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Carvin Bass Amps

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phdbassman

Apr 2, 2011
9
0
Fort Mill, SC
Disclosures
The Marcel Portilla Band
#1
I'm just wondering, for everyone who's using Carvin bass rigs, what you think. I'm currently using a BR515 and a BR115 extension cab. I just can't get that "big hug" kind of bass sound. I'm using Carvin XB76's, one with a mahogany/maple neck and the other with a Koa/maple neck. I use an Ashdown EB180-12 with a 12" monitor in rehearsal, and I get a wonderful warm, inviting tone with some slight punch. Problem is, the amp is only 300w. I'm thinking of the Aggie GS212 which people on TB speak highly of.

In any case, I'm just looking for experiences others have had.

Thanks,
 
#2
1. You might be experiencing some unwanted (delay-related) interaction between the two 15" cabs. They are, after all, non-identical. This is one of combo amps' dirty little secrets -- rarely if ever can identical cabs be had for adding cone area. Sometimes you get lucky with a non-identical cab, sometimes you don't.

2. Check your eq(s). At the bass and at the BR515. Especially at the BR515, which offers opportunity after opportunity to bugger things to hell with all its tone controls (bass, two paras, contour, and graphic). For a "big hug" bass sound, try bass set flat (to avoid mud and subsonics), low para set to 50 with about 6 dB boost (punch adder), high para set to about 500 with about 6 dB of cut (gank remover), treble completely CCW (brittleness remover). And contour flat (full CCW). Cut the graphic out entirely or leave it flat. And if your BG is active, set its controls flat. I'm not saying these settings are where you'll end up, just that it's a reasonable/sane starting point for what you're after.
 
#3
I've found that the contour plays a big role with that amp. The cabs are really mid-heavy, and the contour helps to tame that quite a bit.

I tend not to like the contour when using other cabs with that head, but with the BR515 cab, I've found it helps a lot.
 
#5
"Big hug kind of bass sound"? First time I've heard that one. Is that a Teletubbies reference or something? Creativity points anyway. Bravo!

Anyway, echoing what at least one other person has said here, while I've used and enjoyed several Carvin amps and cabs over the years, I have had poor luck using combo amps with a non-identical extension speaker cab. You may want to consider going totally modular. Swap the Carvin combo for a head and 1x15 cab that's identical to the 1x15 extension cab you already have. You may have an easier time getting where you want to be sonically. At the very least, you will eliminate some sonic stumbling blocks that could be tripping you up. Good luck!
 
#6
Lo-E said:
I've found that the contour plays a big role with that amp. The cabs are really mid-heavy, and the contour helps to tame that quite a bit.

I tend not to like the contour when using other cabs with that head, but with the BR515 cab, I've found it helps a lot.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean, mid-heavy. Add that to the mid-sounding pickups and you understand my plight! The basses play smoothly, not a struggle at all.

And to Craig.p and barebones...

I had thought that to be my problem from the get-go. I had considered taking the head out of the combo and getting another BR115 (the cheapest alternative).

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts!
 
#7
Personally, I love Carvin Amps; don't really have an opinion on their cabs; don't like the sound of two 15's. My buddy plays a Carvin amp with an Ampeg 6x10 that sounds freaking amazing. Like very stupidly good amazing. So maybe what you need is to swap your extension for a 4x10 to get the sound. I'm sure you can find someone to borrow one from to try, at least.
 
#9
Carvin basses sound best with Carvin amps!! And cabinets! I found it ironic the OP called this thread "Carvin Bass Amps," and named about every amp manufacturer BUT Carvin.

Carvin: bass, amp, speaker cab. While you're at it, complete the circuit with a Carvin patch cable. Amen.

(EDIT: Just noticed you actually currently have Carvin amps, and want to go another direction. My bad; I saw those other two manufacturers and was like ??? Pardon my quick read :-/ I say try the BX500 or BX1500...your older amp can't compare, IME. The BRX2.10 NEO is KILLER with these. I currently have the BX500 with this cabinet, and it's ridiculous. Hugs indeed :)
 
#10
phdbassman said:
I know what you mean, mid-heavy. Add that to the mid-sounding pickups and you understand my plight! The basses play smoothly, not a struggle at all.

And to Craig.p and barebones...

I had thought that to be my problem from the get-go. I had considered taking the head out of the combo and getting another BR115 (the cheapest alternative).

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts!
Click to expand...

I forgot all about that possibility. Pull that head, and I'll bet you could sell the combo cab pretty easily. Then, snatch up another cab like your 1x15, and you're set. Nifty!
 
#11
I used to use a Carvin cab at a rehearsal space, and there was simply no way to get a fat warm tone out of it that I found. I have heard mostly good things about their amp heads, but there are far better cabinet options out there IMO for the type of tone you seek. If the easiest way to proceed is pulling the head and switching up the cabs, I'll second that option.
 

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