Reason Bambino series User manual

Bambino Series Amplifiers

Tube Guitar Amplifier

Reason Amplifier Company

St. Louis, MO

OWNERS MANUAL

Welcome to the Reason family!

Thank you for purchasing a Reason amplifier! We recognize that there are more

amplifiers available today than at any other time in history. With that in mind, we set

out to create amplifiers that would do more than simply stand up favorably in com-

parison to existing designs; we wanted to push the art of tube amp design into new

territory. We’re happy to say that we have achieved this objective, and did so

without burdening the amp with unnecessary gadgets or a complex set of controls.

The StackMode™ feature on your amp sets it apart from any other amp on the

market. Using StackMode will allow you access to a broad range of sounds including

some that are simply not possible on other vintage voice amplifiers. Furthermore,

StackMode allows you the ability to adjust unique parameters through its simple

control set and interactive features.

Exclusive to the Bambino™ amplifier is its push pull power amp design. Most other

low wattage amps use single ended output stage arrangements. These amps suffer

from flabby bass and uncontrolled overdrive characteristics. We are happy to report

that the Bambino has the dynamic punch and tightness only a push pull design can

achieve. The 6AQ5 power pentode used in the Bambino is readily available on the

NOS market and matched pairs can be purchased directly from Reason Amplifier

Company™.

At Reason™, we feel that your amplifier should feel like a natural extension of your

instrument and that it should inspire you to play better. We’re confident that your

Reason Amplifier will meet and exceed your expectations!

Thanks again, for picking Reason!

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S :

Welcome................................................................................................. ifc

Specifications………………………..……………………………………….

Front Panel Controls….………………………....…………………………..

Stack Mode Operation…………………………....……………………….

Rear Panel Features………………………………………………………...

Sample Settings…………………………………………………………….

Personal Settings………………………………………..………………...

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S :

Power Output: 8/2 Watts @ 5% THD Selectable

Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohm

Output Impedance: 16 and 8 ohms selectable

Line output: 600 Ohms output impedance, electronically balanced.

Line output level: Level adjust

Headphone output: 600 ohm output impedance, level adjustable

Normal channel: 54dB

Bright channel: 65 dB

Stack mode: 92 dB

Power consumption: 40 VA

Fuse rating: T .5 A 250V Slow

Tube complement: (2) 6AQ5 (3) 12AX7

READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.

DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION. OPEN-

INGS ON THIS AMPLIFIER FOR PROPER OPERATIONS, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3” (75mm) OF WELL

VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEAT SINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.

DO NOT USE THIS AMPLIFIER NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.

CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.

ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO

CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODE AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY

REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE AMPLIFIER.

PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR

STRAINED.

UNPLUG AMPLIFIER DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF

TIME.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY MANUFAC-

TURER FOR SAFE OPERATIONS AND TO AVOID INJURY.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHORT OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO

RAIN OR MOISTURE.

SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED

EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT

OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS

OPERATED AT H IGH VOLUME.

5-7

8-10

CAUTION

WARNING

Explanation of Graphic Symbols

= “DANGEROUS VOLTAGE” = “IT IS NECESSARY FOR USER

TO REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL”

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

AMPLIFIER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO

REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT OPEN AMPLIFIER CHASSIS. NO

USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

F R O N T P A N E L C O N T R O L S :



Stack Selector Switch – Normal/Bright/Stack – Selects the channel of operation.



Normal Channel – The Normal channel has a classic vintage voice that retains the natural

tone of the guitar.

Volume & Tone - Volume and Tone controls are a traditional high roll-off arrangement.

There is a large amount of interaction between these 2 controls. The “thick” pull switch

fattens up the sound, good for single coil pickups. At full setting of the volume control, the

“thick” switch has no effect.



Bright Channel – This channel has a more mid scooped personality. With treble and bass

controls and a hidden “trick”, wide equalization is possible.

Volume -

Using a single coil guitar, breakup will start around 5 on the dial.

Humbuckers will start at around 2.

The use of the bright switch with humbuckers is highly recommended in order to achieve

a good clean sound.

As the volume is pushed, smooth power tube saturation begins to take over.



