SM-400

(Original Version)
Please Note: The SM-400 is no longer in production (it was upgraded in 1993). The text below is provided for the
convenience of SWR users who purchased this model on the used market.

RACK MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

To preserve the beauty and reliability of your amplifier, we recommend that you install your amp in a rack case. The SM-
400 is completely ready to be rack mounted and needs no additional parts or accessories other than the case itself.
Although this model takes up only two rack spaces (3 1/2"), we recommend you use a three rack space case. This will
prevent the vents on the top and bottom of your amplifier from being covered and allow for natural cooling of the power
section(s). NO FAN is needed in this condition and you will not have to remove the rubber feet. If you still would like to
remove the feet, REPLACE the screws as they help to hold on the bottom of the amplifier - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
The SM-400 should be mounted as close to the bottom of the rack case as possible. The height of the rubber feet have
been chosen so that when you slide the unit in the bottom of the rack case, the rack mounting holes on the front panel
should line up with the mounting holes of the rack rail. This prevents the SM-400 from flexing downward if the rack case is
dropped. If you must mount the SM-400 in the middle of the rack, a piece of wood or similar material should be installed
between the bottom of the rack case and the bottom of the amplifier to prevent flexing of the amplifier's chassis. Severe or
constant flexing of the chassis can cause the main chassis to crack and could void your warranty.
MAKE SURE ALL VENTS ARE UNOBSTRUCTED WHEN INSTALLING YOUR SM-400 IN A RACK CASE. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR
COOL AIR TO COME IN AND HOT AIR TO ESCAPE.
If you should have any other questions that are not answered in the owner's manual, feel free to email or call the factory
(818) 253-4SWR at anytime.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTION

The SM-400 Bass Amplifier provides the power, performance, flexibility and portability needed by the professional bass
musician for every style of playing and nearly every situation he/she will encounter.
To accomplish our goals, we had to use almost every imaginable type of electronic component available. This added up to
an all TUBE preamp section, a limiter using Field Effect Transistors, tone and equalizer controls utilizing Integrated Circuits
and two individual power amps employing discreet, solid state devices.
The power amplifiers in the SM-400 can be used individually to provide full bi-amp capabilities when used with the built-in
adjustable electronic crossover or can function as stereo, 200 watt power units. If you need more power, the amps can be
bridged for 400 Watts @ 8 ohms or 420 watts @ 4 ohms.
Front panel features include Hi and Low Gain input jacks, Gain and Master Volume controls, Integral Limiter and an
exclusive feature we call an Aural Enhancer. Tonal flexibility is achieved with Bass and Treble controls and a 4 band
Variable Graphic Equalizer. The Crossover Frequency Control adjusts the crossover points of the electronic crossover and
the Balance control adjusts the levels of the two power amps when used in the stereo mode.
The back panel features and XLR Balanced Out switchable for direct and line out, Crossover High and Low Frequency
Output jacks, and Mono and Stereo Effects loops. A power amp assign switch selects stereo or bridge mode and for
speaker outputs, there are two jacks each for left and right out or one banana jack for mono operation.
The SM-400 is rack mountable, taking up two rack spaces (3 1/2") by 11 3/4" deep. It is housed in an all aluminum chassis
for light weight and lasting beauty and weighs just over 18 pounds. It is easily carried by the handles secured to the front
panel.
The tube employed in the preamplifier is a specially selected 12AX7 and should not need replacing for one to three years
depending on usage and care of your unit.
We truly hope you enjoy your amplifier and find it all you have ever wanted in a bass amplifier and more. If you ever have
any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to call or email us at the factory.

FRONT PANEL FEATURES

HI AND LOW GAIN INPUT JACKS

Both inputs accept a standard 1/4" phone plug and both inputs can be used at the same time. Since the two inputs are
totally independent, no loss in volume or tone will occur if two instruments are used simultaneously. Keep in mind,
however, that the Hi Gain input has five times more gain than the Low Gain input.

GAIN CONTROL AND PREAMP CLIP LED

The Gain Control adjusts the volume of the preamp section. After tone controls, Variable Graphic Equalizer and Limiter are
set to your liking, the Gain Control should be set to where the Preamp Clip LED barely flashes upon striking your loudest
note. Now adjust the Master Volume to 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".
The Preamp Clip LED will light if any portion of the preamplifier reaches clipping or runs out of headroom. This can be
caused by the Gain Control being set too high or any tone or Equalizer Control set in a high boost position. To correct this
condition, turn down one of the previously mentioned controls.
Note: The Preamp Clip LED indicates that at some point the preamplifier is clipping. No harm is being done to your