SWR Sound PB-200 - Manual

PB-200
Please Note: The PB-200 is no longer in production (it was discontinued in 1987). The text below is provided for the
convenience of SWR users who purchased this model on the used market.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTION
The PB-200 was designed from the ground up specifically for amplifying all bass instruments. Its features, sound,
packaging and performance specifications are the result of a four year accumulation of input from bass musicians, sound
engineers, and studio engineers. Over this period of time three other designs were developed before the final design of the
PB-200.
Housed in an all aluminum chassis for lightweight and lasting beauty is an extremely low noise tube preamp section and a
solid state power amplifier utilizing all discreet components. The power amp delivers 200 watts into 4 ohms, and 110 watts
into 8 ohms.
Standard features include two input jacks, gain and master volume controls, integral limiter, bass and treble controls, 4
band/3 octave variable graphic equalizer, two effects loops, balanced direct or-line out and adjustable electronic crossover
for bi-amping.
Tlxe PB--200 is rack mountable taking up two rack spaces X3 1/2 inches) by 8 3/4 inches deep (measured from the front
panel back). The PB-200 weighs only 13 pounds with a 16 pound shipping weight. It is easily carried by one of two handles
secured to the front panel.
The tube employed in the preamplifier is a specially selected 7025 (or 12AX7) and should not need replacing for one to
three years depending on usage and care of your unit.
We truly hope you enjoy your amplifier and find it all you have ever wanted in a bass amplifier and more. If you ever have
any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to call or write us at the factory.
FRONT PANEL FEATURES
HIGH AND LOW GAIN INPUT JACKS
Both inputs accept a standard 1/4" phone plug and both inputs can be used at the same time. Since the two inputs are
totally independent, no loss in volume or tone will occur if two instruments are used simultaneously. Keep in mind,
however, that the Hi Gain input has five times more gain than the Low Gain input.
GAIN CONTROL AND PRE-AMP CLIP LED
The Gain Control adjusts the volume of the preamp section. After the tone controls, Variable Graphic Equalizer and Limiter
is set to your liking, the Gain Control should be adjusted to where the Preamp Clip LED barely flashes upon striking your
loudest note. Now adjust the Master Volume to the desired volume level. Utilizing these controls in this manner assures the
user of maximum signal to noise ratio with no distortion caused by the preamp circuits "clipping."
The Pre-Amp Clip LED will light if any portion of the preamplifier reaches clipping or runs out of headroom. This can be
caused-by the Gain Control being set to high or any tone or equalizer control set in'a high boost position. To correct this
condition, turn down one of the previously mentioned controls.
NOTE: The Pre-Amp Clip LED indicates that at some point the preamplifier is clipping. No harm is being done to your
amplifier and if desirable,, can be played under these conditions.
LIMITER
The Threshold Control sets the level at which limiting begins to take effect. At that point the LED will light.
Maximum'limiting will occur with the Threshold Control set in the Maximum position. The Limiter is completely out of the
circuit with the Threshold Control set in the Minumum position. Loss in volume caused by extreme limiting can be
overcome by increasing the Master Volume control.
NOTE: If the Threshold is set at maximum and still no limiting effect occurs, the Gain Control is set to low and should be
increased to a desired level.
AURAL ENHANCER
The Aural Enhancer was developed to help bring out the fundamental notes of the bass guitar and give a resulting
frequency response similar to that used for recording the bass in the studio. This effect becomes more radical as the
control is turned to maximum. The result is a more "transparent" sound and is especially noticeable with a slap style
technique of playing.
BASS CONTROL
The Bass Control is a shelving type tone control that cuts or boosts the lower of bass frequencies from mid-position.
Starting at mid-position, turning the control counter clockwise cuts the bass response and turning the control clockwise
boosts the bass response.
VARIABLE GRAPHIC EQUALIZER