CARVIN DCM150 Power Amp User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- CARVIN
Table of Contents
CARVIN DCM150 Power Amp User Manual
Product Using Instructions
The DCM150 professional amp is designed utilizing Carvin’s years of experience
in power amp technology. It meets and exceeds every standard for
professional amplification. The thick brushed anodized aluminum face plate,
large recessed knobs and heavy-duty aluminum chassis reflect the manufacturing
quality within. The DCM150 “High Energy Transfer” amp carry’s the CE approval
for world-wide use.
PURE—TRANSPARENT SOUND
Carvin considers the sound of an amp equally important as its reliability.
To insure pure, uncolored sound, we designed one of the fastest responding
power amps on the market today. High slew rates deliver superb transient
response. High frequencies are transparent and open—even at high levels.
Linear feedback circuits reduce distortion to near the theoretical zero limit
preventing any type of harshness which would lead to ear fatigue. The DCM150
amp delivers flat, transparent, unaltered sound—especially important to the
studio user. These amps are designed to deliver non-stop, continuous power and
are completely protected from heat and short circuits.
ULTRA RUGGED FOR TOURING
Every chassis is made from heavy-duty 16 gauge aluminum that is lightweight
and prevents rust. Allinternal cabling is neatly tied and harnessed.
Heavy-duty power switches, recessed knobs & machined aluminum front panels all
give the DCM amps a “tank-like” ability to handle rough, touring transport.
TOTALLY MODULAR
With the DCM150, Carvin brings you totally modular construction. If you ever
need an 1/0 (input/output) connector card because a connector wore-out, just
unplug it and re-install the replacement card in minutes.
You don’t have to de-solder anything. This applies to every aspect of the
DCM150 amp including the power supply, power cards, and heat sinks.
Everything is connected by heavy-duty connectors for easy replacement—even the
Toroid transformer is a total plug-in.
LOSE THE WEIGHT…NOT THE PERFORMANCE
For some companies, weight reduction means cost reduction. Carvin however,
uses expensive TOROID transformers toreduce weight. Toroids deliver
extra amounts of “on demand”” current for continuous operation. This gives the
power supply a solid foundation, yielding more headroom. Notonly do toroids
deliver high current, but they are known for reducing stray magnetic fields
eliminating hum & noise. This is especially important for the recording
industry.
FRONT PANELS & CONNECTING UP
The DCM Series feature front panel signal, clip and protect LEDs which let you
monitor the status of the amp. Both channels use precision level controls
allowing you to see your settings at a glance. Balanced 1/4 phone & XLR input
jacks are used to eliminate hum & noise. Speaker outputs feature 1/4” jacks.
Heavy-duty binding posts that accept up to 50 amp #7 speaker wires.
The rear professional accessory group offers a GROUND switch to remove the
chassis ground from the XLR input, a PARALLEL input switch connects the inputs
of both channels together eliminating Y connectors and allowing amp patching
in multiple amp systems. The accessory group also features a BRIDGE mode
switch for delivering full power into a mono 82 loud.
RECEIVING INSPECTION— read before getting started INSPECT YOUR UNIT FOR
ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If any damage is found,
please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. Inthe event you have to re-ship
your unit, always use the original carton and packing material. This will
provide the best possible pro- tection 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
sepa- rately. Please allow several days for the rest of your order to arrive
before inquiring.
RECORD THE SERIAL NUMBER on the enclosed warranty card or below on this
manual for your records. Keep your portion of the card and return the portion
with your name and comments to us.
DCM150 POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:
Output Power : (BRIDGE MONO) 80, 1kHz, < 1% THD 150 Watts
Minimum Impedance : (Bridged) 8 ohms
(Stereo, both channels driven) : 89, 1kHz, <0.5% THD 60/60 Watts 40,
1kHz, <0.5% THD 75/75 Watts
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms per channel THD : 20-20kHz <0.1% (80 typical)
<0.05%
Frequency Response
Input Impedance : £0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz >20kQ Balanced or Unbalanced
Damping Factor : >400
Sensitivity : (@ 40) 1.0 Vims
Output Noise : -102 dBm
Power Consumption : 120V—200 VA
Dimensions
Weight (Net) : 13/4” High x 19” Wide x 10″ Deep 9lbs.
FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL
-
MOUNTING
The rack mounting holes are designed on ISO standard spacing. Four 10-32 x .5 phillip machine screws are normally used to secure the amp.
Rear support brackets are not required. -
POWER SWITCH
Check the power amp connections and verify the AC line power source
before engaging the POWER switch. The yellow LED unmistakably indicates that all circuits are properly powered up. This color was chosen so
the operator could see the red protect indicator from a distance. -
CHANNEL LEVEL CONTROL
A precision input LEVEL attenuator is used to adjust the volume levels.
To deliver the amps full power without reducing headroom of the signal source, the level controls should be turned up full. -
CHANNEL SIGNAL INDICATOR
The green SIGNAL LED indicators will start to flash when there is a signal passing to your speakers (-30dBM). This lets you know when the amp is passing a signal to your speakers. -
CHANNEL CLIP INDICATOR There CLIP LED indicators will start toflash when each channel has reached
its maximum output. Occasional flashing caused by lower bass frequencies is OK. However, consistent flashing caused from higher frequencies may damage high frequency drivers (excessive distortion). This does not cause damage to the amp. -
EQ EXPAND SWITCH
When set to the ‘in’ position this circuit will cut the mids by -4dB at TKHz.
This works well as a loudness contour when operating at low volume levels or adds tone when using it in a bass or guitar rack. When set to the ‘out’ position it provides a flat, normal response. Try it both ways and set as desired.
REAR PANEL -
XLR CHANNEL INPUTS
For most professional applications, use the XLR balanced input. This will help to reduce hum and allow of longer cable runs from your signal source (mixer, etc). Because this is a balanced input, the gain will be 6 dB higher than using a non balanced 1/4” input. XLR pin configuration: Pin 1: Grounded through the GROUND LIFT switch, Pin 2: positive Bal. signal and Pin 3: negative Bal. signal. -
CHANNEL 1/4″” PHONE JACK INPUT
These 1/4″ TRS phone jacks are designed to receive either balanced or unbalanced input signals. Balanced signals coming into this jacks should be wired with the connector’s tip going to signal + and the connector’s ring to signal –. The connector’s sleeve is then tied to ground through the GROUND
LIFT switch–. -
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
The standard 1/4” SPEAKER jacks are used for most applications. Turn the amp off before connecting your speakers. -
SPEAKER BINDING POSTS
For heavy-duty speaker connections, use the rear BINDING POSTS to connect your speakers. Wire sizes up to 7 gauge (50 amps) can be inserted
into the binding posts “side holes”. Larger cable can be used with “banana” plugs which plug into the ends of the binding post (remove colored caps).
Binding posts are spaced on ISO standards. Use the two center RED binding posts for BRIDGE speaker connections (see 11 BRIDGE MODE). -
BRIDGE MODE—70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
The DCM150 can be operated in bridge mode if you require a 70V distribution speaker system or a high powered mono (single channel) amp.
With your amp off, push in the rear BRIDGE switch after you have made your speaker connections to the rear center RED binding posts (ch 1 is + and ch 2 is -). No other speaker jack or binding post can to be used at the same time!”. The INPUT and LEVEL is handled by channel 1. Channel 2 is non- operational. The minimum speaker impedance is 8 ohms. CAUTION: The power developed by bridging your amp can destroy speakers! -
PARALLEL OR “Y” INPUTS
The rear PARALLEL switch allows you to drive both channels from either input. All signals entering any input will be available on both channels.
This eliminates Y adapter cables. This feature is used to “daisy chain” one piece of equipment to another. Just plug into the unused INPUT (1/4” or XLR) and it will become an output for other equipment. -
INPUT GROUND LIFT
Many times sound systems are connected in such a manner to cause a grounded loop with the inputs that result in audible hum. The input GND LIFT (1/4” & XLR) switch on the rear panel will help eliminate this problem. If not, another way to eliminate ground loops is to install a “line matching” transformer between the amplifier input and the signal source and cut the ground wire to PIN 1. -
AC POWER
Your amp is designed to run on either 120V 60 Hz. The voltage range for 120V is 95V to 132V. The rear heavy-duty AC cord is designed for your country. Be sure to check your power source before plugging into a grounded (3 prong) outlet. Never defeat the grounded connection or electrocution may result!
