USER'S GUIDE
Contents
1. 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 e NEVER set the unit on a support that might give out under its weight e Always keep the total soeaker impedance at or above the rated load e Unplug the unit before cleaning it NEVER spray liquid cleaners onto the unit Wipe it with a slightly dampened lint free cloth to remove dirt and film e Do not use the unit if it has sustained damage to the chassis controls or power cord Refer the unit to an authorized service center for inspection e Audio equipment 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 Consider using quality hearing protection devices 1 0dB INPUT If your instrument has normal pickups connect it here by means of a shielded signal cable If your instrument has active electronics or hot pickups use the 15dB Input jack 2 2 15dB INPUT If your instrument has active electronics or hot pickups connect it here by means of a shielded signal cable If your instrument has normal pickups use the 0dB Input jack 1 3 ULTRA HI This switch when depressed boosts the high frequencies 4 ULTRA LO This switch when depressed boosts the low frequencies 5 GAIN Use this control to adjust the input gain of2. signal from your instrument and shape the sound They are inherently microphonic mechanically pick up and transmit external noises Since these tubes are used in the critical first stages of a tube amplifier s circuitry it is very important to use high quality low noise low microphonic tubes for this application Although tubes of this quality may be difficult to find and typically cost more than off the shelf tubes the improvement in per formance is worth the investment Preamplifier tubes are also used to drive the power tubes When used in this appli cation a 12AX7 will produce a more distorted tone than a 12AT7 which produces a Clearer sweeter sound A 12AU7 is even cleaner and brighter than a 12AT7 giv ing more definition to the sound In some cases it is possible to change the sound by changing the type of preamp and or driver tubes When making any modifica tion to your equipment it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified service center The power tubes are the largest tubes used in an amplifier These tubes convert THE NATURE OF TUBES WHY CAND WHEN TO REPLACE THEM Tubes are made up of a number of fragile mechanical components that are vacu um sealed in a glass envelope or bubble The tube s longevity is based on a num ber of factors which include how hard and often the amplifier is played vibration from the speakers road travel repeated set up and tear down etc Any time you notice a change in
3. BLS PORTAFLEX PASS AMPLIFIER R TSR PORTAFLEX TABLE OF GONTENTS NMOGUCUON cds eset da dias A A PP en nr an Dee re aa Important Safeguards And Precautions 00 cece eee nun nennen Me FTONI Panel aos es era tet iesescacaneaen Une REAL Panel 2020024 sauna ten anderen en The Speaker Cabinet Input Plate o0occooccccc Important Information About Tubes And Tube Products A Brief history Of The Tube ic 4 u u 2 ed nn Tube Types And Usage isis r cord dd The Nature Of Tubes Why And When To Replace Them The Importance Of Proper Biasing 00 cece cece ee eee Survival Tips For Tube Amplifiers 000 cee eee ees Some Suggested Settings acc icv awd dentwew see aan Technical Specifications 0000 eee eee eee DC Cover System Block Diagram oococccoccc o Ack Cover Declaration Of Conformity 35 Effective 01 01 2001 Manufacturer s Name SLM Electronics Production Facility 1901 Congressional Drive St Louis MO 63146 USA Production Facility 700 Hwy 202 W Yellville AR 72687 USA Shipping Facility 1400 Ferguson Ave St Louis MO 63133 USA Office Facility 1400 Ferguson Ave St Louis MO 63133 USA Product Type Audio Amplifier ou B O W 0 NIN NOOO Complies with the following Standards Safety EN60065 E60065 C22 2 UL6500 and or UL813 EMC Directive 89 336 EEC EN55103 EN55013 EN61000 and or FCC 47CFR 15B clA Su
4. E THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING FALLING SPRAYING OR STANDING LIQUIDS e CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS e ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE POWER AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS e PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON PINCHED OR STRAINED UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME e ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS ACCESSORIES STANDS OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY AS e WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE e SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL e OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMA NENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS DANGEROUS VOLTAGE IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS A VOLTAJE PELIGROSO A ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES EXPLICATION DES SYMBOLES GRAPHIQUES DANGER HAUTE TENSION REFERREZ VOUS AU MANUAL D UTILISATION INTRODUGTION Thank you for
