CARVIN AG300, AG200 User Manual

AG200 & AG300 Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers

USER MANUAL

The AG200 and AG300 Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers offer state-of-the art
performance for the serious acoustic artist.
The instrument preamps include a Hi-Z impedance switch for minimal pickup
loading to let the full frequency range of any type of pickup ring true with full
dynamics. The active tone controls are designed for natural sounding, yet
powerful tone shaping. The deep cutting ability of the MID Parametric EQ
extends control over acoustic feedback by using the sweepable FREQ filter to
reduce the feedback frequency. Add the lush ambient effects to the amazing
definition and tone sculpting for sound that is naturally pleasing to the ear.
Rich, natural tones are delivered from two-way or three-way speaker sys­tems, featuring a titanium tweeter for exceptional full range performance ­from shimmering, crystal-clear highs to full bottom end. The high headroom
200w internal amp (250w with extension) maintains the purity that only high
power can provide. Whether you are using nylon, steel, gut, silver or silk­wound strings that are picked, plucked, strummed or bowed, the true fidelity
of your instrument is faithfully reproduced.
In addition to its amazing acoustic guitar amplification qualities, the AG200
and AG300 also function as a portable PA system thanks to a three-channel
architecture, phantom-powered mic inputs, portable media player input,
USB charging port and high power. Sing and play guitar with backing tracks
through one convenient amplifier with impressive output and big sound.
The light weight, premium features and rugged construction will make the
AG200 or AG300 an indispensable part of your acoustic performance.

- Lightweight, compact acoustic amplifier with pure, natural tone and excel­lent projection

- 200w output (250w at 4 ohms) cool running Class D operation

- Amp limiter built-in to help prevent clipping distortion

- AG200: 2-way dual 6.5” speakers and HF titanium tweeter

- AG300: 3-way 12” woofer with 6.5” mid and HF titanium tweeter

- 3-Channel design

- 3 balanced XLR inputs

- 2 Instrument Piezo/Magnetic inputs

- 1/8” jack Stereo input

- Hi-Z impedance switch allows full dynamics and extended frequency range

- Gain switch accomodates different instruments

- 48V Phantom Power switch

- Parametric EQs on channels 1 & 2

- Deep cut allows control over feedback

- DUAL onboard DSP with lush Echo, Reverb & Chorus

- Optional FS22 footswitch bypass for DSP effects

- Direct Out XLR with level, DC isolated and ground lifted

- Tuner/Headphone output jack

- External Speaker jack for 8 ohms

- Effects Loop for external processors

- Pole mount for commercially available speaker stands

- Built-in tilt back handle (AG200) for better projection as a monitor

- Exclusive “lock-in” AC cord prevents accidental disconnect

GETTING STARTED

1. With POWER off, connect an instrument to CH1 or CH2 INPUT jack.

2. Set the channel VOLUME and MASTER volume to “0”.

3. Set the channel tone controls to their center “0” position. This is the “FLAT”
setting for the amp.

4. Now, turn the amp ON. Turn up the channel VOLUME to about “5”. Gradually
increase the MASTER control to the desired level. If no sound is heard, turn
down the MASTER and check the POWER(blue) LED.

5. 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.

6. Need more volume? First, try the channel GAIN switch to compensate for
instruments with lower outputs.
There is a limit to the amount of volume a speaker can produce, and driving a
speaker beyond its limit can damage it. Even though these are powerful ampli­fiers, adding another speaker is the only way for substantially more output.
Have fun exploring the features and sounds of your AG amp. Take the time
with your new amp to realize its full potential.

AG200 AG300

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.
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 and Canada customers register online at: www.carvin.com/registration

SPECIFICATIONS

Ouput Power (AG200/AG300): 200W @ 8 Ohms, THD <1%, 250W @ 4 Ohms, THD <1%
Frequency Response (Amp): 20Hz-20kHz
Frequency Response (Cabinet): AG200: 70Hz-18kHz, AG300: 55Hz-18kHz
Speaker Configuration: AG200: 2-way; Dual 6.5” LF / 1” NEO HF
AG300: 3-way; 12” LF / 6.5” MID / 1” NEO HF
Input Impedance: 1/4”: >100K or >500K ohms (switchable)

