Owner's Manual

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA C1648, C2448, C3248, C1648P 4-bus MIXER OPERATING MANuAL
76-02448a 0210
C1648 featuring 4-band EQ and 8 channel sends
CONCERT 48 SERIES The C1648(P), C2448, and C3248 feature 16 to 32 channels with true 4-bus
performance. The C1648P adds four 500 watt power amplifiers. Never before have so many features been
packed into such a rugged, compact USA made mixer. The best feature of the Concert 48 Series is the
sound. Sound that is pure and quiet enough for digital recording studios. Everything is logically laid
out making the powerful features simple to use. The knobs have been located so that adjustments can be
made quick and easy with visible pointers showing you the status of your mix at a glance.
SUPERB SOUND State-of-the-art low impedance, low noise preamps are featured on every channel. The
balanced common mode rejection is better than 70 dB to eliminate cable noise. All main outputs are balanced
to guard against system noise. The near theoretical limit on distortion has been achieved with THD below .01%
to guarantee the purity of your sound, ensuring it will be dynamically open and transparent.
TRUE 4-BUS DESIGN The CONCERT 48 Series offers increased mixing flexibility over standard
stereo consoles by letting you assign channels to one of the 4 sub groups or L/R. This allows you to mix
the entire drum, horn, choir, etc. into one sub group, which feeds the L/R faders. This is an easy way
to control the volume of grouped mics and inputs. If you don’t need subgrouping, you can depress the
channel L/R button and the channel goes directly into the L/R output like a standard stereo console. All
4 sub group outputs have balanced outputs.
4 COMPRESSORS Each of the 4 sub groups feature a studio-grade compressor to reduce the output
when it gets above the level you set with the COMP control. Ideal for drums or horns.
TWO EFFECT SENDS / TWO 24-BIT EFFECT PROCESSORS Two built-in 24-Bit effects, each
offering 256 stereo effects, is a first in a 4-bus mixing console. Since there are two, you no longer have to
choose between vocal reverb or that awesome guitar chorus - you can have both! Each processor offers lush
REVERBS, rich CHORUSES, thick textured FLANGING and pristine ECHOES with fully adjustable parameters
for damping, decay, depth, speed, time and regeneration. Both processors can be sent back into the monitor
mix so the performers can hear exactly what the audience is hearing.
SIX MONITOR SENDS Every channel has 6 MONITOR sends with MASTER output level controls and
XLR balanced outputs.
4 BAND EQ/DUAL MID SWEEPS The superb EQ system gives extended 15 dB boost and cut tone
shaping. The LOW frequency control builds bass starting with 20 Hz through 80 Hz for a solid non-flabby
low-end. The LO MID and HI MID FREQ controls offer variable freqency settings from 45 Hz to 2kHz and
200Hz to 10kHz to enhance all instruments and vocals. The 11.5k Hz HI treble control adds sparkle to your
top-end without adding harshness. Both the LOW and HI are “shelving”, which means they are effective from
20 Hz and up to 20k Hz. The LO CUT switch eliminates stage rumble or other unwanted low frequencies
that would normally rob power from your woofers.
TWO 9 BAND EQUALIZERS Precision equalizers provide 1 octave adjustments to tune in your overall
sound and control feedback. Unlike one stereo equalizer, two independent 9 bands offers greater flexibility.
You can assign the EQs to the L/R outputs or to the monitor 1/2 outputs. Center frequencies are 63, 125,
250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k & 16k Hz.
CHANNEL FEATURES Every channel has a full balanced XLR and LINE (1/4”) preamp with an INSERT
jack for a compressor or EQ that also serves as a DIRECT OUT when plugged half way. The PAN control
directs the channel into the L/R output or any of the 4 sub groups after depressing the appropriate ASSIGN
switches. The PFL (pre fader listen) switch allows you to hear the channel in the headphones before the
fader is turned up. A solid “on” condition of the PEAK LED indicates that the MUTE switch has been
activated which turns the channel off including all monitor and effect sends. When flashing during use,
the PEAK LED also lets you know when to adjust the channel’s GAIN control to prevent channel distor-
tion. The SIGNAL LED lets you know that a signal is coming through the channel starting at –20 dBu. A
silky smooth 60mm audio taper FADER with dust cover delivers professional fade-outs. The PHANTOM
power switches provide power through the XLR connectors for use with condenser mics like the Carvin
M90S in groups of 8 channels.
