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1. Power Switch
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.
2. Standby Switch
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).
This procedure allows the valves to heat up fully
before use. On switching off, the Standby
should always be switched before the Power
Switch.
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.
3. Master Volume
Governs the overall volume of the VBA400.
4. Deep
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.
5. Bright
The Bright switch adds high frequency presence,
giving top end brilliance, crispness and bite to
your sound.
6. Treble
Controls the high frequencies of the bass guitar
tone, making your sound brighter when
increased.
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.
8. Contour
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.
Position 3 introduces a gentle overall mid boost
for an immediate, cutting, ‘in your face’ tone.
9. Bass
Controls the amount of low frequencies or
bottom end in your tone.
Introduction
VBA stands for Valve Bass Amplifier and who better to make a bass amp powered by valve
technology than Marshall Amplification? Over 36 years of designing and manufacturing world
renowned high quality valve amps has given us priceless knowledge, experience and insight in
the world of valve tone.
The VBA400 gives you 400 Watts of Marshall valve power courtesy of 12 valves; 8 6550 power
valves, 3 ECC83 classic Marshall pre-amp valves and 1 ECC82 valve.
In addition to great tone, the VBA400 combines a number of other exciting and useful features.
Situated on the rear panel of the amp is a Tuner Output which allows you to keep a tuner in line
at all times (the bass is still plugged into the input on the front panel). Should you want to tune
up during a live situation in silence, simply press the Tuner Mute facility button and both the
sound to your speakers and to the DI will be cut off.
All valve amps need to be connected to a speaker before use and failure to do so will result in
serious damage to the amp. To ensure that you do not damage your VBA400 by inadvertently
forgetting to plug your amp into a speaker, we have designed the unit so that power cannot be
applied internally unless it is connected to a speaker.
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.
VBA400 Front Panel Features (page 26)
To fully compliment the VBA400 we have produced two specially designed cabinets, the
8x10” VBC810 and the 4x12” VBC412 which combine cool looks with classic Marshall tone.
In order to get the most from your VBA400 please read this handbook carefully before
plugging in.
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.
ATTENTION!: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE 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
TOUJOURS APPEL A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR TOUTE REPARATION.
WARNING!: SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
AVIS!: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE ET DE DECHARGES
ELECTRIQUES, N’EXPOSEZ JAMAIS CET APPAREIL A L’HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE. CONNECTER CET APPAREIL A LA TERRE.
Made in England by:
Marshall Amplification plc,
Bletchley,Milton Keynes,
England.
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS
WARNING!: RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY! AVIS!: ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE!
REFER TO MANUALFOR FULL DETAILS. SE REFERER AU MANUEL POUR PLUSDE DETAILS.
MAINS INPUT
400 Watts RMS
Into 2/4 Ohms
H.T.
FUSE
FAN
SPEED
L.T.
FUSE
TUNER
OUTPUT
EFFECTS LOOP D.I. OUTPUT
IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
SEND RETURN
NORMAL
EARTH LIFT
2 Ohm 4 Ohm LOW HIGH
!
T10A T4A 100V
T8A T4A 120V
T4A T2A 230V
DO NOT OBSTRUCT FAN EXIT
230V ~ 50 Hz
900 Watts
Effects Processor
Tuner
VBA400
Recording or P.A. Equipment VBC412 VBC810
VBA400 Set-up guide
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.
WARNING! - Important safety instructions
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed!
A PLEASE read this instruction manual carefully before switching on.
B ALWAYS use the supplied mains lead, if a replacement is required please contact your authorised Marshall Dealer.
C NEVER attempt to by-pass the fuses or fit ones of the incorrect value.
D DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis, there are no user serviceable parts.
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.
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 ALWAYS unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
H 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 DO NOT switch the amplifier on without the loudspeaker connected.
JENSURE that any extension cabinets used are of the correct impedance.
➲ 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.
➲ CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
➲ 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.
➲ WARNING: Do not obstruct ventilation grilles and always ensure free movement of air around the amplifier!
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.
Follow all instructions and heed all warnings - KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS !
!