CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Series III RedLine bass amp. Your new amp has been totally redesigned from earlier Series I and II releases. Enhancements come from the new internal construction using SMT (surface mounted components). Design changes include the new 12AX7 Tube Emulator (no tube maintenance), noise gate, compressor, high current Twist-Lok speaker connectors, adjustable Direct Out and separate preamp insert jacks. While all the internal circuits have been changed, the classic outer panel remains the same as one of the leading designs in pro bass amplification. This manual covers the R600 and R1000 head, Cyclops and Red Eye combo amplifiers.

Getting Started Quickly

If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get started playing right away. However, with a full featured amp like the R600/R1000, the setup must be right or you will experience unsatisfactory results. Before you start, be sure your amp is plugged into the correct AC voltage.

1. Plug your bass guitar into the ACTIVE (bass with preamp) or PASSIVE (bass with no battery) input jack. With your bass full on and playing hard, be sure the CLIP indicator next to the input jacks is not flashing (very dim flashing is OK) or preamp distortion will result. Use the ACTIVE input if your instrument continues to cause clipping.
2. The INPUT GAIN control should be set at the center "0" position. The AMP 1 & 2 and MASTER VOLUME levels should be set at their center "5" position. If these settings are too loud, then bring down the MASTER VOLUME. However, the GAIN control should be kept at "0" or higher for the best signal to noise performance. Note, the GAIN control does not turn the input off.
3. Set the COMPRESSOR & GATE to their off position. Read about their functions later.
4. Set the LOW, MID SWEEP and HIGH tone controls to their off center "0" position. Adjust later after you are more familiar with the amp.
5. Set the 9 EQ bands to their "0" center positions and adjust later if needed. The EQ switch is used to defeat the EQ.
6. Set the guitar's level full on and turn the master VOLUME OFF. Now, turn the amp ON and gradually raise the master VOLUME (set the input GAIN at "0" & the AMP 1 & 2 at "5"). Re-adjust according to the desired volume. Never try to get full power by pushing the input GAIN control to its maximum while keeping the AMP 1 & 2 and MASTER VOLUME levels below 5.
7. Your tone shaping should start with the PRE-SHAPE filters. You can use the tone controls and the 9-band graphic EQ as more tone variation is required. It is not recommended to add a lot of bass if the pre-shape bass filter is used especially at high levels because early clipping can occur. Use moderation when dialing in tone.
8. Use the built-in COMPRESSOR to limit peaks. This will help you get more power from your system by keeping the amps from clipping.
9. Biamping the CYCLOPS combo or any large bass stacks requires careful balancing of the AMP 1 & 2 controls. These amp controls power the woofer and midrange/tweeter independently. Double check to see that the speaker's components are plugged into the correct amp jacks. If the cables are reversed (feeding the wrong speakers), the BRIDGE switch is inadvertently pushed in, or the front BIAMP switch or X-OVER frequency is incorrectly set, your amp will not perform correctly. Carefully checking these items will help prevent service calls.
10. Need more power? Even though the R600/R1000 is a powerful amp, adding more speakers is the only way for substantially more output. Every time you double your speakers, your acoustic output goes up by a factor of four. This is far more efficient than trying to add 4 times the power especially when speakers become less efficient when driving them harder. Bridging your amp into a 4 ohm system will give you more output. However, speakers can be damaged from high power or the amp will go into "protect" if loaded below 4 ohms. Hopefully, this will help you get started. Have fun exploring the many new features and sounds of the R600/R1000. Take your time because your new amp has a lot of potential if properly setup!

Receiving Inspection

INSPECT YOUR UNIT 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. You may register your warranty online @carvin.com/registration

Designed for Touring

Every R600 & R1000 is made from heavy-duty 16 gauge steel that is galvanized before being painted to prevent rust. All internal cabling is neatly tied and harnessed. Every circuit card is MIL SPEC, double-sided, through-hole plated, fire retardant FR-4 glass epoxy. This insures that the solder flows on the top, bottom and through each hole of every component, preventing components from shaking loose. Toroid transformers are used as they are the engineer's choice for greater power supply current while reducing weight and magnetic "hum" fields.

