Samson B90 User Manual

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B60

BASS AMPLIFIER 60 WATTS

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BASS AMPLIFIER 20 WATTS

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B90

BASS AMPLIFIER 90 WATTS

1 INPUTS 2

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Hartke

BASS

COMBO

BB SS EE RR II EE SS

OWNERS MANUAL

Printed August, 1998

Samson Technologies Corp. 575 Underhill Blvd. P.O. Box 9031 Syosset, NY 11791-9031 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 516-364-3888

ENGLISH

Introduction 3 B Series Combo Bass Amplifier Features 4 Guided Tour 5

Front Panel 5

Rear Panel 7 Setting Up and Using Your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier 8 Using Equalization and Shape 10 Specifications 33

FRANCAIS

Introduction 12 Caractéristiques 13 Visite guidée 14

Face avant 14

Face arrière 16 Paramétrage et utilisation de votre amplificateur combo Série B Hartke 17

Spécifications 33

DEUTSCHE

Einleitung 19 Systemmerkmale 20 Übersicht 21

Vorderseite 21

Rückseite 23 Einstellung und Bedienung Ihres Combo-Verstärkers Serie B Hartke 24

Technische Daten 33

ESPANOL

Introducción 26 Características del Sistema 27 Recorrido guiado 28

Panel frontal 28

Panel trasero 30 Ajuste y utilización de su Amplificador combo Hartke de la Serie B 31

Especificaciones 33

Introduction

We know you don’t like reading owners manuals, but you’ve just purchased one of the finest bass amplifiers around, and we want to tell you about it! So, before you plug in and start popping and slapping, we’d like to suggest you take just a few moments out to scan these pages. We’ll make it as painless as possible, we promise—and , who knows, you might just pick up a tip or two.

The B Series is a powerful combo amplifier which includes a matched 8-ohm bass speaker in a specially designed cabinet. It’s the perfect system for use in small venues such as club dates and for home recording studio. Plus, its dedicated headphone output makes it an awesome practice amp!

There are five different models in the B Series, and this manual covers them all. The B20 is the baby of the family; it's got a 20-watt amp and an 8" speaker. Next up is the B30, which has a 30-watt amp and a 10" speaker. Jumping to twice the power, the B60 pumps 60 watts into a 12" speaker. The B90 delivers a full 90 watts of bone-rattling power into a 15" speaker. And the big brother is the B120, which tops out at 120 masssive watts and has

two 12" speakers for extra low end power and dispersion. Whichever of these models

you’ve purchased, you’re assured of that great Hartke sound and robust construction. In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of your B Series

Combo Bass Amplifier, as well as a guided tour through its front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the amp, additional information about equalization and a unique Shape control (provided in the B60, B60 and B120 models), plus full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about this and other Hartke and Samson products in the future. Also, be sure to check out our website (http://www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.

SPECIAL NOTE: Should your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier ever require servicing, a

Return Authorization (RA) number is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. If purchased in the United States, please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials. If purchased outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information.

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Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier Features

The Hartke B Series offers all the newest concepts in state-of-the-art bass amplification at an extremely affordable price. Here are some of its main features:

• Bipolar circuit design ensures that every nuance of your bass performance is reproduced faithfully.

• Dual inputs that accommodates a broad range of input levels, so that you can use the B Series with pretty much any kind of bass, from passive models to those with active circuitry. It is almost impossible to overload the input of a B Series bass amplifier!

• Three bands of high-quality equalization, allowing you to create a broad range of tonal colors for your bass instrument.

• Line-level effects loop send (Preamp Out) and return (Amp In) jacks that allow you to connect to professional outboard effects processors.

• A separate headphone output which automatically disconnects the speaker output, allowing use as a high-quality practice amp.

• A unique front-panel line-level output for interfacing with PA systems or recording mixing consoles.

• Included is a matched Hartke 8-ohm speaker mounted in a specially designed cabinet for clean, crisp sound. The B120 cabinet includes

two perfectly matched Hartke speakers—one front-facing and the other down-facing for extra range and dispersion of low frequencies.

• In the B60, B90 and B120 models, a unique contour filtering system called “Shape” which activates a multi-band equalization curve specially designed to enhance the sound of the electric bass. The front panel Shape control enables you to continuously sweep a filter through various frequency areas in order to customize the effect of the curve to the specific tonal characteristics of your particular bass instrument.

• Permanently attached power cord supplied with the correct plug for your geographic area.

• Rugged construction makes the B Series eminently road-worthy.

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Guided Tour - Front Panel

1. Inputs - Connect your bass guitar to one of these standard 1/4" unbalanced jacks. If your bass has passive electronics (that is, if it has no battery), connect it to Input 1, which is designed to handle low-level signals. If your bass has active electronics (that is, if it has a battery), connect it to Input 2, which employs a 10 dB pad and is designed to handle hotter bass pickup signals.

2. Volume control - This is the overall volume control. For best signal-to-noise ratio, keep the output of your bass at or near maximum and adjust the B Series Volume to the desired level.

3. Shape control (B60, B90 and B120 only) - This control applies a specialized 20 dB notch filter to the specified frequency area so that you can customize the effect of the Shape curve to best complement your particular bass instrument. Moving the Shape control clockwise causes the notch filter to be applied to higher frequencies while moving it counterclockwise causes it to be applied to lower frequencies. At the fully clockwise position, the filter is applied to the 1 kHz frequency area; this will act to attenuate mid-range frequencies and give your bass a deep, low tone. At the fully counterclockwise position, the filter is applied to the 90 Hz frequency area; this will act to attenuate low frequencies and give your bass a biting, trebly sound. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.

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B90

BASS AMPLIFIER 90 WATTS

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B120

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BASS AMPLIFIER 90 WATTS

Hartke

B120

second

speaker

Guided Tour - Front Panel

4. Low EQ control - This control provides approximately 15 db of cut or boost at 100 Hz, with a peak (bell) curve. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.

5. Mid EQ control - This control provides approximately 15 db of cut or boost at 830 Hz, with a peak (bell) curve. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.

6. High EQ control - This shelving control provides approximately 15 db of cut or boost at 5 kHz. When the knob is at the 12 o’clock (“0”) position, there is no boost or attenuation (that is, flat response). As it is turned clockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is boosted; as it is turned counterclockwise from the “0” position, the frequency area is attenuated. For more information, see the “Using Equalization and Shape” section on page 8 in this manual.

7. Line Out - This standard unbalanced 1/4" jack provides a line-level post-EQ and post-Volume (and, in the B60, B90 and B120 models, post-Shape) output signal from the B Series. You’ll usually use this to connect the B Series signal to a line-level input when interfacing with PA systems or recording mixing consoles. The signal from this output is the same as that from the Preamp Out on the rear panel (see #3 on page 5).

8. Headphones jack - Connect any standard stereo headphone (600 ohms or less) to this standard 1/4" stereo jack. When a plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the speaker output is disconnected, allowing you to use your B Series as a practice amplifier. The level of the signal sent to the headphones is determined by the setting of the Volume knob—at the point where a connected speaker would clip, the headphones will clip.

WARNING: Because even the smallest B Series amplifier is capable of generating extremely high headphone signal levels, always start with the Volume knob at minimum and then slowly turn it up. In particular, a clicking sound is an indication of distortion and possible damage to the headphones (and/or your hearing!); don’t let things get to that point!

9. Power switch

- Use this to power the B Series on or off. When powered on, an LED

inside this switch is lit.

ENGLISH

1. Fuse holder (B60, B90 and B120 only) - Holds an appropriately rated fuse for your model. If you need to change this fuse for any reason, replace it with one that has the same exact rating:

B60: 2.0 amp for 115 volt operation; 1.0 amp for 230 volt operation B90: 3.0 amp for 115 volt operation; 1.6 amp for 230 volt operation B120: ?? amp for 115 volt operation; ?? amp for 230 volt operation

2. AC Power Cord - Use this permanently attached grounded AC power cord to connect

your B Series amplifier to mains power. This cord comes supplied with the appropriate plug for your geographic area. CAUTION: Do not use an adapter to defeat the third

grounding pin on this plug or severe electric shock may result!

3. Preamp Out (Effects Loop Send)

- Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to send signal to a professional outboard effects processor.* Output level is approximately 0 dB to +4 dB and is post-EQ and post-Shape but unaffected by the setting of the Volume control. The signal from this output is the same as that from the Line Out on the front panel (see #7 on page 4).

4. Amp In (Effects Loop Return)- Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to return signal from a professional outboard effects processor.*

* In-line effects (such as footpedals) intended for low signal levels should be placed between your bass and the front panel B Series amplifier Input and not connected with the rear panel Effects Loop jacks.

Guided Tour - Rear Panel

ENGLISH

PREAMP

OUT

EFFECTS LOOP

AMP IN

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT

TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK

OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE

ATTENTION

UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE MÊME TYPE

Hartke

90 WATT BASS AMPLIFIER

B90

SERIAL

NUMBER

Setting Up and Using Your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier

Setting up your Hartke Systems B Series Combo Bass Amplifier is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes:

1. Remove all packing materials (save them in case of need for future service) and decide where the amplifier is to be physically placed. To avoid potential overheating problems, make sure that the rear panel is unobstructed and that there is good ventilation around the entire unit.

2. Connect the 3-pin AC plug into any grounded AC socket. Don’t turn the B Series on just yet, though.

3. Use a standard music instrument cable to connect your bass to one of the Input jacks on the front panel. If your bass has passive electronics (that is, if it has no battery), connect it to Input 1, which is designed to handle lowvoltage signals. If your bass has active electronics (that is, if it has a battery), connect it to Input 2, which has a 10 dB pad and is designed to handle hotter bass pickup signals.

4. On the front panel of the B Series, turn the Volume control to its minimum (fully counterclockwise) position, set all three EQ controls to their “0” (12 o’clock) position, and, if you are using a B60, B90 or B120, set the Shape control to its 12 o’clock position.

5. Press the front panel Power switch in order to turn on your B Series amp; the LED in the switch will light up.

6. Set the output of your bass to maximum and then, while playing, slowly turn the B Series Volume control up until the desired level is achieved. It’s nearly impossible to overload the B Series amplifier, so

if you hear distortion even at low Volume settings, check for a faulty cable (if it’s good, simply back off the output of your bass).

7. If you are using a B60, B90 or B120, turn the Shape knob both clockwise and counterclockwise to hear the effect of the Shape curve and filter on the sound of your bass. Leave the Shape knob at the point where it best complements your particular instrument and playing style.

8. Adjust the three equalization controls to taste (when you get a great setting that complements your instrument and playing style, it’s a good idea to write it down for future use).

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Setting Up and Using Your Hartke

B Series Combo Bass Amplifier

9. Test the headphone output by turning the Volume control to its minimum (fully counterclockwise) position and then connect a standard stereo headphone to the front-panel Headphones jack. While playing your bass,

slowly turn the Volume control up—you should hear sound from the headphones and none from the connected speaker. We recommend the use of large size headphones (those with large transducers) for optimum bass reproduction.

10. If you need to connect the B Series to a PA system or a recording mixing console, connect a cable between the front-panel Line Out output and a line-level input on the mixer. (See #7 on page 4 in this manual for more information on the use of the B Series Line Out).

11. If you’re using a professional external signal processor that has line-level inputs and outputs, turn your B Series amp off momentarily and then connect a standard audio cable between the rear panel Preamp Out jack and your effects processor input and another standard audio cable between the Amp In jack and your effects processor output (if required, multiple effects processors can be daisy-chained together, output to input). Then turn the B Series amp back on and play your bass while adjusting the controls of your effects processor(s). For best results, set both the input and output gain of all connected effects processor(s) to 0 dB (unity gain), so that there is no increase or decrease in level whether the effects are switched in or out.

If you encounter difficulty with any aspect of setting up or using your Hartke B Series Bass Combo Amplifier, you can call Samson Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST, or contact your local distributor.

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EFFECTS LOOP

PREAMP

OUT

PHONES

LINE OUT

AMP IN

Using Equalization and Shape

The Hartke Systems B Series Bass Amplifier gives you enormous control over shaping the sound of your bass, using a process called equalization. To understand how this works, it’s important to know that every naturally occurring sound consists of a broad range of pitches, or

frequencies, combined together in a unique way. This blend is what gives every sound its distinctive tonal color. The B Series EQ controls allow you to alter a sound by boosting or attenuating specific frequency areas—they operate much like the bass and treble controls on your hi-fi amp, but with much greater precision.

The B Series offers three bands of equalization. Each EQ knob (labeled

Low, Mid, and

High, respectively) affects a different frequency area (100 Hz, 300 Hz, and 5 kHz,

respectively) and provides approximately 15 db of boost and attenuation. We carefully selected these frequency areas because they have maximum impact on bass signals. For example, the Low (100 Hz) control affects the very lowest audible frequencies (in fact, most humans cannot hear below 20 Hz), while the High (5 kHz) control affects the “twang” of a bass string.

When an EQ knob is in its center detented position (“0”), it is having no effect. When it is moved right of center, the particular frequency area is being boosted; when it is moved left of center, the frequency area is being attenuated. Turning all EQ controls up the same amount will have virtually the same effect as simply turning up the Volume; conversely, turning them all down the same amount will have virtually the same effect as turning down the Volume. Both approaches are pointless (after all, that’s why we gave you a Volume control!)

In many instances, the best way to deal with equalization is to think in terms of which frequency areas you need to attenuate, as opposed to which ones you need to boost. Be aware that boosting a frequency area also has the effect of boosting the overall signal; specifically, too much Low EQ boost can actually cause overload distortion or even harm the connected speaker.

In addition, the B60, B90 and B120 models provide a unique Shape control which employs a

notch filter to remove specific frequency areas. At the same time, it overlays a special equalization curve that is designed to improve the sound of electric bass instruments. This curve provides boost at certain frequency areas and attenuation at other frequency areas. As the Shape knob is turned clockwise, the notch filter is imposed on higher frequency areas; as it is turned counterclockwise, the filter is imposed on lower frequency areas. At the fully clockwise position, the filter is applied to the 1 kHz frequency area, making for a deep, rich tone; at the fully counterclockwise position, the filter is applied to the 90 Hz frequency area, making for a bright, twangy tone.

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+ 23 hidden pages

Samson B90 User Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction

ENGLISH

Setting Up and Using Your Hartke B Series Combo Bass Amplifier

Using Equalization and Shape