Orange OB1-300, OB1-500 User Manual

OB1 SERIES USER MANUAL

OB1 SERIES

BASS GUITAR AMPLIFIER

USER MANUAL

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OB1 SERIES USER MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

THE OB1 SERIES

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

In 1968, Orange founder and CEO Cliff Cooper borrowed £50 to start a musical instrument shop and
recording studio in London’s West End. Against the backdrop of one of the city’s most vibrant districts, the
shop was decorated with psychedelic script and painted a bright shade of orange which gave the company
its name.

Shortly after, Orange began designing and manufacturing products which quickly established a reputation
for their innovation, superior quality and distinctive sound. We have been a pioneering force in the guitar
amplification industry ever since, and today, with a team of the world’s finest amplifier engineers we
continue to push back the boundaries of conventional amplifier design. From our very humble beginnings
on New Compton Street, Orange Amplification has grown into an iconic global brand, earning legions of
loyal supporters along the way who continue to make the ‘Voice of the World’ heard.

We are confident that you will be delighted with your new purchase and that it will provide you with many
years of enjoyment. Congratulations, you are now a member of the Legendary British Guitar Amplifier
Owners Club!

For years bassists have combined guitar and bass amps to remarkable effect, adding harmonics and layers
of overdrive from a guitar amp to their core bass tone in pursuit of the ultimate live sound. Taking our
inspiration from this ‘bi-amping’ trend, the OB1 Series takes care of this and more besides, with its unique
Blend and Gain circuit. The result is a ‘bi-amped’ sound, without the hassle of taking two rigs to the show.

The OB1 splits the input signal two completely separate paths. One side amplifies the clean signal, whilst
the other adds up to two stages of controllable gain to the upper register. These two elements can then be
combined using the Blend control. The low end remains warm and punchy, whilst the overall tone is
enhanced with additional harmonic content from the Gain circuit. Dial in anything from everything from
fat cleans to heavy grind, and everywhere in between.

Register your purchase online for a free extension to the standard manufacturer’s warranty. In the
interests of continued product development and improvement, the contents of the manual may be subject
to change without notice. Ensure you are viewing the latest version at: www.orangeamps.com

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OB1 SERIES USER MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety 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 are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the

apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been

damaged in any way, such as 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.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Terminals

labelled as “Speaker Outputs” must be connected to a speaker cabinet of the designated load

rating using an un-shielded two conductor cable for speaker use at all times during operation.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle and "WARNING" are intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating instructions. Failure to heed the instructions will
result in severe injury or death.

This product complies with the essential requirements of the EMC Directive, Low Voltage

Directive and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS2) Directive. This product conforms to
UL 60065 Standard for Safety for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety
Requirements (7th Edition, Dated June 30, 2003 with revisions through July 24, 2013) and is

certified to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60065-03, Amendment 1: 2006, Amendment 2: 2012.

This Orange product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This
affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic equipment in
domestic household waste. Please contact your local authority for details of your nearest
approved recycling facility.

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OB1 SERIES USER MANUAL

BEFORE USING YOUR AMPLIFIER

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

IMPORTANT!

VENTILATION & GENERAL USE

The voltage selector switch and mains fuse are set at the factory for the country or region in which this
Orange product is intended to be sold. To prevent serious damage to the product, ensure that the rated AC
mains voltage indicated on the product's rear panel agrees with the mains voltage from your AC mains
outlet before connecting the supplied IEC power cable.

If the product is to be used outside of the factory-set region, please ensure the voltage selector switch
(found on the rear or side panel) is set to the correct voltage for the new country/region and that the
appropriate mains fuse is fitted in the pull-out fuse tray below the AC Mains inlet.

The correct mains fuse rating for the product is printed on the chassis. Use only the type and rating

specified for the product. Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of
line cord and attachment plugs. If you are unsure, please contact your Orange Dealer.

Make sure the correct speaker load is connected at all times during operation. Failure to observe these
points may cause damage to both the amp and cabinet(s)!

 1 x 8 Ohm cabinet: Use either speaker output
 2 x 8 Ohm cabinets: Use both speaker outputs
 1 x 4 Ohm cabinet: Use either speaker output

A speaker load must remain connected to the Speaker Outputs

when the Balanced Output and/or Line Output is in use!

 Never use two speaker cabinets of mismatched impedance!
 Never connect a speaker load which is less than 4 Ohms!
 Always connect to a speaker load of suitable power handling:

o One cabinet: The cabinet’s power rating should be at least equal to the amp’s output power.
o Two cabinets: Each cabinet should have a rating of at least 50% of the amp’s output power.

 Never connect speakers using an instrument cable! Only use a quality dedicated speaker cable.

OB1 series amplifiers must remain sufficiently ventilated at all times. During sustained periods at high
volume levels the internal fan will start operate and may be audible. Do not obstruct the fan or the cooling
vents. Never place liquids or vessels containing liquid on the amplifier. To prevent hum and electrical noise
operate your amplifier and instruments as far away from other electronic devices (especially fluorescent
and neon lamps) as possible as these generate extremely high levels of electronic noise.

