Tecamp Puma Combo 110 User manual

Puma Combo 110
Puma Combo 112
>> Owner’s Manual – english
Alter Bahnhofsweg 5 · D-35745 Herborn
Fon [phone] · Fax [phone] · e-Mail: [email protected] · www.tec-amp.de

Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a
TECAMP PUMA 350 Combo. This manual will help you
get to learn all the useful and exciting features of one of
the best combo amplifiers in the world.
The new PUMA combos are equipped with our latest
design of Neodymium bass speakers, a 10” model with
a power rating of stunning 300 watts in the PUMA 110
combo, and a 12” model, also with a power rating of 300
watts, in the PUMA 112 combo.
We were the world’s first manufacturer of professional
bass equipment to solely use Neodymium speakers in all
our cabinets and combo amps already back in the year
2000. The outstanding advantages of this raw material
are evident in all respects, which has led to the logical
consequence that more and more manufacturers have
turned to using this sort of speakers in their cabinets too.
The latest generation of our Neodymium loudspeakers
boasts a plethora of innovative details which make our
cabinets and combo amps so unique. The demanding
requests of our professional users and the close relati-
onship between our in-house Research and Develop-
ment team and our experienced suppliers form the keys
to our superior technology.
Thanks to the latest measuring and analysis systems our
loudspeakers meet the highest technical specifications
and take up a leading place in professional loudspeaker
manufacturing. We put extra effort in our loudspeakers
reaching maximum power rating while at the same time
strongly reducing power compression and distortion. As
a result our speakers don’t fade away or sound weak and
broken up at high output levels, rather they maintain
their dynamic response and keep delivering a considera-
ble increase in sound pressure level.
The combos also feature the new NTM-1 middle-high
cone speaker with a Neodymium double magnet system.
Working in a sealed enclosure it impresses with a low
roll-off frequency and a very flat frequency response,
thus delivering a smooth top end far beyond 10 kHz at
astounding sound pressure levels. All combo amps sport
an additional Speakon output for operating an external
speaker cabinet.
>> Introduction
3
CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Puma Combo
We declare under our sole responsibility that this product is in
conformity with the following standards or standardization
documents in attention of operation conditions and installation
arrangements according to operating manual:
EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN 55013, EN 55020, EN 55022,
EN 60065 according to the provisions of the regulations
89/336/EWG and 73/23/EWG.
2
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that
no objects with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the appa-
ratus. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the discon-
nect device shall remain readily operable.
Warning: the user shall not place this apparatus in the area during
the operation so that the mains switch can be easily accessible.
1. Read these instructions before operating this apparatus.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings to ensure safe operation.
4. Follow all instructions provided in this document.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or in locations where con-
densation may occur.
6. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not use aerosol or liquid cleaners.
Unplug this apparatus before cleaning.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordan-
ce with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat regi-
sters, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produ-
ce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not into your outlet, consult an electrici-
an for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particu-
larly at plug, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by
the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tipover.
13.When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/appara-
tus combination to avoid injury from tipover.
14.Unplug this apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
15.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
CAUTION: USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE MAY RESULT IN
HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’ s enclosure that may be of sufi-
cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

>> Front Panel
1 INPUT
Plug in your shielded instrument cable into this jack. We
advise you to always turn down the volume control on
your instrument before plugging it into this jack.
2 CLIP
The red CLIP LED helps you adjust the input sensitivity of
the PUMA 350 preamp so that the signal from your
instrument best matches the preamp’s internal operating
level. Turn up the “GAIN” control (#3) while you hit the
strings of your bass hard until the CLIP LED starts flas-
hing. Now back up the “GAIN” control a bit until the LED
goes off.
The flashing CLIP LED tells you that the input stage of
the preamp is clipping somewhere and that you should
either turn down the GAIN control (#4) or engage the –
10 dB function (#2). Keep in mind that excessive use of
the LO control (#9) and BASS BOOST (#8) will raise the
internal level and thus make the CLIP LED come on much
earlier.
3 GAIN
This control adjusts the basic signal level in the preamp
and thus determines it’s sensitivity and overall dynamic
characteristics. In order to best adjust your instrument’s
signal level to the internal operating level of PUMA 350
watch the “CLIP LED” (#2). Set the GAIN such that the CLIP
LED just doesn’t come up.
Do not leave the volume control on your instru-
ment set too low, otherwise noise picked up along the
cable will become more prominent and thus lower the
signal-to noise ratio of the amp.
