Carvin BX500 - Loud with 8 ohm cab?

[boondox]

It's rated as 300W @ 8ohms, but I have always found wattage ratings to be unreliable for overall loudness. Basically I'm looking for a lot of clean headroom for my 8 ohm GS212 cab...let's say with the gain knob at just 10 o'clock. I hear that these amps are pretty clean to begin with so that works in my favor. So can these little amps go very loud without using much from the "drive" knob? As loud as a Markbass Little Mark maybe?

[solarplexus]

I used it with a 8ohm TC electronic RS212 and it was very loud.

[boondox]

Originally Posted by solarplexus

I used it with a 8ohm TC electronic RS212 and it was very loud.

Cool. Even with the drive turned down?


I'm trying to decide if the BX1500 would be the better choice for my 8 ohm cab (900w @ 8ohm bridged). That sounds like too much power, but maybe ok with compressor set at noon??? Hmmm.

[locriansharpsec]

I would say it sort of depends on the rest of your band. I had mine playing through the brx 2x10 (4 ohms) and couldnt be heard over my guitarist's loud mesa and a real loud drummer. Tried my buddy's Hartke 4x10 (8 ohms) and still had trouble.
But then...... got an Ampeg 8x10 (4 ohms) and it was plenty loud

[solarplexus]

Originally Posted by locriansharpsec

I would say it sort of depends on the rest of your band. I had mine playing through the brx 2x10 (4 ohms) and couldnt be heard over my guitarist's loud mesa and a real loud drummer. Tried my buddy's Hartke 4x10 (8 ohms) and still had trouble.
But then...... got an Ampeg 8x10 (4 ohms) and it was plenty loud

I tried it with a TC electronics RS212, a Schroeder 1210L and a Traynor TC115NEO with my band, which is moderately loud. Never had any problems with volume. The Schroeder was 4ohms though. The other cabs 8 ohms.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by boondox

Cool. Even with the drive turned down?

I'm trying to decide if the BX1500 would be the better choice for my 8 ohm cab (900w @ 8ohm bridged). That sounds like too much power, but maybe ok with compressor set at noon??? Hmmm.

I have two BX1200's (just the previous model of what you are looking at it) and consistently have bridged it into my 700 RMS watt 210. No issues at all. Just listen to the speaker cab for sounds of distress - farting, speakers flapping too hard, distortion.

I suggest going for the BX1500 over the BX500. The extra power is always helpful and when you change cabs in the future - you will have plenty of power at your fingers. The BX series from Carvin is all about smooth midrange, clear low end, clear high end, and an all-around high headroom amp.

The drive knob can go as high as you need, it will get slightly raspy and edgy sounding at too high of a setting, but settings just below that will give your bass great definition. The compressor knob at the "noon position" might be a little too much. Try it out yourself though and do what works.

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

I have two BX1200's (just the previous model of what you are looking at it) and consistently have bridged it into my 700 RMS watt 210. No issues at all. Just listen to the speaker cab for sounds of distress - farting, speakers flapping too hard, distortion.

I suggest going for the BX1500 over the BX500. The extra power is always helpful and when you change cabs in the future - you will have plenty of power at your fingers. The BX series from Carvin is all about smooth midrange, clear low end, clear high end, and an all-around high headroom amp.

The drive knob can go as high as you need, it will get slightly raspy and edgy sounding at too high of a setting, but settings just below that will give your bass great definition. The compressor knob at the "noon position" might be a little too much. Try it out yourself though and do what works.

I agree. I have the BX1200 too. With the BX1500 so light now, I see no real good reason to skimp on power with the BX500. You can always dial back the output of the BX1500, but there's no knob on the BX500 to get more out of it.

[boondox]

Originally Posted by Sundogue

I agree. I have the BX1200 too. With the BX1500 so light now, I see no real good reason to skimp on power with the BX500. You can always dial back the output of the BX1500, but there's no knob on the BX500 to get more out of it.

So if I was to use it in bridged mode (900w), I could just keep those "power amp controls" at noon? Would that equate to half the wattage? Is there any chance of damaging my speakers with those knobs turned down?

Any other advantages of going the BX1500 route? Is it a more reliable amp?

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by boondox

So if I was to use it in bridged mode (900w), I could just keep those "power amp controls" at noon? Would that equate to half the wattage? Is there any chance of damaging my speakers with those knobs turned down?

Any other advantages of going the BX1500 route? Is it a more reliable amp?

You CANNOT estimate an amps output by the position of the volume knob.

Depending on your gain staging, input signal level, and EQ'ing, you can easily hit full output of an amp long before the knob is max'ed out.

The only way to avoid speaker damage is to listen with your ears. The speakers will let you know when they are in distress.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by boondox

So if I was to use it in bridged mode (900w), I could just keep those "power amp controls" at noon? Would that equate to half the wattage? Is there any chance of damaging my speakers with those knobs turned down?

Any other advantages of going the BX1500 rou oute? Is it a more reliable amp?

The knob settings have no correlation to how much power is coming out. If you hit the strings harder, more power comes out, if you hit them lighter, less power comes out. Along with that, if you boost low end below 100hz (any amount of boost), you will be asking for more power out of the head.

The difference in price for the two heads is $200. You are getting 3x the wattage for $200 more. The BX 1500 only weighs 10 lbs while the BX500 is 5.8lbs. In essence, I highly recommend you spend more money and get the BX1500. Extra power does not automatically come out of the head, your playing style, tone goals, and knob settings will determine how much power actually comes out. If you get the BX500 and get a bigger cabinet, you are going to be wishing you had more power at your disposal. Not a good situation to be in. You can ALWAYS turn down the bigger wattage head.

[jeff7bass]

I would get the BX500 myself, unless I was running 2 different cabs. The BX1500 is a flexibility machine but much of what it does best is lost when using a single cab or even in bridge mode. If you think you’ll be adding another 212 cab into the rig, consider the B2000 also. Absolute monster of a head, easy to use and on sale now for 600 bucks.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...?product=B2000

[boondox]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

You CANNOT estimate an amps output by the position of the volume knob.

Depending on your gain staging, input signal level, and EQ'ing, you can easily hit full output of an amp long before the knob is max'ed out.

The only way to avoid speaker damage is to listen with your ears. The speakers will let you know when they are in distress.

Yup, understood. How do you like your BX500, btw? Do you use it just for practice? How's the clean headroom on it?

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

I would get the BX500 myself, unless I was running 2 different cabs. The BX1500 is a flexibility machine but much of what it does best is lost when using a single cab or even in bridge mode. If you think you’ll be adding another 212 cab into the rig, consider the B2000 also. Absolute monster of a head, easy to use and on sale now for 600 bucks.

Carvin.com :: B2000

Aside from the bi-amping capability, nothing is lost using a single cab. The crossover is the only thing you wouldn't need to use. I run a fEARful 15/6 and no longer bi-amp and I sure don't think I have an amphead that is being underutilized.

You can never have too much power (because one doesn't need to use it all) but you can have too little power for the situation.

Aside from the power output, the BX1500 also has a three band [lo-mid, mid, hi-mid] parametric EQ (instead of only a two band [lo-mid, hi-mid] on the BX500), and it has an effects switch, plus a pre-gain on the AMP1 in addition to the Master and the BX1500 allows you to run your DI pre or post whereas the BX500 doesn't give you the option.

Did I mention the BX500 puts out only 300 watts into 8 ohms versus the BX1500's 900 watts into 8 ohms (bridged)? That is significant depending on what kind of volume one needs and what cabs are used.

The BX500 is only 5 lbs. and costs only $399. The BX1500 is 10 lbs. for $150 more.

[boondox]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

The BX1500 is a flexibility machine but much of what it does best is lost when using a single cab or even in bridge mode. If you think you’ll be adding another 212 cab into the rig, consider the B2000 also. Absolute monster of a head, easy to use and on sale now for 600 bucks.

Exactly what I'm thinking. As long as the clean headroom is decent, I should be fine with the BX500. I really don't see myself needing a second cab at this point. Maybe a B2000/10.4N combo in the future, but definitely not 2 cabs.

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by boondox

Yup, understood. How do you like your BX500, btw? Do you use it just for practice? How's the clean headroom on it?

I love my BX500

It's main purpose is to remain at my practice space, and act as a backup to my B1500.

However, I have had it out on several gigs, and run it through a 2X12 cab at 4 ohms.

I have not had to turn up past 9-10 o'clock either in the practice room, or at gigs. I did try running it at noon once for giggles, and it was LOUD !

ETA Disclaimers:

The 2X12 cab I am using is reloaded with Eminence 3012HO's. Very efficient, and very loud.

My band plays rock, and always has P.A. support. Our stage volume is kept very reasonable.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by Sundogue

Aside from the bi-amping capability, nothing is lost using a single cab. The crossover is the only thing you wouldn't need to use. I run a fEARful 15/6 and no longer bi-amp and I sure don't think I have an amphead that is being underutilized.

You can never have too much power (because one doesn't need to use it all) but you can have too little power for the situation.

Aside from the power output, the BX1500 also has a three band [lo-mid, mid, hi-mid] parametric EQ (instead of only a two band [lo-mid, hi-mid] on the BX500), and it has an effects switch, plus a pre-gain on the AMP1 in addition to the Master and the BX1500 allows you to run your DI pre or post whereas the BX500 doesn't give you the option.

Did I mention the BX500 puts out only 300 watts into 8 ohms versus the BX1500's 900 watts into 8 ohms (bridged)? That is significant depending on what kind of volume one needs and what cabs are used.

The BX500 is only 5 lbs. and costs only $399. The BX1500 is 10 lbs. for $150 more.

I missed the price point. $150 more for a far superior amp is HUGELY WORTH IT. I can not stress this enough. You may think you do not need two cabs now, but what if you start playing bigger stages? Join a different band and shift your tonal goals? It will save you MONEY in the long run to have an amp you like which is able to serve out some serious power whenever you need it. If you buy the cheaper/lower wattage head, how much are you willing to spend on another head just to keep up with the new situation? I know I am sounding like a salesman right now, but I really do not want you to make the same dumb moves I made in the past. I am trying to save you money.

Regardless, you can do whatever you want. Both heads are a good buy regardless and both sound excellent. In many cases, very few bass players complain about too much power. The ones that do are truly in quieter stage situations and the others have no clue how to work a volume knob or get a smaller/less efficient speaker setup.

[RobBobBass]

BX500 through an Aguilar GS 2x12 , has been more than adequate in rooms of 200 or less. Love the BX500 !!

[jeff7bass]

My point wasn’t price point (although it does matter) but that the BX1500’s flexibility equates to complexity when dialing in sound. Too much for some people who prefer simple EQ, etc... That’s why I mentioned the B2000. Tons of power, plenty of options, easy to dial in warm tones to punchy and clear. I have a BX1200 by the way so I speak from experience. I also played around with the B2000 while in San Diego. With either the BX1500 or the B2000, he’ll have enough power to blow his cab to bits!

[boondox]

So the BX500 is a clean sounding head compared to most heads with a single preamp tube? Just want to confirm this before I order.

[::::BASSIST::::]

+1 for the BX1500. I love mine.

These days I am using mine in conjunction with a VT Bass. I set the mid and character on the VT at 9:00 and the BX1500 is completely flat, compressor off. I get a super warm, thumpy sound. If I need to cut thru more I give a nudge on the low mids... about 150 -175hz.