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NAD! Carvin BX1600

#21
tercesyrev said:
Hey Vishudda, I read in another thread of someone complaining about his BX1600 creating a hiss noise, even set at low volume. He sent it back and got another one which had the same thing.

Do you have that condition?
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Sorry, I totally thought this thread had died and I stopped checking it! I fortunately do not have that problem... very silent, even at stage volume.

godblender said:
So vishuddha...still getting on well with the BX1600?? I'd love to hear some additional feedback from you when you have the time. Thanks!
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Sorry for the wait! I have been using this for a metal band with 2 guitarists (Marshall half stack for one of them, of course) and it cuts right through. I am very happy. The power is immense. No complaints... I can't foresee myself GASing for another amp anytime soon.
 
#23
I just got a Carvin BX1600 on Friday, gigged with it on Saturday. The gig was on a river barge on the San Antonio River Walk for the Armed Forces Day parade. The band was a funk driven horn section act. The amp did everything I demanded of it, cut right through the mix no problem, with plenty of headroom leftover. With all the different eq's, tube option, crossover settings and cab versatility available, the tonal possibillities are endless, and it has more power than I'll probably ever need. I particularly like the onboard compressor too. Very lightweight, which was nice as I had to schlepp it several blocks for the load in, load out.
I've been using a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0, and bought this as a backup...I think its going to end up being my primary now though.
Awesome rig, and great bang for the buck!
 
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#25
Thanks...I actually need to update my signature, as I don't have the Bordwell anymore, and have added a couple of Clement basses to the stable. I was using my new Clement fretted 5'er on this last gig btw.

I used a Genz Benz Focus 2x10 for the gig. I was going to bring two of them to stack, but space and movement on the barge was too tight. The one 2x10 cab turned out to be plenty though. Next gig I do I may run it bi-amped with one 2x10 and a Bergantino 112, so I can take advantage of using the crossover tonality. Lots of options with this baby.
I'm considering adding a larger 15 or maybe even an 18 inch cab to the rig too. Might even go with a Carvin since I like the amp so much.
 
#26
younggun said:
I just got a Carvin BX1600 on Friday, gigged with it on Saturday. The gig was on a river barge on the San Antonio River Walk for the Armed Forces Day parade. The band was a funk driven horn section act. The amp did everything I demanded of it, cut right through the mix no problem, with plenty of headroom leftover. With all the different eq's, tube option, crossover settings and cab versatility available, the tonal possibillities are endless, and it has more power than I'll probably ever need. I particularly like the onboard compressor too. Very lightweight, which was nice as I had to schlepp it several blocks for the load in, load out.
I've been using a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0, and bought this as a backup...I think its going to end up being my primary now though.
Awesome rig, and great bang for the buck!
Click to expand...

Can you compare the Carvin to the Genz?
 
#27
Very different amps, the Carvin is essentially two amps that can be used in tandem or bridged, and it obviously has a lot more power available. Setting all the eqs disabled or flat, but using the tube-pre amp on the Carvin, I can dial in a tone that's very similar to the Genz...after that all bets are off. The Carvin has so many different shaping options. Just turning off the tube preamp makes a big difference in the tone (nice feature to have too, just in case the tube starts to go bad mid-gig). There are 3 different eq sections available that can be used in any combo, plus the ability to manage crossover frequency when bi-amping, and the on board compressor is there as well. The biggest disadvantage to the Carvin is its bulkiness. My Genz actually fits in my gig-bag, so I have to carry an extra bag for the Carvin. If I do smaller clubs with small combos, I'm still going to be apt to use the Genz because of its size...otherwise I bet I'll be taking the Carvin out.
 
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#29
Just a thread bump for an unbelievable amp. I've really learned to appreciate the BX1600 after playing other set ups in the stores. Yes I know the cabinets are different and certainly have an influence of the overall sound but regardless you can tell the influence of the head. This head sounds so hi-fi yet if a more colored tone is desired, you have no problem dialing it in. The power and flexibility of two power amps is insane. PLus, it has to be one of the coolest looking amps out, especially in a dark setting. Sure it probably won't be the amp for everyone (but then again no one amp is) but as I stated before you can't touch this thing for the $$$. I can't wait to use this in the studio.
 
#30
I've been bi-amping mine with two different cabs lately and it sounds incredible. Using the crossover, I send the higher freq side to a Genz Benz focus 2x10 cab, and am using a Bergantino HT 112 for the lower amp. Buttery low end feel combined with hi-fi clarity. Lovin' it!
 
#31
My new rig set up.

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#36
svtb15 said:
I had an older carvin B1500 for a while.. .My friends called it my ghetto rig... Ha.. that ghetto rig surpassed some of their name brand rigs in VOL, Durability and tone every time...
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Yeah, I can't imagine why they would call that a ghetto rig... in terms of relative power and durability, that would be like referring to a semi truck as a "go kart". Haha.
 
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#37
Just ordered one of these. Very excited to hear it (with my Rick4001) since there are not enough video reviews for now. The only thing that really turns me off is the red lighting. I'm sure it comes in handy on stage, but I still wish it could be turned off somehow. Why not add another of these small switches? Maybe it can be unplugged on the inside? The semi-parametric and the graphic EQ can be used simultaneously, right? Does the Drive knob can produce a nice growl with the tube in the preamp? ... Damn, can't wait another four days :(
 
#38
jpc said:
Just ordered one of these. Very excited to hear it (with my Rick4001) since there are not enough video reviews for now. The only thing that really turns me off is the red lighting. I'm sure it comes in handy on stage, but I still wish it could be turned off somehow. Why not add another of these small switches? Maybe it can be unplugged on the inside? The semi-parametric and the graphic EQ can be used simultaneously, right? Does the Drive knob can produce a nice growl with the tube in the preamp? ... Damn, can't wait another four days :(
Click to expand...

Yes, all the EQ's can be used simultaneously, and the Drive knob increases the "tubie-ness"...gets pretty growly when turned up.
The red lights really aren't all that bright, they are tucked behind the faceplate a bit and light the face indirectly. You'll probably find them more useful than annoying. I'd bet they could be unplugged from the circuit board inside....don't know what cracking it open would do to your warranty though. Might want to ask at Carvin.
 

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