CARVIN XP880 - User Manual

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of Carvin’s XP880 mixer! The XP880 model
includes 3 built-in high power amplifiers for direct hook-up to your speakers. Please read this
manual carefully to take all the advantages of your new mixer.
SUPERB SOUND is derived from the extremely low distortion, high "Headroom" design.
State-of-the art, low noise, balanced XLR preamps from our Concert Series mixers provide
common mode rejection of better than 78 dB, which means that any possible noise that may
come over your cables is virtually eliminated. Distortion is nearly non-existent with THD below
0.1% from input to output, guaranteeing 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 XP
Series simple to use, reducing errors during setup and perfomance. Its compact size and
weight of only 20 lbs. makes it the lightest, most powerful mixer of its kind. No other manu-
facturer offers a higher performance to weight ratio!
3 HIGH CURRENT AMPLIFIERS 500 (250/250) watts RMS is delivered to your main
L and R speakers, plus a 300 watt amp drives up to four stage monitors for a total of 800
watts. This is the kind of output power that maintains the purity and integrity of your sound.
1/4” plus Speakon™ output connectors are provided for secure connections with maximum
power transfer to your speakers. An output meter and clip indicator for each amp give you a
visual indicator of each amp.
A HIGH CURRENT POWER SUPPLY starts with a toroid transformer to assure con-
tinuous high amperage DC voltage to all three power amplifiers to eliminate "overload" or shut-
down. 20,000 mfd capacitors offer a large power reservoir for deep bass output.
2 INDEPENDENT 24-Bit STEREO DSP EFFECTS allow you to assign each chan-
nel to your choice of effects. You can dedicate chorus/reverb to the acoustic guitar channel
and a lush reverb to the vocals, etc. Both effects are adjustable to your stage monitors so you
can hear yourself with full effects. The effects processors with 256 effects each, include
reverbs, choruses, flanging and echoes with fully adjustable parameters for damping, decay,
depth, speed, regeneration and time.
ACTIVE 3 BAND CHANNEL EQ provides easy adjustment for the tone you want. The
80Hz LO frequency controls deliver solid non-flabby bass. A simple adjustment with the MID
band control brings out the best sound for vocals or guitar by affecting the very 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 controls are "shelving", which means they are effective
from 20Hz to 20kHz.
THREE 7 BAND EQUALIZERS provide precise adjustments to fine tune your overall
sound and to help control feedback. A stereo (dual) graphic equalizer controls the main L and
R outputs and a mono equalizer controls the monitor output.
ENGINEERED TO LAST Every XP Series mixer incorporates a rugged injection mold-
ed case and steel chassis. Continuous full power is assured from a high-grade 6063-T5-alu-
minum heat sink cooled by a variable speed fan. Sealed controls and switches guard against
the outside elements while heavy-duty connectors provide a positive connection to your
cables. 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. Precision 1% tolerances guarantee that your settings will be accurate every
time. Fire retardant FR-4 military spec circuit cards feature double-sided copper construction
to guard against noise and radio frequencies (RF). The XP Series is made in the USA for years
of dependable service!
THREE BAND 
TONE 
CONTROLS
PAD
HI LOW
MIC
PRE
LEVEL
RIGHT
MON
EFF1
LEFT
SUMMING AMP
STEREO
GRAPHIC 
EQUALIZER
MONITOR
CHANNELS 1-6
MONITOR
LEVEL and
SUMMING AMP
MID
LEFT
RIGHT
SUMMING AMP
MAIN R
BALANCED OUT
GRAPHIC 
EQUALIZER
MONITOR
BALANCED OUT
TO INTERNAL 
POWER AMP
MIC
LINE
PAN
TO INTERNAL 
POWER AMPS
MAIN L
BALANCED OUT
EFFECTS
SUMMING AMP x 2
INTERNAL
DSP INPUTS
EXTERNAL
SEND
EFF 2 ONLY
STEREO
EFFECTS 
TO MAIN
RETURNS FROM
INTERNAL DSP
EFFECTS TO
MONITOR
GAIN
TAPE OUT
L
R
TAPE OUT
LEVEL
MAIN
LEVEL
EFF
1/2
MUSIC
BREAK
SWITCH
TA PE IN
STEREO
THREE BAND 
TONE 
CONTROLS
HI LOW
MIC
PRE
LEVEL
CHANNEL 9/10
MID
MIC
PA N
L
LINE
INPUTS
R
EFF
1/2
MON
STEREO
THREE BAND 
TONE 
CONTROLS
HI LOW
MIC
PRE
LEVEL
CHANNEL 7/8
MID
MIC
PA N
L
LINE
INPUTS
R
EFF
1/2
MON
EFF2
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
800.854.2235 www.carvin.com
76-88000B 2/28/05
MODEL XP880 SPECIFICATIONS:
Frequency Response: Mic or Line Inputs: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than .1% at nominal levels
Equivalent Input Noise: 150 ohm source: -117dBu
Output Noise: -90dBu Master Line Out
(All Levels Minimum)
Output Headroom: +20dB
Maximum Gain: Mic in to Master Line Out: 70dB
Crosstalk: Adjacent ch’s: -60db at 1KHz
Common Mode Rejection: -78db at 1KHz
Phantom Power: 48volt @ XLR Mic channels
Channel EQ 3-band active: LOW: 80Hz ±12dB
MID: 750Hz ±12dB
HI: 11.5KHz ±12dB
Power Output: 800w (2x250w@4Ω, plus 1x300w@2Ω)
Power Req.: 120VAC 60 Hz or optional 240VAC 50 Hz model
Size and Weight: 11”H x 17.5”W x 10.5”D, 20 lbs
Remote Effects Controller: Optional FS22 footswitch for on/off effects
Vinyl Cover: CV880
XP880 BLOCK DIAGRAM
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
XP880 POWERED MIXER
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR MIXER 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_______________
MADE IN USA

