disconnect the power from the AC mains.

Page 7

F U L L P O W E R

5 8 0 W

AC I N PU T

12 0 V / 60 H z

GND

LIF T

D IR E C T O U T

MB² SERIES

H B A Y

PA TC

EQG

PRE

POS T

SE N DRE T U R NTU N E RFT . SW I T C H

HE A D P HO N E S ( 1 )

LI N E OU T ( 2)

50 0 WAT TS @ 4 OH MS

S PE A K E R

CLA SS 2 WIR IN G

8 9

Rear Panel Features

AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord plugs in here.

Ground Lift: This switch disconnects the ground and buzz when connecting to equipment that is running on a different ground system.

Balanced Direct Out: This electronically balanced output allows a direct connection to a P.A. system.

Pre/Post EQ Button: This button switches the direct out signal to be before or after the EQ.

Foot switch Input:

Tuner Output: This output comes directly off of the input stage and can be patched to a tuner

A foot switch is provided to engage Boost and Master B modes.

using a shielded patch cord. This output is unaffected by the Tuning Mute Feature.

Return: This input allows the signal from outboard effects devices to be inserted before the boost section.

of the balanced, XLR output to eliminate hum

serutaeF lenaP raeR

Send: This output allows signal from the preamp

to be fed to outboard effects devices from a point

after the EQ section.

Headphone/Line out: When switched, this output allows the user to send a direct (unbalanced) line out to devices with unbalanced inputs such as personal multitrack recorders. This connection requires a shielded patch cord. Unswitched, this headphone jack can be used to monitor your playing with headphones.

Headphone/Line out switch: This switch toggles the output from headphone to line out.

Speaker: Power amp output to speaker cabinet. Delivers 500w into 4 Ohm loads. Lower impedances such as 8 Ohms or 16 Ohms and no l

oad are acceptable. One 4 Ohm speaker and one 8 Ohm speaker is not recommended. This unique speaker output allows you to use a ¼” plug or the high current, twist-lock Speakon conn

ector.

Page 8

MB² SERIES

OFF

OFFONOFF

OFF

OFFONOFF

OFF

OFFONOFF

OFF

OFFONOFF

OFF

Settings & Sounds :

The MB² Series 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. *Volume settings should be adjusted to appropriate

level.

sgnitteS elpmaS

Note: At higher playing levels the contourshould be set lower for mid-range clarity. To get 800RB voicing, the contour should be set to 0 or 10 only.

Slap:

INPUT

-10dB

CLIP

GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS BOOST MASTER -B M

MUTE

Rock:

INPUT

-10dB

CLIP

GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS BOOST MASTER -B M

MUTE

Both pickups recommended.

ASTER

G.I.V.E

POWER

MB 500

Both pickups recommended.

ASTER

G.I.V.E

POWER

MB 500

Reggae:

INPUT

-10dB

CLIP

GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS BOOST MASTER -B M

MUTE

Jazz/Fusion:

INPUT

-10dB

CLIP

GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS BOOST MASTER -B M

MUTE

Front pickup recommended.

ASTER

G.I.V.E

POWER

MB 500

Both pickups recommended.

ASTER

G.I.V.E

POWER

MB 500

Page 9

Sound Tips

MB² SERIES

The MB² Series has several unique features which, if used properly, will obtain the sound you have been searching for.

The Equalizer:

The Equalizer is used to fine tune your sound. When adjusting making adjustments, do it just 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 that this equalizer is very easy to use and provides you with a large variety of great sounds unique to GK.

Contour:

Increasing the Contour level will scoop out midrange frequencies while boosting the highs and lows. The sound, once again, is unique to GK and available on any other Bass amp. Lower contour settings are recommended for midrange clarity at higher playing levels.

Boost/Master B:

Turning up the Boost control will add a little growl to your tone by adding a small amount of ever order harmonic distortion. This is an unmistakable GK trade mark sound that you will surely grow to appreciate. Raising the Boost while lowering Master B will add more growl while keeping the sound level the same. You can use Master B to increase or lower the overall output volume when switching the Boost on via the front panel or from the included foot switch. In either normal or boost mode, the cleanest sound is obtained with Master Volume settings at 3 o'clock.

Direct Out:

The MB² Series provides a low noise, high quality balanced direct output for connection to PA and recording consoles. A Ground Lift switch is included to remove hum and buzz when connecting to equipment powered by a different ground system.

With the Pre/Post EQ switch set to “Pre” (Out), the direct output signal is fed directly from the input stage providing a low noise output superior to external direct boxes and impedance transformers. In the "Pre" position, the direct output signal is only effected by the Input Volume, -10db Pad and Mute. This allows you to adjust your tone and volume on stage without changing the Direct Output signal level and confusing your sound man.

Changing the Pre/Post EQ switch to “Post” ( In), sends the "GK Sound" (EQ settings etc.) and preamp response to the Direct Out jack. This gives you complete control over the Direct Out’s tone and volume.

spiT dnuoS

Page 10

MB² SERIES

Installation:

nsure proper operation and to avoid potential

To i safety h surface.

noitallatsnI

entilation:

ake c

M tilation. N

ides of the amplifier. If the amplifier will be

the s installed i sure t the e

nclosure to allow proper cooling. Consult

your d

n extremely hot or cold locations, and areas

tion i

re exposed to direct sunlight, or near heating

that a equipment. A

Remember, p ventilation s designed t other e dissipation s term r other equipment.

azards, place the unit on a firm, level

ertain that proper space is provided for ven-

ever block the fan vent holes located on

n a rack or other enclosed area, make

hat there is sufficient air movement within

ealer for more information. Avoid installa-

void moist or humid locations.

ower amplifiers generate heat. The

lots on the enclosure are specifically

o remove this heat. Blocking or placing

lectronic equipment near the heat-

ystem may possibly affect the long-

eliability of both your amplifier and the

oving the Unit:

efore m

B any i and m the AC outlet.

leaning:

hen t cloth. N other volatile cleaning agents. Do not use abrasive

leaners, a

c parts. Avoid spraying insecticides near the unit.

aintenance:

our n you a l operated i tained i required i amplifier a case to protect it from scratches and road wear.

Pac

The c your new amplifier were spe 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.

oving the unit, be certain to disconnect

nterconnection cords with other components,

ake sure that you disconnect the unit from

he unit gets dirty, clean only with a dry

ever use benzene, thinner, alcohol, or

s they may damage the finish of metal

ew amplifier is rugged. It was built to give

ifetime of trouble-free operation, if it is

n accordance with the instructions con-

n this manual. The only maintenance

s cleaning. If you are going to move your

round frequently, we recommend a road

kaging:

arton and packing materials used in shipping

cifically designed to

Page 11

Tech Talk

MB² SERIES

Characteristics of the MB² Series:

The MB² Series is a flexible, state-of-the-art amplifier designed to deliver maximum performance while remaining small, lightweight and simple to operate. This is accomplished through a few, very important features:

· Class D power supply and power amp.

· Four, Bass specific bands of active equalization for precise tone control.

· Balanced direct output eliminates the need for a direct box.

· Continuously variable fan cooling.

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 40 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 sounds natural at any setting. Now it is possible to obtain the sound you desire.

Contour:

The Contour is used to completely revoice the amplifier. The Contour control tunes between two different shaping circuits, with greatly different responses. 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 MB² Series pre-amp incorpo-

rates 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. Working in concert with our unique

Four Band Active Equalizer, and three stage Voicing Filter

Section, G.I.V.E. technology produces a consistently pleas-

ing bass tone.

Cool Running = Reliability:

To cool the amp when its being driven hard, we’ve

designed a temperature sensitive fan cooling system. When

the amp is under a light load, the fan is off or running at a

low speed, reducing fan noise. As the amp works harder,

the fan speed increases to keep everything cool.

Smart Protection Circuitry:

The MB² Series protection circuitry constantly monitors for unsafe operating conditions such as short circuits, miss-wired speaker cables, blown speakers, improper ventilation, and incorrect speaker configurations. In addition, protection is provided during power up/down. If the MB² Series senses any unsafe operating conditions, the output signal is immediately muted and the power light changes from Blue 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 MB² Series amplifier 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.

T hce T kla

Page 12

Noise: -90 dB reference to 500W/350W, “A” Weighted

Cooling: Variable Speed Fan

Amplifier Protection:

Full short circuit, thermal and RF protection. Stable into reactive and mismatch loads. Five second muted warm-up.

Dimensions (HxWxD):

1.75”[44.45mm] x 11”[279.4mm] x 9”[228.67mm]. 1 Rack spaces.

Weight:

3 lbs. 12 oz. 1.7 Kg.

Power requirements:

U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz. 580W(full power), 75.6W(average power) Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz 580W(full power), 75.6W(average power) Japan 100V/50Hz 580W(full power), 75.6(average power)

Output Power:

Input Section: Maximum Input Level With -10dB pad Input Impedance Send Output Impedance Return Input Impedance Tuner Output Impedance Direct Output Impedance

Equalizer:

Bass Lo-Mid Hi-Mid Treble

Voicing Filters:

Contour

350W @ 8 Ohms 500W @ 4 Ohms

0.6V Rms

1.6V Rms 1M Ohms 220 Ohms 50K Ohms 10K Ohms 500 Ohms

+/-10dB @ 60Hz +6dB/-10dB @ 250Hz +6dB/-10dB @ 1KHz +/-14dB @ 7KHz

+2dB @ 50Hz/

-10dB @ 500Hz/ +3dB @ 7 KHz

Block Diagram

MB SERIES

snoitacificepS

MB 500 SPECS

G.I.V.E.

GAIN

Page 13

MB 500

Owner’s Manual

Part # 160-05100-A