5. be life due to the internal components being less susceptible to the damage caused by vibration Allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on The heat generated by the tube elements can crack a cold glass housing e Replace the output tube s before the performance degrades or the tubes fail completely Replace the tube s on a regular basis at least once per year or as often as every 4 to 6 months if you play long and hard every day Always have the bias checked after replacing the output tubes unless the amplifier is equipped with self biasing circuitry This should be done ONLY at a qualified service center Improper biasing could result in the tubes running too hot which greatly reduces the life of the tubes or too cold which results in distorted sound regardless of level settings Do not play the amplifier if it exhibits these symptoms get the bias checked adjusted immediately to prevent tube failure and or other damage If the locating notch on the base of a power tube breaks off replace the tube This significantly reduces the risk of damaging your amplifier by incorrectly inserting the tube Protect the amplifier from dust and moisture If liquid gets into the amplifier proper or if the amplifier is dropped or otherwise mechanically abused have it checked out at an authorized service center before using it Proper maintenance and cleaning in combination with routine checkups by your a
6. e specifications and information in this publication are subject to change without notice SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM 0dB H BASS TREBLE 15dB BALANCED LINE OUT LEVEL END 90 ULTRA FREQUENCY HIGH www ampeg com Ampeg is proudly Made in America 2003 SLM Electronics 1400 Ferguson Avenue St Louis MO 63133 U S A P N 47 667 04 110503
7. ed a less musical set of harmonics than tubes When pushed past their limits they tend to mute the tone and emphasize the distortion Tubes on the other hand produce a more musical set of harmonics the intensity of which can be controlled by the player This characteristic adds warmth and definition to the sound which has become the hallmark of tube amplifiers When tubes are driv en into clipping the harmonic overtones can be both sweet and pleasing or intense and penetrating depending on the musician s musical taste and playing technique Over the years application engineers have designed a number of outstanding solid state amplifiers that sound very very good Some use special circuitry which enables them to simulate the distortion characteristics of a tube amplifier However the tube amplifier still held in the highest esteem by many musicians offers a classic vintage sound in a contemporary market the low level conditioned signal from the preamplifier into a level that is sufficient to drive the speakers There are several types of power tubes available each of which offers a different performance sound characteristic For example the EL34 power tube produces a great Classic rock sound When an EL34 is driven into dis tortion it produces a unique sound crunch When compared to the 6L6 the EL34 distorts more quickly exhibits a looser low end response and produces more harmonics at mid and high frequencies creamier
8. et if desired a a a B TER DARTAFIFY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TUBES AND TUBE PRODUCTS A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TUBE In 1883 Edison discovered that electrons would flow from a suspended filament when enclosed in an evacuated lamp Years later in 1905 Fleming expanded on Edison s discovery and created the Fleming Valve Then in 1907 Dr Lee de Forest added a third component the grid to the Fleming s Valve and the vacuum tube was a fact of life The door to electronic amplification was now open During World War Il data gleaned from their intensive research on the detectors used in radar systems led Bell Telephone Laboratories to the invention of the transistor This reliable little device gained quick support as the new component for amplifica tion The death of the vacuum tube seemed imminent as designers scientists and engineers reveled in the idea of replacing large fragile glass tubes with these small solid state devices However there were and still are many serious listeners who realized that the sound produced by a transistor amplifier is significantly different from that produced by a tube amplifier with identical design specifications They considered the sound TUBE TYPES AND USAGE Tube amplifiers are based primarily on two types of tubes preamplifier tubes and power tubes The tubes used in preamplifiers 12AX7 12AU7 12AT7 etc are smaller than the power tubes These tubes amplify the
