CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA
PB100/PB200 BASS AMPS
OPERATING MANUAL
Congratulations on your purchase of the PB100/PB200 bass amplifier.
You have purchased a bass amplifier that you will be proud to own for
years to come. Carvin has been building bass amplifiers for over 35 years,
so you can expect award-winning performance from these compact pro-
fessional bass systems. A total of 3 models are offered ranging from the
100 watt PB100 10” and PB100 15” combos, to the 160 watt PB200 15”
combo with 1” Titanium HF Driver.
BASS SIGNAL PROCESSING
The preamp of a bass amplifier is the key to great tone. Of course, you have to start with
a great sounding bass. If you have ever played your bass straight into a power amp, you
would soon discover that it doesn’t sound very good. The reason is that bass guitar pick-
ups must go through some serious signal processing before you can use the sounds. That’s
where the PB100/PB200 electronics come in. The first thing you will notice is the PRE SHAPE
EQ switches on your amp. These switches will dial in your tone through special filters with-
out having to use your tone controls. Secondly, your BASS, MID & TREBLE controls are
powerful active circuits, which will add flexibility in generating other tones. The PB200 also
features a 5 BAND GRAPHIC EQ allowing you to put the final touches on your sound from
specialized filters designed just for the bass guitar.
The PB100 and PB200 continues with features that are only found in the most comprehen-
sive bass rigs. A COMPRESSOR, which is sought out by most professional’s, is featured because
it controls the over-all level of the amp regardless of where the volume control is set. You can
now control your peaks without the amp getting too loud or keep the amp from distorting.
Another feature in the PB100 and PB200 is the NOISE GATE. This feature is normally asso-
ciated with recording studios. However, we felt it was important enough to include into every
professional bass amp that Carvin builds. The noise gate eliminates or “gates off” the noise
generated from your pickups when you stop playing. This feature will be appreciated by
your band and audience.
You may easily add to your signal processing with an effects processor to enhance your
sound. Any device from a foot pedal to a full effects rack can be plugged into the rear of
the “buffered” Send / Receive EFFECTS LOOP.
The preamp LINE/PHONES jack can also be used as a main output from the preamp to
send your signal to a mixing console or another high powered amplifier, allowing you to
use the full complement of signal processing from your unit.
Model PB100-10/15 Specifications:
Freq. Response:
20 Hz to 20k Hz ±3 dB
THD:
Typically less than .1%
RMS Power:
100 watts
CD/Tape Input:
(150k
Ω
) Passive or Active
Pre EQ Switches:
LO 100Hz, MID 300/500, HI 6 k
Tone Controls:
LO: 80Hz ±12dB
(3 band active)
MID: 200-2KHz ±12dB
HI: 8KHz ±12dB
Compressor / Gate:
30dB reduction
Comp Thresh/Ratio:
-7 to -27 dB, 3:1 ratio
Cabinet Freq. Resp:
45 Hz to 3.5 kHz (10”)
Cabinet Freq. Resp:
41 Hz to 2.5 kHz (15”)
Cabinet Types:
Tuned ported bass reflex
Cabinet Construction:
13 Ply Plywood
Warranty:
One Year
Power Requirments:
120VAC, 130VA
240VAC, 130VA
Fuse:
3A 250V slow blow
PB100-10:
16W x 12D x 17.7H. 30 lbs.
PB100-15:
17.5W x 12D x 22.7H. 48 lbs.
Cover Options:
CV100-10
or
CV100-15
Model PB200 Specifications:
Freq. Response:
20 Hz to 20k Hz ±3 dB
THD:
Typically less than .1%
RMS Power:
160 watts @ 8
Ω
bridged or
80w @ 4
Ω
per output jack
CD/Tape Input:
(150k
Ω
) Passive-Active
Pre EQ Switches:
LO 100Hz, MID 300/500, HI 6k
Tone Controls:
LO: 80Hz ±12dB
(3 band active)
MID: 200-2KHz ±12dB
HI: 8KHz ±12dB
Compressor / Gate:
30dB reduction
Comp Thresh/Ratio:
-7 to -27 dB, 3:1 ratio
5 Band Graphic EQ:
80Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz,
800Hz, & 2kHz, ±12dB
Cabinet Freq. Resp:
41 Hz to 16k Hz
Cabinet Types:
Tuned ported bass reflex
Cabinet Construction:
13 Ply Plywood
Tweeter Attenuation:
Continuously variable
Warranty:
One Year
Power Requirments:
120VAC, 225VA
240VAC, 225VA
Fuse:
5A 250V slow blow
PB200-15:
17.5Wx12Dx25H. 46 lbs.
Cover Option:
CV200-15
76-00215B 0705
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
800.854.2235 www.carvin.com
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 pos-
sible 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 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 com-
ments to us, or you may register online at www.carvin.com/registration.
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most bass players, you probably want to get started right away, in order
to get started, you will need your new amp, a 120 or 230 AC grounded power outlet, your
instrument and a standard guitar cord. Now, turn the amp and volume off, set the tone
controls at their mid “0” center position, turn the compressor and noise gate off and set
the 5 band graphic EQ (PB200) to the their center/mid positions. Plug your amp into the
AC voltage and then plug in your bass. Now, turn the amp’s power switch ON and grad-
ually raise the volume. Re-adjust the pre-shape switches and tone controls as needed and
your ready to go.
COMBO CABINET DESIGN
Part of the success of the PB100/PB200 combo amplifiers are their light weight design
and high performance. A tuned bass reflex port is featured in each system adding to the
speaker’s efficiency in the 35 Hz to 50 Hz range, while giving overall warmth for a bigger
and rounder sound. The PB200 combo series also features a 1”Titanium HF Driver to extend
the upper range to 16k Hz, enhancing the harmonics for percussive slap and fingering.
The 1” Titanium HF Driver is fully adjustable from a continuously variable rheostat located
at the rear. All enclosures are covered in durable black DuraTuff II™ for your transport-
ing protection.
POWER AMP
Pure, clean bass power is delivered to your speaker from the PB100/PB200 series ultra-
low distortion power amp. The PB100/PB200 THD (total harmonic distortion) is lower
than 1%. Typical distortion is less than .08% at nominal listening levels. The output imped-
ance is designed for maximum The power amp features turn-on muting, short circuit
and thermal overload protection. ( Note: It is normal for the amp to get warm to the touch).
PB100-15
For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________
PB200-15
PB200-15
PB100-15
PB200-15
PB100-10