CRATE BX-100
Owner's Manual

BX-100 Bass Amplifier

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FRONT PANEL � INPUT SECTION 1: Input jack accepts a standard 1/4� phone plug and is suitable for any low to line level signal source. 2: -15dB/0dB Switch pads the input signal 15dB when pressed in, allowing the use of hotter inputs such as tape decks or active basses. 3: Gain sets the amount of gain for the preamp. A low output instrument or soft playing style requires high gain (5-10 setting) while a high output instrument or hard playing style requires less gain (1-4 setting). Too high a setting along with boosted equalization may cause distortion or a harshness of sound. If this is not desired, simply reduce the gain with this control. 4: Peak LED lights when the input signal is nearing clipping. Set the gain control so this LED flashes occasionally when you play. 5: Shape control sets the frequency where the contour effect is centered, giving you a wide variety of tonal variations, from a studio �V�-shaped tone to a more �live�, more present sound. This control is only active when the Contour Active switch (#6) is pressed in. 6: Contour Active Switch activates the Contour Shape control when pressed in. EQUALIZATION SECTION 7: Graphic Equalizer is the main tone control section of the BX-100. Eight bands of frequencies from 50Hz to 16kHz may be boosted by moving the sliders up or cut by moving the sliders down. The lower frequencies are to the left and the higher frequencies are to the right. A great many tone variations are possible using different settings of these sliders. 8: Master Level control sets the overall listening level of the BX-100. 9: Limit Indicator LED: The BX-100 contains a power amp limiter which automatically limits the signal to the power amp to a point just below �clipping� or distortion. This is to assure a clean undistorted sound at full power. The limit LED indicator will be lit whenever full power is reached. 10: Balanced Line Out Level control adjusts the strength of the signal at the Balanced Line Output jack (#12). 11: Pre/Post EQ Switch determines whether the line out signal is taken before (switch in) or after (switch out) the BX-100�s Gain, Shape, and Equalizer controls.

12: Balanced Line Out jack provides a balanced output signal for connection to an external power amp, tape deck or mixing board. EFFECTS LOOP 13: Send jack may be connected to the line level input of an external effects device. This jack may also be used as a �direct� unbalanced send for recording, etc. 14: Return jack may be connected to the line level output of an external effects device. The �Post Gain� configuration is helpful in obtaining optimum input signal levels to external devices and reducing the noise levels associated with them. 15: Headphones jack will accept a standard headphone plug for private practicing. The speaker is automatically disconnected when headphones are plugged in here. 16: Extension Speaker jack allows connection to an external speaker cabinet. A speaker plugged into this jack will be in series with the internal speaker. WARNING: DO NOT attempt to use headphones in the Speaker jack! Permanent hearing damage could result! 17: On Indicator LED will be lit when the amplifier is turned on. 18: Power Switch turns the AC power on or off. REAR PANEL 19: Power Cord: Your BX-100 is equipped with a heavy-duty grounded three-wire power cord. Be sure this cord is properly plugged into a safely wired grounded 120 VAC 60 Hz AC power outlet before use. (If your BX-100 was purchased outside the United States, refer to the rear panel for power ratings). For your safety, never attempt to defeat the ground connection on this cord. 20: Fuse Holder: The BX-100 is protected from damages caused from a faulty AC power source or other problems. If the fuse blows, replace it ONLY with the same size and type as indicated. If the fuse blows repeatedly, check the AC source: if it�s okay, contact your Crate dealer for service information.