Roland DB-500 User Manual
D-Bass Amplifier
DB-500
OWNER’S MANUAL
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland DB-500 bass amplifier.
201b
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS” (p. 2), “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 3), and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (p.4). These sections provide important information concerning the
proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have
gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, OWNER’S
MANUAL should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on
hand as a convenient reference.
Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............. 2
USING THE UNIT SAFELY.................................3
IMPORTANT NOTES .......................................... 4
Introduction ........................................................ 5
Main Features..................................................................................... 5
Before You Use the DB-500 .............................................................. 5
Button Names and Functions ........................... 6
Front panel.......................................................................................... 6
Rear panel ........................................................................................... 7
Connect your DB-500......................................... 9
Turn the power on and off ............................................................... 9
The Memory Function......................................10
Calling Up Memory ........................................................................ 10
Changing the Settings for Memory A and Memory B (Edit)
Storing the Panel Settings in Memory A and Memory B (Write)
............... 10
........ 10
Appendixes....................................................... 11
Block diagram .................................................................................. 11
Factory-default Settings.................................................................. 11
Returning to the Factory-default Settings.................................... 11
Sample Settings................................................................................ 12
Specifications.................................................................................... 14
202
Copyright © 1999 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is 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.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all the instructions before using the product.
Do not use this product near water — for example, near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near
a swimming pool, or the like.
This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier
and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing
sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do
not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level
or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audiologist.
The product should be located so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
The product should be located away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, or other products that produce
heat.
The product should be connected to a power supply only of
the type described in the operating instructions or as marked
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged
from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
The product should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when:
The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
product; or
The product has been exposed to rain; or
The product does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
The product has been dropped, or the enclosure
damaged.
Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described
in the user-maintenance instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a
qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the product — if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
For the USA
The product which is equipped with a THREE WIRE GROUNDING TYPE LINE PLUG must be grounded.
WARNING:
IMPORTANT:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE
For the U.K.
2
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
..........................................................................................................
• Do not open or perform any internal modifications
on the unit.
..........................................................................................................
• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is
level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
..........................................................................................................
• Avoid damaging the power cord. Do not bend it
excessively, step on it, place heavy objects on it,
etc. A damaged cord can easily become a shock or
fire hazard. Never use a power cord after it has
been damaged.
..........................................................................................................
• In households with small children, an adult
should provide supervision until the child is
capable of following all the rules essential for the
safe operation of the unit.
..........................................................................................................
• Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
..........................................................................................................
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other
devices. Be especially careful when using
extension cords—the total power used by all
devices you have connected to the extension cord’s
outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/
amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads
can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up
and eventually melt through.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the "Information" page.
• Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply
cord when plugging into, or unplugging from an
outlet.
..........................................................................................................
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be
placed so they are out of the reach of children.
..........................................................................................................
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on
the unit.
..........................................................................................................
• Never handle the power cord or its plug with wet
hands when plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet.
..........................................................................................................
• Before moving the unit, disconnect the power plug
from the outlet, and pull out all cords from
external devices.
..........................................................................................................
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the power cord from the outlet (p.9).
..........................................................................................................
• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning
in your area, pull the plug on the power cord out
of the outlet.
3
IMPORTANT NOTES
291b
In addition to the items listed under “IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” and “USING THE UNIT
SAFELY” on pages 2 and 3, please read and observe the
following:
Power Supply
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise (such as an electric
motor or variable lighting system).
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
351
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this
unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.
352
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
Maintenance
401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to
wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
(add)
• For routine care of the carpeted area, use a brush with
stiff bristles.
Additional Precautions
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its
jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to
malfunctions.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
354a
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355
• To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet
area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
356
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain
on the piano for long periods of time. Such objects can
discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.
357
• Do not put anything that contains water (e.g., flower
vases) on the piano. Also, avoid the use of insecticides,
perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near the
unit. Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on the unit
using a dry, soft cloth.
557
•A small amount of heat will radiate from the unit during
normal operation.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
559
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the
box (including padding) that it came in, if possible.
Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging
materials.
4
Introduction
Main Features
- Delivering unsurpassed performance thanks to newly
developed FFP technology, this compact, lightweight,
high-power bass amplifier incorporates a DSP (Digital
Signal Processor).
- Benefits of FFP Technology
1) You can obtain dynamic, spec-exceeding high-power
sound, even with an output of 160 W. You can monitor
the effects with the power injection indicator.
2) Despite the compact cabinet, it’s possible to play heavy
bass that surpasses the amp’s small physical size.
3) You can obtain clear sound with excellent response.
- You can store the settings for controls in memory A or
memory B (Memory feature). It’s also possible to call up
the contents of memory with a foot switch. This means
you can also change amp settings quickly during live
performances.
- The amplifier section employs COSM technology, which
uses modeling to re-create sound characteristics
originating in differences in amplification systems and
circuit design. This makes it possible for you to obtain
everything from high-response, wide-ranging sounds to
overdriven sounds. The Compression feature even
replicates the unique compression characteristics of amps
through modeling.
- The amp is equipped with a three-band equalizer offering
easy operability. Because the midrange-band frequencies
can be changed, you can create a wide range of sounds.
You can also use it in combination with the Shape switch
to obtain a rich variety of sounds.
- This amp features a newly developed D-chorus that has
been specially tuned for bass. Dynamic band-division
processing is performed as appropriate for the input
signal, to produce a great chorus effect that does not
impair the low-frequency response even when you use
"slap" playing techniques or when you play harmonics.
- The input and output connectors include a headphones
jack with optimized tonal correction, a high-performance
XLR-type DI connector, two types of Line Out jacks (an
XLR type and a balanced phone jack), and convenient
Insert jacks for connecting external effects units or other
equipment, thus providing support for a wide variety of
applications.
MEMO
What’s FFP (Feed Forward Processing) Technology?
FFP is innovative technology from Roland that predicts how
to obtain optimal operation for the amplifier, cabinet,
speaker, and respective input signals that make up the bass
amp system. By performing signal processing based on these
predictions, it obtains maximum performance from each of
these components.
MEMO
What’s COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Technology?
Technology that uses different means to create a virtual
reconstruction of physical structures, materials, and so on
that actually exist is called modeling technology. COSM is
proprietary technology from Roland that combines several
kinds of sound-modeling technology to create even newer
sounds.
Before You Use the DB-500
When you want to use the amplifier like a conventional
analog amp or want to play sounds using the present control
settings, such as when you’ve adjusted the controls to new
settings, press the
light up.
The factory-default control settings are stored in memory A
and memory B (p. 11). When you switch on the power for the
first time after purchase, the sounds play according to the
settings in memory A, regardless of the present control
settings.
NOTE
After that, starting with the next time you turn on the
power, sounds are played with the settings in effect
when the power was last switched off. For instance, if
you turn off the power while the settings in memory A
are in effect, sounds are played using the settings in
memory A the next time you turn on the power.
MANUAL button
to make the indicator
5
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