MB FUSION

OWNER’S MANUAL
 MB FUSION
Congratulations!
Your purchase of a new Gallien-Krueger MB
Fusion 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, and are determined that you will be a satisfied
Introduction

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

We wish you a lifetime of good playing and

remember to always have fun! Robert Gallien
Founder and President

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 MB FUSION
Table Of Contents

Safety Information _______________________4

Quick Start _____________________________5
Front Panel Controls_____________________6

Table of Contents
Top Panel and Rear Panel Features__________7
Tech Talk_____________________________8-9
Installation and Maintenance______________10
Sound Tips_____________________________11
Specifications__________________________12

*All Features and specifications are subject to change without notice

Please read the Safety Information section on page 4 and installation

instructions on page 10 before continuing.

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

email: [email protected]
internet: www.gallien-krueger.com

Warning!
This amplifier is capable of producing high sound
pressure levels. Continued exposure to high SPL’s
can cause dameage 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 The exclamation point within an
head symbol, within the equilateral triangle, is intended
equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
! to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
within the product inclosure that may be of literature accompanying the appliance.
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 risk of electitric shock to persons

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.

3
 MB FUSION

Safety Information
Please read all enclosed safety precautions before
connecting or operating this product. AC Power Cord: To avoid safety hazards, use only
Safety Information

the power cord supplied with your unit. If a

Verify Line Voltage and Amperage replacement cord is needed, make certain to use a
Your amplifier has been factory configured for standard IEC compliant cord. Damaged power
use with the specific line voltage for your location cords should be replaced immediately. When
only. For example, units set to operate setting up, make certain that the AC plug is easily
within countries that supply 100-120 volt
electrical service are not compatible with accessible. If you do not intend to use the amplifier for
230-240 volt systems used in other countries. a considerable length of time, disconnect the plug
120 Volt/60Hz 15 amp circuit for the USA and from the AC mains socket. Do not use an extension
Canada. cord.
230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for the UK and Earth Grounding Connection: To prevent
Australia.
230 Volt/(50/60Hz) 10 amp circuit for Europe. electric shock, do not remove the grounding plug on
100 Volt/50Hz 15 amp circuit for Japan. the power cord, or use any plug or extension cord
220 Volt/50Hz 10 amp circuit for Korea. that does not have a grounding plug provided.
Proper AC circuit for all other countries.
Make certain that the AC outlet is properly
Connecting the amplifier to a line with grounded as well. Do not use an adaptor plug with
specifications other than indicated above can create this product.
safety and fire hazard, and may damage the
Do Not Open the Amplifier Enclosure: There
amplifier. If you have any questions about the
are no user serviceable parts inside this product.
voltage requirements for your specific model, or
Opening the amplifier enclosure may present a
about the line voltage in your area, contact your
shock hazard. Modification to the product will
dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
void your warranty. If liquid enters the unit, or
any metal object such as a paper clip accidentally
Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use: The high falls inside the enclosure, disconnect the unit from
power output of your amplifier may require heavy the AC power source immediately and consult an
current draw under full-load conditions. To insure authorized service station.
proper performance and avoid potential safety
Setup: To insure proper operation and to avoid
hazards, we recommend connection to line circuits
potential safety hazards, place the unit on a firm,
with amperage specified “as above”. Connecting to
level surface. Do not plug or unplug the
the same circuit used by other heavy-power
instrument or speaker cable while the amplifier
devices, such as high-wattage lights, may cause
power is on.
circuit breakers to trip. It is always a good idea to
avoid using any audio equipment on the same AC Heat & Ventilation: Make sure there is space
circuit as equipment with motors, such as air provided for proper ventilation. Avoid using
conditioners or refrigerators. This will lessen the in extremely hot or cold locations and areas that
possibility of power variation and electrical start-up are exposed to direct sunlight or near heating
noise affecting your sound. equipment. Avoid using in moist or high humidity
areas.
PLEASE REFER TO PAGE 10 FOR MORE
INFORMATION TO SAFELY INSTALL THIS NEVER BLOCK THE FAN VENT HOLES
ITEM ON THE SIDES OF THE UNIT

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 MB FUSION
Quick Start
The MB Series amplifier is designed to be simple 6. Boost/Master B: Engage the button located
to operate. All controls have a well defined between the boost and master B knobs. This will
purpose. These directions will take you through activate the boost section of the pre amp. This can
the basics and give you a good start for setting up also be done with the included foot switch. Turn

