Bugera 1990 INFINIUM British Bite 120-Watt Tube Amplifier Head User Guide
- June 7, 2024
- Bugera
Table of Contents
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM Quick Start Guide
British Bite 120-Watt Tube Amplifier Head with Reverb and INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier
V 3.0
Important Safety Instructions
Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the
rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance
to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by
qualified service personnel.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the 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 prong. The wide blade or the third prong are 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 where they exit from the apparatus.
- Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the 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.
- The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
- Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
- Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.
- Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
- Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
- Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.
- This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Oberheim, Auratone, Aston Microphones and Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2021 All rights reserved.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at musictribe.com/warranty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
****Failure to observe the following points may result in damage to the amplifier or loudspeakers. Damage caused in such a way are not covered by warranty.
- Observe the correct impedance for your loudspeaker and use the appropriate output socket.
- Always use loudspeaker cables for connection between the amplifier and the loudspeaker. Never use other types of cable such as instrument cable and microphone cable.
Before you get started
Your product was carefully packed at the factory to ensure safe transport. Nevertheless, if the box is damaged inspect the unit immediately for signs of damage.
- If the unit is damaged please do NOT return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately, otherwise, claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
- Always use the original box to prevent damage during storage or transport.
- Make sure that children cannot play unsupervised with the unit or its packaging.
- Please ensure proper disposal of all packing materials.
- Ensure adequate air supply and to avoid overheating do not place the unit near radiators etc.
- Please make sure that all devices are properly grounded. For your own safety, never remove or disable the ground conductors from the devices or on the power cords. The unit must always be connected to the mains outlet with a protective grounding connection.
Important notes concerning installation
- The sound quality may diminish within the range of powerful broadcasting stations and high-frequency sources. Increase the distance between the transmitter and the device and use shielded cables for all connections.
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM Hook-up
Step 1: Hook-Up
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM Controls
Step 2: Controls
Front panel
-
POWER switch is used to turn the power of the Bugera amplifier on and off.
-
STANDBY switch allows you to place the amp in STANDBY mode (OFF position). This way the amp is idle, but the operational temperature of the valves is maintained (POWER switch turned on). When the switch is set to its ON position the amplifier is activated.
ATTENTION!
To avoid damage to your amp, never use the Bugera valve amplifier without a loudspeaker connected! -
CHANNEL push button switches between the CLEAN and the LEAD channel.
-
LEAD- VOLUME control that lets you adjust the volume level of the LEAD channel.
-
LEAD- REVERB rotary knob adjusts the effect level of the built-in REVERB in the LEAD channel. The provided footswitch activates the REVERB effect (see “Footswitch”).
-
CLEAN- VOLUME control that lets you adjust the volume level of the CLEAN channel.
-
CLEAN- REVERB rotary knob adjusts the effect level of the built-in REVERB in the CLEAN channel. The provided footswitch activates the REVERB effect (see Chapter “Footswitch”).
-
PRESENCE rotary knob changes the tone of the amplifier in the upper frequencies. This emphasizes the high end and makes the sound crisper.
-
TREBLE control adjusts the upper frequency range.
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MID control adjusts the middle frequency range.
-
BASS control adjusts the lower frequency range.
-
LEAD- GAIN control specifies the input level of the LEAD channel. Turn the control to the right to increase the preamplifier’s distortion and sustain.
-
CLEAN- GAIN rotary knob adjusts the input level of the CLEAN channel. Turning the knob to the right increases the level of the preamplifier and, therefore, the signal’s strength.
-
INPUT is the ¼” input connector for hooking up your guitar. Use a commercially available ¼” mono cable.
Rear panel
CAUTION!
Hot! Risk of injury! During use, the valves get very hot and high surface temperatures may be reached at the rear of this unit. Avoid touching the controls and connectors on the rear panel during use. -
INFINIUM VALVE LIFE MONITORING section shows correct biasing for each valve separately. When an output valve requires replacement, the valve’s matching LED will light permanently.
-
FOOTSW (itch) jack is used to connect to the provided footswitch. Please make sure that a cable has been connected before turning on the amplifier. For more information, read Chapter “Footswitch.”
-
FX LOOP-SEND- LEVEL rotary knob adjusts the output level of the signal sent to an external effects unit or any other signal processor.
-
FX LOOP-SEND- SEND output is used to connect a shielded ¼” mono jack cable to the input of an external effects unit.
-
FX LOOP- RETURN input is used to connect a shielded ¼” mono jack cable to the output of an external effects unit.
-
RECORDING output is used to connect directly to a recording device or a PA system. This signal is specially filtered to provide the optimum signal quality for this application.
-
DIRECT output is used to route the amplifier’s unfiltered preamp signal, for example, to a second amplifier and loudspeaker system by retaining the original sound.
