Phil Jones Bass BASS CUB PRO User manual

BASS CUB PRO
BG-120
OWNER’S MANUAL

Thank you for purchasing the A great deal of dedication
and passion went into designing and building this no-compromise, high-
performance compact-combo amplifier. It was conceived to be a dedicated
amplifier for the “connoisseur” .
PJB BASS CUB PRO.
bassist Reading and following this manual
will enable you to get the best performance from the amp and ensure its
longevity.
READ THIS FIRST
Before using the BASS CUB PRO, please read ALL the instructions.
On receipt of product, check for any signs of physical damage arising from
shipping. If any damage is visible, contact your retailer.
Do not install this equipment in a confined or building-in space such as a
bookcase or similar unit. The amp should remain in well ventilation
conditions at an open site. The ventilation should not be impeded by
covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-
cloths, curtains, etc.
WARNING: Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the
manufacturer.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the
amp to rain or moisture. The amp shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing. Objects filled with liquids such as a coffee cup shall not be
placed on top of the amp.
When not in use and during movement, please take care of the power
cord, e.g. tie up the power cord with cable tie. It shall be free from sharp
edges which can cause abrasion of the power cord. When put into use
again, please make sure the power cord being not damaged. If any
damages found, please replace it with one specified by the manufacturer
or with the same specifications as the original one.
 Correct Disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this
product should not be disposed with other household wastes throughout
the EU. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health
from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the
sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device,
please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where
the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmental
safe recycling.
1

OVERVIEW OF THE BASS CUB
Sometimes all you need is an amplifier that can deliver true bass tones but
without the hassle of getting out a big rig amplifier. The BASS CUB PRO has a
power output of 120W at 8 Ohms or 240W at 4 Ohms. It delivers pure bass
tone from a “shoebox” size package that weights only 15 lbs.
It can sit on the floor or on top of a desk. It also has a stereo input for Drum
machine or iPod/Cell Phone.
Practicing can be done by using the 2 internal speakers or headphones.
With these versatile features and great sound, you no longer have excuses not
to practice!
AMPLIFIER FEATURES
A switchable input for active (high-output) and passive (high pickup
impedance) basses with mute function.
Auxiliary input for other audio sources with volume control.
Dedicated 5-Band EQ for total tonal control of instrument.
FX Send/Return.
A Balanced Line Output with ground lift.
Line Out.
Ear-Box Out.
EXT-Speaker Out.
Sophisticated protection circuitry.
Power output 120W at 8 Ohms/240W at 4 Ohms (MAX).
Ultra low noise pre-amplifier circuit.
PRO
2
TOP PANEL OVERVIEW
FX SE ND
INPUT IN PU T LEVEL
CLIP
ACT IV E
PASS IV E
+18dB
LO- BA SS H I- BASS
POWER
HEADPH ON E
FX RE TU RN
TREBLE
HI-MID
LO- MI D
DRY
MIX
WET
MA X
MI N
AUX VOL .
AUX I N
MAX
MIN
-18dB +18 dB - 18 dB +18dB - 18 dB +18dB - 18 dB +18dB
MUTE
-18dB
0 0 0 0 0
BASS CUB PRO
MASTER VOL.
MAX
MIN

3
1.INPUT JACK
This is a high impedance input and is designed for all passive and active
instruments.
2.CLIP LIGHT
When the amplifier output is clipping, the LED will light up in red. When the
amplifier is muted, the LED will light up in green.
3. INPUT SWITCH
MUTE: mute the input stage. When switching on, the clip LED will light up
with green.
ACTIVE: lower sensitivity input setting for guitars with onboard electronics.
PASSIVE: higher sensitivity, high impedance input. for passive guitars.
4. INPUT LEVEL CONTROL
Factors of different instruments , playing styles, and players all can affect
the signal level. Adjust this control accordingly, so that the signal overload
clip light does not light up. This optimizes the best signal to noise ratio
between the amp and instrument, and will give you the full extent of the
amplifiers tone and power.
5. FX SEND SOCKET
Connect the FX send to auxiliary FX unit input.
6. FX RETURN SOCKET
Connect the FX Return to auxiliary FX unit output.
TOP PANEL DESCRIPTION
7. MIX CONTROL
8. AUX INPUT
Stereo input for Drum machine or iPod/Cell Phone.
9. AUX INPUT VOLUME CONTROL
Control the level of backing/rhythm track.
10. HEADPHONE SOCKET
This jack accepts 3.5mm stereo headphone jacks.
We recommend the PJB H850 headphones as they were designed for bass
and high fidelity music reproduction.
When a headphone is connected to the jack, the speakers will be muted.
11. LOW BASS EQ CONTROL
This will adjust the fundamental tones of E and A strings on 4 string basses
and B, E & A on 5 string basses.

