User’s Guide

for the

SVT450H
Bass Amplifier
 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Some Suggested Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover

CAUTION PRECAUCION ATTENTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
DO NOT OPEN NO ABRA NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS ELECTRICAS, NO PER- ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉ AFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT
THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC MITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POUR REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO. NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. PUEDO REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS. REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
• DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3”
(75CM) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
• DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
• CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
• ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND
FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS.
• PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
• UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
• OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMA-
NENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
• WARNING: THIS UNIT REQUIRES A SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRIC CODES HAVING THE LINE SUPPLY VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY
IDENTIFIED ON THE REAR OF THE UNIT. THE OUTLET MUST REMAIN ACCESSIBLE TO DISCONNECT THE UNIT IF A FAULT SHOULD ARISE WHILE IN USE. THIS UNIT SHOULD
BE UNPLUGGED WHEN NOT IN USE.
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS: "DANGEROUS VOLTAGE" "IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS: = “VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”
= “ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES.”

EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES: "DANGER HAUTE TENSION" "REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

An Introduction to your new Ampeg SVT450H 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 SVT450H. This versatile and powerful bass amplifier delivers up to 450
watts of unsurpassed musical power, and offers several outstanding features.
All of the features and controls of your SVT450H are covered in detail within the pages of this user’s guide. We
recommend that you read this guide and understand them before you use the amplifier.

Features
In the world of high performance bass amps, Ampeg amplifiers stand alone. In true Ampeg tradition, the
SVT450H 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.

• 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQ: Switchable at the front panel, you can use this as a “second channel” for
bass solos, or to shape your sound to your own exacting standards

• HEAVY-DUTY SPEAKER JACKS: Speakon® jacks for more reliable connections at higher output

• BALANCED LINE OUTPUT: XLR with independent level switch (20dB pad). Patch into house
consoles, mixing boards, or external power amplifiers

• EFFECTS LOOP: For increased intensity and quieter operation of external effects

• POWER AMP IN and PREAMP OUT: Allows direct access into the power amp and a signal tap
from the preamp section for even greater versatility

• CLASSIC SVT SOUND AND PERFORMANCE!

Speakon® is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG.

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 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

The Front Panel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1. 0dB (INPUT): The signal output from an 5. BASS: Use this control to adjust the low 9. LIMIT: The SVT450H uses an internal
instrument (active or passive) or a line level frequency level of the amplifier. This control Optocoupler Limiter to assist in keeping the
signal may be connected here by means of a provides 15dB of cut or 13dB of boost at amplifier’s output “clean” at extreme volume
shielded instrument cable. 40Hz. The low frequency output is flat at the levels. (All amplifiers may begin to clip their
center position. output signals as they approach maximum
2. PAD: This switch, when depressed, atten- output levels, resulting in potentially damag-
uates the input signal by 15dB. Attenuation 6. ULTRA MID: Use this control to adjust the ing distortion.) To engage the Limiter,
allows the Gain control (#4) to be used in a midrange frequency level of the amplifier. depress this switch. The adjacent LED illu-
more usable (higher) position. If clipping is This control provides 13dB of cut or 5dB of minates when the limiter circuit is activated,
indicated with the Gain control way down, boost at 400Hz. The midrange frequency indicating that the amplifier is nearing full
attenuation is needed. output is flat at the center position. Rotate output and the limiter is keeping peak signals
the control counter clockwise for a “con- from clipping the output.
3. PEAK: This LED illuminates when the sig- toured” sound (more distant, less midrange
nal level into the preamp (excluding the output) or clockwise for a sound which really 10. EQ ON: This switch, when depressed,
Graphic EQ) approaches clipping. Adjust the cuts through. activates the Graphic EQ. The adjacent LED
Gain control (#4) until a strong signal from illuminates when the EQ is active.
your instrument causes this LED to flicker. 7. TREBLE: Use this control to adjust the
high frequency level of the amplifier. This 11. GRAPHIC EQUALIZER: Use these slid-
NOTE: If the LED illuminates frequently with control provides 21dB of cut or 16dB of ers to control the amplitude of the frequen-
the Gain at a low setting, use the Pad (#2) to boost at 8kHz. The high frequency output is cies indicated below each control. The cen-
attenuate the signal and readjust the Gain. flat at the center position. ter position of each control is flat: sliding the
4. GAIN: Use this control to adjust the level control upward increases the output level of
8. MASTER: Use this control to adjust the that frequency; sliding the control downward
of the signal entering the preamp stage. overall output level of the amplifier. For the
Adjust this control until the Peak LED (#3) decreases it.
lowest possible noise level, adjust the Gain
flashes on strong signal peaks (but is not illu- control as described in #4 and use this con- 12. ON: This LED illuminates when the
minated constantly while playing). To obtain trol to obtain the desired volume level. The amplifier is on.
the best signal to noise ratio, set the Gain Effects Loop and Balanced Out (#20 - 24)
control as described above and adjust the are not affected by the Master control. 13. POWER: Use this switch to turn the
Master control (#8) to obtain the desired vol- amplifier on (top of the switch depressed)
ume level. and off (bottom of the switch depressed).

