CARVIN BX700 User manual

BX700 BASS AMPLIFIER
76-45507C 010917
The BX Series Bass Amplifier Heads offer classic natural bass tone with unprecedented
tonal control and extended headroom. The BX700 delivers 300w at 8 ohms, 550w at 4ohms
and 700w at 2ohms, yet weighs under 6 pounds.
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 BX700 also features a
12AX7 preamp tube (bypassable) to add further warmth to your sound. The CLASS-D output
and lightweight switch-mode power supply use far less energy from the wall while producing
more power with less heat.
Light weight, solid design, bullet-proof construction and a list of indispensable features assure
the BX700 will be the heart of your rig for years to come.
 •DiscreteCLASSAinputstages
 •PreampDRIVEandMASTERvolumecontrols
 •2midsweepsemi-parametricEQ,BASSandTREBLE
 •Switchable9-bandGraphicEQwithfrontpanelswitchorbytheoptionalFS22footswitch
 •SingleknobCOMPRESSOR
 •EffectLoop
 •Warm12AX7preamptubewithbypassswitch
 •SwitchableMUTEbyfrontpanelswitchortheoptionalFS22footswitch
 •DIRECTOUTbalancedXLRwithfrontpanelLEVELandPRE/POSTswitch 
•SwitchableGroundLiftforACgroundisolation
 •TUNERoutputjackindependentofMUTEswitch
 •HighcurrentSPEAKON®andstandard1/4”speakeroutputjacks.
 •CLASS-Damplifierrunscoolwhileconsuminglesspower
 •Variablespeedfan,silentrunningatlowspeed.
 •Solidmetalshaftcontrolswiththreadedmetalbushingsmountedtofrontpanel
 •LEDpanellightingenhancescontrolvisibilityindarkenvironments
 •LockingACcordreceptaclealsoacceptsstandardcords
 •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under6lbs.
GETTING STARTED
1.WithPOWERoff,connectaspeakercabinettooneoftherearSPEAKEROUTPUTs.
2.SettheDRIVEandMASTERvolumeto“0”andsettheACTIVEINPUTswitchforyourtype
of bass. If Equipped with a battery, select ACTIVE.
3.Setthefourtonecontrolstotheircenter“0”positionandtheCONTOURtoFLAT.Thisis
the“FLAT”settingfortheamp.Fornow,turnoffthegraphicEQ.
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andcheck
theMUTEswitch,speakerconnections,andPROTECT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 more speakers is the only way for substantially more output. Every time you double
your speakers you increase your acoustic output by a factor of four.
This guide will get you started. Have fun exploring the features and sounds of the BX700.
Takethetimewithyournewamptorealizeitsfullpotential.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Output Power
8 ohms: 300w
4 ohms: 550w
2 ohms: 700w (2 ohm switch engaged)
Input Impedance: >200K
Tone Controls: CONTOUR
TREBLE: 10K
BASS: 50Hz
MIDs: 2 semi-parametric sweep: 50Hz-500Hz, 200Hz-2kHz
9-band Graphic EQ
Drive Control: Varies input gain and harmonic content
AC Requirements: 90to250VAC50/60Hz
Power Requirements: 150VA
Dimensions 14.0”Wx9”Dx3.15”H(356x229x80mm)
Weight : 5.9lbs.net(2.68kgs)
Warranty: Oneyearpartsandlabor
Optional Accessories: FS22 footswitch
BX700RP rackmount kit
CB500 padded nylon carry bag
MADE IN
USA
USER MANUAL
16262 WEST BERNARDO DR. SAN DIEGO, CA 92127
800-854-2235 CARVINAUDIO.COM

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. INPUT JACK
The1/4”phonejackisahighimpedanceinstrumentinputdesignedtohandle
both active and passive basses in conjunction with the ACTIVE switch.
2. BLUE JEWEL LIGHT (POWER INDICATOR)
ThePOWERswitchturnsontheamplifierandisindicatedbythelargeblue
jewel light over the input jack. This light also indicates the condition of the power
supply.IfittheSPEAKEROUTPUTisshortedorifitisloadedbelowit’sminimum
rating,thepowersupplymayshutofftoprotecttheamp(seePROTECTLED).
