DNA DNA-800 User manual

1
David Nordschow Amplification
User Manual
For The
DNA- 800 Bass Amplifier
DNA-800
©2016, David Nordschow Amplification LLC

2
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing a David Nordschow Amplification bass guitar amplifier. We appreciate your
faith in our ability to help to provide you with an outstanding Bass Guitar Amplifier, and have worked
hard to give you the very best products available today. We design and build our amplifiers and
electronics to give you outstanding performance and years of trouble-free service. However, should
you ever need service or replacement parts for your equipment, we will do everything we can to
assist you. To help us provide service equal to our designs, please take the time to review this
manual in its entirety and to register online www.dnaamps.com.
If you prefer, you may instead send in the warranty registration card included in this manual.
As the market leader in High Performance Bass Amplification,we are proud of our notable lineage
and the many industry breakthroughs made by our founder David Nordschow throughout his
distinguished career. We design and engineer DNA products to work in concert with each other to
achieve a true synergy in their performance. Our DNA series amplification systems feature, leading
edge design, outstanding performance quality and superior components, to ensure that our clients
receive the ultimate in tone, quality and long-term reliability, even under the most rigorous touring
conditions.
Please read this manual before operating your new equipment. Help us help you by taking a few
minutes to learn how to properly set up and use your new 800 Bass Guitar Amplifier. You’ll be glad
you did!
CAUTION!
This product, when used in combination with amplification and/or additional
loudspeakers may be capable in certain situations of producing sound levels
that could cause possible hearing damage or loss. DO NOT ever operate your
products at high volume levels that are uncomfortable or dangerous to yourself
or others. Follow good sound safety practices and use approved hearing
protection if needed. If you experience discomfort or ringing in the ears and/or
you suspect hearing loss, you should consult an audiologist immediately.
Please take the time to review this manual and to register your
product with us online @ www.dnaamps.com
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Your DNA 800 Amplifier has a smart switching supply that will automatically adjust to the local
operating voltage from 90 VAC to 250VAC and frequencies from 50-60 Hz. You will need to have the
correct type and style of AC power input cable connection for the country you are playing in.

3
Connect your DNA Series bass guitar amplifier and appropriate speaker of a similar power rating,
using the NL-4 connectors on the rear of the amplifier chassis. The NL-4 connectors on both your
amplifier and your DNA speaker cabinet are wired together in parallel (see below) Connect your
amplifier using one connector and use the other one to connect another speaker cabinet if desired.
Make certain that the total impedance of all speaker cabinets you are using is no lower than the
minimum rated impedance (4 Ω) of your amplifier. Always make all speaker connections before
turning your amplifier on.
.
Connection Notes!
NEVER connect two different amplifiers together, or two channels of the same amplifier, into one
cabinet. This will be very likely to seriously damage your amplifier and possibly the speaker cabinet
as well.
IMPROTANT NOTE: DO NOT use a light gauge shielded instrument type cable to connect your
amplifier and speaker together. This will cause very poor performance and may even cause the
amplifier to oscillate and distort. Always use a good quality, heavy gauge speaker cable 16 gauge
min. or preferably 12 - 14 gauge cables for the best results.
Output connections:We use NL-4 type connectors. NL-2 type and NL-4 type cables are both
acceptable. Note that the +1/+2 pins are connected together as are -1/-2 on both the NL4 connectors
in your cabinet. This is to allow you to get the lowest impedance possible in your cable connection for
best bass response and peak power delivery. We also provide a ¼” connector for temporary short
term emergency use only. The ¼”onnector should not be used in place of the NL4 connections for

