Peavey Pro 500, PROBASS 500 User Manual
PROBASS 500 Operation Manual
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2
Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CCAAUUTTIIOONN::
Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
CCAAUUTTIIOONN::
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
WWAARRNNIINNGG::
To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Before using this appliance, read the operating guide for further warnings.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito, de alertar al usuario de la presencia de “(voltaje) peligroso” sin
aislamiento dentro de la caja del producto y que puede tener una magnitud suficiente como para
constituir riesgo de descarga eléctrica.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usario de la presencia de instruccones importantes sobre la
operación y mantenimiento en la información que viene con el producto.
PPRREECCAAUUCCIIOONN::
Riesgo de descarga eléctrica ¡NO ABRIR!
PPRREECCAAUUCCIIOONN::
Para disminuír el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, no abra la cubierta. No hay piezas útiles
dentro. Deje todo mantenimiento en manos del personal técnico cualificado.
AADDVVEERRTTEENNCCIIAA::
Para evitar descargas eléctricas o peligro de incendio, no deje expuesto a la lluvia o
humedad este aparato Antes de usar este aparato, Iea más advertencias en la guía de operación.
Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur la présence d’une tension dangereuse
pouvant être d’amplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque de choc électrique.
Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu’il ou qu’elle trouvera d’importantes
instructions concernant l’utilisation et l’entretien de l’appareil dans le paragraphe signalé.
AATTTTEENNTTIIOONN::
Risques de choc électrique — NE PAS OUVRIR!
AATTTTEENNTTIIOONN::
Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à
l’intérieur aucune pièce pouvant être reparée par l’utilisateur. Confiez I’entretien et la réparation de
l’appareil à un réparateur Peavey agréé.
AAVVEERRTTIISSSSEEMMEENNTT
: Afin de prévenir les risques de décharge électrique ou de feu, n’exposez pas cet
appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. Avant d’utiliser cet appareil, lisez attentivement les avertissements
supplémentaires de ce manuel.
Dieses Symbol soll den Anwender vor unisolierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses
warnen, die von Ausreichender Stärke sind, um einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen zu können.
Dieses Symbol soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam
machen, die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betreffen.
VVOORRSSIICCHHTT::
Risiko — Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VVOORRSSIICCHHTT::
Um das Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, nicht die Abdeckung enfernen. Es
befinden sich keine Teile darin, die vom Anwender repariert werden könnten. Reparaturen nur von
qualifiziertem Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.
AACCHHTTUUNNGG::
Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden, sollte dieses Gerät nicht dem
Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden. Vor Inbetriebnahme unbedingt die Bedienungsanleitung lesen.
3
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT SSAAFFEETTYY IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS
WWAARRNNIINNGG::
When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:
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 of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with 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 polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding plug. The wide blade or third
prong is 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 they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a 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.
15. Never break off the ground pin. Write for our free booklet “Shock Hazard and Grounding.” Connect only to a power
supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
16. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
17. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in
susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently
intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
890
692
495
397
2 100
1 1/2 102
1 105
/2 110
1/4 or less 115
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or protectors to the
ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure
is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is
recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be
protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
SSAAVVEE TTHHEESSEE IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS!!
4
PPRROOBBAASSSS 550000
™™
Congratulations on your purchase of the PROBASS 500 by Peavey. You’ll find features and tone galore in this 2-rack space bass
amplifier. The PROBASS 500 offers a tube front-end (preamp) section for that smooth tube sound combined with a solid-state
amplifier for mind-blowing power. The PROBASS 500 is a professional bass amp with flexible features not even found on the
high-end boutique power amps. This amp includes a -10 dB pad switch for your active basses; a tuner send with an input mute
for silent tuning; both active EQ and full parametric EQ; front and rear 1/4" inputs; a 3-position ground lift switch for those
troublesome situations; a side chain effects loop with wet/dry control and much more. Combine these features with Peavey’s
long-standing reputation for reliability and you can’t go wrong!
Please read this guide carefully to ensure your personal safety as well as the safety of your equipment.
EENNGGLLIISSHH
FFeeaattuurreess
◆ 12AX7 preamp tube for warm tube sound
◆ 500 Watts @ 2 Ohms; 350 Watts @ 4 Ohms; 200 Watts @ 8 Ohms
◆ front and rear 1/4" input jacks
◆ -10 dB pad for active basses
◆ tuner send jack for easy tuner hookup
◆ input mute with blinking LED for silent tuning
◆ contour control for tube-type EQ curve
◆ active low and high shelving-type EQ
◆ 3-bands of versatile‚ full-parametric equalization
◆ side chain effects loop with wet/dry control
◆ foot switch capable input mute and effects loop
◆ low Z electronically balanced line out with pre/post EQ switch
◆ ground lift switch for line out
◆ both Speakon
®
and 1/4" speaker jacks
◆ preamp out/power amp in jacks
◆ DDT speaker protection system with defeat switch
◆ 2-rack space unit
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FFrroonntt PPaanneell
2
1 5 7 9 10 25
6
12 13
8 11
14–22 full parametric EQ
14–22 full parametric EQ
3
4
1 mute switch
When this switch is depressed the input is muted for silent tuning or break time!
