Hartke
COMBO
B SERIES
SA SB
COMBO
-9
HartkeHartke
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
B Series Combo Bass Amplifier Features 2
Guided Tour 3
Front Panel 3 - 4
Rear Panel 5
Setting Up and Using Your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier 6 - 7
Using Equalization and Shape 8-9
Specifications 10
Copyright 2003 Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed January, 2003
Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
P.O. Box 9031
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 516-364-3888
Introduction
We know you don’t like reading owners manuals, but you’ve just purchased one of the
finest bass amplifiers around, and we want to tell you about it! So, before you plug in and
start popping and slapping, we’d like to suggest you take just a few moments to scan
these pages. We’ll make it as painless as possible, we promise—and who knows, you
might just pick up a tip or two.
The B Series is a powerful combo amplifier which includes a matched 8-ohm bass
speaker in a specially designed cabinet. It’s the perfect system for use in small venues
such as club dates and for home recording studios. Plus, its dedicated headphone output
makes it an awesome practice amp!
There are five different models in the B Series, and this manual covers them all. The B150
is the baby of the family; it's got a 15-watt amp and an 6" speaker. Next up is the B200,
which has a 20-watt amp and an 8" speaker. Then the B300, at 30-watts with a 10" speaker. Jumping to twice the power, the B600 pumps 60 watts into a 12" speaker. The B900
delivers a full 90 watts of bone-rattling power into a 15" speaker. Whichever of these models you’ve purchased, you’re assured of that great Hartke sound and robust construction.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of your B Series
Combo Bass Amplifier, as well as a guided tour through its front and rear panels,
step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the amp, additional information about
equalization and a unique Shape control (provided in the B600 and B900 models), plus full
specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out
and mail it so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you
updated information about this and other Hartke and Samson products in the future.
Also, be sure to check out our website (http://www.samsontech.com) for complete
information about our full product line.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier ever require
servicing, a Return Authorization (RA) number is necessary. Without this number, the
unit will not be accepted. If purchased in the United States, please call Samson at
1-800-372-6766 for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping. Please retain the
original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing
materials. If purchased outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for
warranty information.
1
2
Hartke B Series
Combo Bass Amplifier Features
The Hartke B Series offers all the newest concepts in state-of-the-art bass amplification at
an extremely affordable price. Here are some of its main features:
• Bipolar circuit design ensures that every nuance of your bass performance is
reproduced faithfully.
• Dual inputs that accommodate a broad range of input levels, so that you can use the
B Series with pretty much any kind of bass, from passive models to those with active
circuitry. It is almost impossible to overload the input of a B Series bass amplifier!
• Three bands of high-quality equalization, allowing you to create a broad range of
tonal colors for your bass instrument.
• Line-level effects loop send (Preamp Out) and return (Amp In) jacks that allow you to
connect to professional outboard effects processors.
• The B600 and B900 models feature Hartke’s original Kickback bass speaker enclosure design, allowing the amplifier to be placed flat on the floor or in a tilt-back position for increased high-end clarity and directionality.
•A separate headphone output which automatically disconnects the speaker output,
allowing use as a high-quality practice amp.
•A unique front-panel line-level output for interfacing with PA systems or recording
mixing consoles.
• Included is a matched Hartke 8-ohm speaker mounted in a specially designed
cabinet for clean, crisp sound.
• In the B600 and B900 models, a unique contour filtering system called “Shape” which
activates a multi-band equalization curve specially designed to enhance the sound of
the electric bass. The front panel Shape control enables you to continuously sweep a
filter through various frequency areas in order to customize the effect of the curve to
the specific tonal characteristics of your particular bass instrument.
•Asteel grill helps protect the speaker from bumps and bruises when you are transporting your amplifier
• Removable power cord supplied with the correct plug for your geographic area.
• Rugged construction makes the B Series eminently road-worthy.
3
Guided Tour - Front Panel
1. Inputs - Connect your bass guitar to one of these standard 1/4" unbalanced jacks.
If your bass has passive electronics (that is, if it has no battery), connect it to PASSIVE
INPUT, which is designed to handle low-level signals. If your bass has active electronics
(that is, if it has a battery), connect it to ACTIVE INPUT, which employs a 10 dB pad and is
designed to handle hotter bass pickup signals.
2. Volume control - This is the overall volume control. For best signal-to-noise ratio, keep
the output of your bass at or near maximum and adjust the B Series Volume to the desired
level.
