CARVIN DCM1540L Operating Manual

This symbol is intended to This symbol is
CAUTION
alert the user to the presence intended to alert the
of uninsulated "dangerous user to the presence
voltage" within the product's of important operating
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
enclosure that may be of suf- and maintenance (ser-
ficient magnitude to constitute a risk of vicing) instructions in the literature
electric shock to persons. accompanying the appliance.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse.
Refer to replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)
The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
GREEN & YELLOW—Earth BLUE—Neutral BROWN—Live
U.K. MAIN PLUG WARNING: A molded main plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe.
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG
INTO A POWER SOCKET.
TS 1/4" Unbalanced TRS 1/4" Balanced
Tip-Sleeve Tip-Ring-Sleeve
Sleeve Tip
Sleeve
Ring
Tip
Ground
XLR
SHIELD 1
2
3
-NEG.
GND
+ SIGNAL (BAL.)
- SIGNAL (BAL.)
MIN IMPEDANCE
DCM2000L/DCM2500L/DCM3000L and DCM3800L minimum is 2 ohm per channel and 4 ohm bridged.
DCM1540L minimum is 4 ohms per channel and 8 ohms bridged.
2 ohm
per channel
THRU INPUT INPUT THRU
BRIDGE LIMITER GND PARALLEL
8 OHM 325W/CH - 1200W BRIDGE 8 OHM 325W/CH - 1200W BRIDGE
4 OHM 600W/CH - 2000W BRIDGE 4 OHM 600W/CH - 2000W BRIDGE
2 OHM (MIN) 1000W/CH 2 OHM (MIN) 1000W/CH
LIFT
INPUT
BRIDGE OUTPUT SPEAKONS™ ACCEPT 1/4 INCH JACKS
120-240VAC 50/60Hz 1000VA 1 BRIDGE 2 120-240VAC 50/60Hz 1000VA
ONLY
1 2
speaker imp. speaker imp.
speaker imp.
8 ohm 8 ohm
4 ohm
speaker imp. speaker imp.
8 ohm 8 ohm
speaker imp.
4 ohm
speaker imp. speaker imp.
8 ohm 8 ohm
speaker imp. speaker imp.
8 ohm 8 ohm
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for 3 YEARS unless otherwise stated. Carvin
will service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit is under war-
ranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. CARVIN DOES NOT PAY FOR
PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS
REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. Carvin assumes no responsibility for horn drivers
or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed,
for damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care,
incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for
Carvin any liability in connection with the sale or servicing of Carvin products. CARVIN SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
SERVICE:
In the USA, please go to www.carvinservice.com
Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to http://www.carvinworld.com for your nearest
service center. Include a written description of the problem with serial number and date
of purchase.
MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel of your
unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry or slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust
and bring back the new look. As with all pro gear, avoid prolonged use in caustic environ-
ments (salt air). When used in such an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately
protected by rack, covers, etc..
CAUTION REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
VOLTAGE INSIDE!
Solder tinned wires 1/4"
Strip cable insulation back 3/4"
Ring Tip
Neg. Pos.
2+
2-
1-
Ring
1+
Tip • Slip "Securing Hub" then "Cable Clamp" over cable before attaching wires.
Ground • Connection Configuration:
Black (1+) / positive
White (1-) / negative
Red (2+) / positive
Green (2-) / negative
• Solder wires in contacts or use hex screws provided.
Twist-Lok Contact Cable
Housing Insert Clamp
2 ohm 4 ohm
per channel Bridged
THRU INPUT INPUT THRU THRU INPUT INPUT THRU
BRIDGE LIMITER GND PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITER GND PARALLEL
8 OHM 325W/CH - 1200W BRIDGE
4 OHM 600W/CH - 2000W BRIDGE
2 OHM (MIN) 1000W/CH
LIFT LIFT
INPUT INPUT
BRIDGE OUTPUT SPEAKONS™ ACCEPT 1/4 INCH JACKS BRIDGE OUTPUT SPEAKONS™ ACCEPT 1/4 INCH JACKS
1 BRIDGE 2 120-240VAC 50/60Hz 1000VA 1 BRIDGE 2
ONLY ONLY
1 2 1 2
speaker imp.
speaker imp.
4 ohm
4 ohm
Mixed Impedance
4 ohm CH1, 8 ohm CH2
THRU INPUT INPUT THRU
speaker imp.
8 OHM 325W/CH - 1200W BRIDGE BRIDGE LIMITER GND PARALLEL
4 OHM 600W/CH - 2000W BRIDGE
4 ohm 2 OHM (MIN) 1000W/CH
LIFT
INPUT
OUTPUT
BRIDGE SPEAKONS™ ACCEPT 1/4 INCH JACKS
120-240VAC 50/60Hz 1000VA 1 BRIDGE 2
ONLY
1 2
speaker imp.
4 ohm
speaker imp.
8 ohm
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA
DCM1000L, DCM1540L, DCM2000L, DCM3000L, DCM3800L
The DCML power amps deliver exceptional sound/reliability, ultra-light weight
15lb (6.4kg) from 1500w to 3800w and it's made in the USA. You'll appreciate
the ultra-light feature, which comes in part from its heavy-duty aluminum frame.