4
12. HIGH BASS EQ CONTROL
This will adjust the fundamental tones of D and G-strings on 4 & 5 string
basses.
13. LOW MID EQ CONTROL
14. HIGH MID EQ CONTROL
15. TREBLE EQ CONTROL
16. MASTER VOLUME CONTROL
This is the master volume control. It controls how much power you send to
the speakers, as well as the line out socket on the back of the amp. When
setting up your tone or plugging in your instrument, you should always start
this control at low level. Output from the pick ups of different instruments
all veries, and likewise, players may play soft or hard.
17. POWER LED INDICATOR
When power is switched on, the LED light will turn bright green.
NOTE: When power is on, the indicator will light up. If no signal comes in
after 30 minutes, the standby mode will activate, and the power indicator
LED will light up in red. When a signal comes in from INPUT or AUX socket,
the amplifier will restart in about 2 seconds.
BACK PANEL OVERVIEW
EXT S PEA KER
EAR-BOX
POWE R
ON OFF
DI OUT
LIFT
GND
LINE O UT
VOLTAGE SELE CTOR
BASS CUB PRO
BG-120
BASS COMBO AMPLIFIER
RI SK O F EL EC TR IC S HO CK
DO N OT O PE N
CA U TION
LI F T
GN D
23 0V
115V
23
24
25

5
BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION
18.
This is an ultra-low impedance (200Ω) balanced line out for use with
recording or PA mixing consoles. This output is not controlled by the volume
control. Changing the level on your instrument will, however, change the DI
output.
19. GROUND LIFT SWITCH
This allows the grounding of balanced out socket to be disconnected. This is
useful if you are experiencing hum caused by ground loops/problems.
20. LINE OUT
Can be used for driving a second amplifier.
21. EAR-BOX OUT
22.
XLR-DIRECT OUTPUT SOCKET
You can connect a PJB EarBox to this socket. The EarBox is a micro high
impedance, ear level, monitor speaker than can fit onto a microphone stand.
Only use this output for a PJB EarBox loudspeaker.
The socket supports both Speakon and 1/4" Jack connectors.
EXTENSION SPEAKER OUT
This output is for driving an additional 8 ohm speaker such as the PJB
Compact-2. Do not use a speaker with an impedance of less than 8 ohms as
the amplifier will get too hot and shut down.
The socket supports both of Speakon and 1/4" Jack connectors.
23. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
This switches the main power on and off in the amplifier. When you turn on
the power, it will have about 2 seconds delay to protect the speaker.
Do not leave the amplifier plugged into a power source for a long period of
time when not in use.
24. AC INPUT-VOLTAGE SELECTOR
Switches the amplifier to run on either 110-120 volt or 220-240 volt AC
power. Never try to run the amplifier on a 220-240 volt supply when the
switch is set on 110-120 volt. This can cause irreversible damage to the
amplifier.
25. AC INPUT SOCKET & FUSE
Connects the amplifier to AC power supply. Always use a grounded plug and
make sure the AC cable is more than 3A rating at 250-volt AC. If you require a
longer AC power cord, we recommend the PJB heavy duty 20 foot power
cords. These are available as an accessory. Use a slow blow ¾ inch fuse.

6
OPERATION & POSITIONING
TURN THE VOLUME DOWN on the BASS CUB PRO before plugging in your
instrument.
CAUTION: Extreme overload on the amplifier can cause the failure of the
loudspeakers. The BASS CUB PRO is designed for optimal bass performance.
Care must be given not to push the amplifier beyond its limits. If you hear any
kind of distortion on the speakers, immediately turn down the master volume
control until the distortion disappears. The amplifier is rated power output of
120W at 8 Ohms/240W at 4 Ohms with no audible distortion. This does not
mean that the amplifier is limited to 120W at 8 Ohms / 240W at 4 Ohms; in
fact the power with distortion could be double the wattage. Distorted sound
waves from overdriven amplifiers are very often the cause of loudspeaker
failures. This type of speaker failure is regarded as mis-use and not covered by
warranty.
Positioning the BASS CUB PRO for Best Sound
Often, your bass instrument sounds different in different venues. This is
partially due to the acoustics of the hall, influencing the low-frequency waves
that are coming from your speaker. Bass waves are large, and room
dimensions heavily influence them when the walls reflect the sound waves,
causing them to collide by adding together or canceling each other out. This
causes some fundamental notes (the ones you feel more than hear) to ring
out louder than others, and some notes are not heard at all.
Here is an indication of where fundamental bass frequencies are, showing
open string’s approximate frequencies and acoustic wavelength:
F# string 24Hz 46 feet
B string 31Hz 36 feet
E string 41Hz 27 feet
A string 55Hz 20 feet
D string 73Hz 15 feet
G string 98Hz 11 feet
C string 130Hz 9 feet
BEFORE SWITCHING ON POWER–Check that the voltage selector is set to the
correct voltage in your country. (110volt-120 volt USA / Japan or 220 240V
Europe / Australia.)
ALWAYS USE A HIGH QUALITY GROUNDED AC POWER CABLE.
NEVER USE THIS AMPLIFIER WITH THE GROUND CONNECTION REMOVED. We
recommend that you use original PJB cables.
–
GETTING STARTED

