Baby Blue II
OWNER’S MANUALSWR • SCOTTSDALE, AZ• USA

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR BACK.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. PLEASE REFER TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
A. READ INSTRUCTIONS: All safety and operation instructions should be read before the product is operated.
B. RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
C. HEED WARNINGS: All of the warnings on this product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
D. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
E. CLEANING: Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use aslightly damp cloth for cleaning.
F. WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use this product near water; for example, near a swimming pool, wet basement, and the like.
G. ACCESSORIES: Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product.
H. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the unit are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product, toprotect it from overheating, thus these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
I. GROUNDING: This product is equipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will
only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact yourelectrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
J. POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs and the point where they exit the product.
K. LIGHTNING: For added protection of this product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
L. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
M. OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Never push objects of any kind into this product through the openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
N. SERVICING: Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
O. DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
1) When the power supply cord has been damaged2) If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product3) If the product has been exposed to rain, water, or other conductive liquids4) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions
5) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way6) When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
P. REPLACEMENT PARTS: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,electric shock, or other hazards.
Q. SAFETY CHECK: Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks todetermine that the product is in proper operating condition.
R. HEAT: The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other products that
produce heat.

INTRODUCTION
The Baby Blue Studio Reference Bass System was designed and developed for the discerning professionalbass player in need of a superior small bass rig for studio and small venues.
The precision electronic section is entirely hand-built and employs everything from vacuum tubes for the
preamp section to discreet solid state components for the power amplifier. Each individual component was
selected for reliability and accurate reproduction of the signals from both electric and acoustic instruments.
The features were selected with an emphasis on studio applications and for use in live settings where a verytrue signal is needed. By using just the power switch and volume controls, we believe you will experience thecleanest and most transparent sound you have heard out of your instrument. The Aural Enhancer and Tone
sections are designed to bring out the "character" of the individual musician and their instrument without
altering or masking their inherent qualities and/or techniques.
The speaker system in Baby Blue is patterned along the lines of studio reference monitors and is quite uniqueto the musical instrument field. The initial cabinet was designed by the engineers at Bag End working in close
cooperation with SWR's engineers, whom over several months perfected the total concept. The 8" woofer and5" cone tweeter were designed exclusively for use in the Baby Blue project. The system crossover and driver
position provide for exceptionally coherent sound throughout the wide range now realized by the finer bass
instruments.
We truly hope that this "instrument" helps bring out the best in your playing and adds to the enjoyment of yourprofession.
We would like to sincerely thank all the musicians and engineers that helped us with this project andespecially Walter Becker, Neil Stubenhaus, Phil Chen, Keith Jones, Jimmy Haslip, Michael Rhodes, Phil Lesh,Dan Schwartz, Dann Glenn and Dwayne "Smitty" Smith.
Sincerely,SWR

BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • 1

SPECIFICATIONSNOTE: All measurements were taken with a line voltage of 120VAC.
ELECTRONICS
Maximum Power at 1KHz Under Clipping
120 Watts RMS @ 8 ohms (head only w/ 8 ohm speaker enclosure)
160 Watts RMS @ 4 ohms (internal speaker complement)
180 Watts RMS @ 2.6 ohms
200 Watts RMS @ 2 ohms
Power Amp Distortion (1KHz)
0.02% THD, 100 Watts RMS @ 8 ohms
0.03% THD, 100 Watts RMS @ 4 ohms
Intermodulation Distortion @ 8 ohms, 100 Watts RMS, 60/7KHz, 4:1
0.05%
Frequency Response (power amp)
-3db at 10 Hz and 22KHz
System Distortion (Gain and Master Volume full, enhancer and tone controls set flat, 1KHz)
0.5% THD
Sensitivity (for full output @ 8 ohms, 1 KHz)
Passive/Active Input Jack = 10 millivolts
Active Input Jack = 50 millivolts
Input Impedance
Passive/Active Input Jack = 800K ohms
Active Input Jack = 60K ohms
Effects Return Jack = 27K ohms
Output Impedance
Effects Send Jack = 100 ohms
Line Out Jack = 100 ohms
Tuner Out Jack = 100 ohms
Headphone Jack = 100 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio, Unweighted (7 millivolts typical, mostly hum)
-72db
Equivalent Input Noise
2.5 micro-volts2 • BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUALCABINET/SPEAKERS
Dimensions
14.5" wide X 24.5" High X 12.5" Deep
Weight42 lbs.
Total Impedance
4 ohms8" Loudspeaker
Low resonance1.5" voice coil
30 oz. magnet
60 watts continuous sine wave power handling capacity
Shallow cone design for low distortion
Impedance: 8 ohms
5" Cone Tweeter
1" voice coilcast frame
12 oz magnet
50 watts continuous sine wave power handling capacity
Impedance: 8 ohms
Passive Crossover Components
Capacitors: polyester
Coils: 1.7 milli-henry iron choke, low DCR, custom madeCabinet Construction
Interlocking dado, glued and nailed Cabinet Material: 7 ply, 3/4", waterproof, void free, birch or maple
plywood
Covering: blue carpet