4 TASTE
This unique feature adds to the superiority of the PUMA
350’s tonal qualities. Leave the control in the centre
position if you seek a more “natural” sound. When tur-
ned to the right (clockwise) towards “RICH” the sound
gets increasingly fatter with lots of low-end punch,
ending in a warm, vintage-like tone. When turned to the
left (counter clockwise) towards “DRY” this control adds
urgent attack and midrange growl.
4
The “TASTE” control allows you to quickly and
effectively soften those instruments which sound a litt-
le harsh and scathing. At the same time bass guitars
with a muddy, booming neck pickup gain definition by
turning the “TASTE” control towards the “DRY” position
5 LO
This is the primary low frequency control. It allows for
cutting or boosting the frequency range around 70 Hz by
15 dB each. This frequency range represents the bottom
end and massive yet distinguished punch in a bass gui-
tar. Start from the 12 o’clock position and dial in the
sound you like.
6 LO MID
The “LoMID” control is centred at 250 Hz and offers a cut
or boost of 12 dB. The slope of this control is not as
steep as the one of the “LO” control (#5). This frequency
range, when turned up, determines the body of the bass
guitar signal and lets the bass kick out in a mix. Turn it
counter clockwise to reduce unwanted room resonance.
7 HI MID
The “HiMID” control is centred at 800 Hz and offers a cut
or boost of 12 dB, again with a more gentle slope just
like the “LO MID” control (#6). Due to the broader ranges
which are covered by these controls the sound never
gets booming or honky when you turn them all the way
up. Turning up the “HI MID” control gives you a great
fretless sound. On the other hand, when you cut the HI
MID range you end up with a funky slap sound of extre-
mely high quality.
8 HI
The “HI” control is centred at 5 kHz and offers a cut or
boost of 15 dB. Turn it up for a biting, crystal clear rock
or funk bass. Turn it counter clockwise to reduce hiss or
generally dampen the sound for a muted reggae feel.
9 MASTER
This is the overall volume control of the PUMA 350 and
works on internal power amp. It determines the level at
the “SPEAKER OUTPUTS” (#19) as well as the “LINE
OUT” jack on the back panel (#17).
10 MUTE
The “MUTE” switch should be depressed when you
power up or down your PUMA 350 – the LED above the
switch illuminates when the function is engaged. In this
mode no audio signal will be processed and heard at any
output except the “TUNER” jack (#16). That way you
don’t have to turn down the volume for silent tuning or
when changing instruments, thus you do without the
nasty cling which you usually hear when you unplug the
jack.
The “MUTE” switch also interrupts the signal path at the
balanced “DI OUT” (#12), no matter which position the
switch “DI POST” (#11) is in (that way your silent tuning
or changing instruments won’t be heard in the PA, eit-
her).
During breaks the amp should be set to “MUTE” rather
than switched off completely. That way the internal fan
stays on and cools down the power amp circuitry if
necessary. Disengage the “MUTE” function and start to
rumble – now there is signal at all outputs again.
11 POST
With this switch the balanced “DI OUT” (#12) can be
selected to be a “PRE” or “POST” preamp signal. In the
“PRE” position (switch is not depressed) the “DI OUT”
signal is tapped directly after the input stage including
the “GAIN” control (#3).
In the “POST” position (switch depressed) the “DI OUT”
signal is taken after it has been processed by the com-
5
NTIPS & TRICKS FROM DR. BASS
NTIPS & TRICKS FROM DR. BASS
Input Gain Lo LoMid HiMid Hi Master Mute
Clip
Post
10
0
10
010
010 010 010 0
DI
Power
350
Taste
Rich
Dry
DI
1 32 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

6 7
plete preamp, i.e. including the “GAIN” control (#3), the
tone control section (#5 through #8), and the “EFFECTS
LOOP” (#18). It is not affected by the “MASTER” control
(#9). As a reference the LED above the “POST” switch
illuminates when the “DI OUT” is set to “POST”.
12 DI
PUMA 350 supplies a balanced line output signal for
connecting to a house mixing board, recording console or
external amplifier(s) with balanced inputs. Connect a
shielded 3-core microphone cable with XLR plugs to this
male XLR output.
The need for an additional active DI box, which can be
pretty expensive, is obsolete. Due to the advanced cir-
cuit design using only the best components available the
high sound quality of the “DI OUT” makes it the amp of
choice in any recording studio (you can use the PUMA
350’s pre amp on its own without driving any speakers).
The DI signal can be tapped either before or after the
preamp, as determined by the switch “POST” (#11).
