So maybe you have a bad unit... Until it started belching Magic Smoke, did you dig it? Good sound, power, etc?
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Carvin BX500: Part II
- Thread starter Kelly Lee
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So maybe you have a bad unit... Until it started belching Magic Smoke, did you dig it? Good sound, power, etc?
I sure the **** wouldn't be waiting for an email reply, get on the horn and talk to customer service ASAP.
Hey thud, aren't you on your 2nd or 3rd one as well? If so, this news is very disheartening as I've been gasing for a bx500, maybe I should just wait and save up the extra dough to get a bx1500, but then again, that may have problems as well, it being a new product and all, ugh.
I just do not understand sending an email out about a critical issue.
Carvin has been wonderful to other people who have had problems with their gear. BUT... you HAVE to give them an opportunity to treat you right. If it's not important enough to you to call them, then it probably doesn't come off as important to them.
Carvin has been wonderful to other people who have had problems with their gear. BUT... you HAVE to give them an opportunity to treat you right. If it's not important enough to you to call them, then it probably doesn't come off as important to them.
I noticed in previous threads that you were waiting on a replacement tube to fix a humming problem. Did you ever get a replacement? perhaps the humming was something else that led to the meltdown?
+1. Did you also try calling their customer service number? I've had great luck with response from Carvin when I actually called them.
I live in SD, and I've talked to several guys who have worked at Carvin... One of the things they say is that the place is decidedly low-tech - - Which is odd, given that the have been using CNC machines to build basses for many years... but the internal culture has not embraced tech... So I'm not shocked that emails go ignored.
That said, I reported a problem with web page link to them and got a response within 45 minutes... Of course, the "fix" was goofy (Try "building" a bass and when you get to the pickup part, click on "compare pickup tone" - a whole chart of guitar pickups appears... D'oh!)
The lesson here is sometimes, it's better to pick up the phone.
That said, I reported a problem with web page link to them and got a response within 45 minutes... Of course, the "fix" was goofy (Try "building" a bass and when you get to the pickup part, click on "compare pickup tone" - a whole chart of guitar pickups appears... D'oh!)
The lesson here is sometimes, it's better to pick up the phone.
To answer some peoples questions...
Yes, for the most part I liked the amp up until it went all crispy on me. It has a good sound, it's sleek and versatile.
I will call if I don't get an email reply soon, I just honestly don't like calling companies on the phone if I can avoid it (seems like I might have to, then I will).
This was my first amp from carvin, bought a few months ago, and I posted about a hum coming from the tweeter of my cabs. I did get a new pre-amp tube, but didn't replace it yet.
I'm not sure what could have caused the magic smoke. It was on for several hours but at practice volumes, it wasn't being pushed hard. I'm trying to think of something I could have done that might have caused this, but I just don't know. I haven't heard of this problem with anyone else's BX500 (right?) so I'm not saying you guys necessarily have to worry about this happening to you, it's likely a lemon or some weird anomaly or something...
Yes, for the most part I liked the amp up until it went all crispy on me. It has a good sound, it's sleek and versatile.
I will call if I don't get an email reply soon, I just honestly don't like calling companies on the phone if I can avoid it (seems like I might have to, then I will).
This was my first amp from carvin, bought a few months ago, and I posted about a hum coming from the tweeter of my cabs. I did get a new pre-amp tube, but didn't replace it yet.
I'm not sure what could have caused the magic smoke. It was on for several hours but at practice volumes, it wasn't being pushed hard. I'm trying to think of something I could have done that might have caused this, but I just don't know. I haven't heard of this problem with anyone else's BX500 (right?) so I'm not saying you guys necessarily have to worry about this happening to you, it's likely a lemon or some weird anomaly or something...
Cheers Turlu, that is reassuring. It will fit nicely in an aluminium Case for transporting, so i think that is the plan.
I would put some pads/bumpers inside the case that keep the amp stationary in the case, and especially keep the amp from leaning against the graphic EQ sliders.
