Marshall Amplification Stereo Amplifier VBA400 User Manual

VBA400  
VALVE BASS AMPLIFIER  
 
WARNING! - Important safety instructions  
To fully com plim ent the VBA400 we have produced two specially designed cabinets, the  
8x10” VBC810 and the 4x12” VBC412 which com bine cool looks with classic Marshall tone.  
!
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed!  
A
B
C
D
E
PLEASE read this instruction manual carefully before switching on.  
ALWAYS use the supplied mains lead, if a replacement is required please contact your authorised Marshall Dealer.  
NEVER attempt to by-pass the fuses or fit ones of the incorrect value.  
In order to get the m ost from your VBA400 please read this handbook carefully before  
plugging in.  
DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis, there are no user serviceable parts.  
VBA4 0 0 S e t -u p g u id e  
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel including replacement of fuses and valves. Servicing is required when the  
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or  
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has  
been dropped.  
CAUTION!: TO REDUCE THE RIS  
WITH THE  
UPPL CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE. TO REDUCE THE  
RIS OF ELECTRIC HOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER ERVICEABLE  
PARTS INSIDE. REFER ERVICING TO QUALIFIED ERVICE PERSONNEL.  
K
OF FIRE REPLACE FUSES  
DO NOT OBSTRUCT FAN EXIT  
TUNER  
EFFECTS LOOP  
D.I. OUTPUT  
S
AME TYPE AND RATING ONLY. DISCONNECT  
!
S
Y
OUTPUT  
K
S
S
2
Ohm  
4
Ohm  
LO  
W
HIGH  
MAINS INPUT  
S
S
ATTENTION!: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DINCENDIE UTILISER UN  
FUSIBLE DE MEME TYPE ET DE MEME CALIBRE. DEBRANCHER AVANT DE  
REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE DECHARGES  
Made in England by:  
ELECTRIQUES  
AUCUNE PIECE  
TOUJ OURS APPEL  
,
NE PAS OUVRIR LE COUVERCLE. CET APPAREIL NE COMPORTE  
USCEPTIBLE D’ETRE REPAREE PAR VOS OINS FAITES  
UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR TOUTE REPARATION.  
VBA4 0 0  
Marshall Amplification plc,  
Bletchley, Milton Keynes,  
England.  
S
S
.
400 Watts RMS  
Into 2/4 hms  
IMPEDANCE  
SELECTOR  
FAN  
SPEED  
H.T.  
FUSE  
L.T.  
FUSE  
A
SEND  
RETURN  
O
WARNING!:  
S
HOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. TO REDUCE THE RIS  
K
OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC  
NORMAL  
S
HOCK DO NOT EXPOS  
E
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THIS APPARATUS MUS  
T
BE EARTHED.  
230V 50 Hz  
~
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS  
T
10A  
8A  
4A  
T
4A  
4A  
2A  
100V  
120V  
230V  
EARTH LIFT  
900 Watts  
T
T
T
AVIS!: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DINCENDIE ET DE DECHARGES  
ELECTRIQUES N’EXPOSEZ AMAIS CET APPAREIL ’HUMIDITE OU LA PLUIE. CONNECTER CET APPAREIL LA TERRE.  
WARNING!: RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY! AVIS!: ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE!  
T
,
J
A
L
A
A
REFER TO MANUAL FOR FULL DETAILS. SE REFERER AU MANUEL POUR PLUS DE DETAILS.  
F
NEVER use an amplifier in damp or wet conditions. No objects filled with liquids should be placed on the apparatus. When  
cleaning, only use a dry cloth.  
G
H
ALWAYS unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.  
PROTECT the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and at the point where  
they exit from the apparatus.  
I
J
DO NOT switch the amplifier on without the loudspeaker connected.  
ENSURE that any extension cabinets used are of the correct impedance.  
Tu n e r  
EUROPE ONLY  
- NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC directive  
(Environments E1, E2 and E3 EN 55103-1/2) and Low Voltage directive in the E.U.  
EUROPE ONLY - NOTE: The Peak Inrush current for the VBA400 is 204 amps.  
Effe c t s P ro c e s s o r  
Re c o rd in g o r P .A. Eq u ip m e n t  
VBC4 1 2  
VBC8 1 0  
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user’s  
authority to operate the equipment.  
VBA4 0 0 Fro n t P a n e l Fe a t u re s (p a g e 2 6 )  
NOTE: It is recommended that all audio cables used, with the exception of the speaker lead, to connect to the VBA400 are of a high  
quality screened type. These should not exceed 10 metres in length. Always use a non-screened Marshall approved speaker lead with  
the VBA400 Head and extension cabinets.  
