CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA
OPERATING MANUAL
The DCML power amps deliver exceptional sound/reliability, ultra-light weight
15lb (6.4kg) from 1500w to 3800w and it’s made in the USA. You’ll appreciate
the ultra-light feature, which comes in part from its heavy-duty aluminum frame.
High power, uncompromised sound and maximum reliability is at its best for
both touring systems and fi xed installations. The concert stage is the ultimate
test of professional audio. Concert audio has to be uncompromising, reliable
and effi cient and that’s where the DCM has made its mark night after night, year af-
ter year serving top artists and concert venues for the last decade. The DCM is a prov-
en American made workhorse backed by 40 years of manufacturing excellence.
HIGH POWER TOPOLOGY
The CLASS A/B linear topology features high current bipolar output devices that
reduce distortion to a near theoretical zero .03% THD while delivering high slew
rate performance for crystal clear highs and chest pounding bass – every note is
vibrant, pure and natural. The DCM’s headroom reveals its high dynamic power
from the Switchmode power supply that operates at 100,000 Hz. Extreme cur-
rents are delivered to the most demanding 4 ohm bridged subwoofer systems.
The high effi cient Switchmode supply is a league above toroids saving not only
AC power from the wall but reducing internal heat. The DCM easily handles the
most diffi cult mismatched or reactive loads and is AC generator friendly. The
soft-start gently turns the DCM on to prevent tripping AC breakers.
COOL EFFICIENT DESIGN
A high effi ciency heat transfer system offers the most advanced cooling, which
is one of the keys to reliable power. Five high ratio 6063-T5 fl ow-through alu-
minum heat sinks remove heat fast with multi-speed fans that runs quiet under
2 ohms loads (except DCM1540L). Air is pulled from the rear and exhausted to
the front to keep the rear of your rack cool. R & D designed a “direct mount”
system for the power output devices to be directly mounted to the heat sink,
which eliminates any thermal barrier to keep your amp running cool.
FRONT PANELS & CONNECTING UP
The DCM Series feature front panel signal, peak and protect LEDs which let you
monitor the status of the amp. Both channels use detente level controls allowing
you to see your settings at a glance. Balanced TRS & XLR input connectors are
used to eliminate hum & noise. Speaker outputs feature heavy-duty binding
posts, and combo Speakon™ / 1/4” jacks.
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
together eliminating Y cables for patching multiple amp systems. The accessory
group also features a BRIDGE MODE switch to deliver twice the power into a
“mono” load or a 70V distribution system, and a LIMITER ON/OFF switch gives
the choice of using the internal limiter circuitry.
CONSTRUCTION
The DCM construction starts with a heavy 2RU galvanized steel chassis. All
printed circuit cards are double-sided FR4 military-grade fire retardant with
plated through holes - soldered under, on top and through each component.
SMT - surface mount technology offers “shock-proof” protection. The CB and
CE safety seal assure that each DCM meets strict standards for service anywhere
in the world. Auto switches from 120VAC 60Hz or 240VAC 50Hz - no manual
switch to change.
DCM-L POWER AMP SPECIFICATIONS:
MODEL DCM1540L
DCM2000L
DCM3000L
DCM3800L
1 Channel RMS Continuous
8
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
475w
400w
600w
775w
4
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
825w
700w
1025w
1225w
2
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
-
1150w
1650w
1950w
Both Channels RMS Continuous
8
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
425/425w
325/325w
550/550w
700/700w
4
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
750/750w
600/600w
950/950w
1150/1150w
2
Ω
(20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
-
1000/1000w 1500/1500w* 1800/1800w*
Bridged RMS Continuous
8
Ω
, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
1500w
1200w
1900w*
2300w*
4
Ω
, (20-20k Hz, <1.0%)
-
2000w
3000w*
3800w*
All ratings EIA 1% THD at 1 kHz except * tested at 1 k Hz no clipping 33ms on 66ms off
Net Weight:
1 4 lbs (6.4kgs) 14 lbs (6.4kgs) 15 lbs (6.8kgs) 15 lbs (6.8kgs)
THD
(20-20k Hz 50% power)
0.03%,
(20-20k Hz 90% power)
0.1%
Topology:
CLASS AB
Power Supply:
Switchmode
Damping Factor:
>500
Slew Rate:
bridged mode >50v/µs
Sensitivity:
(4
Ω
, Vms) 1.0 V
Signal to Noise Ratio:
above 106dB
Frequency Response:
±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20kHz (±1.5 dB, 10 Hz & 40 kHz)
Input Impedance:
>20K
Ω
, balanced
Protection Circuits:
Short Circuit • No Load Protection • SpeakerGuard™ • Thermal Shut-Off • Mute On/Off
Control/Indicators:
Front:
Power switch • Recessed detente attenuators • Signal LED -30dB • 40% & 80% output LEDs • Clip LED
• Protect LED • Power LED
Rear:
Ground Lift (each channel) • Parallel Input Switch • Speaker Output Bridge Switch • Limiters
IN/OUT Switch • Input Connectors: Two each; Balanced XLR & 1/4” • Speaker Output Connectors: Dual
heavy duty binding posts, three Speakon™ & 1/4” combo connectors
Internal Fuse:
SLOW BLOW
DCM1540L:
15A,
DCM2000L:
20A, 240V/10A,
DCM3000L:
20A, 240V/10A,
DCM3800L:
20A, 240V/10A
Dimensions:
2U rack units: 3 1/2” High x 19” Wide x 10.5” Depth; 8.8 x 48.3 x 26.7cm
0709
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
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 for your records. Keep your
portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to us.
USA customers register online at:
www.carvin.com/registration
All other countries register online at:
www.carvinworld.com/registration
DCM1540L, DCM2000L,
DCM3000L, DCM3800L POWER AMPS
DCM1540L, DCM2000L, DCM3000L, DCM3800L
