Peavey Max Series Bass Amplifiers User Manual
- June 14, 2024
- Peavey
Table of Contents
Peavey Max Series Bass Amplifiers
WARNINGS
- 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
- Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
- CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
- CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
- WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture, and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus. Before using this apparatus, read the operating guide for further warnings.
- Protective earthing terminal: The apparatus should be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding plug. The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.
- Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Never break off the ground pin. Write for our free booklet “Shock Hazard and Grounding.” Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
- If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
- Note for UK only: If the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: a) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E, the earth symbol, colored green or colored green and yellow. b) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N or the color black. c) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L or the color red.
- This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and care should be taken not to place objects containing liquids, such as vases, upon the apparatus.
- The on/off switch in this unit does not break both sides of the primary mains. Hazardous energy can be present inside the chassis when the on/off switch is in the off position. The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
- Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Earplugs or protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Logo referenced in Directive 2002/96/EC Annex IV(OJ(L)37/38,13.02.03 and
defined in EN 50419: 2005.
The bar is the symbol for marking of new waste and is applied only to
equipment manufactured after 13 August 2005
Correct Disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed with other house hold wastes throughout the EU. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems, or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.
FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference
- this device must accept any interference received, that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications to the equipment not approved by Peavey Electronics Corp. can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB/3(B)
MAX® Series Bass Amplifiers
The Peavey MAX® Series is designed for superior tone, performance and
reliability in portable bass amplification, with power ratings up to 300 watts
of power with Peavey’s DDT™ speaker protection and exclusive tone
enhancements.
The Peavey MAX 115, MAX 112 and MAX 110 bass combo amps deliver huge bass tone
with exclusive Peavey designs, including unique psycho-acoustic low-end
enhancement that adds bass without demanding anything extra from the speaker—a
testament to Peavey’s technology-driven reliability. The EQ section includes
three-band EQ, a gain boost featuring Peavey’s patented TransTube® tube
emulation circuitry, and switchable presets like Punch, Mid-Shift and Bright.
The MAX 115, MAX 112 and MAX 110 also feature a built-in chromatic tuner with mute, a tuned and ported enclosure, 1/8″ headphone output and 1/8″ auxiliary input. The MAX 115 and MAX 112 include an XLR direct output with ground lift, while the MAX 115 has a built-in tweeter that is bypassed when the TransTube gain boost is engaged for a more authentic classic overdrive sound. The MAX 158 and MAX 126 practice amps are loaded with features that make them ideal for small rehearsals, including TransTube gain boost, multi-band EQ, exclusive DDT™ compression, headphone output and auxiliary input. The MAX 158 also includes psycho-acoustic low end enhancement and built-in chromatic tuner with mute.
Features: (vary according to model)
- Up to 300 watts of power
- Premium speakers
- DDT™ speaker protection
- Pre-gain control with TransTube® gain boost which bypasses the tweeter for more authentic classic tone
- Three-band EQ with Punch, Mid-Shift and Bright controls
- Tuned, ported enclosures
- Psycho-acoustic low-end enhancement
- Built-in direct output with ground lift (MAX 115 & 112)
- 1/8″ aux input
- 1/8″ headphones output
- Chromatic tuner with mute
WARNING
- VENTILATION: For proper ventilation, allow 12″ clearance from the nearest combustible surface.
- All vents should have a minimum of 2″ of free air space so air can flow thru the unit freely for proper cooling.
Panels Introduction
Front Panel MAX® 115 and 112
- DIRECT INTERFACE (DI)
- This is a built-in, balanced Direct Interface that sends a buffered, unprocessed signal to an external mixer.
- GROUND LIFT: This button is provided to prevent a ground loop that may result in “hum” noise. When depressed (IN position), Ground Lift is engaged.
- ACTIVE/PASSIVE PICKUP Inputs
- These 1/4″ inputs are included so you can choose the appropriate setting for your instrument. The gain structure of the amplifier is modified to accommodate the outputs of different pickup configurations.
