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guitar amplification
WWW.MATRIXAMPLIFICATION.COM
made in britain, heard worldwide
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Thank You
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Matrix Elements product.
Matrix amplifiers are the result of many decades of experience in the
design of exceptionally robust and reliable amplifiers.
They are designed to breathe life into your sound, by controlling your
speakers with exacting authority through the uncompromising delivery
of clean, undistorted power, from a package which is smaller and
lighter than you might expect for the performance it delivers.
This manual will help you to get the most from your amplifier. For
maximum benefit, it is recommended that all instructions and warnings
are carefully read. Also be sure to read the notices regarding correct
wiring of output connectors as this impacts the operation of the
amplifier.
For warranty service, please retain your receipt and all packaging that
comes with the amplifier, as it has been specifically designed to
transport the amplifier safely.
Unpacking
Please unpack and inspect your new amplifier for any damage that may
have occurred during transit. If damage is found, notify the carrier
immediately.
Note: PLEASE RETAIN ALL FACTORY PACKAGING FOR ANY FUTURE
POSTAL TRANSIT.
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CAUTION:
OBSERVE ALL SAFETY AND USAGE INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT AND EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS. THIS SYMBOL
UNIVERSALLY FLAGS CAUTION NOTICES
LETHAL VOLTAGES PRESENT AT SPEAKER, CABLE AND AMPLIFIER
TERMINALS; ENSURE ALL WIRING IS SAFE AND CORRECT BEFORE USE. THIS
SYMBOL ALSO UNIVERSALLY FLAGS ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
DO NOT OPEN UNIT; LEAVE ALL INTERNAL SERVICE OPERATIONS TO A
QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN. THIS PRODUCT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS WHICH MAY DAMAGE HEARING. THE USER IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR EXPOSURE LEVELS AND USE OF HEARING PROTECTION.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:
The amplifier is designed for use in environments which protect it from rain,
unusually high air humidity and temperature.
Place on a surface where it cannot be easily dislodged, potentially causing damage
to the unit or injury to a person. Ensure that the location will not expose the
amplifier to spillage of liquids/drinks, sprays/vapours or high humidity.
Ensure the amplifier is installed in a place which is not subject to abnormally high
temperatures and maintain sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.
For temporary use outside, apply similar caution; however careful to ensure
placement accounts for changing weather conditions and that extreme
wind/rain/heat will not find its way to the equipment.
When taking any equipment from a cold environment (unheated storage, vehicles,
etc), into a warm one, allow the equipment time to become acclimatised to the
ambient temperature, as condensation is likely to form in the amplifier, potentially
causing it to malfunction if put into service too soon.
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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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OVERVIEW:
FRONT PANEL:
1. MAINS POWER SWITCH - This powers the unit on or off
2. HIGH INPUT - Allows signal to pass through all available gain stages for more
saturation (Overdrive/Distortion)
3. LOW INPUT - Less saturation due to one less gain stage
4. GAIN CONTROL - Overdrive/Distortion level - The gain works from left to right
increasing in saturation as the control is turned clockwise
5. TONE CONTROLS - Each knob controls the different frequencies of the amplifier
6. VOLUME CONTROL - Controls the output volume level
7. SIGNAL INDICATOR - Gives indication of how much power the amp is providing at a
given load. (see page 5)
REAR PANEL:
1. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN - Power amplifier input; use a shielded 1/4” cable from the
output of your effects (see page 6 for details)
2. EFFECTS LOOP SEND - Pre-amplifier output; use a shielded 1/4” cable to connect to
your effects (also D.I. out. See page 6 for details)
3. SEND LEVEL - Sets the volume level of the pre-amplifier output to match your effects
(also D.I. pre-amp volume level. See page 6 for details)
4. OUTPUTS A/B - see page 6 for examples of suitable loading.
5. IEC INLET - Inlet for power cable (Do not remove the earth ground lug from the cable)
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GETTING STARTED AND POWERING UP:
Your VB-800 amplifier comes equipped with a power lead specific for the
requirements of your country. Use only the correct lead with the correct
rated fuse for your countrys’ power requirements. Use of an incorrect lead
or fuse rating could lead to damage of your amplifier.
NOTE: Unlike a Valve powered amplifier, it is not necessary to connect a
speaker (or load) to the amp whilst it is powered on. Powering on or
operation of the amp without a speaker or load attached will NOT damage
the amplifier.
1.Connect the supplied mains power lead to the IEC inlet on the rear of
the amp.
2. Connect the amplifier to a speaker or cabinet with a good quality
speaker cable. Never use a screened (shielded) guitar cable for this as you
may damage the cable and the amplifier. Whilst the VB-800 has been
designed for use with any standard guitar speaker cabinet available, we
recommend use with the Matrix NL series of lightweight cabinets. The VB-
800 will accept various impedance cabinets but bear in mind that the
total load must NOT exceed 4 ohms. (for more information on impedance
see page 5)
3. Making sure that the Main Volume of the amp is turned all the way
down, power on the amplifier via the power switch located on the front of
the amp. (you may hear a slight “thump” as the unit is powered on. This
is perfectly normal)
4. Connect a guitar or suitable instrument to the front of the amplifier
using either the High or Low inputs.
