SWR 550x Owner's Manual page 3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SWR 550x Bass Amplifier! You now own the latest addition to SWR's world-renowned
Professional Line of products for bassists.
A little history: In 2002, SWR debuted two new Professional Line amplifiers – the 350x and the 750x. Both models offered a
simple and straightforward solution for bassists who wanted the famous "SWR Sound" in the simplest Professional Line pack-
age possible. Our top-selling Professional Line head right out of the chute, the 350x (for example) started by featuring the
renowned SWR tube preamp (using a specially-selected 12AX7A vacuum tube), SWR's patented "Aural Enhancer," an easy-to-
use 3-band EQ section, and a high-quality, discrete solid-state power amp capable of delivering enough power and headroom
for most live applications.
Then, we added the new features that defined the "X Series." We integrated a new feature: our SubWave™ circuit, which pro-
duces a tone an octave below the original signal and tracks as well or better than anything else on the market today. (The
effect is foot-switchable, and we provide a footswitch for your convenience.) The XLR (Balanced) output circuit was upgraded
to include a variable pad, and is quieter in terms of signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the X Series amps were lighter, quieter (in
terms of overall residual and white noise), and in our humble opinion, better-looking than previous models thanks to a cosmetic
rework from the ground up. With a proven track record among players of all levels, the 350x and 750x have quickly become a
constant presence in live venues and studios alike. And, of course, each X Series amplifier is still assembled by hand and indi-
vidually sound-tested in the U.S.A. at our factory in Southern California.
So how did the 550x come about? We found that some folks wanted the combined feature sets of the X Series amplifiers in
one package. Some 350x enthusiasts wanted more power. Others interested in the 750x preferred a two-rack-space configu-
ration. We'll spare you the children's story, but we quickly realized that, for people who wanted an easy-to-use, high-power, two-
rack-space, SWR Professional Line amplifier, the 550x would be "just right."
It's all part of SWR's commitment to continued improvement and refinement of even our most popular models, so that we can
continue to assist today's bassist in the pursuit of the ultimate goal: finding equipment that not only does the job, but actually
enhances the overall musical experience and contributes to the creative process. Everyone here at SWR sincerely hopes that
the purchase of your 550x helps you get there from here...and beyond.
Please take the time to read your Owner's Manual thoroughly and completely, so that you can realize the full potential of your
new 550x Bass Amplifier. Once again, thanks for your purchase, and for letting SWR help Amplify Your Future.™
Sincerely,
SWR
NOTE: Please take a moment to verify that the following items were included in your SWR 550x
packaging: AC Cable, SubWave Activator Footswitch, SWR Catalog.
550x • 3