CARVIN SV Series Power Amplifiers User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- CARVIN
Table of Contents
SV SERIES
POWER AMPLIFIERS
MANUAL OPERATING/ SERVICING
SV Series Power Amplifiers
The SV Series amplifiers are high power units designed to provide extended
rellability under the stress of commerical sound reinforcement conditions.
Actual performance standards are excellent (see specifications) making the SV
ideally suited for disco or studio applications as well.
Seven band graphic equalization has been included to provide the flexibility
and control needed in critical monitoring situations.
Two models are available, both housed in a heavy tolex-covered cabinet. The
SV125 delivers a minimum of 125 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms. The SV250 will produce
250 Watts RMS, and may be loaded down to 2 Ohms for professional sound
reiniorcement applications. 
The manual contains specifications, front and rear panel descriptions and
practical operating notes.
Please Note: An amplifier’s rated output is specified at some low value of
distortion. By overdriving the amplifier, substantially higher wattages are
produced and caution must be exercised to prevent damage to speaker systems.
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
FRONT PANEL
LEVEL
This control regulates the output level (volume) of the amplifier.
SEVEN BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER
When all slider knobs are centered along the “zero line”, the equalizer has no
effect. By raising any slider, a certain portion of the audio spectrum is
boosted. Lowering the slider reduces the power in that particular band. The
left hand sliders control the lower (bass) frequencies and the right hand
slider control the higher (treble) frequencies. The middle sliders control the
mid-frequencies.
The graphics may be used as basic “tone controls” to compensate for
deficiencies in speaker systems or room accuustics. They are also helpful in
reducing feedback problems, especially important in monitor applications.
POWER SWITCH
An illuminated power switch is provided on the front panel. A small delay in
the indicator lamp is normal. 
LINE CORD
AII Carvin Equipment is supplied with 3-conductor line cords ending in
grounding-type plugs. This arrangement will greatly reduce the possibility of
electrical shock, provided these outlets have been properly wired. If, at any
time, electrical shock is experienced, disconnect the amplifier and have a
qualified technician correct the trouble.
Carvin does not recommend the use of the older, 2-conductor non-grounding type
of outlets, as there is an increased danger of electrical shock.
FUSE HOLDER
Access to the fuse can be gained by pushing the fuse-holder inwards, then
turning counterclockwise. The type of fuse to be used is printed just below
the fuse-holder. Should the fuse ever fail, replace it with an identical fuse.
If the second fuse fails, then a problem is indicated, and the amp tubes
should be checked. To prevent excessive damage to the amplifier, NEVER USE A
FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING.
SPEAKER OUTPUT JACKS
A standard 1/4 phone jack is provided in addition to two locking D3M
connectors. All three connectors are wired in parallel, with D3M pins #2 & #3
both wired to the “hot” line of the amplifier. Pin #1 is Ground.
LINE OUT
This D3M connector is wired in parallel with the D3F INPUT connector. It may
be used to drive an additional power amplifier from one source (mixer, preamp,
etc.) without using “Y” cords.
INPUTS
The SV amplifier features fully-balanced differential-input circuitry
utilizing a D3F connector. In addition, a 1/4″ phone plug is provided for
common (single-ended) sources.
OPERATING NOTES
The SV-series amplifiers are power amplifiers designed to accept “line-level”
signals such as preamplifiers, mixers or any sources capable of producing 0.5
VRMS or more. Guitar, microphones, etc. are lower-level and generally higher
impedance sources, and must be preamped.
The input of the SV amplifiers features balanced differential circuitry, and
balanced sources should be plugged into the D3F INPUT jack. Normal single-
ended sources should be plugged into the %” phone jack.
The output volume is adjusted by the LEVEL control.
The seven band graphic equalizer provides tonal control. When all sliders are
set at mid-position (“flat”) the amplifier will reproduce the original signal
without coloration. By raising or lowering individual slides, the character at
the output may be modified to:
- Add power and depth to the music.
- Compensate for deficiencies in the speaker system or room accoustics.
- Reduce feedback problems, allowing higher volumes without squealing or howling.
