VBA 400
VALVE BASS AMPLIFIER
ENGLISH
1
From the Chairman
I would like to personally thank you for
selecting our VBA400 valve bass head.
Since I started Marshall Amplification in
1962 I have witnessed some incredible
breakthroughs and advances in amplifier
design technology, however there is an
inescapable magical tone that comes from
using a traditional Marshall valve amplifier.
Furthermore it is a tone that is just as valid
and just as much sought after today as it
was all those years ago when I had my first
shop in Hanwell, London.
What time and progress has given us is
the ability to make valve amps that are
more versatile. The new Marshall VBA400
is just that, a classic valve amp for bass
guitar, complete with all of the normal
attributes that you would expect from a
Marshall valve amp, such as warmth,
compression, controllable musical
distortion and of course that classic
Marshall tone, combined with modern day
versatility and safety features. As such, the
VBA400 is a classic valve bass amp for
today’s player.
I would like to wish you every success
with all of your musical endeavours and
also your new Marshall which I am sure you
will find a pleasure to play for many years
to come.
Yours Sincerely,
ENGLISH
3
ENGLISH
2
1. Power Switch
Controls mains power to the amplifier,
activating the valve heaters and other auxiliary
circuits including the fan. This should be
switched on before the standby switch.
2. Standby Switch
Controls the H.T. (high tension) supply to the
valves to allow them to attain the correct
working temperature before playing. To prolong
the life of the valves it is always advisable to
switch on the Mains Power Switch (item 1)
about 2 minutes before switching on the Standby
(item 2).
This procedure allows the valves to heat up fully
before use. On switching off, the Standby
should always be switched before the Power
Switch.
The standby facility is particularly useful live,
between sets, as it allows you to reduce the
amount of heat generated by the amplifier but
keep the valves operating, which is conducive to
longevity of valve life. Valve life can be further
increased by always ensuring that the amplifier
is allowed to cool down completely after use and
before transportation.
3. Master Volume
Governs the overall volume of the VBA400.
4. Deep
The Deep Switch adds a tuned or resonant bass
boost to your sound, increasing bottom end thud,
without making your tone woolly around the
bottom end.
5. Bright
The Bright switch adds high frequency presence,
giving top end brilliance, crispness and bite to
your sound.
6. Treble
Controls the high frequencies of the bass guitar
tone, making your sound brighter when
increased.
7. Middle
Dictates the middle register of the amplifier.
Turning this up will make your bass sound
fatter. Conversely reducing the amount of
middle in your tone will result in a sharper
sound.
8. Contour
3 position control adjusting the overall tonal
voicing of the amplifier. Position 1 tailors the
response of the amplifier for smooth low end,
restrained lower mids, and mild high end lift, to
give the classic vintage valve bass tone. In
position 2 the lower mid is made more
prominent whilst simultaneously the upper mids
are subtly scooped to give a more aggressive,
growling quality to the amplifier’s tone.
Position 3 introduces a gentle overall mid boost
for an immediate, cutting, ‘in your face’ tone.
9. Bass
Controls the amount of low frequencies or
bottom end in your tone.
Introduction
VBA stands for Valve Bass Amplifier and who better to make a bass amp powered by valve
technology than Marshall Amplification? Over 36 years of designing and manufacturing world
renowned high quality valve amps has given us priceless knowledge, experience and insight in
the world of valve tone.
The VBA400 gives you 400 Watts of Marshall valve power courtesy of 12 valves; 8 6550 power
valves, 3 ECC83 classic Marshall pre-amp valves and 1 ECC82 valve.
In addition to great tone, the VBA400 combines a number of other exciting and useful features.
Situated on the rear panel of the amp is a Tuner Output which allows you to keep a tuner in line
at all times (the bass is still plugged into the input on the front panel). Should you want to tune
up during a live situation in silence, simply press the Tuner Mute facility button and both the
sound to your speakers and to the DI will be cut off.
All valve amps need to be connected to a speaker before use and failure to do so will result in
serious damage to the amp. To ensure that you do not damage your VBA400 by inadvertently
forgetting to plug your amp into a speaker, we have designed the unit so that power cannot be
applied internally unless it is connected to a speaker.
The VBA400 also features an instant overall tonal re-shaper in the form of a Contour control
which has three pre-sets to allow you to dial in three different characters in an instant.
