Behringer Vintager AC108 User manual

Version 1.0 April 2004
Users manual
ENGLISH
VINTAGER AC108

2
VINTAGER AC108
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
important operating and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
the top cover (or the rear section). No user
serviceable parts inside refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The
apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Read these instructi ns.
2) Keep these instructi ns.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) F ll w all instructi ns.
5) D n t use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean nly with dry cl th.
7) D n t bl ck any ventilati n penings. Install in acc rdance
with the manufacturers instructi ns.
8) D n t install near any heat s urces such as radiat rs,
heat registers, st ves, r ther apparatus (including
amplifiers) that pr duce heat.
9) D n t defeat the safety purp se f the p larized r
gr unding-type plug. A p larized plug has tw blades with
ne wider than the ther. A gr unding type plug has tw
blades and a third gr unding pr ng. The wide blade r the
third pr ng are pr vided f r y ur safety. If the pr vided plug
d es n t fit int y ur utlet, c nsult an electrician f r
replacement f the bs lete utlet.
10) Pr tect the p wer c rd fr m being walked n r pinched
particularly at plugs, c nvenience receptacles, and the p int
where they exit fr m the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/access ries specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use nly with the cart, stand, trip d, bracket, r table
specified by the manufacturer, r s ld with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use cauti n when m ving the cart/
apparatus c mbinati n t av id injury fr m
tip- ver.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning st rms r when
unused f r l ng peri ds f time.
14) Refer all servicing t qualified service pers nnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged
in any way, such as p wer supply c rd r plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled r bjects have fallen int the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exp sed t rain r
m isture, d es n t perate n rmally, r has been dr pped.
15) CAUTION - These service instructi ns are f r use by
qualified service pers nnel nly. T reduce the risk f electric
sh ck d n t perf rm any servicing ther than that c ntained
in the perati n instructi ns unless y u are qualified t d
s .

3
VINTAGER AC108
AC108
VINTAGER
15-Watt Vintage Guitar Amp with Vacuum Tube
sExtremely versatile guitar amplifier with hand-sele ted 12AX7 va uum tube
sAuthenti vintage design with ULTRATUBE ir uitry for lassi tube sound
sPowerful 20-Watt, 8" vintage-tuned guitar speaker
s2- hannel tube preamp and wide-range gain ontrol for super-fat sounds with all pi kup types
sDedi ated 2-band EQ plus mid-shift button for reative sound-shaping
sCD input allows you to play along to your favorite musi
sDedi ated master level ontrol and powerful headphone output
sRugged onstru tion for years of trouble-free use
sDesigned in Germany. Manufa tured under ISO9000 ertified management system