Speaker systems may be plugged into either the %” phone plug or the locking D3M connectors. When using the D3M connectors, wire the mating connector (A3F) with pins #2 & #3 going to one (“hot”) terminal of the speaker system and pin
1 to the other (“ground”) side. WARNING: Speaker wires should not be run in a
snake containing input (microphone) cables. Such operation will promote
oscillation, ground problems and may lead to damage of the amplifier.
The $V250 delivers maximum power into 2 Ohms. Higher impedance speaker systems
result in a slightly lower power output. The SV125 is designed to drive 4 Ohms
for maximum power output, but may be loaded to 2 Ohms if necessary.
Impedances lower than 2 Ohms will activate the Short-Circuit Protection
Network, resulting in distortion and lower power.
HOW TO DETERMINE SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
Single speakers and speaker systems are always rated by the manufacturer.
Common impedances are two, four, eight and sixteen Ohms, although other values
are sometimes used.
When more than one speaker or speaker system is combined, however, the
impedance changes, The three basic interconnecting methods are shown below,
with the changes in impedance each method causes. Although the draw ing shows
single speakers, the same is true of speaker systems. 
The actual formula for calculating parallel impedances is Z parallel =
The formula for series impedance is Z series = Z + Z, + Z+ Zn
SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
SV250 Output 250W RMS at 2 Ohms–160W RMS at 4 Ohms.
SVi25 Output 125W RMS t 4 Ohms–80W RMS at 8 Ohms.
Note: High Wattage Levels at lower output
Impedances help to protect speakers.
Adding speaker components reduces total
Impedance for increased power levels.
SPEC tor Both Models
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20K Hz ±1 d8 At Full Power.
Distortion (THD) .15% 8t Full Power.
SIN Ratlo Better than 85 dB.
Damping Factor Greater than 100.
Main Equalization One 7-Band Graphic Equalizer. ± 12 dB with
center frequencles et 60, 125, 800, 1.5K, 3K,
8K, 12K Hz. Features Gyrator simulated
Inductors for precise one-octave bands.
Level Control Controls Output Volume.
Input Sensltivlty .5 VAC for Full Output.
Inputs LR Connector and %” phone Jack accepts balanced or standard sources
from 150
Ohms to 10K Ohms.
Line Output Low Impedance with XLRR connector for other monitor amp hook-ups.
Spk Outputs 2 XLR Connectors plus 1 %” phone jack.
Short-Circuit
Protection Electronic Current Limiter which automa tically engages under any
adverse operating conditions.
Power Requirements 110-120 VAC 50-60 Hz Grounded (3 Wire) plug.
Construction Sol[d 3%” 7 ply marine plywood cabinet.
Black TOLEX covering with large wrap around steel corners. 16 gauge steel
chassls Bleck Finished.
Dlmenslons Width 24″, Height 10″, Depth 10″.
Weight SV125: 35 lbs. SV250: 40 lbs.
WARRANTY 2Years Parts 4 Labor.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin Instrument Amplifier is protected against failure lor 2 YEARS. The
amplifier will be serviced by Carvin free of charge should anything go wrong
within the warranty period (excluding tubes, it so equipped).
While Carvin suggests you utilize the specialized technicians of the Carvin
Service Dept. Non-factory repairs will not void the warranty, although all
charges for such repairs must be paid by the customer. Furthermore, Carvin
will supply amp parts (at nc charge) upon receipt of detective parts.
Naturally, any damages caused by improper outside repairs will not be covered
by the warranty. Ail Shipping charges are to be paid by the Customer.
Carvin Speaker Systems are warrantied tor a period of 1 Year. All 4BL speakers
are warrantied by 4BL for 5 Years.
Any repairs should be sent directly to 4BL Service Centers.
Speakers are not warrantied against damage caused by excessive power levels.
(Open Voice Coils are not covered by warranty as they are the result ol
excessive power applications). The description of an open voice coil is: A
speaker that will give no sound, NOTE: An amplifier’s rated output is
specified at a low value of distortion. By overdriving the amp, substantially
higher wattages are produced, so caution is advised to prevent damage to the
speaker system.
All above warranties are extended to the Original Purchaser Only, by the
Carvin Co., and do not cover failures caused by misuse or natural disasters.
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