Phil Jones Bass PLD02 Double Four 70W Bass Combo Amp Owner’s Manual

BASS ENGINE 17
OWNER’S MANUAL

PLD02 Double Four 70W Bass Combo Amp

Thank you for your purchase of the PJB BASS ENGINE 17.
Phil Jones Bass has a history of crafting bass amplifiers for the most discerning bassists. Phil Jones himself believed that the moment had arrived for a bass amp to faithfully deliver the genuine tone of a bass instrument while remaining within an affordable range. We delved into the most efficient methods to construct an amplifier without compromising on the paramount factor: TONE!
The one super high-efficiency and proprietary 7-inch speaker was designed by Phil Jones to get the most of the 70 watts (RMS)class D amplifier with liner Analog Pre-amp. This amazing woofer is complimented by our high energy 3-inch, high-frequency transducer. We have used this speaker in tens of thousands of our PA speakers and it is proven to be extremely reliable. The response of this speaker system is of the highest fidelity from 31Hz to 22KHz, which means it does not only sound great with bass but also with many other instruments, making it a very versatile amplifier.
The BASS ENGINE 17 stands as a singular channel bass amplifier boasting more than 70 watts RMS of output power. Additionally, it features the latest Qualcomm V5.1 (aptX HD) highest-quality Bluetooth codec, providing sound quality that favorably compares to that of CDs. Moreover, it can accept Drum Machines or any other stereo source through the L+R line-in sockets. The stereo headphone output supports private practice scenarios without disturbing others. Through the utilization of an all-digital circuitry approach, the amplifier operates flawlessly in accordance with global AC voltage standards. We have spared no cost in terms of component quality, ensuring that the design centers around the essential needs of the majority of bass players. To ensure longevity, we have equipped this amplifier with a sturdy, kick-proof, acoustically transparent curved steel grille.
This amplifier integrates the identical level of high-quality components that define all PJB amplifiers. The BASS ENGINE 17 stands as a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled sound quality and unmatched reliability at an unbeatable price point.

READ THIS FIRST

1. Before using the BASS ENGINE 17, please read ALL the instructions.
2. On receipt of product, check for any signs of physical damage arising from shipping. If any damage is visible, contact your retailer.
3. Do not install this equipment in a confined or building-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit. The amp should remain in well ventilation conditions at an open site. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains, etc.
4. WARNING: Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the manufacturer.
5. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the amp to rain or moisture. The amp shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Objects filled with liquids such as a coffee cup shall not be placed on top of the amp.
6. When not in use and during movement, please take care of the power cord, e.g. tie up the power cord with cable tie. It shall be free from sharp edges which can cause abrasion of the power cord. When put into use again, please make sure the power cord being not damaged. If any damages found, please replace it with one specified by the manufacturer or with the same specifications as the original one.
7. Correct Disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this product should not beaan Cisoosed with other household 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 environmentally safe recycling.

FCC Statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate 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 to 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.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

If this is your first bass amplifier or beginner bassist, please read this.

1. Read this Manual: Familiarize yourself with the user manual of the Bass Engine 17. It will provide valuable information about its features, controls, and proper usage.
2. Start with Low Volume: Begin with the volume at a low level before playing. Slowly increase it to your desired level to avoid sudden loud sounds.
3. Check Cables and Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected to the appropriate inputs and outputs. Loose connections can lead to noise or no sound at all.
4. Set EQ Settings Carefully: Experiment with the equalization (EQ) controls to find the tone you like, but start with flat or neutral settings before making adjustments.
5. Use Headphones for Practice: If possible, practice with headphones, especially if you’re in a shared space. This allows you to practice without disturbing others.
6. Avoid Excessive Boosting pf the EQ controls: While boosting certain frequencies can add character, avoid excessive boosting as it might result in an unnatural or unbalanced sound.
7. Bass Mid-Range and Treble Balance: Find a balance between bass, mid and treble frequencies. Too much of any can lead to a muddy or overly bright tone.
8. Watch for Overload Indicators: Keep an eye on overload indicators. If they light up, reduce the volume or adjust the input level to prevent distortion.
9. Experiment with Gain Levels: Adjust the gain control to set how much your amplifier amplifies your bass signal. A moderate gain level generally produces cleaner tones.
10. Be Mindful of Volume Levels: Playing at high volumes for extended periods can damage your hearing. Protect your ears by not playing too loudly for too long.
11. Keep Your Amp Ventilated: Amplifiers can generate heat. Ensure there’s enough space around it for proper ventilation and cooling.
12. Use a Surge Protector: If possible, plug your amplifier into a surge protector to safeguard it from power fluctuations or electrical issues.
13. Practice Safe Transport: If you’re moving your amplifier, ensure it’s properly secured to prevent it from falling or getting damaged during transportation.
14. Regular Maintenance: Clean your amplifier’s exterior, keep it free from dust, and check for any loose knobs or connections periodically.
15. Trust Your Ears: Ultimately, the best settings are the ones that sound good to you. Trust your ears and experiment to find the tone that suits your playing style.

OVERVIEW OF THE BASS ENGINE 17

AMPLIFIER FEATURES

1. 70 watts Digital Amp with analog linear control panel.
2. 1×7 inch PJB Ferrite Speakers + 1 x PJB 3-inch Tweeter.
3. 1/4 input mono jack for guitar and bass.
4. Switchable high gain input OR low gain stage with mute function.
5. PJB precision 3-Band EQ.
6. L+R stereo Line in for electronic drum and others with Independent LEVEL control.
7. Stereo Aux input with Independent LEVEL control for D-box machine or iPod/ Smart phone players .
8. Bluetooth 5.1 with Qualcomm® aptX™ HD CODEC.
9. Line Out (Stereo) .
10. Stereo headphone output
11. Worldwide AC voltage input (100~240V).

PANEL OVERVIEW

1. 1/4 Line In Jack
   For connecting to your E-drum sound module or mixer master output. For sounds in Mono, connect the L/MONO only.

2. Line In Level Control
   To achieve optimal sound quality, adjust the Line-In input level to match the amplifier’s settings.

3. Auxiliary/Bluetooth level Control& Mode Select
   Rotating the knob will either increase or reduce the input level for AUX and Bluetooth.
   Press the knob to switch to the AUX/BT input mode, and pushing and holding it for over 3 seconds will cancel the Bluetooth pairing.

4. Aux/BT Mode Indicator
   Blue light on: Bluetooth.
   Green light on: Aux input
   Adjust the knob’s rotation to either raise or lower the input level for AUX and Bluetooth.
   Press the knob to transition into the AUX/BT input mode, and maintain pressure on it for more than 3 seconds to deactivate the Bluetooth pairing.

5. Auxiliary Input Jack (3.5mm stereo)
   This is a stereo mini-jack capable of receiving signals from iPods, iPads, smartphones, or music players.

6. Line Out (Stereo)
   It will output all signals from Aux, BT, and Input to other amplifiers.

7. Input Jack
   This input has a high impedance and is designed for both passive and active instruments.

8. Input Switch
   MUTE: Engages the input stage mute. When switched on, the clip LED will illuminate in green.
   ACTIVE: Provides a lower sensitivity input setting for guitars with onboard electronics.
   PASSIVE: Offers higher sensitivity through a high impedance input, designed for passive instruments.

9. Clip Light
   When the power amplifier is overloaded and causes distortion, the Clip light will illuminate in red. When the amplifier is muted, the LED will light up in green.

10. Input Level Control
    The input level’s signal magnitude can be influenced by various instruments, players, and playing styles. The input level can be adjusted to prevent the overload indicator from illuminating during intense playing, thereby optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio between the amplifier and the instrument. This adjustment ensures that you experience the amplifier’s complete range of tone and power.

11. Bass EQ Control
    For adjusting the lower frequencies of the bass instrument. It allows you to either boost or cut the bass frequencies, which are the lower tones in the sound spectrum. By manipulating the bass control, you can affect the richness and depth of the audio output.

12. Mid EQ Control
    The mid-range frequencies encompass the range where many important elements of bass/ guitars reside.
    The mid-range is where a lot of the clarity, definition, and presence in audio occur.

13. Treble EQ Control
    If you cut (reduce) the treble on a bass guitar amplifier, you are decreasing the presence of high-frequency tones in the sound. This can result in a warmer and mellower tone.
    Cutting treble might be useful if your bass sound is too sharp or harsh, and you want to create a smoother and more rounded sound. If you boost (increase) the treble, you are emphasizing the high-frequency elements of the sound. This can make the bass sound more articulate, punchy, and cutting. Boosting treble can be useful when you want your bass to stand out in the mix, particularly if you’re playing genres that require a more pronounced and aggressive bass tone.

14. Master Volume
    This is the master volume control and it controls how much power you send to both of speakers and headphone. When setting up your tone or plugging in your instrument, you should keep this control at a low level. All instruments are different when it comes to how much output is from the pickups. Likewise for players, depending on how hard or soft you play.

