CARVIN SX Series Guitar Amps

Product Information

Specifications

• Speakers
  • SX300C: Two Celestion SEVENTY 80 100w 8″ speakers
• RMS Power
  • SX300C/SX300H: 100 watts @ 4, 8, 16 ohms
• Output Impedance : 4-16 ohms switchable
• Power Amp
  • THD : Less than 1%
  • Input Impedance : 100k ohms
• Channels : 3–switching
• Tone Controls
  • Ch 1 and 2 BASS : 80Hz
  • MID : 600Hz
  • TREBLE : 8k Hz
  • PRESENCE : 11k Hz
  • Ch 3 BASS : 90Hz
  • MID : 575Hz
  • TREBLE : 9k Hz
  • PRESENCE : 8-11k Hz
• Ch 1 + 2 Sensitivity : 1mV for clipping, dynamic range 72dB
• Ch 3 Sensitivity : 75mV for full output
• Line Out : 1.5 VAC @ full power
• Power : 120V or 240V model
• Fuse : 5 amp 250V internal
• Size
  • SX300C : 26W x 10.25D x 17.5H
  • SX300H : 24.5W x 9.5D x 10.5H
  • SX300R : 19W x 6D x 1.75H
• Cabinet
• Net Weight
  • SX300C : 44 lbs
  • SX300H : 24 lbs
  • SX300R : 5 lbs
• Warranty : One Year
• Options
  • FS44 footswitch
  • CV3212 cover SX300
  • CV3200 cover SX300H
  • VE212 extension cabinet, two GT12 200w 8″ speakers

Product Usage Instructions:

Receiving Inspection

• Before getting started, inspect your amp for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If any damage is found, please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
• Save the carton and 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.

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.

FAQ

• Q: What speakers are included with the SX300C model?
  A: The SX300C model includes two Celestion SEVENTY 80 100w 8″ speakers.

• Q: What is the RMS power of the SX300C and SX300H models?
  A: The SX300C and SX300H models have a RMS power of 100 watts at 4, 8, 16 ohms.

• Q: What is the warranty period for this product?
  A: The warranty period for this product is one year.

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

SX300C, SX300H, SX300R GUITAR AMPS
OPERATING MANUAL

• 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!
• THREE CHANNELS – CH1 LEAD with high gain switch, CH2 LEAD with BLUES switch and CH3 CLEAN. Each channel has its own independent volume control for setting up equal levels quickly and easily.
• ACTIVE TONE CONTROLS All models feature BASS, MID, TREBLE controls and a PRESENCE switch on all channels.
• 24-BIT EFFECTS Once you have your tone, add in just the right amount of lush REVERBS, rich CHORUSES, thick textured FLANGING or pristine ECHOES using fully adjustable parameters for damping, decay, depth, speed, time and regeneration–up to 256 24-BIT effects. There is also a second digital processor dedicated to creating a lush, concert-hall reverb at the push of a button.
• POWER The SX300C and SX300H feature a full 100 watts RMS. The SX300C features two 12” heavy-duty 100w Celestion SEVENTY 80 speakers that provide awesome guitar reproduction – from clean to blues to scream’s metal. The SX300H head can be paired with either a 4×12 half stack or 8×12 full stack. The SX300R rackmount pre amp can be paired with the amp of your choice.
• REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS All back panels feature a voiced LINE OUT for recording or running a slave amp, HEADPHONE jack, EXTENSION SPEAKER jack and a FOOT SWITCH jack for the optional FS44 for remotely changing channels and turning on/off the effects, (The extra dedicated reverb on the SX300C, SX300H and SX300R is controlled by a front panel switch.) The SX300C & SX300H also adds SEND/RETURN jacks for your own external effects. A 4, 8, 16Ω impedance switch is featured for optimizing the amp for the extension speakers.
• RUGGED CONSTRUCTION SMT surface mount electronics ensure consistent, reliable performance, which is 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.