2 mute status LED
When the mute switch is enabled the red mute status LED blinks.
3 input jack
This mono 1/4" input will accept signals from all types of bass pickups. This input‚ when utilized‚ overrides the rear 1/4"
input jack.
4 input pad switch
Provided for instruments that have extremely high output (i.e. active pickup systems)‚ which can result in overdriving
(distorting) the input gain stage. Depressing the switch reduces the level of input by 10 dB.
5 hi boost switch
Adds high frequency boost equalization. Notice that the high frequency boost becomes less effective with more preamp gain.
6 low cut switch
Used to reduce the amount of low frequency throughout the system for smoother tube distortion sounds.
7 pre gain
Controls the input gain of the tube stages.
8 post gain
Controls the volume level of the tube stages. If the clip indicator lights‚ the post gain should be reduced.
9low
An active tone control (shelving type‚ +/-15 dB @ 30 Hz) that varies the low frequency boost or cut.
10 high
An active tone control (shelving type‚ +/-15 dB @ 10 kHz) that varies the high frequency boost or cut.
11contour control
Provides a specially voiced EQ as the knob is rotated clockwise. When the knob is fully counterclockwise (set to 0)‚ there
is no voicing added. (This control is similar to the old passive tube EQs with the lows and highs up and the mid down.)
12 signal status LED (green)
Illuminates when a signal is present.
13 signal clip indicator (red)
This LED indicates (when lit) that the preamp and tone circuits are being clipped (distorted). Reducing the post gain until
the clip LED no longer lights will alleviate this problem.
23 24 26
14
15
16 19 22
18 21
17 20
6
14–22 3-band parametric EQ
Each band of the parametric EQ section has a control for: cut/boost; bandwidth (Q) and frequency. This is a full
parametric EQ! All three bands of parametric EQ overlap‚ giving you control over the entire tonal spectrum.
14‚ 17‚ 20 cut/boost
This control behaves like any other active EQ control where CW (clockwise) rotation provides boost‚ CCW
(counterclockwise) rotation provides cut and the 12 o’clock position (detent) provides no action at all (no cut or
boost).
15‚ 18‚ 21 bandwidth (Q)
The bandwidth controls determine how wide or narrow a range of tones will be affected by the cut/boost control.
For instance‚ when the bandwidth control is fully CCW‚ the cut/boost control will affect a wide range of
frequencies (wide bandwidth = low Q). When the bandwidth is fully CW‚ the cut/boost will affect a very narrow
range of tones (narrow bandwidth = high Q). If the bandwidth control is somewhere between the two extremes‚
the bandwidth will likewise be somewhere between wide and narrow. As the control is rotated CW‚ the bandwidth
gets narrow. As the control is rotated CCW‚ the bandwidth gets wide. A good place to start is with the bandwidth
set to the 3 o’clock position. This is roughly where many “semi-parametric” EQs are set.
16‚ 19‚ 22 frequency
The frequency controls determine the center point at which the cut/boost will take action. Think of the bandwidth
control affecting the range of tones being acted upon and the frequency control determining the center point of
those tones.
Note about frequencies:
The electric bass generates notes with frequencies ranging from about 30.9 Hz (low B-string on a five-string bass)
to about 523.3 Hz (high C-string on a six-string bass). It may help you to think of frequencies as notes on your
instrument or notes that you sing. By doing this‚ the concept of bandwidth and frequency becomes easier to
understand. The bandwidth control determines the number of notes being affected and the frequency control
determines the center of that range of notes.
Below are a few more pitches with their corresponding frequencies:
Four-string bass:
E string = 41.2 Hz
A string = 55.0 Hz
D string = 73.4 Hz
G string = 98.0 Hz
23 master volume
This knob controls the overall volume level of the system.
24 DDT™enable/disable switch
DDT speaker protection is disabled when the button is depressed or in the “in” position. DDT should be enabled at all
times to protect your speakers.
25 power LED/DDT indicator
The LED is green when the power switch is in the “on” position. During normal operation‚ this LED also acts as a DDT/clip
indicator. The LED illuminates red when DDT speaker protection is taking place or when the power amp is clipping (if DDT
is disabled).
26 power switch
Used to turn AC mains power on or off.
