Gallien-Krueger MB Combo Users Manual

MB Combo

OWNER’S MANUAL

MB SERIES COMBOS

Congratulations!

Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger
amplifier is surely the result of much careful
consideration
Gallien-Krueger are pleased that you chose us,
and are determined that you will be a satisfied
customer. In choosing a GK amplifier, you now
own an amplifier with many unique features
which will allow you to create your own distinct
sound.

Introduction

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 section before setting up
your new rig. This will help get you started and
give you a few quick tips, but
for reading the rest of the manual.

Your amplifier should have come with the
following items, please check the contents of the
box to ensure that you have everything.

Included with your MB Series Combo

Amplifier:
Power cord 1
Owner’s manual 1
Warranty card (US only) 1
Safety instructions sheet 1

If your amplifier 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 GK as soon as possible.

Gallien-Krueger, Inc.
2234 Industrial Drive
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
Internet: www.gallien-krueger.com
Email: [e-mail]

on your part. For our part, we at

is not a substitute

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’m a Stanford educated engineer who worked
my 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 the principal innovator at GK, our
products reflect my attitudes and life
experiences. I don’t model my designs after
other manufacturers’ products. Instead, I
believe new and old
new solutions. Having taken our own path, GK
products enjoy a unique, unmatched sound,
allowing you every opportunity to make an
original statement.
Having supported my products for over
thirty years, I have learned from the story they tell.
Gallien-Krueger is a reflection of that story, and
has a commitment to support that legacy. Just as
the products I created over thirty five years ago
are still telling their story, the products we create
today will be talking to us tomorrow.

We’ll be listening,

problems are best solved with

We wish you a lifetime of good playing and
remember t

o always have fun!

Robert Gallien
Founder and President

2

MB SERIES COMBOS

!

!

Table Of Contents

Safety Information
Quick Start/Tech Talk
MB210/212/115/410 Panel Controls
MB112 Panel Controls
MB110 Panel Controls
Specications

4

5
6

7
8
9

*All Features and specications are subject to change without notice

Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Drive
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]

email: [e-mail]
internet: www.gallien-krueger.com

Warning!

This amplifier is capable of producing high

sound

pressure levels. Continued exposure to high SPL’s can

cause damage to your hearing. Always set the volume at

a safe listening level or use hearing protection if the unit

is operated at higher levels.

Table of Contents

C A U TION

RISK OF ELE CT RIC SHO CK

DO N OT OPEN

C AU TION :

WA RNING :

C AU TION :

ATTENTION:

TO RE DUCE TH E RISK OF EL ECT RI C SH OC K, DO NOT
RE MOVE TO P COVER . NO USER-SERVIC EABLE PA RTS
IN SIDE. R EFER SER VICIN G TO QU AL IFIED SERVIC E
PERSONNE L.

The lightning flas h wit h arrow head
symbol, wit hin the equilateral
triangle, is intended t o alert the
us er to the pres ence of unins ulated
‘dangerous voltage’ wit hin the
product enc losure that may be o f
su ffi cient magnitude to constit ut e a
risk o f electric shock to persons.

TO R EDUCE T HE RISK OF FIRE O R ELE CT RIC S HOC K,
DO N OT EXPOSE T HIS APPLIANCE TO R AIN OR M OISTURE

TO PR EVENT E LE CTR IC S HO CK, M ATCH WID E BLAD E OF PLUG TO
WIDE SL OT, FULLY I NSER TED.

POUR EVITER LES CHO CS ELE CT RIQUES, INRO DUIRE LA LAM E LA
PLUS LAR GE DE LA FICHE DAN S L A BORNE CO RRESPONDANTE
DE LA P RISE ET POU SER J USQU’AU FOND.

The exclamation point within
an equilateral t riangle, i s
intended to alert the user t o
the presence of important
operating and maintenanc e
(s ervic ing) instructions in
the lit erature accompany ing
the appliance.

3

MB SERIES COMBOS

Safety Information

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

Verify Line Voltage and Amperage

Your amplifier has been factory configured for
use with the specific line voltage for your
location only. For example, units set to operate
within countries that supply 100-120 volt
electrical service are not compatible with
230-240 volt systems used in other countries.