5. Adjust the controls of the amp to a required level and steadily increase
the main volume until a sufficient level is achieved.
NOTE: The signal light next to the main volume gives an indication of how
much power the amplifier is outputting at a given impedance. Typically the
light will start illuminating (blinking) at 12.5% (-9db) of the amplifiers
total power. For a 4 ohm load this equates to approximately 50 watts
output. For an 8 ohm load attached, 35 watts and for a 16 ohm load, 20
watts. When the signal light stays on solidly, this equates to 25% of the
amplifiers total power so for a 4 ohm load, that is 105 watts, for an 8
ohm load, 75 watts and for a 16 ohm load, 40 watts. Using this is a
useful guide to avoiding possible damage to your speakers.
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FEATURES:
The VB-800 has a few extra features that make it a versatile amp for use
in the home studio or even as a backup amp or tube flavoured power amp.
EFFECTS SEND/DI OUT:
The VB-800s effects send can also double as a DI out. It sends a signal
from the preamp section, of which the level can be controlled with the
send level located next to it. (This also controls the level of signal going to
your effects if you use it that way) Lots of amps have this kind of Line Out
but the beauty of the VB-800 is that you don’t have to connect a speaker
to the main ouputs meaning you can record quietly if needs be. The signal
isn’t speaker simulated so you’ll need to run it into either a cab sim on
your DAW or in your favourite multi-fx to get the best tone - and without
the neighbours calling the noise police!
EFFECTS RETURN/POWER AMP IN:
The effects return also doubles as an input to the power section of the
amp. This is useful if you at any point you require a neutral power amp
section for modellers or other preamps you may wish to use.
LOW GAIN INPUT:
Using this input on the front of the amp disables one gain stage from the
preamp section giving a less overdriven sound. This could be used as a
tube buffer stage when running into modelling or multi-fx units to give a
richer sound. Adjust the gain to a low setting to avoid excess distortion
charecteristics. Experiment with also running the output of your modeller
into the input at a low gain to give a non neutral power amp with tone
controls.
OUTPUT EXAMPLES:
NB: THE AMP WILL ACCEPT ANY LOAD UP TO A COMBINED MINIMUM
OF 4 OHM.
So some examples of what the VB-800 will happily accept are:
x1 4 ohm cab (total 4 ohms),
x2 8 ohm cabs (total 4 ohms),
x2 16 ohm cabs (total 8 ohms).
The VB-800 will also happily accept non standard impedance and
mismatched loads.
ie x1 8 ohm cab and x1 16 ohm cab (total aprox 6 ohms).
This gives the user maximum flexibility to use their favourite sounding
cabs.
For the ultimate in lightweight powerful rigs, we recommend the NeoLight
series of lightweight cabs from Matrix Elements for use with the VB-800.
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EXAMPLE SETTINGS:
There’s no right and wrong settings to use, it’s all down to your individual
taste. The tone controls have a wide coverage so dialling in tones you like
should be easy. If it sounds good, go with it.
CONNECTIONS:
Listed below are some of the standard ways in which you may want to
hook up your VB-800.
Standard: Guitar g Wah g OD g High Gain input of VB-800. FX Send g
Delay input g Delay output to VB-800 FX return. VB-800 speaker outs g
Cab (remember to use FX send level to control the level to your pedals)
Tube Buffer: Guitar g Low Gain input of VB-800 (gain level set low) g
VB-800 FX Send g Input of Modeller or FX loop of modeller
4CM: (4 Cable Method): Guitar g Main input of modeller/Multi FX g
Modeller FX loop send g Input of VB-800 (low or high to taste) g VB-
800 FX Send g Modeller FX Loop Return g Modeller main Out g VB-
800 FX Return. VB-800 Speaker Outs g Cab
Recording: Guitar g Fx (Wah, OD etc) g VB-800 FX send gDAW.
Use cab sim software either in your DAW or before your DAW. (Remember
to use the FX send level to control the signal to your DAW)
Main Input
Main Out
FX Send
FX Return
MULTI FX UNIT
FX Send
FX ReturnSPKR OUT
This method allows the positioning of gain
inducing stompoxes before the VB-800s preamp
and time based effects in the VB-800s loop via
the modeller/multi FXs loop.
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CARE AND MAINTENENCE:
Your Matrix VB-800 should give you many years of trouble free service if
operated correctly and looked after. Pre-amp tubes do wear down though
and as such are only covered in the VB-800’s warranty for 90 days from
purchase, guaranteed to be free from defect.
The VB-800 comes equipped with x2 ECC83/12AX7 pre-amp tubes
manufactured by JJ Electronics. We recommend replacing them with the
same type or same manufacturer for best results.
As stated earlier in the manual, care must be taken when connecting the
speaker outputs to a suitable cabinet. Always use good quality speaker
leads and make sure the cab(s) you are connecting to is/are in mono
operational mode. Linking the outputs on the VB-800 together either
directly or through plugging into a cab input and a cab link output will
damage the power section and invalidates the warranty. Care in particular
must be taken with Orange cabs, which feature unmarked sockets on the
rear of their cabs, one is an input, the other used for daisy chaining other
cabs to. If unsure, refer to the cab manufacturers manual.