7
RReeaarr PPaanneell
27
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
28
29
27 ground polarity switch
The ground switch is a 3-position‚ rocker-type switch. Under normal operation it should be in the center (zero)
position. If hum or noise is present with the ground switch in the center position‚ place the ground polarity
switch to positive or negative (+ or -) to minimize hum. Should a problem continue‚ consult your authorized
Peavey dealer‚ the Peavey factory or a qualified service technician. Note: The ground switch is not functional on
220/240 Volt models.
28 reset/circuit breaker switch
Use this switch to restore power to the unit when the internal breaker is tripped. Turn the power switch to the
off position before resetting the breaker. To reset‚ push the reset button in and release it. Turn the unit back on
and confirm that the power LED is on. If the breaker is tripped again upon power-up‚ consult your authorized
Peavey dealer‚ the Peavey factory or a qualified service technician.
29 IEC connector/detachable line cord
For your safety‚ we have incorporated a detachable‚ 3-wire line (mains) cord with proper grounding facilities. It
is not advisable to remove the ground pin under any circumstances. If it is necessary to use the amp without
proper grounding facilities‚ a suitable grounding adapter should be used. Refer to the back of your amp for the
proper voltage requirements before connecting to a power receptacle.
30 speaker output jacks
There are two 1/4" jacks and one Neutrik type jack that provide the powered signal from the amplifier. Each
connector is electrically the same (parallel). Use one of the jacks to connect your speaker cabinet and the other
to add a second speaker cabinet in parallel. The minimum speaker load impedance is 2 Ohms or two 4 Ohm
speakers in parallel.
Warning: To prevent the amplifier from overheating‚ the front and rear fan vents should remain clear of
obstructions.
31 power amp input
Used to connect a line level signal to the power amplifier (i.e. external preamp). This jack‚ when used‚
disconnects the internal preamp.
32 preamp out
The preamp output can be used to route the amplified signal to a mixing console‚ tape recorder or other device.
Connect the preamp output using a shielded cable to an input of one of these devices. This does not affect the
operation of the amplifier. The preamp out and power amp in jacks can also be used as a line level effects patch
point.
33 remote jack switch
Provided for an optional footswitch. Allows remote selection of the input mute and the effects loop. Mute switch
on front panel must be depressed to the IN position for the footswitch to function properly.
34 effects return
Input for returning signals from an external low-level effects device or signal processing unit.
8
35 effects send
Output for supplying signal to an external low-level effects or signal processing unit.
36 effects mix
Since the effects loop on the ProBass 500 is a side-chain effects loop‚ the mix between the dry (unaffected) and wet (effects)
signal can be adjusted with this control. When the control is fully CCW‚ there will be no effects present (dry). When the
control is fully CW‚ the effects loop is fully wet. This same mix is set to the post EQ XLR as well as the main preamp out.
37 line out ground lift switch
Provides ground to be made from the line out jack or lifted to eliminate ground loops from the ProBass 500 and external
source(s). There may be some rooms or situations when audible hum and/or noise is present. Minimizing this noise may
be possible by depressing this switch.
38 select switch
Allows selection of a pre EQ or post EQ send to the low Z balanced line out jack. The “out” position selects pre EQ and
the “in” position selects post EQ line out.
39 line out (low Z balanced)
An XLR jack is provided to route the signal to a mixing console or recording equipment. This output can be selected for
pre EQ or post EQ operation.
40 line out level control
Controls the output level of the balanced line level output.
41 tuner send jack
This 1/4" jack is provided for connecting an instrument tuner to your amp. Its signal is buffered off the input jack so it is
just like plugging directly into the tuner.
42 auxiliary input jack
This 1/4" jack is provided for connecting an instrument to the amp from behind the rack. It is just like plugging directly into
the front panel input jack. Note that the front panel input jack overrides the rear panel input jack. This means that if you are
using the rear panel input jack and then plug another instrument into the front panel‚ the rear panel input will be defeated.
9
SSYYSSTTEEMM SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
MMaaiinnss CCiirrccuuiitt BBrreeaakkeerr::
5 amps
MMaaiinnss VVoollttaaggee::
120 VAC 60 Hz
PPoowweerr CCoonnssuummppttiioonn::
600 Watts
HHuumm aanndd NNooiissee::
Typically greater than -80 dB unweighted.
