Owner's Manual

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)
The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
GREEN & YELLOW—Earth BLUE—Neutral BROWN—Live
U.K. MAIN PLUG WARNING: A molded main plug that has been cut off from the cord is
unsafe. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, The appliance inlet is the disconnect device. Keep it readily accesable.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse.
Refer to replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH
VOLTAGE INSIDE!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the pres-
ence of uninsulated “dan-
gerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to con-
stitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is
intended to alert the
user to the presence
of important operating
and maintenance (ser-
vicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
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CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
76-45301A 0610
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for 1 YEAR unless otherwise stated.
Carvin will service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit
is under warranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. CARVIN
DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF
THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. Carvin assumes
no responsibility for horn drivers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty
does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters, acci-
dents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow
instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No
representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Carvin any liability
in connection with the sale or servicing of Carvin products.
CARVIN SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel
of your unit can be wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust
and bring back the new look.
As with all pro gear, avoid prolonged use in caustic
environments (salt air). When used in such an environment, be sure the amplifier is
adequately protected.
SERVICE
In the USA go to www.carvinservice.com.
Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to http://www.carvinworld.com for your
nearest service center. Include a written description of the problem with serial number
and date of purchase.
The BX Series Bass Amplifiers offer classic natural bass tone with unprec-
edented tonal control and extended headroom. The BX Microbass combo amps
deliver 200w at 8 ohms and 250w at 4ohms, yet fit in to a very small space.
Four discrete Class A input stages produce the harmonic basis for the preamp
right from the input jack. It begins with a boutique flat response, then we add
extensive tone control allowing you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic
content increases as you turn up the DRIVE control producing rich harmonics
at maximum settings. The CLASS-D output and lightweight switch-mode power
supply use far less energy from the wall while producing less heat.
Light weight, solid design, bullet-proof construction and a list of indispensable
features make sure the BX Microbass will be your choice for years to come.
• Discrete CLASS A input stages
• Preamp DRIVE and MASTER volume controls
• 2 mid sweep semi-parametric EQ, BASS and TREBLE
• CONTOUR pre-shape control
• Single knob COMPRESSOR
• DIRECT OUT balanced XLR with LEVEL, PRE/POST and GROUND/LIFT
• MUTE switch allows silent tuning or headphone practice
• TUNER/PHONES output jack independent of MUTE switch
• TWEETER DIM switch allows control of speaker brightness
• CLASS-D amplifier runs cool while consuming less power
• Solid metal shaft controls with panel mounted threaded metal bushings
• Circuit boards are MIL SPEC, double sided, FR-4 glass epoxy
• Energy efficient worldwide power supply accepts 90-250VAC, 50-60Hz
• Compact and light weight.
• Designed and manufactured by Carvin in the USA
GETTING STARTED
1. With POWER off, connect an instrument to the INPUT jack.
2. Set the DRIVE and MASTER volume to “0” and set the ACTIVE INPUT switch
for your type of bass.
3. Set the four tone controls to their center “0” position and the CONTOUR to
FLAT. This is the “FLAT” setting for the amp.
4. Now, turn the amp ON. Turn up the volume on your bass guitar. Gradually
increase the MASTER control to the desired level. If no sound is heard turn
down the MASTER, check the MUTE switch, speaker connections, and the
POWER(blue)/PROTECT(red) LED.
5. Increasing the DRIVE control will add harmonic richness to your sound.
Turning up the DRIVE also increases volume. Re-adjust the MASTER volume
after adjusting the DRIVE.
6. Adjust the tone controls to your liking. Keep in mind that turning up a tone
control isn’t always the answer. Sometimes turning down one of the MID
controls will get you the sound you want.
7. Need more volume? There is a limit to the amount of volume a speaker can
produce and driving a speaker beyond it’s limit can damage it. Even though
these are powerful amplifiers, adding another speaker is the only way for
substantially more output. Doubling your speakers increases your acoustic
output by a factor of four.
