Carvin BX500 Bass Amplifier User Manual

Product Overview

The Carvin BX Series Bass Amplifier Heads offer classic natural bass tone with unprecedented tonal control and extended headroom. The BX500 delivers 300W at 8 ohms, 500W at 4 ohms, and 500W at 2 ohms, while weighing under 6 pounds. It features four discrete Class A input stages for harmonic richness, a 12AX7 preamp tube for warmth (bypassable), and a Class-D output with a lightweight switch-mode power supply for efficiency.

Key features include:

• Discrete CLASS A input stages
• Preamp DRIVE and MASTER volume controls
• 2 mid-sweep semi-parametric EQ, BASS and TREBLE
• Switchable 9-band Graphic EQ
• Single knob COMPRESSOR
• Effect Loop
• Switchable MUTE
• DIRECT OUT balanced XLR with front panel LEVEL
• Switchable Ground Lift
• TUNER output jack
• High current SPEAKON® and standard 1/4" speaker output jacks
• CLASS-D amplifier runs cool
• Variable speed fan
• Compact and lightweight design

Getting Started

1. Connect a speaker cabinet to one of the rear SPEAKER OUTPUTS.
2. Set DRIVE and MASTER volume to "0". Set the ACTIVE INPUT switch for your bass type (ACTIVE if equipped with a battery).
3. Set tone controls to center "0" and CONTOUR to FLAT. Turn off the graphic EQ.
4. Turn the amp ON. Gradually increase the MASTER control. Check MUTE switch, speaker connections, and PROTECT LED if no sound is heard.
5. Increase DRIVE for harmonic richness; re-adjust MASTER volume as DRIVE increases volume.
6. Adjust tone controls to your preference.
7. For more volume, use multiple speakers. Doubling speakers increases acoustic output by a factor of four.

Front Panel Controls

1. INPUT JACK

1/4" jack for instrument input, handles active and passive basses.

2. BLUE JEWEL LIGHT (POWER INDICATOR)

Indicates power status. May indicate protection circuit activation if it stays lit.

3. MUTE SWITCH (FOOT-SWITCHABLE)

Turns off amplifier output. Ideal for silent tuning. Tuner output is never muted. Can be switched with optional FS22 footswitch.

4. ACTIVE SWITCH

Select DOWN for standard pickups, UP for basses with active preamps.

5. DI LEVEL (DIRECT OUT)

Controls the output level of the balanced XLR DIRECT OUTPUT jack. Not affected by other controls.

6. DRIVE CONTROL

Adjusts input level to Class A preamps. Affects harmonic content and volume.

7. CONTOUR CONTROL

Provides variable mid-range scoop. "FLAT" is no change. Clockwise scoops mids at 350Hz, up to -15dB at 500Hz at maximum.

8. BASS and TREBLE TONE CONTROLS

Custom shaped tone controls for lows (boosts at 80Hz) and highs (boosts at 5kHz).

9. SEMI-PARAMETRIC MID SWEEP TONE CONTROLS (LO MID, HI MID & FREQ)

Allows fine-tuning of mid-range frequencies. The FREQ control affects the LO MID and HI MID bands when the GAIN is not at the center "0" position.

10. COMPRESSOR

Reduces the volume of incoming signal peaks. Adjusts compression ratio from 1:1 (off) to 3:1 (max). Helps prevent distortion.

11. 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER and EQ IN SWITCH (FOOTSWITCHABLE)

Fine-tunes the amp's output tonal content. Can be switched on/off with optional FS22 footswitch or front panel switch.

12. MASTER VOLUME

Controls the overall amplifier volume. Reduce if sound becomes distorted.

13. POWER SWITCH

Turns the amplifier ON or OFF.

Rear Panel Controls

14. PROTECT LED

Indicates protection circuit activation. Reset by turning power off for 10 seconds. Check speaker connections, 2 OHM switch, or fan intake if it remains lit.

15. TUBE BYPASS SWITCH

Bypasses the 12AX7 preamp tube for a pure solid-state signal path.

16. EFFECTS LOOP (SEND/RETURN)

Connect external effects processors. SEND is preamp output; RETURN breaks preamp connection.

17. PHONES/TUNER JACK (UNMUTED)

Stereo 1/4" jack for tuner or headphones. Unaffected by MUTE. Volume adjusted by DRIVE control.

18. DIRECT OUTPUT XLR JACK (MUTED)

Balanced output from input jack (PRE). Level controlled by DI LEVEL. Muted with MUTE function. Protected against phantom power.

19. DIRECT OUTPUT GROUND LIFT SWITCH

Helps eliminate hum when connecting XLR to a mixer.

20. FOOTSWITCH JACK

Connects optional FS22 footswitch for remote MUTE and Graphic EQ control.

21. SPEAKER OUTPUTS

Two combination 1/4" and SPEAKON® connectors. Use with minimum load of 4 ohms (or 2 ohms with 2 OHM switch engaged).

22. 2 OHM SWITCH

Allows operation with speaker loads down to 2 ohms. Engage if total impedance is less than 4 ohms.

23. FAN INTAKE VENTS

Ensure these are kept clear for proper cooling.

24. AC POWER JACK & FUSE

Accepts 90-250VAC. Fuse type is 5A, 250V Slow Blow.

Specifications

Output Power

8 ohms: 300W

4 ohms: 500W

2 ohms: 500W (2 ohm switch engaged)

Input Impedance

>200K

Tone Controls

CONTOUR, TREBLE: 10K, BASS: 50Hz, MIDs: 2 semi-parametric sweep (50Hz-500Hz, 200Hz-2kHz), 9-band Graphic EQ

Drive Control

Varies input gain and harmonic content

AC Requirements

90 to 250VAC 50/60 Hz

Power Requirements

150VA

Dimensions

14.0"W x 8.25"D x 3.25"H (356 x 209 x 83mm)

Weight

5.9 lbs. net (2.68 kgs)

Warranty

One year parts and labor

Optional Accessories

FS22 footswitch, BX500RP rackmount kit, CB500 padded nylon carry bag

Helpful Hints

1. No sound: Check MUTE, speaker connections, and Effect Loop connections.
2. AMP seems very sensitive on input signals: Check DRIVE control setting and ACTIVE switch setting.
3. DIR XLR hum: Try the GND LIFT switch. Check for noise from external effects or bad cabling.
4. POOR BASS FROM MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES: Ensure internal speaker wiring is correct for phase (+/-).
5. FOR MAXIMUM OUTPUT: Use multiple speakers or enclosures. Load the amplifier to its lowest minimum impedance (4 ohms or 2 ohms with switch engaged). Use SPEAKON® cables for high current capacity.

Important Safety Information

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.

WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use near water.

POWER SOURCES: Connect only to the type described or marked on the appliance.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Do not defeat grounding or polarization.

POWER CORD PROTECTION: Route cords to prevent damage.

SERVICING: Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

FUSING: Replace fuse only with the same type.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN): Follow color coding for AC power cord conductors.

U.K. MAIN PLUG WARNING: Do not use a damaged or cut main plug.

Limited Warranty

Carvin products are guaranteed against failure for 1 YEAR 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 Audio products. CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Maintaining Your Equipment

Avoid spilling liquids or allowing foreign matter inside the unit. Clean the panel with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged use in caustic environments (salt air).

Service

In the USA, visit www.carvinaudio.com. Outside the USA, contact your dealer or visit www.carvinaudio.com and click on "Dealers". Include a written description of the problem with serial number and date of purchase.

CAUTION: REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH VOLTAGE INSIDE!