CARVIN B800 User manual

B800/BRX212/BRX112NEO SPECIFICATIONS:
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20kHz
Output Power
8ΩTHD < 1% 300w (BRX112NEO)
4ΩTHD < 1% 500w (BRX212)
2ΩTHD < 1% 800w
8ΩHigh Frequency 3kHz-22kHz 50w (combos only)
Input Impedance >200kΩ
BRX112 frequency response 35 - 22k Hz
BRX212 frequency response 39 - 22k Hz
Low Freq. Drivers Two 12” Neodymium 8Ω/300w, total 4Ω/600w
High Freq. Driver 1” Titanium 50w/8Ω
AC Requirements 120VAC 60 Hz or 240VAC 50 Hz optional models
Power Requirements 800VA
Dimensions 16.75W x 18D x 30.25H (BRX212)
22”H x 17”W x 18”D (BRX112NEO)
4.25”H x 17.25”W x 12”D (B800)
Shipping Weight B800: 22lbs. BRX212: 69lbs. BRX112NEO:47lbs.
Warranty One year parts and labor
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
76-41520B 0506
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
858.487.1600 800.854.2235
www.carvin.com
For your records, record the following information.
Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________
The B800 bass head offers classic natural bass tone and high power headroom.
The BRX212 and BRX112NEO combos unleashes this power into state-of-the-art
Neodymium 12” drivers, adding a dedicated high frequency amp for the extended
range titanium horn.
All this is cased in a Baltic Birch plywood cabinet, featuring built-in casters and
retractable handle, sealed with our tough Duratex™ finish.
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 6 tone
controls for you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic content increases as
you turn up the Drive control, capable of producing a meaty growl at maximum set-
tings.
Solid design and bullet-proof construction will give you years of use.
• Discrete Class A input stages
• Preamp DRIVE and master VOLUME controls
• Six EQ controls: SUB BASS, BASS, LOW MID, MID, HIGH MID, and TREBLE
• Active/Passive input gain switch with input CLIP indicator
• Signal MUTE front panel switch or optional FS22 footswitch
• EFFECT LOOP front panel bypass switch or optional FS22 footswitch
• DIRECT OUT balanced XLR with independent LEVEL control, switchable "Pre-Post"
and "Ground Lift", DC isolated
• TUNER output jack independent of MUTE switch
• Internal OPTO clip-activated power amp limiter with
limiter free normal operation
• High current SPEAKON® connectors and steel 1/4” speaker jack
• Metal shaft controls with threaded metal bushings mounted directly to front panel
• All steel chassis
• High density Baltic Birch plywood cabinet with Duratex™ polyurethane finish
• Recessed casters and retractable steel handle for tilt-and-roll portability
• 12” Neodymium magnet cast aluminum frame woofers
• Titanium diaphragm extended range HF driver
• Dedicated 50w amp for HF driver with LEVEL control
B800/BRX212/BRX112NEO BASS AMPLIFIER COMBO
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get started
playing right away. Before you start, be sure your amp is plugged into the correct AC volt-
age.
1. With POWER off, make sure a speaker cabinet is connected to one of the SPEAKER OUTPUTs.
2. Set the VOLUME and DRIVE to “0”, and set the ACTIVE INPUT switch for your type of bass.
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 the output level of the bass guitar fully up. Gradually increase
the amp VOLUME control to the desired level. If no sound is heard, turn down the VOLUME con-
trol and check the MUTE and PROTECT LEDs.
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 LO MID control.
7. Adjust the rear HF LEVEL control for the titanium driver’s amp. Turning up the level will
add articulation and clarity to your sound.
8. Need more volume? There is a limit to the amount of volume a speaker can produce. Even
though the B800/BRX212/BRX112NEO is a powerful amp, adding more speakers is the only
way for substantially more output. Every time you double your speakers, your acoustic output
goes up by a factor of four.
Have fun exploring the features and sounds of the B800/BRX212/BRX112NEO. Take the time with
your new amp to realize it’s full potential - and yours!
DESIGNED FOR THE RIGORS OF TOURING
The B800 amp is constructed using a heavy-duty 16 gauge steel chassis that is galvanized
before being painted to prevent rust. Connections include Speakon™ output connectors and
a full featured XLR Direct Out. Controls feature metal shafts and threaded metal bushings mounted
to directly to the front panel. All internal cabling is securely tied and harnessed. Every cir-
cuit card is MIL SPEC, double-sided, through-hole plated, fire retardant FR-4 glass epoxy.
Toroid transformers are used as they are the engineer’s choice for greater power supply cur-
rent while reducing weight and magnetic “hum” fields. The Baltic Birch plywood cabinet is
covered in virtually indestructible Duratex™ weatherproof polyurethane.
RECEIVING INSPECTION
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 reship your unit,
always use the original carton and packing material. This will provide the best possible protec-
tion 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 and below on this manual
for your records. Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with your name and
comments to us. You may register your warranty online @carvin.com/registration.
BRX112NEO
BRX212
B800

HELPFUL HINTS
1) NO SOUND FROM AMP: The MUTE function has been inadvertently engaged, speakers
have been improperly connected or Effect Loop has been improperly connected.
2) NO HIGH FREQUENCIES: Tweeters or midrange drivers have been damaged from too
much power.
3) WEAK BASS: The speaker systems are wired out of phase to each other. To correct,
reverse the wires on one of the speaker connectors.
4) DIR XLR HUM: Try switching the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT. Check for noise from
external effects or bad cabling.
1. INPUT JACK
The 1/4” INPUT jack accommodates both passive and active instruments. The high
impedance Class A input stage offers enough headroom to perform without clipping even when
used with most active basses. Input gain is adjusted with the DRIVE control and the ACTIVE
INPUT switch.
2. VOLUME CONTROL
The VOLUME control adjusts the output level to the speakers. Adjusting the DRIVE control
can also change your speaker output level.
3. MUTE SWITCH AND LED
The MUTE switch will stop all output signals with the exception of the TUNER and EFFECT
SEND signals. The MUTE function can also be remotely controlled from the rear FOOTSWITCH
JACK using a Carvin FS-22 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 in the UP position.
4. CLIP LED
The red CLIP LED indicates that the input is near clipping. Since the B800 preamp is designed
with several Class A input gain stages and the ability to be overdriven, the CLIP LED monitors
only the first input stage and will not indicate when the DRIVE control is set to overdrive the
preamp. The input stage offers enough headroom to perform without clipping even when used
with most active basses. To avoid input clipping, reduce the bass level or reduce the output
level of devices placed between the bass and the input jack.
5. ACTIVE INPUT SWITCH AND LED
The ACTIVE INPUT switch is used to match the input gain of the amp to instruments that
contain active electronics. If the preamp is being prematurely overdriven, flip the ACTIVE INPUT
switch to the ON 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 OFF and increase the DRIVE
control. The blue LED indicates ACTIVE INPUT mode is ON.
See also DRIVE control (#6).
6. 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. 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 or reduce the level on the bass
guitar. Turning the ACTIVE INPUT switch OFF will make preamp overdrive easier.
See also ACTIVE INPUT switch (#5).
7. TONE CONTROLS
The six TONE CONTROLS on the B800 are designed with the center frequencies most requested
by professional bass players. This EQ is very effective for getting the sounds you desire out
of each instrument.
8. EFFECT LOOP SWITCH AND 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 UP 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.
See also EFFECT LOOP SEND/RETURN jacks (#5).
9. AMP CLIP LED
The AMP CLIP LED indicates that the power amp is being driven too hard.
10. PROTECT LED
The PROTECT LED indicates that the power amp has gone into one of it’s protect modes.
11. 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 30 seconds and then turn
the amp back on. If the problem persists, check for; a) The speaker impedance is too low for
the amp, b) bad speaker cable, c) damaged speaker or, d) blocked rear fan intake.
1
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
2
3
4
5
6
7
8910
11
rear view/built-in
casters
BRX212
rear view close-up
BRX212
handle release button
BRX212

FOR MAXIMUM OUTPUT:
A. 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.
B. To get the highest output from your B800 bass amp use two 4 ohm speak-
ers. Plug two Speakon™ cables into the rear SPEAKER OUTPUT connectors or
daisy-chain another Speakon™ from speaker to speaker. Two 4 ohm speakers
will give you a total impedance of 2 ohms, which is the maximum power from
your amp. If you use more than two 4 ohm speakers, your amp will shut off
and go into the “protect” mode. To reset, turn your amp off and connect only
two 4 ohm speakers.
C. Speakon™ cables are recommended for your bass rig because of their high
current capacity. While the standard 16 GA 1/4” cables will work OK with your
system, the CARVIN SP5 12 GA Speakon™ cables will allow you to drive as much
as 20% more power at high power levels extracting every watt from your B800
bass amp.
REAR PANEL CONTROLS
12 13 16 14
15
SPEAKER COMBINATIONS and OHMS ( Ω):
Four x 8Ωcabinets = 2Ω(OK)
Three x 8Ω= 2.66Ω(OK)
Two x 8Ω= 4Ω(OK)
Two x 4Ω= 2Ω(OK)
One 8Ωand One 4Ωcabinet = 2.66Ω(OK)
Two 8Ωand One 4Ω= 2Ω(OK)
One 2.66Ωand One 8Ω= 2Ω(OK)
Two x 2Ω= 1Ω(not recommended)
Three x 4Ω= 1.33Ω(not recommended)
Two x 4Ωand One 8Ω= 1.6Ω(not recommended)
One 2.66Ωand One 4Ω= 1.6Ω(not recommended)
The B800 is a very powerful amplifier. As with any ampli-
fier, 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.
BRX212/BRX112NEO
12 20
17 19
18 13
20 19 16
15 14
17
B800 HEAD
12. COOLING VENTS
The rear vents are for cooling the internal power amps. Provide a minimum of 3” of clearance
for adequate ventilation. Blocking the air flow to these vents will cause the amp to thermally
protect and turn the speaker relays off. If this happens, clear the obstruction first, keep the
power on, and turn the guitar volume down allowing the amp to cool. The amp will engage
the speaker relays when cooling conditions return to normal.
13. EFFECT LOOP SEND/RETURN JACKS
The EFFECT LOOP - SEND and RETURN jacks are used to connect external effects into the
B800 signal chain. The loop is inserted after the DRIVE and TONE CONTROLS but before the
VOLUME control. To use the effects loop, connect the SEND jack to the input of the effects unit
and connect the RETURN jack to the output of the effects unit. 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 UP 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.
14. DIRECT OUT XLR
The DIRECT OUT XLR is a balanced output that can be configured in a number of different ways.
The PRE / POST switch is used to select a pre or post preamp feed. In the “PRE” (OUT)
position, a direct feed is taken off of the INPUT jack and is similar to using a direct input box
at the bass guitar output. In the “POST” (IN) position the feed is post the preamp section and
contains all of the signal that is sent to the power amp and speakers. To set the output, use the
DIRECT OUT LEVEL control. A GND/LIFT switch is also available for the DIRECT OUT XLR jack.
Set this switch for the lowest noise when using this output. When the GND/LIFT switch is
depressed, the signal ground is lifted from this jack thus eliminating any ground loops between
the B800 direct out and the gear it is feeding.
15. FOOTSWITCH
Connect the optional FS22 footswitch to remotely control the MUTE function and the EFFECTS
LOOP bypass. The first button on the FS22 turns the MUTE on and off and the second button
turns the EFFECTS LOOP on and off. Any standard footswitch with a stereo plug will work.
16. TUNER LINE OUT JACK (UNMUTED)
The TUNER LINE OUT jack is provided as a place to hook up a tuner. This output is unaffected
by the MUTE function so that you may tune your bass quietly.
17. SPEAKER OUTPUTS
The B800 amp contains 1/4” and SPEAKON™ speaker output connectors. Multiple speakers
can be attached to either the 1/4” or Speakon™ jacks so long as the total impedance is not
below 2Ω. See SPEAKER COMBINATIONS AND OHMS chart. On the BRX212 and BRX112
combo's the 4 pined Speakon is wired: 1+,1- for the full range 800W amp and 2+,2- for the
50W high frequency amp. The extra speakon on the cabinet can be used for extension
speakers (minimum of 4 ohms) with the combo's internal speaker.
18. HF AMP OUTPUT LEVEL
The BRX212 features a separate amplifier for the internal high frequency horn. This volume
controls the output level for the high frequency amp.
19. INTERNAL FUSE
If there are high AC voltage surges or if the amp is used with excessive loads, the internal fuse
will protect your amp from damage. If the fuse fails, the proper replacement fuses for 120 VAC
models are; 15 AMP 250VAC slow blow.
240 VAC models; 10 AMP 250 VAC slow blow.
20. AC LINE CORD
All B800 Series bass amplifiers are supplied with detachable three conductor AC line cords.
Make sure the cord is securely inserted into the back of the unit. Never defeat the ground of
the AC line cord as it is there for your protection. If you must plug into a two prong outlet, use
a quality 3 to 2 prong grounded adapter and properly ground it.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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 polar-
ization 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 adrivest them, paying particular attention
to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed adrivest 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 ORIG-
INAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. Carvin assumes no respon-
sibility 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 war-
ranty 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 CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
When RETURNING merchandise to the factory, you may call for a return authoriza-
tion number. Describe in writing each problem. If your unit is out of warranty, you
will be charged the current FLAT RATE for parts and labor to bring your unit up to fac-
tory specifications.
MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. The panel of
your unit can be wiped from time to time 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 ampli-
fier is adequately protected by rack, covers, etc..