Harley Benton 800B Bass Head User Manual

Harley Benton 800B Bass Head

Specifications

• Product Name: Block-800B Bass Head
• Date: 25.07.2024
• ID: 424520 (V4)

Product Information

The Block-800B Bass Head is designed for the amplification of signals from musical instruments with electromagnetic pickups. It should only be used as described in the user manual to avoid personal injury or property damage. Users should have the necessary physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities along with relevant knowledge and experience.

Safety Instructions

Intended Use
This device is intended for use with musical instruments with electromagnetic pickups. Any other use is considered improper and may result in personal injury or property damage.

Safety

• DANGER! Risk of injury and choking hazard for children! Danger to life due to electric current! High voltages may be present; do not remove covers or use the device with missing or damaged safety equipment.
• DANGER! Danger to life due to electric current! Always use proper insulated mains cable with a safety plug. Do not modify the cable or plug. In case of damage, disconnect immediately and seek repair from a qualified electrician.
• NOTICE! Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighboring heat sources! Avoid covering the vents or operating the device near heat sources to prevent overheating and fire hazards.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Connect the Block-800B Bass Head to your musical instrument using an appropriate cable.
2. Ensure that all safety covers are intact before powering on the device.
3. Use a properly insulated mains cable with a safety plug to connect the device to a power source.
4. Avoid covering the vents of the device and keep it away from direct heat sources.
5. Follow all safety instructions provided in the user manual to prevent accidents and damage.

FAQ

• Q: Can this device be used with any musical instrument?
  A: The Block-800B Bass Head is designed for use with musical instruments that have electromagnetic pickups. Ensure compatibility before use.

• Q: What should I do if I suspect damage to the mains cable?
  A: If there is any suspicion of damage to the mains cable, immediately disconnect the power supply and seek advice from a qualified electrician for repair.

General information

• This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
• Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

Symbols and signal words
In this section, you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

Signal word

|

Meaning

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DANGER!| This combination of symbol and signal words indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal words indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
 |
Warning signs| Type of danger
| Warning – high-voltage.
Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use

• This device is intended to be used for the amplification of signals from musical instruments with electromagnetic pickups. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
• This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

DANGER!

Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with.

DANGER!

Danger to life due to electric current!
Within the device, there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the device when covers, safety equipment, or optical components are missing or damaged.

DANGER!

Danger to life due to electric current!
A short circuit could lead to a fire hazard and risk of death. Always use proper ready-made insulated triple-core mains cable with a safety plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. In case of isolation damage, disconnect immediately the power supply and arrange a repair. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified electrician.

WARNING!

Possible hearing damage due to operating the device at a high volume!
The device can produce volume levels that, when operated at a high volume, may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Avoid operating the device at excessively high volumes over an extended period. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use adequate ear-muffs.

NOTICE!

Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighboring heat sources!
If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated near other heat sources, the device can overheat and burst into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device near other heat sources. Never operate the device near naked flames.

NOTICE!

Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine, or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.

NOTICE!

• Damage to the device due to high voltages!
  The device can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the device matches the local power grid before plugging in the device. Only operate the device from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). Ensure that the power cord plug is easily accessible at all times if it is the only device to safely disconnect the device from the main supply. As a precaution, disconnect the device from the power grid when storms are approaching or the device will not be used for a longer period.

• Risk of fire due to installation of a wrong fuse!
  Using fuses of a different type than compatible with the device may cause a fire and seriously damage the device. Only use fuses of the same type. Observe the labeling on the device casing and the information in the “Technical data” chapter.

• Possible staining due to plasticizer in rubber feet!
  The plasticizer contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the floor.

Features

This powerful bass head is characterized by the following special features:

• Output power: 800 watts at 4 Ω
• Class-D ICE power amplifier
• 4-band equalizer
• Smart compressor
• D.I. output with pre/post & lift/ground switch
• Input sensitivity switchable for active or passive basses
• Mute function
• Tuner output
• Line input with volume control
• Headphone output
• FX loop
• Speaker outputs: Speaker Twist

Installation and starting up

• Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
• Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

Connections and controls

Front

1| [TUNER OUT] | 6.35-mm jack socket for permanent connection of a tuner
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2| [POWER / CLIP] | The LED lights up green when the device is on. It lights up red when the signal is clipping. In that case, turn back the [INPUT] control until the LED turns green again.
3| [BASS] | Control for boosting or attenuating the low frequencies
4| [LO MID] | Control for boosting or attenuating the low mid frequencies
5| [HI MID] | Control for boosting or attenuating the high mid frequencies
6| [TREBLE] | Control for boosting or attenuating the high frequencies
7| [D.I.] | Balanced direct out with MIC level for connecting to a mixer, designed as XLR panel plug, 3-pin
8| [LIFT/GND] | This switch disconnects or connects the ground potential of the DI output and the device ground. In the [LIFT] position (released), the device ground is disconnected. This can eliminate any noise caused by ground loops, which may occur if the device is connected to other grounded devices. In the [GND] position (pressed), the device ground is connected.
9| [PRE / POST] | This switch determines where the DI signal is tapped. In the [PRE] position, the signal is tapped before the tone control and compressor; in the [POST] position, it is tapped after.
10|  | 3.5-mm jack socket for connecting headphones

 | 3.5-mm jack input for connecting a line-level player, for example, an MP3 player or mobile phone

