Shift Line Olympic MKIII User manual


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Shift Line OLYMPIC MkIII
Tube bass preamplifier with IR-based cabinet simulation
OLYMPIC MkIII is the third revision of our renowned tube bass preamplifier, featuring an outstanding sonic character and
top-notch build quality. We have combined the classic tube bass sound with modern audio processing technologies, creating a
true “Swiss Army knife” for bass players as a result. Dialing in your preferred sound and taking it anywhere with you has never
been this easy! The preamp has extensive connectivity and sports an Impulse Response Convolution technology-based cabinet
simulator, which captures all the characteristic nuances of a real bass cabinet.

Inputs & Outputs:
1. IN is the preamp’s 1/4” jack audio input.
2. THRU is a 1/4” direct-through buffered output jack. The signal from
this output is unprocessed. It duplicates the signal from the IN jack.
3. SEND is a 1/4” output jack that allows to send out the post-EQ signal
for external processing. SEND can also be used as an additional output.
4. RETURN is a 1/4” input jack that allows externally processed signal to
be routed back into the preamp (using both SEND and RETURN allows
to set up a series effects loop).
5. OUT is the preamp’s main 1/4” output, designed to connect the
preamp to a power amplifier (RETURN or POWER AMP IN on bass
amplifiers, INPUT on power amplifiers).
6. AUX IN is a 1/8” input for an external sound source (the signal from
this input is only heard through the PHONES output).
7. PHONES is a 1/8” headphones output.
8. BALANCED OUT is an XLR balanced output.
9. POWER IN is the preamp’s power supply input.
Controls:
10. GAIN controls the preamp’s input signal amplification. With this
control, you can go from a crystal-clear sound all the way to a classic
California-style overdrive.
11. The BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE knobs constitute a classic
3-band passive EQ with a mild frequency correction effect and a
characteristic mid scoop.
12. The MASTER knob controls the volume of the signal coming from
the OUT jack.
13. The VOLUME knob controls the volume of the signal coming from
the PHONES and BALANCED OUT jacks.
The MASTER and VOLUME knobs work independently from each other.
14. The HI switch controls the signal’s high frequency harmonic content.
The “+” position accentuates the highs and the attack. The ”-” position
provides a milder sound by cutting the high frequencies. The neutral
position does not affect the signal in any way.
15. The GND switch allows to override “ground loops” that can
negatively affect the signal when using XLR connections. In the lower
position of the switch, the preamp’s “ground” is connected to the signal
receiver’s “ground”. In the middle position, the “grounds” are
disconnected. In the upper position, the “grounds” are connected and
an additional filter is used to remove interference.
The optimal setting of the GND switch is selected by ear: there should
be a minimum amount of 50Hz hum and interference.
16. The CAB switch selects the cabinet type used for cabinet
simulation. The upper position of the switch selects the SUNN 200s
(2x15) impulse. The lower position selects the AMPEG SVT-810E (8x10)
impulse. In the central position, cabinet simulation is disengaged.
Cabinet simulation affects the BALANCED OUT and PHONES outputs.
It does not affect the preamp’s main OUT.
Technical Specifications:
IN: mono, unbalanced, -20dBu, 1 MOhm input impedance.
THRU: mono, unbalanced, -20dBu, 1 kOhm output impedance.
SEND: mono, unbalanced, -10dBu, 1 kOhm output impedance.
RETURN: mono, unbalanced, -10dBu, 1 MOhm input impedance.
OUT: mono, unbalanced, +20dBu, 1 kOhm output impedance.
XLR: mono, balanced, +10dBu, 1 kOhm output impedance.
AUX: stereo, unbalanced, 0dBu, 10 kOhm input impedance.
PHONES: stereo, unbalanced, +10dBu, 10 Ohm output impedance.
POWER: 12V DC 600mA, 2.1/5.5mm negative center.
Use only regulated power supply units.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 122 x 102 x 55 mm (4.8 x 4 x 2.2”)
Unit weight: 480 g (1.06 lbs)
PSU weight: 120 g (0.26 lbs)
Delivery Set:
1. OLYMPIC MkIII preamplifier;
2. 12V DC 1000mA PSU with 4 changeable plugs;
3. User guide.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the instructions below so as not to damage the unit.
SHIFT LINE does not accept responsibility for any damage caused by not following these instructions.
When transporting or storing the unit at temperatures below 0 ºC, it is necessary to keep the unit at room temperature for at least 1 hour
before switching it on. When connecting the unit to other equipment, use cables specifically designed for this type of connection. Do not use faulty
or damaged cables.
DANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE!
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE UNIT ON YOUR OWN! DO NOT SWITCH ON AN OPENED-UP UNIT!
DO NOT SWITCH ON THE UNIT IF THE 12AX7 TUBE IS NOT INSTALLED.
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER:
Plug in the external power supply adapter only after assembling the whole signal chain! Before using the adapter, make sure that its body,
connecting cable and plug function properly and are not damaged. First, connect the adapter’s low-voltage jack to the power supply input on the
unit’s left side panel, then plug the adapter in the electric mains socket.
DISCONNECTING THE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER:
When finished using the unit, unplug the external power supply adapter from the electric mains socket, then disconnect the adapter’s low-voltage
jack from the power supply input on the unit’s left side panel.
REPLACING THE TUBE:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply and wait at least 3 minutes. Remove the 4 screws holding the unit’s back panel. Take out the buffer
holding the tube in place. Remove the tube by gently rocking it from side to side; do not apply any extra force! Insert the new tube (12AX7 or its
analogue). Put the buffer back in its place. Close the back panel and secure it in place with the 4 screws.
ATTENTION!
The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING!
In order to avoid malfunctioning, do not expose the unit to liquid or moisture. Water or other liquids should not get inside the unit. Do not put
liquid-filled vessels on top of the unit.
WARRANTY POLICY:
Electronics: 3 years, starting with the date of purchase;
Parts subject to load (potentiometers, buttons, switches, jacks) and the pre-installed 12AX7 tube: 1 year, starting with the date of purchase.
Units damaged as a result of abuse, such as (but not limited to): excessive force usage, unauthorized repair attempts, usage of an improper
power source, exposure to liquid, improper grounding or overheating, are NOT subject to warranty repair.
Warranty and post-warranty repair is conducted only at our service center in Saint Petersburg, Russia. For more information regarding our
warranty policy, feel free to contact us:
Phone: +7(812)987-69-74, +7(812)987-69-75
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