9. little as a few hours in extreme cases Setting the bias on your amp is like setting the idle on your car If it s too high or hot it s running away with you and if it s too low or cold it will choke when you step on it SURVIVAL TIPS FOR TUBE AMPLIFIERS To prolong tube life observe these tips and recommendations The bias is adjusted at the factory in accordance with the type of power tube s installed in your amplifier It is important to point out that tubes of the same type and specification typically exhibit different performance characteristics Consequently whenever power tubes are replaced the bias voltage must be checked unless the amplifier is equipped with self biasing circuitry and read justed to accommodate the operating parameters of the replacement tubes Depending on the model and amplifier type there may be hum balance controls trim pots or bias adjustment controls on ts rear panel However the bias adjust ment should be performed only by qualified service personnel with the proper cal ibrated test equipment Match the impedance of your speaker cabinet s to your amplifier Improper impedance matching will contribute to early tube degradation and may cause premature tube failure e Make sure the speaker s are properly connected prior to turning on the amplifier After playing the amplifier allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it A properly cooled amplifier prolongs tu
10. n check your preamplifier tubes for microphonics by turning the amplifier on turning up the gain and tapping lightly on each tube with the end of a pencil or a chop stick my favorite You will be able to hear the tapping through your speak ers which is normal It is not normal for a tube to ring like a bell after it s tapped If it does ring then it s microphonic and should be replaced Remember to use only high quality low microphonic tubes in the preamplifier section Even though power tubes are rarely microphonic you should check them anyway The power tubes can be checked for microphonics just like pre amp tubes In the case of very high gain amps you may be able to reduce the amount of noise generated by simply swapping the preamp tubes around THE IMPORTANGE OF PROPER BIASING For the best performance and longest tube life proper biasing is imperative Bias is the negative voltage which is applied to the power tube s control grid to set the level of idle current We cannot over emphasize the difference in warmth of tone and dynamic response that come with proper biasing If the bias is set too high overbiased the sound from the amp will be distorted at all levels If the bias is set too low under biased the power tubes will run hot the plates inside the tubes may glow red due to excessive heat and the sound from the amplifier will lack power and punch The excessive heat greatly reduces tube life from a few days to as
11. o the internal 8 ohm speaker To deliver the full 60 watts to the internal speak er set the Impedance Selector switch 18 to the 4 Ohms position Operation at either the 4 or 8 Ohms position is acceptable and will produce tonal variances Experiment with these settings to determine which setting provides the best results for your application 12 ON STANDBY Use this switch to activate the amplifier after the On Off Switch 13 is turned on Always turn the On Standby switch OFF first and ON last Turn the On Off switch 13 on at least 30 seconds before turning on the On Standby switch During short breaks you should set this switch to the Standby position to help prolong the life of the amplifier s tubes 13 ON OFF Use this switch to turn the amplifier on and off Always turn this switch ON first and OFF last Turn the On Standby switch 12 on at least 30 seconds after turning on the On Off switch THE REAR PANEL MADE IN Trl USA YSU ELECTRONICS 00 FERGUSON AVE SLU MOSE ATAMPISB Elsa 66 AG EINE IN N SELECT E 4 WARNING SAS STING MUST MATCE TUBE P USED c I i ee g C 14 AC LINE IN Firmly insert the female end of the supplied AC power cord into this socket The grounded power cord should only be plugged into a grounded power outlet that meets all applicable electrical codes and is compatible with the voltage power and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel Do not attempt to defeat the safety gro
12. pplementary information provided by SLM Electronics R amp D Engineering 1901 Congressional Drive St Louis MO 63146 USA Tel 314 569 0141 Fax 314 569 0175 CAUTION PRECAUCION ATTENTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO RISQUE D ELECTROCUTION A A A A A NEPA OR 4h WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE PRECAUCION PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS ELECTRICAS NO PER ATTENTION PROTEGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L HUMIDITE AFIN D EVITER TOUT THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC MITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD PARA DISMINUOIR EL RISQUE D INCENDIE OU D ELECTROCUTION POUR REDUIRE D ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO LE COUVERCLE AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N EST REPRABLE PAR L UTILISATEUR POUR TOUTE SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL PUEDO REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS REPARATION S ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ FOLLOW HEED AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS FOR PROPER OPERATION THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3 75CM OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET e DO NOT US
