SM-500 USER GUIDE SWR • SCOTTSDALE, AZ • USA
SM-500 USER GUIDE INTRODUCTION The SM-500 Professional Bass Amplifier provides the power, performance, flexibility and portability required by the professional bassist for every style of playing and nearly every playing situation. To design an amplifier that would cover “all of the basses,” SWR had to use almost every imaginable type of electronic component available.
SM-500 FRONT PANEL FEATURES • Dual independent input jacks compatible for both active and passive instruments • Gain Control with LED peak clipping indicator • Variable Limiter Control • Aural Enhancer Control • Bass Control ±15dB cut/boost (shelving point: 80Hz) • Treble Control ±15dB cut/boost (shelving point: 2kHz) • Transparency Control ±15dB cut/boost (shelving point: 5kHz) • Variable Graphic Equalizer with ±15dB cut/boost • Band One: 31Hz to 160Hz • Band Two: 80Hz to 320Hz • Band Three: 200Hz to 800Hz
SM-500 SPECIFICATIONS Note: All measurements were taken with a line voltage of 120VAC. All noise specifications are “unweighted.” All voltages and watts are "RMS." All measurements taken with tone controls set flat, Aural Enhancer at minimum.
SM-500 FRONT PANEL FEATURES INPUT JACKS Both input jacks 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. Please keep in mind, however, that the Active/Passive input has five times more gain than the Active input. Passive/Active Input A “passive” instrument has no built-in preamp and does not use a battery.
LIMITER The Limiter circuit prevents the signal from exceeding a preset level. The Limiter control sets the “threshold,” which is the level at which limiting begins to take effect. The Limiter LED will light to indicate that the signal has reached the limiter threshold and that the Limiter is now active. The Limiter is completely out of the circuit when the Limiter control is set to the “Off” position.
4. Keeping all controls in their present positions (Level control at +15 and Frequency control at 40Hz), strike your open “E” string again and move the Frequency control from 40Hz to 160Hz. As the Frequency Control is moved from 40Hz to 16Hz you should hear two increases in volume. The first will be at 80Hz or your first overtone (harmonic) and the second will be at 160Hz or the second harmonic of your open “E” string. From the above example a few things may be apparent.
POWER ON/OFF SWITCH Moving the Power switch to the “On” position will turn on you amplifier as indicated by the Power LED lighting. SM-500 REAR PANEL FEATURES AC CORD RECEPTACLE The SM-500 accepts a standard AC power cable (supplied with the SM-500), used with almost all current musical, professional and household electronic devices. If it becomes misplaced, a replacement can be purchased at almost any computer, electronics, or pro audio store.
LEFT & RIGHT SPEAKER FUSES The left and right speaker fuses are provided to protect your speakers in the unlikely event of a power amp failure or incorrect connection procedures. Size and rating of the fuses are 3AG, 8 amp, fastblo. Do not defeat the purpose of this feature by using a higher rated fuse. The speaker fuses can open if there is a fault in the speaker cable or the speakers themselves. Therefore, it is always wise to carry extra fuses at all times.
The frequency response of the SM-500 is far greater than usually found in musical instrument amplifiers (10 Hz to 40kHz). This was engineered in order to give the bass player the same punch and clarity on stage as found in the studio or concert PA systems. Therefore, it is doubly important that you be aware of the impedance and power rating of the speakers that you intend to use and that they are compatible with the SM-500.
BALANCED XLR OUT The Balanced Out is a true balanced output and serves two functions. In the “Direct” position, the XLR is essentially an active tube direct box. The signal is taken directly from the input jacks. No controls on the front panel affect the sound, volume or content of the signal. In the “Line” position, ALL controls on the front panel (with the exception of the Effects Blend and Master Volume) function and affect the signal.
VACUUM TUBE (VALVE) SWR installs a specially selected 12AX7 dual triode tube in the preamp section of every SM-500. When it becomes time to replace it, we recommend that you do so with a similar high quality product. This tube will need replacing only if it becomes noisey or microphonic (sounds like glass tinkling in the background of certain notes), or completely fails (resulting in no output).
heat away from heat producing components inside and thus extending their life. In this manner, we feel we have produced a more reliable amplifier, but, at the same time, the outside of our units will get warmer than cases made out of steel. You should be aware of the possibility of the power amp in your SM-500 becoming “over biased.” This condition can be recognized by turning your amplifier on and letting it sit without speakers plugged in and without playing it.
SM-500 USER GUIDE • 13 FUSE L SPKR FUSE 8 AMP LEFT SPEAKER Speaker 2 = 8 Ohms Speaker 1 = 8 Ohms Center Bridge/Mono Speakon Output Jack must be used. 840 WATTS 120 VOLTS 50/60 HZ 7 AMP SLO BLO FUSE AC FUSE 1 Power Amp Assign Switch set to “Bridge Mono” position.
14 • SM-500 USER GUIDE 840 WATTS 120 VOLTS 50/60 HZ 7 AMP SLO BLO FUSE AC FUSE L SPKR FUSE 8 AMP LEFT SPEAKER 2 Stereo Mode (per side) 300 watts @ 2 Ohms 250 watts @ 4 Ohms 150 watts @ 8 Ohms (minimum load = 2 Ohms) R SPKR FUSE 8 AMP RIGHT SPEAKER 2 FUSE Speaker 2 = 8 Ohms SM-500 Power Output Ratings BRIDGE 500W MONO 250W X2 STEREO 1 MONO STEREO R EFFECTS SEND TUNER OUT • • • • • one 2 ohm enclosure (per side) one 4 ohm enclosure (per side) one 8 ohm enclosure (per side) two 4 ohm enc
SM-500 USER GUIDE • 15 840 WATTS 120 VOLTS 50/60 HZ 7 AMP SLO BLO FUSE AC FUSE FUSE LEFT SPEAKER 2 Speaker 1 L SPKR FUSE 8 AMP 1 Power Amp Assign Switch set to “Stereo” position.
LIMITED WARRANTY The SM-500 from FMIC is warranted to the original consumer purchaser for TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, against defects in materials and workmanship and provided that it is purchased from an Authorized SWR Dealer. This warranty applies only to products purchased in the USA or Canada.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. PLEASE REFER TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN. A. Read Instructions: All safety and operation instructions should be read before the product is operated. B. Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. C. Heed Warnings: All of the warnings on this product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. D.
© 2001 SWR All rights reserved. REV. 08/01 Part # 320027 Learn more about SWR products and artists by pointing your browser to: swrsound.com SWR 8860 E. Chaparral Rd. Suite 100 • Scottsdale, AZ 85250-2618 USA PHONE: (480) 596-9690 • FAX: (480) 367-5262 EMAIL: custserve@fenderusa.
