SWR SM-500 User Manual page 2

SM-500 USER GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
The SM-500 Professional Bass Amplifier provides the power, performance, flexibility and portability
required by the professional bassist for every style of playing and nearly every playing situation.
To design an amplifier that would cover "all of the basses," SWR had to use almost every imaginable
type of electronic component available. This added up to an all TUBE preamp section, a limiter circuit
utilizing Field Effect Transistors ("FETs"), tone and equalizer controls utilizing integrated circuits, and
two individual power amps employing discrete, solid state devices.
The power amplifiers in the SM-500 can be used individually to provide full stereo capabilities, each
delivering 250 watts into individual 4 ohm speaker enclosures. In the event that more power is required,
the amplifiers can be bridged for 400 Watts @ 8 ohms or 550 watts @ 4 ohms. The power amps are
cooled by a thermostatically controlled fan and the chassis is vented on its rear and right side.
The SM-500 also boasts a studio-oriented "side chain" effects loop allowing you to use an effects
unit while maintaining the constant clarity and naturalness of the instrument. The SM-500's Tuner
Out jack is also on a side chain. Remember when you had to unplug your bass from your amp and
hook into your tuner and frantically tune up between songs? Or install the tuner between your instru-
ment and amp, thus degrading sound quality? Those times are history!
The SM-500 is housed in an all aluminum chassis for light weight and lasting beauty and weighs just
20 pounds. It is easily carried by the heavy-duty, chrome rack handles secured to the front panel.
The tube employed in the preamp section of the SM-500 is a specially selected 12AX7 and should
not require replacement for one to three years.
To get the most out of your SM-500, please take the time to read through the entire owner's manual.
SM-500 USER GUIDE • 1