Specifications

For your records, record the following information.

Serial No.: _____________________ Invoice Date: _______________

CARVIN
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
858.487.1600 800.854.2235
www.carvin.com

Front Panel Controls

1. INPUT GROUP

   Two 1/4" phone jacks are provided to accommodate both passive and active instruments. The PASSIVE input is to be used with bass guitars with standard high impedance pickups. This high impedance input offers 8db more gain than the ACTIVE input jack. The ACTIVE input is to be used with instruments that contain active electronics. The INPUT GAIN knob is used to set the input level and the BLEND knob controls how much signal is mixed through the "TUBE EMULATOR". The red CLIP indicator shows when the input is close to clipping. To avoid clipping, reduce the bass level, GAIN knob, or use the ACTIVE input jack.

2. PRE-SHAPE EQ

   The PRE-SHAPE EQ is useful for dialing in your tone quickly. The LOW BOOST switch provides a 8dB boost at just under 80Hz. This is useful for adding some depth to the bottom-end without bringing up the lower midrange. The MID SHIFT switch offers two different scooped mid selections. In the IN position, the amp has a 10dB cut at 250Hz. Depressing this button raises the cut frequency to 500Hz. The HI BOOST switch offers a 6dB boost at 3kHz. This can provide good high frequency compensation when using 15" or 18" speakers with no tweeters.

3. MAIN EQ TONE CONTROLS

   The main EQ tone controls consist of a low shelving control, a sweep midrange control, and a high shelving control. The LOW EQ control provides the overall shaping of the low frequencies. The action of this control has been carefully matched to the response of the bass guitar. The MID SWEEP controls perform as a semi-parametric EQ over the mid frequency range. The MID GAIN knob provides a boosting or cutting action at a relatively narrow band of frequencies. When the EQ GAIN knob of the MID SWEEP controls is set to "0", the mid sweep will have no effect. To boost or cut a specific frequency, rotate the MID GAIN knob clockwise (right) or counter clockwise (left) respectively. The FREQ control knob is used to select the center frequency where the boosting or cutting will occur. The best way to become familiar with the MID SWEEP control is to set the MID GAIN knob at either full cut or full boost and rotate the FREQ knob over its range of frequencies. Listen to the results and experiment with different levels. The MID SWEEP EQ is a powerful sound shaping tool which usually requires some practice to get the best results. The HIGH EQ control knob is designed to cut or boost the high frequencies of the bass guitar. Boosting with this control is useful for bringing up the very highest harmonics of the bass, which is especially useful when slapping or popping. Note: boosting the high frequencies can result in increased hiss, especially when using tweeters. This is normal.

4. COMPRESSOR

   The COMPRESSOR of the RedLine Series amps is designed to limit the peaks so the volume level is more constant. This allows greater average power to your speakers without the power amps clipping (distorting). The R600/R1000 two-knob compressor with THRESHOLD and RATIO controls is more flexible and precise than a single control unit. The user can dial up the exact amount of compression desired and at what level they want the compression to begin. The THRESHOLD control knob sets the point where the compressor kicks in. In the OFF position, the compressor has no effect on the sound. Rotating this control in the clockwise direction lowers the level where the compressor turns on. The compressor indicator LED shows when this threshold is obtained, thus showing when the compressor is on. The RATIO knob is used to set the amount of compression once the threshold has been reached. When this knob is swept all the way counter clockwise (left), the unit is set for mild compression. As the knob is rotated clockwise (right), the compression ratio increases. The range of available compression ratios is 1.3 to 1 in the full counter clockwise position and 5 to 1 in the full clockwise position. The compressor is interactive with the input gain knob and the volume knobs on the bass guitar itself. Lowering the volume feeding the compressor will reduce the amount of compression and raising it will result in more compression. To get a tight limiting sound which is often nice for slap style playing, set the RATIO control to the full clockwise position and bring up the THRESHOLD knob until the desired reduction is realized.

