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Double Bass New Carvin Acoustic AG300 with Mic channels

cultrvultr

cultrvultr

Supporting Member
Jun 16, 2008
1,320
657
Oakland, California
www.cultrvultr.com
#1
Carvin has just released a new amp that is "designed for all bass instruments, including the cello and upright bass."

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It certainly looks interesting. It appears to be a reconfigured MB12 with a mixer style head. The 3-way speakers had mixed reviews from electric bass players, I haven't heard any info from DB players.

The two mic/pickup channels with sweepable mid seem really useful. The piezo input is only 500K, but since the channels have 48V phantom, you could use a higher impedance DI or preamp.

I know it seems silly, but I bet the USB charge spot is actually pretty useful. I've had lots of gigs where my phone is low on battery. It would be great to charge it while I play!

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Light weight, compact design
- 200w output (250w at 4 ohms)
- 3-way 12", 6.5" midrange and tweeter
- Designed for bass instruments
- 3 Channels: 2 Inst piezo/magnetic inputs, mic/inst inputs
- 1/8" jack Stereo input
- 3 balanced XLR inputs - one for each channel
- Hi-Z input switch
- Input gain switch
- True 48V phantom power (for condenser mics)
- Active LO & HI tone controls for each CH
- Parametric EQs on Channels 1 & 2
- Resonant-style midrange filter for feedback control
- Parametric EQ deep cut allows control over acoustic feedback
- Dual DSP - echo, reverb & chorus
- Effects 1 or 2 for each CH, optional FS22 footswitch controlled
- Master Level controls the overall level, excludes Direct Out
- Master Effects Loop
- DI Direct Out XLR with level control
- Tuner/Headphone output
- External Speaker jack for 8 ohm load
- Pole mount for commercially available speaker stands
- Exclusive "lock-in" AC cord prevents accidental disconnect
- Designed and manufactured by Carvin in the USA
 
#3
MrSidecar said:
Initially,

that picture makes me think: "Isn't THIS the most cluttered, uninviting and complicated-looking control section of a bass amp EVER?" Imagine the utter horror on the bandstand, feeling the need to "fix something quick" in a half-bar break.

Best
Sidecar
Click to expand...

Three channels and a lot of features in a small package - it's going to be packed.
 
#7
fuzzy beard said:
Not seeing anything says anything about bass?
Click to expand...

They're marketing it as an all-around acoustic instrument amp, plus people often run vocals through an extra channel on these for coffeehouse-type gigs. The OP quoted the bass-relevant line in the blurb - "The deep bass performance is designed for all bass instruments, including the cello and upright bass. " Specs show response down to 20 Hz.
 
#9
Just talked to Carvin, (Keith
at ext 117). He said freq resp is 70hz - 20 hz is for the amp, not the speaker. He didn't know of anyone trying it for db but said they had played a 5 strg BG thru it successfully. I see this as a possibly good alternative to a powered speaker. Seems most players putting a speaker up on a pole are more interested in personal monitoring than bone jarring lows, and it does power an external spkr which could be a 15 on the floor when required. I use a GB 500 contour for BG anyway, just looking for that nice 'natural' db sound up at ear level.

So who is going to take the plunge and check this thing out?
 
#11
rickwolff said:
Just talked to Carvin, (Keith
at ext 117). He said freq resp is 70hz - 20 hz is for the amp, not the speaker. He didn't know of anyone trying it for db but said they had played a 5 strg BG thru it successfully. I see this as a possibly good alternative to a powered speaker. Seems most players putting a speaker up on a pole are more interested in personal monitoring than bone jarring lows, and it does power an external spkr which could be a 15 on the floor when required. I use a GB 500 contour for BG anyway, just looking for that nice 'natural' db sound up at ear level.

So who is going to take the plunge and check this thing out?
Click to expand...

While Carvin makes very reliable and well built products, I'm happy with my current gear. The EDB-2 works so well that I couldn't ask for a more portable front and flexible front end. If you need more power you just up the size of the powered cabinet of your choice or run it into a PJB Superflight Case.
If it says Acoustic Guitar Amp, then that's what it's designed for, just like the Fishman Loudbox, et. al.

Ric ;<)>
 
#12
Ric Vice said:
While Carvin makes very reliable and well built products, I'm happy with my current gear. The EDB-2 works so well that I couldn't ask for a more portable front and flexible front end. If you need more power you just up the size of the powered cabinet of your choice or run it into a PJB Superflight Case.

Ric ;<)>
Click to expand...

Hey Ric,

I see my wife is still writing your material (I'm going to have to change my password to keep her off this blog).;)

I just like thinking about and playing with new toys. As I've said (recently) my rig is serving me very well (including the Super Flightcase) I just keep getting that bee in my bonnet about trying something up on a pole.
 
#14
Can't say I wasn't a bit disappointed, but just talked with Mike, the 'sales manager' at Carving about using the AG200 for Double Bass.

He said: 'The amp was not designed for that and he would never recommend using it for double bass'.

When I mentioned that my Phil Jones has 5 inch speakers he said 'yeh, but that's a completely different animal'.

Oh well, que sera sera.
 
#15
Interesting...

My bluegrass band and I were discussing getting a couple fishman loudbox performers. I am trying to buy things that serve a dual purpose. I want a couple of these for use as a PA for small shows and instrument monitors for larger shows. I love carvin stuff and if these are as good, plus much cheaper and more watts, I'm in. Plus the added possible bass use makes it an even sweeter deal! Triple threat!

So someone buy one and tell me how it is!!
 
#16
I am very excited about the 300. Going to show it to the wife tonight! If it does what it says it does it would serve are purpose perfect. We are only looking to do the coffee house thing. And then when we aren't playing I can use it as an amp for me.

Here's hoping she goes for it!!
 
#17
MrSidecar said:
Initially,that picture makes me think: "Isn't THIS the most cluttered, uninviting and complicated-looking control section of a bass amp EVER?" Imagine the utter horror on the bandstand, feeling the need to "fix something quick" in a half-bar break.
Click to expand...
lol, I looked at that and thought, what a great layout. I could really use that well on a gig :)

Then again I've been recording and running sound for a couple of decades.
 
#19
I love gear like this. It's like having a D-tar Solstice built into a bass cabinet.

I have a Fishman SA220 which is similar in features, but also can't handle bass. I might have to start selling off some gear to fund a new purchase.

Also - tweed option looks pretty sweet.


I wish the input was 1 mega ohm though.
 
#20
rickwolff said:
Can't say I wasn't a bit disappointed, but just talked with Mike, the 'sales manager' at Carving about using the AG200 for Double Bass.

He said: 'The amp was not designed for that and he would never recommend using it for double bass'.

When I mentioned that my Phil Jones has 5 inch speakers he said 'yeh, but that's a completely different animal'.

Oh well, que sera sera.
Click to expand...

See Above.
 

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