Sound Town CARME Series Dual 8" 2-Way Passive Professional Loudspeaker

1. Introduction

The Sound Town CARME-U208BG3 is a professional-grade, full-range 2-way passive loudspeaker designed for various small to medium-sized venues. This speaker is suitable for main sound reinforcement or monitoring applications in environments such as churches, restaurants, meeting rooms, courtyards, and stages. Its robust construction and flexible mounting options ensure reliable performance in both portable and permanent sound systems.

Key features include dual 8-inch woofers and a 1.4-inch titanium compression driver, delivering a broad frequency response from 55Hz to 20KHz. The speaker handles 300W RMS and 600W program power at 4 ohms. Constructed with 5/8-inch painted plywood and a heavy-duty metal grille, the CARME-U208BG3 is built for durability and ease of transport.

2. Setup and Installation

2.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the loudspeaker from its packaging. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage during transit. Retain the packaging for future transport or storage.

What's in the Box:

• CARME-U208BG3 Loudspeaker

2.2 Mounting Options

The CARME-U208BG3 offers flexible mounting solutions to suit various installation requirements. The speaker features a 90° x 60° rotatable horn, allowing for optimal sound dispersion whether mounted vertically or horizontally.

Image: Sound Town CARME-U208BG3 loudspeaker with U-bracket attached, viewed from the side. The U-bracket facilitates various mounting configurations.

Horizontal Mounting: The included U-bracket can be used to mount the speaker horizontally. This configuration is often preferred for wider sound coverage in certain venues.

Image: Diagram illustrating horizontal mounting using the U-bracket (included) and vertical mounting options. The vertical mounting shows the speaker on a stand and with an optional wall mount bracket.

Vertical Mounting: For vertical installations, the speaker can be mounted using a wall mount bracket (model CWB-1A-PAIR, sold separately). This allows for precise positioning and aiming.

Pole Mounting: The multipurpose mounting adapter can be configured as a universal 35mm socket, allowing the speaker to be mounted on a standard speaker stand pole (e.g., STSD-71B, sold separately).

Image: Instructions for using the STSD-AD3B speaker mount adapter. This adapter allows for both M10 threading for fixed installations and 35mm mounting for speaker stands.

2.3 Connections

The CARME-U208BG3 features two Speakon connectors and barrier strip input connectors for audio input. Ensure proper polarity when connecting to an amplifier.

Image: Rear input panel of the CARME-U208BG3, detailing Speakon and barrier strip connections. Note the 4 Ohm nominal impedance and 300W RMS / 600W program power rating.

• Connect your amplifier's output to either of the Speakon inputs or the barrier strip.
• Use high-quality speaker cables for optimal performance and to prevent signal loss.
• Ensure the amplifier's impedance matches or is compatible with the speaker's 4-ohm impedance.

3. Operation

Once properly installed and connected, the CARME-U208BG3 is ready for operation. Follow these guidelines for optimal performance:

• Power Handling: The speaker can handle 300W RMS and 600W program power. Avoid exceeding these limits to prevent damage.
• Impedance: The nominal impedance is 4 ohms. Ensure your amplifier is stable at this impedance.
• Frequency Response: The speaker provides a frequency response of 55Hz-20KHz. Adjust your audio source and equalizer settings to achieve the desired sound profile for your application.
• Crossover: The internal crossover is set at 18 dB per octave at 2500 Hz, with dual glass bulb tweeter protection.
• Sound Levels: Always start with low volume levels and gradually increase to the desired listening level to prevent sudden loud noises and potential damage to your hearing or equipment.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your CARME-U208BG3 loudspeaker.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the speaker. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes, as these can damage the finish.
• Grille: Periodically check the metal grille for any dust or debris accumulation. A soft brush can be used to gently remove particles.
• Storage: If storing the speaker for an extended period, keep it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in its original packaging or a protective case.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect all connections and mounting hardware to ensure they are secure.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CARME-U208BG3 loudspeaker, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections from the amplifier to the speaker. Ensure they are securely plugged in and not damaged.
  • Verify that the amplifier is powered on and functioning correctly.
  • Confirm the audio source is active and sending a signal.
  • Check the amplifier's volume and mute settings.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the volume level on both the amplifier and the audio source. Overdriving the speaker or amplifier can cause distortion.
  • Check for damaged cables or loose connections.
  • Ensure the amplifier's impedance matches the speaker's 4-ohm impedance.
  • Inspect the speaker cones for any visible damage.
• Intermittent Sound:
  • Examine all cables for intermittent breaks or loose connectors.
  • Ensure power connections to the amplifier are stable.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Sound Town customer support.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty Information

The Sound Town CARME-U208BG3 loudspeaker comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or improper installation.

Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, refer to the official Sound Town website or contact customer support.

8. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries regarding your Sound Town CARME-U208BG3 loudspeaker, please visit the official Sound Town website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or product packaging.

When contacting support, please have your product model number (CARME-U208BG3) and proof of purchase readily available.