Quick Start
your sound. up the Gain B and Master B knobs to the desired
1. Plug it in: Set the power switch to Off and volume and gain levels.
connect the supplied power cord, from the ampli- You should be hearing your bass quite well
fier AC receptacle, to an AC power outlet of proper through the Master A and Master B channels. At
voltage and power rating (see safety information this point you can experiment with different EQ,
on page 5 for details). Contour and Gain settings.
2. Connect your cabinets: Connect your speaker
cabinets to the amplifier outputs marked Speaker.
The MB uses a 2 conductor or the GK 4 conductor
Speakon connector only!
Be sure not to exceed the recommended speaker
load as noted below.
Maximum Recommended Speaker Loads: One
4 Ohm, or two 8 Ohm cabinets.
3. Initial front panel control settings: Set all EQ
controls and contour knob to 12 o’clock. Set the
Gain A, Gain B, Master A and Master B controls at
0. The A/B button (between Bass and Master A
knobs) should be in the out position.
4. Plug in your bass: Using an instrument
(shielded) cable, connect your bass to the input
jack and press the power switch on. If you have
active tone controls on your bass, turn all of the
controls to the middle or flat position and turn the
volume all the way up. If you have conventional,
passive tone controls, turn all tone and volume
controls all the way up.
5. Level and Master Volume settings: Set the
Master A volume to 3 o’clock. Turn the Gain A
knob up as you play to the desired output level. If
distortion occurs at low gain settings press the
-14db pad button in and turn the Gain A volume
knob up. If the signal is still distorting, reduce the
volume on your bass.

5
 MB FUSION
15 16 17 18
Top/Front Panel Features

INPUT POWER
-14dB MUTE GAIN-A GAIN-B CONTOUR TREBLE HI-MID LOW-MID BASS MASTER-A MASTER-B
OFF OFF A
ON ON B

OFF
ON

MB FUSION

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

Front Panel Features

1 Input: A standard ¼” input jack to connect active 9 Low-Mid: Boost and cut at 250Hz +6dB/-10 dB.
or passive basses using a shielded cord. A “Q optimized” band pass type, this works for
2 -14 dB Pad/Clip indicator: Input attenuator main body of your sound.
button. This button is generally set to the out 10 Bass: Boost and cut a 60Hz +10 dB, shelving type.
position except in cases where the input signal This is used to control the low end push.
overloads causing distortion. It may be necessary 11 A/B: This button activates the Gain B and Master
to “pad” the input if you are using a bass with B volume control. This can also be activated using
active electronics or very high output. If the -14dB the foot switch (included).
is pressed and the signal distorts at lower settings
12 Master A: This is the master volume control when
reduce the volume on your bass.
the boost is inactive.
3 Mute: Set this switch to “on” when tuning or
13 Master B: This is the master volume control when
unplugging your bass. No signal will be sent to the
boost is activated.
speakers or the P.A. system. When muted this
button turns red. 14 Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and off. In
the on position, the ring surrounding the button
4 Gain A: Sets the preamp gain after the input stage.
will light red during power up then changes to
It is used in conjunction with the input pad to
blue, indicating the amp is ready for normal
control the signal level sent throughout the
operation. Should the amp experience a fault (over
amplifier.
heat or over current) the amp will mute and the
5 Gain B: Allows an additional input level setting to ring will light red until the condition is corrected.
be preset and activated via footswitch or from the This LED turns off when the power is switched
front panel’s A/B button. When used in off. This turns the amp off but it does not
conjunction with the Master B knob, varying the completely disconnect the power from the AC
amounts of tube overdrive and volume are mains.
available.
Top Panel Features
6 Contour: As part of the amps active equalization
15 Contour: The Contour switch activates a tube
the contour control decreases the mid-range
driven version of the contour circuit from the RB
frequencies while boosting low and high
series. It adds a variable control and center
frequencies.
frequency select for precise tone shaping. With the
7 Treble: Boost and cut at 7 kHz +14 dB shelving control a zero, the response is ‘flat’ as in no
type. Use this control to add or remove edge and shaping. As the Contour is increased, it scoops out
definition. the midrange. Additionally, it compensates to keep
8 Hi-Mid: Boost and cut at 1 kHz +6 dB. A ‘Q the overall volume level constant.
Optimized’ band pass type, this works on lower 16 Presence: The Presence control adds extra sparkle
string harmonics and effects the punch of your on the high end for better clarity and openness in
sound. your tone. This is particularly useful when soloing
or playing chords. (continued on pg. 7)

