MB Combo

OWNER’S MANUAL
 MB SERIES COMBOS

Congratulations!

Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger

amplifier is surely the result of much careful
consideration on your part. For our part, we at
Gallien-Krueger are pleased that you chose us,
Introduction

and are determined that you will be a satisfied

customer. In choosing a GK amplifier, you now
own an amplifier with many unique features
which will allow you to create your own distinct
sound.

To get the most out of your new purchase, please GK Philosophy

take a few minutes to read through this manual. I have never seen the point in doing things
If you are in a hurry, we suggest you at least read the way others have done them. I also have not
through the Quick Start section before setting up been very interested in following the latest fad.
your new rig. This will help get you started and I’m a Stanford educated engineer who worked
give you a few quick tips, but is not a substitute my way through school as a musician. Like all
for reading the rest of the manual. musicians, I have lugged amplifiers up stairways
and into car trunks, always wondering why these
Your amplifier should have come with the things had to be so heavy, bulky, and hard to
following items, please check the contents of the handle.
box to ensure that you have everything. As the principal innovator at GK, our
products reflect my attitudes and life
Included with your MB Series Combo experiences. I don’t model my designs after
Amplifier: other manufacturers’ products. Instead, I
Power cord 1 believe new and old problems are best solved with
Owner’s manual 1 new solutions. Having taken our own path, GK
Warranty card (US only) 1 products enjoy a unique, unmatched sound,
Safety instructions sheet 1 allowing you every opportunity to make an
original statement.
If your amplifier did not come with all the items Having supported my products for over
listed, or if you encounter problems while setting thirty years, I have learned from the story they tell.
up your new equipment, please contact your local Gallien-Krueger is a reflection of that story, and
dealer or GK as soon as possible. has a commitment to support that legacy. Just as
the products I created over thirty five years ago
Gallien-Krueger, Inc. are still telling their story, the products we create
2234 Industrial Drive today will be talking to us tomorrow.
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: (209) 234-7300 We’ll be listening,
fax: (209) 234-8420
Internet: www.gallien-krueger.com
Email: info@gallien.com

We wish you a lifetime of good playing and Robert Gallien

remember to always have fun! Founder and President

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 MB SERIES COMBOS

Table Of Contents

Safety Information 4

Table of Contents
Quick Start/Tech Talk 5
MB210/212/115/410 Panel Controls 6
MB112 Panel Controls 7
MB110 Panel Controls 8
Specifications 9

*All Features and specifications are subject to change without notice

Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Drive
Stockton, CA 95206
phone: 209.234.7300
fax: 209.234.8420

email: info@gallien-krueger.com
internet: www.gallien-krueger.com

Warning!
This amplifier is capable of producing high sound
pressure levels. Continued exposure to high SPL’s can
cause damage to your hearing. Always set the volume at
a safe listening level or use hearing protection if the unit
is operated at higher levels.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN !
CAUTION: TO R E D U C E T H E R I S K O F E L E C T R I C S H O C K , D O N O T
R E M O V E TO P C O V E R . N O U S E R - S E RV I C E A B L E PA RT S
I N S I D E . R E F E R S E RV I C I N G TO Q U A L I F I E D S E RV I C E
PERSONNEL.

!
The lightning flash with arrow head The exclamation point within
symbol, within the equilateral an equilateral triangle, is
triangle, is intended to alert the intended to alert the user to
user to the presence of uninsulated the presence of important
‘dangerous voltage’ within the operating and maintenance
product enclosure that may be of (servicing) instructions in
s u ff i c i e n t m a g n i t u d e t o c o n s t i t u t e a the literature accompanying
r i s k o f e l e c t r i c s h o c k t o p e r s o n s. the appliance.

WA R N I N G : TO R E D U C E T H E R I S K O F F I R E O R E L E C T R I C S H O C K ,
D O N O T E X P O S E T H I S A P P L I A N C E TO R A I N O R M O I S T U R E

C A U T I O N : TO P R E V E N T E L E C T R I C S H O C K , M AT C H W I D E B L A D E O F P L U G TO
W I D E S L O T, F U L LY I N S E RT E D .