5. NOISE GATE

   The noise GATE reduces the noise caused by the pickups. To use the GATE, mute the strings with your hand and raise the THRESHOLD control knob until the amp's noise is turned off and the green LED turns off. The GATE will turn the amp on as the bass is played. The INPUT GAIN will affect the gate setting.

6. ELECTRONIC X-OVER (BI-AMPING)

   The electronic X-OVER is used to set the amp for a bi-amped configuration. When the BI-AMP / FULL RANGE selector switch is in the "OUT" position, the amp is in the bi-amp mode. To select the crossover frequency, rotate the FREQ control knob until the desired frequency is obtained. Try 800Hz. A bi-amped system allows the user greater control over the tone of their bass rig. This allows speakers designed for specific frequencies to be utilized to their fullest potential. NOTE: BI-AMPING DOES NOT NECESSARILY DELIVER THE MOST VOLUME FROM YOUR SYSTEM.

7. GRAPHIC EQ/EFFECTS LOOP

   The nine-band graphic EQ has been designed with the center frequencies most requested by professional bass players. This EQ can be used to fine-tune the tonal content of the amp's output. Since the graphic EQ is controllable with either the optional FS22 footswitch or the EQ switch on the front panel, it can be used to develop a second sound from the amp. Musicians that play more than one bass on stage will find this useful to get the sounds they desire out of each instrument. The footswitch-selectable graphic EQ can also be useful during passages of a song when the bass needs to punch through the mix. A GREEN LED indicator located along the side of the EQ signifies when the graphic EQ is working. The YELLOW effect loop LED labeled EFF LOOP indicates when the effects loop is turned on. Note: the EQ switch on the front panel overrides the footswitch. So when the graphic EQ is off, it cannot be turned on with the footswitch.

8. OUTPUT CONTROL GROUP

   The output group determines how the RedLine amplifiers interface with other gear and speakers. The POWER AMP CONTROL 1 & 2 controls the volume to the individual amps. These are used to balance the low and high cabinets when in full range or bi-amping modes (stereo). To set the balance, bring up the AMP 1 (LOW FREQ) knob until the desired volume level is reached. Now bring up the AMP 2 (HIGH FREQ) knob until the desired balance has been achieved. The master VOLUME control sets the overall volume.

9. POWER / PROTECT (RESET)

   Push the upper portion of the POWER SWITCH to turn the amplifier on. If the power indicator LED is on but no sound is coming out of the speakers, the amp may have gone into one of its protection modes. To reset the amp, turn the power off for one minute and then turn the amp back on. If the problem persists, check for: a) The speaker impedance is too low for the bridge output (4 ohm min.) or normal outputs (2 ohms min. per amp) b) bad speaker cable, c) damaged speaker or, d) blocked rear fan intake.

Helpful Hints

• POOR BIAMP SOUND: The speaker cables from AMP 1 (woofers) and AMP 2 (tweeters) have been reversed, AMP 1 and 2 level controls are not balanced, or the X-OVER has been set at an incorrect frequency. (start at 800 Hz).
• NO SOUND FROM AMPS 1 & 2: The rear BRIDGE switch has been inadvertently pushed in or speakers plugged into wrong jacks.
• NO HIGH FREQUENCIES: Tweeters or midrange drivers have been damaged from too much power.
• WEAK BASS: The speaker systems are wired out of phase to each other. To correct, reverse the wires on one speaker connectors.
• DIR XLR HUM: Try switching the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT. If the hum is not eliminated, use a 600Ω line input transformer cutting the input ground on the connectors (Pin 3).

Speaker Connections

Twist-Lok cables are recommended for your bass rig because of their high current capacity. While the standard 16 GA 1/4" cables will work OK with your system, the CARVIN 12 GA Twist-Lok cables will allow you to gain as much as 20% more power at high power levels, extracting every watt from your RedLine bass amp. The very short 1/4" cables will work for the RC210 and RL6815 combo amps.