4
normal operation. The ¼” jack cable has a much lower current rating and will not perform as reliably
as the NL4 type connector.
Output power ratings: The 800 can put out a full 800 watts RMS into 4 Ω load @10%
distortion. It will put out near full power into a 2 Ωload. Even though it will operate into that low an
impedance load, we do not recommend a 2 Ωload for standard configuration. The 800 is designed to
work most efficiently and effectively into a 4 Ωto 8 Ωload configuration.
Front Panel Controls and Features
Note: Level Controls go from what the incoming signal level is, down to off. Gain Controls can
amplify the incoming signal level to a much higher level.
Control Group
Main Signal Input Jack
The Main signal input is located on the left side of the front panel. It is a standard ¼”jack configured
for monaural operation. The input impedance is 500K Ohms. Please note: The rear input jack
connection switches through the front input jack. They can each be used separately but not together
at the same time.
Mute To Tune
The Mute to Tune switch is green in the normal on or (out) position. When pressed in (Mute is
engaged) the switch will change color to red indicating the mute is engaged, and the audio signal is
no longer going to the output amplifier. The Tuning Jack on the rear panel retains signal. The DI will
not have signal present at its output when the Mute is engaged.
Gain Control
The Gain Control is used to match the amplifier to your bass and playing technique. Turn the Gain
Control up to the point at which the green set level LED comes on and flashes on the stronger notes.
That will set your signal level to be in the sweet spot in the gain chain. That will get you the best
sound and lowest noise combination.
Shape Control
The Shape Control is a complex curve that boosts low end, scoops out the low midrange and has a
genteel rise toward the treble frequencies. It is very handy for enhancing the tone curve for popping
or slapping. It also works well in the studio for giving you a quick way to change or shift to a different
tone emphasis. Be careful not to over use it in live playing conditions as the mid scoop can make it
difficult to cut through if you use too much of the effect.

5
Shape Bypass
The shape bypass is available only by foot switch control. It allows you to set up the Shape Control
for a specific tone character and then to bypass it. You can turn it on and off with the footswitch when
you need that special tone without having to adjust the amplifiers controls each time. FT/SW (A) Jack.
Switch (2).
4 Band Equalizer Set
The Four Band Tone Equalizer Set in the 1350 is highly musical and very simple to use. The
frequency centers are in the right places. The controls are fast and effective. All four controls interact
smoothly, seamlessly, and musically.
Bass Control
The Bass Control is set to increase or decrease the low bass frequencies. When the control is set to
center, it is inactive. When turned to the left, it goes negative, and to the right it goes positive. It
interacts smoothly with Low Midrange Control. This control is centered around 35 Hz. This control is
helpful for providing a deeper and more solid bass tone when needed.
Low Midrange Control
The Low Midrange Control is inactive at the center position. It controls the bass frequencies from just
above the low bass control range to the high midrange control. This control is centered around 500
Hz. This control range is useful, adding a little extra push or for scooping out the midrange area to
get that perfect tone balance while playing jazz and other similar music types.
High Midrange Control
The High Midrange Control is inactive at the center position. It is set to interact smoothly with the
Low Midrange Control and covers the upper midrange frequencies. It is centered at about 2K Hz.
This range is useful for adding some cut to your sound for playing pop and rock.
Treble Control
Treble Control goes from above the high midrange control out to the top of the normal audio range.
It's used to enhance brightness and sharpness in the overall tone settings.
Equalizer Bypass Switch
This is available only on the footswitch. FT/SW (A) Jack. Switch (1). This allows you to set up a
special tone setting on the 4 band tone controls and then bring it in and out as needed by bypassing
the tone setting back to straight wire flat.
Auxiliary Input Level Control
This controls the mix level of the Auxiliary inputs and is located on the back panel. It has 6dB of gain
so you can properly mix your MP3 audio files, tunes, tracks or drum machine with your bass at
normal live playing levels.
Master Level Control
The Master Level Control is a level control, not a gain control. It is the final control before the
amplifier input. Use this control to set your overall sound level for the room when you are playing.

6
Power On LED
The power on (green) LED turns on when unit is powered up and stays on as long as unit is in normal
operating condition. If the green power on LED is not on after you power on the main switch. The
unit has a problem and is not in proper operating condition. If the green power on indicator will not
illuminate, the unit has an operational problem and needs to be checked out by your dealer or
authorized DNA service center.
Peak Level LED
The amber colored Peak Level LED flashes briefly when your unit’soutput amplifier exceeds 0.01%
total harmonic distortion. This function is basically a peak output indicator, though it comes on at well
below the actual peak output of the amplifier.
Input Pad
Located on the Gain control pot. Use this control switch to reduce the signal level of your bass if it is
coming into your unit at too high a level to match up correctly with the input gain control.
DI Level Send
Located on the back panel. DI Level Send allows you to control the level of the DI signal going to the
mixing or recording console. This control allows you to adjust from microphone level to low line level.
DI Pre/Post Switch
Located on the Shape control pot. The Pre/Post DI switch allows you to select either pre-tone or post
tone single configuration to send to the DI output. This feature is only available from the front panel.
Compressor Threshold Control
The Threshold Control sets the level at which the compressor begins to compress. This is also called
the knee of the compressor. Turning the control to the right will allow the compressor to engage
sooner. Turning the control more to the left it will let the compressor engage at a higher signal level
or not at all.
Compressor Ratio Control
The Compressor Ratio Control allows you to select the way the signal is compressed. When the
control is set to the left side near zero, it will compress very gently, at a low compression ratio. As the
control is turned to the right, the ratio will become higher until it becomes a hard limiter at the control’s
far right position.
Compressor Bypass Switch
Located on the Threshold control pot. The Compressor Bypass Switch allows you to preset the
compressor to the desired level or effect in playing situations, and then to bypass the compressor,
when you no longer want to use the compression effect. Note: The comp. Led will not blink while
playing when it is in the bypass mode.