15. Headphone Jack
    This jack accepts 3.5mm stereo headphone jacks.

16. Power Switch
    The blue light will illuminate when the amplifier is operating.
    Note 1: We advise you disconnect the power supply from AC source if you do not intend to use the BASS ENGINE 17 for long periods of time. Unplugging devices protects them from power surges caused by lightning or other electrical issues. Even if your devices are connected to surge protectors, unplugging provides an additional layer of protection.
    Note 2: To prevent device malfunctions, set the VOLUME and LEVEL to their minimum setting. Gradually increasing the volume and level after plugging in external sources allows you to monitor for any issues like hums, buzzes, or unexpected noises. This approach helps protect both your amplifier and the connected equipment from potential damage.

17. Power Indicator
    When power is switched, on the light will turn blue.

18. Ac Input Socket
    This accepts grounded IEC cables and can operate on any AC voltage from 100- 240volts.

TRANSPORTING AND STORING THE BASS ENGINE 17

When transporting in a vehicle, it’s advisable to utilize an external case or a heavy-duty cover to safeguard it from potential damage due to tipping over or other objects falling onto it.
When Storing

• Keep in a dry location preferably at room temperature.
• Do not store in temperatures below-20 Degrees C or above 40 Degrees C.
• Do not allow it to get wet. If this occurs, never turn it on in this condition.
• Do not leave the BASSENGINE17 permanently connected to a power source.

SPECIFICATIONS

Amplifier
Amplifier Type: Full Digital with DSP
Power Output: 70 watts RMS ( 140W peak power)

Signal to Noise Ratio
≥85dB(A) (EQ off, Volume on Full)

Impedance
Instrument Input: ≥270KΩ / 22pF

Levels
passive Input: 120mV-2 V
Aux Input: 300mV (MAX)
Active Input: 360mV-3V
Bluetooth Input: 300mFFS

EQ Center Frequencies
Bass Shelf 100Hz, +/- 15dB
Treble Shelf 8KHz, +/- 15dB
Mid 1KHz Bandwidth 120Hz-10Kz, +/- 15dB

Speaker
1 x7 inch PJB Ferrite Speaker.
1 x PJB ferrofluid cooled 3-inch Tweeter.
Speaker Frequency Response: 31Hz-22KHz
Dimensions (W×H×D): 289x289x248mm (11.4″x11.4″x9.8″inch)
Weight: 6.7Kg (14.8 lbs.).

Included Parts:
6ft AC Power cord
Protective slip-on cover

SERVICE/WARRANTY INFORMATION

The BASS ENGINE 17 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for parts and labor, which is valid only if the product is purchased from an authorized PJB dealer. The buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 15 days of purchase, or register online at www.pjbworld.com, to activate the warranty. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship that occur during normal use. PJB will repair or replace any defective unit, free of charge for both labor and parts, during the warranty period. However, the buyer must use the unit strictly in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual and the amplifier manual to ensure warranty coverage.

This warranty is non-transferable and is only provided to the original owner. Damage or defects caused by the following conditions are not covered under this warranty:

• Improper handling, neglect, or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions provided in the user manual.
• Connection or operation in any way that does not comply with the technical or safety regulations applicable in the country where the product is used.
• Speakers are not covered for damages caused by incorrect connection or when powered beyond the limits described in the user manual. Manufacturing defects are usually detected during early usage.
• Repairs or modifications carried out by anyone other than an authorized PJB service agent.
• Damages or defects caused by forces of nature or any other condition that is beyond the control of PJB.

IMPORTANT:

• In all warranty issues, the retailer you purchased the product from should be your first point of contact, even if you bought the product from an online source.
• When a local distributor is available, customers who prefer to purchase online from another country may be required to pay shipping charges to the retailer to obtain service.
• Warranty policies may differ in countries outside the USA. Please check with local distributors for warranty information in your region. Registering first with your local distributor, if available, will provide you with better and quicker service when needed.

Further questions, please contact your local distributors, or PJB by email [email protected].

PHIL JONES BASS
American Acoustic Development LLC 8509 Mid County Industrial Dr.
St Louis, MO 63114
USA
Tel: 855-227-7510 (855-BASS-510)
www.pjbworld.com
[email protected]
For services outside the USA please contact our distributor in your country.
Information can be found on our website.

American Acoustic Development LLC
8509 Mid County Industrial Dr St
Louis, MO 63114 USA
WWW.PJBWORLD.COM
Printed in China

References

• PJBWORLD.COM

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