- GAIN
- This knob controls input level of the instrument.
- TT BOOST SWITCH
- This TransTube® crunch circuit is designed so that the volume of the amp will not change when the boost is switched on, but the distortion level will increase depending on the level of the GAIN knob. For best results, first set the distortion amount by adjusting the GAIN. Next, set the desired volume using the VOLUME knob. At this point, the clean volume will match if the TT BOOST is turned off.
- PUNCH
- This switch engages a boost of 6dB at 100Hz, which greatly enhances the low-end presence of the bass guitar.
- BASS
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for low frequencies and provides cut/boost of +/-15 dB. The center point is flat. The center frequency is 50 Hz. -3 dB shelf corner frequency is 100Hz.
- MIDDLE
- This knob provides a peaking tone control for Mid frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB. The center point is flat.
- MID SHIFT
- This switch controls the center frequency of the MIDDLE knob. When the switch is OUT, the middle frequency is 600Hz. The middle frequency is 250Hz when the switch is pushed IN.
- TREBLE
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for high frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB. The center point is flat and the frequency is 8 KHz. -3dB; the shelf corner frequency is 5 KHz.
- BRIGHT SWITCH
- This button provides a 10 dB boost to frequencies above 1KHz. To activate, depress the switch to its “IN” position.
- PSYCHO-ACOUSTICS EFFECT SWITCH
- The human ear does not hear low frequencies as well as higher frequencies. This means that as bass goes lower, more and more power is required. The MAX® Psycho-Acoustics effect solves this problem by identifying extremely low notes, generating harmonics based on the notes, and then blending the harmonics with the original note, making the lows seem louder and tighter without eating up excess power amp headroom.
- THE BOTTOM LINE: using the effect will make the lowest notes you can possibly play sound unbelievably loud and clear. Practice with headphones is no longer a compromise. It even works with chords!
- HINT: For best results, try using the effect without boosting the LOW control to extreme settings. This will make the effect more apparent.
- VOLUME
- This knob controls the overall volume of the amplifier.
- TUNE/MUTE
- Pressing this button will engage the chromatic tuner while muting the output to the speaker. The LED screen will indicate which note is being played while the red and green LEDs above the screen indicate whether the note is flat (red), sharp (red) or in tune (green). This switch also mutes the DI.
- AUX INPUT
- This 1/8″ input jack allows you to connect a CD player or MP3 player to your MAX Series bass amp and play along
- HEADHPHONE OUTPUT
- 1/8″ headphone output for personal monitoring.
- POWER SWITCH/DDT™ INDICATOR LIGHT
- This dual-purpose switch is used to turn the amp on and off. When the DDT (Distortion Detection
- Technique) senses power amp clipping, a protection circuit is engaged and the LEDs in the power switch change to red.
- CAUTION: The on/off switch in this unit does not break both sides of the primary mains. Hazardous energy can be present inside the chassis even when the on/off switch is in the OFF position.
- Rear Panel
- AC POWER INLET:
- This is the receptacle for an IEC line cord, which provides AC power to the unit.
- Connect the line cord to this connector to provide power to the unit. Damage to the equipment may result if improper line voltage is used. (See line voltage marking on unit).
- Warning: Never break off the ground pin on any equipment. It is provided for your safety. If the outlet used does not have a ground pin, a suitable grounding adapter should be used, and the third wire should be grounded properly. To prevent the risk of shock or fire hazard, always make sure that the amplifier and all associated equipment is properly grounded.
NOTE: FOR UK ONLY
As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: (1) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E, or by the Earth symbol, or colored green or green and yellow. (2) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N, or the color black. (3) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L, or the color red.
Front Panel MAX® 110
- ACTIVE/PASSIVE PICKUP INPUTS
- These 1/4″ inputs are included so you can choose the appropriate setting for your instrument. The gain structure of the amplifier is modified to accommodate the outputs of different pickup configurations.
- GAIN
- This knob controls input level of the instrument.
- TT BOOST SWITCH
- This TransTube® crunch circuit is designed so that the volume of the amp will not change when the boost is switched on, but the distortion level will increase depending on the level of the GAIN knob. For best results, first set the distortion amount by adjusting the GAIN. Next, set the desired volume using the VOLUME knob. At this point, the clean volume will match if the TT BOOST is turned off.
- BASS
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for low frequencies and provides cut/boost of +/-15 dB. The center point is flat. The center frequency is 50 Hz. -3 dB shelf corner frequency is 100Hz.
- MIDDLE
- This knob provides a peaking tone control for Mid frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB. The center point is flat.
- MID SHIFT
- This switch controls the center frequency of the MIDDLE knob. When the switch is OUT, the middle frequency is 600Hz. The middle frequency is 250Hz when the switch is pushed IN.
- TREBLE
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for high frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB. The center point is flat and the frequency is 8 KHz. -3dB; the shelf corner frequency is 5 KHz.
- PSYCHO-ACOUSTICS EFFECT SWITCH
- See Psyco-acoustics effect switch description.
- VOLUME
- This knob controls the overall volume of the amplifier.
- TUNE/MUTE
- Pressing this button will engage the chromatic tuner while muting the output to the speaker. The LED screen will indicate which note is being played while the red and green LEDs above the screen indicate whether the note is flat (red), sharp (red) or in tune (green).
- HEADHPHONE OUTPUT
- 1/8″ headphone output for personal monitoring.
- Rear Panel
- AUX INPUT
- This 1/8″ input jack allows you to connect a CD player or MP3 player to your MAX® Series bass amp and play along
- POWER SWITCH/DDT™ INDICATOR LIGHT
- This dual-purpose switch is used to turn the amp on and off. When the DDT (Distortion Detection Technique) senses power amp clipping, a protection circuit is engaged and the LEDs in the power switch change to red.
- CAUTION: The on/off switch in this unit does not break both sides of the primary mains. Hazardous energy can be present inside the chassis even when the on/off switch is in the OFF position.
- AC POWER INLET:
- This is the receptacle for an IEC line cord, which provides AC power to the unit.
- Connect the line cord to this connector to provide power to the unit. Damage to the equipment may result if improper line voltage is used. (See line voltage marking on unit).
Warning
Never break off the ground pin on any equipment. It is provided for your safety. If the outlet used does not have a ground pin, a suitable grounding adapter should be used, and the third wire should be grounded properly. To prevent the risk of shock or fire hazard, always make sure that the amplifier and all associated equipment is properly grounded.
NOTE: FOR UK ONLY
As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: (1) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E, or by the Earth symbol, or colored green or green and yellow. (2) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N, or the color black. (3) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L, or the color red.
Front Panel MAX® 158
- INPUT
- 1/4″ input jack.
- VOLUME
- This knob controls the volume of the amplifier.
- PSYCHO-ACOUSTICS EFFECT SWITCH
- The human ear does not hear low frequencies as well as higher frequencies. This means that as bass goes lower, more and more power is required. The MAX® Psycho-Acoustics effect solves this problem by identifying extremely low notes, generating harmonics based on the notes, and then blending the harmonics with the original note, making the lows seem louder and tighter without eating up excess power amp headroom.
- TT Boost SWITCH
- This button engages a TransTube® crunch effect, simulating the classic overdriven tube amp sound.
- BASS
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for low frequencies and provides cut/boost of +/-15 dB.
- MIDDLE
- This knob provides a peaking tone control for Mid frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB.
- TREBLE
- This knob provides a shelving tone control for high frequencies and cut/boost of +/-15dB.
- TUNE/MUTE
- Pressing this button will engage the chromatic tuner while muting the output to the speaker. The LED screen will indicate which note is being played while the red and green LEDs above the screen indicate whether the note is flat (red), sharp (red) or in tune (green}.
