MICRO-VR

Solid State
Bass Guitar Amplifier

Owner’s ManualMicro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...........................................................................3
The Front Panel.....................................................................4
The Rear Panel......................................................................5
System Block Diagram...........................................................6
Service Information................................................................6
Technical Specifications..........................................................8
CAUTION

PRECAUCIONATTENTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENRIESGO DE CORRIENTAZONO ABRARISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIRWARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICSHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN ORMOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DONOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGASELECTRICAS, NO PERMITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LALLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO.
NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO PUEDOREPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS.

ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉAFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POURREDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNEPIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTEREPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS• READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
• DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FORPROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3” (75mm) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIRFLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
• DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
• CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DRY CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
• ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES ANDCOMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS.
• WHERE THE MAINS PLUG OR AN APPLIANCE COUPLER IS USED AS THE DISCONNECT DEVICE, THE DISCONNECT DEVICESHALL REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.
• PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
• UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATIONAND TO AVOID INJURY.
• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
• OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUNDPRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EARPROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
• WARNING: THIS UNIT REQUIRES A SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRIC CODES HAVING THE LINESUPPLY VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY IDENTIFIED ON THE REAR OF THE UNIT. THE OUTLET MUST REMAIN ACCESSIBLETO DISCONNECT THE UNIT IF A FAULT SHOULD ARISE WHILE IN USE. THIS UNIT SHOULD BE UNPLUGGED WHEN NOT IN USE.
• THIS UNIT IS FOR USE IN MODERATE AND/OR TROPICAL CLIMATES.
PORTABLE CARTWARNING• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, CARTS, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURERFOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY. WHEN A CART IS USED, USE CAUTION WHEN MOVING THE CART/APPARATUS COMBINATION TO AVOID INJURY FROM TIP-OVER.

EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS:=EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES:"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"“VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"="IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"“ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES.”"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCCRules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment offand on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Yamaha Guitar Group Inc. could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

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Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

Introduction
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of an Ampeg Micro-VR bass guitar amplifier. This
no-compromise amplifier packs 200 watts of solid-state MOSFET fury, a switching power supply and the classical good looks and features of our renowned SVT Series amplifier head.
The Micro-VR amplifier is designed as an ideal companion to the SVT 210AV cabinet, available
separately.
The switching power supply keeps the weight low, without sacrificing power output or ourlegendary sound quality.
Like all Ampeg products, your Micro-VR amplifier is designed by musicians and built using only
the best of components. Each amplifier is tested to confirm that it meets our specifications,and we believe that this amplifier is the absolute best that it can be.
In order to get the most out of your new amplifier, please read this manual before you begin
playing.
And thank you for choosing Ampeg.
Here are some of the features packed into your new Amplifier:•Detailed 1970s-era SVT appearance•

Designed as a stack with the SVT 210AV cabinet (available separately)•

Single channel, entirely solid-state design•

Selectable 15 dB input pad•Gain control•

Bass, Mid, and Treble controls•

Volume control•Selectable Limiter and LED•

Peak LED•

Auxiliary input•

Headphone output•

Illuminated power switch•

Effects loop with separate send and return jacks•

Balanced XLR output•

Lightweight switching power supply•

Voltage selector switch•

MOS-FET power amplifier rated at 200 watts rms
into 4 ohms

Stonehenge•

Fan cooled

Micro-VR•

Much smaller than Stonehenge

Micro-VR andSVT 210AVCabinet

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Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

The Front Panel123456

1.

INPUT: The signal output from an instrument (active or passive) may be connected to this 1/4" input by means of ashielded instrument cable.

2.

–15 dB PAD: Press this switch in toreduce the input signal by 15 dB andcompensate for higher output sources.
This attenuation is suited for use withbasses that have active electronics or
high-output pickups. Use this pad if you
notice the peak LED [3] comes on regularly. It will reduce the chance of overdriving the preamplifier
stage,
14
15 and allow
more usable range and fine adjustmentof the gain control.

