GroundBox - Audio accessory Harley Benton - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Ground Loop Isolator / Audio Accessory
Dimensions (approx.)	80 x 40 x 30 mm (3.1 x 1.6 x 1.2 in)
Weight (approx.)	100 g (0.22 lb)
Power Supply	Passive (no external power required)
Input Connectors	1/4" (6.35 mm) TS mono jack (female)
Output Connectors	1/4" (6.35 mm) TS mono jack (female)
Function	Eliminates hum and buzz caused by ground loops in audio systems
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 100 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0.01%
Isolation Type	Transformer-based galvanic isolation
Housing Material	Aluminum / Metal casing
Color	Black
Included Accessories	None (unit only)
Mounting Options	Velcro or screw mount (bottom plate)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Compliance	RoHS
Maintenance & Cleaning	Wipe with dry cloth; do not use solvents
Safety	Use in dry environments only; avoid moisture
Spare Parts & Repairability	No user-serviceable parts; contact authorized service center for repair

Frequently Asked Questions - GroundBox Harley Benton

What is the Harley Benton GroundBox used for?

The GroundBox is a ground loop isolator that eliminates hum and buzz in audio systems caused by ground loops between connected devices.

Does the GroundBox require external power?

No, it is a passive device and operates without any external power supply.

How do I connect the GroundBox?

Insert a 1/4" TS instrument cable from the audio source into the input jack, and another cable from the output jack to the amplifier or mixer.

Will the GroundBox affect my sound quality?

The GroundBox is designed to have negligible impact on audio quality with flat frequency response and low distortion.

Can I use the GroundBox with balanced connections?

The GroundBox is intended for unbalanced 1/4" TS connections. For balanced lines, use a different isolator.

Why is there still hum after connecting the GroundBox?

Check if the GroundBox is placed before the first gain stage in the signal chain. Also ensure all devices share the same power circuit.

How do I clean the GroundBox?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the casing. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.

Is the GroundBox suitable for stage use?

Yes, its rugged metal housing makes it durable for pedalboards and live performances.

Can the GroundBox be mounted on a pedalboard?

Yes, it has a flat bottom with screw holes and can be attached using velcro or screws.

What warranty does the GroundBox have?

Harley Benton typically offers a 3-year warranty. Contact your retailer for specific terms.

USER MANUAL GroundBox Harley Benton

Harley Benton

GroundBox

ground box

Musikhaus Thomann

Thomann GmbH

1.1 Further information.... 5
1.2 Notational conventions.... 6
1.3 Symbols and signal words.... 6

2 Safety instructions.... 8
3 Features.... 10
4 Installation and starting up.... 11
5 Connections and controls.... 13
6 Technical specifications.... 15
7 Plug and connection assignment.... 17
8 Protecting the environment.... 18

GroundBox

th·mann

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.

Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search	Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides	Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service	If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

GroundBox

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

Letterings

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.

Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning

DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – danger zone.

GroundBox

th·mann MUSIC IS OUR PASSION

2 Safety instructions

Intended use

This device is used to ground audio equipment and to reduce noise caused by lack of grounding. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

DANGER!

Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!

Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!

Never let children unattended use electrical devices.

NOTICE!

Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations.

Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter 'Technical specifications' of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures).

Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.

GroundBox

th·mann MUSIC IS OUR PASSION

3 Features

Special features of the device:

■ Reduces or eliminates noise
Suitable for:

• Battery powered amplifiers
• Compact power amplifier
  – Multi effects with power supply

2 × signal in and output (guitar or line signal), designed as 1/4" phone jacks
■ Removable ground cable with banana plug and dummy plug for safety socket (included)

4 Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.

Noise can be caused by lack of grounding. The GroundBox reduces or eliminates noise caused, for example, by touching and releasing strings or other metal parts of the guitar.

Use the GroundBox by connecting it between the guitar and the signal chain (such as effects pedal, amp) via the [LINK 1] and [LINK 2] connectors. Plug the banana plug of the ground cable into the appropriate connection of the GroundBox and the dummy plug into a professionally installed safety socket.

GroundBox

th·mann MUSIC IS OUR PASSION

NOTICE!

Possible damage due to connection to unsuitable devices

Do not connect this unit to speaker outputs, headphone outputs, power amp outputs or devices with existing ground connection.

This can permanently damage the device.

5 Connections and controls

GroundBox

1 Connection for ground cable with banana plug and dummy plug for safety socket

2, 3 [LINK 1]/[LINK 2]

Signal in and output (guitar or line signal), designed as 1/4" phone jacks

6 Technical specifications

Input connection Audio signal 1 ×1/4" jack socket
Output connections Audio signal 1 ×1/4" jack socket
Earthing 1 × ground cable with banana plug and dummy plug for safety socket
Dimensions (W × H × D) 93 mm × 54 mm × 35 mm
Weight 175 g
Ambient conditions Temperature range 0 °C...40 °C
Relative humidity 50 %, non-condensing

GroundBox

Further information

Multi-channel No
Active / passive Passive
19" No
Switchable pad No
Switchable ground / lift No
Battery supply No
Speaker simulation No

7 Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in 'Sound & Light' caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or 'just' in poor transmission quality!

1/4" TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

1 Signal

2 Ground, shielding

GroundBox

th·mann MUSIC IS OUR PASSION

8 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.

Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

Solid olive green background with no visible text, symbols, or patterns