Cerwin-Vega CV2 & CV4 Series Professional Power Amplifiers
Heavy Duty Professional Amplifier User Manual
Models: CV2-22H, CV2-33H, CV2-46H, CV4-8H, CV4-18H
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Cerwin-Vega CV2 and CV4 Series professional power amplifiers. Engineered for superior sound reproduction, these amplifiers deliver high-quality audio at an affordable price, offering reliability and efficiency for DJs, musicians, and sound engineers. Welcome to a new level of professional sound performance.
Unpacking and Installation
Read this manual for proper installation and to familiarize yourself with the amplifier's features. Carefully unpack your amplifier, keeping the carton and packing materials for potential service or return needs. Install the unit in a well-ventilated area, away from radiators, direct sunlight, excessive humidity, or dust to ensure longevity and reliable operation.
Features
Power Ratings
| Model | Series | Channels | Power (Per Channel @ 8Ω) | Power (Per Channel @ 4Ω) | Power (Bridged Mono @ 8Ω) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CV2-22H | CV2 | 2 | 2x670 Watts | 2x1070 Watts | 2260 Watts |
| CV2-33H | CV2 | 2 | 2x870 Watts | 2x1370 Watts | 2880 Watts |
| CV2-46H | CV2 | 2 | 2x1240 Watts | 2x1810 Watts | 3820 Watts |
| CV4-8H | CV4 | 4 | 4x320 Watts | 4x490 Watts | 2x1420 Watts |
| CV4-18H | CV4 | 4 | 4x540 Watts | 4x820 Watts | 2x1820 Watts |
Key Features & Technologies
- Advanced Thermal Management: An efficient heat sink combined with a variable-speed cooling fan maintains optimal operating temperatures under all load conditions.
- Comprehensive Protection Circuitry: Equipped with a full suite of protective circuits, including signal limiting, soft-start/shut-down (anti-thump), DC fault protection, output short circuit protection, and thermal overload guarding.
- Integrated Signal Limiter: A built-in limiter automatically prevents clipping and protects connected loudspeakers from damaging audio spikes.
- High-Fidelity Audio Performance: Delivers superior signal fidelity, ensuring transparent and natural sound reproduction.
- Per-Channel Status Indicators: Each channel features dedicated Signal Present and Clip/Overload LED indicators for at-a-glance monitoring.
- SMD Construction: Utilizes state-of-the-art Surface Mount Device (SMD) technology for enhanced stability, reliability, and performance consistency.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides essential controls and indicators for monitoring and operating the amplifier.
| Item | Graphic | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ? Power Switch | Turns the amplifier on/off. Power LED lights up when on. | Turns the amplifier on or off. When you turn it on, the power LED lights up. |
| 2 | ❗ Fault LED | Indicates circuit protection mode (overheating, DC voltage). Flashes for 3 seconds on power-up if ready. Turns off when the issue is resolved. | This light turns on when the amplifier is in circuit protection mode. This usually happens if the heatsink overheats or if DC voltage is detected. After you turn it on, the light will flash for three seconds, indicating that the amplifier is ready. Once the issue is resolved, the LED will turn off and the amplifier will resume normal operation. |
| 3 | ⚠️ Clip LED | Illuminates when output signal distortion exceeds 1%, indicating signal clipping. | This light turns on when the output signal distortion for a channel exceeds 1%. This usually indicates that the signal level is too high, causing the top of the waveform to be "clipped" and resulting in distortion. |
| 4 | ? Signal LED | Lights up when an input signal is received. | The Signal LED lights up when the amplifier receives an input signal. If the LED does not light up, please follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:
|
| 5 | ?️ Gain Control | Adjusts the output signal level for each channel. Note: Gain is not the same as volume. | Used to adjust the “output signal level" of each channel. Please note that gain is not the same as volume. |
CV2 Series Rear Panel Controls
The rear panel houses input, output, and configuration connections.