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 MB FUSION

Top/Rear Panel Features

DIRECT OUT PATCH BAY
HEADPHONES (1)
FT. SWITCH TUNER RETURN FX SEND LINE OUT/CHAIN OUT (2)
GND EQ
GND PRE 1
LIFT POST 2

AC INPUT

120V/60Hz 5 0 0 WATTS @ 4 O HMS

SPEAKER
CLA SS 2 WI RING

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Top Panel Features (continued)

17 Deep: The Deep switch extends the low frequency 27 Headphone/Line out/Chain out: When
range of the amplifier to accommodate the extra switched, this output allows the user to send a
low range of the B string on a 5 or 6 string bass. direct (unbalanced) line out to devices with
Users of 4 string basses may also find interesting unbalanced inputs such as personal multitrack
and desirable results with this filter as well. recorders. This connection requires a shielded
18 Limiter: When this button is engaged it prevents patch cord. The Chain out allows the user to
the power amp from distorting. It is recommended connect directly to a GK MBP powered extension
that this feature is used for during high volume cabinet. This connection is made with a balanced,
applications. tip, ring, sleeve to male XLR cable.
tip ring sleeve male XLR
Rear Panel Features
19 AC Receptacle: The detachable power cord plugs
in here. Unswitched, this headphone jack can be used to
20 Ground Lift: This switch disconnects the ground monitor your playing with headphones.
of the balanced, XLR output to eliminate hum and 28 Headphone/Line out/Chain Out switch: This
buzz when connecting to equipment that is switch toggles the output from headphone to line
running on a different ground system. out.
21 Balanced Direct Out: This electronically 29 Speaker: The power amp output to a speaker
balanced output allows a direct connection to a cabinet delivers 500w into 4 Ohm loads. Lower
P.A. system. impedances such as 8 Ohms or 16 Ohms and no
22 Pre/Post EQ Button: This button switches the load are acceptable. One 4 Ohm speaker and one 8
direct out signal to be before or after the EQ. Ohm speaker is not recommended. A twist-lock 2
pin or 4 pin GK Speakon connector is required.
23 Foot switch Input: A foot switch is provided to
engage Boost and Master B modes.
24 Tuner Output: This output comes directly off of
the input stage and can be patched to a tuner using
a shielded patch cord. This output is unaffected by
the Tuning Mute Feature.
25 Return: This input allows the signal from
outboard effects devices to be inserted before the
boost section.
26 Send: This output allows signal from the preamp
to be fed to outboard effects devices from a point
after the EQ section.

7
 MB FUSION

Tech Talk
GK amplifiers are designed to be flexible and user Shaping: The three stage shaping filter simplifies
friendly for maximum performance. This is the process of shaping and coloring your tone,
accomplished through these important features: enabling the amplifier to accommodate a wide
Active Equalization: There are a wide variety of variety of playing styles with minimal fuss.
Tech Talk

equalizers used in instrument amplifiers today. Contour: The Contour is a tube-driven version of
Passive equalizers are great but only allow you to the contour circuit from the RB Series. It adds a
cut (signal loss), not boost (signal gain). Graphic variable control and center frequency select for
equalizers provide plenty of variation, but are precise tone shaping. With the control at zero, the
much better for room equalization. When used with response is essentially ‘flat’ (as in no shaping). As
instruments, they tend to sound unnatural or the contour is increased, it scoops out the midrange.
synthetic. The equalizer in GK amplifiers is unique Additionally, it compensates to keep the overall
in the industry and reflects over and reflects over 30 volume level constant. With it’s variable control,
years of continuous development and refinement. the Contour will accommodate everyone from the
We’ve developed a rotary, four-band, vacuum smooth finger style player to the aggressive slap
tube active equalizer optimized for bass guitar. player.
The active circuitry allows you to either boost or Deep: The Deep switch extends the low frequency
cut at a given frequency with greater integrity in range of the amplifier to accommodate the extra
signal reproduction. The treble is a shelving type low range of the B string on 5 and 6 string basses.
control that boosts the high frequencies evenly. Players of four string basses may also find desirable
Respectively, the bass is a shelving control that results with this filter as well.
evenly boosts the low frequencies. The high mid
and low mid are peak (band pass) type controls Presence: The Presence control adds extra sparkle
with wide Q (bandwidth) patterns which are on the high end for better clarity and ‘openness’ in
much more musical sounding. Each of the four your tone. This is particularly useful when soloing
bands are connected in series, meaning the output of or playing chords.
the first band is fed directly into the input of the next
and so on. This eliminates the rippling or combing
effect that can happen with parallel EQ circuits. The
overall result from all of this is an equalizer that’s
flexible, yet easy to use and sounds natural even
at extreme settings.