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 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

The Rear Panel

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

14. (FAN): The temperature controlled, variable NOTE: When connecting multiple speaker 21. EFFECTS SEND: Use this jack to send a
speed fan draws cool air into the amplifier and cabinets to the amplifier, keep the overall signal to the input of an external effect by
forces heat out through the exhaust vents (also impedance at or above 4 ohms. The following means of a shielded signal cable.
on the rear panel, between the speaker jacks chart shows the total impedance load when
and the power amp in jack). Do not obstruct connecting speaker cabinets in parallel: 22. -20dB/0dB: This switch, when depressed,
the fan or vent hole openings. attenuates the signal at the Bal. Out jack (#24)
cabinet # of # of by 20dB.
15. (FUSE): The fuse helps protect the unit impedance cabs impedance
from damage due to overload conditions. If the 23. POST/PRE: This switch, when depressed,
fuse fails, replace it only with the same size and 8 ohms 2 4 ohms sends a post-EQ signal to the Bal. Out jack
type. If the fuse fails repeatedly, check the line 16 ohms 2 8 ohms (#24). When this switch in the out position, the
voltage or contact an Ampeg Service Center. 16 ohms 4 4 ohms signal at the Bal. Out jack (#24) is pre-EQ.

16. AC LINE IN: Firmly insert the supplied AC 24. BAL. OUT: This XLR connector provides a
18. POWER AMP IN: This mono jack allows balanced preamp output signal for connecting
power cord into this socket until it is fully seated. you to feed the preamp output of another ampli-
This grounded power cord is to be plugged into to the house mixing board, a recording console,
fier to the input of the SVT450H’s internal power or an external amplifier with balanced inputs.
a grounded power outlet, wired to current elec- amp. This bypasses the preamp circuitry of the
tric codes and compatible with voltage, power, The signal at this jack can be set to be pre or
SVT450H. post EQ by means of the Post/Pre switch (#23).
and frequency requirements stated on the rear
panel. Do no attempt to defeat the safety 19. PREAMP OUT: A post-EQ signal from this The level of the signal can be adjusted for mic
ground connection. jack may be sent to the house mixing board, or line type inputs by means of the -20dB/0dB
recording console, or an external amplifier. switch (#22).
17. SPEAKERS: The 1/4” jacks offer a con-
venient method of connecting to speaker cabi- 20. EFFECTS RETURN: Use this jack to con-
nets using cables terminated with 1/4” plugs. nect the output signal from an external effect to
However, when using the amplifier at or near its the amplifier by means of a shielded signal
full output power, using the Speakon® jack is cable.
recommended. (Pin 1+ = hot, pin 1- = return.)

5
 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

Some Suggested Settings

The setting of the Gain control depends on your particular instrument. The
Master should be set to produce the appropriate output volume level. The
Graphic EQ can be used to tailor the amplifier to your speaker cabinets, to
compensate for room acoustics and to “fine tune” your sound.

ROCK:

JAZZ:

COUNTRY:

FUNK “POPPING:”

6
 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

Troubleshooting
In the unlikely event that your SVT450H should stop working properly (or just stop working), take a few minutes to
troubleshoot it before you call for service. You can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself, and often the prob-
lem 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. Regular cleaning and maintenance by your local Service Center will help extend the useful life
of the amplifier.

System Block Diagram

LIMIT
LED PROTECTION
POWER AMP RELAY

SPEAKER
PRE OUT
INPUT BALANCED Thermal Shutdown,
LINE OUT Low Voltage,
POST COOLING LIMIT DC Protect
FAN ON SPEAKER
PAD -20dB PAD OUT
POWER AMP
IN

1+
PREAMP 1- 2- SPEAKON
JACK
OUT 2+
MASTER
VOLUME

EFFECTS
PEAK RETURN
LED

EFFECTS
EQ SEND
GAIN IN
9 BAND
GRAPHIC
BASS ULTRA MID TREBLE EQ

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 SVT450H Bass Amplifier

Technical Specifications
OUTPUT POWER RATING 450 Watts RMS, 4 ohm load, 120VAC
250 Watts RMS, 8 ohm load, 120VAC
TONE CONTROL RANGE
Bass: +13dB / -15dB @ 40Hz
Ultra Mid: +5dB / -13dB @ 400Hz
Treble: +16dB / -21dB @ 8kHz
GRAPHIC EQ RANGE
40Hz: ±12dB
80Hz: ±9dB
150Hz: ±8dB
300Hz: ±8dB
550Hz: ±8dB
1kHz: ±9dB
2.2kHz: ±8dB
4.5kHz: ±10dB
8kHz: ±13dB
GAIN 62dB typical, tones @ center
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO 75dB typical
LINE POWER REQUIREMENTS 260VA
SIZE AND WEIGHT 24” W x 11-1/2” H x 13” D; 47 lbs

Ampeg reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

www.ampeg.com

P/N 47-612-11 . 032905