BABY BLUE II - FRONT PANEL FEATURESPASSIVE/ACTIVE
This input can and should be used if your instrument has passive electronics (no built-in preamp). Some p
ickups such as EMG, etc. employ batteries for operation and will work perfectly using the Passive/Active input.
Technically speaking, this input should be used if your instrument has an output voltage of 1 volt RMS or
LESS. Consult your owners manual or ask the manufacturer if you are unsure.
NOTE: If you hear a small amount of distortion and neither the Preamp Clip LED or Power Amp clip LED are
activated, try using the Active Input Jack. Some built-in preamps such as those made by Bartolini can beused in the Passive/Active input.

BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • 3

If you would like to overdrive the first TUBE stage, this can be accomplished by using a preamp between yourinstrument and the Passive/Active input. To obtain optimum sound when trying this, make sure the Preamp
clip LED is not activated. If this occurs, turn down your Gain Control. The first preamp stage is NOT monitoredby the Preamp clip circuit for this reason.
ACTIVE INPUTThe Active input jack should be used with instruments having a built-in (on board) preamp that will produce
signals over 1 Volt RMS. Known basses that should use the Active input only are Kubicki X-Factor and some
Ovation Electrics. Some really "hot" pickups installed in your instrument may find the Active input morecompatible. The best judge is your own ears. If you are using KEYBOARDS (such as a Roland D-50, etc.) with
the Baby Blue, we have found the best input to be the Active input.
NOTE: Using the Active input with passive basses (active instruments will always employ a battery) may
result in a loss in high end transients. Players who roll off their high end starting at about 2K to 3KHz may
find this input more to their liking.
If you hear some distortion on your active bass and are using the Active input jack, CHECK YOUR BATTERY!!
Also, make sure none of the overload indicators are lit.
PREAMP CLIP LED
The preamp clip LED will become lit whenever the preamp, tone section or output buffer reach clipping (runout of headroom). This function does NOT monitor the first tube stage of the Passive/Active input jack (seethat section for more info). In the event the preamp clip indicator lights, turn down the Gain control. Since thepreamp clip LED also monitors the tone section, boosting any one of the tone controls can cause the LED toactivate. In any case, turning down the Gain control will correct the situation.
NOTE: Constant clipping of the preamp will not harm the electronics in your Baby Blue, however, damage
can occur to some speakers due to near-DC content present in a clipped waveform. Overdriving the firsttube stage as described in the Active/Passive input jack section, does not apply to the above note.
GAIN CONTROLThe Gain control adjusts the volume of the preamp section. After the tone controls, Aural Enhancer and any
effects you may be using have been set to your liking, the Gain control should be set to where the Preamp
clip LED barely flashes upon striking your loudest note. After that has been accomplished, use the Master
Volume to set the desired volume level. Utilizing these controls in this manner assures the user of maximum
signal to noise ratio with no distortion caused by the preamp circuits clipping. Since the Gain control is similar
to a "pad," a small amount of signal will get through with the Gain control rotated fully counter-clockwise.
AURAL ENHANCER
The Aural Enhancer was developed to bring out the fundamental low notes of the bass guitar, reduce certain
frequencies that help "mask" the fundamentals and enhance the high-end transients. This effect becomes
more pronounced as the control is turned to maximum. the result is a more transparent sound and is
especially noticeable with a slap style technique of playing.
EQ DEFEAT
By pulling out on the Aural Enhancer knob until you hear a click, you can defeat the tone control section(return to a flat response). This feature can be very useful in studio situations ("let's hear your eq, now let's
hear it without it.") or in simply analyzing how you have set your tone controls with respect to a flat response.
TONE CONTROL SECTION
The tone control section is a semi-parametric type with both level (cut and boost) controls and frequency
controls. The INSIDE knob is the LEVEL control and the OUTSIDE knob is the center FREQUENCY control. The
4 • BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL

level control boosts or cuts (raises or lowers) the tone set by the frequency control. If the level control is in
the flat (center click) position, the frequency control will have no affect to the sound.
To assure the user of the flat (out) position of any one tone control, a center click position has been provided.
A twenty-four stepped frequency control has been provided for the user so that they may always re-find adesired tone. As you find different settings that are desirable, you may want to make a note of them.
The easiest way to get acquainted with the semi parametric is to raise the level control close to +15, thenrotate the frequency control from one end to the other noting the change in sound. Do this with each section(bass, midrange and treble) one at a time. Chances are that with each section you will find a couple ofpositions that are especially pleasing or unpleasing to your ear. As these are found, adjust the LEVEL control
to the desired amount of cut or boost that is desired. After finding a position on each control, activate the EQDEFEAT switch to compare. The more you do this, the more you will relate frequency "numbers" to theirrespective sounds. The goal that can be reached is to be able to easily find adjustments with the tone sectionthat are needed. For example:
Not enough solid low end...................boost the 40-60Hz range
Midrange is honky or hollow sounding......cut the 600-1000Hz range
Treble is harsh and hurts the ear.....cut the 1.5K to 2.5KHz range
Having trouble cutting through the band.........boost around 200Hz
Not enough presence, lackluster..........boost from 5KHz to 7.5KHz
Too much pick or finger noise.........cut the 5KHz to 7.5KHz range
Need a more dynamic, "piano" sound......cut 800Hz, boost 40 & 6KHz
We suggest you try all of the above examples. Then try doing just the opposite to realize both ends of thespectrum. Keep in mind that the amount of cut or boost is something only you can decide.
EFFECTS BLENDThe Effects Blend control "blends" the signal coming from your instrument with the sound coming from youreffect. With the Blend control full counter- clockwise, no signal from your effect will be heard. As you turn thiscontrol clockwise, more of the effect can be heard in the overall sound. When the Blend control is fullclockwise, no true or unaffected signal is heard other than what your effects unit provides.
This type of control and arrangement is very effective in reducing noise caused by effects units and inmaintaining a more natural sound. Please read the "Effects Loop" section for more information.
EFFECTS BYPASS SWITCH
Pulling out the Effects Blend control will bypass the signal coming from the effects unit and will return you tothe sound of your instrument only. This feature will function regardless of the position of the Effects Blend
control. Always check the position of this control if you are having trouble with your effects unit.
MASTER VOLUME
The Master Volume adjusts the signal level going to the power amplifier and HEADPHONES when they areused. It DOES NOT control the output of the effects send jack, line out jack or line position of the XLRbalanced output. If the power amp clip LED lights more than occasionally, turn down the Master Volume tocorrect this condition.
POWER AMP CLIP LED
The Power Amp Clip LED will light when the internal power amp reaches clipping (runs out of headroom).
Although no harm will come to the electronics due to the power amp clipping, continual clipping of the power
amp will shorten the life of the internal (or any) speakers and could cause them to fail. SPEAKERS THAT HAVEBABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • 5

FAILED DUE TO CONTINUOUS CLIPPING OF THE POWER AMP WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDERWARRANTY! Occasional clipping of the power amp (no more than every fourth or fifth note) will not harm theinternal speakers. Turning down the Master Volume will correct this situation.
POWER SWITCH
Pressing the Power Switch to the ON position activates the Baby Blue's electronics as indicated by the red
LED lighting.