Treble & Bass - The tone stack consists of treble and bass controls. The allow the adjust-

ment of the treble and bass frequencies. However, there is a hidden adjustment to the

mids as well. As the bass control is turned from 8 to 10 on the dial, the mids are scooped

out. At all other settings of the bass control, the mids are on 10.

S T A C K M O D E O P E R A T I O N :

Stack Mode Operation – In Stack mode, the channels are connected in series and the

stack master becomes your master volume control. A wide variety of high gain sounds

are possible. The Normal channel controls affect the first gain stage of the amplifier.

Manipulation of the volume and tone will affect the pick harmonic structure of the gain

sound. The bright channel volume controls the 2nd and 3rd gain stages of the amplifier.



Preamp saturation can be achieved here, and low volume, high gain sounds can be

realized with use of the stack master control. The hidden midrange function of the bass

knob is more effective here in stack mode.



High gain modern sounds can be achieved using the bass on 10 (mid scooped). Please

refer to the sample settings on pg. 5 for baseline settings.

NORMAL STACK BRIGHT

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

Output Switch – The Bambino includes an 8 watt/ 2 watt output switch. The switch

effectively lowers the plate voltage and the overall output of the amplifier to 2 watts for

low volume use. This is especially useful in critical situations where excess noise is a

factor. Gain is slightly reduced and the speaker is moving less air, so some change in the

sound is apparent. However the feature is highly useful and the circuitry has been

optimized to retain quality tone and feel of the amplifier at both settings of the switch.

R E A R P A N E L C O N T R O L S :



Footswitch Jack – Use with optional footswitch to select between the three modes of

operation.



Impedance selector – Use this switch to match the impedance to the cabinet being used.

16 ohm and 8 ohm selections are available. When using the Bambino with NO SPEAKER

ATTACHED, make sure the impedance selector is in the 8 ohm position. This provides the

proper loading for the internal 8 ohm load.



Speaker Output – Connect your speaker cabinet here. Be sure to match cabinet imped-

ance to the proper output impedance setting. Failure to do so may cause distorted sound

and damage to the amplifier.



Line Output and Headphones Jacks (Head only) – The Bambino features a balanced line

output and a stereo headphone output. The speaker may or may not be used in conjunc-

tion with the line out and/or headphones. When the speaker is disconnected, the speaker

output is routed to the internal load and then to the filter circuitry to provide a true speaker

simulated silent output. The headphone jack may also be used as a stereo output to a set

of computer monitors or powered studio monitors. Fully speaker compensated recording

tones are available.



Level control (Head only) – This adjusts the level at the line out and headphone jacks.

Simultaneous use of the headphones and line out is not recommended.



Fuse – If replacement is necessary, use only the fuse ratings noted on panel.



AC Inlet – Connect to wall using provided cord. Note power requirements on panel.

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

Sample Settings - Normal Channel

Guitar: Single Coil Setting Name: Chimey Cleanish

Setting Name: Warm Clean

Switch In

Switch In Setting Name: Mid Range Grind

Setting Name: Thick N’ Dirty

Switch Out

Guitar: Humbucker Setting Name: Chimey Cleanish

Setting Name: Warm Clean

Switch In

Switch In Setting Name: Mid Range Grind

Setting Name: Thick N’ Dirty

Switch In

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

Sample Settings - Bright Channel

Guitar: Single Coil Setting Name: Glassy Clean

Setting Name: Jazzy Clean

Switch Out

Switch In

Setting Name: Medium Break Up

Setting Name: Mr. Jangle-Grit

Guitar: Humbucker Setting Name: Glassy Clean

Setting Name: Jazzy Clean

Setting Name: Medium Break Up

Setting Name: Wheels of Fire

Switch In

TM Bambino Guitar Amplifier

Guitar: Single Coil Setting Name: Classic Crunch

Setting Name: Ice Man Blue

Switch Out Switch Out

Switch In Switch In

Switch In

Setting Name: Hard Rock

Setting Name: Metal

Switch Out

Guitar: Humbucker Setting Name: Classic Crunch

Setting Name: Ice Man Blue

Switch In

Switch In Setting Name: Hard Rock

Setting Name: Metal

Switch In

Switch Out

Switch In

Switch Out

Sample Settings - StackModeTM