Got my Carvin BX500 yesterday

Axtman · #1 10-16-2010, 02:04 PM

I received my Carvin BX500 amp yesterday. I bought it to use instead of my GK MB2 500, BBE Opto Stomp compression pedal and Boss equalizer pedal. I wanted an amp with graphic EQ and compression.

Well the first thing I noticed is that Carvin did not include the amp bag that I bought along with this amp. I have contacted them to see if it was shipped separately. Then I noticed that the nut on the EQ switch was missing. I can't find it in the packaging. I probably have one in my parts drawer but it is irritating. Then I notice a really bad smell. I think it is the silicone glue that they use to keep parts on the pc board from vibrating and breaking leads. The whole amp feels kind of cheap like a home stereo. My GK feels a bit more like professional gear.

So how does it sound? Well it is kind of lifeless. Sure it has lots of EQ possibilities but I can't seem to dial in a decent tone. It also seems a little underpowered. I don't hear any difference between the engaging the 12AX7 tube and bypassing it. It does not have a bad tone just not stellar. My GK is actually too bassy!

My GK actually seems too powerful. BTW, I am testing this amp out with a SWR Workingman's 210 cab.

Tomorrow I have a rock'n loud gig and will give you a report. I will use my Epifani 310 cab and crank it.

Stay tuned.

evil-g · #2 10-16-2010, 02:22 PM

Sorry it's not what you expected. Carvin did go a bit far with the EQ but when you experiment with it you have lots of tonal possibilities which come in really handy when you are playing different rooms. I don't think they are underpowered at all. I use a son of bertha cab (350 watts) and a Goliath jr. 3rd (350 watts) and the BX 500 doesn't break a sweat (it's loud as heck). I'm sure that Carvin will send you a new unit if you ask. Carvin seems to have all the kinks worked now that plagued it earlier. Experiment with it, there is a tone in there you will like.

craig.p · #3 10-16-2010, 04:29 PM

I've been using my MB's amp section as a head only, and I can tell you that it needs to be goosed right up volume-wise in order to spring to life. At bedroom-practice volumes, it's sort of "meh." Can't say for sure whether the BX is the same, but you may find it sounds better loud.

Also, start with everything flat, including the graphic, and NO contour (full CCW on that). Then add in a little low parametric at around 70 Hz. Just a few dB. That might get you a reasonable starting point to work from. With so much EQ potential on those heads I think there's a lot of opportunity for failure, so go easy.

Also it's easy to overdo the compressor and drive controls, which will definitely kill your sound's "life." Start with no compression and zero drive.

Hope this helps.

BassmanPaul · #4 10-16-2010, 05:18 PM

As with any new toy you have to spend some time getting to know it. Start out as Craig posted and play with each control one at a time and learn what it does. If you still can't get on with the amp return it.

jeff7bass · #5 10-17-2010, 12:52 AM

After playing the B2000, I can't see buying any other Carvin bass head. It's phenominal.

brocco · #6 10-17-2010, 06:48 AM

I bought mine 2 years ago.I like this little amp ! No problems with it.Versatile,good tone and features.Adapts to any room.I am using this thru 2 12" cabs with Delta lite 2512's.play with a couple 2 guitar player groups.I am smokin these guys!I have A Mesa 15 WA Scout that I use for Praise band at church and funk/groove gigs it is by far the King of tone.but the little BX 500 handles all the loud rock gigs

jeff7bass · #7 10-17-2010, 12:57 PM

Axtman, consider sending back for a B2000. It's much easier to get "the tone" using the EQ, Sub Bass, and Drive control. I got this sound I loved in seconds, like the bass solo in "I Just Wanna Bang On The Drums All day" (Todd Rudgren). SWEET....
I have a BX1200 which is also complex, although the tones I want are in there it's more adjusting and higher learning curve.