BABY BLUE II - REAR PANEL FEATURES (chassis and cabinet)
BALANCED XLR OUT
The Balanced XLR Out is a true balanced output whose level is set by the XLR Pad directly to the left. The
signal appearing at the XLR jack is governed by the position of the Line/Direct switch directly below the jack.
In the LINE position, all front panel controls are functional and the signal is essentially the same that is being
sent to the internal power amplifier. If you are using an effect, this will also appear mixed in the signal when
you are in the LINE mode. In the DIRECT position, the Balanced out becomes an active TUBE direct box. No
front panel controls are functional and once again, the level is adjusted by the XLR Pad.
When using the Balanced Out for recording, optimum results can be achieved by DRIVING THE TAPE DECKDIRECT. Of course, if this is not possible, the Baby Blue will work in any other situation. Whenever possible,
use the XLR Pad to adjust working levels. The use of input pads on consoles can deteriorate sound quality.
A ground lift is built into the XLR Pad control. To lift (remove) the ground connection, pull the knob outward
until it clicks.
If a persistent hum exists after trying both positions of the ground lift function, there is probably a problem
with the AC wiring or just a dirty AC line. If this is the case, we suggest using an isolation transformer
between the Baby Blue and the wall socket.
Wiring for the XLR connector is as follows: Pin 1 = ground, Pin 2 = +, Pin 3 = - (American Standard)
XLR PADThe XLR Pad adjusts the level (volume) appearing at the XLR connector. Volume increases as the control isturned clockwise. The XLR Pad has a built in ground lift for the balanced out. Pulling the knob outward
disconnects the ground (pin 1).
If you are in the LINE position and change the Gain control on the front panel, the level will also change atthe balanced output. You may readjust the record level if necessary with the XLR Pad without affecting anyother function.
LINE/DIRECT SWITCH
In the Line position, the signal going to the power amp also appears at the Balanced out jack and all front
panel controls are functional. In the Direct position, a direct signal from the input jacks appears at the XLR
connector. For further information, see "Balanced XLR Out" above. When using this switch, make sure it is all
the way to the left or right and not in a "half way" position.
NOTE: Turn off transients appear at the record outs when the amplifier is turned off. It is recommended
that equipment that is being used in conjunction with the record outs be turned down, off, or disconnected
BEFORE the Baby Blue is turned off.
LINE OUT
The Line Out jack is located POST EQ and PRE Master Volume in the block diagram. This function will allow
6 • BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL

you to drive an additional (slave) power amplifier or can be used as an unbalanced record out. Any effects
used in the effects loop will appear at the Line Out jack as well. The overall level is set by the GAIN control on
the front panel.
TO TUNER INPUTThe Tuner Input jack allows the user to plug their instrument tuner into this jack and "tune up" without having
to unplug and go back and forth from amp to tuner. This feature is totally isolated from the rest of thepreamp and will function regardless of the settings of the controls on the front panel. Being on a side chain(isolated) also avoids loading down of the instrument causing a loss in the dynamic range of your instrument.
To use this feature, plug in a shielded patch cord from the Tuner Input to the INPUT on your tuner. Turn theamplifier on and you're ready to go. If you do not wish to monitor your sound while tuning, you may turn the
Master Volume down. If you are in the studio and sending a feed to the "house," you may want to turn down
the XLR Pad so you won't disturb the drummer who has been trying to get his sound for the last 6 hours!
EFFECTS LOOPThe Effects Loop is located POST EQ and PRE Master Volume in the block diagram. The signal level appearing
at the Send jack is controlled by the Gain control on the front panel. If you are getting too hot a signal to the
input of your effect, reduce the level of the gain control and raise the level of your Master Volume to retain
similar overall volume levels. By using the Gain, Master Volume and Effects Blend control in conjunction witheach other, optimum results should be obtainable with any effects unit.
The Effects Loop is designed as a "side chain" (parallel) function similar to those found on studio consoles.
Use of the effects loop should greatly reduce the noise generated by effects devices (as compared to in-line
effects loops). Additional features of this type of loop can be found below under the Receive jack section.
SEND JACK
Run a shielded patch cord from the Send jack to the INPUT of your effects unit. This jack may be used as anadditional line level output.
RECEIVE JACK
Run a shielded patch cord from the RECEIVE jack to the OUTPUT of your effects unit.
One unique feature of the receive jack is the ability to practice along with pre-recorded music. Insert a taperecorder or other sound source into the Receive jack (make sure it is a mono source). Using the Blend
control, adjust the level of recorded music from the Receive jack to the "live" sound of your instrument. The
mixed sound will be heard through the internal speakers and/or your headphones. This feature appears on ourRedhead and musicians receiving audition tapes, or practice tapes from bands they are soon to join havefound this to be invaluable.
Bass players generally complain that they are not loud enough in the studio mix. To solve this problem, run afeed from the headphone mix or console mix to the Receive jack. Using the headphone jack on the Baby
Blue, adjust the Blend control to the desired level you want to be in the mix! This can only be done if theLine/Direct switch is in the DIRECT position and your speakers are not being miked. If you are in this position,
you can also make your own private tape of the session by inserting a cassette deck in the Line out jack.
NOTE: Inserting a plug into the Receive jack activates the Effects Blend control. The Effects Blend control"receives" this command through the ground created by insertion of the plug in the jack. Therefore, best
results can only be obtained by using a mono phone plug. If you have a stereo plug only, tie the ring andthe ground together.
If you are not getting any "effect" through your speakers, etc., check the position of the Blend control and the
Effects Bypass switch located on the front panel.
BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • 7

