Genz Benz ShuttleMax 12.2 Manual
Genz Benz ShuttleMax 12.2 Manual
Genz Benz ShuttleMax 12.2 Manual
MAX 12.2 bass amplifer has been designed with our unique ultra light
unifed design process, yielding a 1200 watt (2 x 600 watt) professional high powered tour-class bass guitar amplifer
weighing only 6.75 lbs! The SHUTTLE
MAX amplifers
which now incorporates our new 3-Dimensional Power Management circuitry. Our proprietary 3DPM technology
insures greater and more solid sounding output while retaining the feel and playability of a more traditional tube
based power amplifer. When driving the power amp hard, the player can feel increased heft and girth of the
individual notes, while maintaining dynamics and articulation. The result is an amplifer that achieves a more 3
dimensional tone and feel, like a tube amplifer power section, without the anemic fatness other amplifer designs
can exhibit. This compact design blends the best of analog and digital platforms to produce the ultimate in warmth,
punch and power.
The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 is equipped with a unbalanced instrument input; input stage clip detector; mute
switch with LED indicator; FET and 12AX7 tube preamps each with high/low gain stage settings and 4 band active
equalization with 2 sweepable midrange bands; 3 switched SIGNAL SHAPE flters with level adjustments; master
volume; proprietary 3DPM technology; tuner out; aux input; 3 effects loops; balanced direct output with ground lift,
pre or post EQ, and mic/line switches; headphone output; 2 Neutrik NL-4 Speakon speaker jacks; and a 5-button
footswitch.
The power amp design is a powerful, light weight Class D design and is supported by a state-of-the-art high
frequency Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS), which does away with the weight of a traditional power transformer.
The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 uses two 600 watt amplifer modules, both driving full output power into 4 ohms speaker
loads1200 watts total output. The power supply is usable from 100-240 volts, lending itself well to international
touring players.
1
FRONT PANEL
INPUT The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 is equipped with a standard unbalanced input. The input sensitivity range is from
40 mV to over 1.6 volts. The input impedance is >500K ohms. The input stage contains a precision high order active
high pass flter (more effective and less intrusive than the more common 6 dB flters) and an RFI flter (radio frequency
interference) to eliminate unwanted noise. The input gain stages consist of a feedback type variable gain circuit that
provides wide range, continuously variable gain with minimal noise. The preamp contains an FET input amp circuit based
on our highly regarded GBE series touring amplifers.
INPUT SIGNAL MUTE SWITCH With this MUTE switch, you can place the amplifer (and Direct Output) in standby
mode between sets without having to change any of your amp settings. This feature can also be used for silent tuning
since the TUNER OUT stays active when the MUTE is engaged. A red LED indicates when the MUTE is active. This
function is not operable from the included 5-button footswitch, however, a rear panel jack is provided so that a standard
single button footswitch can be used to remotely engage this function. The switch on the amplifers faceplate must be in
the out position for the footswitch to work properly.
FET/TUBE CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH This switch is provided to select either the FET channel or the TUBE
channel. This function can be remotely engaged via the 5-button footswitch. The front panel switch must be in the out
position for the footswitch to engage the function.
CHANNEL MIX SELECTOR SWITCH When engaged this switch combines the signal of the FET and TUBE channels
together. This function can also be remotely engaged via the 5-button footswitch. The front panel switch must be in the
out position for the footswitch to engage the function.
FET CHANNEL
GAIN SWITCH (LOW/HIGH) This switch sets the gain sensitivity for the FET channel. It works somewhat like an
Active/Passive switch. The amber LED indicates that the HIGH setting is selected. The difference between the LOW and
HIGH gain positions is approx. 10dB. Since there is a GAIN Switch provided for each channel this allows the player to set
different gain structures for the FET or TUBE channels. For the cleanest possible signal, we recommend that the LOW
setting be used for basses with hotter output or active pickups (generally most basses using one or two 9 volt batteries to
power their on-board preamp or those with an output sensitivity over 1 Volt) and the HIGH gain setting be used for basses
with lower output or passive pickups.
PREAMP GAIN CONTROL This control sets the gain level of the preamp to the output of your bass. If the red
OVERLOAD (O/L) LED fashes when setting up your input levels, reduce the preamp GAIN control to eliminate any input
preamp overload. You may want to check the setting of the GAIN switch as well. This GAIN control, in conjunction with
the preamp VOLUME control allows you to set the signal level to the EQ section. The MASTER VOLUME then controls
the total output level of the power amp.
