Ashdown 550 SPYDER User Manual - Page 2

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VALVE BASS AMPS

USER MANUAL

WELCOME TO ASHDOWN VALVE BASS AMPS

Thank you for choosing an Ashdown Valve Series amplifier. To ensure

that you receive the full benefits of the Ashdown warranty, please

WARRANTY

Your amplifier is covered by a one year warranty, against defects in materials

and workmanship, for the original purchaser. Ashdown will, at their discretion,

replace or repair any product or part thereof, which is found by Ashdown to

be defective. This warranty shall not apply to the damage of covering, fittings

or finishes when affected by carelessness, accident or extreme climate

changes. Nor does it apply to normal wear and tear of parts such as valves,

fuses, light bulbs, speakers, controls etc.

In the unlikely event of any defect, please contact an authorised Ashdown

dealer. All transport charges are to be pre-paid by the Owner. Unless your

purchase is registered on-line, normal country warranty laws apply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

This Ashdown amplifier has been designed to provide you with many

years of faithful service – on the road, in a studio or in a domestic

environment. By following the rules set out below, you will ensure that

the unit functions safely.

Valve (tube) instrument amplifiers contain very high voltages and fragile glass

tubes and should therefore be handled with care. A number of important

precautions which must be observed are set out below.

Before using the amplifier, run through the check list below. If you are in any

doubt about any aspect of the amplifier's operation, stop using it immediately

and do not resume operation until the amplifier has been thoroughly

inspected by a qualified technician.

1) Storage and moving

When your amplifier is not in use make sure that the power cord is

unplugged from the mains outlet, and that all leads are removed from the

amplifier, including jack leads and footswitch leads. Jack socket connectors

are self-cleaning, so the process of plugging in and unplugging the leads

when not in use will ensure that the internal contacts will be cleaned when

you plug in again.

Store your amplifier in a warm, dry place away from moisture and

condensation. A motor vehicle or cellar may look dry but condensation can

form inside the unit causing short circuits and possible electric shock. If you

suspect the amplifier may have become exposed to moisture, move it to a

warm dry place and leave it to dry out for at least 48 hours before attempting

to use it.

Condensation can also occur when you move the amplifier from a hot humid

place (such as a nightclub) to a cold place (like a motor vehicle). In such

instances, always move the amplifier into a warm dry room to prevent

damage.

When moving the amplifier, handle it as carefully as you would your

instruments. Although solidly built, an amplifier is easily damaged by shock,

so be careful not to drop it or allow it to fall over. Use a protective cover to

427 SMALL BLOCK • 550 SPYDER • 550 TOURING • BTA 200/300/400 • LITTLE BASTARD

protect the finish and, if you are transporting it with other equipment, make

sure that the amplifier is on a solid floor at the bottom of the pile.

Amplifiers are heavy. Take care when lifting, always use the handles fitted to

the amplifier to move it, and get help if you have to lift the amplifier to a

greater height than you feel comfortable with.

Never attempt to operate the amplifier after it has been dropped. Take it to a

qualified technician and have it checked before using it again.

2) Leads and plugs

Your amplifier contains possibly lethal voltages and must therefore be connected

to the mains using the correct power cord, which is a three terminal type with a

ground connection.

The power cord supplied with the unit should be of the correct type. If it does

not fit your mains outlet consult your dealer or a qualified electrician for

advice before attempting to use the amplifier.

Never modify the power cord or attempt to use it with a two pin outlet. Store

all your leads in a dry case and take care when packing them away. All leads,

including guitar leads, are easily damaged with careless handling, so it is a

good idea to carry a spare lead of every type you use. Flexible power cords

get damaged very easily. At the first sign of damage, discard it and purchase a

new one. Always replace the power cord with one of the same type. Moulded

cords are the best choice with both plugs permanently fitted to the cord.

When using your amplifier and other equipment it is a good idea to connect

to the supply using a unit known as an R.C.D. These units are not expensive

and offer the user additional protection against electric shock. An electrical

shop should be able to supply you with a suitable unit.

3) Before Use

Inspect your amplifier for damage before use. Check each lead for damage

before you plug them in to the amplifier, and ensure that the loudspeaker is

connected before you switch the amplifier on.

Never try to operate the amplifier without the speaker connected. If you do,

serious damage to the amplifier will result which will be very expensive to repair.

Double check the connections you have made to your amplifier and make

sure you have connected the speaker to the correct outlet socket that

matches the cabinet you are using. The impedance of the speaker is

important and is usually shown on a plate affixed to the back of the cabinet,

so if the cabinet is 16R (Ohms) then you plug into the 16R outlet on the

amplifier.

4) Using the amplifier

When you set the amplifier up for use, it is important that you adhere to the

following rules:

Place the amplifier away from sources of heat, including radiators, etc. The

amplifier itself will get hot in normal use.

Make sure that all the grilles on the amplifier are not obstructed in any way

so that cooling air can circulate through the amplifier. Do not place anything

on or behind the amplifier that might restrict the flow of air. This includes

items of clothing, or other equipment.