ATTENTION: P O U R E V I T E R L E S C H O C S E L E C T R I Q U E S , I N R O D U I R E L A L A M E L A
PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE
DE LA PRISE ET POUSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

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 MB SERIES COMBOS
Safety Information
Please read all enclosed safety precautions before AC Power Cord: To avoid safety hazards, use
connecting or operating this product. only the power cord supplied with your unit. If a
replacement cord is needed, make certain to use a
Safety Information

Verify Line Voltage and Amperage standard IEC compliant cord. Damaged power
cords should be replaced immediately. When
Your amplifier has been factory configured for setting up, make certain that the AC plug is easily
use with the specific line voltage for your accessible. If you do not intend to use the
location only. For example, units set to operate amplifier for a considerable length of time,
within countries that supply 100-120 volt disconnect the plug from the AC mains socket.
electrical service are not compatible with Do not use an extension cord.
230-240 volt systems used in other countries.
Earth Grounding Connection: To prevent
120 Volt/60Hz 15 amp circuit for the USA and electric shock, do not remove the grounding plug
Canada. on the power cord, or use any plug or extension
230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for the UK cord that does not have a grounding plug
and Australia. provided. Make certain that the AC outlet is
230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for Europe. properly grounded as well. Do not use an adapter
100 Volt/50Hz 15 amp circuit for Japan. plug with this product.
220 Volt/50Hz 10 amp circuit for Korea.
Proper AC circuit for all other countries. Do Not Open the Amplifier Enclosure: There
are no user serviceable parts inside this product.
Connecting the amplifier to a line with Opening the amplifier enclosure may present a
specifications other than indicated above can shock hazard. Modification to the product will
create safety and fire hazard, and may damage the void your warranty. If liquid enters the unit, or
amplifier. If you have any questions about the any metal object such as a paper clip accidentally
voltage requirements for your specific model, or falls inside the enclosure, disconnect the unit from
about the line voltage in your area, contact your the AC power source immediately and consult an
dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet. authorized service station.
Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use: The Setup: To insure proper operation and to avoid
high power output of your amplifier may require potential safety hazards, place the unit on a firm,
heavy current draw under full load conditions. To level surface. Do not plug or unplug the
insure proper performance and avoid potential instrument or speaker cable while the amplifier
safety hazards, we recommend connection to line power is on.
circuits with amperage specified “as above”.
Connecting to the same circuit used by other Heat & Ventilation: For proper ventilation,
heavy power devices, such as high wattage lights, make sure there is at least 8” or 20cm clearance at
may cause circuit breakers to trip. It is always a the back of the unit. Avoid using in extremely hot
good idea to avoid using any audio equipment on or cold locations and areas that are exposed to
the same AC circuit as equipment with motors, direct sunlight or near heating equipment. Avoid
such as air conditioners or refrigerators. This will using in moist or high humidity areas.
lessen the possibility of power variation and
electrical start up noise affecting your sound.

4
 MB SERIES COMBOS

Quick Start Tech Talk

The MB Series Combos are designed to be Equalization: Standard tone controls and

Quick Start / Tech Talk

simple to operate and all controls have a well graphic equalizers give you plenty of variation,
defined purpose. These directions will take you but they don’t provide what the instrument
through the basics and give you a good start for really needs. The fact is, graphic equalizers are
setting up your sound. intended for room equalization. The
equalization in Gallien-Krueger amplifiers
Connect your cabinets (MB210 only): In reflects 40 years of continuous development
addition to its internal speakers, the MB210 can and refinement.
power an external speaker cabinet from the The GK equalizer is unique to the industry, it’s
output marked “Speaker” located on the rear not just a normal four band equalizer, each
panel. The external speaker load must be 8 ohm section is a special circuit optimized to perform
or above. a Bass specific job in its range of operation.
These sections are wired in series, adding to one
Connect your MBP to your MB Combo: another, to create a tremendously flexible
Using a standard XLR microphone cable, equalizer that sounds natural at any setting.
connect the Chain Output located on the rear Now it is possible to obtain the sound you
panel of your MB Combo (see page 6, rear desire.
panel item #20) to the Chain Input of your MBP
enclosure. If connecting multiple MBP Contour: The Contour is used to completely
enclosures, the Chain Output of the MBP is revoice the amplifier by tuning between two
connected to the additional MBP’s Chain Input. different shaping circuits, with greatly different
responses. With the control engaged, the low
Initial front panel control settings: MB210, end is slightly boosted, the mids are dropped
MB115, MB410 and MB212: Set all EQ and and the high end is pushed up.
boost controls to 12 o'clock. The input gain and
master volume should be set to 0 and the G.I.V.E. Technology: The MB210, MB410,
contour and horn buttons in the off (out) MB115 and MB212 preamps incorporate what
position. we call G.I.V.E (Gate Induced Valve Effect)
MB112 and MB110: Set all EQ controls to Technology. We use field effect devices with
12:00 and the contour in the out position. The the gate biased in a way that emphasizes the
input gain should be set to zero. optimum harmonic content of the signal.
Working in conjunction with our unique four
Level and Master Volume settings: Set the band active equalizer and contour, G.I.V.E.
master volume to 12 o'clock. (MB210, MB115, technology produces a consistently pleasing
MB410 and MB212 only) While playing, turn bass tone.
the input gain up to the desired volume level.
At this point you can experiment with different Smart Protection Circuitry: The MB Series
EQ, contour, horn and boost settings. protection circuitry constantly monitors for
unsafe operating conditions such as short
*Some passive instruments can have output circuits, miswired speaker cables, blown
levels similar to active electronics. If the sound speakers, improper ventilation, and incorrect
is distorted the -10db pad should be used. speaker configurations. In addition, protection
is provided during power up/down. If the MB
Series senses any unsafe operating conditions,
the output signal is immediately muted and the
power light changes from Blue to Red. The
amplifier will remain muted until the fault is
removed. Be sure that you are not exceeding the
maximum recommend load described in this
manual. If the problem persists, contact GK
directly for technical advice.

5
 MB SERIES COMBOS

INPUT ACTIVE EQUALIZER OUTPUT P AT C H B AY POWER

INPUT
OFF
ON
LIMITER HORN PHONES DIRECT OUT OFF
ON

PRE
MB115 Control Panel

OFF OFF AUX-IN POST

ON ON
-10dB GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LO-MID BASS BOOST MASTER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

MB210, MB212, MB115, MB410 Control Panel Features

1 Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect button will light red during power up then
instruments using a shielded cable. changes to blue, indicating the amp is ready
2 -10dB: Used to reduce the input signal from for normal operation. Should the amp
active instruments or other high input sources. experience a fault (over heat or over current)
3 Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input the amp will mute and the ring will light red
stage. It is used in conjunction with the input until the condition is corrected. This LED
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom. turns off when the power is switched off. This
4 Contour: In the on position the button turns the amp off but it does not completely
decreases the mid-range frequencies while disconnect the power from the AC mains.
boosting low and high frequencies.
5 Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type. Rear Panel
Use this control to add or remove edge and 18 Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ and
definition. volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
6 Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q series powered cabinets. This connection is
optimized,” band pass type works on lower made with a standard XLR mic cable.
string harmonics and effects the punch of your 19 AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord
sound. connects here.
7 Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q 20 Speaker Out (MB210 only): Power amp
optimized” band pass type, effects the main output to an external speaker cabinet. A twist
body of your sound. lock Speakon connector allows the connection
8 Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type of a cabinet with an 8 ohm minimum load.
used to control the low end push.
9 Boost: Adds a post EQ gain stage using 18
G.I.V.E. technology adding “growl” as it is
turned up. CHAIN OUTPUT
10 Master: The master volume is used to
control the overall output level.
11 Limiter: When this button is engaged it
prevents the power amp from distorting. It is NOTE:
FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES
recommended that this feature is used for high POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

volume applications.
12 Horn: Activates the high frequency tweeter. SPEAKER
OUTPUT