120 Volt/60Hz 15 amp circuit for the USA and
Canada.

Safety Information

230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for the UK
and Australia.
230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for Europe.
100 Volt/50Hz 15 amp circuit for Japan.
220 Volt/50Hz 10 amp circuit for Korea.
Proper AC circuit for all other countries.

Connecting the amplifier to a line with
specifications other than indicated above can
create 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 to the same circuit used by other
heavy power devices, such as high wattage 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 the possibility of power variation and
electrical start up noise affecting your sound.

AC Power Cord: To avoid safety hazards, use
only the power cord supplied with your unit. If a
replacement cord is needed, make certain to use a
standard IEC compliant cord. Damaged power
cords should be replaced immediately. When
setting up, make certain that the AC plug is easily
accessible. If you do not intend to use the
amplifier for a considerable length of time,
disconnect the plug from the AC mains socket.
Do not use an extension cord.

Earth Grounding Connection: To prevent
electric shock, do not remove the grounding plug
on the power cord, or use any plug or extension
cord that does not have a grounding plug
provided. Make certain that the AC outlet is
properly grounded as well. Do not use an adapter
plug with this product.

Do Not Open the Amplifier Enclosure: There
are no user serviceable parts inside this product.
Opening the amplifier enclosure may present a
shock hazard. Modification to the product will
void your warranty. If liquid enters the unit, or
any metal object such as a paper clip accidentally
falls inside the enclosure, disconnect the unit from
the AC power source immediately and consult an
authorized service station.

Setup: To insure proper operation and to avoid
potential safety hazards, place the unit on a firm,
level surface. Do not plug or unplug the
instrument or speaker cable while the amplifier
power is on.

Heat & Ventilation: For proper ventilation,
make sure there is at least 8” or 20cm clearance at
the back of the unit. Avoid using in extremely hot
or cold locations and areas that are exposed to
direct sunlight or near heating equipment. Avoid
using in moist or high humidity areas.

4

MB SERIES COMBOS

Quick Start

The MB Series Combos are designed to be
simple to operate and 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.

Connect your cabinets (MB210 only): In
addition to its internal speakers, the MB210 can
power an external speaker cabinet from the
output marked “Speaker” located on the rear
panel. The external speaker load must be 8 ohm
or above.

Connect your MBP to your MB Combo:

Using a standard XLR microphone cable,
connect the Chain Output located on the rear
panel of your MB Combo (see page 6, rear
panel item #20) to the Chain Input of your MBP
enclosure. If connecting multiple MBP
enclosures, the Chain Output of the MBP is
connected to the additional MBP’s Chain Input.

Initial front panel control settings: MB210,
MB115, MB410 and MB212: Set all EQ and
boost controls to 12 o'clock. The input gain and
master volume should be set to 0 and the
contour and horn buttons in the off (out)
position.
MB112 and MB110: Set all EQ controls to
12:00 and the contour in the out position. The
input gain should be set to zero.

Level and Master Volume settings: Set the
master volume to 12 o'clock. (MB210, MB115,
MB410 and MB212 only) While playing, turn
the input gain up to the desired volume level.
At this point you can experiment with different
EQ, contour, horn and boost settings.

*Some passive instruments can have output
levels similar to active electronics. If the sound
is distorted the -10db pad should be used.

Tech Talk

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, adding to one
another, to create 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 by tuning between two
different shaping circuits, with greatly different
responses. With the control engaged, the low
end is slightly boosted, the mids are dropped
and the high end is pushed up.

G.I.V.E. Technology: The MB210, MB410,
MB115 and MB212 preamps incorporate 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 conjunction with our unique four
band active equalizer and contour, G.I.V.E.
technology produces a consistently pleasing
bass tone.

Smart Protection Circuitry: The MB Series
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/down. If the MB
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. 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.

Quick Start / Tech Talk

5

MB SERIES COMBOS

INPUT

-10dB

OFF

ON

CONTOUR

GAIN

TREBLE

HI-MID

LO-MID

BASS

MASTER

BOOST

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MB210, MB212, MB115, MB410 Control Panel Features

1

Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect
instruments using a shielded cable.

2

-10dB:

Used to reduce the input signal from
active instruments or other high input sources.
Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input

3

MB115 Control Panel

stage. It is used in conjunction with the input
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.
Contour: In the on position the button

4

decreases the mid-range frequencies while
boosting low and high frequencies.
Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type.

