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CACAUTION:UTION: TO REDUCE O REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOTHE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOT REMOVEVE COCOVER (OR BAVER (OR BACK).CK). NO USER-SER NO USER-SERVICEABLE PVICEABLE PARARTS INSIDE.TS INSIDE.

REFER SERREFER SERVICING VICING TO QO QUALIFIED SERALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.VICE PERSONNEL.

CACAUTION:UTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MAO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH TCH WIDEWIDEBLADE OF PLUG BLADE OF PLUG TO O WIDE SLOWIDE SLOT, FULL, FULLY INSERY INSERT.

ATTENTION:TTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQ POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUESUES, INR, INRODUIRE ODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE D LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE ANS LA BORNE

CORRESPOND CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU'AU'AU FONDU FOND.

WARNING:ARNING: TO REDUCE O REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NODO NOT EXPOSE T EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.O RAIN OR MOISTURE.

The lightning flash with arroThe lightning flash with arrowheadwheadsymbol, within an equilatersymbol, within an equilateral tral triangleiangle, is, isintended to alerintended to alert the user to the t the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous vpresence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"oltage"within the product's enclosure that mawithin the product's enclosure that may be ofy be ofsufficient magnitude to constitute a rsufficient magnitude to constitute a risk ofisk ofelectrelectric shocic shock to personsk to persons.

The eThe exclamation point within an xclamation point within an equilaterequilateral tral triangle is intended to iangle is intended to aleralert the user to the presence oft the user to the presence ofimporimportant opertant operating and ating and maintenance (sermaintenance (servicing) instrvicing) instructionsuctionsin the literin the literature accompanature accompanying theying theapplianceappliance.

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Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger 400RB Seriesproduct is surely the result of much careful considerationon your part. For our part, we at Gallien-Krueger arepleased that you chose us, and are determined that youwill be a satisfied customer. In choosing a 400RB Seriesproduct, you own an amplifier with many unique features,that can take you where you have never been before.

To get the most out of your new purchase please take a fewminutes to read through this manual. If you are in ahurry, we suggest you at least read through the QuickStart section before setting up your new rig. This will helpget you started and give you a few quick tips, but is not asubstitute for reading the rest of the manual.

Your amplifier should have come with the following items,please check the contents of the box to ensure that youhave everything.

Included with your 400RB Head:400RB 1Rack mount ears with hardware 2Power cord 1Owner’s manual 1Warranty card 1Safety instructions sheet 1

Included with your 400RB Combo:400RB/112, or /115 1Power Cord 1Owner’s Manual 1Warranty Card 1Safety Instructions Sheet 1

If your 400RB Series amplifier or combo did not comewith all the items listed, or if you encounter problemswhile setting up your new equipment, please contactyour local dealer, or us as soon as possible at:

Gallien-Krueger, Inc.2240 Paragon DriveSan Jose, CA 95131phone: (408) 441-7970fax: (408) 441-8085Internet: www.gallien-krueger.comEmail: sales@gallien.com

We wish you a lifetime of good playing and remember toalways have fun!

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I have never seen the point in doing things the wayothers have done them. I also have not been veryinterested in following the latest fad. I am aStanford educated engineer who worked his waythrough school as a musician. Like all musicians, Ihave lugged amplifiers up stairways and into cartrunks, always wondering why these things had tobe so heavy, bulky, and hard to handle.As I am the principal innovator at GK, our productsreflect my attitudes and life experiences. I don’t modelmy designs after other manufacturer’s products (assome of our competitors are proud of reciting).Instead, I believe new and old problems are best solvedwith new solutions. Having taken our own path, GK

products enjoy a unique, unmatched sound, allowingthe artist using them every opportunity to make anoriginal statement.Having supported my products for over thirty years, Ihave learned from the story they tell. Gallien-Kruegeris a reflection of that story, and has a commitment tosupport that legacy. Just as the products I createdthirty years ago are still telling their story, the productswe create today will be talking to us tomorrow.We’ll be listening,

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The 400RB Series is designed to be simple to operate.All controls have a well defined purpose and are wellbehaved. These directions will take you through thebasics and give you a good start for setting up yoursound.