- HEADHPHONE OUTPUT
- 1/8″ headphone output for personal monitoring.
- AUX INPUT
- This 1/8″ input jack allows you to connect a CD player or MP3 player to your MAX Series bass amp and play along
- POWER SWITCH
- Power switch for the amplifier.
Front Panel MAX® 126
- INPUT JACK
- Plug your bass into this 1/4″ jack. Connect your bass prior to turning on the power switch.
- VINTAGE
- This control introduces patented Peavey TransTube® circuitry, with an EQ curve that simulates the sound of a vintage tube bass amp. Increase the amount of “tube like” distortion/compression by turning the knob clockwise.
- VINTAGE ON/OFF
- This push button switch allows you to turn the Vintage control on and off.
- GAIN
- This control sets the overall volume level of the MAX 126.
- HIGH EQ
- This control allows you to dial in high frequencies or “treble” sounds for your bass.
- LOW EQ
- This control adds bottom end to your sound. Use this control for low sounds or to add more “oomph” to your bass.
- AUX/LINE IN
- This standard 1/4″ input jack allows you to connect a tape or CD player to your MAX 126 and play along.
- HEADPHONE JACK
- This standard 1/4″ input jack allows you to connect standard headphones to the MAX® 126. Turn the Vintage and Gain controls all the way down before using headphones. Slowly turn up the volume and find a comfortable listening level. When headphones are connected to the MAX 126‚ the speaker is automatically turned off.
- POWER LED
- This LED illuminates when power is supplied to the MAX 126.
- POWER SWITCH
- This two-way rocker switch applies power to the unit when placed in the ON position.
MAX® SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
POWER CONSUMPTION
- (1/8 rated power, 1KHz sine wave)
- 120vac/60Hz, 220-240V, 50/60Hz
- MAX 126 = 26W
- MAX 158 = 50W
- MAX 110 = 33W
- MAX 112 = 63W
- MAX 115 = 78W
POWER AMPLIFIER
(Rated Power)
- MAX 126 = 10 Watts into 4 ohms
- MAX 158 = 20 Watts into 4 ohms
- MAX 110 = 100 Watts into 8 ohms
- MAX 112 = 200 Watts into 8 ohms
- MAX 115 = 300 Watts into 8 ohms
(1% THD, 1KHz sine wave, nominal line)
- MAX 126 = 10 Watts continuous into 4-ohm internal speaker load
- MAX 158 = 21 Watts continuous into 4-ohm internal speaker load
- MAX 110 = 120 Watts continuous into 8-ohm internal speaker load
- MAX 112/115 = 200 Watts continuous into 8-ohm internal speaker load
PRE-AMPLIFIER
-
Maximum Input Sensitivity:
- (PRE GAIN = 10, LOW/MID/HIGH = 5, VOLUME = 10, all voicing switches defeated)
-
Nominal Input Sensitivity:
- (PRE GAIN = 5, LOW/MID/HIGH = 5, VOLUME = 5, all voicing switches defeated)
Headphone Output
- (Mono)
- 50mW x 2 into 8-ohm minimum load
- Direct Interface (DI):
- 112/115 models only
Pre-EQ, unity buffer
Output Signal Level = Input Level – 10dB
Noise Floor = 0.95mV(rms) = -78dBu
More Information
Warranty registration and information for U.S. customers available online at www.peavey.com/warranty or use the OR tag below
Features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Contact
Peavey Electronics Corporation
- 5022 Hartley Peavey Drive Meridian, MS 39305
- 601-483-5365
- FAX: 601-486-1278
- www.peavey.com
Logo referenced in Directive 2002/96/EC Annex IV (OJ(L)37/38, 13.02.03 and
defined in EN 50419: 2005
The bar is the symbol for marking of new waste and is applied only to
equipment manufactured after 13 August 2005
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