I've called Carvin 3 times now with specific questions about the BX500 (no problems). Each time i've gotten immediate help, and 2 of the 3 times I ended up talking to an engineer with specific knowledge of the amp.
When dealing with a customer service, warranty, or return issue I ALWAYS pick up the phone first.
.
When dealing with a customer service, warranty, or return issue I ALWAYS pick up the phone first.
.
dude, just pick up the phone. I'm a bit on the anti-social side myself and would rather NOT talk to people, but when it comes to stuff I paid for, I make a conscious effort. I've called Carvin with simple questions and have always been treated great over the phone. I learned my lesson once when I emailed a question and never got a response.
First off, not to get too lengthy, this amp finally gives me the sounds i've been hearing in my head for so many years, that I could not get with my current rig. Really love it! Both EQ sections are very musical, compressor is awesome, the tube is subtle, but absolutely affects the tone. Friggin' LOUD. The faceplate on my model has no DTECH reference silk-screened on the front. it's just a blank area now.
Now the concern......
It does hiss (not hum) as others have mentioned, but no different than what I've heard in some other amps.
I was molesting it for a good two hours last night thru a 210, & 112 @ 2ohms. with no problems. I shut if off for a brief moment, and when I turned it back on, it went into protect mode. @@!##@@ I poked around with the ohm switch, mixed cabinets, etc. but nothing. It did come back on within a few minutes, and all seemed well. I then went thru the on / off series again, and more of the same. Went to bed... This morning I fired it up, and it turned on right away. turned it on, and off several times, and it came on quickly each time. I will call carvin today for some insight, but my thought is that after shutdown when hot, there is probably some residual heat that builds up with the fan being off that caused the circuit to trip. Sound normal? It seems that it would be best during a gig situation to just leave it on the whole duration.
Anyway, otherwise, this is an incredible sounding amp....
Now the concern......
It does hiss (not hum) as others have mentioned, but no different than what I've heard in some other amps.
I was molesting it for a good two hours last night thru a 210, & 112 @ 2ohms. with no problems. I shut if off for a brief moment, and when I turned it back on, it went into protect mode. @@!##@@ I poked around with the ohm switch, mixed cabinets, etc. but nothing. It did come back on within a few minutes, and all seemed well. I then went thru the on / off series again, and more of the same. Went to bed... This morning I fired it up, and it turned on right away. turned it on, and off several times, and it came on quickly each time. I will call carvin today for some insight, but my thought is that after shutdown when hot, there is probably some residual heat that builds up with the fan being off that caused the circuit to trip. Sound normal? It seems that it would be best during a gig situation to just leave it on the whole duration.
Anyway, otherwise, this is an incredible sounding amp....
Chef
In Memoriam
Well that's a bummer.
If it can't take a horse whipping at 2 ohms, I don't need it.
I already have a micro head I like well enough that's 4 ohm ready.
If it can't take a horse whipping at 2 ohms, I don't need it.
I already have a micro head I like well enough that's 4 ohm ready.
I'm going to be moving to a TC Electronic RS 210 / RS 112 cabinet setup soon, so I'll only be molesting the head at 4ohm. Currently just using it with a single Avatar b210 4ohm and it's more than enough for the things I'm doing. Haven't needed the main volume over 3 or 4
- Apr 3, 2003
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
FWIW, I have done 2.5 hour practice sessions driving the BX500 fairly hard (not quite gig volume) into a 2-ohm load on multiple occasions without a problem.
I would definitely talk to Carvin tech support about these issues.
Chef
In Memoriam
I've also had no issues (lowest is driving it at 2.67 ohms though).
I will say that turning an amp off and then right back on can lead to issues.
I had an SWR combo that I once did this too and it blew up some capacitors.
Still...why not give them a call and get it sorted out? This is newer technology and in this current business climate people like you and I are what help companies become aware (and hopefully fix) problems with their products.
I will say that turning an amp off and then right back on can lead to issues.
I had an SWR combo that I once did this too and it blew up some capacitors.
Still...why not give them a call and get it sorted out? This is newer technology and in this current business climate people like you and I are what help companies become aware (and hopefully fix) problems with their products.
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