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Introduction 3
Features 4
Guided Tour 5
Front Panel 5
Rear Panel 7
Setting Up and Using the
Hartke 1400/1415 Bass Amplifier 8
About Equalization 10
Effect of the Contour Switch 12
About Compression 13
Specifications 14
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Introduction
3
Congratulations on purchasing the Hartke Systems Transient Attack®
1400/1415 Bass Amplifier! Although this device is designed for easy operation,
we suggest you take some time out first to go through these pages so you can
fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique features.
The two models covered by this manual differ in that the Model 1415 is a combo
amplifier which comes with a matched rear-ported 15” bass speaker, while the
Model 1400 is an amplifier head alone which can be used with any 4, 8, or 16
ohm bass speaker cabinet. Both are optimized for use with electric bass instruments, and the actual amp circuitry in both models is identical. You’ll find the
Model 1400/1415 to be the perfect system for use in small venues (such as club
dates); in addition, its dedicated headphone output makes it an excellent practice amp.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of the
Model 1400/1415 Bass Amplifier, as well as a guided tour through its front and
rear panels, step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the unit, and full
specifications. You’ll also find a warrantee 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 other Hartke and Samson products in
the future.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a
Return
Authorization number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not
be accepted. Please call Samson Technologies at (516) 932-1062 for a Return
Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing material and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing
materials.
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4
System Features
The Hartke Systems Transient Attack® 1400/1415 Bass Amplifier offers all the
newest concepts in state-of-the-art bass amplification. Here are some of its main
features:
• Power to spare—a full 140 watts into 4 ohms.
• Bipolar design for clean, crisp sound—as well as our Transient Attack®
circuitry, which ensures that every nuance of your bass performance is
reproduced faithfully.
• Four-bands of high-quality equalization, allowing you to create a broad
range of tonal colors for your bass instrument.
• A unique contour switch, which simulates classic tube amplifier sound.
• A built-in compressor utilizing “soft” clipping—this not only adds real “punch”
to your bass, it also allows you to smooth out volume differences between
notes.
• A separate headphone output which automatically mutes the speaker output, making this the “perfect” practice amp.
• A feedback-type input that accommodates a broad range of input levels (up
to 15 volts), so that you can use the Model 1400/1415 with pretty much any
kind of bass, from passive models to those with active circuitry.
• Effects loop send and return jacks that allow you to interface professional
outboard effects processors.
• The Model 1415 Combo amp includes a special Hartke 15” 4-ohm driver
mounted in a rear-ported bass reflex cabinet; these components are specifically designed to match the amplifier circuitry.
• Rugged construction and carpeted exterior makes the Model 1400/1415
eminently road-worthy.
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5
Guided Tour - Front Panel
1. Effects Send jack - Use this standard 1/4” unbalanced jack to send signal
from the Model 1400/1415 to a professional outboard effects processor such as a
reverb, echo, chorus, flanger, or harmonizer device.* Output level is approximately 0 dB and is unaffected by the setting of the Volume control. You can also
use the Effects Send jack as a direct output (at unity gain) for routing signal to an
external mixing console or amplifier.
2. Effects Return jack - Use this standard 1/4” unbalanced jack to return signal
to the Model 1400/1415 from a professional outboard effects processor.*
3. Input jack - Connect your bass guitar to the Model 1400/1415 here. This
standard 1/4” unbalanced jack provides a high impedance input and is specially
designed to handle a broad range of bass pickup signals up to 15 volts (allowing
you to use any kind of bass, including those models that contain active circuitry).
4. Contour switch - When pressed in (the “Enhance” setting), the Model
1400/1415 activates a special equalization curve that is designed to emulate the
sound of classic tube bass amplifiers. When out (the “Flat” setting), Contour is
inactive. For more information, see the “Effect of the Contour Switch” section in
this manual.
5. 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 amp’s
Volume to the desired level.
* In-line effects (such as footpedals) intended for low signal levels should be
placed between the bass and the amplifier Input and not connected with the
Effects Send and Return jacks.
10
MODEL 1400 BASS AMPLIFIER 140 WATTS
EFFECTS CONTOUR
Hartke Systems
MODEL 1400 BASS AMPLIFIER 140 WATTS
EFFECTS CONTOUR
2
Hartke Systems
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0dB 0dB 0dB
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COMPRESSIONPOWER
Transient Attack
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POWERHEADPHONESONOFFCOMPRESSIONHIGHHIGH MIDLOW MIDLOWVOLUMEENHANCEFLATINPUTRETURNSEND
Transient Attack >>>>
0dB0dB
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0dB 0dB 0dB
+15-15+15-15+15-15
7
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+15-15
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Hartke Systems
COMPRESSIONPOWER
Transient Attack
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POWERHEADPHONESONOFFCOMPRESSIONHIGHHIGH MIDLOW MIDLOWVOLUMEENHANCEFLATINPUTRETURNSEND
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