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Carvin BX500 opinion

FuzzBoxVoodoo

FuzzBoxVoodoo

Nov 28, 2008
1,345
11
Sacramento CA
#1
I just picked up a Carvin BX500 class D 500 watts 5lbs bass head that is 2 ohm stable.It definentaly has alot of usable features and the fact that you can use it down to 2 ohms is a really nice option,there is a switch on the back to run it at 2 ohms but the wattage stays the same as at 4 ohms (500watts).
I would say that compared to my Shuttle 6.0 that is is a little softer more like some of the Mark Bass heads that I have played so maybe 80% Shuttle and 20% MB.
As another TBer stated it has good sound just dont expect it to keep up with the B1500.
All of the features seem to be very usable with the exception of the compressor it seems to work fine if you just turn it on a little bit but it takes out to much tone if you turn it much past the first mark.
All in all a nice head for the weight and price.
 
#4
I was using the Carvin BX1200 before I got the BX500. I first played thru the BX500 at the Winter NAMM 09 in Anaheim and was sold on it. I'm probably the first person on this board to have gotten the BX500 and it's worked flawlessly for me ever since. I actually like the sound of it more that I do my BX1200. Currently I'm running it thru Carvin's BRX10.4 and BRX10.2 neo cabs, it's a dynamite setup. I'm very pleased with it's performance.:smug:

Your right about the compressor, I barely turn it up. It works just fine for me that way.
 
#5
Carvin is having what I call a "Cash for Clunkers" program going right now so I was able to trade in a old broken Pro Bass 500 and get the BX500 head.
It is a really cool head but I have way to much gear to keep it but I wanted to try one out anyway so I just sold it to another TBer who Im sure will really like it.
I do really like the 2 ohm capability also.
 
#6
FuzzBoxVoodoo said:
Carvin is having what I call a "Cash for Clunkers" program going right now so I was able to trade in a old broken Pro Bass 500 and get the BX500 head.
It is a really cool head but I have way to much gear to keep it but I wanted to try one out anyway so I just sold it to another TBer who Im sure will really like it.
I do really like the 2 ohm capability also.
Click to expand...

Where are you getting this Cash for Clunkers sale stuff at? I went to their site and did'nt see anything about a trade in program.
 
#9
I have it in my BR515N combo. It is pretty loud...in fact, I had it on 1.5 for band practice and that was loud (rock band with drums). It sounds surprisingly warm too. I can get it to have some almost sub-like bottom at the expense of midrange loss , so I am still messing with it to get a tone. It is not like my Thunderfunk where it has a tone I like with minimal adjustments, but once I get the eq sorted it, it iwill be a really good sounding amp. (and did I mention that is it LOUD!).
 
#12
Turlu said:
This head will be a surprise for me I am certain !!!

I will most likely switch the tube preamp for a GT or something else, but I will put a good tube in it.

I will let you know what I think !
Click to expand...

I'd be interested in hearing what a different tube does. With the tube active, it doesn't change the tone, but the attack is softer (a bit of compression besides actually using the compressor if that makes sense).

It is subtle, but kinda nice.
 
#14
FuzzBoxVoodoo said:
Carvin is having what I call a "Cash for Clunkers" program going right now so I was able to trade in a old broken Pro Bass 500 and get the BX500 head.
It is a really cool head but I have way to much gear to keep it but I wanted to try one out anyway so I just sold it to another TBer who Im sure will really like it.
I do really like the 2 ohm capability also.
Click to expand...

I too would like to know about this cash for clunkers program
 
#18
While I had this head one of the things I really liked about it was the compressor. There are different types of compression, and I believe this type is a " soft knee " type, although I'm not positive. It sounds alot like my BBE Opto compressor pedal. Perhaps those of you who did'nt care for it would like a different type of compressor? I found it really nice sounding for occaisional pops and slaps, but that was all I was really looking to get out of it.
 
#19
Got the Carinv BX500 today !!! Very well packed, arrived safely, exactly at the date the Carvin Rep promised !!!

Now, I tried the head using a MarkBass 210HF cabinet at 8 ohms. First impression was this thing is really, but really loud ! This thing is a beast in itself. After, I tweaked the EQ, Contour and compressor, then wow !!!!!! The tone is clear, clear, clean, clean clean !!! When using the drive control, after 6 or 7, it starts to overdrive and it is very useable to my ears. There is a noticeable difference in Ton when the unit is in bypass, but you can hear it most when the Drive knob is at around 6-7 or more, and it makes sense since this is using the tube preamp.

The mute function, active switch, speakon/ 1/4 inch jacks, tuner out, effects loop, all worked perfectly. The head is also very quiet, and I id not hear the fan running. At 5 pounds and a half, this thing is incredible. The Graphic EQ is very sensitive so you can get all the tone palette you can desire, and you can bypass it too.

I will swap the Tube for another one shortly and let you know if I hear a difference in Tone. The Lakland DJ4 was shining through this rig as well as the Lakland Decade.

Honestly, for 400$ ( 475 $ canadian funds ), this unit is a keeper.

It is loud as it is at 300 watts, I just cannot imagine it at 500 watts using two cabinets !!! And, the tone is superbly clean !

Good job Carvin, this is my first purchadse with you and not the last one !
 

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