CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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 INSERTA DAMAGED
OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
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 polar-
ization 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, The appliance inlet is the disconnect device. Keep it readily accesable.
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.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH
VOLTAGE INSIDE!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the prod-
uct’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is
intended to alert the
user to the presence of
important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
76-42501B 031610
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for 1 YEAR unless otherwise stated.
Carvin will service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit
is under warranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. CARVIN DOES
NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIG-
INAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. Carvin assumes no respon-
sibility 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel of
your unit can be wiped 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.
SERVICE:
In the USA go to www.carvinservice.com
Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to http://www.carvinworld.com for your nearest ser-
vice center. Include a written description of the problem with serial number and date of purchase.
.
The
BBXX
Series Bass Amplifier Heads offer classic natural bass tone with unprecedented tonal
control and extended headroom. The
BBXX11550000
“dual” mono block amplifier delivers 2x300w
at 8ohms, 2x450w at 4ohms, and 2x750w at 2ohms. Bridge mode allows both amps to drive
one output for 900w at 8 ohms and 1500w 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 allow-
ing 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 con-
struction and a list of indispensable features assure the
BX1500 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
• 3 mid sweep semi-parametric EQ, BASS, and TREBLE
• 9-band Graphic EQ with front panel switch (also by optional FS22 footswitch)
• Signal MUTE front panel switch (also by optional FS22 footswitch)
• EFFECT LOOP front panel bypass switch (also 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
• High current SPEAKON
®
combo connectors
• 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
• BX1500 -19" 2U aluminum chassis
GGEETTTTIINNGG SSTTAARRTTEEDD QQUUIICCKKLLYY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get started play-
ing 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.
Hopefully, this will help you get started. Have fun exploring the features and sounds of the
BX1500. Take the time with your new amp to realize it’s full potential.
BX1500 BASS AMPLIFIER
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR MIXER 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 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 or below on this manual 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.car
vin.com/registration
All other countries register online at: www.carvinworld.com/registration
For your records, you may wish to record the following:
Serial No.________________________ InvoiceDate___________
BX1500 SPECIFICATIONS:
Output Power
8ohms, THD <1.0% 2x 300w
4ohms, THD <1.0% 2x 450w
2ohms, THD <1.0% 2x 750w
8ohms bridge 900W
4ohms bridge 1500W
Input Impedance: >200K
Tone Controls: CONTOUR
TREBLE 10K
BASS 50Hz
3 semi-parametric MIDs
9-band Graphic EQ
Drive Control: Varies input gain and harmonic content
AC Requirements: Auto switching 120VAC or 240VAC, 50-60 Hz
Power Requirements: 800VA
Dimensions (no cabinet): (2U) 3.5”H x 19” W x 10.5”D
Weight : 10 lbs.
Warranty: One year parts and labor
HELPFUL HINTS
1) NO SOUND:
The MUTE function has been inadvertently engaged.
Speakers have been improperly connected.
Effect Loop has been improperly connected.
2) NO HIGH FREQUENCIES:
The BX1500 speaker connections are incorrect when in the X-OVER mode.
Tweeters or midrange drivers have been damaged from too much power.
3) AMP SEEMS VERY SENSITIVE ON INPUT SIGNALS:
The drive control is turned all the way up.
The active switch may need to be turned on.
4) DIR XLR HUM:
Try switching the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT.
Try switching to pre DI.
Check for noise from external effects or bad cabling.
5) POOR BASS FROM MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES:
Make sure the AMP BRIDGE switch is “OFF” when using SPK1 and SPK2 jacks.
The speaker connections are incorrect when in the X-OVER mode.
6) FOR MAXIMUM OUTPUT:
To get more output, use multiple speakers or enclosures. Every time you double your speak-
ers, your acoustic output goes up by a factor of four. Load the amplifier down to its lowest
minimum impedance for maximum RMS power.
If you go below the minimum load, your amp will shut off and go into the “protect” mode.
To reset, turn your amp off and connect the recommended load.
SPEAKON
®
cables are recommended for your BX1500 because of their high current capac-
ity. While standard 1/4” speaker cables will work, 12 GA SPEAKON
®
cables will allow higher
currents to pass through the cable to extract every watt from your amp.
SPEAKER COMBINATIONS
Two 8 ohm speakers = 4 ohms (OK) (OK for BRIDGE)
Four 8 ohm cabinets = 2 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
Three 8 ohm speakers = 2.66 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
Two 4 ohm speakers = 2 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
One 8 & one 4 ohm cabinet = 2.66 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
Two 8 & one 4 ohm speakers = 2 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
One 2.66 & one 8 ohm speakers = 2 ohms (OK) (not for BRIDGE)
Two 2 ohm speakers = 1 ohm (no)
Three 4 ohm speakers = 1.33 ohms (no)
Two 4 & one 8ohm speakers = 1.6 ohms (no)
The
BX1500 is a powerful amplifier. As with any amplifier, make sure your speakers are
suitable for the available wattage. Driving speakers with too much wattage will cause them
to distort and eventually fail. If distorted sound is coming from the speakers, reduce the
volume until the distortion stops.
www.carvin.com
X-OVER (bi-amping) and BRIDGE modes on the BX1500:
The BX1500 is capable of three different power amp modes, each with different advantages:
1.
DUAL MONO mode (standard)
Both the X-OVER and AMP BRIDGE switches are set to “off”. Each power amp receives the same mono
signal (unless effects are used in the AMP INSERTS). Speakers can be connected to a single or both
SPK1 and SPK2 output jacks. The balance of volume between the two speaker outputs can be set by the
“1 LO” and “2 HI” POWER AMP controls. This mode can useful when using two different speaker cabi-
nets (such as a 4x10” and 2x10”) that have unequal output levels or when using cabinets with low wattage
ratings.
2.
X-OVER mode (bi-amping)
The X-OVER switch is “ON” and AMP BRIDGE switch is “off”. Power amp 1 (LO freq) handles frequencies
below the CROSSOVER FREQ setting. Power amp 2 (HI freq) handles frequencies above the CROSSOVER
FREQ setting. Subwoofers such as 15” or 18” speakers should be plugged into the “SPK 1” jack. Full
range (or high frequency) enclosures should be plugged into the “SPK 2” jack. The balance of volume
between the two speakers is set by the “1 LO” and “2 HI” POWER AMP controls. The X-OVER mode takes
full advantage of the frequency response of these two different types of speakers.
3.
BRIDGE mode (mono, full power into one speaker load)
The AMP BRIDGE switch is “ON” (X-OVER settings are disabled). Plug speakers into the BRIDGE ONLY
jack. DO NOT use SPK 1 or SPK 2 jacks in the BRIDGE mode. This mode is used to get the most power
into one speaker enclosure, or several identical enclosures. Be sure your speaker(s) can handle 1500watts
for 4ohm or 900watts for 8ohm enclosures. If two identical speaker enclosures are used each one will
receive 1/2 the wattage. When using speakers of unequal impedance make sure they can handle the full
wattage.
MADE IN
USA