Carvin C1648, C1648P, C3248, C2448 Owner's Manual

C1648P 2000w Powered Mixer

C1648P REAR PANEL

1

C1648P REAR PANEL FEATURES:

1. SPEAKER OUTPUTS The combination SPEAKON jacks also accept 1/4” plugs.
The minimum load for each amp is 4 OHMS. Chaining together more than one speaker on an output is
fine as long as the total impedance is not below 4 ohms. If the speaker load is lower than 4 ohms, the
amp may go into one of the PROTECT modes. (Two 8 ohm speakers in parallel = 4 ohms) 12 Gauge
TWIST-LOK speaker cables are an industry standard for high power applicattions (pin 1+ is POS, pin 1- is
NEG, pins 2+ and 2- are not used). Use only 16 gauge (or heavier) 1/4” speaker cables, NOT shielded
instrument cables. Turn power off before connecting speaker cables.

2. AMP ROUTING switch will select between two internally routed configurations:
OUT postion: AMP1-LEFT, AMP2-RIGHT, AMP3-MONITOR1, AMP4-MONITOR2
IN position: 1 amp each, for Monitors 1 thru 4.
Speaker output levels are adjusted from the Left/Right faders or Monitor 1-4 controls. The front panel
GRAPHIC EQs function with the amps, depending on the front panel EQ1 and EQ2 switch settings.

3. AMP PATCH INSERT jacks offer flexibility for mixer to amp signal routing. These jacks are T-R-S
(Tip-Ring-Sleeve). Tip is the power amp input. Ring is the signal sent from the mixer determined by the
AMP ROUTING switch. The limiters are post insert. Patching a compressor or equalizer between the
mixer and the amp can be done by using a stereo insert cable (like Carvin’s AP1). Connect the RING
signal to the INPUT of the external device, and the TIP signal from the OUTPUT of the device. Plugging
in a standard 1/4” cable (mono) into the AMP PATCH INSERT jacks allows any external signal to be sent
to the internal power amps.
For example, you may want to patch the GROUP outputs (1-4) into the power amps.

-Plug one end of each cable into the GROUP jacks on the top panel of the mixer.

-Plug the other ends of the cables into the AMP PATCH INSERT jacks.
The GROUP 1-4 faders will now control what is heard at the SPEAKER OUTPUTS.

4. AMP CLIP LEDs - The red CLIP LEDs will flash when an amp has reached it’s maximum output.
Occasional flashing caused by bass frquencies is OK. Consistent flashing caused by higher frequencies
may damage drivers due to excessive distortion. This will not damage the amp.

5. PROTECT LED - The yellow LED indicates the power amp system has gone into one of its protection
modes. There will be no output from the amps. If the amp output has been short circuited, or overloaded
by putting less than 4 ohms on the output the amp will go into protection. Check for shorted speaker
cables and speaker impedance, then reset the POWER switch (off-on). If the amp has overheated, lower
the volume and make sure the fan vents are not blocked. Wait for the fan to cool the amps. Normal
operation will return in about 1-3 minutes.

254 3

“OUT” uses LEFT/RIGHT for AMPS 1&2

C1648P BLOCK DIAGRAM

C1648P POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:

RMS Continuous Power: 4ohm: 500W/amp
8ohm: 300W/amp
Frequency Response: ±0.5dB, 20Hz-20kHz
±1.5dB, 10Hz-25kHz

THD: (50% output) 0.09%
Output Noise: < -75dBu speaker out (all levels minimum)
Protection Circuits: Soft Start, Short Circuit, No Load, SpeakerGuard,

Thermal Shut-Off, Protect and Clip Indicators,
Amp Peak Limiters.
Maximum Gain: Mic in to Speaker Out: 74dB
Power Requirements:
Size: 22.25”W x 16.25”D x 5.6”H
Weight: 25 lbs.

Auto switching:120VAC or 240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1000VA

This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute

a risk of electric shock to persons.

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 appliance 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
means of an appliance 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.NG: 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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instruc­tions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.