1. Power Switch  
5. Bright  
WARNING: Do not obstruct ventilation grilles and always ensure free movement of air around the amplifier!  
Controls mains power to the amplifier,  
activating the valve heaters and other auxiliary  
circuits including the fan. This should be  
switched on before the standby switch.  
The Bright switch adds high frequency presence,  
giving top end brilliance, crispness and bite to  
your sound.  
USA ONLY - DO NOT defeat the purpose of the polarised or grounding type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one  
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is  
provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the  
obsolete outlet.  
6. Treble  
Follow all instructions and heed all warnings - KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS !  
2. Standby Switch  
Controls the high frequencies of the bass guitar  
tone, making your sound brighter when  
increased.  
Controls the H.T. (high tension) supply to the  
valves to allow them to attain the correct  
working temperature before playing. To prolong  
the life of the valves it is always advisable to  
switch on the Mains Power Switch (item 1)  
about 2 minutes before switching on the Standby  
(item 2).  
Constant exposure to the high sound pressure levels of which this amplification system is capable could  
result in permanent damage to your hearing.  
Although individuals will vary in their susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss, almost everyone will  
have their hearing impaired if exposed to intense sound levels for a sufficient length of time.  
To prevent the occurance of permanent hearing loss, it is advisable to wear ear plugs or protectors if you  
are going to be exposed to high noise levels for prolonged periods.  
7. Middle  
Dictates the middle register of the amplifier.  
Turning this up will make your bass sound  
fatter. Conversely reducing the amount of  
middle in your tone will result in a sharper  
sound.  
This procedure allows the valves to heat up fully  
before use. On switching off, the Standby  
should always be switched before the Power  
Switch.  
In t ro d u c t io n  
8. Contour  
VBA stands for Valve Bass Am plifier and who better to m ake a bass am p powered by valve  
technology than Marshall Am plification? Over 36 years of designing and m anufacturing world  
renowned high quality valve am ps has given us priceless knowledge, experience and insight in  
the world of valve tone.  
3 position control adjusting the overall tonal  
voicing of the amplifier. Position 1 tailors the  
response of the amplifier for smooth low end,  
restrained lower mids, and mild high end lift, to  
give the classic vintage valve bass tone. In  
position 2 the lower mid is made more  
prominent whilst simultaneously the upper mids  
are subtly scooped to give a more aggressive,  
growling quality to the amplifier’s tone.  
The standby facility is particularly useful live,  
between sets, as it allows you to reduce the  
amount of heat generated by the amplifier but  
keep the valves operating, which is conducive to  
longevity of valve life. Valve life can be further  
increased by always ensuring that the amplifier  
is allowed to cool down completely after use and  
before transportation.  
The VBA400 gives you 400 Watts of Marshall valve power courtesy of 12 valves; 8 6550 power  
valves, 3 ECC83 classic Marshall pre-am p valves and 1 ECC82 valve.  
In addition to great tone, the VBA400 com bines a num ber of other exciting and useful features.  
Situated on the rear panel of the am p is a Tuner Output which allows you to keep a tuner in line  
at all tim es (the bass is still plugged into the input on the front panel). Should you want to tune  
up during a live situation in silence, sim ply press the Tuner Mute facility button and both the  
sound to your speakers and to the DI will be cut off.  
Position 3 introduces a gentle overall mid boost  
for an immediate, cutting, ‘in your face’ tone.  
3. Master Volum e  
Governs the overall volume of the VBA400.  
9. Bass  
All valve am ps need to be connected to a speaker before use and failure to do so will result in  
serious dam age to the am p. To ensure that you do not dam age your VBA400 by inadvertently  
forgetting to plug your am p into a speaker, we have designed the unit so that power cannot be  
applied internally unless it is connected to a speaker.  
4. Deep  
Controls the amount of low frequencies or  
bottom end in your tone.  
The Deep Switch adds a tuned or resonant bass  
boost to your sound, increasing bottom end thud,  
without making your tone woolly around the  
bottom end.  
The VBA400 also features an instant overall tonal re-shaper in the form of a Contour control  
which has three pre-sets to allow you to dial in three different characters in an instant.  
 
2
3
may give you the sound that you are trying to  
capture.  
To ensure optimum cooling of the amplifier in  
all operating environments, the fan has two  
operating speeds, low and high. Low should be  
selected for normal operating situations.  
However, if this amplifier is going to be used in  
close proximity to other units generating  
appreciable amounts of heat, or if the ambient  
air temperature is high, the higher fan speed  
should be selected. The VBA400 features over  
temperature protection which will shut the unit  
down should internal temperatures become  
excessive, due for example to obstructed front or  
rear air vents. This protection is self-resetting  
after a period of approximately thirty minutes.  