FULL RANGE MODE:

The FULL RANGE mode of your RedLine bass amp works well with separate bass and full-range speaker systems. Instead of using the Bi-Amp mode, you can simply run AMP 1 into your bass speakers and AMP 2 into your full-range speakers using the natural crossover frequencies of each speaker system. If you need deeper bass or more highs, just turn up amp 1 or amp 2 for a balanced sound. The front panel X-OVER switch must be pushed "IN" for the FULL-RANGE MODE.

Rear Panel Controls

1. COOLING VENTS

   The rear vents are for cooling the internal power amps. Provide a minimum of 3" of clearance for adequate ventilation. Blocking the air flow to these vents will cause the amp to thermally protect and turn the speaker relays off. If this happens, clear the obstruction first, keep the power on, and turn the guitar volume down allowing the amp to cool. The amp will engage the speaker relays when cooling conditions return to normal.

2. EFFECTS LOOP

   The EFF LOOP SEND and RETURN jacks are used to connect external effects into the RedLine's signal chain. The loop is inserted after the main EQ and compressor but before the graphic EQ. To use the effects loop, connect the SEND jack to the input of the effects unit and connect the RETURN jack to the output of the effects unit. The effects loop can be turned on and off by using the optional FS22 footswitch. When the footswitch is not connected, the loop will default to the ON position. The status of the effects loop is indicated on the front panel by a YELLOW LED marked EFF LOOP.

3. PREAMP / DIRECT OUT XLR

   The PREAMP XLR is a balanced output that can be configured in a number of different ways. The LINE / DIR switch is used to select a pre or post pre amp feed. In the "LINE" position, the feed is post the preamp section and contains all of the signal processing and effects that are being used. In the "DIR" position, a direct feed is taken off of the bass guitar and is similar to using a direct input box at the input jack. To set the output, use the DIRECT OUT LEVEL control. A GROUND LIFT switch is also available on the preamp out XLR jack. Set this switch for the lowest noise when using this output. When the GND / LIFT switch is depressed, the signal ground is lifted from this jack thus eliminating any ground loops between the RedLine preamp out and the gear it is feeding.

4. PREAMP INSERT JACKS (HI FREQ & LOW FREQ)

   Both preamp inserts are TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) jacks with the tip as the SEND and the ring as the RETURN. Using a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) insert cable, the preamp signal can be sent out via the tip to an external effects processor and then returned to the internal power amp via the ring. Use the front amp 1 & 2 controls for level adjustments. When the X-OVER is set to full range "in", both outputs receive the same full range signal. When the X-OVER is set to BI-AMP MODE "out", AMP 1 receives the low frequency signals and AMP2 receives the high frequency signals as set by the front panel crossover. If a standard (Tip-Sleeve) instrument cable is used, the low and hi frequencies can be routed from the preamp to an external power amp. These insert jacks break the signal to the internal power amplifier.

5. FOOTSWITCH

   Connect the optional FS22 footswitch to remotely control the nine-band graphic EQ and the effects loop. The first button on the FS22 turns the graphic EQ on and off, and the second button turns the effects loop on and off. Any standard footswitch with a stereo plug will work.

6. PHONES JACK

   A PHONES jack is provided for practicing or as a place to hook up a tuner. Use any high-quality headphones with an impedance greater than 50Ω when connecting to this jack. The phones jack does not interrupt the amplifier's output, so a tuner can be left plugged into this jack while playing. When using a Tip/Sleeve (mono) cable to attach gear such as a tuner to the phones jack, insert the cable to the first click mono position of the jack.

7. SPEAKER OUTPUTS

   The R600/R1000 amp contains two 1/4" and two TWIST-LOK speaker output connectors, one for each amp. The AMP 1 (LOW FREQ) jack corresponds to the AMP 1 (LOW FREQ) and the AMP 2 (HIGH FREQ) jack corresponds to the AMP 2 (HIGH FREQ) knob on the front panel. Multiple speakers can be attached to either the 1/4" or Twist-Lok jacks so long as the total impedance is not below 2Ω per amp.