7
AC Input
The AC Input cable is connected to a standard IEC type input. The power supply will automatically
adjust from 90 VAC to 250 VAC, and works with 50 or 60 Hz.
Mains Power Switch
The Mains Power Switch is located above the AC inlet. It is an illuminated red type switch.
Fuses
There are no user serviceable fuses inside the unit. Your 1350 amplifier contains a 10A fuse which is
part of the power supply module. It is not user serviceable. In the event of a clear fuse failure or a
total lack of amplifier power up of the please contact your dealer or service center for assistance.
Fan
The DNA 800 has passive cooling and no fan is required
Amplifier Output Jacks
The Amplifier Output Jacks available on 1350 are configured as two NL4 type jacks (main), and one
1/4 inch phone jack for (emergency use).
Use the NL4 jacks for normal operation. The main speaker jacks are wired +1 and +2 together and -
1 and -2 together. The unit will accept both the NL2 or NL4 type cable connections. The
configuration is designed to give you the best connection possible your speaker cabinet. This will
give you the best quality sound, power output, and the deliver maximum available current to the
loudspeakers.
DI Output XLR Jack
The DI Output Jack is a balance line XLR type configured with pin (2) hot or plus. The signal is very
low noise and is studio quality. The output is protected to handle phantom power voltages if they are
accidently applied to the DI output. It is recommended that you turn off phantom voltage to this jack
before using the unit. The specialized THAT chip that drives this output is configured as an electronic
transformer and is fully balanced.
Ground lift
The ground the switch is located next to the DI output XLR. It allows you to reconfigure the ground
reference for pin one of the XLR. In the normal condition pin one of the output jack is connected
directly to the main chassis ground. When the ground is lifted by engaging the ground lift switch the
ground connection is removed from the pin(1) of the XLR. This is useful for eliminating or reducing
ground loops and unwanted hum and noise in the systems.
Auxiliary Input jacks
The AUX IN as an RCA input Jack set that features actively summed left and right inputs. It has six
dB of voltage gain. It provides a high-quality input that can take an IPad, auxiliary device or drum
machine and amplify it to the proper level to mix with the live bass guitar signal.
Foot switch control jack A
Switch connection Jack (A). Switch one and two control the tone equalizer bypass and the shape
bypass functions. These features are only available on the foot switch.

8
EQ. Bypass FT/SW (A) Switch (1). Shape Bypass FT/SW (A). Switch (2).
Slave Input Connection
This input jack allows you to connect your unit’s amplifier as a powered slave to another preamplifier.
This connection bypasses the main input jack, preamp and all controls on your unit.
Effects Loop
The main effects are a standard serial effects loop. The return jack set breaks the signal chain and
results in 100% of the signal going through the effects loop before coming back to the rest of the
signal chain. The send can also be used as an extra signal output if the return jack is not used.
Tuner Output
This Jack provides a slightly amplified and buffered signal that can be connected to the tuner input of
your choice.
Rack Access Rear Input Jack
This Jack provides an alternative input access for plugging in things like wireless receivers or any
input that needs to be connected from inside the rack or to the back of the unit. When you operate the
rear panel input jack you cannot operate the front panel input jack.
Operations
Turning on your amplifier
Before turning on your amplifier please make sure you read the manual and understand it. Make the
connections your loudspeaker before powering on the amplifier. Switch on amplifier by pressing the
mains power switch. All the amplifier management lights on the front panel will come on momentarily.
Then the red and yellow lights will turn off leaving only the green light glowing steadily. This is the
normal condition and indicates your amplifier is in good condition and ready to operate.
Turning off the amplifier
Press the mains power switch to turn off the unit. It is located on the back panel. All the lights on the
amplifier management group will light up momentarily but after few seconds they will all go off.
What to expect if your amplifier goes into the protect mode
Your 800 amplifier has a very sophisticated monitoring system for the power supply and amplifier. If
the system detects a short circuit or a dangerous condition such as, over temperature, excessive
amounts of clipping, excessive current usage, or improper power configuration conditions the
amplifier may go into the protect mode for safety.
If the amplifier goes into the protection mode it will be necessary to shutdown and then restart the
amplifier to clear the safety function lockout and restore the unit to normal operating conditions. A
damaged speaker cable, intermittent AC connections, excessively high temperatures and unusually
high current demands that exceed the systems normal parameters can potentially cause the system
to go into protect mode.