13 Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3

player allows the user to monitor an external AC INPUT

audio source.
14 Phones: Headphone output. When the phones
are connected, the signal sent to the speaker is 19 20
interrupted.
15 Balanced Direct Out: This electronically
balanced output allows a direct connection to
a P.A. system.
16 Pre/Post: This button selects the direct out
signal to be before or after the EQ.
17 Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and off.
In the on position, the ring surrounding the

6
 MB SERIES COMBOS
INPUT ACTIVE EQUALIZER P AT C H B AY POWER
OFF
INPUT ON
PHONES DIRECT OUT OFF
ON

PRE
POST

MB112 Control Panel

AUX-IN
-10dB GAIN CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LO-MID BASS

112

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

MB112 Control Panel Features

1 Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect the button will light red during power up then
instruments using a shielded cable. changes to blue, indicating the amp is ready
2 -10dB: Used to reduce the input signal from for normal operation. Should the amp
active instruments or other high input experience a fault (over heat or over current)
sources. the amp will mute and
3 Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input the ring will light red until the condition is
stage. It is used in conjunction with the input corrected. This LED turns off when the
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.
4 Contour: In the on position the button power is switched off. This turns the amp off
decreases the mid-range frequencies while but it does not completely disconnect the
boosting low and high frequencies. power from the AC mains.
5 Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type.
Use this control to add or remove edge and Rear Panel
definition. 14 Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ
6 Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q and volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
optimized,” band pass type works on lower series powered cabinets. This connection is
string harmonics and effects the punch of made with a standard XLR mic cable.
your sound. 15 AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord
7 Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q connects here.
optimized” band pass type, effects the main 14
body of your sound.
8 Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type CHAIN OUTPUT
used to control the low end push.
9 Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3
player allows the user to monitor an external
audio source. NOTE:
10 Phones: Headphone output. When phones FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES
POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

are connected, the signal sent to the speaker

is interrupted.
11 Balanced Direct Out: This electronically AC INPUT

balanced output allows a direct connection to

a P.A. system.
12 Pre/Post: This button selects the direct out 15
signal to be before or after the EQ
13 Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and
off. In the on position, the ring surrounding

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 MB SERIES COMBOS
INPUT ACTIVE EQUALIZER P AT C H B AY POWER
OFF OFF
INPUT ON ON
PHONES OFF
ON

AUX-IN
-10dB HI-MID
MB110 Control Panel

GAIN TREBLE LO-MID BASS

CONTOUR

110

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

MB110 Control Panel Features Rear Panel Features

1 Input: A standard 1/4" input to connect 12 AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord
instruments using a shielded cable. connects here.
2 -10dB: Used to reduce the input signal from 13 Pre/Post: This button selects the direct out
active instruments or other high input signal to be before or after the EQ.
sources. 14 Balanced Direct Out: This electronically
3 Gain: Sets the preamp gain after the input balanced output allows a direct connection to
stage. It is used in conjunction with the input a P.A. system.
pad to optimize the amplifier’s headroom.
4 Contour: In the on position the button 15 Chain Out: This XLR output sends all EQ
decreases the mid-range frequencies while and volume settings to Gallien-Krueger MBP
boosting low and high frequencies. series powered cabinets. This connection is
5 Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz shelving type. made with a standard XLR mic cable.
Use this control to add or remove edge and
definition. 13 14
6 Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz. A “Q
optimized,” band pass type works on lower DIRECT OUT

string harmonics and effects the punch of

PRE
POST

your sound.
7 Lo-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz. A “Q
optimized” band pass type, effects the main
body of your sound. CHAIN OUT

8 Bass: Boost and cut at 60Hz, shelving type

used to control the low end push.
9 Aux In: This 1/8" input for a CD or MP3 NOTE:
player allows the user to monitor an external AC INPUT
FOR USE WITH GK MBP SERIES
POWERED CABINETS ONLY.

audio source.
10 Phones: Headphone output. When phones 12 15
are connected, the signal sent to the speaker
is interrupted.
11 Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and
off. In the on position, the ring surrounding
the button will light red during power up then
changes to blue, indicating the amp is ready
for normal operation. Should the amp
experience a fault (over heat or over current)
the amp will mute and the ring will light red
until the condition is corrected. This LED
turns off when the power is switched off.
This turns the amp off but it does not
completely disconnect the power from the
AC mains.