5

Use this control to add or remove edge and
definition.

6

Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q
optimized,” band pass type works on lower
string harmonics and effects the punch of your
sound.
Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q

7

optimized” band pass type, effects the main
body of your sound.
Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type

8

used to control the low end push.
Boost: Adds a post EQ gain stage using

9

G.I.V.E. technology adding “growl” as it is
turned up.
Master: The master volume is used to

10

control the overall output level.
Limiter: When this button is engaged it

11

prevents the power amp from distorting. It is
recommended that this feature is used for high
volume applications.

12

Horn: Activates the high frequency tweeter.

13

Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3
player allows the user to monitor an external
audio source.

Phones: Headphone output. When the phones

14

are connected, the signal sent to the speaker is
interrupted.

15

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

16

Pre/Post:

This button selects the direct out

signal to be before or after the EQ.

17

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.

Rear Panel

18

Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ and
volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
series powered cabinets. This connection is
made with a standard XLR mic cable.

19

AC Receptacle:
connects here.

20

Speaker Out (MB210 only): Power amp
output to an external speaker cabinet. A twist
lock Speakon connector allows the connection
of a cabinet with an 8 ohm minimum load.

NOTE:
FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES
POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

PATC H BAYACTIVE EQUALIZER OUTPUTINPUT

LIMITER

OFFONOFF

ON

HORN

PHONES DIRECT OUT

AUX-IN

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

The detachable power cord

18

CHAIN OUTPUT

AC INPUT

19

POWER

OFF

ON

PRE

POST

SPEAKER

OUTPUT

20

6

MB SERIES COMBOS

GAIN CONTOUR

3 4

OFF

ON

TREBLE

5

INPUT

-10dB

1 2

MB112 Control Panel Features

Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect

1

instruments using a shielded cable.

-10dB:

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Used to reduce the input signal from
active instruments or other high input
sources.
Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input
stage. It is used in conjunction with the input
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.
Contour: In the on position the button
decreases the mid-range frequencies while
boosting low and high frequencies.
Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type.
Use this control to add or remove edge and
definition.
Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q
optimized,” band pass type works on lower
string harmonics and effects the punch of
your sound.
Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q
optimized” band pass type, effects the main
body of your sound.
Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type
used to control the low end push.
Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3
player allows the user to monitor an external
audio source.

Phones: Headphone output. When phones
are connected, the signal sent to the speaker
is interrupted.
Balanced Direct Out: This electronically
balanced output allows a direct connection to
a P.A. system.

Pre/Post:

This button selects the direct out
signal to be before or after the EQ

Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and
off. In the on position, the ring surrounding

HI-MID

6 7

POWER

PRE

POST

112

LO-MID

PATC H B AYACTIVE EQUALIZERINPUT

PHONES

DIRECT OUT

AUX-IN

BASS

8

10 11 12

9

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.

Rear Panel

Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ

14

and volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
series powered cabinets. This connection is
made with a standard XLR mic cable.

AC Receptacle:

15

connects here.

AC INPUT

15

The detachable power cord

OFF

ON

13

14

CHAIN OUTPUT

NOTE:
FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES
POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

MB112 Control Panel

7

MB SERIES COMBOS

INPUT

-10dB

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MB110 Control Panel Features

Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect

1

instruments using a shielded cable.

-10dB:

2

MB110 Control Panel

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Used to reduce the input signal from
active instruments or other high input
sources.
Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input
stage. It is used in conjunction with the input
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.
Contour: In the on position the button
decreases the mid-range frequencies while
boosting low and high frequencies.
Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type.
Use this control to add or remove edge and
definition.
Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q
optimized,” band pass type works on lower
string harmonics and effects the punch of
your sound.
Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q
optimized” band pass type, effects the main
body of your sound.
Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type
used to control the low end push.
Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3
player allows the user to monitor an external
audio source.

Phones: Headphone output. When phones
are connected, the signal sent to the speaker
is interrupted.
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.

110

POWER

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

GAIN

CONTOUR

TREBLE

HI-MID

LO-MID

PATC H B AYACTIVE EQUALIZERINPUT

PHONES

AUX-IN

BASS

11

Rear Panel Features

12

AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord

connects here.

