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SVT-3 PRO Bass Amplifier
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Important Safeguards and Precautions . . . . . . . . . .2
The Front Panel Controls and Their Use . . . . . . .3,4
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5
Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
An Introduction to your new Ampeg
SVT-3 PRO Bass Amplifier
The harmonically rich sound and legendary performance of
the AMPEG SVT are redefined in the SVT-3 PRO. This com-
pact yet dynamically powerful bass amplifier delivers a sear-
ing 450 watts of unsurpassed quality, offering the classic
vibrance of tubes as well as contemporary features.
All of the features and controls of your SVT-3 PRO are cov-
ered in detail within the pages of this owners guide. We rec-
ommend that you go over them before you use the amplifier.
Important Safeguards and Precautions
All Ampeg products are designed for continuous safe operation, as long as common sense is used and steps are taken to help
avoid certain problems. Abiding by the following rules can help prevent damage to your amplifier, yourself and others.
-The amplifier is equipped with a three-pronged AC power cord. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, NEVERremove or otherwise
attempt to defeat the ground pin of the power cord.
-Connect the amplifier ONLYto a properly grounded AC outlet of the proper voltage for your amp.
-Avoid sudden temperature extremes, rain and moisture. Also, avoid sudden and intense impact. (If the unit has been subjected to any
of the preceding abuses, have it looked at by an authorized service center.)
-NEVERset the amplifier on a support that might give out under its weight.
-Whenever using tall or stacked speaker cabinets, use them ONLYon a level surface. NEVERset tall or stacked cabinets on a surface
with more than a five degree incline since tipping or falling could occur, possibly causing serious injuries.
-Always keep the total speaker impedance at or above the rated load.
-Unplug the amplifier before cleaning it. NEVER spray liquid cleaners onto the amplifier. Wipe it with a slightly dampened, lint-free cloth
to remove dirt and film.
-Dont use the amplifier if it has sustained damage to the chassis, controls, or power cord. Refer the unit to an authorized service cen-
ter for inspection.
-Amplifiers capable of producing high volume levels are also capable of inflicting permanent hearing loss or damage, if the exposure to
such levels is prolonged. Such damage is progressive and irreversible!
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTIONRISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: POUR REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS
ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE
PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN
TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.
VORSICHTELEKTRISCHE SCHLAGGEFAHR
NICHT OFFENEN
VORSICHT: ZUR MINIMIERUNG ELEKTRISCHER SCHLAGGEFAHR NICHT
DEN DECKEL ABENHMEN. INTERNE TEILE KONNEN NICHT VOM
BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN. DIE WARTUNG IS QUALIFIZIERTEM
WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU UBERLASSEN.
THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND RELIABLE OPERATION. IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE UNITAND PREVENT ACCIDEN-
TAL DAMAGES OR INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN CHASSIS; DO NOT DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OF THE POWER CORD; CONNECT ONLY TO A PROP-
ERLY GROUNDED AC POWER OUTLET.
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION:NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION:OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT
HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME. The chart below shows the U.S.
Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations which were in effect at the time of this publication for permissible noise exposure, per 29CRF1910, Table G-16.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of those listed above could result in some hearing loss.
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
"UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG NACHSCHLAGEN" EXPLANATION OF
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
"GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG"=
=
Features
In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampegs SVT
amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, the SVT-3 PRO
offers you more power, performance and flexibility than any other
bass amplifier in its class. Below are some of the outstanding fea-
tures of your new amplifier - features which set it apart from the
competition!
-5-POSITION MIDRANGE SELECTOR:Take your pick from the five cen-
ter frequency points available to get just the right midrange voice (page 3).
-TUBE GAIN:Control the dynamics of tonal response characteristics from
the power amp; from punchy to compressed (page 3).
-9-BAND GRAPHIC EQ:Use as a second channel for bass solos, or to
shape your sound to your own exacting standards. An independent level
control lets you adjust the Graphic EQ volume (page 3).
-TRANSFORMER BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS:Independent level con-
trol. One balanced XLR and one balanced/unbalanced 1/4 jack to patch
into house consoles, mixing boards, or external power amplifiers (page 4).
-EFFECTS LOOP:Connect your effects here for increased intensity and
quieter operation (page 5).
-POWER AMP IN AND PREAMP OUT:A separate preamp may be con-
nected to the Power Amp In jack, and the Preamp Out jack may be con-
nected to a slave amp. (page 5).
SOUND LEVEL dBA DURATION PER DAY
SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS
90 8
92 6
95 4
97 3
100 2SOUND LEVEL dBA DURATION PER DAY
SLOW RESPONSE IN HOURS
102 1-1/2
105 1
110 1/2
115 1/4 or less
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SVT-3 PRO Bass Amplifier
The Front Panel Controls and Their Use
0 +12dB
-12dBLEVEL +8dB
-10dB MUTE
EQ
PEAK /
MUTE BRT
-15dBHI
LO 33Hz 9kHz5kHz 2kHz 900Hz 600Hz 300Hz 150Hz 80Hz
ON
POWER
ON
MASTER TUBE GAIN TREBLE FREQUENCY MIDRANGE BASS GAIN INPUT
1 4 16 19 20 5 8 9 11 12 18 17 13 10 2 3 6 7 14 15
1. INPUT:The signal output from an instrument
(active or passive) or a line level signal may be con-
nected here by means of a shielded instrument
cable.
2. BRIGHT:This switch, when depressed, adds a
more lively top end response to the input signal.
3. -15dB:This switch, when depressed, attenuates
the input signal by 15dB. Attenuation allows the Gain
control (#5) to be used over a larger portion of its
range. If clipping is indicated with the Gain control
way down, attenuation is needed.
