CARVIN B1000 User manual

76-45601B 010917
The B1000 Bass Amplifier Head offers classic, natural bass tone and unprecedented
tonal shaping with minimal controls and extended headroom. The B1000 delivers 325w
at 8 ohms, 600w at 4ohms and 900w at 2ohms, yet weighs only 6-1/2 pounds.
The 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 6 tone controls specifi-
cally designed for bass guitar, allowing you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic
content increases as you turn up the DRIVE control, producing rich growl at maximum
settings. A bypassable 12AX7 preamp tube yields warm tube harmonics. 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 B1000 will be the heart of your rig for years to come.
 •DiscreteCLASSAinputstages
 •PreampDRIVEandVOLUMEcontrols
 •6EQcontrols:SUBBASS,BASS,LOWMID,MID,HIMID,TREBLE
 •Warm12AX7preamptubewithbypassswitch
 •SwitchableEFFECTLOOPbyfrontpanelswitchorbytheoptionalFS22footswitch
 •SwitchableMUTEbyfrontpanelswitchortheoptionalFS22footswitch
 •DIRECTOUTbalancedXLRwithGROUNDLIFTswitch,DCisolated 
 •FrontpanelDIRECTOUTlevelandPRE/POSTswitch
 •TUNERoutputjackindependentofMUTEswitch
 •HighcurrentTWIST-LOCK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lightweightunder7lbs.
GETTING STARTED
1.WithPOWERoff,connectaspeakercabinettooneoftherearSPEAKEROUTPUTs.
2.SettheDRIVEandVOLUMEto“0”andsettheACTIVEINPUTswitchforyourtypeof
bass. If Equipped with a battery, select ACTIVE.
3.Setalltonecontrolstotheircenter“5”position.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VOLUMEcontroltothedesiredlevel.Ifnosoundisheard,turndowntheVOLUME
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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.
Depending on your speakers you may get more volume and clearer bass from your
cabinetbyloweringtheSUBBASScontrolandincreasingtheBASSorLOWMIDcontrol.
7.Needmorevolume?Thereisalimittotheamountofvolumeaspeakercanproduce,
and driving a speaker beyond its 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 B1000.
Takethetimewithyournewamptorealizeitsfullpotential.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Output Power
8 ohms: 325w
4 ohms: 600w
2 ohms: 900w (2 ohm switch engaged)
Input Impedance: >200K
Tube (if equipped): 12AX7A
Tone Controls: +/-12dB @ 40, 100, 400, 800, 2k, 6k (Hz)
Drive Control: Variesinputgainandharmoniccontent
AC Requirements: 90to250VAC50/60Hz
Power Requirements: 200VA
Dimensions 14.0”Wx9”Dx3.15”H(356x229x80mm)
Weight : 6.4lbs.net(2.9kgs)
Warranty: Oneyearpartsandlabor
Optional Accessories: FS22 footswitch
B1000RP rackmount kit
CB500 padded nylon carry bag
USER MANUAL
16262 WEST BERNARDO DR. SAN DIEGO, CA 92127
800-854-2235 CARVINAUDIO.COM
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.
B1000 BASS AMPLIFIER

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. INPUT JACK
The1/4”INPUTjackaccommodatesbothpassiveandactiveinstru-
ments. The high impedance Class A input stage offers enough headroom
to perform without clipping even when used with high output active
basses. Input gain is adjusted with the DRIVE control and the ACTIVE
INPUTswitch.
2. DRIVE CONTROL
The DRIVE control adjusts the input gain to the preamp and the level of
harmonicsinthesignal.WiththeDRIVEcontrolsetlow,bothinputgain
and harmonics are at a minimum for clean output. Increasing the DRIVE
control causes the Class A gain stages to introduce more harmonics,
resultinginarichsoundtypicalofvintagetubeamps.WiththeDRIVE
control set near maximum, overdrive sounds can be produced. The DRIVE
controlcanbeusedwiththeACTIVEINPUTswitchtogetthesoundyou
want. To reduce preamp overdrive while retaining the harmonics of a
highDRIVElevelsetting,turntheACTIVEINPUTswitchON.Turningthe
ACTIVEINPUTswitchOFFwillmakethepreampoverdriveeasier.
3. MUTE SWITCH/LED
TheMUTEswitchwillstopalloutputsignalswiththeexceptionofthe
PHONES/TUNER and EFFECT SEND signals. The MUTE function can
alsoberemotelycontrolledfromtherearFOOTSWITCHjackusingthe
optionalFS22footswitch.TheblueLEDnexttotheMUTEswitchwilllight
whenever the amp is muted. The footswitch will have no effect if the front
panelMUTEswitchisonintheUPposition.
4. ACTIVE INPUT SWITCH/LED
TheACTIVEINPUTswitchisusedtomatchtheinputgainoftheamp
to instruments with active electronics. If the preamp is being prema-
turelyoverdriven,settheACTIVEINPUTswitchtotheINposition.Ifthe
output of your bass is low and you are not getting enough volume from
thespeakers,besuretheACTIVEINPUTswitchisOUTandincreasethe
DRIVEcontrol.TheblueLEDindicatesthattheACTIVEINPUTmodeisON.
5. TONE CONTROLS
ThesixTONECONTROLSaredesignedwiththecenterfrequenciesmost
requested by professional bass players. To start, set each control at its
centerflatposition(notonesarecutorboosted).Raiseorreduceeach
control to get your desired tone.
 SUBBASS40Hz
 BASS 100Hz
 LOMID 400Hz
 MID 800Hz
 HIMID 2kHz
 TREBLE 6kHz
6. EFFECT LOOP SWITCH/LED
TheEFFECTLOOPswitchengagesthereareffectsloopconnections.
TheeffectsloopcanbeturnedonwiththeEFFECTLOOPswitchonthe
frontpanelorbyusingtheoptionalFS22footswitch.Whenthefront
panelswitchisintheINposition,theloopisengagedregardlessofthe
footswitch. The status of the effects loop is indicated on the front panel
bytheBLUELEDnexttotheEFFECTLOOPswitch.
7. DIRECT OUT LEVEL AND PRE/POST SWITCH
TheDIRECTOUTcontrolstheleveltotherear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DIRECT
OUTcontrol.TheINpositionisPOSTandtheDIRECTOUTisaffected
bytheDRIVE,TONEcontrolsandEffectLoop.
8. VOLUME CONTROL
TheVOLUMEcontroladjuststheoutputleveltothespeakers.Adjusting
the DRIVE control will also change your output level.
9. POWER SWITCH/(PROTECT reset)
Pushtheupperportionofthepowerswitchtoturntheamplifieron.If
the large blue power indicator is on but no sound is coming out of the
speakers, the amp may have gone into one of its protection modes. To
reset the amp, turn the power off for 10 seconds and then turn the amp
backon.Iftheproblempersists,checkfor;a)thespeakerimpedance
maybetoolowfortheamp,b)badspeakercable,c)damagedspeaker,
ord)blockedrearfanintake.
10. 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
cableconnnections,speakerimpedanceand2OHMswitch,orablocked
fan intake.
1 2 7
5
3 4 6 7 9
8
10

11. TUBE BYPASS SWITCH
TheB1000featuresa12AX7preamptubewhichcanbebypassedfor
playerswhopreferapuresolid-statesignalpath.PressthisswitchIN
to bypass the tube.
12. 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. 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VOLUMEcontroltothepoweramp.
13. 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VOLUME.The
EFFECTSLOOPwillnotbeheardintheheadphones.Volumeisadjusted
by the DRIVE control.
14. DIRECT OUTPUT XLR JACK (MUTED)
TheDIRECTOUTPUT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 DIRECT OUT 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VOLUME.TheXLR
isprotectedagainstPhantompower(DCvoltage)oncablescomingfrom
phantom powered mixer inputs.
15. DIRECT OUTPUT GROUND LIFT SWITCH
IfahumoccurswhenconnectingtheDIRECTOUTPUTXLRtoamixer,
tryusingtheGNDLIFTswitch.TheGNDLIFTswitchINliftstheground
pin 1 of the XLR to 100 ohms above the chassis ground.
16. FOOTSWITCH JACK
The optional FS22footswitchcanbeusedtoremotelycontroltheMUTE
andEFFECTLOOPfeatures.ThetipcontactcontrolstheMUTEandthering
contactcontrolstheEFFECTLOOP.Anystandardfootswitchwithastereo
(TRS)plugwillwork.
17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS (SEE 2 OHM SWITCH and IMPEDANCE CHART)
TheB1000usesoneTwist-Lockandonestandard1/4”speakeroutput
connector. These jacks are connected in parallel. The Twist-Lock connector
is recommended due to its high current handling and secure connection.
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
redPROTECTLEDmaylight.Toresettheamp,turnoffthePOWERswitch
andconnecttherecommendedloadorsetthe2OHMswitch.
18. 2 OHM SWITCH (SEE IMPEDANCE CHART)
ThisswitchallowstheB1000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.
19. FAN INTAKE VENTS
TheB1000featuresavariablespeedfan,whichrunssilentatlowspeeds.
Makesurethefanintakeventsarefreefromblockageatalltimes.
20. AC POWER JACK & FUSE
TheACPOWERJACKwillaccept90VACto250VAC,60Hzor50Hz.
Adetachablelocking 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,120Vmodel)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
16
17
19
20 18 15 14 13 1112
B1000
8 OHM 325 WATTS
4 OHM 600 WATTS
2 OHM 900 WATTS
SET SWITCH FOR 2 OHM LOAD
PRESS TO
RELEASE
LOCKING AC CORD
120V18L7

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 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
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 B1000 because of their high current capacity. While standard 1/4” speaker cables will work,
12GA. SPEAKON®cables will allow higher currents to pass through the cable to extract every watt from your amp.
The B1000 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 distor-
tion stops.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN