ORANGE OB1-300 - User Manual

To Next Page

Manual V1.0

OB1-300 & OB1-500 MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING

ORANGE

Ever since the founding of the company in 1968, Orange has been a pioneering force in the guitar amplification

industry. Today, with a team of the world’s finest amplifier engineers, Orange continues to push back the

boundaries of conventional amplifier design.

Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality control has allowed our amplifiers to stand the test of time, giving

their owners as much pleasure now, as the day they were bought. To maintain this level of excellence, each

Orange amplifier is put through many rigorous test procedures before leaving the factory.

This manual contains valuable technical and safety information. Please take the time to read this manual as

the information may enhance the sound and performance of your amplifier. We are confident that you will be

delighted with your new purchase and that it will provide you with many years of enjoyment. You are now a

member of the Legendary British Guitar Amplifier Owners Club!

In the interests of product improvement, the contents of this manual may be subject to

change without notice. Ensure you are viewing the latest version at

www.orangeamps.com

SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INFORMATION

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including

amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised 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 are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an

Main Page

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ORANGE OB1-300 and is the answer not in the manual?

The Orange OB1-300 and OB1-500 are bass amplifier heads designed for professional use, offering a blend of traditional Orange craftsmanship with modern design and features. These amplifiers are built to deliver powerful and versatile bass tones, suitable for a wide range of musical applications.

Function Description:

The OB1 series amplifiers are designed to amplify bass guitar signals, providing a rich and dynamic sound. A key feature is their unique "Blend" circuit, which allows users to mix a clean signal with a gained, harmonically rich signal. This enables a wide spectrum of tones, from pristine clean to aggressive overdriven sounds, without sacrificing low-end clarity. The amplifiers include comprehensive tone shaping controls (Bass, Middle, Treble) and a footswitch input for remote control of the Gain and Blend functions, offering flexibility during live performances. They also feature multiple output options for connecting to speaker cabinets, mixers, and PA systems.

Important Technical Specifications:

Models: OB1-300 and OB1-500
Power Output:
- OB1-300: 300 Watts
- OB1-500: 500 Watts
Minimum Speaker Impedance: 4 Ohms
Rack Units: 2U 19"
Mains Fuse Ratings:
- OB1-300:
  - 100-120V: T6.3A L
  - 230-240V: T3.15A L
- OB1-500:
  - 100-120V: T8A L
  - 230-240V: T4A L
Inputs:
- Instrument Input (1/4" jack) with Active/Passive switch
- Footswitch Input (1/4" jack) for latching footswitch (e.g., FS-1)
Outputs:
- Speaker Outputs (Speakon connectors)
- Balanced Output (XLR, Post-EQ, Post-Blend, Pre-Master Volume) with Ground Lift
- Line Output (1/4" jack, Post-EQ, Post-Blend, Pre-Master Volume)
Cooling: Internal fan for ventilation

Usage Features:

Input Section:
- A single 1/4" instrument jack is provided for connecting your bass guitar.
- An "Active/Passive" switch allows selection of the appropriate input level for different types of pickups, ensuring optimal signal integrity.
Footswitch Control:
- A dedicated footswitch jack (for a latching footswitch like the Orange FS-1) enables remote engagement or defeat of the Gain and Blend controls, providing hands-free control during performances.
Volume Control:
- Adjusts the overall output volume level of the amplifier. It is crucial to set this to zero/minimum before powering on the amplifier.
Tone Controls (Active and Post-Blend):
- Treble: Adjusts high-end frequencies. Increasing this control brightens the tone. Higher Gain settings also add high-end frequencies, so the Treble control can be reduced to compensate if needed.
- Middle: Adjusts mid-range frequencies, crucial for shaping the presence and cut of the bass in a mix.
- Bass: Adjusts low-end frequencies. Increasing this control produces deeper tones.
Blend Control:
- This unique feature controls the amount of upper harmonics blended with the clean signal. The character of the blended signal is influenced by the Gain control setting. Higher Blend settings can increase overall volume, requiring adjustment of the master Volume. When the Gain is set to minimum, the Blend control has minimal effect.
Gain Control:
- Controls the level of gain added to the upper harmonics. This works in conjunction with the Blend control to achieve various sounds. Higher Gain settings produce dirtier, overdriven tones, while lower Gain settings combined with a higher Blend setting can provide a "clean boost" to help the bass cut through the mix.
Speaker Outputs:
- Multiple Speakon outputs are provided for connecting speaker cabinets.
- Recommended Configurations:
  - 1 x 8 Ohm cabinet: Use either speaker output.
  - 2 x 8 Ohm cabinets: Use both speaker outputs.
  - 1 x 4 Ohm cabinet: Use either speaker output.
- Important Safety Notes:
  - Do not use two speaker cabinets of mismatched impedance.
  - Do not connect a speaker load less than 4 Ohms.
  - Always connect to speaker cabinet(s) with suitable power handling.
  - Only use quality dedicated Speakon cables; never use an instrument cable for speaker connections.
  - A speaker must remain connected when the DI Output and/or Line Output are in use.
Balanced Output (DI Output):
- Sends a balanced line-level signal (post-EQ, post-Blend, pre-Master Volume) via an XLR connector to a mixer or PA system.
- Includes a "Ground Lift" button to eliminate ground hum when connecting to external equipment.
Line Output:
- Sends an unbalanced line-level signal (post-EQ, post-Blend, pre-Master Volume) via a 1/4" jack to a mixer or PA system.
Rack Mounting:
- The amplifiers are designed for 2U 19" rack mounting.
Ventilation:
- Ensure the amplifier is always sufficiently ventilated. The internal fan will operate during sustained high-volume use and should not be obstructed. Do not place objects into the fan intake.

Maintenance Features:

Power Cord Protection:
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and where it exits the apparatus.
Cleaning:
- Clean the amplifier only with a dry cloth.
Fuse Replacement:
- The mains fuse is located in a pull-out tray directly underneath the AC Mains cable input.
- If the mains fuse blows, replace it only with the exact rating specified for your region (printed on the rear panel).
- If the fuse continues to blow, contact an Orange dealer. Orange recommends keeping a set of spare fuses.
Voltage Selector:
- A voltage selector switch (on the rear or side panel) is factory-set for the region of sale. If using the product outside this region, ensure the switch is set to the correct voltage for the new country/region and that the appropriate mains fuse is fitted.
Servicing:
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus is damaged (e.g., damaged power-supply cord/plug, liquid spilled, objects fallen into apparatus, exposure to rain/moisture, abnormal operation, or if it has been dropped).
Warranty:
- Orange amplifiers come with a standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering manufacturing and component defects. An additional year can be added by registering the product online.
- Valves and speakers supplied with an Orange amplifier or purchased separately are covered for 90 days.
- The warranty is subject to the product being used for its intended purpose in suitable conditions. Misuse may void the warranty.