4. PEAK LED:This LED flashes when the signal
level into the preamp (excluding the graphic EQ)
approaches clipping. Adjust the Gain control (#5) until
a strong signal from your instrument causes this LED
to flicker.
NOTE:If the LED flashes frequently with the Gain at
a low setting, use the -15dB switch (#3) to attenuate
the input signal and readjust the Gain.
5. GAIN:This serves as the input level control for the
amplifier. For the best signal to noise ratio set this
control so the Peak LED (#3) flashes when you strike
a string fairly hard.
6. ULTRA HIGH: This switch, when depressed,
enhances the amount of high frequency output by
6dB at 5kHz.
7. ULTRA LOW:This switch, when depressed,
greatly enhances the amount of low-end bass tones
which you can feel and hear, especially the low E and
low B strings (of a 5-string bass).
8. BASS:This is the primary low frequency control
which allows for 12dB of cut or boost at 50Hz.
9. MIDRANGE:This is the primary midrange control
which allows for 15dB of cut or boost at the centerfrequency selected by the Frequency control (see
#10).
10. FREQUENCY:This control allows you to select
the center frequency for the midrange control, giving
you a choice of five voices for the midrange. The
numbers correspond to the following center frequen-
cies: 1=220Hz, 2=450Hz, 3=800Hz, 4=1.6kHz,
5=3kHz.
11. TREBLE:This is the primary high frequency
control which allows for 19dB of cut or 14dB of boost
at 5kHz.
12. MASTER:Set the overall output level of the
amplifier with this control.
13. TUBE GAIN:The tube gain control varies the
high voltage supply to the power amp tubes. This
allows a variety of tonal response characteristics from
the power amp and replaces the limiter found on typ-
ical solid state power amps. At 10 the voltage is at
maximum, providing a dynamic, highly responsive
tone. At 0 the voltage is at minimum, offering a thick-
ened, more compressed tone. This tone can also be
distorted, depending on volume level. In between set-
tings 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 as well as
muting of the output signal occur simultaneously. This
is due to 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: Use this switch to mute all outputs except
the Tuner Out (rear panel #28). The footswitch canalso 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
your sound.)
15. GRAPHIC EQ:This switch, when depressed,
enables the 9-band Graphic EQ (see #17 & #18). A
footswitch overrides this switch.
16. ACTIVE LED:This LED illuminates when the EQ
is on.
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).
The Graphic EQ can be used in two ways: 1) To fine tune
your sound, make small adjustments at the desired fre-
quencies and leave the EQ on throughout the entire ses-
sion. (This is great for adapting to varying room acoustics
when going from club to club, etc.) 2) For a completely dif-
ferent sound, make larger adjustments and only activate the
EQ when you want a second channel sound (such as dur-
ing bass solos).
18. LEVEL:This slider is the output volume control for
the Graphic EQ and only affects the signal when the
EQ is engaged. If the EQd signal is too soft, slide the
Level control up; if its too loud, slide this control down.
19. ON LED:This LED illuminates when the Power
is ON.
20. POWER:This heavy-duty rocker switch applies
the power to the amplifier: the amp is ON when the
top of the switch is depressed, OFF when the bottom
of the switch is depressed.
NOTE:There is a delay during power up until the pro-
tection relay enables the power amplifier output.
1. ENTRADA:Conecte aquí su guitarra de bajos
utilizando un cable blindado para instrumentos.
2. BRILLANTE:Este interruptor, cuando se encuen-
tre ADENTRO, añade a la señal de entrada una
respuesta más viva en la parte alta. Usted puede
experi-mentar el uso de diferentes posi-ciones del
EQ con este interruptor.
3. -15dB:Este interruptor, cuando se encuentre
ADENTRO, atenuará en 15dB la señal de entrada.
Si su bajo tiene circuitos electrónicos activos, usted
tal vez quiera usar este interruptor.
4. DIODO LED DE PICOS:Este LED se iluminará
cuando el nivel de preamplificación esté cerca del
nivel de aplanamiento "clipping", lo que indicaría una
posición de ganancia óptima.5. GANANCIA:Esto controla la ganancia del pre-
amplificador.
6. ULTRA AGUDOS:Cuando se oprime hacia
ADENTRO, este interruptor realza la cantidad de la
salida de frecuencias altas en 6dB a 5kHz.
7. ULTRA GRAVES:Al oprimirse este interruptor
hacia ADENTRO, se realza en gran forma la canti-
dad de tonos bajos de la parte grave que usted
puede sentir y oír, en especial de las cuerdas de E
bajo y B bajo (en un bajo de 5 cuerdas).
8. BAJOS:Es el control primordial para las frecuen-
cias bajas. Permite 12dB de recorte (totalmente a la
izquierda) ó refuerzo (totalmente a la derecha) a
50Hz. La salida de frecuencias graves queda plana
en la posición central.9. RANGO MEDIANO:Es el control primordial en el
rango mediano. Permite 15dB de recorte (totalmente
a la izquierda) ó refuerzo (totalmente a la derecha) a
la frecuencia central que se haya seleccionado en el
control de Frecuencias (véase #10). La salida del
rango mediano está plana en la posición central.
10. FRECUENCIA:Le permite seleccionar la fre-
cuencia central para el control del rango mediano, lo
que le da la opción de cinco "voces" para el rango
mediano. Las frecuencias correspondientes son:
1=220Hz, 2=450Hz, 3=800Hz, 4=1.6kHz, 5=3kHz.
11. AGUDOS:Es el control primordial para las fre-
cuencias altas. Permite 19dB de recorte (totalmente
a la izquierda) ó 14dB de refuerzo (totalmente a la
derecha) a 5kHz. La salida de frecuencias altas es
