CARVIN XP2 Operating Manual

The Carvin XP series is a line of quality digital effect processors
designed for professional use in studio and live sound reinforce­ment applications. The XP2 and the XP4 are identical except that
the XP4 has 4 processors instead of 2. Thus, the XP4 is capable
of processing 4 independent mono channels, 2 stereo pairs or 2
independent mono channels and 1 stereo pair in a single rack
space. The XP series processors deliver this performance
through the use of easy to configure effect engines that may be
placed in either stereo or mono mode. This allows the XP2 and
XP4 to work with stereo audio sources while still maintaining the
flexibility to provide independent mono processing when it is
needed.

In independent mono engine processing, the engines may be
digitally linked in a serial fashion thus allowing each side of the
XP4 to function as a multi-effects processor.

ULTRA-FLEXIBLE FOOTSWITCHING

The footswitching capabilities of the XP processors are unparalleled in their flex­ibility. The unit can be easily operated in a live situation without requiring the
use of MIDI. Our flexible footswitching setup allows you to bypass either effect
engine independently, both at once, or alternately (channel switching) using
either our own FS22 footswitch or other footswitches that have a 1/4" plug and
suitable switch circuits!

COMPREHENSIVE MIDI SUPPORT

Both the XP4 and XP2 have a comprehensive MIDI implementation that allows
you to select effect programs and change any parameter or effect program that
has been selected on either side of the XP4 (this includes the effect wet/dry set­ting which is included in the effect program setup for each effect engine). MIDI
channels may be selected for each effect engine and/or optionally disabled with­out having to disconnect cables.

RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started

INSPECT YOUR PRODUCT FOR ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred dur­ing shipping. If any damage is found, please notify the shipping company and
CARVIN immediately.

SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. In the event you have to re­ship 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 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.

For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No.________________________________ Invoice Date_______________

EFFECTS LIST

• Reverb: Plate, Hall & Room. The reverbs carefully designed for smooth realistic
sound!

• Chorus: Rich 4-voice chorus with the ability to use triangle or sine LFO.

• Flanger: High quality flanging algorithms with + or - feedback selection.

• Phaser: Thick phasing effects with + or - feedback selections.

• EQ: Low, Mid, and High +6db, to -12db

• Delay/Echo: Precise delay time selection for up to 1 second of delay per effect

engine, and selectable loop filter.

• Rotary Speaker: Features ability to change drum and/or rotor slew rate for vintage
rotary speaker effects.

For a more in depth explanation of the effects and parameters, refer to page 13.

XP2/XP4 SUGGESTED USES

• Live Applications: Use with small and large concert sound systems for vocal effects
or to add effects to other instrument such as drums / percussion, guitars, bass key­boards etc.

• Live Recording: Use the XP processors to enhance 2 track stereo live recordings and
get a professional sounding recording direct-to-tape with the right combination of
effects.

• Studio Recording: Mixing down a multi-track master will sound awesome even in the
smallest home studio with the XP2 or XP4.

• Time Delay: Use with a live sound system to correct time/distance delays between
front of house speakers and rear or fill speakers.

XP2/XP4 SPECIFICATIONS:

THD+N: Less than .01%
Dynamic Range: >93dB (typically 95dB A-wt)
Frequency Response: 10 - 10kHz
Audio Interface: Unbalanced 1/4” Jack
Maximum Signal Output: 15dBu (5.8 Vrms)
Power Requirements: 95 to 250 VAC 50-60Hz
MIDI In/Thru: Program change, CC events
Size: 5.25”D x 19”W x 1.75”H
Weight: 4.5 lbs

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

[phone]

www.carvin.com

XP2 - Two Engine DSP

XP4 - Four Engine DSP

This manual covers the XP2 and XP4 units with the software release of r009 or higher. Check the software
release for compatibility if you purchased your XP unit prior to Oct 2000.

see pg 17 for instructions

FRONT & REAR PANEL

FRONT & REAR PANEL

2

6

5

1

3

4

4

13

7

10

9

12

11

FRONT PANEL

1. INPUT AND OUTPUT LEVELS

The input and output level controls are stereo level controls adjusting both
the EFF1 and EFF2 engines at the same time. When adjusting the input level
control be sure to watch the clip LED to prevent overloading the input.

2. CLIP INDICATOR

The red CLIP LED indicator will start to flash when the input signal is near
maximum (6db below distortion levels). To avoid clipping, decrease the
INPUT level.

3. BYPASS/SHIFT

Disengages the effect when pressed. Acts as a shift button for the com-

pare and global parameters.

4. EFF1, EFF2 SWITCHES AND LED INDICATORS

These switches select the individual effect engines for editing and chang­ing effects. When both of these buttons are pressed together, the two effect
engines function as one STEREO engine. The EFF1, EFF2 and STEREO
LEDs indicate which engine is selected and if they are in STEREO mode.

5. PARAMETER DISLPAY

Displays the effect assigned to EFF1 & EFF2. Also displays the edit para­meters.

6. VALUE , GLOBAL & COMPARE

These buttons are used for

scrolling through the effects and editing effect parameters.

7. EDIT

Selects the parameters to edit.

8. POWER SWITCH

The XP series of processors do a brief initialization when powered on.

This is indicated by “----“ on the displays while this is being done.

REAR PANEL

9. AC FUSE & AC POWER

The XP series processors have a switching power supply circuit capable

of accommodating all voltages from 95-250 VAC.

10. MIDI IN & MIDI THRU

Standard MIDI Patches. See MIDI section for more information.

11. FOOTSWITCH JACK

The footswitch jack is designed to accept a footswitch (like Carvin’s FS22)
with a stereo or mono 1/4” plug. See the Global Parameters section for more
information.

12. OUTPUTS 1/2

When the XP2/XP4 is in stereo mode, these 1/4” jacks are stereo L/R out­puts from the effect processor. When the unit is in dual mono mode these
are outputs from two separate mono effects.

13. INPUTS 1/2

While in dual mono mode, EFF1 & EFF2 are mono 1/4” inputs. When in
STEREO mode, EFF1 & EFF2 become the STEREO LEFT and EFF2 becomes
the STEREO RIGHT input.

XP2 FRONT

XP4 REAR

3

FUSE

4

3

2

1

010

INPUT

5

654

7

8

9

3

2

1

010

OUTPUT

VALUE

(GLOBAL)

(COMPARE)

EDIT

XP2

SAVE

TWO ENGINE DSP EFFECTS PROCESSOR

6

7

BYPASS EFF2EFF1

(SHIFT)

8

9

CLIP

STEREO

EFF 1 EFF 2

EFF1 EFF2

STEREO

ON

1-800-854-2235

www.carvin.com

100 to 250VAC

50 to 60Hz

20VA FUSE: 2ASB

MIDI

THRU

MIDI

BYPASS 3/4

IN

FOOTSWITCH

OUTPUTS 3/4

INPUTS 3/4

BYPASS 1/2

OUTPUTS 1/2

INPUTS 1/2

MADE

IN THE

AUS

RIGHTLEFT

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 3) (EFF 4)(EFF 3) (EFF 4)

FOOTSWITCH

RIGHTLEFT

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 1) (EFF 2)(EFF 1) (EFF 2)

S/N REMOVED

CONNECTING UP

CONNECTING UP

Connect the effects
send on the mixer to
the input on the XP

Use the Left input
when connecting a
mono signal.

Connect to the Left &
Right effect returns.

Connect the Left &
Right outputs to the
returns on the mixer.

When a stereo
source is avail­able, the XP
processor will
accommodate
both Left and
Right sources.

CONNECTING TO AN EFFECTS LOOP

You will need audio-instrument cables with 1/4” mono plugs. These are not included with your XP processor and are required for
connecting to an effects loop on a mixer or preamp. Carvin suggests high quality shielded cables for the best possible signal.
Carvin’s SH instrument cables are well suited for this type of installation.

1. Turn off all audio components that are to be connected.

2. Turn all your mixer’s send levels down as well as the input and output levels on the XP.

3. Connect the XP’s inputs to the Send (output) on the mixer or preamp effects loop.

4. Connect the XP’s output(s) to the Return(s) (input) on the mixer or preamp effects loop. Both Left and Right stereo outputs will

need to be used when in Stereo mode.

Connect the Left & Right
outputs to the returns on
the guitar amp.

Connect the effects send
on the guitar amp to the
input on the XP.

Connect to the Left &
Right effect returns. If
the amp has a mono
return, use only the Left
Output from the XP

MIXER CONNECTION (STEREO MODE)

GUITAR AMP CONNECTION (STEREO OR MONO MODE)

4

To use multiple effects please see the “Digital Linking” section on page 10

OUTPUTS 3/4

INPUTS 3/4

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 3) (EFF 4)(EFF 3) (EFF 4)

BYPASS 1/2

RIGHTLEFT

FOOTSWITCH

OUTPUTS 1/2

INPUTS 1/2

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 1) (EFF 2)(EFF 1) (EFF 2)

MADE

IN THE

AUS

RIGHTLEFT

S/N REMOVED

LINE

LINE

LINE

MIC

MIC

MIC

DIR - INSERT

DIR - INSERT

DIR - INSERT

DIR - INSERT

LEFT RIGHT MONO

222120191817

LINE

LINE

MIC

MIC

DIR - INSERT

DIR - INSERT

2423

PHANTOM

LINE

MIC

DIR - INSERT

LINE

POWER

17-24

MIC

MIC

DIR - INSERT

RTN 2 LEFF 2 RTN 2 R RIGHT

LEFT

RTN 3 LEFF 3 RTN 3 R MON 2

MON 1

TAPE

R

MONO

OUT

TAPE IN

PHONES

OUTPUTS 3/4

BYPASS 3/4

MIDI

MIDI

IN

THRU

FOOTSWITCH

INPUTS 3/4

RIGHTLEFT

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 3) (EFF 4)(EFF 3) (EFF 4)

BYPASS 1/2

FOOTSWITCH

OUTPUTS 1/2

INPUTS 1/2

MADE

IN THE

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 1) (EFF 2)(EFF 1) (EFF 2)

AUS

RIGHTLEFT

S/N REMOVED

Guitar Amp
Effects Loop

EFFECTS

EFFECTS RETURN

LEFT

SEND

RIGHT

CONNECTING UP

CONNECTING UP

O

Connect the consoles Aux Return(s) to
the XP’s outputs via 1/4” audio cables.