| Item | Graphic | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ? Power Connection | 120V 60Hz power input. Ensure proper grounding. | This amplifier is designed for use with a 120V 60Hz power supply. Connecting it to any other voltage will cause damage. Please ensure your power outlet has a proper ground connection. |
| 2 | ? Signal Input | Connect mixer outputs to CH1 and CH2 input terminals for corresponding channel outputs. | Connect the mixer's output directly to the CH1 and CH2 input terminals. Each input jack sends signal to its corresponding output channel (CH1 input to CH1 output). |
| 3 | ? Output Connection | SPEAKON sockets for connecting speakers to CH1 and CH2. | The amplifier has two output channels, Ch1 and Ch2, which connect to your speakers using SPEAKON sockets. |
| 4 | ⚡ Circuit Breaker | Protects against overload (short circuit, low impedance). Reset after fixing the issue. | The Circuit Breaker protects the amplifier from overload issues like a short circuit or low speaker impedance. If the breaker trips, fix the problem and then reset the breaker to turn the amplifier back on. |
| 5 | ?️ Mode Switch | STEREO (independent channels), BRIDGE (CH1 drives bridged output, CH1 volume control), PARALLEL (CH1 input to CH1/CH2 outputs, CH2 input disabled). | STEREO mode: The two channels work independently. The CH1 input signal goes to the CH1 output, and the CH2 input goes to the CH2 output. BRIDGE mode: The CH1 input signal is routed to the BRIDGE output. You must use the CH1 volume control to adjust the volume. PARALLEL mode: The CH1 input signal is sent to both the CH1 and CH2 outputs. The CH2 input socket is disabled. You can adjust the volume of each channel independently. |
| 6 | ?️ Sensitivity Mode | Sets input voltage for full power: 0.775V (standard) or 1.4V (for high-level signals to prevent distortion). | This switch sets the input voltage level required for the amplifier to reach full power. 0.775V: A common standard for professional audio equipment. 1.4V: Use this setting if the signal from your mixer or source is very high (hot) to prevent input distortion. |
CV4 Series Rear Panel Controls
The CV4 Series offers similar controls with additional channels.
| Item | Graphic | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ? Power Connection | 120V 60Hz power input. Ensure proper grounding. | This amplifier is designed for use with a 120V 60Hz power supply. Connecting it to any other voltage will cause damage. Please ensure your power outlet has a proper ground connection. |
| 2 | ? XLR Input | Balanced audio input for mixers, reducing noise. | The XLR input accepts balanced audio signals from sources like a mixer. This helps reduce noise and distortion. |
| 3 | ? XLR Output | Output a copy of the incoming signal to another device. | Use this XLR output to send a copy of the incoming signal to another device. |
| 4 | ? SPEAKON Output Connection | Connects to speakers with SPEAKON connectors. | Use this connection to link the amplifier to your speakers that are equipped with a Speakon connector. |
| 5 | ⚡ Circuit Breaker | Protects against overload. Reset after fixing the issue. | The Circuit Breaker protects the amplifier from overload issues like a short circuit or low speaker impedance. If the breaker trips, fix the problem and then reset the breaker to turn the amplifier back on. |
| 6 | ?️ Mode Switch | Independent switches for channel pairs 1-2 and 3-4. STEREO (independent channels), BRIDGE (CH1/CH3 drive bridged outputs, CH1/CH3 volume controls active), PARALLEL (CH1 input to CH1/CH2 outputs, CH3 input to CH3/CH4 outputs). | These switches independently set the operating mode for channel pairs 1-2 and 3-4. STEREO mode: Each channel operates independently. The CH1 input signal goes to the CH1 output, CH2 input to CH2 output, etc. BRIDGE mode: Combines the power of two channels into one. The CH1 input signal is routed to the bridged output (using the CH1 Speakon). Only the CH1 volume control is active. PARALLEL mode: The CH1 input signal is sent to both the CH1 and CH2 outputs. This allows one input signal to drive two separate speakers, with independent volume control for each. |
| 7 | ?️ Sensitivity Mode | Sets input voltage for full power: 0.775V (standard) or 1.4V (for high-level signals to prevent distortion). | This switch sets the input voltage level required for the amplifier to reach full power. 0.775V: A common standard for professional audio equipment. 1.4V: Use this setting if the signal from your mixer or source is very high (hot) to prevent input distortion. |
Setup: Sensitivity Mode
Choosing the correct sensitivity mode is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility with your audio source and speakers.
| Feature | High Sensitivity Amplifier (e.g., 0.775V) | Low Sensitivity Amplifier (e.g., 1.4V) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Input Signal | Smaller | Larger |
| Reaching Rated Power | Achieved easily | Requires a larger signal |
| Main Advantage | Compatible with devices that have a weaker signal output | Better at handling large signals, providing a wider dynamic range |
| Main Disadvantage | More susceptible to noise, which can affect sound quality | Not suitable for use with devices that have a weak signal output |
| Best For | Connecting devices with weaker signals, such as some home audio systems | Professional settings with stronger signals, like live sound systems |
| Sound Performance | Lower signal-to-noise ratio, which may impact sound clarity | High signal-to-noise ratio; better sound quality at high volumes with less distortion |
Note: Amplifier sensitivity choice depends on specific needs and equipment compatibility. Speaker impedance also affects power delivery efficiency.
Mode Selection
CV2 Series Mode Select
| Mode | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo | Each channel works independently. The signal from INPUT CH1 goes to OUTPUT1, and the signal from INPUT CH2 goes to OUTPUT2. | You can adjust the volume of each channel separately. |
| Parallel | The signal from INPUT CH1 is sent to both OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2. The INPUT CH2 port is disabled in this mode. | You can adjust the volume of each channel separately. |
| Bridge | The signal enters through INPUT CH1 and is output through OUTPUT1. This mode combines both channels for a single, more powerful mono output. | You must use the CH1 volume control to adjust the volume. |
CV4 Series Mode Select
| Mode | Description | Volume Control |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo | Each channel operates independently. The input signal for each channel is output through its corresponding output (INPUT-CH1 to OUTPUT1, INPUT-CH2 to OUTPUT2, INPUT-CH3 to OUTPUT3, INPUT-CH4 to OUTPUT4). | You can adjust the volume of each channel separately. |
| Parallel | The input signal from INPUT-CH1 is split and sent to both OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2. Similarly, the input signal from INPUT-CH3 is split and sent to both OUTPUT3 and OUTPUT4. | You can adjust the volume of each channel separately. |
| Bridge | The amplifier combines the channels in each pair for a higher-power output. The signal path is from the input of channel 1 to the bridged output of channel 1, and from the input of channel 3 to the bridged output of channel 3. | Use the volume controls for CH1 and CH3 to adjust the volume for their respective bridged outputs. |
Note: Bridge mode requires a speaker load of 4 or 8 ohms. Lower impedance loads can cause damage due to overheating and current limiting. Never ground either side of the speaker cable when in Bridge Mode.
Connections
CV2 Series Connections
Stereo Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 1-.
Parallel Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 1-.
Bridge Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 2+.
CV4 Series Connections
Stereo Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 1-.
Parallel Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 1-.
Bridge Connection
Connect the positive speaker wire to SPEAKON PIN 1+ and the negative wire to PIN 2+.
Wiring
The CV2 and CV4 series support various interfacing methods with balanced and unbalanced signals.
Balanced 1/4" TRS Connector
Used for Balanced Mono Signals (e.g., microphone, mixer): Tip (Hot +), Ring (Cold -), Sleeve (Ground/Shield). For Unbalanced Stereo Signals (e.g., headphones): Tip (Left Channel), Ring (Right Channel), Sleeve (Common Ground/Shield). For balanced/unbalanced connections, the ring and sleeve must be bridged at the stereo plug.
XLR Balanced Wiring Guide
Input/Output Pinout: 1 = Ground/Shield, 2 = Hot (+ve), 3 = Cold (-ve). For unbalanced use, pins 1 and 3 must be bridged.
SPEAKON® Output Connector
Describes the Amplifier Output Jack and Cable Plug Terminals for SPEAKON connectors, detailing pin assignments (+1, -1, +2, -2).
Specifications
| Series | Specifications | CV2-22H | CV2-33H | CV2-46H | CV4-8H | CV4-18H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CV2 Series | Rated Power (per Ch.) | 2 x 670W | 2 x 870W | 2 x 1240W | ||
| 8Ω Stereo | 2 x 1070W | 2 x 1370W | 2 x 1810W | |||
| 4Ω Stereo | 2260W | 2880W | 3820W | |||
| Bridge Mono Power | ||||||
| CV4 Series | Rated Power (per Ch.) | 4 x 320W | 4 x 540W | |||
| 8Ω Stereo | 4 x 490W | 4 x 820W | ||||
| 4Ω Stereo | 2 x 1420W | 2 x 1820W | ||||
| Bridge Mono Power | ||||||
| Performance | ||||||
| Voltage Gain | 35dB | 36dB | 38.3dB | 33dB | 33dB | |
| Net Weight | 9.5 kg/ 20.94 lbs. | 9.5 kg / 20.94 lbs. | 9.5 kg / 20.94 lbs. | 8.0 kg / 17.64 lbs. | 8.0 kg / 17.64 lbs. | |
| Chassis Size (mm) | 482 x 227 x 88 | 482 x 227 x 88 | 482 x 227 x 88 | 482 x 233 x 88 | 482 x 233 x 88 | |
| Common to all amplifiers | ||||||
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-1dB (at 1 Watt) | |||||
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <0.5%, 20Hz - 20kHz | |||||
| Intermodulation Distortion | <0.35% (60Hz & 7kHz at 4:1 from full output to -30dB) | |||||
| Slew Rate | >20V/µs | |||||
| Damping Factor | >200 (at 8Ω, 10Hz - 400Hz) | |||||
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >100dB (A-weighted) | |||||
| Crosstalk | -75dB at 1kHz, -58dB at 20kHz | |||||
| Input Sensitivity | 0.775V or 1.4V | |||||
| Input Impedance | 20kΩ (Balanced), 10kΩ (Unbalanced) | |||||
| Attribute | ||||||
| Chassis Standard | E.I.A International Standard | |||||
| Rack Mountable | 2U (Fits standard 19-inch racks) | |||||
| Chassis Height | 88 mm (3.5 inches) | |||||
| Construction | ||||||
| Protection | Short circuit, no-load, on/off muting, RF interference | |||||
| Cooling | Flow-through ventilation with forced air and thermal protection | |||||
| Power Cord | Plug: 10A, 120VAC / Wire: 3x1.0mm² | |||||
Note: For long-term non-use, turn volume to minimum, power off the amplifier, and unplug cables, starting with the power cord.
Protection Features
The CV2 and CV4 Series amplifiers incorporate several protection features to safeguard the unit and connected speakers.
Protection LED
Indicates relay speaker connection circuitry activity. When lit, speakers are muted.
Initial Power Up
Protection circuitry is active for approximately 5 seconds upon power-up, muting outputs. An audible click signifies deactivation when normal operation begins.
Thermal Protection
Engages due to high heat sink temperatures, disconnecting speakers until normal temperatures are restored. Ensure adequate ventilation. A thermal switch also protects the power transformer.
Short Circuit Protection
Automatically protects the amplifier if an output is shorted due to faulty wiring.
DC Voltage Protection
Detects DC voltage at the speaker output and opens the output relay to prevent speaker damage.
Subsonic Frequency Protection
A built-in High Pass Filter protects each channel.
Current Limiting Protection
Activates at full power limit (clipping point), indicated by the Clip LED. Automatically reduces channel gain to protect speakers from damage caused by feedback, oscillations, or improper gain settings.
Any time the Protection LED lights up (except for the initial 5 seconds), turn the amplifier off immediately and check all wiring and external equipment.
Warranty
Warranty Registration
Mandatory registration within 15 days of purchase is required to validate the warranty. Register at: https://cerwinvega.com/apps/product-registration
Important Notes
- Original Purchaser Only: Warranty is non-transferable.
- Proof of Purchase: Retain your sales receipt for all warranty claims.
- Authorized Dealers: Product must be purchased from an authorized Cerwin-Vega dealer in the United States.
Warranty Coverage
Cerwin-Vega warrants the amplifier against defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the original purchase date. This covers parts and labor for covered repairs by an authorized service center. Cerwin-Vega may repair or replace the product at its discretion.
Warranty Claims
Contact Cerwin-Vega customer service for instructions:
- Email: hello@cerwinvega.com
- Phone: 1-844-844-1339
You are responsible for shipping costs to the authorized service center after receiving an RMA. Covered repairs are shipped back free of charge.
Warranty Exclusions
This warranty does not cover product failure or damage resulting from:
- Improper Installation and Operation: Failure to follow manual instructions, incorrect voltage, blocked ventilation, improper speaker loads, faulty speaker wiring.
- Abuse, Misuse, or Accident: Dropping, impact, improper transport, exposure to water/liquids, power surges, lightning, sustained operation causing constant Clip LED illumination.
- Unauthorized Service or Modification: Tampering with serial numbers, product stickers, or manufacturer seals; unauthorized repairs.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Cosmetic blemishes that do not affect electrical or mechanical performance.
Customer Satisfaction
Cerwin-Vega is dedicated to customer satisfaction. Contact customer service with any questions or for warranty assistance. Cerwin-Vega reserves the right to change products and specifications without notice.
Contact Information
Cerwin-Vega!
3761 South Hill St., Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
CerwinVega.com
© CERWIN VEGA, Inc. All rights reserved. Cerwin-Vega is a trademark of CERWIN VEGA, Inc.