3. Shape control (B600 and B900 only) - This control applies a specialized 20 dB notch
filter to the specified frequency area so that you can customize the effect of the Shape
curve to best complement your particular bass instrument. Moving the Shape control
clockwise causes the notch filter to be applied to higher frequencies while moving it
counterclockwise causes it to be applied to lower frequencies. At the fully clockwise
position, the filter is applied to the 1 kHz frequency area; this will act to attenuate
mid-range frequencies and give your bass a deep, low tone. At the fully counterclockwise
position, the filter is applied to the 90 Hz frequency area; this will act to attenuate low
frequencies and give your bass a biting, trebly sound. For more information, see the
“Using Equalization and Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.
B600 and B900 Kickback Enclosure
0
0
-3
-3
+3
+3
-30+3
-6
-6
+6
+6
-6
+6
+9
-9
+9
-9
-9
+9
8
-12
-15
B
+12
+12
+12
-12
-12
-15
-15
+15
+15
+15
4
Guided Tour - Front Panel
4. Bass EQ control - This control provides approximately 15 dB of cut or boost at 100
Hz, with a peak (bell) curve. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no
boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position,
the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the
frequency area is attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and
Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.
5. Mid EQ control - This control provides approximately 15 dB of cut or boost at 830 Hz,
with a peak (bell) curve. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no
boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position,
the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the
frequency area is attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and
Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.
6. High EQ control - This shelving control provides approximately 15 dB of cut or boost
at 5 kHz. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no boost or attenuation
(that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area
is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is
attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and Shape” section on
page 8 in this manual.
7. Line Out - This standard unbalanced 1/4" jack provides a line-level post-EQ and
post-Volume (and, in the B600 and B900 models, post-Shape) output signal from the
B Series. You’ll usually use this to connect the B Series signal to a line-level input when
interfacing with PA systems or recording mixing consoles. The signal from this output is
the same as that from the Preamp Out on the rear panel (see #3 on page 5).
8. Headphones jack - Connect any standard stereo headphone (600 ohms or less) to
this standard 1/4" stereo jack. When a plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the
speaker output is disconnected, allowing you to use your B Series as a practice amplifier.
The level of the signal sent to the headphones is determined by the setting of the Volume
knob—at the point where a connected speaker would clip, the headphones will clip.
WARNING: Because even the smallest B Series amplifier is capable of generating
extremely high headphone signal levels, always start with the Volume knob at
minimum and then slowly turn it up. In particular, a clicking sound is an indication
of distortion and possible damage to the headphones (and/or your hearing!); don’t
let things get to that point!
9. Power switch - Use this to power the B Series on or off. When powered on, an LED
inside this switch is lit.
5
1. AC Inlet - Attach the grounded AC power cord here to connect your B Series amplifier
to mains power. This cord comes supplied with the appropriate plug for your geographic
area.
CAUTION: Do not use an adapter to defeat the third grounding pin on this plug or severe electric
shock may result!
The fuse holder comes from the factory with the appropriately rated fuse for your model. If
you need to change this fuse for any reason, replace it with one that has the same exact
rating.
2. Speaker Output – The SPEAKER OUTPUT jack is used to connect the internal speaker to the amplifier. Your B Series amplifier has been designed to match the internal
speaker, so we recommend that you do not connect an external bass speaker to your
amplifier. If you do, be sure to match the power rating of your amplifier to the connected
speaker. In some cases, under powering a high power speaker can damage the connected amplifier. DO NOT connect any speaker with any impedance rating that is lower than 8
Ohms. Doing so may void your warranty.
3. Preamp Out (Effects Loop Send)- Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to send signal to a
professional outboard effects processor.* Output level is approximately 0 dB to +4 dB and
is post-EQ and post-Shape but unaffected by the setting of the Volume control. The
signal from this output is the same as that from the Line Out on the front panel (see #7 on
page 4).
4. Amp In (Effects Loop Return)- Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to return signal from a
professional outboard effects processor.*
* In-line effects (such as footpedals) intended for low signal levels should be placed
between your bass and the front panel B Series amplifier Input and not connected with the
rear panel Effects Loop jacks.
