Ampeg SVT-3PRO Bass Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual

Ampeg SVT-3PRO Bass Guitar Amplifier

Specifications

• Product Model: SVT-3PRO
• Product Type: Bass Guitar Amplifier

Product Information

• The SVT-3PRO Bass Guitar Amplifier is a versatile and powerful amplifier designed for bass guitar players.
• With a range of features and controls, it allows for precise adjustment of the sound output to suit different playing styles and preferences.

Features

• INPUT for connecting instruments
• BRIGHT switch for enhanced top-end response
• ULTRA HI switch for increased high-frequency output
• BASS control for adjusting low-frequency level
• MIDRANGE control for adjusting midrange frequency level
• FREQUENCY SELECT for choosing midrange center frequency
• TREBLE control for adjusting the high-frequency level
• MASTER control for overall output level
• MUTE switch for muting outputs (except Tuner Out)
• GRAPHIC EQ switch for enabling 9-band Graphic EQ
• EQ LEVEL slider for adjusting EQ output volume
• POWER SWITCH for turning the system power on or off

Product Usage Instructions

The Front Panel

1. Connect your instrument’s signal output to the INPUT using a shielded instrument cable.
2. Engage the BRIGHT switch for a livelier top-end response.
3. Use the ULTRA HI switch to enhance high-frequency output.
4. Adjust the low-frequency level with the BASS control.
5. Use the MIDRANGE control to adjust the midrange frequency level.
6. Select the center frequency for midrange using the FREQUENCY SELECT control.
7. Adjust the high-frequency level with the TREBLE control.
8. Control the overall output level with the MASTER control.

The Front Panel – Continued

1. Press the MUTE switch to mute all outputs except Tuner Out.
2. Engage the GRAPHIC EQ SWITCH to enable the 9-band Graphic EQ.
3. Adjust the output volume of the Graphic EQ using the EQ LEVEL slider.
4. Use the POWER SWITCH to turn the system power on or off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: How do I adjust the Graphic EQ settings?

A: To adjust the Graphic EQ settings, engage the EQ switch, and then use the sliders to modify each band according to your preference.

Q: What should I do if there is a low-frequency hum when adjusting the Tube Gain control?

A: A low-frequency hum when adjusting the Tube Gain control rapidly is normal and occurs due to shifting of the DC bias point of the tubes. It is not a cause for concern.

What’s in the Box

• SVT®-3PRO Amplifier, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide.

Introduction

• Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of an Ampeg SVT-3PRO bass guitar amplifier.
• This compact, yet dynamically powerful, bass amplifier delivers a searing 450 watts of unsurpassed quality, offering the classic vibrance of tubes, as well as contemporary features.
• The SVT-3PRO amplifier is an ideal companion to the Ampeg Classic Series, Pro Series, or PF speaker cabinets, available separately.
• Like all Ampeg products, your SVT-3PRO amplifier is designed by musicians and built
• using only the best of components. Each amplifier is tested to confirm that it meets our specifications, and we believe that this amplifier is the absolute best that it can be.
• To get the most out of your new amplifier, please fully read this Owner’s
• Manual, as well as the Important Safety Instructions, included with your SVT-3PRO amp before you begin playing.
• And thank you for choosing Ampeg!

Features

• 5–POSITION MIDRANGE FREQUENCY SELECTOR: Take your pick from five available center frequency points to get just the right midrange voice.
• TUBE GAIN: Control the dynamics of the tonal response characteristics from the power amp – from punchy to compressed.
• 9–BAND GRAPHIC EQ: Use as a “second channel” for bass solos, or to shape the sound to your exacting standards. An independent level control also allows you to adjust the Graphic EQ volume.
• TRANSFORMER BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS : One balanced XLR and one balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ Line Out jack, including Line Out level control, to patch into house consoles, mixing boards, or external power amplifiers.
• EFFECTS LOOP: Connect effects here for increased intensity and quieter operation
• POWER AMP IN AND PREAMP OUT: A separate preamp may be connected to the Power Amp In jack, and the Preamp Out jack may be connected to an external amp.

The Front Panel

1. INPUT: The signal output from an instrument (active or passive) may be connected to this 1/4″ Input by means of a shielded instrument cable.

2. BRIGHT: When this switch is engaged, a more lively top-end response (+6 dB at 2 kHz) is added to the input signal.

3. 15 dB Pad: Press this switch in to reduce the input signal by 15 dB, and compensate for higher output sources. This attenuation is suited for use with basses that have active electronics or high-output pickups. Use this Pad if you notice that the Peak/Mute LED [4] comes on regularly. It will reduce the chance of overdriving the preamplifier stage and provide a more usable range and fine adjustment of the Gain control.

4. PEAK/MUTE LED: This red warning LED will come on if: the Mute switch [14] is engaged, the input signal is too high, the Gain control is set too high, or there is too much boost from the Bass, Midrange and Treble controls. If it comes on regularly, even when these controls are low, try engaging the –15 dB Pad [3].

5. GAIN: This varies the amount of signal driving the preamplifier. If a small clockwise rotation from minimum leads to overloading and the Peak LED [4] illuminating, try engaging the –15 dB Pad.
   [3] This will provide a more usable range with the Gain control.

6. ULTRA HI: This switch, when engaged, enhances the amount of high-frequency output by 6 dB at 5 kHz.

7. ULTRA LO: This switch, when engaged, enhances the amount of low-end output by 2 dB at 40 Hz, and –10 dB cut at 500 Hz.

8. BASS: Use to adjust the low-frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 12 dB of boost, or 12 dB of cut, at 50 Hz. The low-frequency output is flat at the center position.

9. MIDRANGE: Use to adjust the midrange frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 15 dB of boost, or 15 dB of cut, at the center frequency selected by the Frequency control [10]. The midrange frequency output is flat at the center position. Rotate the control counter-clockwise for a “contoured” sound (more distant, less midrange output), or clockwise for a sound that cuts through.

10. FREQUENCY SELECT: This control allows you to select the center frequency for the Midrange control, providing a choice of five frequencies for the midrange. The numbers correspond to the following center frequencies: 1=220 Hz, 2=450 Hz, 3=800 Hz, 4=1.6 kHz, or 5=3 kHz.

11. TREBLE: Use to adjust the high-frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 14 dB of boost, or 19 dB of cut, at 5 kHz. The high-frequency output is flat at the center position.

12. MASTER: Use to control the overall output level. Use it wisely and turn it down when making connections or trying something new.

13. TUBE GAIN: The Tube Gain control varies the high voltage supply to the driver tubes. This allows a variety of tonal response characteristics from the power amp and replaces the limiter found on typical solid-state power amps. At “10” the voltage is at maximum, providing a dynamic, highly responsive tone. At “0” the voltage is at a minimum, offering a thickened, more compressed tone. This tone may also be distorted, depending on the Volume level. In-between settings are best for preventing harsh distortion when driving the power amp to its limits. The effect of this control increases from moderate to dramatic as the power amp is driven harder.

    • NOTE: When adjusting the Tube Gain control from “10” to “0” rapidly, a low-frequency hum and muting of the output signal occur simultaneously. This is due to the shifting of the DC bias point of the tubes and is no cause for concern. Adjusting the control quickly from “0” to “10” brings a moderate delay due to the power supply capacitors charging.

14. MUTE: Press this switch to mute all outputs, except the Tuner Out. The footswitch may also control muting if the Mute switch on the front panel is left in the “out” position. (The front panel switch is still active with the footswitch connected. This is excellent for tuning your bass with an electric tuner without having to adjust any levels to turn down the sound). The Peak/Mute LED [4] will illuminate when this switch is engaged.

15. GRAPHIC EQ SWITCH: When this switch is engaged, the 9-band Graphic EQ is enabled. A footswitch overrides this switch.

16. EQ LED: This LED illuminates when the EQ is active.

17. 9–BAND GRAPHIC EQ: These sliders control the output frequencies indicated above each control. The center position of each control is flat [no boost or cut].

18. EQ LEVEL: This slider is the output volume control for the Graphic EQ, and only affects the signal when the EQ is engaged. If the EQ signal is too soft, slide the level control up; if it’s too loud, slide this control down.

19. POWER LED: This LED illuminates when the power is on.

20. POWER SWITCH: Use this switch to turn the overall system power on or off. Press the top of the switch to turn on the power. Press the bottom of this switch to turn the amp off. To remove AC power, either turn off the AC mains supply or unplug the power cord from the amplifier and the AC mains supply.