XLR: 2.2K ohms

Gain switch: +12dB (CH. 1 and 2)
Phantom Power: +48V (CH. 1 and 2)
Tone Controls: HI 8.5kHz, +/-12dB
LOW 70Hz, +/-12dB
Mid/Feedback Control: parametric MID: 100Hz-2kHz, +/-15dB (CH. 1 and 2)
Direct Out: variable OFF to +4dBu, DC isolated, 100ohm gnd lift
Effect Loop: -10dBV, buffered
Protection: speaker, thermal, over current, under voltage
Power Amp topology: Class D
Power Supply topology: High frequency switch mode
AC Power Requirements: 90 to 250VAC 50/60 Hz, 100VA
Dimensions AG200: 18.5”H x12.75”W x11.5”D (470 x 324 x 280mm)
AG300: 18.5”H x17”W x12”D (470 x 432 x 305mm)
Weight : AG200: 26.1 lbs. (11.85 kgs)
AG300: 30.5 lbs. (13.85 kgs)
Warranty: One year parts and labor
Optional Accessories: SS20, SS15 pole stands

FS22 footswitch
CVMB10 (AG200), CVMB12 (AG300) covers

16262 WEST BERNARDO DR. SAN DIEGO, CA 92127

800-854-2235 CARVINAUDIO.COM

AG200/AG300 CONTROLS

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1. 1/4” INPUT JACK
The 1/4” input jacks are voiced for guitar and are designed to work equally
well with active or passive instruments with piezo or magnetic pickups.

2. HI-Z (IMPEDANCE) SWITCH

The Hi-Z switch will raise the input impedance of the 1/4” INPUT to
above 500K Ohms. Pressing this switch IN allows the full tonal range
and dynamics of passive pickups to be heard, and can also benefit active
pickup systems. If the sound is to bright for your liking or if there is
excess noise, set the Hi-Z switch to the OUT position.

3. XLR INPUTS

The XLR input can be used to mic vocals or instruments or as an input
from direct box or active intruments.

4. GAIN SWITCH

The GAIN switch will increase the sensitivity of the 1/4” and XLR inputs
by +12dB. Set the GAIN switch IN to compensate for instruments or
microphones with low outputs. For low volume situations or to get the
best dynamics from high output instruments, set the GAIN switch to the
OUT position.

5. +48V (PHANTOM POWER) SWITCH

Reduce the VOLUME or MASTER before switching this switch or a “pop”
will result. The PHANTOM POWER switch provides power to condenser
microphones, active direct boxes or active instruments connected to the
XLR input. The red LED will indicate the PHANTOM POWER is ON. Leave
this switch OUT if phantom power is not needed.

6. STEREO INPUT

The STEREO INPUT on Channel 3 is an 1/8” jack for input from your MP3
music source. The USB CHARGE port in the MASTER section provides
power to keep your device charged.

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8. HI AND LOW TONE CONTROLS

The HI and LOW controls are custom shaped tone controls designed
to deliver full sounding lows and sparkling highs for a variety of instru­ments. When a control is turned to the right it boosts the signal and when
turned to the left cuts the signal. The affected frequencies for the LOW
start at 140Hz and go down to 40Hz. Be careful not to distort the output
or overpower your speakers. The affected frequency for the HI control
begins at 4kHz and higher.

9. PARAMETRIC MID SWEEP TONE CONTROLS (MID & FREQ) /
CONTROLLING FEEDBACK

The FREQ control does not function if the MID control is set in the center
“0” position. To demonstrate, turn the MID to the right for full boost. Now
play your instrument and turn the FREQ control from left to right and
notice how the added mids change frequency. Now turn the MID to the
full left and turn the FREQ control again and notice the mids disappear
at different frequencies. The MID sweep is a powerful tone shaping tool.
The deep cut available from the MID allows control over acoustic feed­back. With the MID control turned to the left, turn the FREQ control until
the feedback stops. You can then re-adjust the MID level to just before
feedback occurs. For a full size acoustic guitar, the frequency is usually
around 200-300 Hz.

10. EFFECTS 1 OR 2 CONTROL (CHANNEL)
The EFFECTS control adjusts the effects level going to the one of the
internal DSP processors. Because there are dual effects, each channel
has its own two-way level control allowing you to select EFF 1 or EFF 2 for
that channel. Turning counter-clockwise to the left will send the channel
to the EFF 1 processor and turning clockwise to the right will send the
channel to the EFF 2 processor. Adjust the effects type and overall level
with master EFF 1 and EFF 2 controls.

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7. CHANNEL VOLUME

Use the VOLUME to control the volume of each instrument or micro­phone. The GAIN switches on CH1 and CH2 will also affect the level.
Reduce the VOLUME if your sound becomes distorted.