The VB-800 may be cleaned with a soft lint free damp (not wet) cloth. A
mild spray polish such as that used for guitars is acceptable so long as it
has no abraisive properties.
Contact Us
Matrix is a company that prides itself on customer feedback and
interaction. We like to hear from our customers with any suggestions they
have to help us continually improve our service. You are very welcome to
share your experience with us by contacting:
We also love sharing our players experience and promoting them where we
can. Any pictures, videos featuring Matrix products or a good old fashioned
thumbs up can be posted on our social media.
https://www.facebook.com/MatrixAmplification
We’re also around to offer any help or advice as best we can if you run
into any problems or have a question, no matter how trivial. We aim to get
back to you within 24 hours as bear in mind we’re in the UK and there
may be a time difference. Again, contact us at:
Thank you from the Matrix Team!
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LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Matrix Elements warrants this Matrix Vintage British VB-800 for a period
of 2 years from date of purchase to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship under normal conditions and usage. This warranty is
transferable but original proof of purchase date is needed if any claim is to
be made on the warranty. Any products found to be defective within the
applicable period will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Matrix
Amplification Inc. without any charge provided that;
(1) the product was not misused, abused, improperly maintained, or
repaired by any person not authorized by Matrix Amplification Inc.
(2) the failure resulted from a defect in material or workmanship and was
not damaged due to use other than its intended use;
(3) the product was not used under abnormal, excessive, or unusual
operating conditions or suffered abuse.
(4) the product is promptly delivered prepaid to the original place of
purchase or to manufacturer together with proof of purchase within the
applicable period.
Limitations and exclusions
We will not warrant items which we deem to have been misused,
damaged due to incorrect connection, neglected or items exhibiting normal
wear and tear. Tubes we will warrant for 90 days from date of purchase to
be free from defect and workmanship. We will not warrant consequential
damage to other products resulting from the incorrect operation or misuse
of the item.
Your statutory rights are not affected
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CE Declaration:
Issuers Name and Address:
Andrew Hunt MATRIX AMPLIFICATION LIMITED, 32 Dewsland Park
Road, Newport, South Wales. United Kingdom. NP20 4EF
Products:
VB-800 Vintage British Amplifier
Equipment Type:
Commercial Audio Amplifiers
Safety Standard:
AMD1: 2005 and IEC 60065: 2001 7th Ed. EMC Standards: EN 61000-
4-2:2001 EN 61000-4-3:2006 EN 61000-4-4:2007 EN 61000-4-
5:2006 EN 61000-4-6:2006 EN 61000-4-11:2001 EN 55103-1:1997
EN 55103-1:1997 EN 55103-2:1997 EN 61000-3-3:2008 EN 61000-
3-2:2005 and AMD1: 2008 EN 55022:2006
Safety Requirements - Audio Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus.
Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Environment E2-Criteria B, 4k V Contact,
8k V Air Discharge). Radiated, Radio-Frequency, Electromagnetic Immunity
(Environment E2, criteria A). Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity
(Criteria B). Surge Immunity (Criteria B). Immunity to Conducted
Disturbances Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields (Criteria A). Voltage Dips,
Short Interruptions and Voltage Variation. Electromagnetic Compatibility -
Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment
Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 1: Emissions. Magnetic
Field Emissions-Annex A @ 10 cm and 20 cm. Electromagnetic
Compatibility - Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and
Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 2:
Immunity. Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (equipment input current
less than or equal to 16 A per phase). Limits and Methods of Measurement
of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of ITE: Radiated, Class B Limits;
Conducted, Class A. Limitation of Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Low-
Voltage Supply Systems Rated Current less than or equal to 16A. I certify
that the product identified above conforms to the requirements of the EMC
Council Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC, and the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EES as amended by 93/68/EEC.
Signature:
Andrew Hunt, Managing Director.Date of Issue: 04/02/2014
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Low Input
Technical Specs:
Number of Channels: 1
Pre-Amp section:x2 ECC83/12AX7 valves
Tone Controls:Passive (Bass, Mid, High)
Power Section:MosFet powered delivering
@ 16 ohms: 150W
@ 8 ohms: 300W
@ 4 0hms: 420W
Dimemsions: 304mm x 185mm x 80mm (wxdxh)
11.8” x 7.09” x 3.15” (wxdxh)
Weight: 1.8kg / 4lbs
Supply Voltage: 110v/230v +/- 15%
Average Supply Current:5A/2.5A (Full Load 110/240v)
Mains Connector: 10A IEC
Input Impedance:1M ohm
Effects Send:3K ohm
Effects Return:10K ohm
Effects Send Level: 0v - 1v (0 to +6db)
SIGNAL FLOW SCHEMATIC
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VB-800
vintage british
www.matrixamplification.com
Matrix Amplification, Unit 1b, Techways, Wonastow Road Industrial Estate,
Monmouth, Wales, NP25 5JA.
heavyweight tone
without the heavy weight
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