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.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Carvin mixer 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 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.
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

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
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.
environments such as dust or salt air. When used in such an environment, be sure the
mixer is adequately protected by a cover.

CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL

As with all pro gear, avoid prolonged use in caustic

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL!

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA C1648, C2448, C3248, C1648P 4-bus MIXER OPERATING MANuAL

MASTER FEATURES Each of the 4 SUB GROUP faders can be switched to the L/R outputs or
used independently through their own balanced output jacks. Each of the sub group’s PFL switches
allow you to listen to the sub groups in your headphones before it is turned up. The L/R MAIN output
faders are independent for added flexibility over a single stereo fader. A MONO/SUB control sums
both the L/R outputs together (pre-graphic EQ) for a center, side fill or subwoofer output. The stereo
HEADPHONE control tracks the METER switches which allow you to look and listen from the L/R,
MONO, MONITOR 1-6 outputs, USB IN, REC OUT/USB, and channel and group PFL switches. The
master section also features 2 EFFECT SENDS, 4 RETURNS and RCA RECORD OUT jacks. All 6
MONITORS, L/R and MONO outputs are balanced XLR, while the 4 SUB GROUPS are balanced 1/4”.

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY Our exclusive 125k Hz switching power supply eliminates
transformer noise. Like a laptop computer, go anywhere in the world and not worry about power
because you can run on any voltage from 90 to 250VAC. The C1648P will automatically switch
for 120VAC or 240VAC ranges.

ENGINEERED TO LAST Hidden deep in the heart of these USA made mixers is the SMT construction
that utilizes surface mounted components to prevent malfunctions caused by vibrations. Sealed controls

C1648 featuring 4-band EQ and 8 channel sends

CONCERT 48 SERIES The C1648(P), C2448, and C3248 feature 16 to 32 channels with true 4-bus

performance. The C1648P adds four 500 watt power amplifiers. Never before have so many features been
packed into such a rugged, compact USA made mixer. The best feature of the Concert 48 Series is the
sound. Sound that is pure and quiet enough for digital recording studios. Everything is logically laid
out making the powerful features simple to use. The knobs have been located so that adjustments can be
made quick and easy with visible pointers showing you the status of your mix at a glance.

SUPERB SOUND State-of-the-art low impedance, low noise preamps are featured on every channel. The
balanced common mode rejection is better than 70 dB to eliminate cable noise. All main outputs are balanced
to guard against system noise. The near theoretical limit on distortion has been achieved with THD below .01%
to guarantee the purity of your sound, ensuring it will be dynamically open and transparent.

TRUE 4-BUS DESIGN The CONCERT 48 Series offers increased mixing flexibility over standard
stereo consoles by letting you assign channels to one of the 4 sub groups or L/R. This allows you to mix
the entire drum, horn, choir, etc. into one sub group, which feeds the L/R faders. This is an easy way
to control the volume of grouped mics and inputs. If you don’t need subgrouping, you can depress the
channel L/R button and the channel goes directly into the L/R output like a standard stereo console. All
4 sub group outputs have balanced outputs.

4 COMPRESSORS Each of the 4 sub groups feature a studio-grade compressor to reduce the output
when it gets above the level you set with the COMP control. Ideal for drums or horns.

TWO EFFECT SENDS / TWO 24-BIT EFFECT PROCESSORS Two built-in 24-Bit effects, each
offering 256 stereo effects, is a first in a 4-bus mixing console. Since there are two, you no longer have to
choose between vocal reverb or that awesome guitar chorus - you can have both! Each processor offers lush
REVERBS, rich CHORUSES, thick textured FLANGING and pristine ECHOES with fully adjustable parameters
for damping, decay, depth, speed, time and regeneration. Both processors can be sent back into the monitor
mix so the performers can hear exactly what the audience is hearing.

SIX MONITOR SENDS Every channel has 6 MONITOR sends with MASTER output level controls and
XLR balanced outputs.

4 BAND EQ/DUAL MID SWEEPS The superb EQ system gives extended 15 dB boost and cut tone
shaping. The LOW frequency control builds bass starting with 20 Hz through 80 Hz for a solid non-flabby
low-end. The LO MID and HI MID FREQ controls offer variable freqency settings from 45 Hz to 2kHz and
200Hz to 10kHz to enhance all instruments and vocals. The 11.5k Hz HI treble control adds sparkle to your
top-end without adding harshness. Both the LOW and HI are “shelving”, which means they are effective from
20 Hz and up to 20k Hz. The LO CUT switch eliminates stage rumble or other unwanted low frequencies
that would normally rob power from your woofers.

TWO 9 BAND EQUALIZERS Precision equalizers provide 1 octave adjustments to tune in your overall
sound and control feedback. Unlike one stereo equalizer, two independent 9 bands offers greater flexibility.
You can assign the EQs to the L/R outputs or to the monitor 1/2 outputs. Center frequencies are 63, 125,
250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k & 16k Hz.

CHANNEL FEATURES Every channel has a full balanced XLR and LINE (1/4”) preamp with an INSERT
jack for a compressor or EQ that also serves as a DIRECT OUT when plugged half way. The PAN control
directs the channel into the L/R output or any of the 4 sub groups after depressing the appropriate ASSIGN
switches. The PFL (pre fader listen) switch allows you to hear the channel in the headphones before the
fader is turned up. A solid “on” condition of the PEAK LED indicates that the MUTE switch has been
activated which turns the channel off including all monitor and effect sends. When flashing during use,
the PEAK LED also lets you know when to adjust the channel’s GAIN control to prevent channel distor­tion. The SIGNAL LED lets you know that a signal is coming through the channel starting at –20 dBu. A
silky smooth 60mm audio taper FADER with dust cover delivers professional fade-outs. The PHANTOM
power switches provide power through the XLR connectors for use with condenser mics like the Carvin
M90S in groups of 8 channels.

and switches guard against the outside elements while heavy-duty jacks provide a positive connection
to your cables. Fire retardant FR-4 military spec circuit cards feature double-sided copper to eliminate
radio frequency interference. Precision 1% tolerance components guarantee your settings will be
accurate every time. The Concert 48 Series is built to strict standards.

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.carvin.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___________

CONCERT 48 SPECIFICATIONS:

For C1648P power amp specifcations, see back page

Mic Input: Balanced XLR, Mic Imp. 150ohms
Line Input: Balanced 1/4” Jack Imp. 10k/20k bal.
Frequency Response: Mic or Line Inputs: 20Hz-20KHz ±0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than .01%
Equivalent Input Noise: 150 ohm source: -117dBu
Output Noise: less than -90dBu Master Line Out
Output Headroom: +28dB XLR bal, +20dB 1/4” unbal.
Maximum Gain: Mic in to Master Line Out: 74dB
Crosstalk: Adjacent channels: -60db at 1KHz
Common Mode Rejection: -75db at 1KHz
Phantom Power: 48V (channel groups of 8)
Channel EQ.: 4 band active, LOW: 80Hz ±15dB

LO MID: 45Hz to 2kHz ±15dB
HI MID: 200Hz to 10kHz ±15dB
HI: 11.5KHz ±15dB
9 Band Graphic EQ.: ±12dB 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 16k
Power Requirements: Except C1648P: 90 to 250VAC 50-60Hz, 20 to 60VA
Powered C1648P: Auto switching:120 or 240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1000VA
Size/Weight: C1648: 16.25”D x 22.25”W x 3.5”H / 18.1 lbs
C2448: 16.25”D x 30.0”W x 3.5”H / 24.4 lbs
C3248: 16.25”D x 38.1”W x 3.5”H / 31 lbs
C1648P: 16.25”D x 22.25”W x 5.6”H / 25 lbs

Optional Accessories:
USM16-MC,USM-BP wireless systems (Require USM-KIT)

C1648: CB1648 Heavy padded bag, RW1648 Road Warrior™ case
C2448: CB2448 Heavy padded bag, RW2448 Road Warrior™ case
C3248: RW3248 Road Warrior™ case
C1648P: RW1648P Road Warrior™ case

76-02448a 0210

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

www.carvin.com