4
VINTAGER AC108
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! The AC108 you have purchased is a guitar
amplifier with tube technology, giving you the authentic sound of
legendary guitar amps.
The VINTAGER AC108 was specifically designed as a practice
amp. The ULTRATUBE circuit and the carefully selected 12AX7
tube will give your guitar sound that unique vintage character.
With the wide range of sounds available you can also play
hard and distorted sounds. From crystal-clear to ultra-distorted,
anythings possible. And there neednt be any trouble with the
neighbors: just plug in your headphone and get going! But be
careful:
+High v lume levels can damage y ur hearing r y ur
headph ne. Please turn d wn the MASTER c ntr l
(fully left) bef re y u switch the unit n. Always
make sure y u use appr priate v lume levels.
Abs lute p wer and tube s und
If you really want to come through strong, your
VINTAGER AC108 will give you the necessary power to truly
impress your friends when rehearsing or even leave your audience
in awe when youre on stage. The wiring examples in fig. 2.1 and
2.2 show you how to connect your guitar amp properly.
Youll always be in control in terms of volume, so you can use
the same great sound for practicing at home and for playing with
your band.
Jam it up!
With its CD player input, your AC108 is the ultimate practice
amp, because it couldnt be easier to play along to your favorite
music. If you dont want anybody listening to what youre playing,
or simply wish to avoid disturbing the neighbors, just use your
headphone. The BEHRINGER HPS3000 is ideal just for that.
A c mpani n f r life!
The electronic components in your VINTAGER AC108 have
been built into a robust steel-plate enclosure for maximum
protection. The cabinet is made of high-grade, environmentally
friendly MDF wood covered with especially durable synthetic
leather. The AC108 will never let you down, even when the
going gets tough.
+Please read the manual carefully and keep it ar und
f r future reference.
FORWORD
Dear musician,
Congratulations and
thank you very much for
purchasing the AC108,
BEHRINGERs newest
addition to the guitar
amp family.
The VINTAGER AC108
offers the latest in
vintage-type guitar amps,
and is guaranteed to
cause endless sleep-
less nights.
Had anybody told you a
few years ago that one
day youd be able to buy
a guitar amp with real
tube circuitry at such an
unbeatable price, you
would have probably
called him nuts. But I wanted this amp to become reality, and
now weve actually made it! With our VINTAGER AC108
you can now follow in the footsteps of all the big guitar
legends. Simply unpack it, plug it in and youre ready to go! The
VINTAGER AC108 gives you everything your heart desires, from
classic clean sounds to solid heavy metal licks.
What we really wanted was to give you a truly high-quality guitar
amp. Believe me: With all those years of experience under our
belt, we know what an amp needs to put up with. No matter how
often you practice or how many sessions you have with your
friends: when it comes to quality and sound, your
VINTAGER AC108 will give you years and years of pure enjoyment.
Now, just in case youre wondering how we can offer such a
high-quality guitar amp at such an unbelievably low price... the
answer is totally simple: its thanks to you! Many satisfied customers
means large volumes of units sold. Many units sold means better
purchase prices for components, and so on. So, we just passed
this price advantage on to you. Its only fair, isnt it?
Enough talk now. One day, when youre one of those legendary
guitarists yourself, we hope youll say that your first real guitar
amp was a BEHRINGER. In that case, you have made a dream
come true for us, too.
We wish you lots of success!
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
1. INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................ 4
1.1 Before you get started .................................................. 5
1.1.1 Shipment ............................................................ 5
1.1.2 Initial operation ................................................... 5
1.1.3 Warranty ............................................................. 5
2. WIRING TIPS ............................................................. 5
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS ............................................. 6
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS ............................................ 7
5. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 7
6. WARRANTY ............................................................... 8

5
VINTAGER AC108
2. WIRING TIPS
1.1 Before you get started
1.1.1 Ship ent
Your AC108 was carefully packed at the factory, and the
packaging was designed to protect the unit from rough handling.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the
packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage
that may have occurred during transit.
+If the unit is damaged, please d NOT return it t
BEHRINGER. Instead, n tify y ur dealer and the
shipping c mpany immediately. Otherwise, claims
f r damage r replacement may n t be h n red.
+Always use the riginal packing cart n t prevent
damage during st rage r transp rt.
+Make sure that n children are left unsupervised
with the AC108 r its packaging.
+Please ensure pr per disp sal f all packing
materials.
1.1.2 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling.
To avoid overheating, please do not place the VINTAGER near
radiators and other equipment emanating heat.
1.1.3 Warranty
The VINTAGERs serial number is located on the rear panel.
Please take the time to fill out and return the warranty card within
14 days after the date of purchase to benefit from our extended
warranty. Or register online at www.behringer.com.
2. WIRING TIPS
The illustration on the next page shows you how to connect
your guitar to the amplifier.
If you want to use an effects pedal (for example, the
BEHRINGER X V-AMP) to experiment with some out-of-the-
ordinary sounds, you can connect your guitar directly to the
input of the effects processor. Then, connect a second cable
from the effects output to the input on your guitar amp.
If you have an electronic tuner, please be sure to insert it pre
effects device, so that the tuner only receives a dry signal without
effects components.
X V-AMP: no additional tuner required.
+The built-in l udspeaker is disabled aut matically
when y u plug in the headph ne .
Fig. 2.1: Example of a setup using the VINTAGER AC10
Fig. 2.2 shows a recommended setup for amplifying the vintage
sound of your AC108 using a sound reinforcement system of
any size. This way, you can also use your amp for playing live or
for rehearsals with your band.
Fig. 2.2: Live setup

