CARVIN SX50 Guitar Combo Amp User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- CARVIN
Table of Contents
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA
SX50, SX100, SX200 & SX200H
GUITAR AMPS
SX SERIES Classic Tube Emulation, awesome digital effects, rich black vinyl
covering and the brass red jewel light continue to make the AMERICAN MADE SX
Series one of the hottest amps on the market today!
EmulaTION OR mOdElING? Unlike other “modeling” amps, the SX doesn’t just copy
the sounds of other amplifiers – it actually emulates 12AX7 tube circuitry.
The SX waveforms successfully “emulates” real tube waveforms that breathe and
express warmth from a mild soft-clip to a full power soaked sustain.
Pro players and industry gurus have stated that the SX Tube Emulator actually
sounds better than many tube amps!
TwO ChaNNElS – Clean and Distortion. Each channel has its own independent
volume control for setting up equal levels quickly and easily.
The SX200 and SX200H adds true “DUAL CHANNEL 1 & 2” capabilities allowing both
channels to be played at the same time.
ACTIVE TONE CONTROlS All models feature BASS, MID and TREBLE controls on both
channels. The SX200 and SX200H goes even further by adding a PRESENCE control
to each channel for more high-end.
24-BIT EffECTS Once you have your tone, add in just the right amount of lush
REVERBS, rich CHORUSES, thick textured FLANGING and pristine ECHOES using
fully adjustable parameters for damping, decay, depth, speed, time and
regeneration–up to 256 24-BI T effects. The SX200 and SX200H adds a second
digital processor dedicated to creating a lush, concert-hall reverb at the
push of a button.
SX mOdElS The 50 watt SX50 with one heavy-duty 12”
speaker is perfect for any venue. The SX100, SX200 and SX200H feature a full
100 watts RMS – plenty for most situations. All combos & stacks feature the
heavy-duty speakers that provides awesome guitar reproduction – from clean to
blues to scream’n metal. The SX200 features two 12” speakers for an even
bigger
For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No.___ Invoice Date_ sound. The SX200H
head can be paired with either a 4×12 half stack or 8×12 full stack.
REaR PaNEl CONNECTIONS All back panels feature a voiced LINE OUT for recording
or running a slave amp, HEADPHONE jack, EX TENSION
SPEAkER jack and a FOOT SWITCH jack for the optional FS22 (for remotely
changing channels and turning on/off the effects). The extra dedicated reverb
on the SX200 & SX200H is controlled by a front panel switch. The SX200 &
SX200H also adds SEND/RETURN jacks for your own external effects. A 4, 8, 16Ω
impedance switch is featured for matching speakers.
RuGGEd CONSTRuCTION SMT surface mount electronics ensure consistent, reliable
performance and are nearly impervious to bumps and vibrations. Strong,
lightweight plywood cabinet (not particle board), aluminum chassis, steel
grille and corners deliver one of the lightest, yet most rugged amps
available.
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started INSPECT YOUR AMP 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. 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 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.
SX SERIES SPECIFICATIONS:
| Speakers: | SX50, SX100, SX200 12” |
|---|---|
| Power: | SX50: 50 watts @ 8Ω |
SX100: 100 watts @ 8Ω
SX200/SX200H: 100 watts @ 4, 8, 16Ω
Output Impedance:| 4-16 ohms switchable
Power Amp:| THD: Less than 1%
Input Impedance:| 2—switching
Channels:| BASS: 80Hz
Tone Controls:| 600Hz
TREBLE: 8k Hz
PRESENCE: 11k Hz (SX200 only)
Clean Channel| BASS: 90Hz
MID: 575Hz
TREBLE: 9k Hz
PRESENCE: 8-11k Hz (SX200 only)
Ch 1 Sensitivity:| 1mV for clipping, dynamic range 72dB
Ch 2 Sensitivity:| 75mV for full output
Line Out:| 1.5 VAC @ full power
Power:| SX50/SX100: 90-250VAC, 50-60Hz, 125VA
SX200/SX200H: 120V or 240V model
Fuse:| 5 amp 250V internal
Cabinet Size:| SX50/SX100: 19.5W x 10.25D x 17.5”H
SX200: 26W x 10.25D x 17.5”H
SX200H: 24.5W x 9.5D x 10.5”H
Cabinet:| Plywood–no particle board
Net Weight:| SX50/SX100: 30 lbs, SX200: 44 lbs, SX200H: 24 lbs
Warranty:| One Year
Options:| FS22 footswitch,
CV211 cover SX100 & SX50
CV3212 cover SX200
CV3200 cover SX200H
SX50, SX100, SX200 & SX200h fRONT & REaR PaNEl CONTROlS
GETTING STARTEd QUICKlY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and
get started playing right away. You can read the rest of the manual later to
learn the finer points of operating your amp. In order to get started you will
need your SX AMP, a 120 or 230 AC grounded power outlet, your instrument, and
a standard guitar cord.
