PROTECT
∞
50
30
22
19
17
15
13
12
11 10 9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 dB
DCM1500
1500 Watt Power Amp
CLIP
SIGNAL
∞
50
30
22
19
17
15
13
12
11 10 9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 dB
POWER
CHANNEL ONE
CHANNEL TWO
CLIP
SIGNAL
DCM1000
∞
50
30
22
19
17
15
13
12
11 10 9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 dB
∞
50
30
22
19
17
15
13
12
11 10 9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 dB
FRONT PANEL
1. MOUNTING
Sturdy one piece 12 gauge steel face plate accommodates standard 19” rack installation. The rack mount-
ing holes are designed on ISO standard spacing. Four 10-32 x .5” phillips machine screws are normally
used to secure the amp. Rear support brackets are not required.
2. POWER SWITCH
Check the power amp connections and verify the AC line power source before engaging the POWER
switch. The yellow LED unmistakably indicates that all circuits are properly powered up. Yellow is used
so the operator can see the red indicators (clipping or protect) from a distance.
3. CHANNEL LEVEL CONTROL
A precision input LEVEL attenuate is used to adjust the volume levels. To deliver the amps maximum
power without reducing the headroom of the signal source, the level controls should be turned full on.
4. CHANNEL SIGNAL INDICATOR
The green SIGNAL LED indicators will start to flash when there is a low signal passing to your speak-
ers (-30dBµ). This lets you know when the amp is passing a signal to your speaker connectors.
5. CHANNEL CLIP INDICATOR
The red CLIP LED indicators flash when each channel has reached its maximum output. Occasional
flashing caused by low frequencies is OK. However, consistent flashing caused by higher frequencies
may damage high frequency drivers (excessive distortion). This does not cause damage to the amp.
6. COOLING VENTS/FAN
Upon rack installation, the rear of the amp must be fully exposed to room temperature air. The sur-
rounding air should not be warmer than 120° or the thermal protection could active the PROTECT LED.
The front cooling vents are not to be restricted.
7. PROTECT LED INDICATOR
The red PROTECT LED provides the operator with information about the status of the amplifier. The
PROTECT LED can come on under 3 different conditions (when this happens, both channels are muted
and the speaker relays disconnect the speakers);
1) During power-up, the amplifier stays in a muted state for approx. 3 sec until it determines that
everything is functioning normally (no output shorts or over temp conditions).
2) When the output load draws excessive current or a direct short is detected caused by a shorted
speaker cable or speaker system, the RED PROTECT LED will illuminate. Reset this condition by
turning the amp off for two seconds and then on again. Check for shorted cables and that the total
speaker impedance is not below 2 ohms per channel (4 ohms bridged).
3) Overheating is usually determined when the amp stops in the middle of a performance and the
PROTECT LED comes on. If this is the cause, leave the amp on for the fan to cool the amp down.
The amp will automatically reset within 3 minutes. The PROTECT LED will turn off when ready.
Check for the following conditions; a) The rear intake air is not restricted, b) The intake air is not
extremely warm, c) The front exhaust vents are not restricted, or d) No excessive speaker load (try
other speakers or remove speakers if you have more than one connected to each channel).
REAR PANEL
8. XLR CHANNEL INPUTS
For most applications, use the XLR balanced inputs. This will help to reduce hum and allow longer
cable runs from your signal source (mixer, etc). Because this is a balanced input, the gain will be 6 dB
higher than using the 1/4” input jack with non balanced lines. XLR pin configuration: Pin 1: Grounded
through the GROUND LIFT switch, Pin 2: positive Bal. signal and Pin 3: negative Bal. signal.
9. CHANNEL 1/4” TRS INPUT
This TRS jack is designed to receive either balanced or unbalanced input signals. Balanced signals
coming into this jack should be wired with the connector’s tip going to and the connector’s ring
to signal -. The connector’s sleeve is then tied internally to ground through the GROUND LIFT switch.
10. PARALLEL OR “Y” INPUTS
The rear PARALLEL switch connects both channels together from either input. This eliminates Y adapter
cables. This feature is used to “daisy chain” one piece of equipment to another. Just plug into the unused
INPUT (TRS or XLR) and it will become the output for other equipment.
11. INPUT GROUND LIFT
Many times sound systems are connected in such a manner as to cause a grounded loop with the inputs
which results in audible hum. The input GND LIFT switch (TRS & XLR) on the rear panel will help elimi-
nate this problem. If not, install a Carvin’s MTF55 “Ground lifter” between the amplifier input and the signal.
12. LIMITERS
To activate the LIMITERS, engage the rear limiter switch. The built-in “Optio” limiters are recommended
to hold down peaks that could cause distortion. To check the effectiveness of the limiters when the chan-
nel starts to distort (under full output), engage the limiters and listen for the reduction of the distortion.
If the distortion stops, you can try to turn the channel up for more power until distortion is heard. The
lower bass frequencies are most affected. WARNING: Do not check in an environment where the sound
level could damage your ears!
13. SPEAKER 1/4” AND SPEAKON™ OUTPUTS
The standard 1/4” SPEAKER jacks are offered for low power applications. Speakon™ connectors are
provided for high power application. Secure the Speakon™ connection by turning to the right. The center
Speakon™ is for the “Bridge” output only. Turn the amp off before connecting your speakers.
14. SPEAKER BINDING POSTS
For high power speaker connections, use the rear BINDING POSTS to connect your speakers. Wire sizes
up to 7 gauge (50 amps) can be inserted into the binding post “side holes”. Larger cable can be used with
“banana” plugs which plug into the end of the binding posts (remove colored caps from end of binding
posts). Binding posts are spaced on ISO standards. Use the two center RED binding posts to BRIDGE
speaker connections (see 15 BRIDGE MODE).
15. BRIDGE MODE—
25V/70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
The DCM’s can be operated in bridge mode if you require a 25V / 70V mono distribution speaker system
or a mono (single channel) amp, which doubles the power into a single load. With your amp off, push
“IN” the rear (recessed) BRIDGE switch after you have made your connections to either the center bridge
Speakon™ or the rear center RED binding posts (ch 1 is + and ch 2 is -). Carefully select or damage may
result to the speakers (this is why the switch has been recessed). No other speaker connectors or bind-
ing posts can be used at the same time! The INPUT connector and LEVEL is handled by channel 1. Channel
2 is non-operational. The minimum speaker impedance is 4 ohms. CAUTION: The power developed by
bridging your amp can destroy most speakers.
16. AC POWER
Your amp is designed to run on either 120V 60 Hz or 240V 50Hz depending on the model purchased.
The voltage range for 120V model is 95V to 132V and for 240V model it is 195V to 255V. The rear heavy-
duty AC receptacle will accept a universal grounded AC cord that is designed your country. Be sure to
check your power source before plugging into a grounded (3 prong) outlet. Never defeat the grounded
connection or electrocution may result! Firmly push the AC cord all the way into the receptacle.
FUSE:
The fuse is located within the main chassis above the AC connector mounted on the rear, inside
the PC card. Normaly if the fuse fails, the amp will require service. See spec. chart for fuse values.
NOTE:
Each amp will require a dedicated circuit if you are driving the amp to its full output. There will
be a sustained loss of power if the AC voltage falls below the rated 120V or 230/240V. Use a heavy gauge
power cable and power source.
2
1
3
4
5
6
FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS
7
6
16
9
13
TYPICAL STEREO SETUP
(OR MONO BI-AMP)
STEREO BIAMPING
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W
MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
The channel PARALLEL
switch OFF (OUT).
or
To signal socket XLR or 1/4" 2 or 3 cond. shielded
Activate the BRIDGE switch
(IN). Control the level by Ch 1
( Ch 2 does not function.
Ch 1 Input
Connect the DCM600 & DCM1000
in “bridge mode” to deliver 70
volts. Higher powered amps will
exceed 70v, damaging
transformers and speakers.
+
16
8
4
C
15w
7w
3w
1w
C
+
16
8
4
C
15w
7w
3w
1w
C
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
CHANNEL TWO
HIGH
PHASE
MID
PHASE
LOW
PHASE
XC3000
Electronic Crossover
1-800-854-2235
www.carvin.com
INTERNAL FUSE
90-250 VAC
10 VA ~50-60HZ
GND
LIFT
CHANNEL ONE
HIGH
PHASE
MID
PHASE
LOW
PHASE
MONO
[ LOW 1+2 ]
SWITCHABLE
TO MONO
[ LOW 1+2]
Low Amplifier
Left
Highs
Suggested Crossover settings
Low/High 1k-2.5k Hz
Crossover
Input
High Amplifier
Right
Lows
Left
Lows
Right
Highs
(Shielded)
Left
Highs
High Amplifier
Left
Mids
Left
Lows
Right
Highs
Right
Lows
Right
Mids
Mid Amplifier
PHASE
MADE
A
US
IN
TH
E
INPU
T
Electronic Crossover
IN
OUT
CHANNEL TWO
CHANNEL ONE
LOW OUT
MID OUT
HIGH OUT
LOW OUT
MID OUT
HIGH OUT
LOW OUT
SUM
INPUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
PHASE
PHASE
PHASE
PHASE
PHASE
CH 1/2
50-60Hz
20VA
120V 240V
Mixer Output
Crossover
Input
Suggested Crossover settings
Low/Mid 100-200Hz
Mid/High 1k-2k Hz
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
Low Amplifier
Full Range
(Lo Freq. Bi-Amp)
Woofer System
For channel separation (stereo)
or Bi-Amping the PARALLEL
switch must be OFF (OUT).
