Carvin BX500

[BluesWalker]

Why does Carvin overkill in regards to the equalization controls?

 

[greenboy]

Why does Carvin overkill in regards to the equalization controls?

I don't see what's wrong with having a different tone available via footswitch or front panel. I can certainly use it.

 

[asad137]

Why does Carvin overkill in regards to the equalization controls?

I think it's because most people can't try before buying, they try and sell people on the features. Also increases the likelihood that the buyer will be able to find a sound they like.

Asad

 

[greenboy]

The graphic section is out of the signal path unless one switches it on at the front panel or the footswitch. Thus one can have two different frequnecy distributions for different songs/purposes.

I also like the CONTOUR knob. It's basically a variable bass shelf and treble shelf boost tied together. At bedroom and lower Sound Pressure Levels one can use it to compensate for the ears' lesser sensitivity to bass and treble frequencies:

Link Removed

At higher levels one can decrease its contribution without touching the main EQ sections.

 

[buckminster]

Oh they will, Carvin gets all their gear to the stores, trust me it'll be there.

If you go to the Sac store and try it out, post some feedback for the rest of us. Thanks.

 

[Michael Vee]

vinxbass,

See if you can't snap a good picture of the back panel when you are there!

+1, since the back panel is not pictured on the Carvin site yet, and there is no manual online yet either.

About the only thing I don't like on the front panel is the DI level control on the front, placed where it is. That normally is on the back panel since it doesn't need to be tweaked often.

Would have been nice to have had the on/off jewel over by the power switch, but that's another niggle.

This is the only lightweight head with a graphic EQ! Also, no other lightweight head has two semi-parametric mid EQs in this price range, the two that do are the forthcoming Shuttle Maxs, and both are considerably more expensive.

It'll be interesting to see how the 2 Ohm capability plays out. Is this the only lightweight class D head other than the Neo-Pak to have 2 ohm capability? I think it is.

Very nice package. Glad to hear some have ordered it already. I'm going to sit back and check out the initial returns.

 

[rasthedoctor]

Holy smokes - 30lbs lighter and over $150 less than the B1500 (which I was just ready to pull the trigger on...). Crap! Need to start weighing the pros and cons...

 

[mike_v_s]

This is the only lightweight head with a graphic EQ!

I've recently become a fan of the graphic eq and that feature alone has me considering it. 2 ohm capable is definitely something I prefer, but like everyone else, I want more details. I was sure I was done amp shopping for a while, too....

Mike

 

[craigb]

I love everything about my BX1200 except the size/weight (and dug the B800s I've had as well). I can see a BX500 in my future for my small rig -- if the Ashdown LG 1000 I have on the way doesn't do it for me. I'm tempted to order one anyway, do a head-to-head comparo and sell off the loser (I've done it before).

I've started hauling the BX1200 as part of my small rig because I like the tone better than my lightweight amp (Yamaha BBT-500H) so essentially the same tone in a smaller package would be ideal me.

 

[kaiser_sosea]

can't wait for the comparisons to the Shuttles and LM2's... now if Carvin could only improve their CS to that of say, Genz Benz this would be a tough amp to beat...

 

[Michael Vee]

Gad, looking at the Carvin website, the BX1200 is going for $539 at the moment, and the BX500 for $500. Tough call unless you know you want lightweight, and don't need the power, flexible amp section, and extra features of the 1200. $39 difference!

 

[lindseyp]

The "Specifications" page suggests universal voltage for power:
- RMS 8 Ohms: 300w, RMS 4 Ohms: 500w, RMS 2 Ohms: limited
- 8 ohms Dynamic Peak: 600w
- 4 ohms Dynamic Peak: 1000w
- Output Mode: D-TECH™ High Efficiency CLASS D technology
- Power Supply: High Efficiency High Frequency switching
- Frequency Response: +/- 0.5 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 1.5 dB 10Hz - 40 kHz
- THD: 0.1% @ 50% output
- 1% 20-20 kHz @ 90% output
- Damping Factor: >300
- Preamps: Three CLASS A
- Passive/Active Input: 10 dB gain switch - accommodates all basses
- Preamp Tube: 12AX7 swtichable in/out
- Bass/Treble: +-10 dB at 100 Hz and +-12 dB at 8k Hz
- Contour control: Flat to -126 dB at 400 600 Hz
- 1 Mid Parametric: +- 10 Db sweepable 100 to 800 Hz
- 2 Mid Parametric: +- 10 Db sweepable 800 to 3k Hz
- Graphic Equalizer: 9 band +- 10 Db @ 63, 120,250,500,1k,2k,4k,8k,16k
- Compressor/Limiter: up to 30 dB – convenient one knob control
- Direct Out: - 50 to +4 dBV adjustable, Balanced 600 ohms
- Effects Loop: -10 dBV In/Out buffered at 10k to keep source constant
- FS22 Footswitch: Graphic EQ on/off, Direct Out MUTE on/off
- Soft Start: gradually turns the amp on to prevent surges
- Speaker Protection: protection circuit immediately disconnects your speakers
- Over-Current: protected, Under-Voltage protected, Thermal protected
- AC Voltage Input: 100-250V 50-60 Hz
- Rack Space: 2U adapter end-plates
- Dimensions: 71mm (2.8") high, 230mm (9") deep, 356mm (14") wide
- Net Weight: 2.7 kg (5.8 lbs)
- Made in San Diego, CA

 

[DWBass]

Just got my Carvin catalog and saw this. I'm interested!

 

[NWB]

It looks very nice.

I suppose it would do everything my BX600 will at considerably less weight. A great idea from Carvin.

 

[blmeier7]

I just got off the phone with Carvin's customer support and according to the guy I spoke with this amp will be ready for shipment in 3 weeks.

I forgot to ask him if this amp was available to checkout at their store yet. For those of you that are close enough it may be worth checking into. He did say it was a pretty impressive amp and that I wouldn't be disappointed...but I kind of expected them to say something along those lines. Only time will tell. I will check back in a couple of weeks and make sure everything is still on schedule.

 

[bohemond]

How does there customer support rate compared to Hartke? I heard Hartke is lacking bigtime

 

[Blues Bass 2]

Looks like they have a couple of combos with neo speakers with this head,a 210 and a 115 for $700. Might be pretty cool.

 

[lewislngvw]

i was waiting on the eden 500 watt wtx amp.....but am on hold now....this one is much cheaper....just would like to hear some user reviews b4 i pull the trigger...i have 2 4 ohm cabs and would really like to know what the output is at 2 ohms.....would really sway my purchase....."limited" just doesnt tell me what i need to know

 

[DWBass]

How does there customer support rate compared to Hartke? I heard Hartke is lacking bigtime

That's why Larry gave out his personal number. Samsontech isn't that bad though. I got a response to a question within 24hrs.

 

[CP63]

I went to the Sac store yesterday... they do not have the amp yet...