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 MB SERIES COMBOS
HORN SW
ON

OFF MB210-II
2x +1
16 Ohm S P KR PIEZO
E XT HORN
10” 200W
Neo Spkr -1
PRE

POST HORN SW
ON
Specifications

DIRECT
OUT
OFF
MB212-II
2x
CLIP
AUX IN DETECTOR
8 Ohm PIEZO
AMP
12” 300W HORN
+V
INPUT Neo Spkr
ON OFF
ON LIMITER
4 BAND HORN SW
GAIN BOOST
EQ ON
OFF
HEAD
CONTOUR MASTER PHONES
OFF MB410
ON OFF 4x
-10dB AMP 16 Ohm PIEZO
10” 200W HORN

CHAIN
Neo Spkr
OUT

HORN SW
ON

OFF
MB115-II
1x
PIEZO
4 Ohm HORN
15” 200W

PRE

POST
MB110
CLIP
DETECTOR
AUX IN 6 Ohm
AMP
DIRECT 10” 100W
+V
INPUT OUT

ON
GAIN 4 BAND
EQ
ON OFF OFF HEAD
-10dB CONTOUR LIMITER
PHONES MB112-II
4 Ohm
AMP
12” 200W

CHAIN
OUT
Output Power:
MB210-II 350W@8 Ohms (internal) Dimensions (HxWxD): Weight:
500W@4 Ohms (w/extension) MB210-II 23”x19”x14.5” 35 lbs.
MB212-II 500W@4 Ohms MB212-II 26”x19”x14.5” 41 lbs.
MB410 500W@4 Ohms MB410 23“x23”x16” 51 lbs.
MB115-II 200W@4 Ohms MB115-II 23”x19”x14.5” 38 lbs.
MB112-II 200W@4 Ohms MB112-II 17”x15”x14.5” 30 lbs.
MB110 100W@6 Ohms MB110 16”x13”x11.5” 20 lbs.
Input Section: Power requirements:
Maximum Input Level 0.6V rms MB210-II, MB212-II
Input Impedance 1M Ohms U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz.
Direct Output Impedance 500 Ohms & MB410 580W(full power), 128W(average power)
Aux-in Input Impedance 100K Ohms Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
Equalizer: 580W(full power), 128W(average power)
Bass +/-10dB@60Hz Japan 100V/50Hz
Lo-Mid +6dB/-10dB@250Hz 580W(full power), 128W(average power)
Hi-Mid +6dB/-10dB@1KHz MB115-II & MB112-II
Treble +/-14dB @ 7KHz U.S.A/Canada 120V/60Hz.
Voicing Filters: 240W(full power), 48.6 W (average power)
Contour +2dB@50Hz/-10dB@500Hz/ Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
+3dB @ 7 KHz 240W(full power), 48.6W(average power)
Noise: Japan 100V/50Hz
MB210-II -90 dB reference to 500W/350, ‘A’ weighted 240W(full power), 48.6W(average power)
MB212-II -90 dB reference to 500W, ‘A’ weighted MB110
MB410: -90 dB reference to 500W, ‘A’ weighted U.S.A/Canada 120V/60Hz.
MB115-II -90 dB reference to 200W, ‘A’ weighted 140W (full power), 28.6 W (average power)
MB112-II -90 dB reference to 200W, ‘A’ weighted Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
MB110 -90 dB reference to 100W, ‘A’ weighted 240W(full power), 28.6W(average power)
Amplifier Protection: Japan 100V/50Hz
Full short circuit, thermal and RF protection. Stable into reactive 240W(full power), 28.6W(average power)
and mismatched loads. Five second muted warm up.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to This device has been tested and found to comply with:
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful R CAN/CSA 60065-03 Safety Requirements.
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, Note: UL std. No. 60065-2007 Safety Requirements.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class C US
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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MB Combo Owners Manual
Part # 160-0520-F