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INPUT

Use a quality shielded instrument cable to connect your instrument to the Input jack
socket. The Active/Passive switch selects the correct input level for basses with active or
passive pickups.

GAIN

Controls the level of gain added to the upper harmonics. The Gain control works in
tandem with the Blend control for a variety of sounds. Higher Gain settings produce
dirtier tones, whilst lower Gain settings combined with a higher Blend setting can be
used for a ‘clean’ boost to cut through the mix.

BLEND

Controls the amount of upper harmonics and gain blended with the clean signal. The
character of the blended signal is defined by how the Gain control is set. Higher
Blend settings will add extra volume, so you may adjust the Volume to compensate if
necessary. With the Gain set to minimum, the Blend control will have the least effect on
the overall sound.

BASS

Adjusts the low-end frequencies with +/-15dB of boost or cut. Increasing
the Bass control produces deeper tones. The EQ controls are located after the Blend
control for fine control over your overall sound.

MIDDLE

Adjusts the mid-range frequencies with +/- 15dB of boost or cut. The EQ controls are
located after the Blend control for fine control over your overall sound.

TREBLE

Adjusts the high-end frequencies with +/-20dB of boost or cut. Higher Gain and Blend
settings will also add high-end frequencies and harmonics. Reduce the Treble to
compensate if desired.

VOLUME

Adjusts the overall volume level.

FOOT

SWITCH

Connect a latching footswitch (e.g. Orange FS-1) to this jack socket to remotely
engage/defeat the Gain and Blend controls. Use a standard instrument/tip-sleeve
(mono) cable to connect the footswitch.

POWER

Switches mains power to the amplifier on/off. Connect the supplied IEC/Mains cable to
the AC Mains inlet (rear). The LED will illuminate when the mains switch is set to ON. Set
the Volume control to zero/minimum before switching on power to the amplifier.

FRONT PANEL FEATURES

THE OB1-300 & OB1-500 SHARE THE SAME FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES

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OB1 SERIES USER MANUAL

1

BALANCED

OUTPUT

Sends a balanced, line-level signal (post-EQ, post-Blend, pre-Master Volume) to a
mixer and/or PA system. Engage/depress the ground LIFT/GND button if ground hum
becomes a problem when connecting the amplifier to external equipment.

Note: A speaker must remain connected to the Speaker Outputs when the DI Output is
in use.

2

LINE OUTPUT

Sends an unbalanced, line-level signal (post-EQ, post-Blend, pre-Master Volume) to a
mixer and/or PA system.

Note: A speaker must remain connected to the Speaker Outputs when the Line Output
is in use.

3

FAN INTAKE

Do not obstruct or place objects into the fan! During sustained periods of high

volume playing the fan will begin to operate to help cool the amplifier.

4

SPEAKER

OUTPUTS

Make sure the correct speaker load and power handling is connected at all times!

Refer to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier’. Total minimum impedance = 4 Ohms.

5

VOLTAGE

SELECTOR

This is factory-set for the region in which the amplifier is intended to be sold. Refer
to ‘Before Using Your Amplifier’.

6

AC MAINS

INLET

Connect the supplied IEC cable to the mains input. Refer to ‘Before Using Your
Amplifier’.

7

MAINS FUSE

The mains fuse is located in the tray directly below the AC Mains Inlet. If the mains
fuse blows, replace only with the exact rating for your region. If the mains fuse
repeatedly blows, contact your Orange dealer.

Region/Voltage

OB1-300

OB1-500

100 - 120V

T6.3AL

T8AL

230 - 240V

T3.15AL

T4AL

8

MODEL

PLATE

The model name, output power and serial number is displayed here. Ensure that the
power handling/rating of the speaker cabinet(s) connected to the amplifier is equal to
or exceeds the output power of your amplifier.

REAR PANEL FEATURES

6 7

1 2 3 4 5 8

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CONTACT DETAILS

ORANGE USA

2065

PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL COURT

SUITE 208

ATLANTA, GA

30341

USA

[e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

WORLD HEADQUARTERS

ORANGE AMPLIFICATION

108 RIPON WAY

BOREHAMWOOD

HERTFORDSHIRE

WD6 2JA

UNITED KINGDOM

[e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

ORANGE CHINA

NO. 55

DEVELOPMENT ZONE ROAD

HUIMIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ZONE

JIASHAN

ZHEJIANG 314112

CHINA

[e-mail]

www.orangeamps.com

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

SOCIAL MEDIA

All Orange amplifiers are covered by a conditional, non-transferable manufacturing warranty, which covers
the product against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. You can
extend this warranty for a further year for free by registering your purchase on our website. Please retain
all documents and proof of purchase/receipt for your records. Full details, terms and conditions can be
found on our support pages.

Always refer servicing to an authorised Orange technician. No user serviceable parts inside.

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