13. selecting the Ampeg B 15R Portaflex Bass Amplifier Revived from the past and enhanced for the present this limited production model offers all of the best features of the 1960 s classic plus more In order to get the most out of your new amplifier please read this user s guide before its use FEATURES e Odb and 15dB Input Jacks e Tube Bias Select Switch e Patented Flip Top Enclosure e Ultra High Ultra Low Boosts e Impedance Selector 8 4 Ohms e Ampeg Vintage 15 Speaker e Input Gain Control e Line Out Line In jacks e H F Horn w Level control e Three Band EQ e XLR Balanced Line Out Jack e 100 watts RMS e Five Position Mid Freq Select e Line Out Level Control e All Tube Design e Master Volume Control e Pre Post Select Switch e Removable Dolly Board w Casters e Half Power Switch e Ground Lift Switch e Proudly Made In America 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 equipment yourself and others e The unit is equipped with a three pronged AC power cord To reduce the risk of electrical shock NEVER remove or otherwise attempt to defeat the ground pin of the power cord e Connect the unit ONLY to a properly grounded AC outlet of the proper voltage for your unit e Avoid sudden temperature extremes rain and moisture Also
14. sound These differences become more noticeable at higher volumes The 6L6 tubes produce a big low end thump and have a very good dynamic range They offer a more traditional American Rock sound The 6V6 tubes produce a creamy sound with nice distortion On the other hand the KT88 produces a big low end but sounds more like an EL34 in the mid and high frequencies The 6550 power tubes are more rugged and stay cleaner sounding even at full power When they do distort the sound produced is more solid and has a tighter low end more of a heavy metal type distortion with lots of power some tubes are available in matched sets These tubes have been extensively tested for optimum performance and longevity or any other apparent damage Then with the power on view the tubes in a dark room Look for preamplifier tubes that do not glow at all or power tubes that glow excessively red Whenever you replace the power tube s Always have the amplifier s bias voltage checked by a qualified service center Improper bias voltage will cause degradation in performance and possibly damage the tubes and or the amplifier See the section below entitled The Importance of Proper Biasing for more information on this subject e We highly recommend that you replace the driver tube s as well The driver tube determines the shape and amplitude of the signal applied to the power tube s and has to work almost as hard as the power tube s You ca
15. the Balanced Line Out jack 24 hom PO IMPEDANCE SELEGIOR UNE OUT ANGER DEVE HINES OUT POST Pie e A Oris S Oris A A gt zu Bi gt 22 POST PRE This switch when depressed sends a pre eq signal to the Balanced Line Out jack 24 which is not affected by the settings of the tone controls or master level controls When this switch is in the out posi tion the signal sent to the Balanced Line Out jack 24 is post eq and is affected by the settings of the tone controls and master level control 23 LIFT GND This switch when depressed lifts the chassis ground con nection at the Balanced Line Out jack 24 This switch should only be depressed if there is excessive buzzing or hum coming from the amplifier due to ground loops 24 BALANCED LINE OUT Use this XLR jack to connect a balanced line level signal to a mixing console recording device or external amplifier THE SPEAKER CABINET INPUT PLATE 25 HIGH FREQUENCY ATTENUATOR Use this three position rotary switch to adjust the output level of the internal high frequency driver Use the tip of a flatblade screwdriver to set this switch to the position which best suits your tastes and playing environment 26 FULL RANGE INPUTS Use either of these jacks to connect the inter nal speaker to the B 15R s Speaker jack 17 by means of a heavy duty speaker cable Use the remaining jack to connect to the input jack of an extension speaker cabin
16. the amplifier to your instrument and playing style With a low instrument output and a soft play ing style this control would be set higher than with higher outputs and hard er playing styles Proper setting of the Gain control will produce clean out put with the lowest noise level Use this control in conjunction with the Master control 10 6 BASS Use this control to adjust the output level of the low frequencies This control provides an adjustment range of 25dB at 40Hz 7 MID Use this control to adjust the output level of the middle frequencies This control provides an adjustment range of 34dB at the frequency select ed by the Frequency control 8 8 FREQUENCY Use this control to select the midrange frequency 200Hz at the fully counter clockwise position 400 Hz 900Hz 1 5kHz or 2 5kHz at the fully clockwise position 119011 0 Fo cule 30 STANDS MAST EX 9 TREBLE Use this control to adjust the output level of the high frequen cies This control provides an adjustment range of 30dB at 4kHz 10 MASTER Use this control to adjust the output level of the amplifier and the output level at the Balanced Line Out jack 24 when the Post Pre switch 22 is depressed 11 100W 60W Use this switch to choose whether the output of the amplifi er is full power switch at the 100W position or half power switch at the 60W position Note In the 60W position the amplifier will deliver approximately 40 watts t