Summary

Product Features and Specifications

Superb Sound Quality

Highlights low noise, high headroom, and low distortion preamps for pure sound reproduction.

Lightweight and Easy Operation

Emphasizes the mixer's compact size, light weight, and logical control layout for ease of use.

High Current Amplifiers and Power Supply

Details the 800-watt amplifier output and the high current power supply for consistent performance.

Integrated DSP Effects and EQ

Describes the two 24-bit stereo DSP effects and active 3-band channel EQ for tonal shaping.

Durable Construction

Focuses on the rugged design, high-grade aluminum heatsink, sealed controls, and SMT construction.

XP880 Block Diagram

Visual representation of the mixer's internal signal flow and component connections.

Model XP880 Specifications

Lists technical details including frequency response, THD, power output, size, and weight.

Controls and Operation

Quick Start Up Guide

Provides essential steps for connecting power, inputs, and turning the mixer on.

Channel Input and Tone Controls

Explains XLR mic input, line input jacks, gain, EQ, balance, and effect/monitor level controls.

Master Section Controls

Details the main and monitor level controls, and the tape out level for recording.

Effects and Monitor Controls

Covers dual effect processors, peak LEDs, main/monitor effects levels, and music break switch.

Status Indicators and Special Features

Explains output/clip LEDs, power, protect, phantom power, and effects foot switch jack.

Live Setup and Safety Information

Live Setup Diagram

Illustrates typical connections for vocals, instruments, and speakers for live performance.

Speaker Impedance and Cable Notes

Provides guidance on connecting speakers and appropriate cable types for optimal performance.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

Details critical safety instructions regarding electric shock, water, and proper servicing.

Limited Warranty and Maintenance

Outlines the product warranty terms and provides advice on maintaining the equipment.

CARVIN XP880 Specifications

General

Type	Analog Mixer
Channels	8
Microphone Preamps	8
EQ	3-Band
EQ Bands per Channel	3
Subgroup Outputs	No
Phantom Power	Yes
USB Interface	No
Headphone Output	Yes