CARVIN BX1600 User Manual

The BX Series Bass Amplifier Heads offer classic natural bass tone with unprecedented tonal
control and extended headroom. The BX1600 "dual" mono block amplifier delivers 2x325w
at 8ohms, 2x500w at 4ohms, and 2x800w at 2ohms. Bridge mode allows both amps to drive
one output for 1000w at 8 ohms and 1600w at 4 ohms.
Four discrete Class A input stages produce the harmonic basis for the preamp right from
the input jack. It begins with a boutique flat response, then we add extensive tone control
allowing you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic content increases as you turn up
the DRIVE control producing rich harmonics at maximum settings. Solid design, bullet-proof
construction and a list of indispensable features assure the BX1600 will be the heart of your
rig for years to come.
• Discrete Class A input stages
• Bypassable 12AX7 preamp tube
• Preamp DRIVE and master VOLUME controls
• Biamp CROSSOVER LO & HI levels
• 3 mid sweep semi-parametric EQ, BASS, and TREBLE
• 9-band Graphic EQ with front panel switch (or by optional FS22 footswitch)
• Signal MUTE front panel switch (or by optional FS22 footswitch)
• EFFECT LOOP front panel bypass switch (or by optional FS22 footswitch)
• DIRECT OUT balanced XLR with independent LEVEL control, switchable
"Pre-Post" and "Ground Lift", DC isolated
• TUNER output jack independent of MUTE switch
• Single knob optical COMPRESSOR
• LED panel lighting
• Locking AC cord receptacle also accepts standard cords
• High current Twist-Lock BRIDGED speaker output
• SPEAKON -1/4" combo jacks for Amp 1&2
®
• Metal shaft controls with threaded metal bushings mounted directly to front panel
• Circuit boards are MIL SPEC, double sided, FR-4 glass epoxy
• Lightweight design
• BX1600 -19" 2U aluminum chassis
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get started
playing right away. Before you start, be sure your amp is plugged into the correct AC voltage.
1. With POWER off, connect a speaker cabinet to one of the rear SPEAKER OUTPUTs.
2. Set the DRIVE, MASTER volume, and the two amp volumes to "0" and set the ACTIVE
INPUT switch for your type of bass.
3. Set all tone controls to their center "0" position and the CONTOUR to FLAT. This is the
"FLAT" setting for the amp. For now, turn off the graphic EQ.
4. Now, turn the amp ON. Turn up the volume on your bass guitar. Gradually increase the
amp VOLUME control to the desired level. If no sound is heard, turn down the VOLUME
control and check the MUTE switch.
5. Increasing the DRIVE control will add harmonic richness to your sound. Turning up the
DRIVE also increases volume. Re-adjust the MASTER volume after adjusting the DRIVE.
6. Adjust the tone controls to your liking. Keep in mind that turning up a tone control isn't
always the answer. Sometimes turning down one of the MID controls will get you the sound
you want.
7. Need more volume? There is a limit to the amount of volume a speaker can produce and
driving a speaker beyond it's limit can damage it. Even though these are powerful amplifiers,
adding more speakers is the only way for substantially more output. Every time you double
your speakers, you increase your acoustic output by a factor of four.
This guide will help get you started. Have fun exploring the features and sounds of the
BX1600. Take the time with your new amp to realize it's full potential.
76-42506B 122216
BX1600 BASS AMPLIFIER
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR UNIT FOR DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If damage is
found please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. In the event you have to re-ship your unit,
always use the original carton and packing material. This will provide the best possible protection
during shipment. CARVIN and the shipping company are not liable for any damage caused by
improper packing.
SHIPMENT SHORTAGE. If you find items missing, they may have been shipped separately.
Please allow several days for the rest of your order to arrive before inquiring.
RECORD THE SERIAL NUMBER on the enclosed warranty card and below for your records.
Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to us.
SERIAL #_________________________ INVOICE #___________________ DATE___________
BX1600 SpecIFIcATIONS:
Output Power
8ohms,
4ohms,
2ohms,
8ohms BRIDGE
4ohms BRIDGE
Input Impedance:
Drive Control:
Tone Controls:
3 Semi-Parametric Mids:
9-band Graphic EQ:
Biamp crossover:
Power amp levels:
AC Requirements:
Power Requirements:
Dimensions (no cabinet):
Weight :
Warranty:
Optional Accessories:
THD <1.0% 2x 325w
THD <1.0% 2x 500w
THD <1.0% 2x 800w
1000W
1600W
>200K
Varies input gain and harmonic content
CONTOUR: variable mid shaping, FLAT (off) to SCOOP
TREBLE: +/-12dB @ 10KHz
BASS: +/- 12dB @ 50Hz
+/-12dB @ 50-500 Hz, 200-2k Hz, 800-8K(Hz)
+/-12dB @ 50,80,125,250,500,800,1.3k,2.6k,5k(Hz)
100Hz - 2kHz
Master, LO & HI
USA Model: 120VAC, 50-60 Hz
European Model: 240VAC, 50-60 Hz
500VA
(2U) 3.5"H x 19" W x 10.5"D
8.6 lbs. (3.85kgs)
One year parts and labor
FS22 footswitch
SV2 2RU rack case
120V18L7 replacement 7' locking AC cord (US)
16262 WEST BERNARDO DRIVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92127
800-854-2235 CARVINAUDIO.COM
USER MANUAL
BUILT IN THE
USA