There is no need to be afraid of nasty ground loops as
the DI output is soft-grounded.
13 POWER
At the risk of stating the obvious, this stylish yet heavy-
duty rocker switch is used to turn the PUMA 350 on and
off. Before you turn on the amp do make sure that the
“MUTE” switch (#10) is depressed. Activating the
POWER SWITCH (the top of the switch must be depres-
sed towards the amp chassis) will make the small blue
LED in the switch illuminate. The amp is OFF when the
bottom of the POWER SWITCH is depressed – the LED
will no longer illuminate.
Before you plug in do make sure that the voltage is
correct (see #15)!
>> Front Panel >> Back Panel
Input Gain Lo LoMid HiMid Hi Master Mute
Clip
Post
10
0
10
010
010 010 010 0
DI
Power
350
Taste
Rich
Dry
DI
1 32 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 POWER RECEPTACLE
Connect the supplied AC power cord to the power recep-
tacle. Make sure the Euro plug is firmly inserted in the
socket. The other end of the cable should be connected
to any standard grounded AC outlet or into a power strip
of proper voltage. Before you plug in do make sure that
the voltage is correct (see #15)!
Just in case you lose the cord provided, the jack accepts
a standard 3-prong IEC cord like those found on most
professional gear and computers – you can get one at
any electronics, music or computer store.
Never (!) remove or otherwise attempt to defeat
the ground pin of the power cord in order to get rid
of a hum induced by a ground loop
14a POWER FUSE
The PUMA 350 is fused for your and its own protection.
If you suspect a blown fuse, disconnect the cord, pull out
the FUSE DRAWER (#14a, located just below the cord
receptacle) and replace the fuse with another suitable
fuse. There should be a spare fuse in the fuse drawer.
For 230 V units the fuse for the PUMA 350 must be a 4
A (amps) SLO BLO 5 x 20 mm. When you’re in a country
with a standard of 115 volts set the “VOLTAGE SELEC-
TOR” (#15) accordingly and don’t forget to change the
fuse to 6.3 A SLO BLO!
If two fuses blow in a row, something is very wrong. Do
not open the unit. Refer service to qualified service per-
sonnel.
15 VOLTAGE SELECTOR
The PUMA 350 features a “VOLTAGE SELECTOR” allo-
wing you to use your amplifier anywhere in the world
just by the flick of a switch. The unit is set to 230 V when
we ship to a country in Europe.
Should you wish to use your PUMA 350 in the USA set
the “VOLTAGE SELECTOR” to “115 V” and replace the
fuse in the fuse drawer (#14a) by a 6.3 A SLO BLO type.
ATTENTION: Don’t forget to set it back to “230 V”
and change the fuse when you return home!
TecAmp cannot be made responsible for damages
to the unit caused by improper voltage selection.
Therefore it is a good idea to always check the
“VOLTAGE SELECTOR” before powering up the
unit.
USE ONLY WITH A 250V FUSE
N
E
U
T
R
I
K
EFFECT WAY
LINE IN
SEND RETURN
LINE OUT TUNER
MIN. LOAD 8 OHMS
EXTERNAL
SPEAKER OUT
VOLTAGE
115 V230 V
230
Made in Germany
HIGH VOLTAGE!CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE
AND SHOCK HAZARD DON’T EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
MOISTURE OR RAIN. DO NOT OPEN CASE.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
!
P
u
m
a
b
y
T
e
c
A
m
p
Bass Combo
14 14a 19
15
18a
18b 17 16

16 TUNER
This jack is provided for connection to an electronic
tuner and is always “live” even when the PUMA 350 is
in “MUTE” mode (#16). This allows for silent tuning as
well as providing a monitor feed which stays hot even
when the house mix is muted.
17 LINE OUT
This jack provides a line level signal for connection to a
separate power amp, PA mixing console or recording
equipment. The volume of the signal is controlled by the
“MASTER” control (#9). Note that the output is muted
when the “MUTE” function (#10) is engaged.
18 EFFECTS LOOP
RETURN/LINE IN, SEND
These two 1/4” jacks are the serial patch points for
external signal processing effects.
18b SEND
Connect the “SEND” jack to the input of the (first) exter-
nal device.
18a RETURN / LINE IN
Connect the output of the (last) external device to the
“RETURN” jack.
Always use high quality shielded instrument cables for
connecting to and from external devices. Keep the
cables as short as possible.