8. BRIDGE SPEAKER OUTPUTS

   The R600 produces 600 watts (bridged mono) into a 4Ω load or 500 watts into an 8Ω load. The R1000 produces 1000 watts (bridged mono) into a 4Ω load or 700 watts into an 8Ω load. To activate, push the rear recessed BRIDGE switch "IN" with a pencil and plug the speakers into the BRIDGE ONLY 1/4" or TWIST-LOK jacks. Pins 1+ and 1- are used on the Twist-Lok connector. The minimum total impedance is 4 ohms.

9. INTERNAL FUSE

   If there are high AC voltage surges or if the amp is used with excessive loads, the internal fuse will protect your amp from damage. If the fuse fails, the proper replacement fuses for 120 VAC models are: R600 - 15 AMP and R1000 - 25 AMP 250VAC slow blow. 240 VAC models: R600 - 10 AMP and R1000 - 15 AMP 250 VAC slow blow.

10. AC LINE CORD

    All RedLine Series bass amplifiers are supplied with detachable three-conductor AC line cords. Make sure the cord is securely inserted into the back of the unit. Never defeat the ground of the AC line cord as it is there for your protection. If you must plug into a two-prong outlet, use a quality 3-to-2 prong grounded adapter and properly ground it.

Tweeter Attenuator Switches (Levels)

For Carvin RL210T, RL410T or RL810T bass systems with tweeters. Attenuation switches allow you to reduce your tweeter levels in 3dB increments.

HORN OFF | Horn Reduced 3dB | Horn Reduced 6dB | Horn Reduced 9dB | HORN full ON

Bi-Amp Mode

To BI-AMP your speakers, connect your bass speaker(s) into AMP 1 and your full-range speaker(s) into AMP 2. The front panel X-OVER switch must be in the "OUT" position for BI-AMPING. Set the X-OVER FREQ control to 800 Hz, as this is normally the best crossover point for most speaker systems. Now adjust the AMP 1 and AMP 2 power amp controls to get a balance sound. For BI-AMPING the RC210 and RL6815, be sure the bass speaker is plugged into AMP 1 and the full-range speakers plugged into AMP 2.

For Maximum Output

A. To get your loudest output, use multiple speakers or enclosures. Every time you double your speakers, your acoustic output goes up by a factor of four. Load the amplifier down to its lowest minimum impedance for maximum RMS power.

B. To get high output from your RedLine bass amp from two 8 ohm speakers, use the FULL-RANGE BRIDGE MODE. Set the front panel X-OVER switch to the "IN" FULL-RANGE position. On the rear of the amp, push the BRIDGE switch "IN". Plug one Twist-Lok cable into the rear amp BRIDGE ONLY connector and daisy-chain another Twist-Lok from speaker to speaker. Two 8 ohm speakers will give you a total impedance of 4 ohms, which is the maximum power from your amp. If you use two 4 ohm speakers, your amp will shut off and go into the "protect" mode. To reset, turn your amp off and connect only two 8 ohm speakers (or one 4 ohm) speaker to your amp when you are in BRIDGE MODE.

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

• WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a 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 product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
• GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization 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, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
• SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
• FUSING: If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse. Refer to replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)

The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
GREEN & YELLOW--Earth BLUE--Neutral BROWN--Live

U.K. MAIN PLUG WARNING: A molded main plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.

Limited Warranty

Your Carvin product is 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 products. CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

When RETURNING merchandise to the factory, you may call for a return authorization number. Describe in writing each problem. If your unit is out of warranty, you will be charged the current FLAT RATE for parts and labor to bring your unit up to factory specifications.

Maintaining Your Equipment

Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel of your unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry or slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust and bring back the new look. As with all pro gear, avoid prolonged use in caustic environments (salt air). When used in such an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately protected by rack, covers, etc..

Replacement Parts List for R600/R1000

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