Carvin DCM2000LX, DCM2004LX, DCM3800LX Owner's Manual

DCM-Lx Series Operation Manual

DCM2000Lx DCM3800Lx

DCM2004Lx

Concert audio has to be uncompromising, reliable and efficient. Carvin power amps have made their mark serving top artists and concert venues for decades. The DCM-Lx series power amps with CARVIN’s X-Drive™ signal processing incorporate the flexibility of digital control with the exceptional sound and durability of DCM power. Take full control of your amps from the front panel or via USB to Microsoft™ / Mac™ laptops using the Xdrive™ software with highly effective processing for live use or installations. All models incorporate large heat sinks, high headroom power supplies and lightweight aluminum main frames - all backed by a solid 3 year warranty. Exceptional sound and reliability combined with the flexibility of DSP and ultra-light weight make the DCM-Lx a valuable addition to any rack system. GETTING STARTED

: An easy way to get familiar with the features of the DCM-Lx is to download the free Xdrive™ software on your computer. Just run the software and press the blue button with the product name. The control window will appear:

TABLE OF CONTENTS page

1. Safety and Warranty Information ___________________________________________ 4

2. Introduction_____________________________________________________________ 5

3. REAR PANEL ___________________________________________________________ 6

4. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS________________________________________________ 7

4.A SYSTEM MENU______________________________________________________ 8

4.A.1 QUICK SETUP __________________________________________________ 8

4.A.2 FLAT CHANNEL_________________________________________________ 9

4.A.3 COPY CHANNEL ________________________________________________ 9

4.A.4 BRIDGING CHANNELS ___________________________________________ 9

4.A.5 SPEAKER PRESET (LOAD from memory) ___________________________ 9

4.A.6 SYSTEM NAME EDIT____________________________________________ 10

4.A.7 SAVE SYSTEM_________________________________________________ 10

4.A.8 LOAD SYSTEM_________________________________________________ 10

4.A.9 RESET SYSTEM TO FLAT________________________________________ 10

4.B UTILITY MENU _____________________________________________________ 11

4.B.1 DELAY UNITS__________________________________________________ 11

4.B.2 DELAY TIME BANK _____________________________________________ 11

4.B.3 INPUT SENSITIVITY_____________________________________________ 11

4.B.4 TURN ON MUTE________________________________________________ 11

4.B.5 SECURITY LOCKOUT – PASSWORD_______________________________ 11

4.B.6 PASSWORD CHANGE___________________________________________ 11

4.B.7 UNIT ID _______________________________________________________ 12

4.B.8 FIRMWARE VERSION ___________________________________________ 12

4.C EXIT/MUTE BUTTON ________________________________________________ 12

4.D CHANNEL SETTINGS________________________________________________ 13

4.D.1 (INPUT) GRAPHIC EQ ___________________________________________ 13

4.D.2 (OUTPUT) GAIN ________________________________________________ 13

4.D.3 (OUTPUT) SOURCE_____________________________________________ 14

4.D.4 (OUTPUT) PHASE ______________________________________________ 14

4.D.5 (OUTPUT) LOW / HIGH PASS FILTERS: Crossover ___________________ 14

4.D.6 (OUTPUT) LIMITER _____________________________________________ 15

4.D.7 (OUTPUT) DELAY ______________________________________________ 15

4.D.8 (OUTPUT) PARAMETRIC EQs (PEQ 1-4)____________________________ 16

4.D.9 (OUTPUT) CHANNEL NAME ______________________________________ 17

5. COMPUTER SETUP _____________________________________________________ 18

5.A SOFTWARE________________________________________________________ 18

5.A.1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ______________________________________ 18

5.A.2 INSTALLATION ________________________________________________ 18

5.B USB CONNECTION _________________________________________________ 19

6. COMPUTER CONTROL / GRAPHIC INTERFACE______________________________ 20

6.A SYSTEM SETTINGS _________________________________________________ 20

6.A.1 SYSTEM LOAD/SAVE ___________________________________________ 20

6.A.2 SYSTEM NAME ________________________________________________ 20

6.A.3 SYNC TO SOFTWARE___________________________________________ 20

6.A.4 SYNC TO HARDWARE __________________________________________ 20

6.A.5 UPLOAD FIRMWARE____________________________________________ 20

6.B INPUT SETTINGS ___________________________________________________ 21

6.B.1 LOAD/SAVE ___________________________________________________ 21

6.B.2 INPUT SELECT_________________________________________________ 21

6.B.3 COPY/PASTE __________________________________________________ 21

6.B.4 RESET TO FLAT _______________________________________________ 21

6.B.5 GRAPHIC EQs _________________________________________________ 21

6.C ROUTER (MATRIX)__________________________________________________ 22

6.C.1 BRIDGE CHANNELS ____________________________________________ 22

6.C.2 OUTPUT MUTES _______________________________________________ 22

6.C.3 ROUTING INPUT SOURCES TO OUTPUTS __________________________ 22

6.C.4 OUTPUT NAME ________________________________________________ 22

6.D FREQUENCY CHART________________________________________________ 22 OUTPUT DISPLAY BUTTONS 1, 2 (3, 4)_____________________________ 22

6.D.1

6.D.2 ADJUSTING PEQs FROM THE FREQUENCY CHART _________________ 22

6.E OUTPUT SETTINGS _________________________________________________ 23

6.E.2 OUTPUT CHANNEL SELECT _____________________________________ 23

6.E.3 COPY/PASTE __________________________________________________ 23

6.E.4 FLAT _________________________________________________________ 23

6.E.5 PHASE _______________________________________________________ 23

6.E.6 LIMITER ______________________________________________________ 23

6.E.7 DELAY _______________________________________________________ 23

6.E.8 GAIN _________________________________________________________ 23

6.E.9 PARAMETRIC EQs 1-4 __________________________________________ 23

6.E.10 HIGH/LOW PASS FILTERS (Crossover) ____________________________ 23

7. MANUAL SETUPS_______________________________________________________ 24

8. LOUDSPEAKER SETTINGS CHART ________________________________________ 25

9. SPECIFICATIONS ________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.

10. MENU NAVIGATION CHART ____________________________________________ 27

11. BLOCK DIAGRAM ____________________________________________________ 27

1. Safety and Warranty Information

IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

WARNING: This product produces high sound pressure levels that could damage hearing.

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN.

WATER AND MOISTURE: Electronic equipment should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, 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 electronic equipment should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the electronic equipment.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or plug polarization means of an electronic equipment 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.

SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the electronic equipment beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type and value fuse. Refer to the replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.

This equipment has been tested and complies with international safety standards.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Carvin DCM power amp 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 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. CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

SERVICE: In the USA: 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 panels of your unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and help restore it’s new look. As with all pro gear, avoid prolonged use in caustic environments such as dust or salt air. When used in such an environment, be sure the unit is adequately protected by a cover.

Please record the unit’s serial number, invoice number and invoice date (purchase date).

Serial No.:_____________________________________ Invoice No.:____________________________________ Invoice Date:___________________________________

Use with caution.

2. Introduction

The DCM-Lx amplifiers can be configured for stereo, parallel, bi-amped, or bridged outputs. The DCM2004Lx quad amp also offers dual bi-amp and threeor four-way outputs to power up to a 4-way speaker system with a single unit. The System Quick Setup feature makes output routing and crossover configuration easy. Loadable Speaker Presets tuned for specific CARVIN speaker cabinets provide optimized settings to get the most out of each element in your system. The DCM-Lx includes 30-band graphic EQ’s on each input, 4 parametric EQ’s on each output with high and low crossover filters; Bessel, Butterworth or Linkwitz-Riley (6 to 48dB/oct.), Limiters with Threshold, Phase, and Delays up to 120mS for distance or for individual driver alignments. Onboard memory has enough storage for 16 complete system configurations with settings for multiple loudspeakers and line arrays, or store unlimited configurations on your laptop. Premium 24-bit A/D and D/A converters offer low noise with full 2020kHz bandwidth with extremely low latency processing.

FRONT PANEL & CONNECTING UP

The DCM-Lx front panel features a high-contrast 2x16 character display for clear and easy navigation through settings. LEDs for Signal, 50%, 80%, Clip and Protect monitor the status of the amp. Detented level controls prevent unexpected level changes. Balanced XLR and TRS input connectors are used to reject hum & noise. A Ground Lift switch removes the chassis ground from the inputs. Outputs feature heavy duty binding posts and Twist-Lock connectors allowing bi-amp routing on a single 4-pin cable with no adapters.

CONSTRUCTION

Every DCM-Lx amp is personally tested, which includes a full burn-in under load. Construction starts with a heavy duty 2U aluminum chassis and steel rackmount face panel. All circuit cards are double-sided military-grade FR4 fire retardant with plated thru holes so parts are soldered from the bottom side through to the top. SMT (surface mount technology) offers high precision and “shock-proof” protection. The CB and CE safety seal assure that each DCM meets strict standards anywhere in the world.

HIGH POWER TOPOLOGY

The DCM-Lx’s high headroom reveals the dynamic power available from its switch-mode power supply. Operating at 100,000 Hz, the highly efficient switchmode supply reduces AC power required from the wall, overall weight, and is AC generator friendly. The soft-start prevents the DCM-Lx from tripping AC breakers. Extreme currents are delivered to even the most demanding 2 ohm and bridged 4 ohm subwoofer systems easily handling the most difficult reactive loads. Class D outputs deliver maximum power amp efficiency.