    • NOTE: There is a delay during power up until the protection relay enables the power amplifier output.

21. speakON® JACK: Use of this heavy-duty connector is recommended when playing at full output levels, due to its incredibly high current handling capability. Connect the amplifier to the speaker cabinet(s) using heavy gauge speaker cables, terminated with the appropriate connectors.

    • The pin connections for this jack are:
    • 1+ = Positive
    • 1– = Negative

22. RACK SUPPORT FASTENER: For the most secure rack installation, it is recommended that supplemental support be fabricated and fastened to the amplifier via this threaded insert. Use a 1/4–20 threaded bolt that will not protrude more than 1/2″ into the amplifier to connect the strap.

23. LINE OUTPUT LEVEL / GROUND LIFT: This control adjusts the output level at both Line Output jacks [25, 26]. This control works independently from the front panel Master control. If necessary, pull this knob to engage the Ground Lift and eliminate the hum.

24. POST-EQ / PRE-EQ: The signal at the Line Out jacks [25, 26] can be set to either Pre-EQ or Post-EQ with this switch. With the switch in the OUT position, the signal at the jacks is Pre-EQ. This is a direct output not affected by any EQ or boost settings. With the switch in the IN position, the signal is Post-EQ and
    is controlled and modified by the tone controls, Graphic EQ, and the Effects Loop.

25. TRANSFORMER XLR LINE OUTPUT &

26. TRANSFORMER 1/4″   LINE OUTPUT: These jacks supply a balanced XLR or balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ preamp output signal for connecting to a house mixing board, recording console, or external amplifier. The signal can either be set to Pre-EQ or Post-EQ with the selector switch [24], and its level is controlled by the Line Out Level control [23].

27. TUNER OUT: This jack supplies the only live output when the Mute switch [14] is engaged. This allows for silent tuning through an electronic tuner, or killing the house send with a monitor mixer send still active.

28. FUSE: The fuse protects the unit from damage due to overload conditions or AC power line surges. If the fuse blows, replace it only with the same size and type.

29. IEC   POWER INPUT CONNECTOR: This is where you connect the supplied AC power cord.

    • DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND PRONG OF THE AC PLUG!

30. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: This mono, 1/4″ TS output jacks supply speaker-level power to the speaker cabinet(s). The rated power output is 275 Watts RMS into 8 Ω, or 450 Watts RMS into 4 Ω.

    • The two identical outputs are wired in parallel, and you can use either one, or use both. Make sure the total speaker impedance load is 4 Ω or greater. For example, you could connect:
    • Two 16 Ω speakers (an 8 Ω load),
    • Two 8 Ω speakers (a 4 Ω load)
    • One 4 Ω speaker
    • Use only non-shielded speaker cables with 1/4″ TS ends to make the connections. Do not use shielded instrument cables as they may overheat.
    • We recommend using the speakON jack [22] whenever playing at full output levels.

31. POWER AMP IN: This jack connects directly to the internal power amp for use with an external preamp. When using an external source, connect the OUTPUT of the source to this jack using a shielded instrument cable to feed the signal into the SVT-3PRO power amp section. The internal signal is disconnected when a plug is inserted into this jack.

32. PREAMP OUT: This jack is a direct post Master preamp output for use with an external power amp. Connect the external amp’s input to this jack using a shielded instrument cable.

33. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN: When using an external signal processor, connect the OUTPUT of the effect to this jack using a shielded instrument cable to feed the processed signal into the amp.

34. EFFECTS LOOP SEND: When using an external signal processor, connect the INPUT of the effect to this jack using a shielded instrument cable to send the amp’s post-EQ signal to the effect unit for processing.

35. FOOTSWITCH: Connect a dual footswitch to this jack for remote Mute and EQ On/Off control. On the footswitch’s stereo/TRS 1/4″ plug, the tip controls Mute and the ring controls EQ On/Off. The EQ footswitch overrides the front panel EQ Switch [15], and the Mute function is available from either the footswitch or the front panel Mute Switch [14].

