HELPFUL HINTS
1)NO SOUND:
The MUTE function has been inadvertently engaged.
Speakers have been improperly connected.
Effect Loop has been improperly connected.
2)NO HIGH FREQUENCIES: (BR510N, BR515N and external cabinets) The HIGH FREQUENCY ATTENUATION control is set low or OFF.
The HF driver may have been damaged from too much power or distortion.
3)AMP SEEMS VERY SENSITIVE ON INPUT SIGNALS:
The drive control is turned all the way up.
The active switch may need to be turned on.
4)DIR XLR HUM:
Try switching the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT.
Check for noise from external effects or bad cabling.
5)POOR BASS FROM MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES:
Make sure the internal speaker wiring of each cabinet is correct for phase ( +/- ).
6)FOR MAXIMUM OUTPUT:
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA BX500 / BR510N / BR515N / BASS AMPLIFIERS OPERATING MANUAL
BX500
To get more 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.
*If you are using less than 4 ohms, be sure to set the 2 OHM SWITCH on the back of the BX500. If you go below the minimum load, your amp will shut off and go into the “protect” mode. To reset, turn your amp off and connect the recommended load or set the 2 OHM SWITCH.
SPEAKON® cables are recommended for your BX500 because of their high current capacity. While standard 1/4” speaker cables will work, 12 GA SPEAKON® cables will allow higher currents to pass through the cable to extract every watt from your amp.
The BX500 is a powerful amplifier. As with any amplifier, make sure your speakers are suitable for the available wattage. Driving speakers with too much wattage will cause them to dis- tort and eventually fail. If distorted sound is coming from the speakers, reduce the volume until the distortion stops.
The BX Series Bass Amplifier Heads offer classic natural bass tone with unprecedented tonal control and extended headroom. The BX500 delivers 300w at 8 ohms and 500w at 4ohms or 2ohms, yet weighs in at only 5 pounds.
Four discrete Class A input stages produce the harmonic basis for the preamp right from the input jack. It begins with a boutique flat response, then we add extensive tone control allow- ing you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic content increases as you turn up the DRIVE control producing rich harmonics at maximum settings. The BX500 also features 12AX7 preamp tube (bypassable) to add further warmth to your sound. The
•Discrete CLASS A input stages
•Preamp DRIVE and MASTER volume controls
•2 mid sweep
•Switchable
•Single knob COMPRESSOR
•Effect Loop
•Warm 12AX7 preamp tube with bypass switch
•Switchable MUTE front panel switch or by the optional FS22 footswitch
•DIRECT OUT balanced XLR with front panel LEVEL control - works with MUTE switch
•Switchable Ground Lift for DC isolation
•TUNER output jack independent of MUTE switch
•High current SPEAKON® combo connectors also accept 1/4” jacks.
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•Variable speed fan, silent running at low speed.
•Solid metal shaft controls with threaded metal bushings mounted to front panel
•Circuit boards are MIL SPEC, double sided,
•Energy efficient worldwide power supply accepts
•Compact and light weight under 6lbs.
•Designed and manufactured by Carvin in the USA
BR510NBR515N
MADE IN
USA
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR UNIT FOR DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If damage is found, please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. In the event you have to
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 for your records. Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to us.
USA customers register online at: www.carvin.com/registration
All other countries register online at: www.carvinworld.com/registration
SPECIFICATIONS:
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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 polar- ization 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, The appliance inlet is the disconnect device. Keep it readily accesable.
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.
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 ORIG- INAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. Carvin assumes no respon- sibility 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel of your unit can be wiped 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 environ- ments (salt air). When used in such an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately protected.
GETTING STARTED
1.With POWER off, connect a speaker cabinet to one of the rear SPEAKER OUTPUTs.
2.Set the DRIVE and MASTER volume to “0” and set the ACTIVE INPUT switch for your type of bass.
3.Set the four tone controls to their center “0” position and the CONTOUR to FLAT. This is the “FLAT” setting for the amp. For now, turn off the graphic EQ.
4.Now, turn the amp ON. Turn up the volume on your bass guitar. Gradually increase the MASTER control to the desired level. If no sound is heard turn down the MASTER, check the MUTE switch, speaker connections, and PROTECT LED.
5.Increasing the DRIVE control will add harmonic richness to your sound. Turning up the DRIVE also increases volume.
6.Adjust the tone controls to your liking. Keep in mind that turning up a tone control isn’t always the answer. Sometimes turning down one of the MID controls will get you the sound you want.
7.Need more volume? There is a limit to the amount of volume a speaker can produce and driving a speaker beyond it’s limit can damage it. Even though these are powerful amplifiers, adding more speakers is the only way for substantially more output. Every time you double your speakers, you increase your acoustic output by a factor of four.
Hopefully, this will help you get started. Have fun exploring the features and sounds of the BX500. Take the time with your new amp to realize it’s full potential.
8ohms, | THD <1.0% | 300w |
4ohms, | THD <1.0% | 500w |
2ohms, | THD <1.0% | 500w (2 ohm switch engaged) |
BR510N & BR515N: | Enclosure impedance 8 Ohms | |
Input Impedance: | >200K | |
Tone Controls: | TREBLE 10K, BASS 50Hz , 2 | |
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| MIDs, CONTOUR, and |
Drive Control: | Varies input gain and harmonic content | |
AC Requirements: | 90 to 250VAC 50/60 Hz | |
Power Requirements: | 500VA | |
Dimensions |
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BX500: |
| 3.25”H (with feet) x14.0”Wx8.25”D |
BR510N & BR515N: | 23.8”Hx20.7”Wx18.5”D | |
Weight : |
| BX500: under 6 lbs. net (2.72 kgs) |
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| BR510N: 50 lbs. (22.7 kgs) BR515N: 52 lbs net (23.6 kgs) |
Warranty: | One year parts and labor | |
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)
The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
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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 INSERTA DAMAGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
SERVICE
In the USA go to www.carvinservice.com.
Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to http://www.carvinworld.com for your
nearest service center. Include a written description of the problem with serial number and date of purchase.
Optional Accessories: | FS22 footswitch |
| BX500RP rackmount faceplate kit w/handles |
| CV615 vinyl cover for BR510N or BR515N |
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| CAUTION | REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE |
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| PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH | |
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| RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK | VOLTAGE INSIDE! |
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