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Carvin bx1500
- Thread starter eb3luster
- Start date
I have the best of both worlds, a Carvin B1500 and a BX1200 and I love them. I was using the B1500 as my church head paired with an Ampeg 410HLF and the BX1200 as my main rig paired with an Avatar B210/B212. I decided a couple of weeks ago to switch heads to see if I tame the boominess of the Ampeg and what an incredible difference, the BX1200 really sounds amazing with the Ampeg. The other bass players at church also think the BX1200 fits better much tighter sound and more tonal flexibility. It's a win win either way.
Are you saying the BX1200 sounds tighter and has more tonal flexibility than the BX1500?
EDIT: Ooops, just noticed it's a B1500. Confusing names...
EDIT: Ooops, just noticed it's a B1500. Confusing names...
I think he's referring to the B1500, not the BX1500. The B1500 is a solid state version of the current B2000, which are totally different amps than the BX series. Basically the BX1500 is a BX1200 with a tube in it and some wattage changes. They are awesome amps.
+1. Plus the BX1500 is several pounds lighter than the BX1200, which is discontinued.
Thanks guys. So what are the tonal differences between the B2000 and the BX1500?
And what is the current feeling on the reliability of these amps?
And what is the current feeling on the reliability of these amps?
Grab a bass and run down to the Carvin Store in Hollywood and test them out!. They're built like tanks. I had a BX1200 for a while and ran it for several hours in a 100 degree garage and it mocked me with it's unwillingess to falter.
Ive had my bx1500 for 1 1/2 years now and im getting a decent amount of distortion especially with the lower notes. I plugged my bass and my cab through a svt 4pro and the distortion went away so its definetly the amp. A little upset that its only been a year and a half and its already giving me problems...
My BX1500 is a year old and I have used it probably 8 times a month since then for about 3 or 4 hours in duration. I have had zero problems.
However, considering the ribbon connection issue I am going to perform some preventative maintenance very soon.
Honestly, knowing what I know now, I would probably would have purchased the gkmb800 as GK has a very good track record of being reliable.
Hey Guys, your post are always helpful so here goes my question. Can you run 2 four ohm cabs on one side for a 2 ohm load at 750 watts, then another cab at 4 ohms for the 450 watts on the other power amp in the bi amp mode. It says its 2 ohms per side so I would imagine many combinations would work.
This may sound crazy but I thought about running 2 subs on one side and a 210 or something on the other side or even a tri amp type rig so to speak...just for an experiment....and I am aware its best to have like speakers..but being able to experiment with cabs is interesting ...any thoughts, comments? Thanks
This may sound crazy but I thought about running 2 subs on one side and a 210 or something on the other side or even a tri amp type rig so to speak...just for an experiment....and I am aware its best to have like speakers..but being able to experiment with cabs is interesting ...any thoughts, comments? Thanks
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It says no to 3x4 ohms cabs....I think it's 2 ohm total, not per side.
When bridged you can run 4 ohms minimum.
I just re-read your post. Yes you can run unbalanced loads. For instance I run 8 ohms in one channel and 4 ohms in the other channel. The BX1500 is perfect for this as the two amps are independent. You can also run 2 ohms in one channel and any other "legal" (2,4 or 8) impedance in the other. Yes this can be done in the bi-amp mode.
I called Carvin and they said you could run theBx1500 at 2 ohms per side...however Grateful your right in that the Manual says otherwise. I had called because this didnt seem right.
I have not heard the Heads in person, but I saw a Blues Cat playing a BRX 10.2 Neo with a Stingray, I didnt see the Amp he was using..but it was a small place with no Pa and all I can say is his tone pissed me off cause it was butter and I have an Ampeg Pf 500 right now. The ears don't lie he had great tone.
So that being said I am really considering giving Carvin a try.
I have not heard the Heads in person, but I saw a Blues Cat playing a BRX 10.2 Neo with a Stingray, I didnt see the Amp he was using..but it was a small place with no Pa and all I can say is his tone pissed me off cause it was butter and I have an Ampeg Pf 500 right now. The ears don't lie he had great tone.
So that being said I am really considering giving Carvin a try.
Forgive the mild hi-jack, but I'm also seriously considering this amp after reading all of the threads. Can any of you that have used the BX1500 give me an opinion on my specific sound comparison here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/opinions-request-bx1500-vs-vtbp-201s-plx-1602-a-855322/. I'd appreciate any input before I have one shipped for a trial. Thanks.
Mark
Mark
Not for that specific preamp, but I used to use that power amp with a BBE 383 preamp, and now have the BX1500. I greatly prefer the Carvin, if just for the reduction in weight alone. It has so many options for EQ that even after a year, I am still fooling around with different settings. Master never gets past 4 or 5. One of the best built in compressors I've ever had in an amp, crossover if you want to bi-amp. really, it is pretty much a 2 channel power amp, with a very versatile preamp.
Sounds cool. So you think the BX1500 will give me more highs and articulation without sounding very modern? Not sure what words to use here....
Mark
With the Para and Graphic EQ, which can be used both at the same time, I don't see why not. Of course, alot of that has to do with the cab, and how it is voiced, also. Carvin has a 10 day return policy, so give it a try.
Just got my BX1500 coupled with the BR810 cabinet. What a rocker!! Personally, I think it sounds the best with the drive knob cranked up. As close to an SVT as you're gonna get for a total of $1200 including cabinet, head and shipping!!:
Im gigging now with a BX1200 and two Dr. Bass cabs, a 112LF (sub) and a 1260 (3-way) and my tone is mint! I run in bi-amp mode with my CROSSOVER at 9:00. Its not as powerful as running it in bridge mode (275w x 2) but its plenty loud and I prefer the tone. Played a medium size club with no PA support and didnt have to go past half on the volume. I like the DRIVE straight up at 12:00. BASS around 1:00 and a boost to the low-mids for thump. Slight cut in the high-mids and a little more cut on the highs (10:00). When I use a passive and an active bass, I dial up the active with the graphic-eq ON and the passive with it OFF, then just flip the switch when I switch basses.
The design of these amps is remarkable, regardless of the price range. The fact it only cost me 600 bucks (new) is outright thievery!
The design of these amps is remarkable, regardless of the price range. The fact it only cost me 600 bucks (new) is outright thievery!