If the power indicator goes out while playing, reset the amp by turning the
POWERswitch OFF for about 10 seconds. Check your speaker connections
andthe2OHMSWITCHsetting(see2OHMSWITCHonrearpanel).Turnthe
POWERswitchbackON.
3. MUTE SWITCH (FOOT-SWITCHABLE)
TheMUTEswitchturnsofftheoutputoftheamplifier.AblueLEDindicates
theMUTEswitchison.TheMUTEswitchisidealforchangingbassesandsilent
tuning on-stage. The rear tuner output is never muted. The mute feature can also
be switched with the optional FS22 footswitch.
4. ACTIVE SWITCH
SettheACTIVEswitchtotheINpositionforstandardbasspickups.Ifyourbass
usesabatterywithanonboardactivepreamp,puttheswitchintheOUTposition.
A blue LED indicates the ACTIVE switch is on.
5. DI LEVEL (DIRECT OUT) AND PRE/POST SWITCH
TheDILEVELcontrolstheoutputleveloftheXLRDIRECTOUTPUTjack.
 The PRE/POST switch determines the source of the Direct Out signal.
SetOUT,theDirectOutsignalisPREandisonlyaffectedbytheDILEVEL.The
INpositionisPOSTandtheDirectOutisaffectedbytheDRIVE,COMPRESSOR
andTONEcontrols,9-bandEQandEffectsLoop.
6. DRIVE CONTROL
The DRIVE control adjusts the input level to the CLASS A preamps. The DRIVE
control serves two purposes. The DRIVE can be used to adjust the input sensitiv-
ity for the differences in bass pickups. The DRIVE will also change the harmonic
content of your sound. Turning the knob closer to 10 will create a more overdriven
tone. The DRIVE will also change the volume of the amplifier, use it in combination
withtheMASTERcontroltoachievethedesiredvolume.
7. CONTOUR CONTROL
TheCONTOURcontrolprovidesavariablemid-rangescoop.Whenthiscontrol
issetto“FLAT”thereisnochangetothemid-rangefrequencies.Asyouturn
the contour control clockwise, the mid range is scooped at the center frequency
at350Hz.WhentheCONTOURcontrolissettomaximumthemid-rangeiscut
by-15dBat500Hz.
8. BASS and TREBLE TONE CONTROLS
The BASS and TREBLE controls are custom shaped tone controls designed to
deliverpunchylowsandcrisphighsforavarietyofbasssounds.Whenacontrolis
turned to the right it boosts the signal and when turned to the left cuts the signal.
TheaffectedfrequenciesfortheBASSstartat80Hzandcandeliveragreatdeal
of volume. Be careful not to distort the output or overpower your speakers. The
affectedfrequencyfortheTREBLEcontrolbeginsat5kHz.
9. SEMI-PARAMETRIC MID SWEEP TONE CONTRL (LO MID, HI MID & FREQ)
StartwiththeLOMIDsweep.TheFREQcontroldoesnotfunctioniftheGAIN
controlissetinthecenter“0”position.Todemonstrate,turntheGAINtotheright
forfullboost.NowplayyourbassandturntheFREQcontrolfromlefttoright
andnoticehowtheaddedmidschangefrequency.NowturntheGAINtothefull
leftandturntheFREQcontrolagainandnoticethemidsdisappearatdifferent
frequencies.TrythiswiththeHIMIDalso.Themidsweepsystemcontrolscan
be very effective to fine tune your overall sound.
10. COMPRESSOR
The compressor reduces the volume of the incoming signal as it reaches a preset
maximumlevel.AstheCOMPknobisturnedup(clockwise),thecompressor
reducesapercentageofpeaksignal.Thispercentageiscalledthe“compression
ratio”.WhentheknobisattheOFFposition(fullcounter-clockwise)theratiois
1:1, where all of the input signal passes through the compressor without being
affected.AttheMAXsetting,thecompressionratiois3:1.
The advantage of a compressor is to the reduce peaks and other sudden tran-
sients of your playing so you can increase your overall volume. For example,
in slap bass playing the plucked notes can put out peaks that would distort the
amplifieratnormalplayingvolumes.Iftheamp’svolumewasadjustedforthese
peaks,therestofthenoteswouldbetooquiettohearwiththeband.Whenthe
compressor is adjusted to where the LED comes on for loud peaks, the amplifier
canbeplayedlouderwithoutdistortion.It’slikehavingsomeonere-adjustthe
volume of the amplifier to help prevent distortion when the peaks occur.
11. 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER and EQ IN SWITCH (FOOTSWITCHABLE)
The 9band graphicEQ hasbeen designedwith centerfrequencies most
requestedbyprofessionalbassplayers.ThisEQcanbeusedtofinetunethe
tonalcontentoftheamp’soutput.SincethegraphicEQisswitchablewith
eithertheoptionalFS22footswitchortheEQswitchonthefrontpanel,itcan
be used during passages of a song when the bass needs to punch through.
Musiciansthatplaymorethanonebassonstagewillalsofindthisuseful
togetthesoundstheydesireoutofeachinstrument.TheBLUELEDlocated
abovetheGRAPHICEQINswitchsignifieswhenthegraphicEQisworking.
NOTE:WhenthefrontpanelGRAPHICEQswitchisoff,itcannotbeturned
on with the footswitch .
12. MASTER VOLUME
UsetheMASTERtocontroltheoverallvolumeoftheamplifier.ReducetheMASTER
ifyoursoundbecomesoverlydistorted.Usingthe COMPRESSORwillalsohelp
prevent distortion or overloading of your speakers.
13. POWER SWITCH
ThePOWERswitchturnstheampONorOFF.ItisnormalforthePROTECTLEDto
stayonforapproximately2-4secondsafterthethePOWERswitchisturnedon.
1 3 4 9 10 11
2 6 9 7 12
5
8 8 13
14

14. PROTECT LED
ThePROTECTLEDindicatesoneoftheprotectioncircuitshasactivatedand
no sound will be heard from the amp. To reset the amp, turn the power off for
about10seconds,thenturnitbackON.IfthePROTECTLEDstayslitformore
than5secondscheckyourSPEAKEROUTPUTconnections,the2OHMswitch,
or a blocked fan intake.
15. TUBE BYPASS SWITCH
The BX700 features a 12AX7 preamp tube that can be bypassed for players who
preferapuresolid-statesignalpath.PressthisswitchINtobypassthetube.
16. EFFECTS LOOP
TheSEND jack is the output of the preamp and is designed to deliver the proper
levelfortheinputofanexternaleffectsprocessor.TheSENDsignalsourceis
aftertheTONECONTROLSandCOMPRESSOR.TheRETURNjackisdesignedto
receivesignalsfromtheoutputofanexternaleffectsprocessor.Whenasignal
ispluggedintotheRETURN,itbreakstheconnectionbetweenthepreampand
theinternalpoweramp.TheRETURNsignalgoesthroughtheGRAPHICEQ(if
active)andMASTERcontroltothepoweramp.
17. PHONES/TUNER JACK (UNMUTED)
The PHONES/TUNERjackisastereo1/4”jackdesignedforconnectingatuner
orheadphones.ThisoutputisunaffectedbytheMUTEfunctionsoyoumaytune
yourbassquietlywhileusingtheMUTE.Thisjackwillalsosendthemonosignal
to each side of your headphones. To listen to headphones without hearing other
speakers,turndowntheMASTER.TheEFFECTSLOOPandGRAPHICEQwillnot
be heard in the headphones. Volume is adjusted by the DRIVE control.
18. DIRECT OUTPUT XLR JACK (MUTED)
TheDIRECTOUTXLRjackprovidesabalancedindependentoutputforgoing
directtothemainPAortoarecordinginput.Theoutputlevelisadjustedfrom
thefront panelDI LEVEL control.ThesourceisdeterminedbythefrontPRE/
POSTswitch.ThisoutputiscontrolledbytheMUTEfunctionsoyoumaytuneyour
bassquietlywhileusingtheMUTE.TheDIRECTOUTsignalisnotaffectedbythe
MASTERlevel,TONEcontrols,9-bandEQoreffectsloop.TheXLRisprotected
againstPhantompower(DCvoltage)oncablescomingfromphantompowered
mixer inputs.
19. DIRECT OUTPUT GROUND LIFT SWTICH
IfahumoccurswhenconnectingtheXLRtoamixer,tryusingtheGNDLIFT
switch.TheGNDLIFTswitchliftsthegroundpin1oftheXLRto100ohmsabove
the chassis ground.
20. FOOTSWITCH JACK
The optional FS22footswitchcanbeusedtoremotelycontroltheMUTEandgraphic
EQfeatures.ThetipcontactcontrolstheMUTEandtheringcontactcontrolsthe
EQ.Anystandardfootswitchwithastereo(TRS)plugwillwork.
21. SPEAKER OUTPUTS (SEE IMPEDANCE CHART and 2 OHM SWITCH)
The BX700 uses one SPEAKON®andonestandard1/4”speakeroutputconnector.
These jacks are connected in parallel. The SPEAKON® connection is recommended.
Either or both jacks can be used so long as the total impedance does not go below
4ohmsorbelow2ohmswiththe2OHMswitchpressed“IN”.
Ifyougobelowtheminimumspeakerload,theampmayshutofforthePROTECT
LEDmaylight.Toresettheamp,turnoffthePOWERswitchandconnecttherecom-
mendedloadorsetthe2OHMswitch.
22. 2 OHM SWITCH (SEE IMPEDANCE CHART)
ThisswitchallowstheBX700tooperatewithspeakerloadsdownto2OHMS. Set
this switch to the IN position if the total impedance of all speakers connected
is less than 4 OHMS.
If you go below the minimum load, the power supply may shut off and the large
bluejewellightmaygooutorthePROTECTLEDmaylight.Toresettheampturn
offthePOWERswitchforabout10seconds,checkspeakerconnections,and/or
setthe2OHMswitch.
23. FAN INTAKE VENTS
TheBX700featuresavariablespeedfan,whichrunssilentatlowspeeds.Make
sure the fan intake vents are free from blockage at all times.
24. AC POWER JACK & FUSE
TheACPOWERJACKwillaccept90VACto250VAC,60Hzor50Hz.Adetachable
powercordissupplied(forEuropean230VuseaCEE-7plugcordset).Plugthe
cordintoagrounded3prongpowersource.Noattemptshouldeverbemadeto
use the amp without the ground connected.
 The FUSEis located internallynear the ACinput. To checkor replace, first
remove the power cord and then the enclosure lid. The fuse type is a 250V Slow
Blow rated at 5A.
A locking AC cord (Carvin part# 120V18L7) is supplied with the amp. However,
a standard AC cord can be used.
To detach the cord from the amp, press the release lever on the underside of
the cord near the amp.
IMPEDANCE CHART
SPEAKER COMBINATIONS/OHMS:
Two16ohmspeakers =8ohms (OK)
Two8ohmspeakers =4ohms (OK)
Three8ohmspeakers =2.66ohms (OK)(use2 OHM setting )
Four8ohmspeakers =2ohms (OK)(use2 OHM setting)
Two4ohmspeakers =2ohms (OK)(use2 OHM setting )
One4&one8ohmspeaker =2.66ohms (OK)(use2 OHM setting )
Two 2 ohms speakers = 1 ohm (no)
Three 4 ohms speakers = 1.33 ohms (no)
Two4&one8ohmspeakers =1.6ohms (no)
REAR PANEL CONTROLS
20
21
23
24 22 19 18 17 1516

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
OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
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.
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suf-
ficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is
intended to alert the
user to the presence
of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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, accidents, 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 Audio 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.carvinaudio.com.
OutsidetheUSA,contactyourdealerorgotowww.carvinaudio.com and click on
“Dealers”foryournearestservicecenter.Includeawrittendescriptionoftheproblem
with serial number and date of purchase.
Helpful Hints
1) No sound:
TheMUTEfunctionhasbeeninadvertentlyengaged.
Speakers have been improperly connected.
Effect Loop has been improperly connected.
2) AMP seems very sensitive on input signals:
The drive control is turned all the way up.
The active switch may need to be turned on.
3) DIR XLR hum:
TryswitchingtherearGNDLIFTswitchINorOUT.
Check for noise from external effects or bad cabling.
4) POOR BASS FROM MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES:
Makesuretheinternalspeakerwiringofeachcabinetiscorrectforphase(+/-).
5) 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 are using less than 4 ohms, be sure to set the 2 OHM SWITCHtoIN.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orsetthe2OHMSWITCH.
SPEAKON®cables are recommended for your BX700becauseoftheirhighcurrentcapacity.Whilestandard1/4”speakercableswillwork,12GASPEAKON®cables will allow higher
currents to pass through the cable to extract every watt from your amp.
The BX700 is a 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.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN