CARVIN DCM600 Operating Manual

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA
Pristine sound, brute power and no-fault reliability make the DCM amps the power
amp of choice for pro audio. Massive Toroid power supplies with huge capaci-
tors deliver the bass that kick drums demand. Designed for continuous opera-
tion, overheating is not a problem especially down at minimum impedances where
other amps simply turn off.
Each DCM is hand built at our San Diego factory featuring all steel construction,
recessed controls and heavy-duty power components. The rock-solid, efficient
design with its superb testimonial-proven sound makes the USA built DCM an
amp you'll own for years.
PURE—TRANSPARENT SOUND
Carvin considers the sound of an amp equally important as to its reliability. To
insure pure, uncolored sound, we build one of the fastest power stages on the
market today. High slew rates of 50v/µs deliver superb transient response. High
frequencies are transparent and open—even at extreme levels. Linear feedback
circuits reduce distortion to near the theoretical zero limit preventing harshness
which would lead to ear fatigue. The DCM deliver transparent, unaltered sound—
especially important to the studio user. Drive any type of reactive loads, includ-
ing 70V transformer distribution systems.
ULTRA RUGGED FOR TOURING
Every chassis is made from heavy-duty 16 gauge steel that is plated before painted
to prevent rust. All internal cabling is neatly tied and harnessed. Every circuit
card is FR-4 MILITARY SPEC, double-sided, fire retardant glass epoxy. Plated
through-holes insure that the solder flows on the top, bottom and through each
hole of every component preventing components from shaking loose. Speakon™
connectors, heavy-duty power switches, recessed knobs, all give the DCM amps
a "tank-like" ruggedness.
TOROID POWER SUPPLY
Toroids deliver massive amounts of "on demand" current for continuous 2 ohm
operation. This gives the power supply a solid foundation, yielding more head-
room for large subwoofer applications. Not only do toroids deliver high current,
but they are known for reducing stray magnetic fields eliminating hum & noise.
This is especially important to the recording industry.
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
With the DCM Series, Carvin brings you totally modular construction. If you
ever need an I/O (input/output) connector card because a connector wore-out,
just unplug and re-install the replacement card. This applies to every aspect of
the DCM Series amps including the power supply, power cards, heat sinks and
fans. Everything is connected by heavy-duty AMP™ and MOLEX™ type connectors
for easy replacement—even the Toroid transformer is a plug-in.
DISTORTION-FREE LIMITERS
The purpose of a limiter is to hold down peaks so the amp won't distort with
extra hot input signals (helps protect speakers). In addition, a well designed lim-
iter can increase your amp's average output as much as 3 dB allowing levels to
be turned up without peak distortion. Part of Carvin's design uses the more expen-
sive, distortion-free linear "opto isolators". Unlike amps that use FET controlled
limiters, which inject small amounts of distortion, the DCM Series limiters keep
your sound pure and uncolored!
76-01000C 011404
DCM600, DCM1000, DCM1500 POWER AMPS
DCM600, DCM1000, DCM1500
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR UNIT FOR ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If
any 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 pro-
tection during shipment. CARVIN and the shipping company are not liable for any damage
caused by improper packing.
SAVE YOUR INVOICE. It will be required for warranty service if needed in the future.
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 for your records. Keep your
portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to us.
USA customers register online at: www.carvin.com/registration
All other countries register online at: www.carvinworld.com/registration
FRONT PANELS & CONNECTING UP
The DCM Series feature front panel signal, peak and protect LEDs which let you
monitor the status of the amp. Both channels use detente level controls allow-
ing you to see your settings at a glance. Balanced TRS & XLR input connectors
are used to eliminate hum & noise. Speaker outputs feature heavy-duty binding
posts, Speakon™ connectors and 1/4" jacks.
The rear professional accessory group offers a GROUND switch to remove the
chassis ground from the XLR input. A PARALLEL input switch connects the inputs
together eliminating Y cables for patching multiple amp systems. The accessory
group also features a BRIDGE MODE switch to deliver twice the power into a "mono"
load or full power into a 70V distribution system, and a LIMITER ON/OFF switch
gives the choice of using the internal limiter circuitry.
DCM POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:
MODEL DCM600
Bridged RMS Continuous
4Ω, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
8Ω, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
Both Channels RMS Continuous
2Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 300/300w
4Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 250/250w
8Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 125/125w
THD (20-20k Hz 50% power)
THD (20-20k Hz 90% power)
Damping Factor:
Slew Rate: bridged mode
Sensitivity: (4Ω, Vms)
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Frequency Response:
Input Impedance:
Protection Circuits: Short Circuit • No Load Protection • SpeakerGuard™ • Thermal Shut-Off • Mute On/Off
Control and Indicators:
Front: Power switch • Recessed detente attenuators • Signal LED • Clip LED • Protect LED • Power Indicator
Rear: Ground Lift (each channel) • Parallel Input Switch • Speaker Output Bridge Switch • Limiters
IN/OUT Switch • Input Connectors: Two each; Balanced XLR & 1/4" • Speaker Output Connectors:
Dual heavy duty binding posts, three Speakon™ & four 1/4"
Internal Fuse SLOW BLOW - DCM600: 15A, DCM1000: 20A, 240V/10A, DCM1500: 20A, 240V/10A
Dimensions: 3 1/2" High x 19" Wide x 10" Depth (2-space); 8.8 x 48.3 x 25.3cm
Net Weight: DCM600: 19 lbs. DCM1000: 23 lbs. (10.3Kgs), DCM1500: 26 lbs. (11.9Kgs)
OPERATING MANUAL
DCM1000 DCM1500
600w 1000w 1500w
450w 700w 1000w
500/500w 750/750w
350/350w 500/500w
225/225w 300/300w
0.03% 0.03% 0.03%
0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
>500 >500 >500
>50v/µs >50v/µs >50v/µs
1.0 V 1.0 V 1.0 V
Above 100dB
±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20kHz
(±1.5 dB, 10 Hz & 40 kHz)
>20K Ω, balanced