    • NOTE: A footswitch (model #AFP2) may be purchased at your local Ampeg Dealer, or ordered directly from the Ampeg website, at shop.ampeg.com.
    • Make sure that the amp’s ventilation openings are not obscured in any way.
    • This will allow the flow of air to cool the power amplifier’s heatsinks.

Suggested Settings

Note that the Graphic EQ may be used in two ways:

• To fine-tune the sound – make small adjustments at the desired frequencies while leaving the EQ on throughout the entire session. (This is great for adapting to varying room acoustics when playing multiple venues.)
• For a completely different sound
• make larger adjustments and only activate the EQ, optionally via footswitch, when a “second channel” sound is required (such as during bass solos).

ROCK

Adjust to taste.

JAZZ

Set at “10” for the cleanest sound, at “5” for moderate softness, or at “0” for a very soft feel.

COUNTRY

FUNK “POPPING

Personal Settings

This page is provided for you to print out and record your settings.

Rack Mounting

• When mounting the SVT-3PRO into a rack, the amp’s four bottom feet should be removed to maintain the two rack-space height of the amplifier. Be sure to keep the feet and their attachment bolts for future use.
• If the feet are reinstalled, never use screws that will protrude farther into the amplifier than the original hardware.
• The rack must be a high-quality enclosure, capable of securely supporting the weight of the amplifier. Tighten the mounting screws securely through the amplifier’s face plate and into the rack rails.
• Check the rack and mounting screws occasionally to ensure a continually safe and secure installation.
• A 1/4–20 threaded insert is provided on the rear of the amplifier for connection to an additional support bracket. It is highly recommended that this additional support be used when rack mounting the amplifier.
• It must not protrude more than 1/2″ into the amplifier.

Thermal Considerations

• The SVT-3PRO amplifier is fan-cooled with a single fan. Air is drawn through the side panel vent to cool down the amplifier’s heatsinks, and then expelled through the rear panel vents.
• When installing in a rack, be sure to allow sufficient air space around the front, sides, and rear of the amplifier for adequate cooling of the heatsinks.
• Leave at least one rack space above and below, and at least six inches behind and in front of the chassis to allow proper ventilation. The rear of the rack should be unobstructed and placed no closer than 10″ from walls or other large obstructions.
• When the amplifier is first turned on, the fan runs at a low speed. As the power output increases and the amp warms up, the fan gradually increases in speed to provide additional cooling. If the amplifier should overheat, a thermal switch turns off the power amplifier, allowing the heatsink to cool down. Once the amplifier has cooled to a safe operating temperature, the thermal switch resets and reactivates the amplifier.
• If this should occur, identify the cause of the problem and take corrective action.

For example:

• Provide better ventilation
• Install a fan in the rack to move more air
• Make sure the amplifier is not overloaded with too low of a speaker impedance load, or by a short circuit on the speaker line

Block Diagram

Technical Specifications

Troubleshooting

• In the unlikely event that your SVT-3PRO should malfunction, take a few minutes to troubleshoot it before you call for service.
• You can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself, and often the cure for the problem is something quite simple.
• If the problem isn’t covered above, or if the steps lead you here, then contact your Ampeg dealer for service information.
• Also, you should refer to the amp for servicing if it gets dropped, has liquid spilled into it, or sustains damage to its power cord.
• The SVT-3PRO is covered with sheet metal and aluminum, not unlike robots, spaceships, and other cool things. Clean with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Never spray cleaning agents on the SVT-3PRO.
• Avoid abrasive cleansers which would damage the finish.
• Ampeg continually develops new products and improves upon existing ones.
• For this reason, the specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Warranty and Support

Visit WWW.AMPEG.COM to.

1. Identify warranty coverage provided in your local market. Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
2. REGISTER your product.
3. CONTACT Technical Support, or call 818-575-3600.

• www.ampeg.com
• Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc.
• 26580 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302-1921 USA Rev. B
• © 2020 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Ampeg, the Ampeg logo, and SVT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. speakON is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG Corporation.

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

• 47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information
• Unique Identifier: Ampeg® SVT®-3PRO

Responsible Party – U.S. Contact Information:

• Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc.
• 26580 Agoura Road
• Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
• 818-575-3600
• https://ampeg.com/

FCC Compliance 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,
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

References

• Ampeg

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