6
VINTAGER AC108
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
Connect your guitar to the INST(RUMENT) INPUT jack,
using a standard guitar cable with a 1/4" TS connector.
The GAIN control determines the volume level and the
amount of distortion. Use GAIN to adjust the amount
of distortion and the MASTER control to set the volume
level .
+If the GAIN switch is n t pressed, the GAIN
c ntr l is disabled. In this case, the v lume can
nly be set with the MASTER c ntr l .
The GAIN switch provides additional boost on the guitar
channel.
The BASS control allows you to boost or cut the low-
frequency range.
Guitar amps are optimally matched to the sound of guitars
by shifting the point at which middle frequencies are
lowered. Pressing the SHIFT button enacts this function.
The TREBLE control governs the high-frequency range to
give your guitar a more cutting sound.
Use the CD INPUT to connect the output of your CD player,
tape deck, CD or MD walkman, for example, to practice and
play along to music or guitar tutorial CDs.
This connector is a 1/4" TRS jack. If your CD player is
equipped with cinch outputs, youll need an adapter cable,
which you can buy at your local music shop. Illustration 4.3
in chapter 4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS shows you what
kind of adapter to buy. You can also use a mono cable (fig.
4.4). This will not damage your CD player or guitar amp.
The MASTER control determines the overall volume of your
AC108. Whenever you press the POWER switch or unplug
your guitar, be sure to set the MASTER control to zero first.
Otherwise, a loud crackling noise may be produced, which
could damage your loudspeaker or even your hearing.
The HEADPHONE jack is for headphone. When you plug
in your headphone, the built-in loudspeaker is muted.
+The headph ne signal can als be r uted t a mixing
c ns le r s und reinf rcement system. C nnect
the headph ne utput n y ur AC108 t the line
input (LINE IN) n the c ns le (f r example,
BEHRINGER EURORACK UB1222FX-PRO). Y u can als
use m n cables.
+S me headph nes pr duce dist rti n if the v lume
level is t high. Please cut back the MASTER c ntr l
until the dist rti n disappears.
Use the POWER switch to switch on your AC108. The
POWER switch should be set to Off before you connect
your guitar amp to the mains.
+Please n te: The POWER switch d es n t disc nnect
the unit fr m the mains. Unplug the p wer c rd
when y u d nt want t use the unit f r s me time.
Fig. 3.2 Rear view: Serial number
SERIAL NUMBER. Please take the time to fill out and return
the warranty card enclosed with your VINTAGER AC108
within 14 days of the date of purchase to benefit from
our extended warranty. Or register online at
www.behringer.com.
No matter which way you adjust the controls on your guitar
amp: the sound of your guitar also has some influence on the
overall sound. We would therefore like to give you a few tips to
get you started.
+M st guitars s und best when their t ne and
v lume c ntr ls are turned up as much as p ssible.
Experiment with the controls to find out how you can modify
the sound to your liking. Experienced guitarists write down their
favorite settings or attach stickies underneath the controls.
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
Fig. 3.1: Upper side: Control elements

7
VINTAGER AC108
5. SPECIFICATIONS
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The guitar input of the BEHRINGER VINTAGER AC108 comes
as 1/4" TS connector.
+Please keep in mind that all the equipment has t
be gr unded at all times. F r y ur wn pr tecti n,
never change r disable the gr unding n y ur
equipment r n the cables!
Fig. 4.1: 1/4" mono plug for the INSTRUMENT INPUT
Fig. 4.2: 1/4" stereo headphone plug and the 1/4" stereo plug
for the CD INPUT
Fig. 4.3: Stereo adapter cable
Fig. 4.4: Mono adapter cable
5. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS
Guitar input 1/4" TS connector
CD input 1/4" TRS connector
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Headphone output 1/4" TRS connector
SYSTEM DATA
Output stage power 15 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms
LOUDSPEAKER
Type 8" vintage design
guitar loudspeaker
Impedance 4 Ohms
Power rating 20 Watts
POWER SUPPLY
Mains voltage
USA/Canada 120 V~, 60 Hz
U.K./Australia 230 V~, 50 Hz
Europe 230 V~, 50 Hz
Japan 100 V~, 50 - 60 Hz
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Dimmensions
(H x W x D) approx. 322 mm (13 1/8")
x 357 mm (14 1/16")
x 162 mm (6 3/8")
Weight approx. 5.6 kg (11 lbs. 3 oz.)
BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards.
As a result of these efforts, modifications may be made from time to time to e isting
products without prior notice. Specifications and appearance may differ from those
listed or shown.

8
VINTAGER AC108
6. WARRANTY
6. WARRANTY
§ 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION
To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must
complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days of
the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik
GmbH, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure
to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any
extended warranty claims. Based on the conditions herein, the
buyer may also choose to use the online registration option via
the Internet (www.behringer.com or www.behringer.de).
§ 2 WARRANTY
1. BEHRINGER (BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH
including all BEHRINGER subsidiaries listed on the enclosed
page, except BEHRINGER Japan) warrants the mechanical and
electronic components of this product to be free of defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year* from the
original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty
regulations described below. If the product shows any defects
within the specified warranty period that are not excluded from
this warranty as described under § 4, BEHRINGER shall, at its
discretion, either replace or repair the product using suitable new
or reconditioned parts. In the case that other parts are used which
constitute an improvement, BEHRINGER may, at its discretion,
charge the customer for the additional cost of these parts.
2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will
be returned to the user freight prepaid.
3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are
expressly excluded.
§ 3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer)
must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed list) during normal business
hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must be
accompanied by a description of the problem. BEHRINGER will
then issue a return authorization number.
2. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original
shipping carton, together with the return authorization number to
the address indicated by BEHRINGER.
3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted.
§ 4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is
accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealers invoice. Any
product deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the terms
of this warranty will be repaired or replaced.
2. If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to
comply with applicable technical or safety standards on a national
or local level, in any country which is not the country for which the
product was originally developed and manufactured, this
modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in
materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover any such
modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was carried out
properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, BEHRINGER
shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from such a
modification/adaptation.
3. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly
excluded from this warranty, in particular, if caused by improper
handling of the product by the user. This also applies to defects
caused by normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders,
crossfaders, potentiometers, keys/buttons, tubes, guitar strings,
illuminants and similar parts.
4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not
covered by this warranty:
simproper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in
compliance with the instructions given in BEHRINGER user
or service manuals.
sconnection or operation of the unit in any way that does not
comply with the technical or safety regulations applicable in
the country where the product is used.
sdamages/defects caused by force majeure or any other
condition that is beyond the control of BEHRINGER.
5. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by unauthorized
personnel (user included) will void the warranty.
6. If an inspection of the product by BEHRINGER shows that
the defect in question is not covered by the warranty, the inspection
costs are payable by the customer.
7. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be
repaired exclusively at the buyers expense. BEHRINGER will
inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to
submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after notification,
BEHRINGER will return the unit C.O.D. with a separate invoice
for freight and packing. Such costs will also be invoiced separately
when the buyer has sent in a written repair order.
§ 5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer
(customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable to anyone who
may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail
dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise on
behalf of BEHRINGER.
§ 6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
Failure of BEHRINGER to provide proper warranty service shall
not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential) damages. In no event
shall the liability of BEHRINGER exceed the invoiced value of the
product.
§ 7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS AND NATIONAL LAW
1. This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyers statutory
rights provided by national law, in particular, any such rights
against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase
contract.
2. The warranty regulations mentioned herein are applicable
unless they constitute an infringement of national warranty law.
* Customers in the European Union please contact
BEHRINGER Germany Support for further details.
Technical specifications and appearance subject to change without notice. The information contained herein is correct at the time of
printing. The names of companies, institutions or publications pictured or mentioned and their respective logos are registered trademarks
of their respective owners. Their use neither constitutes a claim of the trademarks by BEHRINGER® nor affiliation of the trademark
owners with BEHRINGER®. BEHRINGER® accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either
wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Colours and specification may vary slightly from
product. Products are sold through our authorised dealers only. Distributors and dealers are not agents of BEHRINGER® and have
absolutely no authority to bind BEHRINGER® by any express or implied undertaking or representation. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind,
for any purpose, without the express written permission of BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH. BEHRINGER® is a registered
trademark.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © 2004 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH,
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 36-38, 47877 Willich-Münchheide II, Germany.
Tel. [phone], Fax [phone]