EFFICIENT COOLING

An important key to reliable power is a high efficiency heat transfer system. CARVIN DCM-Lx amplifiers offer advanced cooling with high ratio 6063-T5 flowthrough aluminum heat sinks to remove heat fast and keep power devices within thermal limits. Multi-speed fans pull air from the rear and exhaust to the front to

keep your rack cool and run quiet even at 2 ohm loads.

3. REAR PANEL

2ch. amp

4ch. Amp

AC POWER

Your amp will work at 50 or 60Hz with specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 240VAC models.

Be sure to check your amp model and power source before plugging into a grounded (3 prong) outlet. The standard IEC inlet accepts universal grounded AC cords. Firmly push the AC cord all the way into the receptacle or the amp may be intermittent.

The receptacle will work with V-lock™ locking cords to prevent accidental unplugging.

*WARNING: Never defeat the grounded connection or electrocution may result! *NOTE: Each amp requires a dedicated circuit breaker to achieve its full output.

Fuse: The fuse is located inside the main chassis near the AC inlet on the main PCB. If the fuse fails the amp will usually require service. See specifications for fuse values.

INPUT: A, B, (C, D): XLR input connectors for audio signals

Check DSP settings if not working as expected. Two channel amps include 1/4”(

GND LIFT switch: Lifts the input connector grounds to solve ground loop issues. OUTPUT: 1, 2, (3, 4): Speaker connections

Check the BRIDGE LED and DSP output settings for BRIDGE and ROUTING before connecting to avoid malfunction or speaker damage.

Twist-Lock jacks accept 2-Pin or 4-pin Speakon™ compatible connectors.

Output 1 (or 3) allows Bi-Amping speakers through a single 4 conductor cable. Binding Posts (on 2-ch.amps) allow bare wire connections up to 7ga. or “banana” plugs.

In BRIDGE mode use one of the following: the BRIDGE ONLY twist-lock output, the two RED binding posts, or pins 1+ and 2+ on twist-lock OUTPUT 1 (or 3).

*Warning: Making additional connections to bridged amp outputs may misload the amp.

USB: Connect to PC/MAC to use Xdrive™ control software or to update DSP firmware.

TRS) inputs and XLR THRU outputs in parallel.

4. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

2 ch. amp

4ch. amp

VOLUME ATTENUATOR CONTROLS: A, B (C, D)

Adjusts the channel INPUT levels. For bridge mode use A (or C). Set to “0” (maximum) to match the input sensitivity DSP setting in the UTILITY menu.

DSP settings such as EQs, GAIN and LIMITER can affect output volume if not set to “0”.

SYSTEM and UTILITY buttons: Enter to SYSTEM or UTILITY menus. Escape the menus with EXIT/MUTE.

EXIT/MUTE button: Dual purpose, exit menus or mute amp outputs. To MUTE, press EXIT/MUTE, then press the channel select A/1 or B/2 (C/3, D/4). The display will indicate ON or MUTE (MT) for each amp OUTPUT. Press EXIT/MUTE again to exit this mode.

*Note: If TURN ON MUTE is ON all outputs will be muted at POWER ON. *Note: If SECURITY LOCKOUT is ON the TURN ON MUTE will be bypassed.

(Left), (Right):

Selects which parameter to change or move to the next or previous screen.

(Up), (Down):

Adjusts parameter values.

SIG and CLIP LED’s (amp OUTPUT signal indicators): The SIG LED indicates a signal is being sent to the amp OUTPUT 1, 2 (3, 4). The green 50% and yellow 80% LED’s indicate amplifier power usage. The CLIP LED’s indicates the amp OUTPUT 1, 2 (3, 4) has reached its maximum.

A/1, B/2 (C/3, D/4) Channel select buttons: Press to adjust settings for each channel with Up/Down and Left/Right. XLR inputs are A, B (C, D), the amplifier outputs are 1, 2 (3, 4).

PROTECT LED: Indicates a protection circuit has engaged to protect the amp or

speakers. Check all connections and reset the amp with the power switch.

BRIDGE LED, 2ch. amps only: (for DCM2004Lx BRIDGE see SYSTEM menu settings)

Indicates the two amps are combined for one output. Use BRIDGE outs only.

4.A SYSTEM MENU

Press the SYSTEM button to open the SYSTEM menu. Use the Left/Right buttons to move through the menu pages. Press the SYSTEM button again to edit the setting with Up/Down. Press EXIT to return to the channel screen.

4.A.1 QUICK SETUP

QUICK SETUP mode will allow you to quickly configure a full system, without

having to set routing and crossover parameters from each Output screen.