With the amp turned off, you may now plug it into the proper AC voltage. Now
turn all the volume and overdrive controls off and set tone controls at their
mid center position. If you have purchased the FS22 foot switch, plug it into
the rear foot switch jack for switching the channels and effects. Note: The CH
SELECT SWITCH must be in the OUT position (CH 1) for the FS22 to function
(only CH 2 will function if it’s in the wrong position). Now, turn the POWER
SWITCH ON. Gradually raise the volume and overdrive controls. Check the BLUES
SWITCH setting before adjusting the tone controls.
FRONT PANEl
-
INPUT 1 (INPuT 1/2 ON SX200 & SX200h)
Connect a 1/4” guitar cable to this input. The 1/2 CH SELECT SWITCH will toggle between channel 1 and 2. Use a professional quality 1/4” plug shielded guitar cord (Carvin SH25) no longer than 25 feet. A long cable will reduce the overall treble response from your pickups. Note: For remote footswitching leave the 1/2 CH SELECT SWITCH in the “out” (CH 1) position when connecting the FS22 footswitch. -
INPUT 2 (dual ChaNNElS SX200 & SX200h ONlY)
To use the true dual channel feature of the SX200 and SX200H, plug a second guitar into INPUT 2. When a guitar is plugged into both inputs, the channels become independent of each other and can be played simultaneously. -
ChANNEl SELECT
Set the channel switch to the desired channel. The LED’s next to the CHANNEL 1/2 will let you see which channel is functioning. Use CH 1 for overdrive/lead. Use CH 2 for clean playing. For the FS22 footswitch to function, set the CH SELECT to the “ OUT” or “CH 1” position.
ChANNEL 1 DRIVE -
ChaNNEl 1 INdICaTOR
The RED LED will illuminate when the OVERDRIVE channel is selected. -
ChANNEL 1 VOLUME
The volume of the drive channel is to be used as a master level control. For partial clean output, set the VOLUME control to 10 and turn the DRIVE nearly off. -
ChANNEl 1 DRIVE
The drive channel delivers 12AX7 tube saturation and EL34 power tube compression. -
This channel incorporates a dual section lead DRIVE control with a 72 dB dynamic range so you can get shimmering clean, a fabulous blues tone or soft clipping to full blown overdrive with total tube warmth. For mild 12AX7 tube emulation, set the DRIVE control between 2 & 3. For some of the best saturation, set the control between 4 & 6. For full blown drive, set the control between 6 and 10 (your guitar volume should be turned all the way up). Because the SX AMP has a lot of gain in the DRIVE control, you can get guitar feedback. If feedback is a problem, reduce the amount of DRIVE or move the guitar away from the speakers.
-
BluES SwITCh
The exclusive BLUES SWITCH adds the critical mid tones in the 525 Hz range that is so important to great sounding blues-rock tone. However, when the BLUES SWITCH is not used (OUT), the SX delivers a great “scooped” sound for hard rock metal players. It is important that you pre-select this switch for your style of playing before adjusting the tone controls. -
ChaNNEl 1 BaSS, mId & TREBlE
These active tone controls develop the heart of your sound. It is important that you start at the mid point (5) on each control. The total range of these controls are a substantial 20 dB (±10 dB) with a center frequency at 80 Hz for BASS, 600 Hz for MIDS and 8k Hz for the TREBLE. These controls are very powerful in their effect so take time with the different settings for your ultimate sound. -
ChaNNEl 1 PRESENCE (SX200/h ONlY)
Channel 1 features its own PRESENCE for added treble. It’s frequency range is at the very high end of the guitar spectrum (11k Hz) for shimmering, glassy harmonics. If your sound is too bright with single coil pickups, you may want to adjust the PRESENCE control and TREBLE control.
ChaNNEl 2 ClEaN -
ChaNNEl 2 ClEaN INdICaTOR
The gREEN LED will illuminate when the CLEAN channel is selected. 11. ChaNNEl 2 ClEaN VOlumE
Channel switching from the Drive channel into CHANNEL 2 gives you crisps, clean sounds. Thanks to special mud-cutting circuits that work between the frequencies of 550 and 700 Hz, your guitar tones will be full and vibrant. -
ChaNNEl 2 BaSS, mId & TREBlE CONTROlS
To start, set the BASS, MID & TREBLE controls at their center (5) position. These controls are most likely to be set according to the type of pickups used (dual or single coil).
Most musicians like to reduce the MIDs deeper bass and crisper highs. -
ChaNNEl 2 ClEaN PRESENCE (SX200/h ONlY)
For added clarity, the CH 2 PRESENCE control increases the highest guitar harmonics in the 8-11k Hz range. A normal bright switch works only in the 3-5k Hz range leaving your sound somewhat flat. Single or dual coil pickups will determine the level of this control.