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR MIXER FOR DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If damage is
found, please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. In the event you have to re-ship your unit, always
use the original carton and packing material. This will provide the best possible protection during
shipment. CARVIN and the shipping company are not liable for damage caused by improper packing.
SAVE YOUR INVOICE. It will be required for warranty service if needed in the future.
SHIPMENT SHORTAGE. If you find items missing, they may have been shipped separately. Please
allow several days for the rest of your order to arrive before inquiring.
RECORD THE SERIAL NUMBER on the enclosed warranty card or below on this manual for your
records. Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to
us.
USA customers register online at: www.carvin.com/registration
All other countries register online at: www.carvinworld.com/registration
For your records, you may wish to record the following:
Serial No.________________________ InvoiceDate___________
MASTER FEATURES Each of the 4 SUB GROUP faders can be switched to the L/R outputs or
used independently through their own balanced output jacks. Each of the sub group’s PFL switches
allow you to listen to the sub groups in your headphones before it is turned up. The L/R MAIN output
faders are independent for added flexibility over a single stereo fader. A MONO/SUB control sums
both the L/R outputs together (pre-graphic EQ) for a center, side fill or subwoofer output. The stereo
HEADPHONE control tracks the METER switches which allow you to look and listen from the L/R,
MONO, MONITOR 1-6 outputs, USB IN, REC OUT/USB, and channel and group PFL switches. The
master section also features 2 EFFECT SENDS, 4 RETURNS and RCA RECORD OUT jacks. All 6
MONITORS, L/R and MONO outputs are balanced XLR, while the 4 SUB GROUPS are balanced 1/4”.
SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY Our exclusive 125k Hz switching power supply eliminates
transformer noise. Like a laptop computer, go anywhere in the world and not worry about power
because you can run on any voltage from 90 to 250VAC. The C1648P will automatically switch
for 120VAC or 240VAC ranges.
ENGINEERED TO LAST Hidden deep in the heart of these USA made mixers is the SMT construction
that utilizes surface mounted components to prevent malfunctions caused by vibrations. Sealed controls
and switches guard against the outside elements while heavy-duty jacks provide a positive connection
to your cables. Fire retardant FR-4 military spec circuit cards feature double-sided copper to eliminate
radio frequency interference. Precision 1% tolerance components guarantee your settings will be
accurate every time. The Concert 48 Series is built to strict standards.
Optional Accessories:
USM16-MC,USM-BP wireless systems (Require USM-KIT)
C1648: CB1648 Heavy padded bag, RW1648 Road Warrior case
C2448: CB2448 Heavy padded bag, RW2448 Road Warrior case
C3248: RW3248 Road Warrior case
C1648P: RW1648P Road Warrior case
CONCERT 48 SPECIFICATIONS:
For C1648P power amp specifcations, see back page
Mic Input: Balanced XLR, Mic Imp. 150ohms
Line Input: Balanced 1/4” Jack Imp. 10k/20k bal.
Frequency Response: Mic or Line Inputs: 20Hz-20KHz ±0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than .01%
Equivalent Input Noise: 150 ohm source: -117dBu
Output Noise: less than -90dBu Master Line Out
Output Headroom: +28dB XLR bal, +20dB 1/4” unbal.
Maximum Gain: Mic in to Master Line Out: 74dB
Crosstalk: Adjacent channels: -60db at 1KHz
Common Mode Rejection: -75db at 1KHz
Phantom Power: 48V (channel groups of 8)
Channel EQ.: 4 band active, LOW: 80Hz ±15dB
LO MID: 45Hz to 2kHz ±15dB
HI MID: 200Hz to 10kHz ±15dB
HI: 11.5KHz ±15dB
9 Band Graphic EQ.: ±12dB 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 16k
Power Requirements: Except C1648P: 90 to 250VAC 50-60Hz, 20 to 60VA
Powered C1648P: Auto switching:120 or 240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1000VA
Size/Weight: C1648: 16.25”D x 22.25”W x 3.5”H / 18.1 lbs
C2448: 16.25”D x 30.0”W x 3.5”H / 24.4 lbs
C3248: 16.25”D x 38.1”W x 3.5”H / 31 lbs
C1648P: 16.25”D x 22.25”W x 5.6”H / 25 lbs
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
www.carvin.com