9
Output Peak Indicator
The output limit indicator is the yellow LED. It will flash briefly anytime the amplifier output nears
clipping. This normally occurs as the amplifier nears full power.
This light flashing is an indication that you are at the full power limits of the amplifier. It is okay for the
light to be flashing periodically, but it should not be on continuously.
3 Year Warranty Terms
DNA LIMITED WARRANTY
DNA LLC warrants the product you have purchased to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship in normal use for a period of (3) years from the date of original purchase. This warranty
shall be to the original purchaser when purchased from an Authorized DNA Dealer. The manufacturer
warrants the speakers for period of (3) years. Defective parts found during the warranty period will be
replaced or repaired without charge with a proof of purchase if the complete product is returned to
DNA LLC or any Authorized DNA Service Center within the U.S.A.
DNA LLC reserves the right to use materials readily available at the time of the repair. All Warranty
service requires a Proof of Purchase (sales receipt) to be presented at time of service request. Any
repair or service performed by any person or entity other than the DNA factory, or an Authorized DNA
Service Center is not covered by this limited warranty. The customer is responsible to pay
transportation to and from The DNA LLC Authorized Service Center, if the required service cannot be
performed at the Authorized DNA Service Center the unit must be returned to the DNA factory for that
service.
What is covered against manufacturing defects
Parts and Labor to correct any defect in original materials and or workmanship.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Products whose serial numbers have been altered or removed or have had their RFID chips
removed. Normal wear and tear from use is not covered. Damage to the units finish due to misuse.
Operations that are outside of the specified ratings, neglect or accident.
Shipping Damage is not covered under the warranty. Report damage upon receipt of item to the
carrier (i.e. UPS). The freight carrier must be notified upon receipt of items to insure a freight damage
claim resolution. Shipping damage not filed with carriers within (48) hrs upon receipt will not be
covered under warranty. Report any shipping damage within (48) hrs of receipt to your DNA Dealer.
Keep all original documents and packing materials to insure freight damage claim resolution. Any
merchandise that has been altered, or modified from its original OEM condition. DNA LLC is not
responsible for any items left in protective covers or cases, (We strongly advise that all personal
items such as chords, cables, tuners, etc. be removed!) freight charges to and from the factory or an
Authorized service center on customer owned goods, any and all charges incurred from priority
service requests (Rush Service) or priority shipping for replacement parts. Any and all charges if no
problem is found.

10
Factory Service Terms
Return Authorization
All items being returned for any reason must have a Return Merchandise Authorization number. This
RMA # must be placed on the outside of the carton of the item being returned or the carton will be
refused upon delivery. Please contact your local dealer for a return merchandise authorization
number in the event your equipment is in need of factory service. Dealer stock items than cannot be
repaired on site will be returned to the dealer freight prepaid.
Field Service Terms
An Authorized DNA Warranty Service Center must perform any and all field warranty service work.
Customer will not pay for parts and/or labor provided the problem found is within warranty guidelines.
Proof of purchase must be provided at the time of service request. Transportation charges to and
from the Authorized Warranty Service Center are the responsibility of the customer. Rush service
charges and special freight charges for required parts are not covered under warranty and are also
the responsibility of the customer. If a unit is not easily transported to an authorized service center,
the customer is responsible for technician travel charges. Any charges for labor or processing when
no problem is found are also not covered under warranty. Any charges incurred for work performed
by an unauthorized service center are the responsibility of the customer.
DNA LLC
www.dnaamps.com.
[email protected]