Carvin C-844, C-1644, C-2444, C-3244 Owners manual

THREE BAND

CHANNEL TONE

CONTROLS

PAD

GAIN

MID

LOW

MIC PRE

CHANNEL

FADER

LEFT

TAPE IN

RCA

PAN

RIGHT

CHANNELS

line pad (-16dB)

PHONES

LEVEL

PHONES OUTPUT

RIGHT

LEFT

EFFECTS RETURN

3L - 3R

RETURN 3

LEVEL

L - R

METERS

INSERT

MIC

LINE

LO CUT

MUTE

PFL

LEFT & RIGHT

BAL OUT

HEADPHONE AND METER

SWITCHES

L - R

LEFT

RIGHT

EFF 1

EFF 2

PFL

MON 1 - 4

LEVEL

LEFT

FADERS

GROUP 1

MUTE

TAPE OUT

GROUP 2

GROUP 3

GROUP 4

MON 3

MON 4

MON 1

MON 2

GROUPS 1 - 4

1 - 4

BAL TRS

SWITCH TO

GRAPHIC EQ

RIGHT

REQ

LEFT

RIGHT

EFFECTS RETURN

4L - 4R

TAPE IN

RTN 4 LEVEL

SWITCH TO

GRAPHIC EQ

MON 1 & 2 ONLY

PFL

MONO

BAL OUT

RIGHT

LEFT

ASSIGN

EFF SNDS

1 & 2

DSP x 2

MON 1 - 4

L & R

MONS 1 - 3

FADERS

LEFT

RIGHT

EFF 1

EFF 2

PFL

GROUP 1

GROUP 2

GROUP 3

GROUP 4

MON 3

MON 4

MON 1

MON 2

SIGPEAK

STEREO

IN 1

IN 2

MON 1

MON 2

MON 3

MON 4

EFF 2

EFF 1

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA C844, C1644(P), C2444, C3244 4-BUS MIXER OPERATING MANUAL

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

carvin.com (800) 854-2235

76-02444 0703

C1644 BLOCK DIAGRAM

MONO

0 0 0

0105010501050105010

RTN 3 MON 2MON 1 MON 4RTN 4 MON 3

TAPE INRETURN MONITORS

010

MONO

L-R

+18

+12

PEAK

POWER

PFL

PHONES

EQ 1

LEFT / MON 1

EQ 2

RIGHT / MON 2

CONCERT SERIES

C1644

010

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

125 250 50063 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K

8 4

4 8

–12

+12

8 4

4 8 12-

12+

8 4

4 8

–12

+12

8 4

4 8 12-

12+

TAPE IN

TAPE OUT

MON 1

423

PHONES

EFF 1 3L 3R

RETURN

MONO

MON 2 MON 3

RTN 4

MON 4

EFF SW

EFF 2

GROUPS

METERS

1234LR

PFL PFL PFL PFL

1-2

3-4

MON

43218765

87654321

LINELINELINE LINELINELINELINE

86543217

1- 8

PHANTOM

POWER

MICMICMICMICMICMICMIC MIC

INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT

121110916151413

161514131211109

9-16

PHANTOM

POWER

MIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMID

HIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI

FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

PANPA NPANPANPANPA NPANPAN

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

050 GAIN

LO CUT

LINE

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

LINELINELINE LINELINELINELINE

MICMICMICMICMICMICMIC MIC

INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT

MIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMID

HIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI

FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

PANPA NPANPANPANPA NPANPAN

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

050 GAIN

LO CUT

LINE

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PARAMETER

ECHO

REGEN

TIME

REVERB DAMPING

DECAY

FLANGE SPEED

DEPTH

CHORUS

REV LEVEL

DEPTH

SELECT

MUTE

OFF

1MON 2MON

OFF

1MON 3MON

24-BIT DUAL STEREO EFFECTS

SELECT PARAMETER

101

EFFECTS 2

TO MONITORSRETURN

EFFECTS 1

100

7 8 9

100

7 8 9

161514131211109

4444 4444

3333 3333

2222 2222

1111 1111

MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON

EFFEFFEFFEFF EFFEFFEFFEFF

1111 1111

2222 2222

4444 4444

3333 3333

2222 2222

1111 1111

MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON

EFFEFFEFFEFF EFFEFFEFFEFF

1111 1111

2222 2222

C1644

CONCERT 44 SERIES The C844, C1644(P), C2444 and C3244 feature 8 to 32 channels with true 4-bus

performance. The C1644P adds four 300 watt power amplifiers built into our ROAD WARRIOR case. Never before have so many features been packed into such a rugged, compact USA made mixer. The best feature of the Concert 44 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.

TRUE 4-BUS DESIGN The Concert 44 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 L/R channel button and the channel goes directly into the L/R output like a standard stereo console. All 4 sub group outputs have balanced outputs for long cable runs.

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 that great vocal reverb with delay and 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.

FOUR MONITOR SENDS Every channel has 4 MONITOR sends with MASTER output level controls. Monitor send jacks are balanced TRS.

3 BAND EQ/MID SWEEP 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 exclusive offset of the MID FREQ. control ends the confusion of selecting your mid frequency from 100 Hz to 5kHz. The MID cut and boost control adjusts the gain to the perfect mid-dip or boost curve 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 precise 1 octave adjustments to tune in your overall sound and control feedback. Unlike one stereo equalizer, two independent 9 bands offers total flexibility. With two convenient buttons, you can assign either EQ to the R/L outputs or to the 1/2 monitor outputs. Center frequencies are 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k & 16k Hz.

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.

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. A PFL (pre fader listen) switch allows you to hear the channel before the fader is turned up in the headphones. 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 cliping. 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 delivers professional fade-outs. The PHANTOM power switches provide power through the XLR connectors for use with condenser mics like the Carvin CM90E in groups of 8 channels.

MASTER FEATURES Each of the 4 SUB GROUP faders can be switched to the R/L 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 R/L MAIN output faders are independent for added flexibility over a single stereo fader. A MONO control sums both the R/L outputs together 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 1/2 and 3/4 outputs and channel PFL switches. The master section also features 2 EFFECT SENDS, 4 RETURNS and RCA TAPE IN/OUT jacks. All 4 SUB GROUPS, 4 MONITORS, XLR L/R and MONO outputs are balanced. A FOOT SWITCH jack turns both effects processors on or off remotely with the optional FS22 foot switch.

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. (except C1644P)

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.

ENGINEERED TO LAST Hidden deep in the heart of these San Diego, CA made mixers is the SMT construction that utilizes surface mounted components to prevent malfunctions caused by vibrations. Sealed controls 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 44 Series is built to strict standards.

For your records, you may wish to record the following information. Serial No._________________________ InvoiceDate___________

Optional Accessories:

C844: CB800 Heavy padded bag FS22 foot switch for all models C1644:

CB1600 Heavy padded bag AN1600 Anvil™ hard case

C2444: CB2400 Heavy padded bag AN2400 Anvil™ hard case C3244: AN3200 Anvil™ hard case

CONCERT 44 SPECIFICATIONS:

For C1644P power amp specifcations see back page

Mic Input: Balanced XLR, Mic Imp. 150Ω 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: All XLR Mic in (channel groups of 8) Channel EQ.: 3 band active,LOW: 80Hz ±15dB

MID: 100Hz to 5kHz ±15dB HI: 11.5KHz ±15dB

9 Band Graphic EQ.: ±12dB 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 16k Mixers Only: 90 to 250VAC 50-60Hz, 20 to 50VA Powered C1644P: 120VAC 60Hz or 240VAC 50Hz model,

1200VA

Size: C844: 14.25”D x 14.5”W x 3.25”H

C1644: 14.25”D x 22.25”W x 3.25”H C1644P: 16”D x 24”W x 9”H C2444: 14.25”D x 30”W x 3.25”H C3244: 14.25”D x 38.1”W x 3.25”H

C44 SERIES CONTROLS

CHANNEL FEATURES

1. 1/4” LINE INPUTS

The line connectors are for connecting balanced and unbalanced instruments and line level sources such as drum machines, keyboards, ETC.

2. XLR MIC INPUTS

The balanced Mic inputs are for connecting microphones that use XLR connections. Both the LINE and XLR MIC inputs can be used simultaneously.

3. CHANNEL INSERT/CHANNEL DIRECT OUT

To insert channel effects, compressor, etc. use a 1/4” TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) cable (see INSERTS AND DIRECT OUT illustration on page 5 for TRS details). To achieve a direct out from the channel, insert a standard 1/4” cable to the first “click” (1/2 insert).

4. GAIN

The GAIN controls the input level for the channel. If the GAIN is set too high, the PEAK LED will flash and distortion may occur. Decrease the amount of GAIN until the PEAK LED does not flash. It is important that the gain control should be kept next to the PEAK LED flash point to maintain the lowest noise of the channel. You can use the channel PFL switch to monitor the channel input level and use the meters to adjust the GAIN control to 0dB. This will give you a good reference point where the GAIN control should be set.

5. LOW CUT SWITCH

A 75 Hz LOW CUT filter helps eliminate unwanted low fre- quencies. Great for reducing “boom” noise from mic stands or from acoustic/electric guitars. Turning up the LOW EQ when using this filter can help create a punchier bass response.

6. ACTIVE 3 BAND EQ WITH MID SWEEP

The C44 SERIES mixers provide studio EQ. The ±15 dB boost or cut gives an overall 30 dB range for powerful EQ control. The active circuits deliver deep bass from the 20-80 Hz LOW control. The MID control works at 100Hz to 5kHz, depending on the MID FREQ control. The HI control functions at 1120k for crisp highs.

