Ampeg MICRO-VR Solid State Bass Guitar Amplifier Instructions

Ampeg MICRO-VR Solid State Bass Guitar Amplifier

Product Information

• Specifications:
  • Product Name: MICRO-VR Solid State Bass Guitar Amplifier
  • Model: MICRO-VR
  • Features: Stonehenge MICRO-VR, SVT-210AV Cabinet compatibility
  • Input: 1/4″ Input for instrument connection
  • Controls: BASS, MIDRANGE, TREBLE, VOLUME, LIMITER SWITCH
  • Additional Features: Audio In for line level sources, Headphones Output

Product Usage Instructions

• Front Panel Controls:
  • INPUT: Connect the instrument output using a shielded cable.
  • BASS: Adjust low-frequency level (+14dB boost, -12dB cut at 40Hz).
  • MIDRANGE: Adjust midrange frequency level (+5dB boost, -13dB cut at 500Hz).
  • TREBLE: Adjust high-frequency level (+19dB boost, -25dB cut at 8kHz).
  • VOLUME: Control overall output level affecting Speaker Outputs and Headphones Output.
  • LIMITER SWITCH: Press to activate the Limiter circuit to prevent clipping at high output levels.
  • LIMIT LED: Illuminates when the Limiter is activated to avoid clipping. Reduce Volume or EQ if flashing frequently.
  • AUDIO IN: Connect line-level sources for practice along with preamp signals. Only routed to Headphones Output.
  • PHONES: Connect headphones for practice. Disconnect Speaker Outputs if not using speakers.
• Headphones Usage:
  • Before using headphones, ensure Volume is low to prevent hearing damage. Disconnect external audio sources when not in use.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use the MICRO-VR amplifier without connecting speakers?
  • A: Yes, as it is a solid-state amplifier, you can play without speakers connected when using headphones.
• Q: What does the Limit LED indicate?
  • A: The Limit LED illuminates when the Limiter circuit is activated to prevent clipping of peak signals and potential damage to speakers. Reduce Volume or EQ levels if it lights up regularly.

What’s in the Box

• MICRO-VR Amplifier, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide

Introduction

• Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of an Ampeg MICRO-VR bass guitar amplifier.
• This no-compromise amplifier packs 200 Watts of solid-state MOS-FET fury, a switching power supply, and the classical good looks and features of our renowned SVT® Series amplifier head.
• The MICRO-VR amplifier is designed as an ideal companion to the SVT-210AV cabinet, available separately.
• The switching power supply keeps the weight low, without sacrificing power output or the legendary Ampeg sound quality.
• Like all Ampeg products, your MICRO-VR amplifier is designed by musicians and built using only the best 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.
• In order to get the most out of your new amplifier, please read this Owner’s Manual, as well as the Important Safety Instructions included with your MICRO VR amplifier, before you begin playing.
• And thank you for choosing Ampeg!

Here are some of the features packed into your new MICRO-VR amplifier:

• Detailed 1970s-era SVT appearance
• Designed as a stack with the SVT 210AV cabinet (available separately)
• Single channel, entirely solid-state design
• Selectable 15 dB Input Pad
• Gain control
• Bass, Mid, and Treble controls
• Volume control
• Selectable Limiter and LED
• Peak LED
• Auxiliary Input
• Headphone Output
• Illuminated Power Switch
• Effects Loop with separate Send and Return jacks
• Balanced XLR Output
• Lightweight Switching Power Supply
• Voltage Selector Switch
• MOS-FET power amplifier rated at 200 Watts RMS into 4 Ω
• Fan cooled
• Much smaller than Stonehenge