VBA400 Front Panel Features (page 26)
To fully compliment the VBA400 we have produced two specially designed cabinets, the
8x10” VBC810 and the 4x12” VBC412 which combine cool looks with classic Marshall tone.
In order to get the most from your VBA400 please read this handbook carefully before
plugging in.
!
Effects Processor
Tuner
VBA400
Recording or P.A. Equipment VBC412 VBC810
VBA400 Set-up guide
Constant exposure to the high sound pressure levels of which this amplification system is capable could
result in permanent damage to your hearing.
Although individuals will vary in their susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss, almost everyone will
have their hearing impaired if exposed to intense sound levels for a sufficient length of time.
To prevent the occurance of permanent hearing loss, it is advisable to wear ear plugs or protectors if you
are going to be exposed to high noise levels for prolonged periods.
WARNING! - Important safety instructions
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed!
A PLEASE read this instruction manual carefully before switching on.
B ALWAYS use the supplied mains lead, if a replacement is required please contact your authorised Marshall Dealer.
C NEVER attempt to by-pass the fuses or fit ones of the incorrect value.
D DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis, there are no user serviceable parts.
E Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel including replacement of fuses and valves. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has
been dropped.
F NEVER use an amplifier in damp or wet conditions. No objects filled with liquids should be placed on the apparatus. When
cleaning, only use a dry cloth.
G ALWAYS unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
H PROTECT the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and at the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
I DO NOT switch the amplifier on without the loudspeaker connected.
JENSURE that any extension cabinets used are of the correct impedance.
➲ EUROPE ONLY - NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC directive
(Environments E1, E2 and E3
EN 55103-1/2
) and Low Voltage directive in the E.U.
➲ EUROPE ONLY - NOTE: The Peak Inrush current for the VBA400 is 204 amps.
➲ CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
➲ NOTE: It is recommended that all audio cables used,
with the exception of the speaker lead,
to connect to the VBA400 are of a high
quality screened type. These should not exceed 10 metres in length.
Always use a non-screened Marshall approved speaker lead with
the VBA400 Head and extension cabinets.
➲ WARNING: Do not obstruct ventilation grilles and always ensure free movement of air around the amplifier!
USA ONLY - DO NOT defeat the purpose of the polarised or grounding type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is
provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Follow all instructions and heed all warnings - KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS !
!
CAUTION!: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSES
WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING ONLY. DISCONNECT
SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE. TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION!:POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE MEME TYPE ET DE MEME CALIBRE. DEBRANCHER AVANT DE
REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE DECHARGES
ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS OUVRIR LE COUVERCLE. CET APPAREIL NE COMPORTE
AUCUNE PIECE SUSCEPTIBLE D’ETRE REPAREE PAR VOS SOINS. FAITES
TOUJOURS APPEL A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR TOUTE REPARATION.
WARNING!: SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
AVIS!:RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE ET DE DECHARGES
ELECTRIQUES, N’EXPOSEZ JAMAIS CET APPAREIL A L’HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE. CONNECTER CET APPAREIL A LA TERRE.
TUNER
EFFECTS LOOP D.I. OUTPUT
OUTPUT
SEND RETURN
DO NOTOBSTRUCT FAN EXIT
2 Ohm 4 Ohm LOW HIGH
400 Watts RMS
IMPEDANCE
Into 2/4 Ohms
SELECTOR
NORMAL
EARTH LIFT
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS
WARNING!:RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY! AVIS!:ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE!
REFERTOMANUAL FORFULL DETAILS. SEREFERERAU MANUELPOURPLUS DEDETAILS.
Made in England by:
Marshall Amplificationplc,
Bletchley,Milton Keynes,
England.
MAINS INPUT
H.T.
FAN
L.T.
FUSE
SPEED
FUSE
230V ~ 50 Hz
T10A T4A 100V
900 Watts
T8A T4A 120V
T4A T2A 230V
JAPANESE
FRANÇAIS
DEUTSCH
ESPAÑOL
ENGLISH
5
ENGLISH
4
10. Gain
The VBA400 is an all valve bass head and as
such is ideally suited to creating thick musically
overdriven tones or warm clean tones. If you
require a clean bass sound turn this control up
until your bass just starts to distort and then back
it off slightly. If on the other hand you would
like a distorted sound, simply turn up the Gain
control until the required amount of distortion is
achieved. Another tip, for those of you who
have got active basses who want a distorted
tone, is to try plugging your bass into the Passive
Input. This will cause no harm and may provide
the sound you are looking for.