CONNECTING THE SYSTEM
The following diagrams illustrate typical connections. Although these
illustrations show XLR’s for inputs and 1/4” plugs for outputs, a variety of
alternative connectors are available.
For most stage setups, mono (not stereo) is recommended. The reason for this
is the audience on the left will not hear the same program material on the
right if the program is done in true stereo.
INPUT CONNECTIONS
The preferred method of connecting input signals is with balanced XLR’s (two
conductors plus a shield wire such as Carvin professional XLR cables).
Balanced input signals provide the highest gain and best noise rejection. 1/4”
stereo cables are also capable of providing balanced input by using a stereo
plug (tip-positive, ring-negative & sleeve-ground). Not all sources provide
balanced outputs. If this is the case, standard 1/4” input cables work fine
with cable lengths under 25 feet (single conductor plus shield) providing
there is no ground loop in the system.
TYPICAL MONURAL SETUP
TYPICAL BRIDGED SETUP
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
There are two 1/4” speaker jacks available for speaker connections (one for
each channel).
Additionally, there are two pairs of binding posts that not only allow for
high current connections to speakers but are also used for “bridging” the amps
output (see rear panel section 14 & 15). Use heavy gauge wire for all speaker
connections (no lighter than 16 gauge up to 50’, Carvin’s PH50). Caution:
Never use shielded cable (microphone or instrument input cable) to connect
speakers. These cables will not handle the required current and may cause your
amplifier to oscilate because of the internal shield.
TYPICAL STEREO (BIAMP) SETUP
BALANCED MIC/LINE XLR CABLES
NTERRUPT (PATCH) STEREO OR BALANCED SIGNAL LINE
(Unshielded) (Shielded)
SPEAKER OR SIGNAL LINE CABLE
(Shielded)
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance
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, 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.
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 INSERTA DAMAGED OR CUT
MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for ONE YEAR. 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 products.
CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
When RETURNING merchandise to the factory, you may call for a return
authorization 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
factory specifications.
HELP SECTION
-
WILL NOT TURN ON
Check the power to the unit. Check for tripped circuit breakers, unplugged extension cords or power-strip switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse. If a dark brownish color or no wire can be seen within the glass fuse, then replace. The unit may be perfectly fine but occasionally the fuse may blow because of high AC voltage surges. After the fuse has been replaced with the proper value and if the fuse fails again, the product will require servicing (be sure to use a slow blow fuse if required). Check your input and speaker output cables. -
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 amplifier is adequately protected by rack, covers, etc..
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST FOR DCM AMPS
CAUTION
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH
VOLTAGE INSIDE!
DCM150 REV A
PART # QTY DESCRIPTION
03-00450 1 EACH INSLTR 9.125×1.5x.01″ SGL ADHV
03-00067-20 4 EACH INSLTR MICA .0020″.830″X .69″
03-10450 2 EACH BINDING POST RED/BLK EXT LEGS
03-10625 4 EACH STANDOFF NYLON #10X .625X .375
03-15010 2 EACH TOROID PAD 4.75″ OD X 2″ ID X0
03-18190 3 EACH CABLE TIE 4″LX .10″W 7/8 BNDLE
03-19810 4 EACH FOOT PVC BLK SQ”=.810 HGT=.300
03-49550 1 INCH TAPE W/ADHSVE 3M 80mil x 1.0″
05-48025 1 EACH SPADE CONNECT 18AWG BLK 254MM
05-48522 2 EACH SPADE CONNECT 18AWG GRN 228MM
05-68415 1 EACH CABLE RIBBON 24A 8P/ 6″ W/HDR
05-60420 1 EACH CABLE RIBBON 24A 10P/ 8″ W/HDR
05-64435 1 EACH CABLE RIBBON 24A 4P/14″ W/HDR
06-09252 2 EACH NUT FOR POT 71-09252C
06-10045 6 EACH SMS PFH #6X .375 TYPE AB BLACK
06-10061 2 EACH SMS PPH #6 X .375 TYPE A BLACK
06-10070 4 EACH MS PPH 6-32X .500 BLACK
06-10080 4 EACH MS PPH 6-32X .750 BLACK
06-10100 4 EACH MS PPH 8-32X .375 BLACK
06-10193 1 EACH MS CTH #1/4-20X 1.250 BOLT BLK
06-40070 2 EACH TERMINAL .25″TAB/.156″LUG/.032
06-50035 8 EACH NUT KEP #6-32 ZINC CADMIUM
06-50040 4 EACH NUT KEP #8-32 BLACK ZINC
06-50051 4 EACH NUT KEP #10-32 ZINC CADMIUM
06-50061 1 EACH NUT HEX #1/4-20 ZINC W/NYLN IN
07-09012 2 EACH KNOB RECESSED MED 25.0mm BLACK
10-01501E 1 EACH FRONT PANEL DCM150
10-82005 1 EACH LID DCM/HT POWER AMPS
10-01509G 1 EACH CHASSIS DCM150
10-15045 1 EACH PLATE TOROID 4.5″ DIA 14A GALV
12-01520A 1 EACH HEATSINK DCM150/PB200
15-01513 1 EACH XFORMR 120V HT150
25-31350 1 EACH SWITCH DPST ROCKER BLACK POWER
76-00001 1 EACH WARRANTY CARD “CARVIN”
76-00150 1 EACH MANUAL DCM150
77-01509B 1 EACH LABEL REAR DCM150
DCM150 PCB Sub Assemblies
80-01528 REV B
03-92521 6 EACH STANDOFF LED .925 x .215 T1
05-22102 4 INCH POLYOLEFIN SHRINK TUBING 1/16″
06-40050 1 EACH TERMINAL VERT MALE PC MTG .250
QC7
06-40060 6 EACH TERMINAL 90dg MALE PC MTG .250
QC1, QC2, QC3, QC4, QC5, QC6
07-01603 4 EACH KNOB “6L” 6x6x17.4mm GREY CAP
21-31100 1 EACH RECEPTACLE AC W/FAST-ON CHASS
21-50311 2 EACH JACK PHONO MONO PCB MOUNT
J5, J6
21-51545 2 EACH JACK .250″PHONE STEREO PLASTIC
J1, J2
21-40000 2 EACH XLR FEMALE CONNECTOR W/O GRND
J3, J4
23-03529 2 EACH FUSEHOLDER CLIPS 3AG VERT MTG
F1
23-11004 2 EACH CONNECT HEADER 4 PIN STRAIGHT
H1A, H1B
23-11008 2 EACH CONNECT HEADER 8 PIN STRAIGHT
H3A, H3B
23-11010 2 EACH CONNECT HEADER 10 PIN STRAIGHT
H2A, H2B
25-02201 3 EACH SWITCH DPDT PUSH PC MTG LOCKNG
S2, S3, S4
25-04201 1 EACH SWITCH 4PDT PUSH PC MTG LOCKNG
S1
30-01528 1 EACH PCB CARD MAIN HT150 PWR AMP
PCB REV B
42-22235 6 EACH CAP ELEC 2,200 MFD 35V 20%
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6
49-10312 9 EACH 0.01UF SMT 10% FILM 080550V
C10, C110, C118, C119, C210,
C218, C219, C9, C13
49-10451 2 EACH 0.1 uF SMT 10% FILM 1206 50V
C111, C211
49-22035 16 EACH SMT CAP 22uF 35v ELECTROLITIC
C103, C104, C107, C11, C112,
C116, C12, C120, C203, C204,
C207, C212, C216, C220, C7, C8
49-25152 2 EACH 220PF SMT 5% CERAMIC 0805
C113, C213
49-33212 2 EACH 0.0033UF SMT 10% FILM 0805 50
C108, C208
49-33312 2 EACH 0.033UF SMT 10% FILM 0805 50V
C109, C209
49-39052 6 EACH 39PF SMT 5% CERAMIC 0805
C101, C102, C114, C214, C201
C202
49-47312 2 EACH 0.047UF SMT 10% FILM 0805 50V
C117, C217
49-82052 7 EACH 82PF SMT 5% CERAMIC 0805
C105, C115, C205, C215, C14,
C106, C206
55-04705 4 EACH RES .47 OHM 5W 10% SB
R130, R131, R230, R231
58-00035 4 EACH 0.0 SMT JUMPER 1206
R129, R229, R26, R30
58-10025 5 EACH 100.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R10, R123, R124, R223, R224
