
Musikhaus Thomann e.K.
Treppendorf 30
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
E-mail: info@thomann.de
Internet: www.thomann.de
22.06.2012

Table of contents
1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 11
4 Installation and operation.................................................................................................................. 12
5 Components and functions................................................................................................................ 15
6 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 23
7 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 25
Table of contents
BA500H
3

1
General notes
This user manual contains important information on safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to other users, be sure
that they also receive this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the
right to make changes without notice.
This section provides an overview of the symbols and signal words used in this user manual.Symbols and signal words
General notes
bass head
4

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates an immediate dangerous situation
that will result in death or serious injury if it is
not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in material and environmental
damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
General notes
BA500H
5

Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – danger zone.
General notes
bass head
6

2
Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used for amplification and playback of signals from musical
instruments with electromagnetic pickups. Any other use or use under other operating condi‐
tions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No
liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
Intended use
Safety
Safety instructions
BA500H
7

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord) with a pro‐
tective contact plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so
could result in electric shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a regis‐
tered electrician.
Safety instructions
bass head
8

CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
With loudspeakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume
levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
Do not operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease the
volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing
impairment.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
Safety instructions
BA500H
9

NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.
NOTICE!
Power supply
Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.
Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Safety instructions
bass head
10

3
Features
Special features of this powerful bass head:
n High output power: 500 W @ 4 Ω, 250 W @ 8 Ω
n Switchable input sensitivity for active/passive bass guitars
n Multiple options for tone shaping:
– 6-band graphic EQ
– Treble and bass control
– Boost and Bright switch
– Contour control
n Numerous connection options:
– Headphones out
– AUX input
– Line out
– Tuner out
– Foot switch
– Speaker out
Features
BA500H
11

4
Installation and operation
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the
equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture during
transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable
for transport or storage, respectively.
Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible highquality cables for all connections.
A male XLR panel connector is used for the signal output (LINE OUT). The figure and the table
below show the pin assignment of a corresponding female XLR connector.
1 Ground
2 Signal (+)
3 Signal (–)
XLR connector for signal output
Installation and operation
bass head
12

The figure and the table show the pin assignment of the 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) monaural jack
plug.
1 Signal
2 Ground
The figure and the table show the pin assignment of the 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) stereo jack plug.
1 Function 1
2 Function 2
3 Ground
Jack plug for loudspeaker con‐
nection and signal input
Jack plug for footswitch
Installation and operation
BA500H
13

The following figure shows the pin assignment of the lockable speakON panel connector.speakON connector for loud‐
speaker connection
Installation and operation
bass head
14

5
Components and functions
ACTIVE
PASSIVE POWER
INPUT
CLIP BOOST BRIGHT COLOR CONTOUR MUTE
GAIN LOW HIGH COLOR CONTOUR MASTER
AUX IN
PHONES
EQ
BASS AMPLIFIER HEAD BA500H
50 120 400 800 3.2K 10K
ö $ % + 3' ) - / 1
# & ( * . 0 2 4
,
Front panel
Components and functions
BA500H
15

1 ACTIVE/PASSIVE
Press this switch when connecting a passive bass guitar.
Release this switch when connecting an active bass guitar.
2 INPUT
1/4" TS phone socket for the input signal coming from your bass guitar.
3 POWER
This indicator lights up green when the unit is switched on and operational. It lights up red when the power amp is
clipping. If this happens, reduce the volume by turning the ‘MASTER’ control (17) down.
4 CLIP
This indicator lights up when the preamp is clipping. If this happens, reduce the input gain by turning the ‘GAIN’
control (5) down.
5 GAIN
Input gain control.
Components and functions
bass head
16

6 BOOST
Switch for boosting the low frequencies. The indicator is lit when the function is activated.
7 LOW
Control to attenuate or increase the low frequencies by ±12 dB.
8 BRIGHT
Switch for boosting the high frequencies. The indicator is lit when the function is activated.
9 HIGH
Control to attenuate or increase the high frequencies by ±12 dB.
10 EQ
This switch activates the 6-band equalizer. The indicator is lit when the equalizer is activated.
11 6-band graphic equalizer for tone shaping. The EQ operates with these centre frequencies: 50 Hz, 120 Hz, 400 Hz,
800 Hz, 3,2 kHz and 10 kHz. Use the sliders to increase or attenuate these frequencies by ±12 dB each.
12 COLOR
This switch activates the ‘COLOR’ control (13). The indicator is lit when the function is activated.
The ‘COLOR’ switch is disabled when a foot switch is connected.
Components and functions
BA500H
17

13 COLOR
Control to adjust the acoustic colour – from ‘classic’ to ‘modern’.
14 CONTOUR
This switch activates the Contour control. The indicator is lit when the function is activated.
15 CONTOUR
Use this control for mid attenuation and simultaneous increasing of low and high frequencies.
16 MUTE
This switch mutes speaker and line out, it does not affect the headphones output. The indicator is lit when the func‐
tion is activated.
The ‘MUTE’ switch is disabled when a foot switch is connected.
17 MASTER
This control adjusts the overall volume. Observe the POWER indicator when setting the volume, as it lights up red in
case the amp is overloaded.
Components and functions
bass head
18

18 PHONES
1/4" phone socket for headphones connection. When connecting headphones, the speaker and line outs are disa‐
bled.
To avoid annoying noises, turn the ‘MASTER’ (17) control down before plugging headphones in or out.
19 AUX IN
The signals from this additional input enter the amp behind tone stack and EQ. Use the ‘MASTER’ control (17) to set
the volume.
Components and functions
BA500H
19

LINE OUT GND LIFT FOOTSWITCH
TUNER
OUT
BASS AMPLIFIER HEAD BA500H
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
USE ONLY WITH A 250 V FUSE
POWER CONSUMPTION 170W
POWER SOURCE AC 220V-50Hz
PIMARY FUSE T5AL/250V
GND
LIFT
SPEAKER OUT POWER AC INPUT
6 7 8 : ;95
Rear panel
Components and functions
bass head
20

20 LINE OUT
XLR mounting plug as signal output for direct connection to a mixing console, additional power amps or recording
device.
GND LIFT
Should ground loops cause hum, you can use this switch to interrupt the ground wire of the line out.
21 TUNER OUT
1/4" TS phone socket to connect a tuner.
22 FOOTSWITCH
1/4" TRS phone socket to connect an optional double foot switch to control the ‘MUTE’ and ‘COLOR’ function.
23 Fan
The fan speed depends on the temperature inside the unit. Always keep the fan unobstructed.
24 SPEAKER OUT
The loudspeaker signal is available on both a 1/4" TS phone socket, as well as on a lockable speakON mounting con‐
nector.
Components and functions
BA500H
21

25 POWER
Use the mains switch to turn the unit on or off.
26 AC INPUT
IEC chassis connector with fuse holder.
Components and functions
bass head
22

6
Technical specifications
Input –40 dBu @ 1 MΩ; 1/4" phone socket
Gain +33 dB max.
Bass control
±12 dB @ 100 Hz
Treble control
±12 dB @ 10 kHz
Equalizer
±12 dB @ 50 Hz, 120 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 3.2 kHz and 10 kHz
Color control 700 Hz…20 kHz
AUX input –10 dBu @ 22 kΩ; 1/4" phone socket
Headphones output 20 mW @ 32 Ω; 1/4" phone socket
Speaker output 500 W @ 4 Ω, 250 W @ 8 Ω; 1/4" phone socket and speakON socket
Line output Balanced XLR mounting plug
Operating voltage AC 230 V ~, 50 Hz
Fuse 5 A / 250 V, slow-blow
Technical specifications
BA500H
23

Dimensions (W × D × H) 311 mm × 253 mm × 64 mm
Weight 3.4 kg
Technical specifications
bass head
24

7
Protecting the environment
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
This device is subject to the European directive 2002/96/EC.
Do not dispose of the device with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial
Disposal of your old device
Protecting the environment
BA500H
25

Musikhaus Thomann e.K. · Treppendorf 30 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de