3.

PEAK LED: This red warning LED maycome on if: the input signal is too high,
the gain control is set too high, or there
is too much boost from the bass, midrange and treble controls. If it comes onregularly, even when these controls are
low, try engaging the –15 dB pad.

4.

GAIN: This varies the amount of signal
driving the preamplifier. If a small clockwise rotation from minimum leads tooverloading and the peak LED comingon, try engaging the –15 dB pad. This
will give more usable range with the gaincontrol.

5.

BASS: Use this to adjust the low frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to 14 dB of boost, or 12 dB ofcut at 40 Hz. The low frequency output
is flat at the center position.

478

9 10 11 1213

6.

MIDRANGE: Use this to adjust the midrange frequency level of the amplifier.
This provides up to 5 dB of boost, or
13 dB of cut at 500 Hz. The midrange
frequency output is flat at the centerposition. Rotate the control counterclockwise for a “contoured” sound(more distant, less midrange output) or
clockwise for a sound which really cuts
through.

7.

TREBLE: Use this to adjust the high frequency level of the amplifier. This provides up to1719 dB of
25 dB of18 boost,
19 or20
cut at 8 kHz. The high frequency output
is flat at the center position.

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8.

VOLUME: Use this to control the overall
output level. It affects the speaker outputs [17], and headphones output [12].
Use it wisely, and turn it down when
making connections, putting on headphones, or trying something new.

9.

LIMITER SWITCH: Press this switch into add the limiter circuit. If the signals
driving the amplifier start to peak, thelimiter will automatically reduce thesignals to prevent clipping, and the LED[10] will flash. The limiter will help keep
the amplifier’s output “clean” up to highoutput levels and avoid potentially damaging distortion.

Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

10. LIMIT LED: This LED illuminates when
the limiter circuit is activated, indicatingthat the amplifier is nearing full output
and the limiter is keeping peak signals
from clipping the output.
If you notice that the LED is turning on
regularly, reduce the volume or the EQlevels to prevent damage to your speakers.
11. AUDIO IN: The audio output from linelevel sources such as an iPod®, MP3,or CD player, can connect to this 1/8"
TRS stereo input. The incoming audio ismixed with the preamp signals, so you
can play along to a practice track, as
you listen with headphones. (The audio
coming in here only plays in the headphones, and appears nowhere else.)
12. PHONES: Use this 1/8" TRS stereo
output to connect your headphones.
The output here is a mix of the line-levelsignals reaching the amplifier, and any
incoming audio from the audio in jack[11].
If you just want to listen and practicethrough headphones, disconnect thespeaker-level outputs [17] from thespeaker cabinet. (This is a solid-state
amplifier, so there is no harm in playing
without speakers.)
Before putting on headphones, makesure the volume control [8] is turned
down, and (if connected) any external
audio source has its level turned down.
This will reduce the chance of hearing
damage due to loud volumes.
13. POWER SWITCH: Use this illuminatedswitch to turn the overall system poweron or off. Press the top of the switch toturn on the power, and press the bottom
to turn it off.

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Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