����,Set the power switch to Off and connect the suppliedpower cable from the amplifier AC receptacle to an ACpower outlet of proper voltage and power rating (seesafety information on page 7 for details).

"�-�,Connect your speaker cabinets to the amplifieroutputs marked 240W. Be sure not to exceed therecommended speaker load listed below.

��-��� ����������� ������� .���,One 4 Ohm, or two 8 Ohm cabinets.

If you are using an RBH series cabinet, set thecrossover switch to full range.

�!��,Set all EQ controls and the Boost control to 12o’clock. The Voicing Filters should be turned all theway down to get a flat response. Set the Volume andMaster Volumes at 0. If you have a five string bass,push the button marked String Bass in.

"�-�,Using an instrument cable, connect your bass to theInput jack and turn the power switch on and play. Ifthe clip LED flashes, push the button marked -10dbin. This will prevent you from overdriving the preamp.

"�/,Set the master control to 12 o’clock and slowly bringthe Master volume up. Do not turn the Volumecontrol in the input section past 12 o’clock unless youwant an overdrive effect. If you have a bass withpassive electronics make sure the controls are all theway up. If you have a bass with active electronics,turn all of the EQ controls on the bass to the middleor flat position.

0� �!� ����,You should be hearing your bass quite well. You canuse the Volume and Master to achieve a comfortablesound level. Remember: If you need more volume,turn up the Master control first.

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The 400RB Series has several unique features which,if used properly, will obtain that sound you have beensearching for.

�!� 12���3��,The Equalizer is used to fine tune your sound. Whenadjusting it, do it just a little at a time. These areactive circuits, and small changes can make a bigdifference in your sound. With a little experimenta-tion you will find that this equalizer is very easy touse, never sounds weird and provides you with a largevariety of great sounds, unique to GK.

�������,Increasing the Contour level will scoop out mid-range frequencies while boosting the highs and lows.The sound, once again, is unique to GK and unavail-able on any other Bass amp.

����4 ����,The way a Bass amp deals with the instrument lowstring is a critical part of it’s sound. In fact, a fivestring instrument requires an entirely different lowend response than a four string instrument. Noequalizer can make the necessary adjustments toaccommodate both. However, the String Bass buttonon the 400RB Series does just that. When it is out, the400RB is voiced like the 800RB (the world’s classicfour string amp). Push it in and the 400RB is voicedfor five string instruments. For some playing stylesyou may want it in, even with a four string instru-ment.

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�����5������,Turning up the Boost control, will add a little growl toyour tone. This is an unmistakable GK trade marksound, that you will grow to appreciate. Raising theBoost while lowering the Master will add more growlwhile keeping the sound level the same. Growl isactually a small amount of even order harmonicdistortion, that sounds great through a woofer. Formost playing situations, the Master is set between 12 &3 o’clock. The cleanest sound is obtained by settingthe Master above 12 o’clock, and going above 3o’clock for maximum power situations.

6���� 7��,The 400RB provides a low noise, high qualitybalanced direct out for connection to PA and record-ing consoles. With the Pre/Post EQ switch set to “Pre”(Out), the direct output signal is fed directly from ourlow noise, high headroom, FET input stage providinga low noise output superior to external direct boxesand impedance transformers. The Direct Outputsignal is only effected by the -10dB Pad, and TuningMute controls. This allows you to adjust your toneand volume on stage without changing the Direct Outsignal level and confusing your sound man.

Changing the Pre/Post EQ switch to “Post” (In),sends the “GK sound” and preamp response to theDirect Out jack. This gives you complete control overthe Direct Out’s tone and volume. In addition, aGround (Gnd) Lift switch is included to remove humand buzz when connecting to equipment powered bya different ground system.

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8���� .�� 8����4� ��� 0�����4� ������9��,Your new 400RB Series Bass Amp has been factoryconfigured for use with:

120 Volt/60Hz 20 Amp circuit for USA &Canada.230 Volt/50Hz 10 Amp circuit for Europe& Australia.100 Volt/50Hz 20 Amp circuit for Japan.Proper AC circuit for all other countries.

Connecting the amplifier to a line with specificationsother than indicated above can create a safety and firehazard, and may damage the amplifier. If you have anyquestions about the voltage requirements for yourspecific model, or about the line voltage in your area,contact your dealer before plugging the unit into a walloutlet.

