CARVIN RX 1200 - User Manual

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of Carvin’s RX800, RX1200 or RX1200R mixer!
The "
R" version is a non-powered rack model designed for use with your own power amps while
the
RX800 and RX1200 models include built-in high power amplifiers for direct hook-up to your
speakers. Please read this manual carefully to take advantage of the many features of your mixer.
SUPERB SOUND is derived from the extremely low distortion, high "Headroom" design. A
state-of-the art, low noise, high headroom, balanced XLR preamp for each channel features a
common mode rejection of better than 78 dB, which means that any possible noise that may
come over your cables is virtually eliminated. Even the balanced XLR output connectors guard
your system from cable noise for professional recordings or external power amp connections.
Distortion is nearly non-existent with THD below .1%, which guarantees the purity of your sound.
Hear the difference - your sound will not seem "sterile" or "processed". It will be dynamically
open and transparent just like it was meant to be!
LIGHT WEIGHT and EASY TO USE controls are logically laid out, making the RX Series
simple to use - quick adjustments can be made easily. Its compact size and weight of 30 lbs.
makes it the lightest, most powerful mixer of its kind. No other competitor in the industry offers
a higher performance to weight ratio!
4 HIGH CURRENT AMPLIFIERS deliver 300 watts RMS each. A total of 600 watts is
delivered to your main speakers, plus two 300 watt amps to drive your stage monitors for a total
of 1200 watts. Speaker outputs feature both Twist-Lok and 1/4” jacks, delivering full power into
4 ohms, making these mixers more powerful than most amplifiers rated at 2 ohms. A peak indi-
cator for every amp and a protect LED gives you a visual monitor.
A HIGH CURRENT POWER SUPPLY is provided by a beefy toroid transformer to assure
continuous high amperage DC voltage to all three power amplifiers, eliminating "overload" or shut-
down. 20,000 mfd capacitors offer a large power reservoir for bass thumping output.
The
RX1200R features a 125k Hz switching power supply for operating your mixer at any volt-
age from 90 VAC to 240VAC. Like a laptop computer, you can go anywhere in the world and not
worry about power adapters.
2 INDEPENDENT 24-Bit STEREO DSP EFFECTS allow you to independently
assign each channel to your choice of simultaneous effects. You can dedicate chorus/rev to the
acoustic guitar channel and reverb to the vocals, etc. Both effects are assignable to your stage
monitors so you can hear yourself with full effects. The effects processors feature 256 effects
each, including reverbs, choruses, flanging and echoes, with parameters fully adjustable for;
damping, decay
, depth, speed, regeneration and time.
ACTIVE 3 BAND CHANNEL EQ provides easy adjustment for the tone you want. The
LO frequency controls start at 20 Hz and continue through 80 Hz for a solid non-flabby bass. A
simple adjustment with the MID control gives you the best sound for vocals or guitar in the ver
y
important 750Hz frequency range. The 11.5k Hz HI treble control adds sparkle to your top-end
without adding harshness. Both the LO and HI are "shelving", which means they are effective
from 20Hz up to 20k Hz.
FOUR 7 BAND EQUALIZERS provide precise adjustments to fine tune your overall sound
and to help control feedback. Unlike one stereo graphic equalizer
, four independent 7 bands give
you total control over each power amp output.
12340 W
orld T
rade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
800.854.2235 www.carvin.com
76-01274A 0705
MODEL RX800, RX1200, RX1200R SPECIFICATIONS:
Frequency Response: Mic or Line Inputs: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
T
otal Harmonic Distortion:
Less than .1% at nominal levels
Equivalent Input Noise: 150 ohm source: -117dBu
Output Noise: -100dBu Master Line Out
(All Levels Minimum)
Output Headroom: +10dB
Maximum Gain: Mic in to Master Line Out: 50dB
Crosstalk: Adjacent ch’
s: -60db at 1KHz
Common Mode Rejection: -78db at 1KHz
Phantom Power: 50 volts, XLR Mic channels
Channel EQ 3-band active: LOW: 80Hz
±
12dB
MID: 750Hz ±12dB
HI: 11.5KHz ±12dB
Power Output: 1200w @ 4
Ω
(8Ω
: 200w x4, 4
Ω
: 300w x4)
Size and Weight: RX800/RX1200: 8.75”H x 19”W x 8”D, 30 lbs.
with RoadWarrior case: 11”H x 21.5”W x 15.5”D, 50.5 lbs.
RX1200R: 8.75”H x 19”W x 8”D, 15 lbs.
Power Req.: 120VAC / 60 Hz or optional 240VAC / 50 Hz model
RX1200R Power Req.: 90-240 VAC / 50-60 Hz
Remote Effects Controller: Optional FS22 footswitch
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA O
PERATING MANUAL
R
X800, RX1200, RX1200R MIXERS
DISTORTION-FREE LIMITERS
The purpose of a limiter is to hold down peaks so the amp won’t distort even with
extra hot input signals (this protects your expensive speakers). In addition, limiters
can increase your amp’s average output by 3 db or more. Part of Carvin’s design
uses the more expensive, distortion-free linear “opto isolators”. Unlike amps that use
FET controlled limiters which can inject small amounts of distortion, our limiters keep
your sound pure and uncolored!
ENGINEERED TO LAST Every RX Series mixer is housed in a rugged rein-
forced steel rackmountable chassis. Continuous full power is assured from a 370 sq
inch, high-grade 6063-T5-aluminum heat sink cooled by a quiet variable speed fan.
You’ll never have to worry about protect or power reduction modes. Hidden deep in
the heart of these mixers is the “SMT” Surface Mount Technology construction that
utilizes surface mounted components to prevent parts from shaking or vibrating
loose. Sealed controls and switches guard against the outside elements while heavy-
duty connectors provide a positive connection to your cables. Fire retardant FR-4
military spec circuit boards feature double-sided copper construction to guard
against noise and radio frequencies (RF). Precision 1% tolerances guarantee that
your settings will be accurate every time. The RX Series is professionally made in the
USA for years of service!
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 sep-
arately. 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 man-
ual 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
For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________
RX1200 in Road Warrior Case