-
IMPEDANCE switch lets you specify the loudspeaker impedance. Always apply the value that is identical to the impedance of the used speaker cabinet.
-
LOUDSPEAKER parallel outputs (¼” mono jacks) are used to connect the speaker cabinet(s). The minimum impedance is 4 Ohms. The IMPEDANCE switch should always be set to match the impedance of the used speaker cabinet.
Always use loudspeaker cables for connection between the amplifier and the
loudspeaker. Never use other types of cable such as instrument cable and
microphone cable.
- POWER MODE switch reduces the output power of the amplifier. In TRIODE-mode the output power is reduced by half (from 120-Watts to approx. 60-Watts). In PENTODE-mode the amplifier runs at full power (120-Watts).
WARNING: ONLY REPLACE THE FUSE WHEN THE MAINS CABLE HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED! If the fuse is blown, it needs to be replaced with a fuse of the same kind by all means. Otherwise, the unit could seriously be damaged, in which case the warranty is void.
-
FUSE is found in the fuse holder.
-
IEC mains connector is used to connect the mains cable that has the appropriate voltage ratings for your country (included).
-
SERIAL NUMBER of the amplifier.
Footswitch -
CHANNEL switch activates the CHANNEL channel.
-
REVERB switch activates the REVERB channel.
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM Valve Life Monitoring
Step 3: Valve Life Monitoring
The INFINIUM Valve Life Monitoring circuitry continuously monitors the output valve biasing for optimum performance and consistent tone, even as the valves age. When an output valve does need to be replaced, the valve’s matching LED on the back panel will light permanently.
This circuitry monitors each valve individually, which means you do not need to purchase matched valve sets. Each valve will operate at ideal current levels regardless of deviations in the mains voltage. When you do need to replace a valve, you may plug in the new valve and immediately begin using the amplifier; you will not need a technician to set up the bias for the new valve. You may also freely mix any combination of EL34/6550- and 6L6/5881-based valves.
To replace a faulty output valve:
- Switch off the amplifier and wait for the output valves to cool down to a safe temperature before touching them.
- Press down the tube retainer to the chassis using two fingers of one hand, and then gently pull on the valve while lightly rocking back and forth until the valve loosens and slides out of the socket.
- Carefully insert the new valve, making sure the new valve’s prongs are properly aligned with the matching holes and the center coding pin is aligned with the corresponding notch in the socket.
- Gently push the new valve until it seats firmly in the socket.
- Switch the amplifier back on in Standby mode.
- When the valves have warmed up to operating temperature, you may switch the amplifier out of Standby mode.
- The INFINIUM Valve Life Monitoring LEDs should now turn off, and you can begin playing.
When one of the front panel lights starts flashing regularly, this is to indicate the amp cannot work due to too many tube issues. In this case we recommend replacing the faulty power amp tubes immediately.
DANGER!
High voltage! Risk of death!
High voltages of up to 500 V DC may be present inside the casing for long periods after being disconnected from the mains. To avoid lethal electric shock, do not open the casing. There are no user-serviceable components inside. Refer all maintenance to qualified service personnel. Remove the mains cable when the unit is not in use.
The parts inside the amplifier operate at high voltages and high temperatures. To avoid damage and injury that results from fire or electric shock, do not drop or spill anything into the unit’s casing.
CAUTION!
Hot! Risk of injury! During use, the valves will get very hot and high surface temperatures may be reached at the rear of this unit. To avoid burning yourself, make all connections while the unit is still cold.
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM Wiring the Bugera
Step 4: Wiring the Bugera
ATTENTION!
To avoid damage to your amp, never use the Bugera valve amplifier without a loudspeaker connected!
If you only connect one speaker cabinet, be sure that the IMPEDANCE switch is set to match the impedance of the connected cabinet. If you want to connect two speaker cabinets, both cabinets should have to the same impedance. Be sure to have set the IMPEDANCE switch correctly.
CAUTION: The loudspeakers in the combos are connected in series. This results in an impedance of 16 Ohms. Please ensure that the IMPEDANCE switch is set to this value (16 Ohm when using combo-version with internal speakers).
Specifications
Other important information
Important information
- Register online. Please register your new MusicTribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable.
- Malfunction. Should your MusicTribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the MusicTribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com. Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com. Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product.
- Power Connections. Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Bugera
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM
Responsible Party Name: Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
Address: 5270 Procyon Street, Las Vegas NV 89118, United States
Phone Number: +1 702 800 8290
Bugera 1990 INFINIUM
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 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
Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by MUSIC Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/35/EU,Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.
Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S Address: Ib Spang Olsens Gade 17, DK – 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark