Ampeg Bass Combo B5R User Manual

							Owner’s Guide
for the
B5R
Bass Amplifier
Made in the U.S.A.by 
						

							2
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, NEVER
remove 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 seri-
ous 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.
•Don’t use the amplifier if it has sustained damage to the chassis, controls, or power cord. Refer the unit to an
authorized service center 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! See the
chart below.
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 DELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: POUR REDUIRE DELECTROCUTION NE PAS
ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE NEST REPRABLE
PAR LUTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, SADRESSER 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 DUTILISATION
UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG NACHSCHLAGEN EXPLANATION OF
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
DANGER HAUTE TENSION
GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG=
=
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
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Important Safeguards and Precautions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Front Panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Some Suggested Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Rack Mounting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Block Diagram  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							3
An Introduction to your new Ampeg B5R Bass Amplifier:
Thank you for making one of the best choices you will ever make for your musical career – choosing one
of the finest bass amps available, the Ampeg B5R. This versatile and powerful bass amplifier delivers up
to 675 watts of unsurpassed musical power, and offers several outstanding features.
All of the features and controls of your B5R are covered in detail within the pages of this owner’s guide.
We recommend going over them before you use the amplifier.
Features:
In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, the
B5R offers you more power, performance and flexibility than any other bass amplifier in its class. The out-
standing features of your new amplifier, features which set it apart from the competition, are listed below.
•TWO SEPARATE CHANNELS:Clean and Overdrive, with the ability to combine the
two for a unique sound and added versatility   
•TWO 5-POSITION STYLE CONTROLS:Take your pick from five different tone varia-
tions to best suit your playing style 
•OCTAVE CIRCUIT:Adds another signal to the input signal, one octave lower than the
original 
•FX BLEND:Varies the amount of external effects mixed into the signal 
•TUNER OUT JACK:Allows connection to an electronic tuner and provides an “always
live” monitor feed even when the other outputs are muted  
•HEAVY-DUTY SPEAKER JACKS:A Speakon
®jack is provided for a more reliable
connection at higher outputs, as well as a pair of 1/4” jacks  
•TRANSFORMER BALANCED/UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUTS:Balanced XLR and
1/4” line output jacks 
•EFFECTS LOOP:Connect your effects here for increased intensity and quieter oper-
ation  
•POWER AMP IN/PREAMP OUT:A separate preamp may be connected to the Power
Amp In jack, and the Preamp Out jack may be connected to a slave amp, or use as a
patch point for active devices such as compressors, EQs, etc. 
•FOOTSWITCH CONTROL:Use footswitches to control channel selection, the octave
circuit, and the channel combine feature  
•CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION:A heavy duty, resettable circuit breaker provides
protection against fault conditions  
•BUILT-IN NOISE GATE:A preset internal noise gate helps keep the Overdrive chan-
nel quiet while no signal is present 
Speakon®is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							4
The Front Panel:
1. 0dB INPUT:The signal output from an instrument (active or pas-
sive – typically passive) or a line level signal may be connected here
by means of a shielded instrument cable. The signal at this jack is
sent into the preamp at full amplitude.
2. -15dB INPUT: The signal output from an instrument (active or pas-
sive – typically active) or a line level signal may be connected here
by means of a shielded instrument cable. The signal at this jack is
reduced 15dB before it is sent into the preamp.
3. MUTE: This switch, when depressed, mutes all outputs except the
Tuner Out (28). This is excellent for tuning your bass with an elec-
tronic tuner without having to adjust any levels or turn down your
stage volume.
4. COMBINE:This switch, when depressed, allows the clean chan-
nel to remain active when the overdrive channel is selected, combin-
ing the two channels to create a different-sounding “third channel.”
CLEAN CHANNEL:
5. VOLUME: This control adjusts the output level for the clean chan-
nel and the input to the Octave circuit (16). Adjust this control no high-
er than that which causes the Peak/Mute LED (6) to flash on strong
signal peaks. 
6. PEAK/MUTE LED:This LED flashes when the signal level in the
preamp approaches clipping. When the Mute switch (3) is depressed,
this LED remains illuminated until the Mute is turned off.
7. STYLE:This five-position switch allows you to vary the tone of the
clean channel. The following table lists each of the different settings
– experiment with the Style and other EQ controls for the results
which suit you best.
POSITION 1:Fully “scooped” mids (mid cut)
POSITION 2:Traditional passive tone setting
POSITION 3:Basically flat
POSITION 4:Boosted high end
POSITION 5:Basically flat with low end roll-off – for
loud playing without “muddiness”
8. BASS:This is the primary low frequency control which has a range
of 22dB @ 50Hz.
9. ULTRA MID:This is the primary midrange control which has a
range of 13dB @ 250Hz.
10. TREBLE:This is the primary high frequency control which has a
range of 22dB @ 8kHz. 11. CHANNEL SELECT:This switch selects the clean channel in the
out position and the overdrive channel when depressed.
OVERDRIVE CHANNEL:
12. OD BOOST: This switch, when depressed, adds gain and tone
shaping to the overdrive channel signal for heavy overdrive.
13. GAIN: This control sets the level of the signal entering the pre-
amp stage.
14. STYLE:This five-position switch allows you to vary the tone of the
overdrive channel. The following table lists each of the different set-
tings – experiment with the Style control for the results which suit you
best.
POSITION 1:Mid cut – for clean to semi-overdriven sound
POSITION 2:Slight mid cut
POSITION 3:Basically flat
POSITION 4:High end roll-off
POSITION 5:Large mid peak tailored for heavily overdriven 
sound combined with the clean channel
15. VOLUME: This control adjusts the output level for the overdrive
channel.
16. OCTAVE VOLUME:This control adjusts the output level for an
added signal which is one octave lower than the instrument’s original
signal. This signal is dependent on the clean channel’s Volume con-
trol (5) and can be switched by the Octave footswitch (31). The effec-
tiveness of this signal depends on playing style, pickup selection, and
neck position.
17. FX BLEND:This control varies the mix between the direct (dry)
signal and the effects (wet) when the effects loop (26,27) is used. Full
counterclockwise results in all direct signal (no effect) and full clock-
wise gives all effect and no direct signal. The clockwise position is
equivalent to a series effects loop and should be used with such
devices as limiters and equalizers.
18. MASTER:This control sets the overall output level of the amplifier.
19. OD/CLEAN LEDS:The red LED (“OD,” upper) illuminates  when
the overdrive channel is selected, while the green LED (“CLEAN,”
lower) illuminates when the clean channel is selected.
20. POWER:This heavy-duty rocker switch applies AC 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.
2146758910131516171814312111920
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							The Rear Panel:
5Speakon®is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.
21. CIRCUIT BREAKER:The B5R employs an AC line circuit
breaker to help protect against damage due to excessive current
demands. If the amplifier stops working, check the circuit break-
er. If it has opened, the button will be protruding and showing a
contrasting color. You can reset the circuit breaker by pushing it
in until it latches. The breaker must cool down for a short time
before the button will latch. If the circuit breaker opens repeated-
ly, have the amplifier checked by a qualified service person.
22. AC LINE IN: Firmly insert the supplied AC power cord into
this socket until it is fully seated. Plug the male end of the cord
into a grounded AC outlet. DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND
PRONG OF THE AC PLUG!
23. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: The 1/4” jacks offer a convenient
method of connecting to speaker cabinets using cables terminat-
ed with 1/4” plugs. However, when using the amplifier at or near
its full output power, using the Speakon
®jack is recommended.
24,25.  TRANSFORMER BAL. LINE OUT:These jacks supply a
pre-Master, line level signal for connection to a house mixing
board, recording console or external amplifier(s). The 1/4” jack
(24) provides a balanced or an unbalanced signal (depending on
the signal cable used); the XLR-type jack (25) provides a bal-
anced signal.
26. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN:When using external effects,
connect the effect’s output into this jack by means of a shielded
instrument cable.27. EFFECTS LOOP SEND:When using an external signal
processor, connect this jack to the input of the effect by means of
a shielded instrument cable.
28. TUNER OUT: This jack is provided for connection to an elec-
tronic tuner and is always “live,” even when the Mute switch (3)
is engaged, allowing for “silent tuning” as well as a monitor feed
which remains active when the other outputs are muted.
29. POWER AMP INPUT: This jack connects directly to the
power amp for use with an external preamp. When using an
external source, connect the OUTPUT of the source to this jack
by means of a shielded instrument cable to feed the signal into
the power amp section. The internal signal is disconnected when
a plug is inserted.
30. PREAMP OUTPUT: This jack is a direct preamp output for
use with an external power amplifier, mixing board, external
effects, etc. Connect the external unit input to this jack by means
of a shielded instrument cable. Using this output does not break
the connection to the internal power amplifier.
31. OCTAVE/COMBINE FOOTSWITCH: Connect a two button
footswitch to this jack for remote control of the Octave and
Combine features. The tip connection controls the Octave fea-
ture and the ring connection controls the Combine feature.
32. CHANNEL FOOTSWITCH:Connect a single button
footswitch to this jack for remote channel selection.
22 212329303132 24
25262728
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							OUTOUT
OUTOUT
OUTOUT
INOUT
ININ IN IN
6
Some Suggested Settings
SVT: SVT OVERDRIVEN:
FUNK: ALTERNATIVE CLEAN:
LOUD CLEAN ROCK: HARD-DRIVEN ROCK:
LAYERED BASS W/GUITAR MIX:
POWER TRIO:
Since so many variables affect
the actual sound of any system,
the following settings are
offered as starting points to
help you find the exact sounds
your playing demands. When
using the B5R, please keep in
mind the following points:
•The Volume and Gain controls
are used together to set the
relative levels of each channel
and the octave signal.
•The Master control should be
set to produce the appropriate
output volume level.
Rack Mounting
When mounting the amplifier into a rack, the four bottom feet should be removed to maintain the three rack space height of the ampli-
fier. Be sure to keep the feet and their attachment bolts for future use. If the feet are reinstalled, never use screws which will protrude
farther into the amplifier than the original hardware. 
The rack must be a high quality enclosure capable of securely supporting the weight of the amplifier. Tighten the mounting screws
securely through the amplifier’s face plate, into the rack rails. Check the rack and mounting screws occasionally to ensure a continual-
ly safe and secure installation.
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							7
Troubleshooting
In the unlikely event that your B5R should malfunction, take a few minutes to troubleshoot it before you call for ser-
vice. You can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself, and often the problem is something quite simple.
If the problem isn’t covered above, or if the steps lead you here, then contact your Ampeg dealer for service informa-
tion. Also, you should refer your amp to an authorized service center if it gets dropped, has liquid spilled into it, or sustains
damage to its power cord (see page 2).
System Block Diagram
NO SOUND
LEDs LIGHT
POOR SOUND
Check bass, cables
Check speaker(s)
Replace speaker(s)
POOR SOUND
LEDs DONT LIGHT
Check AC outlet
NO SOUND
NO HUMHUM
Listen for hum
NO CHANGE
SOUND OK
SOUND OK
POOR SOUNDSOUND OK
SOUND OK
Check amp controls, check
for signal from bass
Check power cord,
fuse, power switchCheck house fusebox
or circuit breakerSPEAKER(S) OK,
POOR SOUNDSPEAKER(S)
DEFECTIVE
Check speaker Unplug bass,
touch tip of cable
Speaker OK
Replace cable
NO CHANGE
SEE BELOWSEE BELOW
NO POWEROUTLET OK
OK
1+
2+ 1–
2–
0dB
INPUTPEAK
-15dB
INPUTEFFECTS
SEND
BAL.
OUTS
EFFECTS
RETURN
VOLUME
GAIN
VOLUMEMASTER
OCTAVE BOOST
CHANNELMUTECOMBINE STYLEBASS ULTRA MID
TONE CIRCUITS
STYLE
TONE
FOOT
SWITCHESPWR
AMP
OCTAVE
CIRCUIT
SWITCHING
CIRCUITFX
BLEND
TREBLE
PREAMP
OUT
SPEAKER
OUTS
PWR AMP
IN
LIMITER
B5R Bass Amplifier 
						

							P/N 47-043-01  .
05/00 Ampeg reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
Ampeg is proudly Made in America. ©2000 SLM Electronics, 1400 Ferguson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63133 U.S.A.
Technical Specifications
OUTPUT POWER RATING675 Watts @ 2 Ohms (500 Watts Continuous)
380 Watts @ 4 Ohms (310 Watts Continuous)
220 Watts @ 8 Ohms (180 Watts Continuous)
TONE CONTROL RANGE
Bass:22dB range @ 50Hz
Ultra Mid:13dB range @250Hz
Treble:22dB range @ 8kHz 
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO75dB typical 
FOOTSWITCH JACKSA: Channel Switch; B: Octave (Tip), Channel Combine (Ring)  
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Domestic:120VAC, 60Hz, 545VA
Export:100-120VAC 50/60Hz, 545VA
220-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 545VA
SIZE AND WEIGHT19/17.4”W x 3.8”H (with feet) x 15.5”D; 32 lbs
www.ampeg.com
B5R Bass Amplifier