[LINE IN] | Volume control for the  input
11
12
13| [MASTER] | Control for the master volume of the device
14| [ON / OFF] | On/off switch for the compressor function
15| [COMP.] | Control for the intensity of the compressor function. The use of this function yields more saturated low frequencies, reduces signal peaks from hard string attacks, and increases the sustain of the notes, i.e. the long lingering of single notes.
---|---
16| [MUTE] | Switch for muting the device
17| [INPUT] | Control for the preamp volume. If the [POWER / CLIP] LED lights up red, this control must be turned back until the LED turns green again. If some individual frequency bands have subsequently been raised through tone control, readjustment of the [INPUT] control may be necessary.
18| [HIGH / LOW] | Switch for the sensitivity and impedance of the [INPUT]. If passive instruments are in use, this switch should be in the [HIGH] position, otherwise, the input level will not be sufficient to fully drive the amplifier. If active instruments are in use, this switch should be in the [LOW] position, otherwise clipping and thus a pre-stage overload can easily occur, resulting in highly disruptive distortions.
19| [INPUT] | 6.35-mm jack socket for connecting an electric bass

Back

speakers. The total impedance of the connected load must not fall below 4 Ω.
22| [SEND] | 6.35-mm jack socket of the serial effects loop for connecting sound processors such as compressors etc. The connection can also be used as a line output since the internal signal path is interrupted only by plugging a plug into the [RETURN] input. The SEND signal is tapped after tone control.
23| [RETURN] | 6.35-mm jack socket of the effects loop for returning the processed signal
24| [POWER] | Rubber panel plug for connecting the power cable with the fuse holder
25| Mains switch. Turns the device on and off.

Technical Specifications

Amplifier class

|

Class-D ICE

---|---
Input impedance| [INPUT]| HIGH: 1.5 MΩ

LOW: 33 kΩ

[RETURN]| 22 kΩ
[LINE]| 22 kΩ
Output impedance| [SEND]| 22 kΩ
[D.I.]| 420 Ω
Output power (RMS)| 800 W at 4 Ω
Input connections| Power supply| Rubber panel plug C14
Instrument| 1 × 6.35-mm jack socket
Effects loop| 1 × 6.35-mm jack socket
Line| 1 × 3.5 mm jack socket
Output connections| Speakers| 2 × Speaker Twist
Effects loop| 1 × 6.35-mm jack socket
Direct Out| 1 × XLR panel plug, 3-pin
 | Headphones| 1 × 3.5 mm jack socket
---|---|---
Tuner| 1 × 6.35-mm jack socket
Tone control| Bass| 100 Hz, ± 12 dB
Lower mids| 400 Hz, ± 12 dB
Upper mids| 1.6 kHz, ± 12 dB
Treble| 7 kHz, ± 12 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio| > 80 dB (A-weighted)
Distortion| < 0.5%
Power consumption| max. 1400 W
Supply voltage| 100 – 240 V    50/60 Hz
Fuse| 5 mm × 20 mm, 6.3 A, 250 V, slow blow
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 240 mm × 88 mm × 240 mm
Weight| 2.9 kg
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20%…80% (non-condensing)

Further information

Plug and pin assignments

Introduction

• This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
• Please note this advice, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit, or ‘just’ poor transmission quality!

Balanced and unbalanced transmission

• Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environments and hi-fi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.
• Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals, and when using long cables.
• In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission, a second core is added. This also transfers the signal but phase-shifted by 180°.
• Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

1/4″ TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

1. Signal
2. Ground, shielding

1/4″ TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)

1. Signal (in phase, +)
2. Signal (out of phase, –)
3. Ground

Three-pole 1/8″ mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

1. Signal (left)
2. Signal (right)
3. Ground, shielding

XLR plug (balanced)

1. Ground, shielding
2. Signal (in phase, +)
3. Signal (out of phase, –)
4. Shielding on plug housing (option)

Speaker Twist connector

• 1+ Signal 1 (in phase)
• 1– Signal 1 (out of phase)

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packing material

• Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging. These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly.
• Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and markings on the packaging.
• Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.

Disposal of your old device

• This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
• Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead, deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility. You can also return the device to a retailer if they offer to take the device back for free or if they are legally obliged to do so. When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. You can also return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current conditions on www.thomann.de.
• Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow human beings.
• This is because the proper handling of old devices negates the potential negative effects of hazardous substances and because it conserves resources by recycling them.
• Also, note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental protection.
• Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically valuable alternative to disposal.
• If your old device contains personal data, delete that data before disposing of it.

References

• Buy musical instruments online from the market leader – Thomann United States

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