Tuner Mute
The VBA400 features a Tuner Mute facility. On
the rear panel there is a tuner output, item 1,
which allows you to keep a tuner connected
permanently in-line. By pressing the Tuner
Mute On/Off button, item 12 on the front panel,
you will cut the sound to the speakers and to the
DI output allowing you to tune up in silence.
11. LED
Indicates when the Tuner Mute facility is in use.
12. On/Off
Allows you to switch the Tuner Mute facility on
and off.
Inputs
Though the Passive and Active inputs were
designed around the signal from an active bass
and a passive bass guitar respectively, you
should experiment to see which input best suits
your style. Don’t worry, connecting your bass to
the wrong input will not harm your VBA400 but
may give you the sound that you are trying to
capture.
If you are using a Tuner in-line via item 1 on the
rear panel, you should still use one of these
inputs to connect your bass.
13. Passive
This input is designed to take the signal from a
passive bass. If your bass guitar is passive plug
it in here. We recommend that you always use a
high quality screened cable for this to help
prevent noise, interference and unwanted
feedback.
14. Active
This input is designed to take the signal from an
active bass. If your bass guitar is active plug it
in here. Again we recommend that you always
use a high quality screened cable to help prevent
noise, interference and unwanted feedback.
15. D.I. pre-post selector
The VBA 400 features a D.I. Output, item 5 on
the rear panel, designed for connection to
professional recording or P.A. equipment.
By selecting ‘Pre’, the signal for the DI will be
taken from a point in the signal path before the
front panel controls and will only be affected by
the Tuner Mute, Item 12. This means that you
will have no other influence over your sound
being sent to the external recording or P.A.
equipment connected to the D.I. output socket.
By selecting ‘Post’, the signal for the DI will be
taken after the Gain and Equalisation controls
(but before the master volume control), giving
you tonal and level control over the signal being
sent to the external equipment.
1. Tuner Output
The Tuner Output allows you to keep a tuner in-
line at all times. See Tuner Mute in the Front
panel Functions section for a full overview of
this facility.
Effects Loop
The VBA400 features a series effects loop for
optimum connection of external effects. As this
is a series loop, all of the pre-amp signal is
passed through the loop when in operation and
the blend between ‘dry’ and ‘effects’ is
determined solely by the setting of the ‘mix’
facility on your chosen effects processor.
2. Send
For connection to the input of an external effects
processor.
3. Return
For connection to the output of an external
effects processor.
4. D.I. Normal / Earth Lift
Linking one piece of earthed electrical
equipment to another earthed piece of electrical
equipment can result in an audible hum, due to
the formation of an earth loop. In the past
people would get round this problem by
removing the earth of one of the appliances,
which is of course extremely dangerous. The
VBA400 features an Earth Lift which allows
you to safely ‘lift’ the D.I. signal earth on the
amp, should you be experiencing earth loop hum
problems.
5. D.I. output
The VBA400 features a low impedance,
balanced XLR D.I. Output for connection to
professional recording or P.A. equipment.
See Item 15 on front panel for more details.
6. Impedance Selector
It is imperative that the output impedance
selector on this amplifier matches the impedance
of the speaker(s) that it is driving.
The VBA400 delivers 400 Watts R.M.S. into 2
or 4 Ohms. Both the VBC810 and VBC412
cabinets are 4 Ohm cabinets. Therefore if you
are using one cabinet ensure that the impedance
selector is set to 4 Ohms, and if you are using 2
cabinets ensure that the impedance selector is set
to 2 Ohms.
Failure to do this can result in serious damage to
the amplifier.
7. & 8. Loudspeaker Outputs
For connection to VBC810 and or VBC412
cabinets. See above for impedance details.
Always use short, high quality, heavy duty
speaker leads to connect this amplifier to the
loudspeaker cabinets. Two speaker leads are
supplied with the amplifier for this purpose.
Do not use screened, guitar type, leads.
9. Fan Speed - Low & High
The VBA400 features 12 valves in total, 8 of
which are power valves. Normal air convection
would not be sufficient to keep such an amplifier
cool, and the VBA400 therefore features a fan
which sucks cool air through the front vent and
pushes the resulting warm air out through the
rear vent.
To ensure optimum cooling of the amplifier in
all operating environments, the fan has two
operating speeds, low and high. Low should be
selected for normal operating situations.
However, if this amplifier is going to be used in
close proximity to other units generating
appreciable amounts of heat, or if the ambient
air temperature is high, the higher fan speed
should be selected. The VBA400 features over
temperature protection which will shut the unit
down should internal temperatures become
excessive, due for example to obstructed front or
rear air vents. This protection is self-resetting
after a period of approximately thirty minutes.
10. H.T. Fuse
Always ensure that the correct value fuse is
fitted - see rear panel for details.
If this fuse fails repeatedly, you should refer the
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent.
11. L.T. Fuse
Always ensure that the correct value fuse is
fitted - see rear panel for details.
If this fuse fails repeatedly, you must refer the
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent.
12. Mains Input
Connects the amplifier to the mains power
supply.
The VBA400 is able to operate on 100, 115 or
230 Volts A.C. (50-60 cycles) by appropriate
selection of internal voltage setting links and
fuse types. Should you require to operate your
VBA400 at a different mains voltage to that
which the unit was originally intended, refer the
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent,
who will make the required adjustments.
VBA400 Rear Panel Features (page 26)
Valve Replacement
The valves fitted at the Marshall factory have been extensively tested and selected to ensure close
matching of electrical characteristics, which, in conjunction with the amplifier’s internal bias and balance
controls (which are not user adjustable) should ensure long and reliable operating life.
As with any valve amplifier, the valves (particularly the output valves) do not have an infinite life and will
require replacement at some point. The life expectancy of a set of valves depends on many factors including
how frequently the amplifier is used, the quality of the valves fitted and proper use of the mains and standby
switches when powering the amplifier up and down.
Signs that the valves are nearing the end of their useful operating life include loss of perceived output
power, increase in valve microphony (detectable as a background ‘ringing’ type noise) and deterioration in
tone. When the time comes to fit new valves it is strongly recommended that only Marshall replacement
valves, tested to the same specification as the originals, be used, and that these are installed by an approved
Marshall service agent who has access to the measuring equipment required to set the internal bias and
balance controls to optimally suit the new valves being fitted.
VBA 400
VALVE BASS AMPLIFIER
!
1 2 3 54 6
7 8 10 11 12
9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12
13 14 15
VBA400 Front Panel
VBA400 Rear Panel
26 27
OFF
ON
POWER
STANDBY
CAUTION!: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSES
WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING ONLY. DISCONNECT
SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE. TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION!: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE MEME TYPE ET DE MEME CALIBRE. DEBRANCHER AVANT DE
REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE DECHARGES
ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS OUVRIR LE COUVERCLE. CET APPAREIL NE COMPORTE
AUCUNE PIECE SUSCEPTIBLE D’ETRE REPAREE PAR VOS SOINS. FAITES
TOUJOURS APPEL A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR TOUTE REPARATION.
WARNING!: SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
AVIS!: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE ET DE DECHARGES
ELECTRIQUES, N’EXPOSEZ JAMAIS CET APPAREIL A L’HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE. CONNECTER CET APPAREIL A LA TERRE.
OUTPUT CONTROL
OFF
ON
010 010 010 010 010
MASTER VOLUME TREBLE
BRIGHTDEEP
EQUALISATION
1 3
CONTOUR
SELECT BASS GAIN
INPUT D.I.
2
PRE
POST
TUNER
MUTE
ON/OFFMUTED
PASSIVE ACTIVEMIDDLE
TUNER
OUTPUT
EFFECTS LOOP D.I. OUTPUT
SEND RETURN
NORMAL
EARTH LIFT
WARNING!:RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY! AVIS!: ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE!
REFER TO MANUAL FOR FULL DETAILS. SE REFERER AU MANUEL POUR PLUS DE DETAILS.
DO NOT OBSTRUCT FAN EXIT
2 Ohm 4 Ohm LOW HIGH
Made in England by:
IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
400 Watts RMS
Into 2/4 Ohms
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS
Marshall Amplification plc,
Bletchley, Milton Keynes,
England.
FAN
SPEED
H.T.
L.T.
FUSE
FUSE
T10A T4A 100V
T8A T4A 120V
T4A T2A 230V
MAINS INPUT
230V ~ 50 Hz
900 Watts
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