8���� 0� ����� ������� ������ 9��,The high power output of your amplifier may requireheavy current draw under Full-Load conditions. Toinsure proper performance and avoid potential safetyhazards, we recommend connection to line circuits withAmperage specified “as above”. Connecting multipleamplifiers to the same circuit, or connecting the ampli-fier to the same circuit used by other heavy-powerdevices, such as high-wattage lights, may cause circuitbreakers to trip. It is always a good idea to avoid usingany audio equipment on the same AC circuit as equip-ment with motors, such as air conditioners or refrig-erators. This will lessen to possibility of powervariation and electrical start-up noise affecting yoursound.

6� "�� 9�� 1-������ �����,To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cordsupplied with your unit. If a replacement cord isused, make certain that it is of consistent qualityand gauge as the original. We do not recommendusing extension cords with this product. As with allelectrical devices, do not run power cords underrugs or carpets or place heavy objects on them.Damaged power cords should be replaced immedi-ately with cords meeting factory specifications.

:����� �!� 0� ��/�� ���� +�����,When disconnecting the power cord from an ACoutlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord. Ifyou do not intend to use the amplifier for a consid-erable length of time, disconnect the plug from theAC outlet.

6� "�� 7��� �!� 0������ 1��������,There are no user-serviceable components insidethis product. Opening the amplifier enclosure maypresent a shock hazard, and modification to theproduct will void your warranty. If liquid enters theunit, or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire,or staple accidentally falls inside the enclosure,disconnect the unit from the AC power sourceimmediately and consult an authorized servicestation.

9������4,The carton and packing materials used in shippingyour new amplifier were specially designed tocushion it from the shocks and vibration that occurduring transport. We suggest that you save thecarton and packing materials for use in shipping,in the event you move, or the amplifier needs repair.

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�����������,To insure proper operation and to avoidpotential safety hazards, place the unit on afirm, level surface. When installing the unitin a rack, be sure the mounting hardware cansupport the amplifier’s weight. To save spacein your rack, the 400RB’s feet can beremoved using a Philips head screwdriver.Make certain that proper space is providedfor ventilation. The 400RB Series requires atleast ½ inch clearance above for properventilation. Never block the fan vent holes inthe top or front of the amplifier. If theamplifier will be installed in a rack or otherenclosed area, make sure that there issufficient air movement within the enclosureto allow proper cooling. Consult your dealerfor more information.Avoid installation in extremely hot or coldlocations, and areas that are exposed to directsunlight, or near heating equipment.Avoid moist or humid locations.Remember, power amplifiers generate heat.The heat sink fins and ventilation slots thatform part of the enclosure are speciallydesigned to remove this heat. Placing otherelectronic equipment near these heat-dissipation systems may possibly affect thelong-term reliability of both your amplifierand the other equipment.

��;�4 �!� 9��,Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect anyinterconnection cords with other components, andmake sure that you disconnect the unit from the ACoutlet.

������4,When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean, soft anddry cloth. If necessary, first wipe the surface with asoft cloth slightly dampened with mild, soapy water,followed by a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipeimmediately with a dry cloth. Never use benzene,thinner, alcohol, or other volatile cleaning agents.Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they may damage thefinish of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticides nearthe unit.

����������,Your new amplifier is rugged. It was built to give you alifetime of trouble-free operation, if it is operated inaccordance with the instructions contained in thismanual. The only maintenance required is cleaning. Ifyou are going to move your amplifier around frequently,we recommend a road case to protect it from scratchesand road wear.

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����������� �������An electronically balanced output, that you can runto your P.A. system.��� ���������������Selects the direct out signal from before or after theEQ.��������A standard ¼” input jack and input attenuatorbutton. The button is generally left out, except in rarecases when the clip LED flashes.

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Set this switch to “On” when tuning up. No signalwill be sent to the speakers, or the P.A. system.

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Sets pre-amp gain after the input stage. It is used inconjunction with the input pad, to optimize theamplifier’s headroom.

#�!������$���� ��%� ��������Setting this button voices the pre-amp for basses with“B” tuning. Leave it out and the amp is voiced like the800RB, for 4 string basses.&����� �Drops the mid-range frequencies while boosting lows& highs.� �������Adds edge and definition to higher frequencies.'���(��)����*������+�� �,���Boost and cut at 7kHz+14dB shelving type. Add orremove edge and definition.8-High Mid:

Boost and cut at 1 kHz +6dB -10dB, “Q Optimized,”band pass type. Works on lower string harmonics,and effects the punch of your sound.

-�.�/���Boost and cut at 250Hz +6dB -10dB, “Q Optimized,”band pass type. Works on the main body of yoursound.�0������Boost and cut at 60Hz +10dB, shelving type. Controlslow end push.�����������������A post EQ gain stage using GIVE technology whichadds “growl” as it is turned up.

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Controls output level of the amplifier.����11����.����Send and return jacks provided for the insertion ofeffects after the EQ, but before the boost section.Some effect units have gain, turning the BOOSTdown, will compensate for this.������� ������Output to tuner.

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Turns the amplifier on or off. Should a problemoccur during operation press this switch out first.

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���'&3����������The power cord is detachable and plugs in here.

����045��6��240W power amp output for Full-Range operationonly. They deliver 240 watts into 4 Ohms. Lowerimpedances should not be used. Each jack has aminimum of 8 Ohms each. Higher impedances suchas 8 Ohms, 16 Ohms, or No Load are acceptable. Nodamage will result from operating the amplifier withthe speakers disconnected.

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The 400RB Series combos deliver the 400RB’s uniquefeatures and distinct sound by using a variety ofinternal speaker configurations in compact enclo-sures.

������� ����4�������,400RB/112 One 8 Ohm 12″ speaker

400RB/115 One 8 Ohm 15″ speaker

The 400RB combo electronics are identical to the400RB head and are rated for the same maximumpower output and speaker load (240W into 4 Ohms).Maximum power is achieved by connecting one 8Ohm extension cabinet (such as the 210RBS,410RBS, or 115RBS) in addition to the combo’sinternal 8 Ohm speaker load. To drive more than oneextension cabinet, the combo’s internal speaker canbe disconnected by unplugging the speaker cableconnected to the combo’s back panel. Below is adetailed description of the maximum loads thecombos can drive.

��-��� ����������� ���� /�! �!� �������������� ���������,One 8 Ohm cabinet..

��-��� ����������� ���� /�! �!� �������������� �����������,One 4 Ohm, or Two 8 Ohm cabinets.

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�!����������� �� �!� �����,The 400RB Series is a flexible state-of-the-art bassamplifier, designed to deliver maximum performanceand simple operation. This is accomplished throughthese important features:

Extremely high current power supply andpower amp circuitry, gets the soundout of your head.Four, bass specific bands of activeequalization for precise tone control.Three voicing filters for shaping andcustomizing your sound.Balanced direct outputeliminates the need for a direct box.Continuously variable fan cooling.Designed and Built in the U.S. for years ofreliability and quality service.

������� 7����� < ���� ��������,When a power amplifier is pushing several speakercones, and a high-power transient like a string slapcomes along, the amp has to tap into a large powerreserve to maintain cone control. It’s kind of likegrabbing a swing at the bottom of it’s travel andtrying to push it the other way - it could knock youover. If the amplifier doesn’t have this ability, thesound is unresponsive and less out front. The amploses it’s punch and feel at higher playing levels.Instead of responding to your every command, theamplifier simply cuts those transients off, leaving youwith the feeling that something is missing in yoursound.

Since most amplifiers have limited output currentcapacity, they need “current limiting circuits” toprotect against self-destruction. High-power tran-sients trigger these circuits, which rob the amplifier ofit’s ability to control speaker cones. This creates amushy, unresponsive feel to your sound. The 400RBSeries has an extremely high current capacity, overfifty amps, so it doesn’t need current limiting circuitsfor over-load protection.

There is nothing in the 400RB Series power amp tocome between you and your sound except faithful,raw power.

12���3����,The sound you want is in your head, but you justcan’t get it. You think it’s you, your bass or maybeyour amp. Yes, your amp. Standard tone controls andgraphic equalizers don’t get it. Sure, they give youplenty of variation, but they don’t provide what theinstrument really needs. The fact is, graphic equaliz-ers are intended for room equalization, and are onlyput in bass amps because it’s a no-brainer for thedesigner. The equalization in Gallien-Kruegeramplifiers reflects 30 years of continuous develop-ment and refinement. The GK equalizer is unique tothe industry, it’s not just a normal four band equal-izer, each section is a special circuit optimized toperform a Bass specific job in its range of operation.These sections are wired in Series, so they add to oneanother creating a tremendously flexible equalizer,that doesn’t sound weird at any setting. Now it ispossible to obtain the sound you desire.

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����� ��������� �������,The 400RB’s protection circuitry constantly monitorsfor unsafe operating conditions such as short circuits,miswired speaker cables, blown speakers, improperventilation and incorrect speaker configurations. Inaddition, protection is provided during power up/power down. If the 400RB senses any unsafe operat-ing conditions, the output signal is immediatelymuted and the power light changes from Green toRed. The amplifier will remain muted until the faultis removed. If the protection circuit activates whileplaying, turn the amplifier off and check the ampli-fier speaker output connections. Be sure that you arenot exceeding the maximum recommend loaddescribed in this manual. If the problem persists,contact GK directly for technical advice.

.�/ "��� 7�������,The 400RB Series uses a high gain, high headroom,low noise input stage. It has such a large dynamicrange (60v p-p) that very few instruments canoverdrive it. Even most basses with “active” electron-ics do not need the input attenuator to be set. Thebenefit to you is less hiss from your horn, and overall,less noise.

�� �����4,You should now have a thorough understanding ofhow your new 400RB Series amplifier works and whatadvantages it can offer you in getting “your” sound.We thank you for reading the Owner’s Manual andwish you the best of times! Please send us yourcomments via www.gallien-krueger.com or email usat sales@gallien.com.

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8���4 ������,Voicing filters are used to completely revoice theamplifier. In the case of the Contour and String Basscontrols, the effect is dramatic.

The Contour control tunes between two differentshaping circuits, with greatly different response. Withthe control all the way up, the low end is slightlyboosted, the mids are dropped and the high end ispushed up. This is a contour response not availablewith a normal equalizer, and is only found in GKamplifiers.

The way a Bass amp deals with the instrument low stringis a critical part of it’s sound. In fact, a five stringinstrument requires an entirely different low end re-sponse than a four string instrument. No equalizer canmake the necessary adjustments to accommodate both,however the String Bass button on the 400RB Seriesdoes just that. When it is out, the 400RB is voiced likethe 800RB (worlds classic four string amp). Push itin and the 400RB is voiced for five string instruments.For some playing styles you may want it in, even witha four string instrument…at least now, you have achoice!

>+���8�1�? ���!����4�,As in all GK pre-amps, the 400RB Series pre-ampincorporates what we call G.I.V.E (Gate Induced ValveEffect) Technology. We use field effect devices withthe gate biased in a way that emphasizes the optimumharmonic content of the signal.

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Output Power:240W Amplifier 150W @ 8 Ohms

240W @ 4 OhmsInput Section:Maximum Input Level 0.6V RmsWith -10dB pad 1.6V RmsInput Impedance 1M OhmSend output impedance 220 OhmReturn input impedance 50k OhmTuner Output Impedance 10k OhmDirect Output Impedance 500 OhmsEqualizer:Bass +10db @ 60HzLo-Mid +6db/-10dB @ 250HzHi-Mid +6db/-10dB @ 1kHzTreble +14db @ 7kHzVoicing Filters:String Bass Button +11db@20HzContour +2db@50Hz /

-10db@500Hz /+3db@7kHz

P r e s e n c e + 9 d b @ 1 0 k H zNoise -90db referenced to 240W,

“A” weightedCooling Continuously Variable-Speed

fan

Amplifier Protection: Full short circuit, thermal,&RF protection.Stable into reactive andmismatched loads.Five second muted warm-up.

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Dimensions(HxWxD): 3 1/2” x 17” x 8 ¼”(2 Rack Spaces)

Weight: 15lbs

Power Requirements:

U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz-410W(at full power)

Europe 230V/50Hz-410W(at full power)

Japan 100V/50Hz-410W(at full power)

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