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Highlights the 38 cm speaker, Bass Chorus, 4-band equalizer, bypass switch, corner protectors, Chorus Out, and Line Out.
Provides guidelines on noise interference, handling, environmental conditions, cleaning, and fuse replacement.
Details the Input Jacks, Volume, Bass, Low Middle, High Middle, Treble controls, and Equalizer Bypass.
Explains Chorus Rate, Depth, Indicators, Switches, and the Power Switch and Indicator.
Describes the Fuse Holder, Line Out, Speaker Out, External Speaker Jack, Main In, Pre-out, Chorus Out, and Chorus Foot Switch Jack.
Covers normal sound setup, chorus effect control, and equalizer bypass mode usage.
Details how to set up for stereo effects and effect sound variation using switches with external amplifiers.
Lists technical specifications for BN-60 and BN-100 models, including output, speaker, inputs, controls, effects, and dimensions.
Provides a table of common symptoms, their causes, and recommended actions for amplifier issues.
The Roland BN-60/100 is a bass note amplifier designed to deliver clear and powerful bass sounds for musicians. This owner's manual covers both the BN-60 and BN-100 models, with illustrations primarily featuring the BN-100.
At its core, the Roland BN-60/100 functions as a bass amplifier, taking the signal from a bass guitar and amplifying it through its speaker system. A key feature is the newly developed 38 cm speaker system, which is designed for high efficiency. The BN-60 utilizes a speaker with a 156Ω magnet, while the BN-100 boasts a super-efficiency speaker with a 180Ω magnet and an aluminum diecast frame capable of withstanding up to 150W input power. The BN-100's voice coil is also constructed with an aluminum edge-wise ribbon for enhanced performance.
The amplifier incorporates a Bass Chorus effect, a completely new feature that allows for clear and effective sounds, adding depth and richness to the bass tone. This chorus effect can be toggled on or off using the Chorus Switch and further adjusted for its rate and depth via dedicated controls.
For precise tone shaping, the BN-60/100 includes a built-in 4-band active equalizer. This equalizer features extremely wide variable bandwidth, making it easy to achieve delicate tone color settings. The equalizer section includes controls for Bass, Low Middle, High Middle, and Treble frequencies, allowing musicians to boost or cut specific frequency characteristics. A professional-oriented BYPASS Switch is also provided in the Equalizer section, enabling users to bypass the built-in equalizer when an external equalizer is preferred or when a flat frequency characteristic is desired.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, catering to various performance and recording scenarios. The amplifier features Input Jacks (High Gain and Low Gain) to accommodate different output levels from bass guitars. A Volume Knob controls the overall output level. On the rear panel, a Line Out jack (with an XLR connector on the BN-100) allows connection to other bass amplifiers, PA mixers, or tape decks for recording. A Speaker Out Jack is provided for the built-in speaker, and an External Speaker Jack allows for connecting an additional speaker system (over 8Ω) to expand the sound. For integrating external effects, a Main In Jack and Pre-out Jack are available, enabling an effect unit to be set up between these two points. The Chorus Out Jack facilitates connecting to an external amplifier, creating a more expansive and spacious chorus effect. Furthermore, a Chorus Foot Switch Jack allows for connecting a foot switch to easily turn the chorus effect on or off during live performances.
The amplifier is designed with durability in mind, featuring polycarbonate corner protectors that can withstand frequent and hard use, ensuring stability when multiple cabinets are stacked. The speaker enclosure is also bass reflex tuned for optimal sound quality.
Operating the Roland BN-60/100 is designed to be intuitive. For normal sound, users begin by setting the controls and switches to their initial positions. While playing the bass guitar, the Volume and Active Equalizer controls (BASS/LO MID/HI MID/TREBLE) can be adjusted to achieve the desired sound.
The Input Jacks offer flexibility; High Gain is typically used, but Low Gain is available for guitars with extremely high output levels. The Volume knob increases the volume when rotated clockwise.
The 4-band active equalizer provides extensive control over the bass tone. The Bass Control boosts or cuts low-range frequencies, the Low Middle Control adjusts frequencies between middle-low and middle-range, the High Middle Control affects frequencies between middle-low and middle-high range, and the Treble Control boosts or cuts high-range frequencies. The Equalizer Bypass Switch, when pressed, sets the built-in equalizer to bypass mode, resulting in a flat frequency characteristic not processed by the equalizer. The Equalizer Bypass Indicator lights up when this mode is active, and no controls on the Equalizer section work in this mode.
The Bass Chorus effect can be engaged using the Chorus Switch, and its characteristics can be fine-tuned with the Chorus Rate Control (adjusting the speed of the effect) and Chorus Depth Control (adjusting the intensity of the effect). The Chorus Indicator lights up when the chorus effect is active.
For setting up stereo effects or sound variations, the manual outlines configurations using an external amplifier. When the Chorus Out Jack is plugged into an external amplifier, the chorus sound is heard from the external amplifier, and not from the BN's built-in speaker.
When using an external amplifier, the operation varies depending on whether the external amplifier is connected to the Main In or Low Input of the BN. If connected to Main In, the BN's Master Volume should be set to maximum, and the external amplifier's volume and tone controls will not function. If connected to Low Input, the external amplifier's volume should be adjusted to match the BN, and all its controls will be adjustable. In both cases, the BN's volume and equalizer controls can be adjusted.
The Power Switch turns the unit on, and the Power Indicator lights up when the unit is powered.
The manual provides important cautions and troubleshooting steps to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the amplifier.
Regarding placement, it is advised to avoid locating the amplifier or musical instrument near neon or fluorescent lamps, as this may cause noise interference. If interference occurs, the devices should be moved out of the interference range.
Before connecting or disconnecting cords, the amplifier's volume should be set to zero to protect the speaker from excessive strain. When connecting a musical instrument, the cord should be connected to the instrument first, then to the amplifier. When disconnecting, the cord should be unplugged from the amplifier first, then from the instrument.
To prevent damage, users should avoid giving strong shocks to the amplifier or moving it while it is operating. The amplifier should not be used in excessive heat or humidity, or where it may be affected by direct sunlight or dust.
For cleaning, a mild detergent is recommended; solvents such as paint thinner should not be used.
In case of fuse replacement, it is crucial to use the specific fuse type indicated to ensure proper protection.
The manual includes a "Before Calling For The Repairs" section with a troubleshooting table. This table lists common symptoms, their probable causes, and recommended actions. For example, if the Power Indicator does not light and no sound is heard, the cause might be an insecurely connected power cable, and the action is to check the connection. If the Power Indicator lights up but no sound is heard, the volume might be set too low, requiring the user to turn it up. If there is no chorus effect, the Chorus Switch might be off, the Chorus Out Jack might be plugged in, or the Foot Switch might be off. The suggested actions include pushing the Chorus Switch on, disconnecting the cord from the Chorus Out Jack, or pressing the Foot Switch on. If hum or noise is heard, the connection cord might be faulty, connections might not be secure, or the power plug might need to be connected upside down. If these steps do not resolve the issue, users are advised to contact their local Roland dealer.
General| Model | BN-60 |
|---|---|
| Output Power | 60W |
| Channels | 2 |
| Controls | Volume, Bass, Treble |
| Speaker | 12-inch |
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