Cerwin-Vega CVA-115 User Manual

The following guide is a quick reference that will help you to easily set up your Cerwin-Vega!
Active speakers. For more information, please read your product’s User Manual.

Before we describe the Cerwin-Vega! Active speakers’ main components check the following instructions:

1. Connect power and audio cables and make sure that the levels are all the way down (at zero).

2. Power on the speaker(s).

3. Verify that you have power via the Power LED.

4. Verify that you have signal. Turning the master level up slightly (we recommend not turning the level past the medium mark (12 o’clock)
until you are sure you have a clean (undistorted) signal.

CVA-115, 118, & 121

Power Input and Power On / Off (Figure 1)

1. Power Input (w/ Fuse)
Connect here the IEC power cord. Do not use other type of power cord.

Note May be hardwired on CVA-121.

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2. Power On / Off
Switches the system On and Off. Before powering On, make sure the Level is turned down and
that you have selected the correct signal type in (Mic/DI or Line).

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CVA Series Subwoofer Back Panel (Figure 2)

3. Audio Input (XLR or ½”)

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Figure 2

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Balanced (Left & Right) XLR and 1/4 inch TRS connectors accept signals from balanced or
unbalanced line level or Mic level sources. Signal at In is buffered and routed to Thru.

4. Audio Thru (XLR or ½”)
This Thru signal bypasses the controls and is a buffered output of the In signal. Allows the
signal at In to be routed to a full range top speaker cabinet such as a system matched CVA-28.

Note The High Pass Thru setting affects this signal, if unsure leave in Bypass. Please see the
description of the High Pass Control later in this document.

5. Link Out (XLR or ½”) (w/ Master/Slave switch) (Optional setup)
This output signal is to be used when “daisy chaining” multiple CVA subs. Set the Variable Low
Pass on the first sub and make it the Master; this setting is now passed through the Link Out to
all other subs set on Slave via the Slave input.

6. LED indicators
A. Power Indicator: Illuminates when the system is powered On, (it should remain lit).
B. Limit Indicator: Illuminates when the protection limiter is active, (this may blink

C. Protect Indicator: Illuminates when the amp has shut down to protect itself.

Tip If this occurs, check the all connections, fuses, and make sure you have proper
amperage in the outlet.

D. Signal Indicator: An audio signal is present at the input, (normally is lit, or blinks).

occasionally but should not remain lit).

7. Level
Adjusts the input signal (master volume) to the amplifier (i.e. over all loudness / volume). Make
sure this is not turned up when powering On or when switching the input (Mic/DI – Line).

8. High Pass (to Thru)
Reduces low frequencies in top speaker cabinet that can conflict with CVA sub frequencies. For
a simple yet flexible control, we have made this a four-position switch; the HPF blocks LF
signals below the indicated frequency from reaching the top cabinet (Thru).

9. Polarity Switch
Changes the polarity of the subwoofer, also referred to as the “phase.” Listen and adjust for maximum bass.

10. Variable Low Pass (Sub frequencies)
When sending a full range signal to the subwoofer, the variable LPF blocks HF signals above indicated frequencies from reaching the

subwoofer.

Note This control only affects the sub in Master mode, if your sub is in Slave mode it will receive this setting from the Master sub).

Tip If your sub sounds “muddy” or “muffled” try turning this control counter clockwise to the 9 o’clock position or lower.

CVA-121

Parametric EQ for Sub Setup (Figure 3)

The parametric EQ was designed to cut offending frequencies from wall boundary conditions and
or bump frequencies that need more emphasis. For example, when your subs are near a glass

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wall or other boundaries that may rattle or shake, or for bands that have a drummer that they may
want to fine-tune the sub to “punch” a specific frequency.

Tip If you are unfamiliar w/ Parametric EQs, do some research about it or leave in the
Bypass position.

1. Gain = Volume / Level:
Turning clockwise increases the overall sound produced.

Figure 3

CVA-28 (Figure 4)

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2. Frequency = the specific frequency being adjusted – the Q parameter works in tandem with
the Q parameter.

Turning clockwise allows for more upper bass and mid range frequencies to be produced.

3. Q = the width of the frequency range being affected.
Turning clockwise narrows the frequency range that is being affected. Turning counter
clockwise widens the frequency range being affected.

4. Bypass / On switch
In the Bypass position, the EQ is not active and the previous controls are null.

1. Power (AC) Input (w/ Fuse)
Connect here the IEC power cord. Do not use other type of power cord.

2. Power (AC) Output
Intended to run power for one or two additional CVA-28 units. Never

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daisy chain more than three CVA-28’s from a single source!

Note This only applies to power cables – not the audio cables.

3. Voltage Switch
Allows system to be used with supply voltages of either 110-120 volts
or 220- 240 volts.

Warning Make sure you have selected the correct voltage based
upon your countries standard voltage before you power up your
speaker.

Figure 4

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4. Power On / Off
Switches the system On and Off. Make sure the Level is turned down
and that you have selected the correct signal type in (Mic/DI or Line)
before powering On.

Warning Unexpected High pressure sound levels can occur by
sending a line level signal to the CVA-28 while the unit is set for a
DI input, such as for an acoustic guitar.