Guided Tour - Rear Panel
900
3
2
1
4
115 VAC
230 VAC
8 OHM
SPEAKER
OUT
MADE IN CHINA
90 WATT BASS AMPLIFIER
SERIAL
NUMBER
B
900
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE UNITED STATES BY HARTKE
PREAMP OUT
EFFECTS LOOP
www.hartke.com
AMP IN
6
Setting Up and Using Your Hartke
B Series Combo Bass Amplifier
Setting up your Hartke Systems B Series Combo Bass Amplifier is a simple procedure
which takes only a few minutes:
1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and decide
where the amplifier is to be physically placed. To avoid potential overheating problems,
make sure that the rear panel is unobstructed and that there is good ventilation around the
entire unit.
2. Connect the 3-pin AC plug into any grounded AC socket. Don’t turn the B Series on
just yet, though.
3. Use a standard music instrument cable to connect your
bass to one of the Input jacks on the front panel. If your bass
has passive electronics (that is, if it has no battery), connect it
to Passive Input which is designed to handle low- voltage
signals. If your bass has active electronics (that is, if it has a
battery), connect it to Active Input, which has a 10 dB pad and
is designed to handle hotter bass pickup signals.
4. On the front panel of the B Series, turn the Volume control to
its minimum (fully counterclockwise) position, set all three EQ
controls to their “0” (12 o’clock) position, and, if you are using
a B600 or B900 , set the Shape control to its 12 o’clock position.
5. Press the front panel Power switch in order to turn on your
B Series amp; the LED in the switch will light up.
6. Set the output of your bass to maximum and then, while
playing, slowly turn the B Series Volume control up until the
desired level is achieved. It’s nearly impossible to overload the
B Series amplifier, so if you hear distortion even at low Volume
settings, check for a faulty cable (if it’s good, simply back off
the output of your bass).
7. If you are using a B600 or B900 , turn the Shape knob both
clockwise and counterclockwise to hear the effect of the Shape
curve and filter on the sound of your bass. Leave the Shape
knob at the point where it best complements your particular
instrument and playing style.
8. Adjust the three equalization controls to
taste (when you get a great setting that complements your instrument and playing style, it’s
a good idea to write it down for future use).
215
7
Setting Up and Using Your Hartke
B Series Combo Bass Amplifier
9. Test the headphone output by turning the Volume control to its
minimum (fully counterclockwise) position and then connect a
standard stereo headphone to the front-panel Headphones jack.
While playing your bass, slowly turn the Volume control up—you
should hear sound from the headphones and none from the connected
speaker. We recommend the use of large size headphones (those
with large transducers) for optimum bass reproduction.
10. If you need to connect the B Series to a PA system or a recording
mixing console, connect a cable between the front-panel Line Out
output and a line-level input on the mixer. (See #7 on page 4 in this
manual for more information on the use of the B Series
Line Out).
11. If you’re using a professional external signal
processor that has line-level inputs and outputs, turn
your B Series amp off momentarily and then connect a
standard audio cable between the rear panel Preamp
Out jack and your effects processor input and another
standard audio cable between the Amp In jack and your
effects processor output (if required, multiple effects
processors can be daisy-chained together, output to
input). Then turn the B Series amp back on and play
your bass while adjusting the controls of your effects
processor(s). For best results, set both the input and output gain of all connected effects
processor(s) to 0 dB (unity gain), so that there is no increase or decrease in level whether
the effects are switched in or out.
If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your Hartke B Series Bass
Combo Amplifier, you can call Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM
and 5 PM EST, or contact your local distributor.
10
Using Equalization and Shape
The Hartke Systems B Series Bass Amplifier gives you enormous control over shaping the
sound of your bass, using a process called equalization. To understand how this works,
it’s important to know that every naturally occurring sound consists of a broad range of
pitches, or frequencies, combined together in a unique way. This blend is what gives every
sound its distinctive tonal color. The B Series EQ controls allow you to alter a sound by
boosting or attenuating specific frequency areas—they operate much like the bass and
treble controls on your hi-fi amp, but with much greater precision.
The B Series offers three bands of equalization. Each EQ knob (labeled Bass, Mid, and
High, respectively) affects a different frequency area (100 Hz, 830 Hz, and 5 kHz,
respectively) and provides approximately 15 dB of boost and attenuation. We carefully
selected these frequency areas because they have maximum impact on bass signals.
For example, the Low (100 Hz) control affects the very lowest audible frequencies (in fact,
most humans cannot hear below 20 Hz), while the High (5 kHz) control affects the “twang”
of a bass string.