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. –15 dB PAD: Pressing this switch in reduces the input signal by 15 dB, to 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 the Peak LED [3] comes on regularly. It will reduce the chance of overdriving the preamplifier stage, and allow more usable range and fine adjustment of the Gain control.
3. PEAK LED: This red warning LED may come on if: 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 [2].
4. GAIN: This varies the amount of signal driving the preamplifier. If a small clockwise rotation from minimum leads to overloading and the Peak LED comes on, try engaging the –15 dB Pad to provide a more usable range with the Gain control.
5. BASS: Use to adjust the low-frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 14 dB of boost, or 12 dB of cut, at 40 Hz. The low-frequency output is flat at the centre position.
6. MIDRANGE: Use to adjust the midrange frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 5 dB of boost, or 13 dB of cut, at 500 Hz. The midrange frequency output is flat at the centre position. Rotate the control counter-clockwise for a “contoured” sound (more distant, less midrange output) or clockwise for a sound that cuts through.
7. TREBLE: Use to adjust the high-frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 19 dB of boost, or 25 dB of cut, at 8 kHz. The high-frequency output is flat at the centre position.
8. VOLUME: Use to control the overall output level. It affects the Speaker Outputs [17] and Headphones Output [12]. Use it wisely and turn it down when making connections, putting on headphones, or trying something new.
9. LIMITER SWITCH: Press this switch to activate the Limiter circuit. If the signals driving the amplifier start to peak, the Limiter will automatically reduce the signals to prevent clipping, and the LED [10] will flash. The Limiter will help keep the amplifier’s output “clean” up to high output levels and avoid potentially damaging distortion.
10. LIMIT LED: This LED illuminates when the Limiter circuit is activated, indicating that the amplifier is nearing full output and the Limiter is preventing peak signals from clipping the output. If you notice that the LED is lighting regularly, reduce the Volume or the EQ levels to prevent damage to your speakers.
11. AUDIO IN: The audio output from line-level sources such as a mobile device, MP3, or CD player, can connect to this 1/8″ TRS stereo input. The incoming audio is mixed with the preamp signals, so you can play along to a practice track as you listen with headphones. (The audio coming in here is routed strictly to the Headphones Output, and appears nowhere else.)
12. PHONES: Use this 1/8″ TRS stereo output to connect your headphones. The output here is a mix of the line-level signals reaching the amplifier, plus any incoming audio from the Audio In jack [11]. If you just want to listen and practice through headphones, disconnect the Speaker Outputs [17] from the speaker cabinet. (This is a solid-state amplifier, therefore, there is no harm in playing without speakers connected.) Before putting on headphones, make sure the Volume control [8] is turned down, and that any external audio source (if connected) has its level turned down. This will reduce the chance of hearing damage due to loud volumes.
13. POWER SWITCH: Press the top of this illuminated switch to turn the overall system power on, and press the bottom to turn it off.
14. IEC POWER INPUT CONNECTOR: This is where you connect the supplied AC power cord. Before plugging in the power cord, make sure that the Voltage Selector Switch [15] is set to the same voltage as your local AC mains.
15. VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH: Make sure the switch is in the correct position for your local AC mains voltage before you plug in the AC power cord. Use a small, flat screwdriver to slide the switch, if required.
16. VENTILATION: Make sure that the ventilation openings are not obscured in any way to allow the flow of cooling air to the power amplifier’s heatsinks.
17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: These 1/4″ TS output jacks supply speaker-level power to the speaker cabinet. The rated power output is 200 Watts RMS into 4 Ω. The two identical outputs are wired in parallel, and you can use either individually, 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 speaker cables with 1/4″ TS ends to make the connections. Do not use shielded instrument cables as they may overheat.
18. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN JACK: Use this 1/4″ TS unbalanced input to return the processed line level output of an external effects processor, for example. The processor could be fed by signals from the Effects Loop Send [19].
19. EFFECTS LOOP SEND JACK: Use this 1/4″ TS unbalanced output to send a line-level output to an external effects processor, for example. The output here is affected by all controls except the Volume [8] and the Limiter switch [9]. Use the Effects Loop Return jack [18] to feed the returned processed signals back into the power amplifier.
20. XLR LINE OUT JACK: Typically, you would connect this balanced output to the balanced input of an external mixer, or a recorder. In this way, you do not need to mic the speaker cabinet to add it to the main mix or to record. The output is not affected by the Volume control [8]. This output can connect to external power amplifiers, or powered loudspeakers, as long as they have their input controls to adjust the volume level. Balanced connections allow long cable runs to be used, as hum and noise pickup in the line is minimized.

System Block Diagram

Technical Specifications

• Output Power Rating 150 Watts RMS @ 8 Ω, 5% THD 200 Watts RMS @ 4 Ω, 5% THD
• Signal to Noise Ratio 72 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz, unweighted)
• Maximum Gain 62 dB, tone controls centred
• Tone Controls Bass: +14/–12 dB @ 40 Hz
• Midrange: +5/–13 dB @ 500 Hz
• Treble: +19/–25 dB @ 8 kHz
• Power Requirements 100–120 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 150 W 220–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 150 W
• Size (H x W x D) 7.5 in/190 mm (with feet) x 12 in/305 mm x 10 in/254 mm
• Weight 9.9 lb/4.5 kg

The MICRO-VR is covered with a durable, fabric-backed vinyl material. Clean with a dry, lint-free cloth. Never spray cleaning agents onto the cabinet. 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. A

© 2019 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.

References

• Ampeg

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