With controls set as follows:
Pad = passive
Bright = Normal (out)
Low Cut = Normal (out)
Pre Gain = 9 o’clock (roughly 2)
Post Gain = 10
Contour = 0
Low = 0
High = 0
Parametric Band 1: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 0
Parametric Band 2: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 0
Parametric Band 3: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 0
Master Volume = 5
PPOOWWEERR AAMMPPLLIIFFIIEERR SSEECCTTIIOONN
PPrrootteeccttiioonn::
Electronic current limit protection circuit
Thermal protection circuit
D.C. crowbar protection circuit
DDT speaker protection circuit with
defeat switch and LED
Variable speed fan‚ thermally controlled
GGeenneerraall IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn::
Minimum Load = 2 Ohms
Input sensitivity: 1.0 VRMS
Two 1/4" speaker jacks and one Neutrik
Speakon®all in parallel
RRaatteedd PPoowweerr OOuuttppuutt::
500 Watts (31.62 VRMS) into 2 Ohms
350 Watts (37.42 VRMS) into 4 Ohms
200 Watts (40.00 VRMS) into 8 Ohms
NNooiissee::
Typically greater than 102 dB below full
power @ 8 Ohms unweighted
DDDDTT DDyynnaammiicc RRaannggee::
Typically greater than +15 dB
FFrreeqquueennccyy RReessppoonnssee::
+0/-0.61 dB‚ 100mW to 160 w RMS 20 Hz
to 20 kHz (8 Ohm load‚ typically below
0.2% THD+N)
PPRREEAAMMPP SSEECCTTIIOONN
Settings for measurements unless
otherwise noted:
Pad = passive (out)
Bright = Normal (out)
Low Cut = Normal (out)
Pre Gain = 2
Post Gain = 10
Contour = 0
Low = 0
High = 0
Parametric Band 1: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 12 o’clock
Parametric Band 2: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 12 o’clock
Parametric Band 3: cut/boost = 0;
bandwidth = 0; frequency = 12 o’clock
Master Volume = 5
Line Out Level = 10 (fully clockwise)
IInnppuutt SSeennssiittiivviittyy
((lleevveell ttoo aacchhiieevvee ffuullll ppoowweerr))
::
With Pad out:
Nominal input: 100 mV RMS
Minimum input: 5 mV (pre gain @ 10)
Maximum input: 2.0 V (pre gain @ 1)
With Pad -10 dB in:
Nominal input: 316 mV RMS
Minimum input: 16 mV (pre gain and
master fully CW)
Maximum input: 6.3 V (pre gain @ 1)
EEqquuaalliizzaattiioonn::
Bright Boost: +8 dB @ 5.5 kHz
Low Cut: -3 dB @ 125 Hz
Contour: Set @ 10 provides +4 dB @
35 Hz; -30 dB @ 400 Hz; +4 dB @
5.5 kHz
Low: +/-15 dB @ 20 Hz; Shelving type EQ
High: +/-15 dB @ 5 kHz–20 kHz; Shelving
type EQ
Parametric Band 1: cut/boost = +12 dB/
-20 dB; BW (Q) = 0.3–8.5, Frequency =
40 Hz–400 Hz
Parametric Band 2: cut/boost = +12 dB/
-20 dB; BW (Q) = 0.3–8.5, Frequency =
150 Hz
Parametric Band 3: cut/boost = +12 dB/
-20 dB; BW (Q) = 0.3–8.5, Frequency =
800 Hz–8 kHz
TTuunneerr SSeenndd::
Instrument level through a buffer
LLiinnee OOuutt::
-∞ to fx loop level for post setting (for
nominal input)
-∞ to instrument level for pre setting (for
nominal input)
EEffffeeccttss LLoooopp::
Set for -10 dB (0.315 VRMS) with post
gain @ 5; Master @ 10
Controlled via footswitch‚ ground tip to
defeat
PPrreeaammpp OOuuttppuutt::
1 VRMS nominal
DDiimmeennssiioonnss::
Width: 19.000" (48.26 cm)
Depth: 12.750" (32.39 cm)
Height: 3.500" (8.89 cm)
Weight: 24.8 lb (11.25 kg)
PPRROOBBAASSSS 550000
™™
SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
10
Pad OUT for passive
and IN for active
Hi-boost OUT
Low-cut OUT
Pad OUT for passive
and IN for active
Hi-boost IN
Low-cut OUT
lay.it.down
A good general setting for just laying down the groove!
phunk.101
Add just a little funk to your sound with these settings.
SUGGESTED SETTINGS
Below are some suggested settings that should give you a starting point in developing your own sound with the ProBass500.
Experiment. Play. The ProBass500 is a versatile amp and with some experimentation‚ you’ll find usable settings for every situation.
Note:
1 Select pad OUT for passive instruments and pad IN for active instruments.
2 Use the pre gain as a volume control. Remember to reduce the post gain if the clip indicator lights.
3 The more pre gain—the more grunge!
4 The master volume should be used to raise or lower the overall volume once the pre gain and tone settings have been set.
5 Always make sure the red clip indicator is not on. If it does start to light up‚ reduce the post gain control.
6 Set the low cut OUT for more grunge in the lows!
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