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 MB FUSION

Tech Talk
Characteristics of the MB Fusion: The MB G.I.V.E. Technology: As in all GK pre-amps, the
Fusion is a flexible, state of the art amplifier MB Fusion pre-amp incorporates what we call
designed to deliver maximum performance while G.I.V.E (Gate Induced Valve Effect) technology.
remaining small, lightweight and simple to We use field effect devices with the gate biased in

Tech Talk
operate. This is accomplished through a few, very a way that emphasizes the optimum harmonic
important features: content of the signal. Working in concert with our
∙ Six stage tube preamp unique four band active equalizer, and three stage
voicing filter section, G.I.V.E. technology
·Class D power supply and power amp. produces a consistently pleasing bass tone.
·Four, Bass specific bands of active Cool Running = Reliability: To cool the amp
equalization for precise tone control. when its being driven hard, we’ve designed a
·Balanced direct output eliminates the need for temperature sensitive fan cooling system. When
a direct box. the amp is under a light load, the fan is off or
·Continuously variable fan cooling. running at a low speed, reducing fan noise. As the
amp works harder, the fan speed increases to keep
Equalization: Standard tone controls and graphic everything cool.
equalizers give you plenty of variation, but they
don’t provide what the instrument really needs. Smart Protection Circuitry: The MB Fusion
The fact is, graphic equalizers are intended for protection circuitry constantly monitors for unsafe
room equalization. The equalization in operating conditions such as short circuits, poorly
Gallien-Krueger amplifiers reflects 40 years of wired speaker cables, blown speakers, improper
continuous development and refinement. ventilation, and incorrect speaker configurations.
In addition, protection is provided during power
The GK equalizer is unique to the industry, it’s not up/down. If the MB Fusion senses any unsafe
just a normal four band equalizer, each section is a operating conditions, the output signal is
special circuit optimized to perform a bass immediately muted and the power light changes
specific job in its range of operation. from blue to red. The amplifier will remain muted
These sections are wired in series, so they add to until the fault is removed. If the protection circuit
one another creating a tremendously flexible activates while playing, turn the amplifier off and
equalizer, that sounds natural at any setting. Now check the amplifier speaker output connections.
it is possible to obtain the sound you desire. Be sure that you are not exceeding the maximum
recommend load described in this manual. If the
Contour: The Contour control is used to
problem persists, contact GK directly for technical
completely revoice the amplifier. The Contour
advice.
control tunes between two different shaping
circuits, with greatly different responses. With the In Closing, you should now have a thorough
control all the way up, the low end is slightly understanding of how your new MB Fusion
boosted, the mids are dropped and the high end is amplifier works and what advantages it can offer
pushed up. This feature is only found in GK you in getting “your” sound. We thank you for
amplifiers. reading the owner’s manual and wish you the best
of times! Please send us your comments via
www.gallien-krueger.com or e-mail us at
[email protected].