HEADPHONE JACKThe headphone feature allows the user to monitor their sound via the use of stereo headphones. "Silent"
practicing can be achieved by removing the speaker cable from the back of the Baby Blue electronics. Do notremove the cable from the cabinet jack only as there is a chance the cable could hit a "ground" andmomentarily short out the power amp. NO HARM will be done to your amplifier by not having any speakers
plugged in.
WARNING: Stereo headphones must be used in this jack as mono headphones will short out one side.
Since the headphone "amp" is actually a reduced signal from the power amp, the Headphone volume iscontrolled by the Master Volume.
EXTENSION SPEAKER
The Extension Speaker jack can be used to plug in a second set of speakers. If you use this feature, makesure that the impedance of the cabinet that you are plugging in is NOT LESS THAN FOUR (4) OHMS. Use agood quality speaker cable that is at least 18 gauge or heavier (the lower the gauge, the heavier the wire).
DO NOT USE INSTRUMENT CABLE FOR HOOKING UP SPEAKERS!!
SPEAKER FUSE
This feature is provided to protect your speakers in the unlikely event of a power amp failure or your poweramp from bad speakers or their respective cables. This fuse can open (blow) if your amp is on and you areplaying while plugging in the internal speakers or an extension speaker cabinet. This is because the power
amp is momentarily shorted out to ground. Always check this fuse first if no sound is coming from yourcabinet(s). Correct size and rating of the speaker fuse is: 3AG, 6 amp, fast blow.
SPEAKER JACKUse the Speaker jack to plug in the internal speaker system found in your Baby Blue.
A/C LINE FUSE
The line fuse can open (blow) due to power surges or high powerline transients. This fuse will also open in theevent of an electronics failure inside your amplifier.
Correct size and rating of the Line (Mains) fuse is 3AG, 3 amp slo blo for 120V operation and 1 1/2 amp slo
blo for 240V operation.
DO NOT DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS FEATURE BY USING A FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING. IT CANFURTHER DAMAGE YOUR AMP AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

BABY BLUE II SUGGESTED SETTINGS
The following pages include examples of tone control options for various styles of music. These settings areintended for use as a starting point for dialing in your own individual sound, so feel free to make adjustments
based on your own playing style, instrument and speaker cabinet configuration.

8 • BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL

(continued on page 10)
BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • 9

SUGGESTED SETTINGS (CONTINUED)

10 • BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUALBABY BLUE II LIMITED WARRANTYThe BABY BLUE II from FMIC is warranted to the original consumer purchaser for TWO YEARS from the dateof purchase, against defects in materials and workmanship and provided that it is purchased from an AuthorizedSWR Dealer. This warranty applies only to products purchased in the USA or Canada.
This warranty is VOID if the unit has been damaged due to accident, improper handling, installation oroperation, shipping damage, abuse or misuse, unauthorized repair or attempted repair, or if the serial
number has been defaced or removed. FMIC reserves the right to make such determination on thebasis of inspection by an Authorized FMIC Service Center.
All liability for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any expressed or implied warranties isdisclaimed and excluded herefrom.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation ofincidental or consequential damages, so that the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SHOULD YOUR SWR AMPLIFIER REQUIRE SERVICE OR REPAIR,
PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE:

1
2

Locate your original receipt showing date of purchase, model and serial number.
Determine the closest Authorized FMIC Service Center to your location. The fastest way to get a complete list of
Authorized FMIC Service Centers is on the web, at:
http://www.mrgearhead.com/faq/allservice.html
You can also get this information by calling FMIC Consumer Relations at (480) 596-7195.

3

To receive warranty service, return the complete product to an Authorized FMIC Electronics Service Center, with proofof purchase, during the applicable warranty period. Transportation costs are not included in this Limited Warranty.

4

Defective products that qualify for coverage under this warranty will be repaired or replaced, at FMIC's discretion, witha like or comparable product, without charge.

For a complete list of Authorized FMIC
Service Centers, and the latest SWR
news, interviews, and more,check out our website:

swrsound.com

BABY BLUE II OWNER’S MANUAL • Part # 320008 • 11/02© 2002 SWR

SWR
8860 E. Chaparral Rd. Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85250-2618 USA
PHONE: (480) 596-9690
FAX: (480) 367-5262
EMAIL: custserve@fenderusa.com
WEB: swrsound.com