10. Gain  
5. D.I. output  
The VBA400 is an all valve bass head and as  
The VBA400 features a low impedance,  
balanced XLR D.I. Output for connection to  
professional recording or P.A. equipment.  
such is ideally suited to creating thick musically  
overdriven tones or warm clean tones. If you  
require a clean bass sound turn this control up  
until your bass just starts to distort and then back  
it off slightly. If on the other hand you would  
like a distorted sound, simply turn up the Gain  
control until the required amount of distortion is  
achieved. Another tip, for those of you who  
have got active basses who want a distorted  
tone, is to try plugging your bass into the Passive  
Input. This will cause no harm and may provide  
the sound you are looking for.  
If you are using a Tuner in-line via item 1 on the  
rear panel, you should still use one of these  
inputs to connect your bass.  
See Item 15 on front panel for more details.  
13. Passive  
6. Im pedance Selector  
This input is designed to take the signal from a  
passive bass. If your bass guitar is passive plug  
it in here. We recommend that you always use a  
high quality screened cable for this to help  
prevent noise, interference and unwanted  
feedback.  
It is imperative that the output impedance  
selector on this amplifier matches the impedance  
of the speaker(s) that it is driving.  
The VBA400 delivers 400 Watts R.M.S. into 2  
or 4 Ohms. Both the VBC810 and VBC412  
cabinets are 4 Ohm cabinets. Therefore if you  
are using one cabinet ensure that the impedance  
selector is set to 4 Ohms, and if you are using 2  
cabinets ensure that the impedance selector is set  
to 2 Ohms.  
14. Active  
10. H.T. Fuse  
Tuner Mute  
This input is designed to take the signal from an  
active bass. If your bass guitar is active plug it  
in here. Again we recommend that you always  
use a high quality screened cable to help prevent  
noise, interference and unwanted feedback.  
Always ensure that the correct value fuse is  
fitted - see rear panel for details.  
The VBA400 features a Tuner Mute facility. On  
the rear panel there is a tuner output, item 1,  
which allows you to keep a tuner connected  
permanently in-line. By pressing the Tuner  
Mute On/Off button, item 12 on the front panel,  
you will cut the sound to the speakers and to the  
DI output allowing you to tune up in silence.  
If this fuse fails repeatedly, you should refer the  
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent.  
Failure to do this can result in serious damage to  
the amplifier.  
11. L.T. Fuse  
15. D.I. pre-post selector  
7. & 8. Loudspeaker Outputs  
Always ensure that the correct value fuse is  
fitted - see rear panel for details.  
The VBA 400 features a D.I. Output, item 5 on  
the rear panel, designed for connection to  
professional recording or P.A. equipment.  
For connection to VBC810 and or VBC412  
cabinets. See above for impedance details.  
11. LED  
If this fuse fails repeatedly, you must refer the  
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent.  
Indicates when the Tuner Mute facility is in use.  
Always use short, high quality, heavy duty  
speaker leads to connect this amplifier to the  
loudspeaker cabinets. Two speaker leads are  
supplied with the amplifier for this purpose.  
Do not use screened, guitar type, leads.  
By selecting ‘Pre’, the signal for the DI will be  
taken from a point in the signal path before the  
front panel controls and will only be affected by  
the Tuner Mute, Item 12. This means that you  
will have no other influence over your sound  
being sent to the external recording or P.A.  
equipment connected to the D.I. output socket.  
By selecting ‘Post’, the signal for the DI will be  
taken after the Gain and Equalisation controls  
(but before the master volume control), giving  
you tonal and level control over the signal being  
sent to the external equipment.  
12. On/Off  
12. Mains Input  
Allows you to switch the Tuner Mute facility on  
and off.  
Connects the amplifier to the mains power  
supply.  
Inputs  
9. Fan Speed - Low & High  
The VBA400 is able to operate on 100, 115 or  
230 Volts A.C. (50-60 cycles) by appropriate  
selection of internal voltage setting links and  
fuse types. Should you require to operate your  
VBA400 at a different mains voltage to that  
which the unit was originally intended, refer the  
amplifier to a qualified Marshall service agent,  
who will make the required adjustments.  
Though the Passive and Active inputs were  
designed around the signal from an active bass  
and a passive bass guitar respectively, you  
should experiment to see which input best suits  
your style. Don’t worry, connecting your bass to  
the wrong input will not harm your VBA400 but  
The VBA400 features 12 valves in total, 8 of  
which are power valves. Normal air convection  
would not be sufficient to keep such an amplifier  
cool, and the VBA400 therefore features a fan  
which sucks cool air through the front vent and  
pushes the resulting warm air out through the  
rear vent.  