17. und connection 15 FUSE The B 15R employs a fuse to help protect the amplifier from damage due to overload conditions If the fuse fails replace it only with the same size and type 16 BIAS SELECT Use this switch to match the bias to the type of output tube you are using The B 15R is shipped from the factory with 6L6 output tubes and the Bias Select switch set to the 6L6 position The only time you would need to change this switch is when installing EL34 output tubes 17 SPEAKERS Use these jacks to connect the amplifier to the internal speaker and or an extension speaker Use heavy duty speaker cables ter minated with the proper connectors The total soeaker impedance must be no less than four ohms and the Impedance Selector switch 18 must be set to match the total impedance The B 15R s cabinet impedance is rated at eight ohms 18 IMPEDANCE SELECTOR Use this switch to match the amplifier to the total impedance of your speaker cabinet s Use the chart which follows determine the total impedance of parallel cabinets CABINET IMPEDANCE OF CABINETS TOTAL IMPEDANCE 16 ohms 2 8 ohms 16 ohms 4 4 ohms 8 ohms 2 4 ohms 19 LINE OUT Use this jack to send a line level signal from the amplifier to an external amplifier a mixing console or the input of an external effect 20 LINE IN Use this jack to return the signal from an external effect to the amplifier 21 LINE OUT LEVEL Use this control to adjust the signal level at
18. uthorized service center will insure the best performance and longest life from your amplifier CAUTION Tube replacement should be performed only by qualified service personnel who are familiar with the dangers of hazardous voltages that are typically present in tube circuitry SOME SUGGESTED SETTINGS JAZZ FUNK ROCK COUNTRY Y AS NEEDED MISTER WNEEDED A STEH TECHNICAL SPEGIFIGATONS OUTPUT POWER RATING SPEAKER SIZE AND RATING CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ULTRA HIGH SWITCH ULTRA LOW SWITCH BASS CONTROL MID CONTROL TREBLE CONTROL INPUT IMPEDANCE MAX INPUT SIGNAL LEVEL ACCEPTED TOTAL SYSTEM GAIN SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO POWER REQUIREMENTS 100 watts 5 THD 8 ohm load 120VAC Ampeg Vintage 15 8 ohm 150 watt 2 voice coil 56 oz magnet High Efficiency Piezo Tweeter 8 ohm 150 watt w network 3kHz 6dB Boost 4kHz 10dB Boost 40Hz 25dB Range 40Hz 34dB Range 200 400 900 1 5k or 2 5kHz 30dB Range 4kHz 0dB 3M ohms 15dB 47k ohms OdB 1V RMS 15dB 5 75V RMS 50dB w tones flat Ultra Low and Ultra High off 90dB 120VAC 60Hz 400VA 100VAC 50 60Hz 400VA 230VAC 50 60Hz 400VA DIMENSIONS 24 W x 16 1 2 D x 24 1 4 H w amp flipped inside w out caster board 32 7 8 H w amp flipped out w out caster board 37 1 4 H w caster board WEIGHT 117 lbs Ampeg continually develops new products as well as improves existing ones For this reason th
19. your amplifier s performance check the tubes first If it s been a while since the tubes were replaced and the sound from your amplifi er lacks punch fades in and out loses highs or lows or produces unusual sounds the power tubes probably need to be replaced If your amplifier squeals makes noise loses gain starts to hum lacks sensitivity or feels as if it is working against you the preamplifier tubes may need to be replaced The power tubes are subjected to considerably more stress than the preamplifier tubes Consequently they almost always fail degrade first If deteriorating power tubes aren t replaced they will ultimately fail Depending on the failure mode they may even cause severe damage to the audio output transformer and or other com ponents in the amplifier Replacing the tubes before they fail completely has the potential to save you time money and unwanted trouble Since power tubes work together in an amplifier it is crucial that they if there is more than one be replaced by a matched set If you re on the road a lot we recommend that you carry a spare matched set of replacement power tubes and their associated driver tubes After turning off the power and disconnecting the amplifier from the power source carefully check the tubes in bright light for cracks or white spots inside the glass produced by these new solid state devices to be hard brittle and lifeless It was determined that solid state devices produc
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