58-10035 1 EACH 1K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R112, R115, R116, R212, R215,
R216, R29, R113, R213, R117, R217
58-10045 3 EACH 10K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R122, R13, R222, R20, R21
R100, R101, R102, R103,
R200, R201, R202, R203
58-10055 7 EACH 100K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R108, R208, R114, R214, R125,
R225, R138
58-10065 2 EACH 1M SMT .25W 1206 1%
R19, R22
58-15035 2 EACH 1.5K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R141, R241
58-15045 2 EACH 15K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R28, R11
58-15055 4 EACH 150K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R109, R209, R110, R210
58-22025 2 EACH 220.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R121, R221
58-22035 11 EACH 2.2K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R118, R119, R126, R133, R139,
R15, R218, R219, R226, R233,
R239
58-22045 3 EACH 22K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R27, R134, R234
58-22055 2 EACH 220K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R111, R211
58-27025 2 EACH 270.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R128, R228
58-33025 1 EACH 330.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R24
58-33035 1 EACH 3.3K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R14
58-33045 2 EACH 33K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R132, R232
58-36055 1 EACH 365K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R12
58-39035 1 EACH 3.9K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R25
58-47025 1 EACH 470.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R16
58-47035 2 EACH 4.7K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R5, R18
58-47045 17 EACH 47K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R104, R105, R106, R120, R135,
R137, R17, R204, R205, R206,
R220, R23, R235, R237, R238
R136, R236
58-47055 2 EACH 470K SMT .25W 1206 1%
R140, R240
58-56025 2 EACH 560.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R107, R207
58-68025 6 EACH 680 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R127, R227, R4, R1, R2, R3
58-91025 4 EACH 910.5 SMT .25W 1206 1%
R6, R7, R8, R9
60-00083 2 EACH TRANSISTOR 15A 100V NPN
Q18, Q28
60-00084 2 EACH TRANSISTOR 15A 100V PNP
Q19, Q29
60-55500 4 EACH TRANS 2N5550 HV NPN 250V
T0-92 Q5, Q6, Q17, Q27
60-75200 4 EACH DIODE GEN RECT MR752 6A 200V
D1, D2, D3, D4
60-75320 3 EACH LED RED DIFFUSED 3MM T-1.00
D12, D100, D200
60-75330 2 EACH LED GREEN DIFFUSED 3MM T-1.00
D102, D202
60-75340 1 EACH LED YELLOW DIFFUSED 3MM T-1.00
D5
60-78120-1 1 EACH EGULATOR VOLTAGE 12 (PREPPED)
Q1
60-79120-1 1 EACH REGULATOR VOLTAGE 12 (PREPPED)
Q2
62-00014 2 EACH MMBTA14 SOT-23 SMT
Q102, Q202
62-19140 12 EACH 1N914 HI SPD SMT 250mW DIODE
D10, D101, D103, D104, D11,
D201, D203, D204, D214, D7,
D8, D9
62-45650 3 EACH NJM4565 SMT DUAL HI FREQ
A1, A2, A3
62-04739 1 EACH SMT DIODE ZENER 4739
Z1
62-54001 14 EACH MMBT5401LT1 PNP SOT-23 SMT
Q10, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q16, Q20,
Q21, Q22, Q23, Q26, Q3, Q4
Q100, Q200
62-55500 6 EACH MMBT5550 NPN SOT-23
Q201, Q101, Q14, Q15, Q24, Q25
70-21050 1 EACH FUSE ABC 5.00A FAST 6.35X32MM
F1
70-05713 2 EACH RELAY SPDT 12A@120VAC/24V COIL
K1, K2
71-09251 2 EACH POT 9 D-P 25F B10K THREAD BSH
References
- Carvin Audio Great Sounding Gear For Musicians and Sound Professionals
- Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!