BA500 - Ampeg

User’s Guidefor theBA500Bass Amp Combo

BA500 Bass Amp ComboAn introduction To Your New Ampeg BA500 Bass Amp ComboThank you for making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career – choosing one of thefinest bass amplifiers available, the Ampeg BA500.Your new BA500 bass amp combo provides many outstanding features which make this a true performer’s bassamp: 350 watts of power at four ohms, 500 watts at two ohms, a 45 degree tilt-back cabinet design, total tone control,and rugged construction.FeaturesIn the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, theBA500 offers you more power, performance and flexibility than any other bass amplifier in its class. The outstandingfeatures of your new amplifier, features which set it apart from the competition, are listed below.• 500 WATTS AT 2 OHMS: With the addition of a four ohm external speaker cabinet, the BA500will deliver an astounding 500 watts of power into a two ohm load.• 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQ: Use as a “second channel” for bass solos, or to shape your sound to yourown exacting standards. Can be controlled by means of a footswitch.• MUTE SWITCH: Allows silent tuning while on stage, or noise-free switching between instruments.Can be controlled by a footswitch.• BALANCED LINE OUTPUT: XLR with independent level switch (20dB pad). Patch into houseconsoles, mixing boards, or external power amplifiers.• EFFECTS LOOP: For increased intensity and quieter operation of external effects.• POWER AMP IN and PREAMP OUT: Allows direct access into the power amp and a signal tapfrom the preamp section for even greater versatility.• TUNER OUT JACK: Allows the use of an external tuner - even when the Mute function is active.• BUILT-IN PROTECTION: Internal protection circuitry for short circuits, DC voltage, low voltage,and over-temperature conditions.• CLASSIC AMPEG SOUND AND PERFORMANCE!3

BA500 Bass Amp ComboSome Suggested SettingsThe setting of the Gain control depends on your particular instrument. TheMaster should be set to produce the appropriate output volume level. TheGraphic EQ can be used to tailor the amplifier to your speaker cabinets, tocompensate for room acoustics and to “fine tune” your sound.ROCK:JAZZ:COUNTRY:FUNK “POPPING:”6

BA500 Bass Amp ComboTroubleshootingIn the unlikely event that your BA500 should stop working properly (or just stop working), take a few minutes to troubleshootit before you call for service. You can save yourself a lot of time and sometimes money by doing it yourself, andoften the cure for the problem is something quite simple.NO SOUNDPOOR SOUNDLEDs LIGHTLEDs DON'T LIGHTCheck bass, cablesCheck amp controls, checkfor signal from bassNO SOUNDListen for humSOUND OKCheck AC outletOUTLET OKCheck power cord,fuse, power switchNO OUTLETCheck house fuseboxor circuit breakerPOOR SOUNDCheck speaker(s)SPEAKER(S) OK,POOR SOUNDSOUND OKSPEAKER(S)DEFECTIVENO HUMHUMOKReplace speaker(s)Check speakerSpeaker OKSOUND OKUnplug bass,touch tip of cableNO CHANGEReplace cablePOOR SOUNDSOUND OKNO CHANGESEE BELOWSEE BELOWIf the problem isn’t covered above, or if the steps lead you here, then contact your Ampeg dealer for service information.Also, you should refer your amp to an authorized service center for servicing if it gets dropped, has liquid spilledinto it, or sustains damage to its power cord. Regular cleaning and maintenance by your local Service Center will helpextend the amplifier’s useful life.System Block DiagramTUNEROUTPOWER AMPLIMITLEDPROTECTIONRELAYINPUTPADPREPOST-20dB PADBAL.OUTCOOLINGFANLIMITThermal Shutdown,Low Voltage,DC ProtectPOWER AMPINSPEAKEROUTSPEAKEROUTMUTEMASTERPREAMPOUT1+1- 2-2+SPEAKONJACKPEAK/MUTELEDEFFECTSLOOPRETURNGAINBASSULTRA MID TREBLEEQON9 BANDGRAPHICEQEFFECTSLOOPSEND7

BA500 Bass Amp ComboTechnical SpecificationsOUTPUT POWER RATING350 Watts RMS, 4 ohm load, 120VAC, 5% THD540 Watts RMS, 2 ohm load, 120VAC, 5% THDTONE CONTROL RANGE Bass: +8dB / -18dB @ 50HzUltra Mid:±8dB @ 500HzTreble:+12dB / -24dB @ 5kHzGRAPHIC EQ RANGE 40Hz: ±11dB80Hz:±8dB150Hz:±8dB300Hz:±8dB600Hz:±8dB900Hz:±8dB2kHz:±8dB5kHz:±8dB9kHz:±12dBGAIN60dB typical, tones @ centerSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO75dB typicalINTERNAL SPEAKERS(2) 10” cast frame, 225W, 8 ohm, 2.5” voice coil diameter, 56 oz. magnet(1) 1” compression driver with L-pad controlPOWER REQUIREMENTS120VAC, 60Hz, 400VA100VAC, 50/60Hz, 400VA230VAC, 50/60Hz, 400VASIZE AND WEIGHT24”W x 23.5”H x 17.25”D, 95 lbs.Ampeg reserves the right to change specifications without notice.www.ampeg.com