O/L LED In the FET channel this LED senses the condition of the input signal after the GAIN control and also senses
and warns of possible clipping in the EQ network. The O/L sensing circuit is very dependent upon the output of the bass
instrument pickups, the GAIN and VOLUME level settings of the FET channel and the amount of EQ used i.e. the more
radical the EQ boost and volume level of the preamp VOLUME control, the more possibility of an overload condition.
If overloading of the FET channel is occurring, adjusting the preamp GAIN and/or preamp VOLUME down will reduce or
eliminate the overload condition and adjusting the MASTER VOLUME up will return the overall loudness.
NOTE: It is OK for this LED to fash occasionally with your hardest notes played and it may fash even if the TUBE
channel has been selected for use. This is normal and is due to the mixing topology for the 2 channels.
2
PREAMP VOLUME CONTROL This control sets the volume of the preamp after the input and FET channel gain
stages and before the EQ controls. Use this control in conjunction with the GAIN control and the MASTER VOLUME
control for your overall output level.
TUBE CHANNEL
GAIN SWITCH (LOW/HIGH) This switch sets the gain sensitivity for the TUBE channel. It works both like an Active/
Passive switch and like a gain boost switch. The amber LED indicates that the HIGH setting is selected. The difference
between the LOW and HIGH gain positions is approx. 10dB. Since there is a GAIN switch provided for each channel this
allows the player to set different gain structures for the FET or TUBE channels.
If warm, clean tube tone is desired, we recommend that the LOW setting be used for basses with hotter output or active
pickups (generally most basses using one or two 9 volt batteries to power their on-board preamp or those with an output
sensitivity over 1 Volt) and the HIGH gain setting be used for basses with lower output or passive pickups.
If tube compression, growl, or all-out distortion is desired then the HIGH gain setting may be used regardless of the
pickup sensitivity. The hotter the pickup output, the more tube distortion can be achieved.
PREAMP GAIN CONTROL This control sets the input sensitivity gain of the 12AX7 tube preamp after the GAIN switch.
The design of the TUBE GAIN control allows you to set your tone from rich, clean tube tone, to mild tube compression, to
warm tube growl, to all-out aggressive tube overdrive. The volume of the signal is then controlled by the TUBE preamp
VOLUME control and also the MASTER VOLUME control. The higher the GAIN settings are, the lower the channel
VOLUME will need to be set, so as not to overload the EQ network.
NOTE: It is generally recommended when using heavily distorted tones with a tweeter loaded cabinet, that you reduce
the high frequency settings on the amp or cut the tweeter level control of the cabinet.
O/L LED In the TUBE channel, this LED senses the condition of the input signal after the GAIN control and also
senses and warns of possible clipping in the EQ network. The O/L circuit does not sense distortion or overdrive in the
tube. Your ears are the best judge of that for your desired tone. The O/L sensing circuit is very dependent upon the
output of the bass instrument pickups, the GAIN and VOLUME settings of the TUBE channel and the amount of EQ used
i.e. the more radical the EQ boost and volume level of the preamp VOLUME control, the more possibility of an overload
condition.
If overloading of the TUBE channel is occurring, adjusting the preamp VOLUME and/or preamp GAIN controls down
will reduce or eliminate the overload condition and adjusting the MASTER VOLUME control up will return the overall
loudness.
NOTE: It is OK for this LED to fash occasionally with your hardest notes played and it may fash even if the FET
channel has been selected for use. This is normal and is due to the mixing topology for the 2 channels.
PREAMP VOLUME CONTROL This control sets the volume of the preamp after the input and TUBE channel gain
stages and before the EQ controls. Use this control in conjunction with the GAIN control and the MASTER VOLUME
control for your overall output level.
ACTIVE EQUALIZATION (both channels) The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 is equipped with 3 SIGNAL SHAPE circuits, each with a level control to
adjust the amount of level the tone shaping circuit produces. LED indicators are provided to visually show when each
flter is engaged. Each flter Q (bandwidth) is optimized for its particular function and is different for each flter. These
functions are also footswitchable from the 5-button footswitch. The switches on the amplifers faceplate must be in the
out position for the footswitch to work properly.
L.F. BOOST This flter adds low frequency peaking gain in the 35-65 HZ band range. This is especially effective when
used with a 5 string bass. The level control has a range of 0 to +7dB. This flter is unique in that it provides compound,
asymmetrical slopes critical to achieving well-controlled low frequency extension.