For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No.___ Invoice Date_

RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started

• INSPECT YOUR AMP FOR ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred during ship-ping. 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:

SX300C, SX300H AND SX300R FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS

GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get start-ed 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 FS44 foot switch, plug it into the rear foot switch jack for switching the channels and effects. Now, turn the POWER SWITCH ON. Gradually raise the volume and overdrive controls. Check the BLUES SWITCH and HI GAIN switch setting before adjusting the tone controls.

FRONT PANEL

1. INPUT
   Connect a 1/4” guitar cable to this input. Use a professional quality 1/4” plug shielded guitar cord (Carvin SH25) no longer than 25 feet. A longer cable will reduce the overall treble response from your pickups.

2. CHANNEL SELECT
   Select the desired channel using front panel switches or FS44 foot switch at any time. The LED’s will let you see which channel is functioning. Use CH1 for overdrive/lead, CH2 for lead/blues, and CH3 for clean playing.
   CHANNEL 1 AND 2 DRIVE

3. CHANNEL INDICATOR
   When channel 1 is selected, its RED LED will be illuminated. When channel 2 is selected its YELLOW LED indicator is illuminated. Notice when the channel indicator is illuminated, the Effects indicator (14) matches the selected channel’s color. This indicates the stored effects setting when that channel is on.

4. CHANNEL VOLUME
   The volume of the drive channels are to be used as a master level controls. For partial clean output, set the VOLUME control to nearly 10 and turn the DRIVE nearly off.

5. CHANNEL DRIVE
   The channel drive delivers 12AX7 tube saturation and EL34 power tube compression. This channel incorporates a dual section lead DRIVE control with 72 dB of dynamic range. So you can go from shimmering clean to fabulous blues soft clipping to full blown over-drive 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 gui-tar away from the speakers.

6. CHANNEL 1 HI-GAIN SWITCH
   The Hi-Gain switch adds extreme gain and super scooped mids. This setting allows for very long sustained notes and heavily over driven power chords.

7. CHANNEL 2 BLUES SWITCH
   The exclusive BLUES SWITCH adds the critical mid tones in the 525 Hz range that are 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.

8. CHANNEL 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 to adjust each control for your ultimate sound.

9. CHANNEL PRESENCE SWITCH
   The PRESENCE switch frequency range is at the very high end of the guitar spectrum (11k Hz) for shimmering, glassy harmonics. If your sound is too dull, try the presence switch for more highs.
   CHANNEL 3 CLEAN

10. CHANNEL 3 INDICATOR
    When channel 3 is select its GREEN LED indicator is illuminated.

11. CHANNEL 3 VOLUME
    Channel switching from the Drive channels into CHANNEL 3 gives you instant crisp, 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.

12. CHANNEL 3 BASS, MID & TREBLE CONTROLS
    To start, set the BASS, MID & TREBLE controls at their center (5) position. These con-trols 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.

13. CHANNEL 3 PRESENCE SWITCH
    For added clarity, the CH 3 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 use of this control.
    DSP EFFECTS SECTION
    

14. 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. Move the effects ADJUST and SELECT controls to the desired effect for each channel. Each channel now has its own effects. Smart Effects™ will automati-cally 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 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.
    

15. EFFECT PARAMETERS
    Each of the four effects has two variable parameters that can be easily adjusted. The SELECT and ADJUST parameters are described below.

    • ECHO : SELECT is the amount of the regeneration (repeating). The ADJUST controls the delay time between the original signal and the echo.
    • REVERB : SELECT is the amount of presence (high frequencies) in the reverb. The ADJUST is the decay time or length of reverb.
    • CHORUS : SELECT is the level of background reverb with your chorus. The ADJUST con-trol increases the depth.
    • FLANGE : SELECT is the speed of your flange. The ADJUST control increases the depth.

16. SX300C & SX300H ALTERNATE REVERB SYSTEM
    The REVERB SWITCH is an alternate reverb system that is independent from the Smart Effects™ system. By pushing in the REVERB SWITCH, a small amount of reverb is added to enhance your sound. The FS44 footswitch does not externally control this reverb, which allows you to have reverb on at all times whether Smart Effects™ are ON or OFF.

17. 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. 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.

18. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH & PILOT LIGHT (SX300C/H only)
    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

19. INPUT B (SX300R only)
    This input is the same as the front panel input. The front panel input when used will over ride the back panel input. This back panel input is great in a rack mount situation where other rack mounted gear is used in front of the SX300R such as wireless units, external effects, and tuners.

20. FS44 FOOTSWITCH JACK
    This jack is NOT a MIDI jack. It is design for the Carvin FS44 quad footswitch. The FS44 will give you remote control channel switching and Smart Effects muting.

21. HEADPHONE
    The stereo HEADPHONE 1/4” jack is “CABINET VOICED” to prevent excessive highs. This greatly reduces ear fatigue. On the SX300R the +4/ -10dB switch affects headphone level.

22. CABINET VOICED LINE OUT OUTPUT
    The voiced 1/4” LINE OUT gives the same response as if you were mincing the speaker. Special equalization reduces the harsh highs that are normally associated with a line out signal. IMPORTANT: TO INSURE THAT THE SX300C DOES NOT SHUT OFF (PROTECTION
    MODE), PLEASE SELECTED THE PROPER SPEAKER IMPEDANCE ON THE REAR. IF YOUR SX300C/H TURNS OFF DURING A PERFORMANCE, SET THE IMPEDANCE TO 4Ω.Speaker Switch Setting
    1x 4Ω – 4Ω
    2x 8Ω – 4Ω
    1x 8Ω – 8Ω
    2x 16Ω – 8Ω
    1x 16Ω – 16Ω
    The following are settings to be used with Carvin cabinets loaded with Celestion speakers.
    Note : these settings may not be suitable for cabinets with different speakers.
    AMP MODEL CABINET SWITCH SETTING
    SX300C Combo 2×12 8Ω
    SX300C 2×12 ext. cabinet (total 4×12) 4Ω
    SX300H 4×12 8Ω
    SX300H 8×12 4Ω

23. SPEAKER OUTPUTS (SX300C/H only)
    Both units have two 1/4″ speaker output jacks and an impedance matching switch. The SX300C combo uses one of these jacks for the internal two Celestion speakers. Be sure to set this switch to the correct impedance setting when plugging in external speakers on the SX300C.

24. EFFECTS LOOP (SEND & RETURN) (SX300C/H ONLY)
    Although the SX300C has built-in effects, you may want to use its separate effects loop. For the lowest noise from a pedal effect, use this effects loop instead of plugging the guitar into the effects and then into the amp. To use the EFFECTS LOOP, plug the input of your effects into the SEND jack and the output of your effects into the RETURN jack. Use shielded cables.

25. AC POWER & FUSE
    The SX300R is design to operate from 90-250VAC (50 or 60 Hz). The SX300C combo and SX300H head come in 120VAC and 230VAC models for best power amp perform- ance. All models should be plugged into a grounded “3 prong” outlet. No attempt should 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. Contact Carvin’s Service Department at 800-854-2235 or carvin.com

26. SX300R SPEAKER EMULATOR OUTPUT DIRECT
    The speaker Emulator outputs are for D.I. (Direct) connections to a PA system. These outputs are custom shaped using 4 stages of filtering to emulate a speaker cabinet that has been mic’ed. Both unbalanced 1/4″ and balanced XLR are provided for any situation. The +4/-10dB switch provides a final output level adjustment. Use the +4dB setting for line level and -10dB setting for instrument level.

27. SX300R MAIN OUTPUT SECTION
    These jacks are for going to the main power amplifier that is running guitar specific speakers. This output should NOT be used to go to a PA system or other system with non-guitar specific speaker cabinets. Both unbalanced 1/4″ and balanced XLR are pro-vided for any situation. If you are using an amplifier (like the Carvin DCM series), it is best to use the XLR connector for the best level and lowest noise to the amplifier. The+4dB setting is for line level and the -10dB setting is for instrument level.

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

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 appliance 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 means of an appliance 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 INSERT A DAM-AGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Carvin amplifier is guaranteed against failure for ONE 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 SER-VICING 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 800-854-2235 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

1. AMP WILL NOT TURN ON
   Check the power to the amp. Check for tripped circuit breakers, unplugged extension cords or power-strip switches that may be turned off.

2. SX200/H AMP SHUTS OFF WHILE PLAYING
   Check the rear SPK IPM switch to make sure it is set properly. Switch to the 4Ω position if you are unsure where to set it. If the problem continues, contact our service technicians.

3. NO OUTPUT with POWER LIGHT ON
   Make sure that your speaker is functioning and not blown. Check input, cables & effects connected to the effects loop, and extension speaker cables for defects & connections.

   • Also verify the effects loop is working by inserting a 1/4” stereo plug into the return jack and short the tip and ring. If the amp works by doing this, the effects loop jack is defective.

4. KEEP YOUR AMP LOOKING NEW
   Try to keep your amplifier free from dust and moisture. To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the controls chassis panel and wipe the vinyl covering. Use a dry cloth to be sure the moisture is removed.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SER-VICE PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH VOLTAGE INSIDE!

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

SX300C COMBO 2×12” & SX300H

COMPONENT SX300R: QTY/BILL U/M DESCRIPTION

03-00560| 7 EACH| STANDOFF W/ANTI SPIN .56X.25″| 05-96545| 1 EACH SPADE CONNECT 16AWG GRN/YEL 5”
---|---|---|---|---
03-63294| 1 EACH| STANDOFF ALUM 6-32x .25x .94| 06-09252| 15 EACH NUT FOR POT 71-09252C
05-01603| 1 EACH| PWR AC 3/16AWG 8′ 2″ W/PLUGS| 06-10070| 8 EACH MS PPH 6-32X .500 BLACK
05-62420| 1 EACH| CABLE RIBBON 24A 2P/ 8″ W/HDR| 06-10133| 2 EACH SMS PPH (#8x.375) TYPE A BLK.
05-64430| 1 EACH| CABLE RIBBON 24A 4P/12″ W/HDR| 06-10174| 4 EACH SMS POH #10X 1.25 TYPE A BLACK
05-68430| 2 EACH| CABLE RIBBON 24A 8P/12″ W/HDR| 06-11120| 1 EACH NUT METRIC 12MM KUNMING BLACK
06-10001| 7 EACH| PPH #4 X .875 TYPE AB BLACK| 06-11905| 6 EACH NUT METRIC 9MM CHROME SHIMWOO
06-10045| 6 EACH| SMS PFH #6X .375 TYPE AB BLACK| 06-11906| 6 EACH WSH METRIC 9MM CHROME SHIMWOO
06-10051| 4 EACH| MS PFH 6-32X .250 BLACK| 06-30035| 4 EACH WSH FLANGED #10 BLACK OXIDE
06-10061| 1 EACH| SMS PPH #6 X .375 TYPE A BLACK| 06-40070| 1 EACH TERMINAL .25”TAB/.156”LUG/.032
06-10133| 2 EACH| SMS PPH (#8x.375) TYPE A BLK.| 06-50030| 8 EACH NUT KEP

6-32 BLACK OXIDE

06-50030| 4 EACH| NUT KEP #6-32 BLACK OXIDE| 06-50053| 4 EACH NUT RETAINER U-TYPE #10 SCREW
06-50035| 1 EACH| NUT KEP #6-32  ZINC CADMIUM| 07-00105B| 16 EACH KNOB SX BLACK W/WHITE NUMBERS
07-01603| 12 EACH| KNOB “6L” 6x6x17.4mm GREY CAP| 07-00106| 1 EACH KNOB SX FEATURE BLACK W/WHITE

• 12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
• 800-854-2235
• carvin.com

References

• Carvin Audio Great Sounding Gear For Musicians and Sound Professionals
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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