9
 MB FUSION

Installation: To insure proper operation and to Moving the Unit: Before moving the unit, be
avoid potential safety hazards, place the unit on a certain to disconnect any interconnection cords
firm, level surface. with other components, and make sure that you
Ventilation: Make certain that proper space is disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.
provided for ventilation. Never block the fan vent Cleaning: When the unit gets dirty, clean only
Installation

holes located on the sides of the amplifier. If the with a dry cloth. Never use benzene, thinner, alco-
amplifier will be installed in a rack or other hol, or other volatile cleaning agents. Do not use
enclosed area, make sure that there is sufficient air abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish
movement within the enclosure to allow proper of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticides near
cooling. Consult your dealer for more information. the unit.
Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold Maintenance: Your new amplifier is rugged. It
locations, and areas that are exposed to direct was built to give you a lifetime of trouble free
sunlight, or near heating equipment. Avoid moist operation, if it is operated in accordance with the
or humid locations. instructions contained in this manual. The only
Remember, power amplifiers generate heat. The maintenance required is cleaning and the occa-
ventilation slots on the enclosure are specifically sional tube replacement If you are going to move
designed to remove this heat. Blocking or placing your amplifier around frequently, we recommend
other electronic equipment near the heat a road case to protect it from scratches and road
dissipation system may possibly affect the long wear.
term reliability of both your amplifier and the Packaging: The carton and packing materials used in
other equipment. shipping your new amplifier were specifically
designed to cushion it from the shocks and vibration
that occur during transport. We suggest that you
save the carton and packing materials for use in ship-
ping, in the event you move, or the amplifier needs
repair.

10
 MB FUSION

Sound Tips

The MB Fusion has several unique features which, if Direct Out: The MB Fusion provides a low noise,
used properly, will obtain the sound you have been high quality balanced direct output for connection
searching for. to PA and recording consoles. A Ground Lift switch
is included to remove hum and buzz when connect-

Sound Tips
The Equalizer: The Equalizer is used to fine tune ing to equipment powered by a different ground
your sound. When adjusting making adjustments, do system.
it just a little at a time. These are active circuits and
small changes can make a big difference in your With the Pre/Post EQ switch set to “Pre” (Out), the
sound. With a little experimentation you will find direct output signal is fed directly from the input
that this equalizer is very easy to use and provides stage providing a low noise output superior to
you with a large variety of great sounds unique to external direct boxes and impedance transformers.
GK. In the "Pre" position, the direct output signal is only
effected by the Input Volume, -14db Pad and Mute.
Contour: Increasing the Contour level will scoop This allows you to adjust your tone and volume on
out midrange frequencies while boosting the highs stage without changing the Direct Output signal
and lows. The sound, once again, is unique to GK level and confusing your sound man.
and available on any other Bass amp. Lower contour
settings are recommended for midrange clarity at Changing the Pre/Post EQ switch to “Post” (In),
higher playing levels. sends the "GK Sound" (EQ settings etc.) and
preamp response to the Direct out jack. This gives
Gain and Master A/B: The Gain A/B settings you complete control over the Direct out’s tone and
determine the overall drive of the signal. Lower volume.
settings will allow for the cleanest sound, while
higher settings will result in an overdriven signal as
the tubes distort. For high volume applications
where maximum headroom is desired, the Master
A/B knobs should be set a 3 o’clock or higher.

11
 Block Diagram
G.I.V.E.
GAIN

Specifications
G.I.V.E.

MB FUSION SPECS

Output Power: 350W @ 8 Ohms Noise: -90 dB reference to 500W/350W, “A” Weighted
500W @ 4 Ohms
Cooling: Variable Speed Fan
Input Section:
Maximum Input Level 0.6V Rms Amplifier Protection:
With -10dB pad 1.6V Rms Full short circuit, thermal and RF protection.
Input Impedance 1M Ohms Stable into reactive and mismatch loads.
Send Output Impedance 220 Ohms Five second muted warm-up.
Return Input Impedance 50K Ohms
Tuner Output Impedance 10K Ohms Dimensions (HxWxD):
Direct Output Impedance 500 Ohms 1.75”[44.45mm] x 11”[279.4mm] x 9”[228.67mm].
1 Rack spaces.
Equalizer:
Bass +/-10dB @ 60Hz Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz. 1.7 Kg.
Lo-Mid +6dB/-10dB @ 250Hz
Hi-Mid +6dB/-10dB @ 1KHz Power requirements:
Treble +/-14dB @ 7KHz U.S.A./Canada 120V/60Hz.
580W(full power), 75.6W(average power)
Voicing Filters: Europe 230V/50Hz/60Hz
Contour +2dB @ 50Hz/ 580W(full power), 75.6W(average power)
-10dB @ 500Hz/ Japan 100V/50Hz
+3dB @ 7 KHz 580W(full power), 75.6(average power)

MB FUSION
Owner’s Manual
Part#
12