11
GETTING STARTED
Before switching on power
Check that the voltage selector is set to the correct voltage in your country. (110-120volt
USA / Japan or 220-240volt Europe / Australia.)
Connect the speaker or speakers to the M-500 using the Speakon connectors. Speakon
connectors are far superior in delivering amplifier power to the speakers than standard ¼
inch jacks because they can handle much higher electrical current. For best results with
this amplifier you should use PJB Piranha loudspeaker cabinets and PJB cables.
The M-500 is capable of delivering more than 700 watts power output (RMS). If you are
using low power speakers, take great caution on using the volume control. The M-500
may damage your speakers if they are not PJB speakers.
ALWAYS USE A HIGH QUALITY GROUNDED AC POWER CABLE. NEVER
USE THIS AMPLIFIER WITH THE GROUND CONNECTION REMOVED. We
recommend you use PJB cables.
Matching the M-500 to PJB Piranha Loudspeakers
The M-500 will work on loudspeakers from 16
Ω
to 3
Ω
with ease. It can also work down
to a minimum load of 2
Ω
with its total output power of 700 watts. It is not recommended
to run on 2
Ω
loads at full power, during the hotter summer months. The amplifier needs a
constant flow of cool air to maintain an optimal working temperature. If it does not get
the proper cooling it needs, it is possible for the amplifier’s thermal protection circuits to
operate and turn off the amplifier. The protection circuits work on temperature and
current workings in the amplifier’s output transistors and power supply. AC power can
vary from region to region and time of day due to electricity demand. Also because the
amplifier uses force air-cooling, the operating temperature of the amplifier will vary
somewhat due to the room temperature you are playing in. These factors alone could
determine the amplifier to switch off.
Before turning on make sure your loudspeaker is connected to the M-500. The M-500
speaker outputs are pro-audio industry standard Neutrik Speakon connectors because they
can work at higher power levels than the usual ¼ inch jacks. It is strongly recommended
that you use PJB speaker cables. They are high current, low resistance dedicated speaker
cables for bass instrument amplification. There is also available a PJB Speakon to ¼ inch
jack cable for those who are not using PJB speakers.
Keep volume down before plugging in your instrument. Use the passive jack for basses
without onboard electronics only. Set the input level to match your instrument. When the
red light blinks momentarily you are just below clipping (distortion) so back off a little
on this control. Keep this control set and then bring up the master volume (#20) to about
1/3 up. The EQ circuits should be first switched off in bypass mode. What you are
hearing now is the exact sound of your bass.