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Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
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Author:  mrscott [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
I didn't want to hijack another thread so I started this one. Tony suggested to a newbie a small Carvin package deal, and it got my curiosity up. I checked out the package deal and from there started to wander around the Carvin site. I gotta say "I'm impressed" and intrigued by there line of products that would fit into the karaoke scenario. I had actually never considered Carvin, but now I can add them to my list of manu's. Most of my gear now is either Behringer or DBX. Honestly I am pretty happy with most of the Behringer stuff I own, (very few issues), and the DBX stuff has worked just as it should with NO problems. But looking at some of the specs of the Carvin speakers and mixers, it got me wondering how does this equipment compare to other lines. Would Carvin be a substantial improvement over Behringer? Yamaha? JBL? or vice versa?

Take the Carvin C844U mixer compared to the Yamaha MG124CX mixer, how do these two mixers compare in quality, features and durability? How about their amps? Pricing looks terrific, even on their top model, not to mention good specs. The LM, LS and TRxN lines of speakers all look like they have some pretty good possibilites.

After looking at Carvin, and comparing prices, I just wanted to find out some of the "techies" points of view on Carvin. I myself haven't ever seen anybody in my area even own anything by Carvin, so any input by the pros here would be appreciated.
Author:  jeffsw6 [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
I don't have much experience with Carvin products, but I can say that they have some PA speakers with fundamental design flaws that cause measurable comb filtering and frequency response dips which they do not represent in the frequency response graphs on their spec sheets.

For example, the LS1523 with its two 6" mid-drivers in parallel run up to 2.5kHz or about 5.5" wavelength, while obviously you can't mount two 6" drivers in a front-firing configuration such that their acoustic centers are separated by less than a quarter-wavelength, because they physically can't fit that way on the same plane.

They have been making boxes with that same design flaw for a long time. It's stupid and makes moderately-savvy customers like me suspect of all their products.

Note that my opinion is based only on a few poorly-designed Carvin PA cabinets that I have heard. My first-hand experiences with their stuff has not been great but I have not seen/heard many of their products.
Author:  mrscott [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
In particular I was looking at the TRX118n subs, the LM15 mains, the C844u mixer and the CDM3000L amps. Wanted a good comparison to what i've got now, which is the Behringer B1800x pro subs, the B1520 pro mains, Behringer xenyx 1832FX pro mixer and the EP2500 amps,,,all of which have worked very admirably for me. But again, looking at the weight compared to sound itself.
Author:  lyquiddye [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
The amps and speakers will be a huge upgrade over your current system.

I have always thought Carvin mixers do not have very good pre-amps.

I would suggest Allen and Heath, Mackie, or Yamaha for a mixer brand.
Author:  mrscott [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
lyquiddye @ Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:56 pm wrote:
The amps and speakers will be a huge upgrade over your current system.

I have always thought Carvin mixers do not have very good pre-amps.

I would suggest Allen and Heath, Mackie, or Yamaha for a mixer brand.


Tell, me a bit more in detail on how they are "better" if you could, please. I actually find the EP2500 amps quite nice, heavy though. That's why I"m looking around. Speakers too if possible.
Author:  Lonman [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
I've never had a problem with Carvin (so far). I got turned on to them when our sound guy used an entire 10K watt Carvin system - including the 3 way (dual 15", dual 8", horn) cabs coupled with a couple of their dual 18" subs. 24 channel mixer, monitors, amps & processing, the sound was excellent. I have used Carvin amps shortly after for my gear as well - soon to be all Carvin amps. I think the mixers could be a little better, but they are nothing terrible by any means. Speakers are good for the money as far as sound quality.
Author:  lyquiddye [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
Ok, Behringer post very little specs to prove any point mathmatically.

The TRX mains have much better frequency response than the LM15.


Your Behringer subs are measured half space in the specs thats telling me they are not very loud at all.

I'm not doubting that you can make your Behringer speaker sound good, with a driverack and a good rta mic anything can be brought up to par.


I find Behringer amps to work well for a cheap amp. I find Carvin to be cheap also but their factory direct status is what keep their prices down. They have a very clean sound and are quite reliable. I have used Carvin amps for installs they are still kicking and do their job. Just from personal experience I would use Carvin over Behringer.

I'm considering putting 2 Carvin DCM3800L in my rack. They have similar output to a QSC PLX3602 but cost alot less.

I wish I could explain in better words or show you, how much better higher end equipment will sound.
Author:  mrscott [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
Actually, the Behringer subs are VERY loud. I am really pretty impressed with them. I have heard them side by side with some cerwin vega subs, using the exact same system, (just plugged from one to the other) and they were very comparable, honest. And the CV were a much larger unit as well.

Now as far as the amps go, this is great news. If they are good work horses, I would consider them for my system. I think that an amp that is about a third the weight would be just plainly smart. Can someone tell me if they would work well with a pair of 18" subs? In particular the DCM3000 amp?
Author:  Lonman [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
mrscott @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:38 am wrote:
Now as far as the amps go, this is great news. If they are good work horses, I would consider them for my system. I think that an amp that is about a third the weight would be just plainly smart. Can someone tell me if they would work well with a pair of 18" subs? In particular the DCM3000 amp?

They should do you just fine.
Author:  mrscott [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
Thanks Lonnie, much appreciated
Author:  letitrip [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
I know a few guys that swear by their guitars and bass cabinets. I've used their mixers and while the feature sets aren't always what I'm looking for, they're definitely a solid and quality product. I've used a few of their mics, wireless in-ears and wireless instrument packs, all with pretty good results. Their mics are fairly good quality, and certainly are rugged. I'd still take an SM58 or better over one of theirs but they're not as bad as the budget brands out there. The wireless kits I've used are pretty nice too. Very little of the noticeable companding you usually find in cheap wireless kits.

The other nice thing with Carvin is their customer service is outstanding. They stand behind everything they sell even taking returns on custom shop guitars. I've never had an issue with getting warranty service from them on the rare occasions it's been needed. The only thing shocking to me is that I don't currently own any of their gear.
Author:  mrscott [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
Hey thanks Tony for you professional input. Again, much appreciated.

Scott
Author:  lyquiddye [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
Lonman @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:50 pm wrote:
mrscott @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:38 am wrote:
Now as far as the amps go, this is great news. If they are good work horses, I would consider them for my system. I think that an amp that is about a third the weight would be just plainly smart. Can someone tell me if they would work well with a pair of 18" subs? In particular the DCM3000 amp?

They should do you just fine.


I like head room, I would use an amp for each sub.
Author:  nymitch1 [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
I too am looking at the Carvin products. I'm still considering which products to purchase for a home system. I was looking at LM12 speakers (300W RMS each) and the XP800L (500W Powered Mixer). Its higher priced than their package setup...but looks more powerful and flexible. Cost would be about $800. I can't judge if this is too powerful for home basement or not.

Any thoughts on this setup?

Many thanks,
Mitch
Author:  Lonman [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carvin Line of Products, reviews?
nymitch1 @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:48 am wrote:
I too am looking at the Carvin products. I'm still considering which products to purchase for a home system. I was looking at LM12 speakers (300W RMS each) and the XP800L (500W Powered Mixer). Its higher priced than their package setup...but looks more powerful and flexible. Cost would be about $800. I can't judge if this is too powerful for home basement or not.

Any thoughts on this setup?

Many thanks,
Mitch

For a basement this system should be more than adequate & is expandable if you need to add like powered subs or external amps for more power.
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