If you notice crackling distortion when using external
effects, either the batteries of the stomp box have run
out, or the send level of the amplifier is too high for the
processor’s input stage. In this case you better connect
the device between bass guitar and amplifier.
The “RETURN / LINE IN” jack (#18a) can also be used to
connect various external audio sources to the PUMA 350
such as an MP3 player, or in order to just use the power
amp of the PUMA 350. The “MASTER” control (#9)
determines the final output level. As the “RETURN /
LINE IN” jack (#18a) is placed after the tone controls (#5
through #8) you can adjust the sound of your instrument
connected to the “INPUT” (#1) to your likings without
affecting the sound of the external audio source. This
way you can jam along your favourite playbacks.
>> Back Panel
8 9
9 SPEAKER OUT
PUMA 350 sports two Neutrik Speakon®NL4 MP spea-
ker outputs which are wired in parallel, i.e. they both
carry the same signal. The PUMA 350 power amp deli-
vers 350 watts continuous output power at a minimum
load of 4 ohms, which is 250 watts at 8 ohms. You are
free to use either speaker output if you want to connect
more than one speaker cabinet. Just make sure that the
minimum load of each power amp is no less than 4
ohms. Thus you can connect two 8 ohms speakers or
one 4 ohms speaker.
Whatever your setup is, always make sure that
the speaker cables are as long as necessary but as short
as possible, using heavy gauge cable (we recommend at
least 2 x 2.5 mm
2
). Do stick to speaker cables with Spea-
kon
®
connectors only, either NL2FC (two pin connector)
or NL4FC (four pin connector). No matter which plug you
use the “hot” wire must be connected to pin “1+” and
the “cold” wire to pin “1-“. High quality TECAMP spea-
ker cables can be obtained as an option
Monitorposition
There is a metal rod attached to the bottom of the cabi-
net which can be used to tilt back the combo into a 45°
monitor position thus improving audibility on small sta-
ges and in rehearsal rooms. Tip over the combo cabinet
to the front and take the rod off the clips by pulling back-
wards. Firmly place the rod into the metal guide which is
in the lower middle bar of the tuning port on the back of
the cabinet. Now the cabinet can be tilt back until the
rod touches the ground. During transport the metal rod
should always be fixed to the bottom of the cabinet.
USE ONLY WITH A 250V FUSE
N
E
U
T
R
I
K
EFFECT WAY
LINE IN
SEND RETURN
LINE OUT TUNER
MIN. LOAD 8 OHMS
EXTERNAL
SPEAKER OUT
VOLTAGE
115 V230 V
230
Made in Germany
HIGH VOLTAGE!CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE
AND SHOCK HAZARD DON’T EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
MOISTURE OR RAIN. DO NOT OPEN CASE.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
!
P
u
m
a
b
y
T
e
c
A
m
p
Bass Combo
14 14a 19
15
18a
18b 17 16 NTIPS & TRICKS FROM DR. BASS

1 x 10” 1 x 12”
solid state preamp with gain, taste, lo, lomid, himid, hi, master controls, switchable mute,
DI pre/post, XLR balanced DI out, 1 x effects loop, tuner out, line out, line in
EFFECT SEND: 600 Ω; EFFECT RETURN/LINE IN: 10 kΩ/0 dBu
600 Ω/+6 dB;
600 Ω/+6 dBu
LO: 30 Hz/+-15 dB; LO MID: 250 Hz/+-12 dB; HI MID: 800 Hz/+-12 dB; HI: 8 k/+-15 dB
Class AB Amplifier, 270 W; 350 W / 4 Ω
switching power supply
230 V/AC: 4 A/T (Slow Blow); 115 V/AC: 6,3 A/T (Slow Blow)
high quality temperature controlled fan
1 x NTM-1 hi-mid speaker with double Neodym magnet system 4” cone
1 x 10” TecAmp LE10-65 8 Ω1 x 12” TecAmp LE12-65 8 Ω
38 -18.000 Hz. 34 -18.000 Hz.
44 x 38 x 35 cm; 17” x 15” x 14” 44 x 45 x 35 cm; 17” x 18” x 14”
11,8 kg; 26,5 lbs 12,5 kg; 27,5 lbs
>> Specifications
Configuration:
Preamp:
Impedance EFFECTS LOOP:
Impedance LINE OUT:
Impedance DI:
Tone Control:
Power Amp:
Power supply
Fuse:
Cooling:
Tweeter:
Speakers:
Freq. response:
Dimensions (W x H x D):
Weight:
Puma Combo 110 Puma Combo 112
>> Back Panel
8