Pre/Post: This button selects the direct out

13

signal to be before or after the EQ.

Balanced Direct Out: This electronically

14

balanced output allows a direct connection to
a P.A. system.

Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ

15

and volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
series powered cabinets. This connection is
made with a standard XLR mic cable.

14

13

DIRECT OUT

PRE

POST

CHAIN OUT

NOTE:
FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES

AC INPUT

12

POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

15

8

MB SERIES COMBOS

+1

-1

POST

4 BAND

AUX IN

BOOST

EQ

4 BAND

EQ

MASTER

AUX IN

INPUT

-10dB

ON

ON

GAIN

OFF

CONTOUR

OFF

Specifications

INPUT

ON OFF

-10dB

Output Power:

MB210-II 350W@8 Ohms (internal)
500W@4 Ohms (w/extension)
MB212-II 500W@4 Ohms
MB410 500W@4 Ohms
MB115-II 200W@4 Ohms
MB112-II 200W@4 Ohms
MB110 100W@6 Ohms

Input Section:

Maximum Input Level 0.6V rms
Input Impedance 1M Ohms
Direct Output Impedance 500 Ohms
Aux-in Input Impedance 100K Ohms

Equalizer:

Bass +/-10dB@60Hz
Lo-Mid +6dB/-10dB@250Hz
Hi-Mid +6dB/-10dB@1KHz
Treble +/-14dB @ 7KHz

Voicing Filters:

Contour +2dB@50Hz/-10dB@500Hz/
+3dB @ 7 KHz

Noise:

MB210-II -90 dB reference to 500W/350, ‘A’ weighted
MB212-II -90 dB reference to 500W, ‘A’ weighted
MB410: -90 dB reference to 500W, ‘A’ weighted
MB115-II -90 dB reference to 200W, ‘A’ weighted
MB112-II -90 dB reference to 200W, ‘A’ weighted
MB110 -90 dB reference to 100W, ‘A’ weighted

Amplifier Protection:

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

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 interference received, Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

GAIN

ON

OFF

CONTOUR

HORN SW

ON

MB210-II

OFF

+1

2x

PIEZO

HORN SW

6 Ohm

10” 100W

4 Ohm

12” 200W

ON

OFF

HORN SW

ON

OFF

HORN SW

ON

OFF

SPKR

EXT

-1

MB212-II

PIEZO
HORN

MB410

PIEZO
HORN

MB115-II

PIEZO
HORN

HORN

MB110

MB112-II

16 Ohm

10” 200W

HEAD

PHONES

Neo Spkr

2x

8 Ohm

12” 300W

+V

Neo Spkr

4x

16 Ohm
10” 200W
Neo Spkr

1x

4 Ohm

15” 200W

+V

PRE

DIRECT

OUT

CLIP

POST

PRE

DIRECT

OUT

DETECTOR

LIMITER

ON

OFF

CHAIN

OUT

CLIP

DETECTOR

LIMITER

CHAIN

AMP

HEAD

PHONES

AMP

AMP

AMP

OUT

Dimensions (HxWxD): Weight:

MB210-II 23”x19”x14.5” 35 lbs.
MB212-II 26”x19”x14.5” 41 lbs.
MB410 23“x23”x16” 51 lbs.
MB115-II 23”x19”x14.5” 38 lbs.
MB112-II 17”x15”x14.5” 30 lbs.
MB110 16”x13”x11.5” 20 lbs.

Power requirements:
MB210-II, MB212-II

U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz.
& MB410 580W(full power), 128W(average power)
Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
580W(full power), 128W(average power)
Japan 100V/50Hz
580W(full power), 128W(average power)

MB115-II & MB112-II

U.S.A/Canada 120V/60Hz.
240W(full power), 48.6 W (average power)
Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
240W(full power), 48.6W(average power)
Japan 100V/50Hz
240W(full power), 48.6W(average power)

MB110

U.S.A/Canada 120V/60Hz.
140W (full power), 28.6 W (average power)
Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
240W(full power), 28.6W(average power)
Japan 100V/50Hz
240W(full power), 28.6W(average power)

This device has been tested and found to comply with:
CAN/CSA 60065-03 Safety Requirements.

R

UL std. No. 60065-2007 Safety Requirements.

CUS

9

MB Combo Owners Manual

Part # 160-0520-F