(a.) Press SYSTEM, Right for “Quick Setup”, then SYSTEM. (b.) Use Up/Down to select one of the SYSTEM TYPE configurations below. (c.) Press SYSTEM. (d.) Use Up/Down to set the crossover frequency.

ex.: Hi – Low Freq: 2.30kHz

(e.) Press SYSTEM to exit the QUICK SETUP mode.

Note: The default Crossover Filter Type: Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/Octave can be changed in the Output Settings.

DCM2000Lx, DCM3800Lx: Mono2Way: Mono 2-way (Bi-amp)

Input: A

Crossover: Low/High

Outputs: 1:Low(A), 2:High(A)

DCM2004Lx: Str2Way: Stereo 2-Way (Two pairs of Bi-amp)

Inputs: A and B

Crossover: Low/High

Outputs: 1:Low(A), 2:High(A), 3:Low(B), 4:High(B)

Mono3Way: Mono 3-Way (Tri-amp)

Input: A

Crossovers: High/Mid, Mid/Low

Outputs: 1:Low(A), 2:Mid(A), 3:High(A)

Mono4Way: Mono 4-Way (hi / mid / low / sub)

Input: A

Crossovers: High/Mid, Mid/Low and Low/Sub

Outputs: 1:Sub(A), 2:Low(A), 3:Mid(A), 4:High(A)

3WbrgSub: 3-Way Bridge Sub (Tri-amp with amps 1&2 bridged for Sub)

Input: A

Crossovers: High/Low, Low/Sub

Outputs: 1/2 BRIDGE: Sub(A), 3:Low(A), 4:High(A)

St2BrSub: Stereo 2 way Bridged Sub (L/R + amps 1&2 bridged for Sub)

Inputs: A and B

Crossovers: High/Sub

Outputs: 1/2 BRIDGE: Sub(A+B), 3:High(A), 4:High(B)

4.A.2 FLAT CHANNEL

This will set the parameters for an INPUT or OUTPUT channel to the “0” or Flat setting and all crossovers will be set wide open at 20Hz to 20kHz.

(a.) Press SYSTEM, Right (2x) for “Flatten Channel” then SYSTEM. (b.) Use Up/Down to select the channel to flatten. (c.) Press SYSTEM to continue and reset to flat (or EXIT to cancel) .

4.A.3 COPY CHANNEL

To copy channel settings to another Input or Output, use COPY CHANNEL.

(a.) Press SYSTEM, Right (3x) for “Copy Channel”, then SYSTEM. (b.) Use Up/Down to select the channel to copy from. (c.) Press SYSTEM. (d.) Use Up/Down to select a channel location to be pasted into. (e.) Press SYSTEM again to finish or EXIT to end.

4.A.4 BRIDGING CHANNELS

CHANNEL BRIDGING combines two amps for more power to a single

output. When CHANNEL BRIDGING connect the speaker(s) to the BRIDGE OUTPUTs on the DCM2004Lx use OUTPUT 1 (pins 1+, 2+) or OUTPUT 3 (pins 1+, 2+). *Bridged minimum impedance: DCM2004Lx = 8 ohms.

DCM2000Lx and DCM3800Lx = 4 ohms.

(a.) Press SYSTEM, Right (4x) for “Channel Bridging” then SYSTEM. (b.) Use Up/Down to turn Bridging ON or OFF. (b.2) On the 4 channel DCM2004Lx select which amps to bridge (1-2, or 3-4) with Left/Right. (c.) Press SYSTEM again to finish or EXIT to end.

4.A.5 SPEAKER PRESET (LOAD from memory)

You can recall speaker presets optimized for specific CARVIN loudspeakers

and load them to OUTPUT channels. The presets contain optimized settings for crossover frequencies, EQ, Delay (alignment), and Threshold (Limiter) which are tuned for the specific speaker elements in the speaker cabinet. These presets can also be used as starting points for similar speakers in other systems. If you have already done a Quick Setup, loading speaker presets will overwrite the OUTPUT settings.

(a.) Press SYSTEM, Right (5x) for “Preset Speaker” then SYSTEM. (b.) Use Up/Down to choose a preset from the list. (c.) Press SYSTEM to enter. (d.) Use Up/Down to choose a “SAVE:” to channel 1 or 2, (1 thru 4 on the

DCM2004Lx).

(e.) Press SYSTEM to enter. (f.) Repeat steps (b.) – (e.) to load remaining outputs (or EXIT).

Example: To set up for a CARVIN TRx115 cabinet:

Choose “TRx115Lo” and Save to Channel “1” (Low freq. Output), then choose “TRx115Hi” and Save to Channel “2” (Hi freq. Output). The crossover and other settings will now be set correctly for a TRx115 cabinet, (Note: set the switch on the speaker’s jack plate to BI-AMP).

+ 18 hidden pages