Harley Benton HB-80B Bass Combo Amplifier for Electric Bass User Manual

June 4, 2024
Harley Benton

HB-80B
bass combo
User ManualHarley Benton HB-80B Bass Combo Amplifier for Electric Bass
-

General information

This user manual contains important information on the 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 another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We, therefore, reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as a PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to find the

topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides| Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation| For a personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service| If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:

L etterings
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section, you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal words indicates an immediately

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.
| Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use
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 conditions 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.

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.
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. Do not use the device if covers, protectors, or optical components are missing or damaged.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord) with a protective 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 registered electrician.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use sufficient ear protectors.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
Using headphones for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavyweight
Due to the heavy weight of the device, at least two persons are required for transport and installation.
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.
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. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter ‘Technical specifications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.
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.
NOTICE!
Possible damage due to installation of a wrong fuse
The use of different types of fuses can cause serious damage to the unit. Fire hazard! Only fuses of the same type may be used.
NOTICE!
Possible staining
The plasticizer contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly react with the coating of your surface and after some time cause permanent dark stains. In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the surface and use a suitable underlay if necessary, i.e. felt pads or similar.

Features

Special features of the device

  • Output power
    – 80 watt @ 4 Ω (external speaker)
    – 40 watt @ 8 Ω (internal speaker)

  • 1 × 12″ Celestion speaker

  • Aux input for connecting an MP3 or CD player

  • Inputs
    – Instrument
    – Effects loop
    – Footswitch

  • Outputs
    – Line
    – External speaker box
    – Balanced DI output

  • Built-in compressor

  • Standby function

Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust, and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external magnetic field.

Connections and operating elements

Front panel

Harley Benton HB-80B Bass Combo Amplifier for Electric Bass - operating
elements

  1. [INPUT] | 1/4″ jack socket to connect an instrument. You can also connect other active signal sources like CD or MP3 players, keyboards, mixers, etc. to this input.

  2. [GAIN] | control to adjust the signals preamp gain

  3. [CLIP] | indicator LED (blue). This LED lights up once the compressor is active

  4. [COMP] | toggle switch for enabling the built-in compressor

  5. [BOOST] | control to boost the bass frequency range

  6. [BASS] | control to adjust the low frequencies

  7. [MIDDLE FREQUENCY] | control to boost or lower the mid frequencies from 200 Hz … 2 kHz

  8. [MIDDLE LEVEL] | control to adjust the mid frequencies

  9. [TREBLE] | control to adjust the high frequencies

  10. [VOLUME] | control to adjust the volume

  11. [HORN] | turns the horn speaker on or off

  12. 3.5 mm input socket for connecting an active signal source, e.g. CD or MP3 player

  13. 3.5 mm output socket to connect headphones. Connecting headphones automatically mutes the built-in speaker.

  14. [D.I. OUT] | balanced DI output for connecting a mixing console or recording device

  15. Standby indicator | If there is no signal at the instrument’s input [INPUT] for 30 minutes, the device will automatically enter standby mode (LED green).
    As soon as the device receives a signal again at the instrument’s input [INPUT], the device automatically switches back to normal mode (LED red).

  16. [POWER] | the main switch to turn the device on and off
    Rear panelHarley Benton HB-80B Bass Combo Amplifier for Electric Bass -
Rear panel

  17. IEC chassis plug with fuse holder

  18. [EXTERNAL SPEAKER] | 1/4″ output socket for connecting an external speaker box (recommended impedance: 8 Ω).
    The internal speaker will not be turned off when this connector is used.

  19. [FX SEND] | 1/4″ output socket for looping in an effects processor

  20. [FX RETURN] | 1/4″ input socket for looping in an effects processor

Technical specifications

Speaker| 1 × 12″ Celestion speaker|
---|---|---
Input connections| Power supply| IEC chassis plug C14
Instruments| 1/4″ jack socket
AUX| 3.5 mm phone socket
Effect device| 1/4″ jack socket
Output connections| Headphones| 3.5 mm phone socket
Mixer or recording device| XLR chassis socket, 3-pin
external speaker (min. impedance 8 Ω)| 1/4″ phone socket
Effect device| 1/4″ jack socket
Input impedance| 220 kΩ|
Operating voltage| max. 1 V (RMS)|
Output power| 80 W (RMS) @ 4 Ω (external speaker)|
40 W (RMS) @ 8 Ω (internal speaker)|
Frequency range| 50 Hz…8 kHz|
Signal-to-noise ratio| 75 dB|
Total harmonic distortion (THD)| 0.50%|
Power consumption| max. 100 W|
Supply voltage| 230 V  50 Hz|
Fuse| 5 mm × 20 mm, 1 A, 250 V, slow-blow|
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 510 mm   510 mm × 354 mm|
Weight| 21 kg|
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20 %…80 % (non-condensing)

Further information

HF horn yes
Equalizer 3-band
Compressor yes
Limiter no
Effects device no
External speaker connector yes
Headphone connection yes
DI output yes
CD/MP3 input yes

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these devices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit, or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!

Balanced and unbalanced transmission
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environments and in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielded while the signal is transmitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals, and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission, a second core is added. This also transfers the signal but is phase-shifted by 180°.
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase- shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

1/4″ TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

  1. Signal
  2. Ground, shielding

1/4″ TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)

  1. Signal (in phase, +)
  2. Signal (out of phase, –)
  3. Ground

Three-pole 1/8″ mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)’

  1. Signal (left)
  2. Signal (right)
  3. Ground, shielding

XLR plug (balanced)

  1. Ground, shielding
  2. Signal (in phase, +)
  3. Signal (out of phase, –)
  4. Shielding on plug housing (option)

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material
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.

Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose of 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.

Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
Internet: www.thomann.de
18.08.2022, ID: 417214 (V5)

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