DARKGLASS Omega 500 amplifier User Manual
DESCRIPTION
The Alpha·Omega 500 is a 500W amplifier equipped with an all-analog preamplifier, Class D Power Module and a digital impulse based cabinet emulator for DI outputs or headphones
Probably the first thing you will notice from the Alpha·Omega 500 is its unusual control layout: On the right side you’ll find the clean section which is the foundation of your sound.
It features a Master volume and active 6 band graphic EQ. Along with the mandatory Low and Treble controls you will find 250Hz, 500Hz, 1.5KHz, 3KHz sliders. Character is all in the midrange. Having 4 dedicated Mid controls allows you to cover the whole mid range (250Hz to 3kHz) to have total control and flexibility over the amplifier’s character.
On the left side, by the input jack you will find the Alpha·Omega Engine which acts as an extra channel. This creation differs greatly from our previous preamplifiers and overdrives: its operational-amplifier topology featuring two distinct distortion circuits (Alpha and Omega), which can be selected or blended using our Mod knob, make the Alpha · Omega® the most flexible among our designs.
The Alpha·Omega Engine can be engaged from the front panel or via our own digitally controlled Intelligent Footswitch (jack on rear panel). Besides engaging the Alpha·Omega circuitry you can hold the actuator to Mute the amplifier.
The Intelligent Footswitch is housed in an elegant, laser-engraved unibody chassis and requires a standard ¼” mono cable (not included) for it’s full operation.
This deceivingly simple feature allows for maximum power adaptability: Regardless of the cabinet configuration or power requirements, the Alpha· Omega 500 will deliver accordingly.
FEATURES
FRONT PANEL
INPUT : Use this jack to connect your instrument via a standard ¼” mono cable.
PASSIVE/ACTIVE : Use this push-button switch to change from passive to active mode. If your bass is active it can have a hotter signal making the amp to distort early (feel free to use if such additional distortion is desired).
DISTORTION: Use this push button to turn on or off the Alpha·Omega Engine to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high gain bass rage.
The Alpha·Omega Engine operates before the clean section (you can therefore use the 6-Band Active EQ for additional tone shaping).
- BITE: Boosts high mids (2.8kHz) for additional presence and definition.
- GROWL: Shelving Bass Boost for a fatter tone and increased low end saturation
- COMPRESSION: This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Alpha·Omega Engine. The make up gain is adjusted automatically. The compression can be turned off or assigned using the Darkglass Suite.
- DRIVE : This knob controls the amount of distortion that the Alpha·Omega Engine will deliver. It will change from a soft, warm overdrive to a massive and modern distortion sound.
- LEVEL : Use this knob to control Alpha·Omega Engine’s output volume
- BLEND : Use this knob to mix between the Clean signal and the DIstortion signal (Alpha·Omega Engine).
- MOD: Selects or mixes between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight with a lot of definition, whereas Omega is simply brutal and raw.
- BASS : +-12dB at 80Hz. Use this knob to change the low-end content of the signal.
- MIDS: +-12dB at 250, 500, 1.5K and 3Khz. This graphic EQ control the mid content of the signal.
- TREBLE : +-12dB at 5kHz. Use this knob to change the high content of the signal.
- MASTER : Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier
- MUTE : Use this push button to mute the amplifier.
REAR PANEL
- SPEAKER OUTPUT : Use this connector to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation.WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable can damage your amplifier.
- SEND : Use this output to send the signal to effects pedals.
- RETURN : Use this input to receive the signal from effects pedals. Master volume control is after this input.
- GROUND LIFT : Use this control to lift the ground of the DI XLR output. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal try changing the setting of this control.
- DI OUTPUT: Use this connector to send your signal to the console, mic preamp, interface, etc. Both signals are available (Bypass and the amp signal with cabinet simulation) and are switched from the cab select switch.
- USB: The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass Suite to load different cabinet impulses or change different parameters on your amp
- HEADPHONE OUTPUT: Connect your Headphones and enjoy the impulse based cabinet emulation.
- CABINET SELECT: Use this switch to navigate between the 3 different cabinet impulses or the clean DI signal.
- FOOTSWITCH : The Intelligent Footswitch is a proprietary digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Alpha· Omega Engine. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. The distortion push button will remain operational with the Intelligent Footswitch plugged in..You can use a regular mono instrument cable to connect the amplifier to the footswitch.You must remove the cable from the footswitch jack in the rear panel if you want to control the amp from the front panel.
- AC SOCKET : Use this connector to feed electric power to the amplifier. 100 – 230 VAC, 50Hz-60.
- AC POWER ON/OFF : Use this Switch to release the audio energy from your bass.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
WARRANTY AND SPECS
WARRANTY
Please register for your warranty at http://mypedal.darkglass.com. The Alpha· Omega 500 is under warranty to the original owner for a period of three years against manufacturing defects in the country where the product was originally purchased.
If you experience a problem with the unit, please contact [email protected] to receive a Return Authorization number or for information on the nearest authorized repair center. A copy of your original receipt must be included with all warranty repairs. You are responsible for all shipping charges. The unit must be shipped to us freight prepaid. We will return the unit freight collect.
Darkglass Electronics OY is not responsible for shipping damage either to or from our service center. Claims must be filed with the carrier. For repairs please contact your local dealer or distributor for your country’s specific warranty period and repair procedures.
Alpha·Omega® is a registered trademark of Darkglass Electronics OY.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance: 1MΩ Minimum Load Impedance: 2Ω Maximum Power Output: 500 Watts RMS @ 4Ω (1khz full blast 2 min max) 20%THD 450 Watts RMS @ 8Ω
- Power Amp Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Power Amp Input Level: 2400 mW RMS
- Pre-Amp Output Impedance: 1kΩ
- Pre-Amp Output Level: 2400 mW RMS
Maximum Power Consumption: approx. 700VA Forced-air cooledAC Input Power: 100-250 VAC (Via selector switch on left side panel).Cycles: 50/60 HzDimensions: 18.0 cm x 7.1 cm x 23.0 cm, l x h x w, (7.1″ x 2.8″ x 9.1″)Weight: 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs)Built and Engineered in Helsinki, Finland.(00358) 504 757005
WARNING
- No user serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Do not open the amp.
- Never use the amp at a high moisture environment or near liquids.
- The Alpha·Omega 500 can deliver more than 115 dB of power. Exposure to this level of sound can damage your hearing. Use proper hearing protection if you will be exposed.
- The Alpha·Omega 500 can deliver more than 500 Watts. Be sure that your speaker cabinet is able to deliver that power.
- Do not cover the vent holes. The Fan and vent holes are part of the cooling system of the amp. Covering the vent holes can damage the power amp by overheating it.
- Don´t use an instrument cable as speaker cable. An instrument cable is not designed to deliver the type of power signals sent from the amplifier to the speaker.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The button controls do not react: check if the footswitch is connected. If you do not want to use the footswitch, you have to unplug the cable from the rear back of the amp.
- The amp does not turn on: check if the power cable is connected and if you have power on the wall.
- The sound is low: check your speaker cable. Never use instrument cable.
- The sound is distorted or too high: check if the passive active switch match your bass.
References
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