7
This gives you some indication of the offending notes (frequencies) that may
be booming or resonating louder or quieter than others. For example, if your
speakers are five feet from a wall, the open A string may sound weak. The
reason could be that the path length of the reflected sound from the wall is
exactly corresponding to half a wavelength on the open A string, causing that
particular note to cancel out.
Where the BASS CUB PRO is positioned will ultimately affect your low-
frequency limit. For best performance, keep the BASS CUB PRO on the floor.
Placing it on objects off the floor will result in thinner bass sound and lacking
in bass punch. Placing the BASS CUB PRO with the back close to a wall will help
to reinforce the lower notes. Placing it in a room corner will further enhance
the low notes.
Room size makes a big difference on how deep the bass will sound. The
further the distance to the listener, the less the bass will be. This is due to the
physics of acoustics, not the unit itself.
Unfortunately for bass players, low frequencies are always very difficult to
control when room acoustic is present. The wavelengths of the notes you are
playing often correspond to the room dimensions, in which case the reflected
sound from the walls interferes with the sound from the speaker as you get
further away from it.
TRANSPORTING AND STORING THE BASS CUB PRO
When transporting the amplifier in a vehicle, it is recommended that you use
an external case, or a heavy-duty cover to prevent it from damage.
Storage
Keep in a dry location, preferably at room temperature.
Do not store in temperatures below -20 Degrees C or above 40 Degrees C.
Do not allow it to get wet. If this occurs, never turn it on in this condition.
Do not leave the BASS CUB PRO permanently connected to a power
source.

8
SPECIFICATIONS
Amplifier
A class D amplifier with digital switch-mode power supply.
Power output 120W at 8 Ohms / 240W at 4 Ohms (MAX).
Signal to Noise Ratio
≥85 dB(A) (EQ off, Volume on Full.)
Impedance
Passive Input: >2MΩ/22pF
Active Input: >100KΩ/22pF
Pre Amp Line Out: < 2KΩ
Bal. Out: <200Ω
Levels
Passive Input: 10mV-1.5V
Active Input: 20mV-4.5V
Pre Amp Line Out: 1.2V
Bal.Out: Typical 500mV
Protection Circuits
1. AC line filter.
2. Slow-blow Fuse: 10A / 250V.
3. Loudspeaker Short-Circuit Protection.
Speaker
Computer Optimized Vented Enclosure
Speaker Frequency Response: 50Hz –15KHz
Speaker Compliment: 2 x 5inch proprietary, extended-range drivers
Speaker Sensitivity: 91dB/W/M
Internal Speaker Impedance: 8 Ohms
Dimensions: 12” W x 11” D x 7.8” H
Weight: 16.5 lbs
Included Parts
6 ft AC Power Cord

9
SERVICE/WARRANTY INFORMATION
The carries a 2-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
Products must be purchased from an authorized PJB dealer.
Buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 15 days of
purchase, or register online by www.pjbworld.com
This warranty covers defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal
use. Within warranty period PJB will repair or replace the defect unit free of
labor and parts charge.It is the buyer’s responsibility to use the unit strictly
according to instructions written in this manual and amplifier manual.
This warranty is not transferable; it is provided to the original owner only.
Damage/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this
warranty:
Improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with
the instructions given in user manual;
Connection or operation in any way that does not comply with the technical or
safely regulations applicable in the country where the product is used;
Repairs or modifications by anyone other than authorized PJB service agent;
Damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other condition that is
beyond the control of PJB.
IMPORTANT:
In all warranty issues, your first line of communication should be to the
retailer you purchased from, even if you have purchased product from an
online source.
When a local distributor is available, the customer who prefers to purchase
across country online may be required to pay shipping charges to retailer in
order to obtain service.
Warranty policies differ in countries outside of the USA. Please check with local
distributors for warranty information in your region. Register first with your local
distributor if available will give you better and quicker service when needed.
Further questions, please contact your local distributors or PJB by email
[e-mail].
PHIL JONES BASS
American Acoustic Development LLC
8509 Mid County Industrial Dr
St Louis, MO 63114
USA
Tel: [phone] (855-BASS-510)
www.pjbworld.com
For services outside the USA please contact our distributor in your country.
Information can be found on our website.
BASS CUB PRO
[e-mail]

American Acoustic Development LLC
8509 Mid County Industrial Dr,
St Louis, MO 63114
USA
WWW.PJBWORLD.COM
Printed in China