When an EQ knob is in its center detented position (“0”), it is having no effect. When it is
moved right of center, the particular frequency area is being boosted; when it is moved left
of center, the frequency area is being attenuated. Turning all EQ controls up the same
amount will have virtually the same effect as simply turning up the Volume; conversely,
turning them all down the same amount will have virtually the same effect as turning down
the Volume. Both approaches are pointless (after all, that’s why we gave you a Volume
control!)
In many instances, the best way to deal with equalization is to think in terms of which
frequency areas you need to attenuate, as opposed to which ones you need to boost.
Be aware that boosting a frequency area also has the effect of boosting the overall signal;
specifically, too much Low EQ boost can actually cause overload distortion or even harm
the connected speaker.
In addition, the B600 and B900 models provide a unique Shape control which employs a
notch filter to remove specific frequency areas. At the same time, it overlays a special
equalization curve that is designed to improve the sound of electric bass instruments.
This curve provides boost at certain frequency areas and attenuation at other frequency
areas. As the Shape knob is turned clockwise, the notch filter is imposed on higher
frequency areas; as it is turned counterclockwise, the filter is imposed on lower frequency
areas. At the fully clockwise position, the filter is applied to the 1 kHz frequency area,
making for a deep, rich tone; at the fully counterclockwise position, the filter is applied to
the 90 Hz frequency area, making for a bright, twangy tone.
9
The specific EQ (and/or Shape) you will apply to your bass signal is very much dependent
upon your particular instrument and personal taste and playing style. However, here are a
few general suggestions:
• For that super-deep reggae or Motown sound, boost the Low EQ slightly while attenuating the High EQ. If you’re using a B600 or B900 , set the Shape control to approximately 850 Hz.
• To remove boxiness and make your instrument sound more “hi-fi,” try attenuating the
Mid EQ control. If you’re using a B600 or B900 , set the Shape control to approximately 320 Hz.
• For a twangy, cutting sound, try boosting the High EQ. (putting new roundwound
strings on your bass will help a lot also!). If you’re using a B600 or B900 , set the
Shape control to approximately 145 Hz.
• Whenever you get a really good EQ (and/or Shape) setting for a particular instrument
or song, write it down (you’d be amazed how easy it is to forget these things!).
As you experiment with the EQ and Shape controls of the B Series, don’t forget that your
bass also provides significant EQ control in the form of its pickup and tonal settings—this
can be particularly effective in instruments that have active circuitry.
Using Equalization and Shape
1. Rated Output Power (@ 1 kHz, 4 ohm, 5% THD)
B150 15 Wrms
B200 20 Wrms
B300 30 Wrms
B600 60 Wrms
B900 90 Wrms
2. Rated Input Level (@ 1 kHz)
Input 1 -20 dBu
Input 2 -10 dBu
3. Total Harmonic Distortion (@ 1 dB below rated output, 1 kHz typical)
B150 0.1%
B200 0.1%
B300 0.1%
B600 0.05%
B900 0.07%
4. Signal To Noise Ratio (re: 1 Wrms @ 1 kHz)
B150 67 dB
B200 67 dB
B300 66 dB
B600 65 dB
B900 70 dB
5. Dynamic Range (re: Rated output @ 1 kHz)
B150 80 dB
B200 80 dB
B300 75 dB
B600 80 dB
B900 90 dB
6. Signal Gain
Input 1 to Line Out / Preamp Out +30 dB (B200), +30 dB (B200), +30 dB (B300)
+30 dB (B300), +30 dB (B900
Input 1 to Speaker Out +46 dB (B150),+48 dB (B200), +55 dB (B300)
+57 dB (B300), +61 dB (B900)
Input 2 to Line Out / Preamp Out +20 dB (B150),+20 dB (B200), +20 dB (B300)
+20 dB (B300), +20 dB (B900)
Input 2 to Speaker Out +36 dB (B150),+38 dB (B200), +45 dB (B300)
+47 dB (B300), +51 dB (B900)
7. Equalizer
Low (100 Hz) ±15 dB
Mid (830 Hz) ±15 dB
High (5 kHz) ±15 dB
8. Headphone Output 200 mW (typical) @ 600 ohms
9. Fuse Type 3AG fast-acting (US & Japan), 50T time delay (UK & European)
10. Fuse Rating
US & Japan
0.5A (B150), 0.5A (B200), 1.0A (B300), 2.0A (B600), 3.0A (B900)
UK & European .25A (B200), .5A (B300), 1A (B300), 1 (B600), 1.6A (B900),
Specifications
Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
P.O. Box 9031
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 516-364-3888
10
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