VBA4 0 0 Re a r P a n e l Fe a t u re s (p a g e 2 6 )  
Va lve Re p la c e m e n t  
1. Tuner Output  
3. Return  
The valves fitted at the Marshall factory have been extensively tested and selected to ensure close  
matching of electrical characteristics, which, in conjunction with the amplifier’s internal bias and balance  
controls (which are not user adjustable) should ensure long and reliable operating life.  
The Tuner Output allows you to keep a tuner in-  
line at all times. See Tuner Mute in the Front  
panel Functions section for a full overview of  
this facility.  
For connection to the output of an external  
effects processor.  
4. D.I. Norm al / Earth Lift  
As with any valve amplifier, the valves (particularly the output valves) do not have an infinite life and will  
require replacement at some point. The life expectancy of a set of valves depends on many factors including  
how frequently the amplifier is used, the quality of the valves fitted and proper use of the mains and standby  
switches when powering the amplifier up and down.  
Linking one piece of earthed electrical  
equipment to another earthed piece of electrical  
equipment can result in an audible hum, due to  
the formation of an earth loop. In the past  
people would get round this problem by  
removing the earth of one of the appliances,  
which is of course extremely dangerous. The  
VBA400 features an Earth Lift which allows  
you to safely ‘lift’ the D.I. signal earth on the  
amp, should you be experiencing earth loop hum  
problems.  
Effects Loop  
The VBA400 features a series effects loop for  
optimum connection of external effects. As this  
is a series loop, all of the pre-amp signal is  
passed through the loop when in operation and  
the blend between ‘dry’ and ‘effects’ is  
determined solely by the setting of the ‘mix’  
facility on your chosen effects processor.  
Signs that the valves are nearing the end of their useful operating life include loss of perceived output  
power, increase in valve microphony (detectable as a background ‘ringing’ type noise) and deterioration in  
tone. When the time comes to fit new valves it is strongly recommended that only Marshall replacement  
valves, tested to the same specification as the originals, be used, and that these are installed by an approved  
Marshall service agent who has access to the measuring equipment required to set the internal bias and  
balance controls to optimally suit the new valves being fitted.  
2. Send  
For connection to the input of an external effects  
processor.  
 
4
5
VBA400 Front Panel  
OUTPUT CONTROL  
EQUALISATION  
INPUT  
D.I.  
2
1
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
3
VBA400  
VALVE BASS AMPLIFIER  
DEEP BRIGHT  
PRE  
POST  
MUTED ON/OFF  
ON  
0
10  
0
10  
0
10  
0
10  
BASS  
0
10  
GAIN  
TUNER  
MUTE  
CONTOUR  
SELECT  
POWER  
STANDBY  
MASTER VOLUME  
TREBLE  
MIDDLE  
PASSIVE  
ACTIVE  
12  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
13  
14  
15  
7
8
10 11  
12  
VBA400 Rear Panel  
CAUTION!: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSES  
WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING ONLY. DISCONNECT  
SUPPLY CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE. TO REDUCE THE  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE  
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.  
DO NOT OBSTRUCT FAN EXIT  
TUNER  
OUTPUT  
EFFECTS LOOP  
D.I. OUTPUT  
!
2 Ohm 4 Ohm  
LOW HIGH  
MAINS INPUT  
ATTENTION!: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DINCENDIE UTILISER UN  
FUSIBLE DE MEME TYPE ET DE MEME CALIBRE. DEBRANCHER AVANT DE  
REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE DECHARGES  
ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS OUVRIR LE COUVERCLE. CET APPAREIL NE COMPORTE  
AUCUNE PIECE SUSCEPTIBLE D’ETRE REPAREE PAR VOS SOINS. FAITES  
TOUJ OURS APPEL A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR TOUTE REPARATION.  
Made in England by:  
Marshall Amplification plc,  
Bletchley, Milton Keynes,  
England.  
400 Watts RMS  
Into 2/4 Ohms  
IMPEDANCE  
SELECTOR  
FAN  
SPEED  
H.T.  
FUSE  
T10A  
T8A  
T4A  
L.T.  
FUSE  
T4A  
T4A  
T2A  
SEND  
RETURN  
WARNING!: SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC  
NORMAL  
EARTH LIFT  
230V ~ 50 Hz  
900 Watts  
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS  
100V  
120V  
230V  
AVIS!: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DINCENDIE ET DE DECHARGES  
LA PLUIE. CONNECTER CET APPAREIL A LA TERRE.  
WARNING!: RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY! AVIS!: ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE!  
ELECTRIQUES, NEXPOSEZ J AMAIS CET APPAREIL A LHUMIDITE OU  
A
REFER TO MANUAL FOR FULL DETAILS. SE REFERER AU MANUEL POUR PLUS DE DETAILS.  
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2
3
4
5
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2 7  

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