MID SCOOP -- Engaging this switch generates a midrange frequency cut centered at 600 Hz. The level control adjusts
the amount of cut from 0db to 15dB.
H.F. ATTACK This flter adds high frequency peaking gain in the 2.5K 16 KHz range. The level control has a range of
0 to +7dB.
MASTER VOLUME The MASTER VOLUME control adjusts the overall volume of the amplifer and the effects return.
Typically, best results are obtained when this control is operated between the 9:00 and 3:00 positions.
MASTER SECTION STATUS INDICATORS -
The POWER light indicates that the amplifer is ON and the low voltage power supplies are active.
The red PROTECT LED indicates that the amp is in PROTECT mode. This LED may fash during power turn-on
and turn-off. This is normal. It will also illuminate during any internal fault condition. If this happens, turn the amp
off and consult a repair technician.
The blue SIGNAL LED indicates that the power amplifer has received signal (over several watts output) and is
performing properly.
The amber PEAK LED indicates that the power amp has reached maximum power. Under high output conditions it
is normal that this LED will light with the strongest pulses of the signal. Driving hard beyond this point will cause
the amplifer to gradually begin audible distortion.
NOTE: The PROTECT circuit senses both AMP A and AMP B power amp modules. It is possible that if one module goes
into the PROTECT mode, the remaining power amp module will perform properly.
In an emergency situation, if the PROTECT circuit engages during use, it is possible to unplug the failed power amp
speaker cable at the amplifer connection and continue on with the remaining power amp module to complete the
performance. Additionally, this amplifer utilizes redundant backup preamp power supplies, so that in the unlikely event of
a power amp module failure, the backup power supply will automatically take over and supply the preamp insuring that the
remaining module and direct output signal continues to function normally.
3DPM --- 3 DIMENSIONAL POWER MANAGEMENT --- Our proprietary 3DPM technology insures greater and
more solid sounding output while retaining the feel and playability of a more traditional tube based power amplifer. When
driving the power amp hard the player can feel increased heft and girth of the individual notes, while maintaining dynamics
and articulation. The result is an amplifer that achieves a more 3 dimensional tone and feel, like a tube amplifer power
section, without the anemic fatness other amplifer designs can exhibit.
4
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SETTING YOUR INPUT SIGNAL There are a wide variety of variables that can impact
your signal and tone in the design of all amplifers. Below are some basic guidelines to consider when beginning to set
your tone on the SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2.
Begin a basic set up for the FET and TUBE channels with all EQ settings set at the 12 oclock position.
If you are using an Active bass, begin with the channel GAIN switches in the LOW positions. For a Passive bass
begin with these set in the HIGH position.
Set the GAIN control for each channel to approx. 10-12 oclock positions. Now, bring up the preamp VOLUME
control to approx. the same position ---10-12 oclock.
At this time you may want to set the MASTER VOLUME to the 9 oclock position.
From this point you can set your EQ settings to your desired taste.
If the O/L light on either channel is blinking, you should back down either your preamp GAIN control or preamp
VOLUME control so that it blinks with only the very hardest notes played --- or not at all.
If you set radical EQ settings this may impact the level of your signal causing the O/L light to engage more. If so,
then reduce your preamp VOLUME control a little more.
In the TUBE channel the O/L light will not sense tube overdrive so you will be able to get varying amounts of tube
compression or distortion without the O/L light coming on. If you do see the O/L light blinking on the TUBE channel
then you will want to reduce your preamp VOLUME control.
As you fne-tune your settings and levels and get your tone ready for a performance level of output, it is suggested
you try to keep your preamp VOLUME levels and your MASTER VOLUME levels operating in approximately the
same range, generally between 9 - 3 oclock. This is not a hard-fast rule, but it is a good starting place.
NOTE: In the TUBE channel if you are using an aggressive tube distortion your preamp GAIN may be set very high and
your preamp VOLUME set very low to keep the O/L LED from lighting. In this case the MASTER VOLUME will primarily
be used to set your fnal output level. For heavy distortion, you may want to use the HIGH GAIN switch with a hot Active
bass.
It is generally recommended when using heavily distorted tones with a tweeter loaded cabinet, that you reduce the high
frequency settings on the amp or cut the tweeter level control of the cabinet.
REAR PANEL
DIRECT OUTPUT An XLR balanced DIRECT OUTPUT is provided for connection to a PA system or directly into a
recording studio console or A/D converter. The DIRECT OUTPUT signal may be switched between MIC and LINE
level, PRE and POST EQ, and the audio signal ground may be connected or lifted from pin 1 with the GND LIFT switch
to eliminate hum due to ground loops. The DIRECT OUTPUT is fully protected against 48 volt phantom power and
may be used for driving microphone lines of up to 300 feet without problems.
AUX INPUT A 1/4 unbalanced line level AUXILIARY INPUT is provided. It sums directly to the main output bus, and
is controlled by the MASTER VOLUME control. This input is ideal for practicing with recorded tracks from a CD player,
iPOD, or MP-3 player. This input is a tip-ring-sleeve type jack with built-in summing resistors that sum left and right
signals when used with a stereo cable. This input will also work with a mono tip-sleeve plug. Adjust the level of the
playback source to balance with the bass guitars volume.
TUNER OUTPUT The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 is equipped with a fully isolated TUNER OUTPUT. This jack is located
after the front end scaling preamplifer but pre-SIGNAL SHAPE circuits and pre-EQ. This output may also be used
to drive a separate direct box or high-impedance recording device. The TUNER OUTPUT remains active when the
amplifer is muted with the front panel MUTE switch, allowing silent tuning on stage.
5
EFFECTS LOOPS The serial EFFECTS LOOP jacks are provided to allow access to the signal for the purpose of
inserting signal processing equipment such as compressors, chorus, delay, and reverb processors. Individual pre-EQ
loops are provided for the TUBE channel and the FET channel. An additional MASTER post EQ loop is provided for the
summed (TUBE + FET) signal. This loop may also be used as a PREAMP OUTPUT or POWER AMP INPUT patch point.
SEND (output) and RETURN (input) are nominal +4 dB level.
Series devices (such as compressors and gates) require that the signal fow out from the SEND jack on the amplifer,
through the processing device, and back into the RETURN jack on the amplifer. Parallel or mixed signal devices (such
as chorus, delay and reverb processors) require that the signal fow out of the SEND jack on the amplifer, and into the
processing device where it is split into a dry (unaltered) signal and a wet (processed) signal. On the processing unit, you
will use the mixed signal output to return the signals (both wet and dry) to the RETURN jack on the amplifer. The ratio
between the wet signal and the dry signal is heard as the amount of effects added back to the original signal, which is
controlled by the mix knob (also called balance) on the effects processor. This may be a real knob (as in the Alesis
Microverb) or software controlled (as in the Yamaha SPX-90, SPX900 or SPX 990). Set the input sensitivity on the effects
processor according to the manufacturers instructions.
The front panel MUTE switch will also mute all of the SEND outputs when engaged.
6
HEADPHONE OUT A 1/4 TRS jack is provided for connection to headphones for silent practice use. A speaker load is
not required. Do not connect this output to anything but headphones.
POWER AMPLIFIER The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 uses 2 state-of-the-art, Class D power amplifers with high frequency
Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) to achieve unprecedented high performance and light weight packaging. Switch
Mode Power Supplies convert the AC line directly to high voltage DC. Then the precision PWM (pulse width modulation)
inverter creates a new AC power signal at a frequency more than 1000 times higher than the original wall frequency of
50/60Hz. This new high voltage, high frequency power signal is then fed into a custom high frequency transformer that
steps the voltage down. A high frequency rectifer and high ESR flter capacitors fnish the process off by converting
the high frequency AC signal back to the DC voltages that the amplifers internal circuitry uses. One advantage of this
conversion process is that the DC power supply rails are refreshed more than 1000 times more often than in traditional
linear supplies, thus reducing annoying hum in the audio signal. The high frequency switching is used to reduce the
size and weight of the magnetic and flter components while increasing the performance by recharging the power supply
rails more often. The Class D amplifer uses digital PWM techniques similar to those in more familiar digital to analog
converters to reduce the size and weight by a factor of 10 times that of a comparably rated conventional Class AB
amplifer. Essentially, a Class D amplifer converts the analog signal into a logic level PWM digital signal with an analog
to digital converter, level shifts this PWM signal up to a higher voltage and current and then reconstructs the analog signal
by passing it through what is essentially a power digital to analog converter. Additionally, we developed our proprietary
3DPM technology to give a distinctly analog feel and sound to the class D platform. This system provides exceptional
performance even for low frequency applications such as bass guitar.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS The SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 utilizes dual power amp modules (Amp A and Amp B) each with its
own Neutrik Speakon connector (wired 1+/1-). The minimum speaker load per power amp is 4 ohms. Do not ground
either the + or the - outputs.
