Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

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VB1500 User Manual

Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual Important Safety Precautions

Please read this Manual thoroughly before attempting to install, configure, or operate the Amplifier. Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free installation. Please read and follow all instructions and heed all warnings on the VB1500 and in this manual. The vast majority of the subsequent safety precautions are common sense. If you are not comfortable with the installation of the equipment, you should call us for help.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not use the VB1500 near water or in web locations, do not expose it to rain or moisture, do not expose it to dripping or splashing from other sources, and ensure that no objects filled with liquids (such as your beer) are placed on it. Doing so may result in damage to the unit and the risk of electrical shock, which may result in bodily injury or death. Warning: to reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the VB1500. There are no userserviceable parts inside the unit. Refer all service to qualified service personnel.
Do not block any ventilation openings or heat sinks or lay the VB1500 on its sides. Avoid installing the unit directly above other heat-producing equipment unless sufficient ventilation or forced-air cooling is provided. Do not install the VB1500 in locations without proper ventilation. The VB1500 should not be operated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block airflow to the fans. Connect the VB1500 only to power sources of the correct voltage (as shown in this manual and on the VB1500 unit). Protect power supply cables from being pinched, walked on, or otherwise damaged. Be especially careful where the power cable enters the power outlet and the unit. Only connect the VB1500 to an electrical outlet or extension cord of appropriate type and rating. DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug by removing ground pins or using unsafe adapters. A grounding plug has a third ground prong in addition to the two main conductors. The wide blade or third groundling prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. If you replace the power cord, only use one of similar type and equal or greater current rating. The power cable for the VB1500 should be unplugged form the outlet during severe electrical

storms.

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Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new VB1500 bass amplifier.

The VB1500 packs the incredible Vivid tone with top-of-class power performance in a compact 5lb package. Our new Vivid tone shaping control provides the flexibility you need to dial-in the sound you want. The high quality balanced adjustable preamp matches to almost any input range with fast acting clip indication.
Amp Capabilities: 700 watts RMS at 1% THD+N into (8) 500 watts RMS at 0.1% THD+N (8) 900 watts peak (8)

Inputs:

1/4" TRS/TS balanced/unbalanced 1/4" Aux Input 1/4" Effects Input

Outputs:

Two parallel Speakon combo jacks 1/4" Effects Output 1/4" Headphone Output XLR DI Output

Dimensions: 10" x 8" x 2.25"

Weight: 5.25 lbs.

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Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

Front Panel Controls

High Impedance Input The input can handle a wide array of input types. It can handle input directly from an instruments, your pedals, a preamp or a sound-effects processor line-out. Pre-Amp Gain You will want to adjust the Pre-Amp Gain to the highest setting that makes the Signal/Clip light rarely turns red while you are playing. Do this so use this procedure: 1. Turn the Master Volume all the way down (counter-clockwise) 2. Mute the amplifier (Mute button depressed) 3. Turn the Pre-Amp Gain all the way up 4. While playing, turn down the Pre-Amp Gain until the Signal-Clip light stays green while playing.

Note: the Signal/Clip light indicates clipping even when the amp is muted so it is usually a good idea to mute the amp while setting the Pre-Amp Gain. Signal/Clip Indicator This indicator will be green when the signal level is clear and will turn to red when the input level is clipping. Turning down the Pre-Amp Gain or lowering the input level will eliminate the clipping Page 4 of 7

Once the Pre-Amp Gain set you can make fine adjustments without having to mute the amp or lower the Master Volume.

Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

Mute Depressing the Mute will allow you to change connections to the amplifier without having to change your gain levels. Always mute the amplifier when changing input or output connections. Three Band Equalizer The equalizer is comprised of a low frequency compensation, a variable frequency mid and a high frequency adjustment. The nominal flat position these adjustments is straight up (12 oclock). Ready/Clip Indicator

The Ready/Clip indicator will be green when the amp is on and will turn red when the power amplifier is clipping. Turn down the Master Volume to eliminate power amplifier clipping. Flat Button This button allows you to bypass the equalizer giving you a completely flat frequency response through the amplifier without having to set your EQ adjustments to the nominal position. The equalizer is bypassed when this button is depressed. Master Volume This adjusts the output level of the amplifier..

Note: the amplifier is design to give maximum power when this control is turned fully clockwise

Rear Panel Connections

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Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

1. Input is a balanced TRS jack that can accept a balanced signal on the L/R pins of a TRS plug or an unbalanced TR plug. The input impedance of this jack is 1M Ohm single ended, 2M Ohm differential 2. The Pre-Amp is controlled by the Pre-Amp Gain knob. If the Preamp clips then the Signal/Clip light will turn red. 3. The DI Output contains the input signal with no effects applied to it but with it's level adjusted by the Pre-Amp Gain. 4. The EQ is controlled by the 4 center controls. If the knobs are set to the 12 o'clock position the frequency response will be completely flat. Both clip LEDs blink red if EQ clips. The EQ can be completely bypassed by pressing the Flat button 5. The FX Out level is varied by the Pre-Amp Gain. This allows you to set the level the pedals will see. Page 6 of 7

Vivid Amps VB1500 User Manual

6. The Aux input is a stereo input and both channels are mixed into a single mono channel. This is a line level input with a 10k Ohm input impedance. 7. The Effects In is mixed with the Aux input. The input impedance for this input is 10k Ohm. 8. This amp is controlled by the Master Volume 9. Final power amplification Ready/Clip LED turns red when PA clips. 10. Speaker outputs are connected in parallel

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