(If the console features stereo Aux returns,

you can use both L & R outputs on the XP
when in Stereo mode.)

Connect the consoles
Aux Send to the XP’s
inputs via 1/4” audio
cables.

DIAGRAM FOR AUX SEND/RETURN (DUAL MONO MODE)

CONNECTING TO AUXILIARY SENDS

In this case, the Aux sends and returns will be used as a mono effects loop. If the console features stereo Aux returns, use both L &

R outputs on the XP.

1. Turn off all audio components that are to be connected.

2. Turn all mixer’s aux send levels down as well as the input and output levels on the XP.

3. Connect the consoles’ Aux Send to the XP’s inputs via 1/4” audio cables.

4. Connect the consoles’ Aux Return(s) to the XP’s outputs via 1/4” audio cables.

5

BYPASS 3/4

MIDI

MIDI

IN

THRU

2235

.com

AC
z
2ASB

FOOTSWITCH

OUTPUTS 3/4

INPUTS 3/4

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 3) (EFF 4)(EFF 3) (EFF 4)

BYPASS 1/2

RIGHTLEFT

FOOTSWITCH

OUTPUTS 1/2

INPUTS 1/2

RIGHTLEFT

(EFF 1) (EFF 2)(EFF 1) (EFF 2)

MADE

IN THE

AUS

RIGHTLEFT

S/N REMOVED

12345678L R

1

1234

AUX

5

SEND

AUX

RETURN

2345678

678

LR

12LR3

INSERTS
GROUPS

CONTROL

L-R

STUDIO

L-R

LR

PHONES

PHONES

L

OUT

IN

LR

4

R

LEFT

TAPE

P

RIGHT

1. Choose either effect 1 or 2

2. Use your value buttons to scroll up or down until you reach the desired factory set effect program.

TIP: To scroll up or down very quickly hold down the value button. To limit the scroll speed, simultaneously
push the other value button while scrolling.

SELECTING EFFECT PROGRAMS

SELECTING EFFECT PROGRAMS

reverb

chorus

delay

rotary

speaker

FACTORY PRESETS

00-19 Plates
20-29 Rooms
40-49 Halls

FACTORY PRESETS

60-64 + Feedback
65-69 - Feedback

FACTORY PRESETS

70-74 + Feedback
75-79 - Feedback

FACTORY PRESETS

50-54 Triangle
55-59 Sine

FACTORY PRESETS

80-89 Misc Delays

FACTORY PRESETS

90-99 Various

EFFECTS PARAMETERS

flanger

phaser

1 2

1

1

2

for a more detailed list of effects, please see the Effects Algorithms listed on pg.11

1. Push the right EDIT button & BYPASS/SHIFT button (you will now be able to edit)

2. Now use the VALUE buttons to select the desired parameter to be changed.

3. Push the right EDIT button again and use the VALUE buttons to change the value of the parameters.

Please see pg 11 for more on effect parameters. To exit this operation, simply press either of the EFF buttons.

HOW TO CHANGE EFFECT PROGRAMS

HOW TO CHANGE EFFECTS PARAMETERS

press both simultaneously

1

HOW TO SAVE CHANGES AND/OR SAVE CREATED EFFECT PROGRAMS

press both simultaneously

1. After making adjustments to your effect program, press both EDIT LT and EDIT RT at the same time . The
screen will read Prxx. The "xx" indicates that effect program's number.

To exit this operation without saving, simply press either of the EFF buttons.

2. To complete the save push both EDIT buttons again simultaneously.

6

FOR ADVANCED USERS

See page 10 to enable Expert Mode and how to
re-number the order of the effects parameters !

4

3

2

1

010

INPUT

5

654

7

8

9

3

2

1

010

OUTPUT

6

7

BYPASS EFF2EFF1

(SHIFT)

8

9

CLIP

STEREO

EFF 1 EFF 2

EFF1 EFF2

STEREO

VALUE

(GLOBAL)

(COMPARE)

EDIT

XP2

SAVE

TWO ENGINE DSP EFFECTS PROCESSOR

ON

4

3

2

1

010

INPUT

5

654

7

8

9

3

2

1

010

OUTPUT

6

7

BYPASS EFF2EFF1

(SHIFT)

8

9

CLIP

STEREO

EFF 1 EFF 2

EFF1 EFF2

STEREO

VALUE

(GLOBAL)

(COMPARE)

EDIT

XP2

SAVE

TWO ENGINE DSP EFFECTS PROCESSOR

ON

4

3
2

1

010

INPUT

5

654

7
8
9

3
2
1

010

OUTPUT

6

7

BYPASS EFF2EFF1

(SHIFT)

8

9

CLIP

STEREO

EFF 1 EFF 2

EFF1 EFF2

STEREO

VALUE

(GLOBAL)

(COMPARE)

EDIT

XP2

SAVE

TWO ENGINE DSP EFFECTS PROCESSOR

ON