The Rear Panel

141516

14. IEC POWER INPUT CONNECTOR: Thisis where you connect the supplied ACpower cord.
Before plugging in the power
cord, make sure that the voltage
selector switch [15] is set to the same
voltage as your local AC mains.
15. VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH:
Make sure the switch is in thecorrect position for your local ACmains voltage before you plug in the ACpower cord. Use a small flat screwdriverto slide the switch if required.
16. VENTILATION: Make sure that the ventilation openings are not obscured in anyway. This will allow the flow of cooling
air to the power amplifier’s heatsinks.
17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS: These 1/4" TS
output jacks supply speaker-level power
to the speaker cabinet. The rated power
output is 200 watts rms into 4 ohms.
The two identical outputs are wired inparallel, and you can use either one, oruse both. Make sure the total speaker
impedance load is 4 ohms or greater.
For example, you could connect:
Two 16 ohm speakers (an 8 ohm load),Two 8 ohm speakers (a 4 ohm load)or one 4 ohm speaker.
Use speaker cables with 1/4" TSends to make the connections.
Do not use instrument cables as these
may overheat.
61718192018. EFFECTS LOOP RETURN JACK: Use
this 1/4" TS unbalanced input to return
the processed line-level output of an
external effects processor (for example).
The processor could be fed by signals
from the effects loop send [19].
19. EFFECTS LOOP SEND JACK: Use this1/4" TS unbalanced output to send aline-level output to an external effects
processor (for example). The output hereis affected by all controls except the volume [8] and the limiter switch [9].
Use the loop return jack [18] to feed thereturned processed signals back into thepower amplifier.
20. XLR LINE OUT JACK: Typically, you
would connect this balanced output tothe balanced input of an external mixer,
or a recorder. In this way, you do nothave to mic the speaker cabinet in orderto add it to the main mix, or to record.
The output is not affected by the volumecontrol [8].
This output can connect to external
power amplifiers, or powered loudspeakers, as long as they have their own input
controls to adjust the volume level.
Balanced connections allow long cableruns to be used, as hum and noise
pickup in the line is minimized.

Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier

System Block Diagram
PEAKLED

PEAK DETECTOR

15 dB PAD

INPUT
PREAMPLIFIERGAIN

TONE CONTROLSTREBLE MIDRANGEBASSXLR BALANCED
LINE OUTPUTSEND
EFFECTSLOOP
RETURNLIMIT
LED

LIMITERPOWER
AMPLIFIERSPEAKEROUTPUTSVOLUME

AUDIO INPUT(STEREO)
RIGHT
LEFT

RIGHT
LEFT

PHONESOUTPUT

Service Information
If you are having a problem with your Micro-VR, you can go to our website (www.ampeg.com)
and click on Support for service information, or call 1-818-75-3600 during business hours(8 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4 pm, PST, Monday-Friday). If you are outside of the U.S., contact your local distributor for technical support and service.

Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household
waste, according to the WEEE directive (2002/96/EC) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an
authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this typeof waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this productwill contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

7Micro-VR Bass Guitar Amplifier
MICRO-VR TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Output Power Rating		

150 watts rms @ 8 ohms, 5% THD		
200 watts rms @ 4 ohms, 5% THD

Signal to Noise Ratio		

72 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz, unweighted)

Maximum Gain		

62 dB, tone controls centeredTone Controls						Bass:		 +14/–12 dB @ 40 Hz		Midrange: +5/–13 dB @ 500 Hz		
Treble:		 +19/–25 dB @ 8 kHz

Power Requirements				

100–120 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 150 W		
220–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 150 W

Size (H x W x D)				

7.5 in/190 mm (with feet) x 12 in/305 mm 		
x 10 in/254 mm

Weight		9.9 lb/4.5 kg

The Micro-VR is covered with a durable fabric-backed vinyl material. Clean with a dry lint-free cloth.
Never spray cleaning agents onto the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleansers which would damage the finish.
Ampeg continually develops new products and improves upon existing ones. For this reason, the specifications
and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
“Ampeg” is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged.

Declaration Of Conformity
Manufacturer:

Yamaha Guitar Group Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921, USA		
Product Name:
Product Type:
Complies with Standards:
LVD:
Safety:
EMC:		

Ampeg Micro-VR
Audio Amplifier
92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC, & 73/23/EWG
EN60065
EN55013, EN55020, EN55022, EN55103, EN61000-3-2,& EN61000-3-3

The official Declaration of Conformity for this product is kept on file at:
Yamaha Guitar Group Inc., 26580 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
www.ampeg.com©2018 Yamaha Guitar Group Inc.
26580 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
Part No. 0031570 Rev. C 07/18

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