Summary

Distortion-Free Limiters

Engineered to Last

Receiving Inspection and Handling

Save Carton and Packing Materials

Keep original carton for shipping protection and warranty service.

Save Invoice for Warranty

Original invoice required for warranty service if needed.

Handle Shipment Shortages

Allow several days for missing items before inquiring.

Record Serial Number

Record serial number on warranty card for your records.

Model Specifications

Block Diagram and Safety

RX1200 Block Diagram

Schematic overview of the mixer's signal flow and components.

Limited Warranty Terms

Details Carvin's 1-year warranty, exclusions, and service procedures.

Equipment Maintenance Tips

Guidance on cleaning, avoiding spills, and protecting the unit.

Quick Start Up Guide

Connecting AC Power

Instructions for connecting the mixer to the correct power source.

Connecting Inputs

Guidance on connecting microphones and line-level devices.

Turning Mixer On

Steps for powering up the mixer safely and checking indicators.

Channel Features

Line Input;Insert Jack

Details on using the 1/4" jack for line input or as an insert.

Insert Switch Functionality

Explains how the insert switch enables send/return connections.

XLR Microphone Input

Information on balanced low-impedance mic input and phantom power.

Channel Level Control

Adjusting channel volume before the PAN control.

Gain Control and Peak LED

Managing input level to prevent clipping and distortion.

Channel Pan Control

Directing channel signals to the main L/R outputs for stereo placement.

Eff 1 & Eff 2 Controls

Adjusting levels sent to the dual effects processors.

Master Section Features

Main L;R Level Controls

Master volume for channels sent to Amps 1&2 and main outputs.

Monitor 1 & Monitor 2 Levels

Controls for monitor amplifier outputs (Amps 3&4).

Music Break Switch;LED

Mutes most inputs for breaks, allowing tape input playback.

Tape In and Tape Out Levels

Managing input from tape devices and output for recording.

Left & Right XLR Outputs

Balanced line outputs for connecting to external gear.

Monitor 1 & 2 Outputs

Line outputs for connecting to monitor amplifiers.

Mono (Sub) Output

Output for connecting to subwoofers or additional amplifiers.

Sub X-Over Switch

Filters frequencies above 120Hz for subwoofer connection.

Digital Signal Processing

DSP Processors Overview

Details on the two 24-bit stereo processors for effects.

Eff 1 & 2 Send Jacks

Outputs for sending signals to external processors.

Amp Clip LEDs

Indicates when internal power amps are distorting.

Protect LED

Indicates mixer protection activation due to faults.

Power LED

Indicates the mixer is powered on.

Effects Foot Switch Jack

Connection for an optional footswitch to control effects.

Phantom Power Switch

Activates phantom power for condenser microphones.

Rear Panel Features

Power Connections

Location of the power switch and AC power cable connection.

Amp Patch Inserts

Jacks for routing signals to internal power amps.

Speaker Connections

Details on Twist-Lok and 1/4" speaker outputs.

Adjusting Graphic Equalizer

CARVIN RX 1200 Specifications

General

Brand	CARVIN
Model	RX 1200
Category	Music Mixer
Language	English