The SHUTTLE
MAX12.2 dual power amp design offers a variety of available output power choices:
One 8 ohm load (either Amp A or Amp B driven) . . . . . . . 375 watts
One 4 ohm load (either Amp A or Amp B driven) . . . . . . . 600 watts
Two 8 ohm loads (Amp A and Amp B driven) . . . . . . . . . . 750 watts
One 4 ohm load (Amp A) and one 8 ohm load (Amp B) . . 975 watts
Two 4 ohm loads (Amp A and Amp B driven) . . . . . . . . . . 1200 watts
FOOT SWITCHES A DIN connector is provided for connecting the
included 5-button footswitch. Model# F/S-STL-MAX. This footswitch
controls CHANNEL switching and mixing along with all the global SIGNAL
SHAPE circuits. Additionally a footswitch jack is also provided for
switching the MUTE function separately. Any single button latching style
footswitch will operate this function.
NOTE: The switches on the amplifers faceplate must be in the out position
for the footswitch to work properly.
6 7
POWER INPUT VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCHES - The SHUTTLE
MAXS ULTRA LIGHT DESIGN utilizes the highest quality aircraft grade, computer
machined aluminum chassis. To clean the amplifer, nothing more than a damp cloth and a little bit of glass cleaner (like
Glass Plus) should be used.
RACK MOUNTING The SHUTTLE
MAX is designed
for optional rack mounting in a standard EIA style 19
equipment rack or tour-case. An optional rack mounting kit is
available from your dealer. Model# STL-MAX-RK.
GIG-BAG A custom padded carry bag with shoulder strap is available
as an optional accessory from your dealer. Model# STL-MAX-BAG. Do
not operate the amplifer inside the carry bag as the aluminum chassis
construction and cooling fan inlet vents are part of the amplifers cooling
mechanism.
Accessories:
8
Specifcations
SAFE OPERATING REQUIREMENTS:
Never set an amplifer on anything that will tip over or collapse under its weight.
Provide a minimum distance of 25.4 mm (1 inch) around all sides of the amplifer for suffcient ventilation. The ventilation
should not be impeded by covering the amplifers vent openings with items such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains,
etc.
No naked fame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 amplifer should be connected to a mains socket outlet (power receptacle) with a protective
earth (ground) connection at all times.
The amplifers mains plug (power plug) is considered the disconnect device, and the connection must remain accessible
at all times.
This amplifer is capable of producing sound pressure levels that may cause hearing loss.
There are no user serviceable parts and hazardous operating voltages are present inside this unit. Always consult a
qualifed repair facility for service.
WARNING!
The use and operation of this device constitutes an agreement of full release of any and all liability connected with its
use. Only persons familiar with the operation of high-powered professional audio equipment should attempt to operate
this device.
In addition, by use of this device, the user agrees to hold Genz Benz and its designers, sales agents and all other
affliates and related parties harmless in the event of any accident, injury, damage or loss resulting from such use.
The manufacturers sole responsibility is to provide a warranty on the specifed performance of the product under normal
operating conditions for a period of 3 years.
WARRANTY:
Genz Benz warrants the SHUTTLE
MAX 12.2 to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 3
years from the date of purchase, when purchased from an authorized Genz Benz dealer.
Preamp tubes are warranted for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear incurred from the normally designed use of the product.
This warranty is effective only if a copy of the original sales receipt is presented at the time of warranty service.
This limited warranty is completely transferable to any subsequent buyer as long as the original sales receipt is also
transferred to such subsequent buyer.
All warranty service must be performed by a Genz Benz authorized service center.
Before returning any unit for service, a returned merchandise authorization number (RMA#) must be obtained by calling
480-941-0705.
This warranty is valid in the US and Canada only. For all products sold outside the USA, warranty is handled through
our international distributor for each country. For more information visit our website: www.genzbenz.com.
STL-MAX 12.2
Rated Power: 600 Watts @ 4 ohms (x 2, yielding 1200 watts)
Dimensions: 3.5H X 13.5W X 13D
Weight: 6.75 LBS
9
Declaration of Conformity
(89/336 EEC-EMC Directive)
Manufacturers Name: Genz Benz, a division of KMC Musicorp
Manufacturers Address: 7811 East Pierce Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257, U.S.A.
Product Type: Audio Amplifer
Model Number: SHUTTLE