Start out with all tone controls at their center “zero” posi-

tion. Determine which position your MID FREQ sounds best, then cut or boost your HI, MID, and LOW frequencies as needed. If you are trying to mic instruments such as acoustic guitar or drums, try various mics and mic placement before adjusting your tone controls. A typical setting may be: HI +6,

MID -4 (MID FREQ set at 700Hz), and LOW +4. Don’t be afraid to push the HI and LOW controls to get good presence and depth while reducing the MIDs to clean up your sound. This is one of the keys to great sound.

7. MID SWEEP

This control allows you to select which frequency (from 100Hz to 5kHz) that the MID control will boost or cut. Instruments and singers have various tonal qualities. By adjusting the MID FREQ, you can select the exact frequency that will best complement these various inputs. 700Hz is a recommended setting for the MID FREQ control for guitar and vocals.

8. MONITOR 1 THRU 4 SEND CONTROLS

The channel MONITOR controls allow you to create four independent monitor mixes. The MONITOR signals (pre-EQ, pre fader) are routed to the master MON 1, 2, 3 and 4 controls (#21) respectively before going to the output connectors (#36).

9. EFF 1 & EFF 2 SEND CONTROLS

The EFF 1 or EFF 2 control sends signal (post EQ, post fader) from the channel to the EFFECTS 1 or EFFECTS 2 internal processors (#18) and to the EFF 1 or EFF 2 jacks (#33).

10. PAN CONTROL

Each channel’s PAN control allows stereo imaging by panning Left or Right during recordings or live performances. The PAN control also works for the sub-mix groups. A center position will send a channel’s signal to a pair of sub-group faders (1-2, 3-4 when assigned). By panning hard left, the signal is routed to only sub-group fader 1 or 3 when assigned. Panning hard right routes the signal to sub-mix fader 2 or 4. Dual element pan controls provide 15dB greater separation than standard pan controls.

11. CHANNEL SIGNAL GREEN LED

The SIGNAL LED is pre-fader and post EQ. This LED helps the operator verify that the channel is receiving a signal from the mic or instrument inputs even when the channel fader is off.

12. CHANNEL RED PEAK LED

This peak indicator is pre-fader and post EQ. If the PEAK LED flashes, the channel needs a reduction with the GAIN control (#4)to prevent distortion. A “solid” lit PEAK LED indicates that the channel has been MUTED.

13. CHANNEL MUTE SWITCH

Use the MUTE switch to kill the channel. This feature saves having to reset your faders and monitor sends.

14. CHANNEL PFL SWITCH

This switch allows the operator to listen to a channel (pre fader listen) in the headphone mix to set tone and gain levels as well as see the channel at the LED meter output (#29).

C844, C1644(P), C2444 & C3244 4-BUS MIXERS

QUICK START UP

If you’re like most new owners, you’re probably in a hurry to plug your mixer in and use it. Here are some brief instructions to get you going quickly. With the mixer unplugged and the unit turned off, complete the following procedures:

1. CONNECTING AC POWER TO YOUR MIXER

• The mixer can be used with 120 or 240VAC (it automatically switches internally except for C1644P)

• Use only a grounded (3 prong) power outlet to prevent a shock hazard. This gives the quietest grounding for your mixer.

2. CONNECTING INPUTS TO YOUR MIXER

• For low level balanced devices such as microphones, plug into the balanced MIC inputs using a shielded microphone cable with XLR connectors.

• For high level balanced or unbalanced devices such as instruments & keyboards, plug into the LINE input jacks using a shielded cable with 1/4” phone plugs. Adjust the GAIN knob for the mic or line input being used.

3. TURNING YOUR MIXER ON

• Adjust all channel FADERS and master LEVEL controls to their OFF

positions

• Adjust all channel’s HI, MID, and BASS controls and the two master 9 Band GRAPHICS to their center

positions.

• Adjust the Channel “PAN” controls to their center positions.

• Turn the mixer on by the rear panel POWER SWITCH and watch for the POWER LED. Your mixer is now ready to operate.

43218765

87654321

LINELINELINE LINELINELINELINE

86543217

1- 8

PHANTOM

POWER

MICMICMICMICMICMICMIC MIC

INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT

1211109

131211109

MIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMIDMID

HIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI

FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQFREQ

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

PANPANPA NPANPANPA NPANPAN

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

050

GAIN

LO CUT

LINE

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

LINE LINELINELINELINE

MICMICMICMICMIC

INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT

MMIDMIDMIDMID

HHIHIHIHI

FREQFREQ FREQFREQ FREQ

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

PANPANPA NPAN

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEAK

SIG

PEA

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050

GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

PFL

MUTE

3-4

1-2

L-R

100 5k

010

050 GAIN

LO CUT

010

050 GAIN

LOW LOW LOW LOW L

131211109

4444 4444

3333 3333

2222 2222

1111 1111

MON MON MON MON MON MON MON MON

EFFEFFEFFEFF EFFEFFEFFEFF

1111 1111

2222 2222

44444

33333

22222

11111

MON MON MON MON MON

EFFEFFEFFEFF EFF

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22222

+ 4 hidden pages