Hopefully, this will help you get started. Have fun exploring the features and
sounds of the BX Microbass. Take the time with your new amp to realize
it’s full potential.
MB10, MB12, MB15 - BX MICRO BASS AMPLIFIERS
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR UNIT 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 any 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 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
SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT POWER (all models)
8ohms, THD <1.0% 200w
4ohms, THD <1.0% 250w
Speaker Configuration: MB10: 2-way; 10” LF / 1” NEO HF
(all models 8 ohms) MB15: 2-way; 15” LF / 1” NEO HF
MB12: 3-way; 12” NEO LF / 6.5” NEO MID / 1” NEO HF
Input Impedance: >200K
Drive Control: Varies input gain and harmonic content
Tone Controls: CONTOUR pre-shape
BASS 50Hz
2 semi-parametric MIDs: 50Hz-500Hz / 200Hz-2kHz
TREBLE 10kHz
AC Requirements: 90 to 250VAC 50/60 Hz
Power Requirements: 200VA
Dimensions MB10: 18.5”H x 12.75”W x 11.5”D (470 x 324 x 280mm)
MB210: 24.5”H x 12.75”W x 11.5”D (622 x 323 x 292mm)
MB12: 18.5”H x 17”W x 12”D (470 x 432 x 305mm)
MB15: 18.5”H x 17”W x 12”D (470 x 432 x 305mm)
Weight : MB10: 26.1 lbs. (11.85 kgs)
MB210: 36 lbs. (16.33 kgs)
MB12: 30.5 lbs. (13.85 kgs)
MB15: 32.6 lbs. (14.8 kgs)
Warranty: One year parts and labor
Optional Accessories: vinyl covers CVxx(MB10), CVxx(MB12 or MB15)
Helpful Hints
1) NO SOUND:
The MUTE function has been inadvertently engaged.
Speakers have been improperly connected.
2) NO HIGH FREQUENCIES: (MB10, MB12, MB15 and external cabinets)
The TWEETER DIM switch or HIGH FREQUENCY ATTENUATION control is set low or OFF.
The HF driver may have been damaged from too much power or distortion.
3) AMP SEEMS VERY SENSITIVE TO INPUT SIGNALS:
The drive control is turned all the way up.
The active switch may need to be turned on.
4) DIR XLR HUM:
Try switching the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT.
Check for noise from external effects or bad cabling.
5) POOR BASS FROM MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES:
Make sure the internal speaker wiring of each cabinet is correct for phase ( +/- ).
6) FOR MAXIMUM OUTPUT:
To get more output, use multiple speakers or enclosures. Every time you double your speakers, your acoustic output goes up by a factor of four.
Load the amplifier down to its lowest minimum impedance for maximum RMS power.
If you go below the minimum load, your amp will shut off and go into the “protect” mode. To reset, turn your amp off and connect the recommended load.
The BX Microbass is a small, yet powerful amplifier. As with any amplifier, make sure your speakers are suitable for the available wattage. Driving speakers with too much wattage
will cause them to distort and eventually fail. If distorted sound is coming from the speakers, reduce the volume until the distortion stops.
MB15
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carvin.com 800-854-2235
MB12: 3-WAY ENCLOSURE
12” NEO HORN LOADED WOOFER
6.5” NEO MID DRIVER
1” NEO TITANIUM TWEETER
17”W x 12”D x 18.5”H
(470mm x 432mm x 305mm)
MB15: 2-WAY ENCLOSURE
15” WOOFER
1” NEO TITANIUM TWEETER
17”W x 12”D x 18.5”H
(470mm x 432mm x 305mm)
MB10: 2-WAY ENCLOSURE
10” WOOFER
1” NEO TITANIUM TWEETER
12.75”W x 11.5”D x 18.5”H
(470mm x 324mm x 280mm)
MB10
MB210
MB12 in optional color
BX MICROBASS COMBO SPEAKER CONFIGUATIONS: