CARVIN DCM150 Operating Manual Download Page 1

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

OPERATING MANUAL

The DCM150 professional amp is designed utilizing Carvin’s years of expe-

rience 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 manu-
facturing quality within.  The DCM150 “High Energy Transfer” amp carrys
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 respond-
ing power amps on the market today.  High slew rates deliver superb tran-
sient 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 impor-
tant to the studio user.  These amps are designed to deliver non-stop, con-
tinuous 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 light-

weight and prevents rust.  All internal 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, tour-
ing transport. 

TOTALLY MODULAR

With the DCM150, Carvin brings you totally modular construction.  If

you ever need an I/O (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 replace-
ment—even the Toroid transformer is a total plug-in.

LOSE THE WEIGHT...NOT THE PERFORMANCE

For some companies, weight reduction means cost reduction.  Carvin how-

ever, uses expensive TOROID transformers to reduce weight.  Toroids deliver
extra amounts of “on demand” current for continuous operation.  This gives
the power supply a solid foundation, yielding more headroom.  Not only do
toroids deliver high current, but they are known for reducing stray magnetic
fields eliminating hum & noise.  This is especially important for the record-
ing industry.

For your records, you may wish to record the following information.

Serial No._____________________  Invoice Date_______________

DCM150 POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:

Output Power
(BRIDGE MONO)
8

, 1kHz, < 1% THD

150 Watts

Minimum Impedance (Bridged)

8 ohms

(Stereo, both channels driven)
8

, 1kHz, < 0.5% THD

60/60 Watts

4

, 1kHz, < 0.5% THD

75/75 Watts

Minimum Impedance 

4 ohms per channel

THD
20-20kHz

< 0.1%

(8

typical)

< 0.05%

Frequency Response

±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Input Impedance

> 20k

Balanced or Unbalanced

Damping Factor

>400

Sensitivity (@ 4

)

1.0 Vrms

Output Noise

-102 dBm

Power Consumption

120V—200 VA

Dimensions

1 3/4” High x 19” Wide x 10” Deep

Weight (Net)

9lbs.

76-00150   0801

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA  92128

800 854-2235      www.carvin.com

DCM150 POWER AMP

FRONT PANELS & CONNECTING UP

The DCM Series feature front panel signal, clip and protect LEDs which let you mon-

itor 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 8

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.  In the 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.

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