Full Range
(Hi Freq. Bi-Amp)
Horn System
(Hi Freq. Bi-Amp)
(Lo Freq. Bi-Amp)
Ch 1 Left
Ch 2 Right
BRIDGE switch
must be OFF (OUT).
or
DCM1500
www.carvin.com
MADE
A
US
IN THE
120VAC 60Hz
12
12
2W MIN
2W MIN
12
BRIDGE
4 W
MIN
OUTPUTS
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: RESET POWER SWITCH (OFF-ON)
HI-TEMP: WAIT FOR AUTO RESET
BRIDGE ONLY
XLR
BRIDGE
LIMITER
PARALLEL
GND
PIN 2
PIN 3 SIGNAL –
PIN 1 GND
OFF
ON
STEREO AMPLIFIER
1
INPUTS
2
LIFT
INPUTS
0B
8 OHMS/CH
500W
4W BRIDGED
8W BRIDGED
2 OHMS/CH
4 OHMS/CH
300W
750W
1500W
1000W
PIN 1+POS, PIN 1-NEG, (PIN 2+ PIN2- NOT USED)
SERIAL NUMBER
1200VA INTERNAL FUSE
70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
STEREO TRIAMPING
WARNING
This product produces high
sound pressure levels that
could damage your hearing.
Use with caution.
10
11
12
14
SHIELD
-NEG.
3
1
2
GND
+ SIGNAL (BAL.)
Speakon™
Twist-Lok
Housing
Contact
Insert
Cable
Clamp
Securing
Hub
• Connection Configuration:
Black (1+) / positive
White (1-) / negative
Red (2+) / positive
Green (2-) / negative
• Solder wires in contacts or use hex screws provided.
• Slip "Securing Hub" then "Cable Clamp" over cable before attaching wires.
1+
1-
2+
2-
Solder tinned wires 1/4"
Strip cable insulation back 3/4"
Sleeve
Ring
Neg.
Tip
Pos.
TRS 1/4” Balanced
Tip-Ring-Sleeve
TS 1/4” Unbalanced
Tip-Sleeve
Tip
Sleeve
Ring
Tip
XLR
Tip
Ground
Ground
Ring
8
(Recessed)
15
DCM1000
DCM1000
DCM1000
- SIGNAL (BAL.)
(Shielded)
Left
Lows
Right
Lows
Low Amplifier
Left
Highs
Right
Highs
High Amplifier
Crossover
Input
Suggested Crossover settings
Low/High 1k-2.5k Hz
Right
Highs
Right
Mids
Right
Lows
Right
Highs
Right
Mids
Right
Lows
Mixer
Output
Crossover
Input
Low Amplifier
Mid Amplifier
High Amplifier
Suggested Crossover settings
Low/Mid 100-200 Hz
Mid/High 1k-2k Hz
HELPFUL HINTS
6) DEDICATED CIRCUIT BREAKER: Each amp will require a
dedicated circuit breaker for its full output. There will be a
sustained loss of power if the AC voltage falls below the rated
120V or 230/240V input.
1) NO SOUND FROM CH 2: The rear (recessed) BRIDGE
switch has been inadvertently pushed in.
2) STEREO CHANNELS SOUND THE SAME: The rear
PARALLEL switch has been inadvertently pushed in.
3) NO HIGH FREQUENCIES: Tweeters or midrange drivers have
been damaged or blown from feedback or to much power.
4) SYSTEM HUM: Switch the rear GND LIFT switch IN or OUT. If
the hum is not eliminated, then install Carvin’s MTF55 “Ground
Lifter” between the amplifier input and signal source. This iso-
lates the input ground from the AC power ground.
5) POOR SOUND (BASS): The speaker systems are wired out
of phase to each other. To correct, reverse the wires on one
speaker connector only and your sound, especially the bass
response will improve.
