Ampeg BA500 manual Front Panel Controls and Their Use

BA500 Bass Amp Combo

The Front Panel Controls and Their Use

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1.INPUT: Connect your instrument here by means of a shielded instrument cable.

2.MUTE: This switch, when depressed, mutes the output of the amplifier to the speakers. This is excellent for tuning your bass with an electronic tuner without hav- ing to adjust any levels or turn down your stage volume. When a footswitch is used (see #19, rear panel) this switch is dis- abled. The Tuner Out and Bal. Out jacks (#21 and #27) are unaffected by the Mute switch.

3.PAD: This switch, when depressed, attenuates the input signal by 15dB. Attenuation allows the Gain control (#5) to be used in a more usable (higher) position. If clipping is indicated with the Gain control way down, attenuation is needed.

4.PEAK/MUTE LED: This LED flashes when the signal level into the preamp (excluding the graphic EQ) approaches clip- ping. Adjust the Gain control (#5) until a strong signal from your instrument causes this LED to flicker. When the Mute function is engaged this LED remains fully illuminated.

NOTE: If the LED flashes frequently with the gain at a low setting, use the Pad switch (#3) to attenuate the input signal and readjust the Gain (#5).

5.GAIN: Use this control to adjust the input level of the amplifier. For the best signal-to- noise set this control so the Peak/Mute LED (#4) flashes when you strike a string fairly hard.

6.BASS: This is the primary low frequency control. It allows for a range of 8dB of boost or 18dB of cut at 50Hz.

7.ULTRA-MID:The primary midrange control. Rotate the control to the left of cen- ter for a “contoured” sound (more distant, less midrange output) or to the right of cen- ter for a sound which really cuts through.

8.TREBLE: This is the primary high fre- quency control. It allows for a range of 12dB boost or 24dB of cut at 5kHz.

9.MASTER: Set the overall output level of the amplifier with this control. The Effects Loop and Balanced Out (#23-27) are not affected by the Master control.

10.LIMIT: The BA500 uses an internal Optocoupler Limiter to assist in keeping the power amplifier’s output “clean” at extreme volume levels. (All amplifiers may begin to clip their output signals as they approach maximum output levels, resulting in poten- tially damaging distortion.) To engage the Limiter, depress the Limit switch. The adja- cent LED illuminates whenever the limiter

circuit is activated. This indicates that the amplifier is nearing full output and the lim- iter is keeping peak signals from clipping the output.

NOTE: Playing at full power with the Limiter off will give you increased output power, but the sound may be distorted. Use discretion when playing without the Limiter.

11.EQ ON: Depress this switch to activate the Graphic EQ. The adjacent LED illumi- nates when the EQ is on. When a footswitch is used (see #19, rear panel) this switch is disabled.

12.GRAPHIC EQ: These sliders control the output of the frequencies indicated below each control. The center position of each control is flat (no boost or cut).

13.ON LED: This LED indicator illuminates when the POWER switch (#14) is ON.

14.POWER: This heavy-duty rocker switch applies the power to the amplifier. The amp is ON when the top of the switch is depressed, OFF when the bottom of the switch is depressed.

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