DSP EffECTS SECTION -
SmaRT EffECTS™ adjuST (PaRamETER) CONTROlS
The 24-BIT processor provides a host of great sounding effects including FLANgE, REVERB, ECHO, & CHORUS. Turn up the LEVEL control to 5 as a starting position. Turn the LEVEL higher if more effect signal is desired. Use the SELECT and the ADJUST controls to get the desired effect. Each channel now has its own effects. Move the EFFECTS ADJUST and SELECT controls to the desired effect for each channel. Smart Effects™ will automatically store your last selected effect settings for each channel and will recall them when you switch between channels. As you select each channel, notice that the 1 /2 LED next to the LEVEL control changes color to match the channel LED color to indicate that the effects has been changed. The settings are stored in memory even when the amp has been turned off. To change the stored effect, simply select a new effect. Note: The SELECT and the ADJUST controls do not rotate to their stored settings. Make note of your favorite effect settings. -
EffECT PaRamETERS
Each of the four effects has a variable parameter that can be easily adjusted. Each “SELECT” & “PARAMETER ” is described below.
A) ECHO: SELECT the amount of the regeneration (repeating). Now select the ADJUST control for the shortest or longest delay time between the original signal and the echo.
B) REVERB: SELECT the amount of presence (high frequencies) in the reverb. Now turn the ADJUST control to provide the minimum or maximum decay.
C) CHORUS: SELECT the amount of reverb with your chorus. Now turn the ADJUST control to increase the depth.
D) FLANgE: SELECT the amount of speed with your flange (phasing effect). Now turn the ADJUST control to increase the depth. -
SX200 & SX200h alTERNaTE REVERB SYSTEm
The SX200 & SX200H also features an alternate reverb system that is independent from
the Smart Effects™ system. By pushing in the REVERB SWITCH, you have a modest
amount of reverb added to both channels to enhance your sound. The FS22 footswitch
does not externally control this reverb, which allows you to have reverb on at all times
whether Smart Effects™ are ON or OFF. -
EffECTS OuTPuT lEVEl CONTROl
The effects LEVEL control is used to set the amount of effects you want blended into your guitar. This control affects the overall effect levels including the alternate reverb system featured on the SX200. Note: The effects level is not controlled by the Smart Effects™ memory so you must manually change it if you need different levels between channels. -
POwER ON/Off SwITCh & PIlOT lIGhT
The front power switch will turn on the power to the amplifier. The brass jeweled red pilot light illuminates when the amp is powered on. -
REaR PaNEl
FOOTSWITCH
Carvin’s FS22 dual footswitch is recommended for remote channel switching and DSP effects ON/OFF switching. Most foot pedals with 2 switches featuring a stereo plug will work. For channel switching, be sure that the 1/2 CHANNEL select switch between the channels is in the “OUT” position. If only CH 2 works, the 1/2 channel select switch is in the wrong position. -
HEADPHONE
The stereo HEADPHONE 1/4” jack is “CABINET VOICED” to prevent excessive highs.
This greatly reduces ear fatigue. -
CaBINET VOICEd lINE OuT OuTPuT
The voiced 1/4” LINE OUT gives the same response as if you were micing the speaker. Special equalization reduces the harsh highs that are normally associated with a line out signal. -
SPEaKER OuTPuT
A 1/4” SPEAkER OUTPUT is featured to operate an extension speaker system. The minimum impedance of an extention speaker for the SX50, SX100 is 8Ω. The SX200 and SX200H has a switchable impedance of 4, 8 and 16 ohms. Set this accordingly when adding additional speakers. IMPORTANT: TO INSURE THAT THE SX200 DOES NOT SHUT OFF (PROTECTION MODE), PLEASE SELECTED THE PROPER SPEAkER IMPEDANCE ON THE REAR. IF YOUR SX200/H TURNS OFF DURINg A PERFORMANCE, SET THE IMPEDANCE TO 4Ω. -
EFFECTS lOOP (SENd & RETuRN) (SX200/h ONlY)
Although the SX200 has built-in effects, you may want to use its separate effects loop. Fothe lowest noise from a pedal effect, use this effects loop instead of plugging the guitar into theffects and then into the amp. To use the EFFECTS LOOP, plug the input of your effects intthe SEND jack and the output of your effects into the RETURN jack. Use shielded cables. -
AC POwER & fuSE
The AC POWER CORD is designed to operate with any voltage from 90-250VAC, 5060Hz.
Plug the cord into a grounded “3” prong” power source. No attempt should ever be made to defeat or use the amp without the ground connected.
The internal FUSE is located inside the chassis. This is not user serviceable.
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