Errrrr,,,,one more question. Are the sliders on the graphic EQ boost only? I notice there is no -0- reference.
Sliders all the way down for flat?
Sliders all the way down for flat?
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Carvin BX500: Pt. 3
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
There's a detent in the middle for the flat setting on each slider - I'm 99.9% sure they're boost/cut and just don't have the labels.
My G&l will overdrive my EBS Multicomp and my Aguliar TLC unless I turn the volume down. i'll bet that it's more than likely part of the issue you're experiencing.
Maybe it's just a matter of taste. I do turn my G&L down (I know it well by now) but I tried using my SX fretless with the BX500 last night with the same result. When I put the compressor at '5', the light was just 'on' the entire time it had signal, vs. the '2.5' setting I like where the light perfectly bobs and weaves with my heavy-handed dynamics.
Some of you are probably thinking it, but note that I did *not* use my eyes to find the setting I liked; rather I kept turning the compressor up until the point where things were squashed enough to keep me from doing a double-take on a big peak when playing with a full band.
Just piping in that I, too, have gotten the same mute issue that was spoken of earlier. (In fact, I just started another thread, asking for opinions on the matter.)
I'm using Speakon cable, I don't hear any bass signal when the mute is enacted, and it doesn't happen all the time - which is weird.
When it does happen, it is a quite distinct pop, though.
Has anyone remedied this, or sent a head back for another? I just received this one on May 24th, 2010.
I'm using Speakon cable, I don't hear any bass signal when the mute is enacted, and it doesn't happen all the time - which is weird.
When it does happen, it is a quite distinct pop, though.
Has anyone remedied this, or sent a head back for another? I just received this one on May 24th, 2010.
Like some of the posters, I vote yes on the BX500 as a great amp!
I had problems getting a 'good' one (I am on my 4th), but this one works with no issues. I have been using this one since Dec. I have kept an eye on these threads and had similiar problems with what has been talked about, but Carvin has been GREAT to deal with! I do not have the mute problem, and yes it did take lots of tweaking to get a sound (I was expecting a good 'flat' sound as well), but using the EQ made all the difference. I don't really use the onboard compressor and have it all the way 'off' (I have a compressor on my multi effects pedal), but when I have used it without the pedal I run the comp at around 3 and it is fine.
I ran an R1000 for the past 8 years (no issues, and still have it) and ran it bridged in to an Avatar 410. I found the BX500 as a good alternative for the price and the weight, (damn that R1000 is heavy, especially in a 4 space rack!) and the power is very much there to push the cab (I have yet to run the BX past 5!)
I am very satisfied with this amp!
I had problems getting a 'good' one (I am on my 4th), but this one works with no issues. I have been using this one since Dec. I have kept an eye on these threads and had similiar problems with what has been talked about, but Carvin has been GREAT to deal with! I do not have the mute problem, and yes it did take lots of tweaking to get a sound (I was expecting a good 'flat' sound as well), but using the EQ made all the difference. I don't really use the onboard compressor and have it all the way 'off' (I have a compressor on my multi effects pedal), but when I have used it without the pedal I run the comp at around 3 and it is fine.
I ran an R1000 for the past 8 years (no issues, and still have it) and ran it bridged in to an Avatar 410. I found the BX500 as a good alternative for the price and the weight, (damn that R1000 is heavy, especially in a 4 space rack!) and the power is very much there to push the cab (I have yet to run the BX past 5!)
I am very satisfied with this amp!
Were I you, I'd find this *very* annoying. Having to send units back over and over is a sign of a product rushed to market with poor QA. No, this isn't just a Carvin issue - a buddy of mine bought that new TC head that is all whiz-bang - and it croaked shortly after purchase.
I have to think that Carvin is doing what it can to address this, since they have to be eating major $$ accepting all of these quality returns... but I'd steer clear of these until they start making a consistently reliable product.
I must be bless cause I had no problems since I gotten my in Feb 2009. I know these small light weight class D amp are not made to be driven hard and I always listen to my cab for any sign of unwanted noise. IMO I thinks some of us it driven the amp to hard intend of getting the right class amp.
It shouldn't be neccessary to go through 3 or 4 heads before getting a good one. I thought about buying one of these, but living in Canada would mean expensive shipping back and forth and waiting to clear customs each time. Even if Carvin stands behind it and pays for shipping, it's not worth the hassle. I'm going to wait until the problems are sorted out. It's a shame because the amp has outstanding features for the money.
Had my first gig last night since adding a 4 ohm Dr. Bass Cabinet to my rig. Ran the BX500 through it plus an 8 ohm 2x10 which equals 2.66 ohms. Was a bit concerned about running all night in 2 ohm mode but had no issues. It performed perfectly!
Was the volume at that ohm ratio loud enough for the group you were playing with? I've been considering adding a Carvin BRX10.2 and the BX500 to my 1x15 setup. I would run it similarly to you.
It was plenty loud. Volume was set at 3. I was actually told for the first time by the guitar player that I was a bit too loud! He usually tells me to turn it up. I'm sure the new cabinet had something to do with that though, as it really added some heavy bottom.
I just received mine yesterday. I got to spend some quality time with it today. Wow! So easy to dial in great tone! (I've got it paired with my Bergantino AE410)
I know it's still the "honeymoon phase," but I gotta say that I'm really, really impressed.
I know it's still the "honeymoon phase," but I gotta say that I'm really, really impressed.
Like some of the posters, I vote yes on the BX500 as a great amp!
I had problems getting a 'good' one (I am on my 4th), but this one works with no issues. I have been using this one since Dec. ...
I am very satisfied with this amp!
I went through something similar with the GK MB2-500; had three of them in 9 months before giving up. The Carvin BX500 has rocked after one problem with the first one which Carvin replaced. It can happen.
Saturday night was the second night of this gig. Another four hours and the amp worked perfectly. That is until the end of the night when we finished our last song. I shut the amp off and started to pack it up when someone came up and begged us to play one more song. We agreed and I turned my amp back on. This time it went into protect mode and made no sound! Turned it off and waited about 30 seconds and tried again. Same thing! So yesterday I got it in the house and fired it up. Works perfectly again. Not sure what happened. If it happens again I will be sending it in to have checked out.
could be that with the fan running, it was cool enough.
turn the fan off, it heats up internally, and would have had to run the fan for some amount of time to get to safe temps again.
could be.
turn the fan off, it heats up internally, and would have had to run the fan for some amount of time to get to safe temps again.
could be.
I'm no expert, but I've heard of that happening... and it actually makes perfect sense.