High power, uncompromised sound and maximum reliability is at its best for
both touring systems and fixed installations. The concert stage is the ultimate
test of professional audio. Concert audio has to be uncompromising, reliable
and efficient and that's where the DCM has made its mark night after night, year af-
ter year serving top artists and concert venues for the last decade. The DCM is a prov-
en American made workhorse backed by 40 years of manufacturing excellence.
HIGH POWER TOPOLOGY
The CLASS A/B linear topology features high current bipolar output devices that
reduce distortion to a near theoretical zero .03% THD while delivering high slew
rate performance for crystal clear highs and chest pounding bass – every note is
vibrant, pure and natural. The DCM's headroom reveals its high dynamic power
from the Switchmode power supply that operates at 100,000 Hz. Extreme cur-
rents are delivered to the most demanding 4 ohm bridged subwoofer systems.
The high efficient Switchmode supply is a league above toroids saving not only
AC power from the wall but reducing internal heat. The DCM easily handles
the most difficult mismatched or reactive loads and is AC generator friendly.
The soft-start gently turns the DCM on to prevent tripping AC breakers. The
DCM1000L and DCM2000L feature Class D output raising power amp efficiency
even higher! The DCM1540L, DCM3000L and DCM3800L feature linear Class
Securing
Hub
A/B output stages.
COOL EFFICIENT DESIGN
A high efficiency heat transfer system offers the most advanced cooling, which
is one of the keys to reliable power. Five high ratio 6063-T5 flow-through alu-
minum heat sinks remove heat fast with multi-speed fans that runs quiet under
2 ohms loads (except DCM1540L). Air is pulled from the rear and exhausted to
the front to keep the rear of your rack cool. R & D designed a "direct mount"
system for the power output devices to be directly mounted to the heat sink,
which eliminates any thermal barrier to keep your amp running cool.
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 allowing
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, and combo Speakon™ / 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 a 70V distribution system, and a LIMITER ON/OFF switch gives
the choice of using the internal limiter circuitry.
CONSTRUCTION
The DCM construction starts with a heavy 2RU aluminum chassis. All printed
circuit cards are double-sided FR4 military-grade fire retardant with plated through
holes - soldered under, on top and through each component. SMT - surface mount
technology offers "shock-proof" protection. The CB and CE safety seal assure that
each DCM meets strict standards for service anywhere in the world. Auto switches
from 120VAC 60Hz or 240VAC 50Hz - no manual switch to change.
0709
DCM1540L, DCM1000L, DCM2000L,
OPERATING MANUAL
DCM2004L, DCM3000L, DCM3800L
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
protection 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
DCM-L POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:
MoDeL DCM1540L DCM2000L DCM3000L DCM3800L DCM1000L DCM2004L
1 Channel RMS Continuous
8Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 475w 400w 600w 775w
4Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 825w 700w 1025w 1225w
2Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) - 1150w 1650w 1950w
Both Channels RMS Continuous
8Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 425/425w 325/325w 550/550w 700/700w
4Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 750/750w 600/600w 950/950w 1150/1150w
2Ω (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) - 1000/1000w 1500/1500w* 1800/1800w*
Bridged RMS Continuous
8Ω, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) 1500w 1200w 1900w* 2300w*
4Ω, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%) - 2000w 3000w* 3800w*
All ratings EIA 1% THD at 1 kHz except * tested at 1 k Hz no clipping 33ms on 66ms off
Net Weight: 14 lbs (6.4kgs) 14 lbs (6.4kgs) 15 lbs (6.8kgs) 15 lbs (6.8kgs) 10 lbs (4.5kgs) 10 lbs (4.5kgs)
Topology: CLASS AB CLASS AB CLASS AB CLASS AB
THD (20-20k Hz 50% power) 0.03%, (20-20k Hz 90% power) 0.1%
Power Supply: Switchmode
Damping Factor: >500
Slew Rate: bridged mode >50v/µs
Sensitivity: (4Ω, Vms) 1.0 V
Signal to Noise Ratio: above 106dB
Frequency Response: ±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20kHz (±1.5 dB, 10 Hz & 40 kHz)
Input Impedance: >20K Ω, balanced
Protection Circuits: Short Circuit • No Load Protection • SpeakerGuard™ • Thermal Shut-Off • Mute On/Off
Control/Indicators:
Front: Power switch • Recessed detente attenuators • Signal LED -30dB • 40% & 80% output LEDs • Clip LED
• Protect LED • Power LED
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™ & 1/4" combo connectors
Internal Fuse: SLOw BLOw DCM1540L: 15A, DCM2000L: 20A, 240V/10A, DCM1000L: 10A, 240V/5A,
DCM3000L: 20A, 240V/10A, DCM3800L: 20A, 240V/10A, DCM12004L: 15A, 240V/5A,
Dimensions: 2U rack units: 3 1/2" High x 19" wide x 10.5" Depth; 8.8 x 48.3 x 26.7cm
210w 350w
325w 350w
520w –
200/200w 300/300w
325/325w 500/500w
500/500w –
650w –
1000w –
CLASS D CLASS D
<0.1% at 50% power,
< 0.2% at 90% power
Switchmode
>500
(4Ω, Vms) 1.0 V
above 106dB
+0/ -3 db 20Hz - 20kHz
>20K Ω, balanced