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PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA
+ -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERS CH1
IN
XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN CAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL.
PROTECT
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0 dB
DCM25002500 Watt Power Amp
CLIP
SIGNAL
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0 dB
0 dB POWER
CHANNEL ONE CHANNEL TWO
CLIP
SIGNAL
FRONT PANEL
1. MOUNTINGSturdy one piece 12 gauge steel face plate accomodates standard 19 rack installation. The rack mount-
ing holes are designed on ISO standard spacing. Four 10-32 x .5 phillip machine screws are normally
used to secure the amp. Rear support brackets are not required.
2. POWER SWITCHCheck 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 CONTROLA precision input LEVEL attenuator 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 INDICATORThe green SIGNAL LED indicators will start to flash when there is a signal passing to your speakers (-30dBµ).
This lets you know when the amp is passing a signal to your speaker connectors.
5. CHANNEL CLIP INDICATORThe red CLIP LED indicators will start to flash when each channel has reached its maximum output. Occasional
flashing caused by lower bass frequencies is OK. However, consistent flashing caused from higher frequencies
may damage high frequency drivers (excessive distortion). This does not cause damage to the amp.
6. COOLING VENTS/FANUpon 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°F or the thermal protection could activate the PROTECT LED.
The front cooling vents are not to be restricted from exhausting the warm air.
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
by disconnecting the output speaker relays protecting your 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 the total
speaker system impedance connected to each channel.
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 1 to 3 minutes. The PROTECT LED will turn off when ready.
Check for the following conditions; a) The rear intake air is restricted, b) The intake air is extremely
warm, c) The front exhaust vents are restricted, or d) Excessive speaker load (try other speakers
or remove speakers if you have more than one connected to each channel). The minimum imped-
ance is 2 ohms per ch or 4 ohms BRIDGED. DCM2570 minimum load is 4 ohms per ch or 8 ohms
BRIDGED.
REAR PANEL
8. CHANNEL INPUTS AND THROUGHBalanced or Unbalanced 1/4 TRS inputs can be used along with the balanced XLRs. The male THROUGH
XLR connector carries the same signal as the female XLR to daisy chain channels or additional amps. XLR
pin configuration: Pin 1: Grounded through the GROUND LIFT switch, Pin 2: positive Bal. signal and Pin
3: negative Bal. signal.
9. PARALLEL OR Y INPUTSThe rear PARALLEL switch IN allows you to drive both channels from either input in which a signal
entering any input will be available on both channels eliminating Y adapters.
10. INPUT GROUND LIFTMany times sound systems are connected in such a manner to cause a grounded loop with the inputs
which result in audible hum. The input GND LIFT (1/4 & XLR) switch on the rear panel will help eliminate
this problem. If not, another way to eliminate ground loops is to install Carvins MTF55 Ground Lifter
between the amplifier input and the signal source. This isolates the input ground from the AC power ground.
11. LO CUT (DCM2500, DCM2570)
The LO CUT switch inserts a 40Hz, 3rd order, high pass filter. This will remove sub audio frequencies
from damaging speakers and wasting inaudible power. It is active when the switch is pushed IN.
12. LIMITERS
To activate the LIMITERS, engage the rear limiter switch to the IN position. The built-in optio limiters
are recommended to hold down peaks that could cause early distortion. This will help to raise the average
power so that you can get more output from each channel. To check the effectiveness of the limiters when
the channel starts to distort (under full output), engage the limiters and hear the reduction of the distortion.
If the distortion stops, you can try to turn the channel up for more power. 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 pro-
vided for high power application. Secure the Speakon-„¢ connection by turning to the right. The center Speakon-„¢
is for Bridge only. Turn the amp off before connecting your speakers. DCM 2570 minimum load 4 ohms
14. BINDING POST OUTPUTSFor other 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 the top of the
binding post). Binding posts are spaced on ISO standards. Use the two center RED binding posts to BRIDGE
both power amps (see 15 BRIDGE MODE).
15. BRIDGE MODE- 25V/70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS The DCM Series can be operated in bridge mode if you require a 25V / 70V distribution speaker system
or a high powered mono (single channel) amp, which can double your 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 -). Select carefully or
damage may result to your speakers. This is why the switch has been recessed. No other speaker connec-
tors or binding posts can to be used at the same time! The INPUT 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 speaker systems! DCM2570 minimum load is 8 ohms in BRIDGE
16. AC POWERYour 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 230V model it is 195V to 255V. The rear heavy-
duty AC receptacle will accept a standard grounded AC cord that is designed for 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 power cord all the way into its recepticle. In the
case of a blown fuse; unplug the amp, remove the lid and replace the fuse located in the back corner
above where the AC cord connects to the circuit board.
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.
6
FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS
WARNING This product produces high
sound pressure levels that
could damage your hearing.
Use with caution.
1
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4 3 7 2
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Page 2
SHIELD
-NEG.3 1
2
GND
+ SIGNAL (BAL.)
Speakon-„¢
Tw i st-Lok
HousingContact
InsertCable
ClampSecuring
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" SleeveRing
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
HELPFUL HINTS
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 Carvins 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.
- SIGNAL (BAL.)
TYPICAL STEREO SETUP
MONO MAINS & MONITORS
STEREO BIAMPING
CHANNEL TWO HIGHPHASEMIDPHASELOWPHASE XC3000Electronic Crossover 1-800-854-2235
www.carvin.com
INTERNAL FUSE
90-250 VAC
10 VA ~50-60HZGND
LIFT CHANNEL ONE HIGHPHASEMIDPHASELOWPHASEMONO[ LOW 1+2 ] SWITCHABLE
TO MONO
[ LOW 1+2]
PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA + -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERSCH1
IN XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENCAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WAR NI NG - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL. PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA + -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERSCH1
IN XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENCAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL.
Left Input
Left Low Out Left High OutRight High Out
Right Low Out
Right Input STEREO
CROSSOVER
Suggested settings
Low Frequency Amp
High Frequency Left LowsRight
Lows
Right Highs Left Highs
PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA
+ -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERS CH1
IN
XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CA UTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NO T OPEN CAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL.
For (stereo) the PARALLEL
switch must be OFF (OUT).
Ch 1 Left
Ch 2 Right BRIDGE switch
must be OFF (OUT).
Right Full Range Left Full Range
PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA
+ -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERSCH1
IN XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CA UTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NO T OPENCAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL.
MainsMonitors Mains
Ch 1 Main MixCh 2 Monitor Mix
BRIDGE switch
must be OFF (OUT). The PARALLEL switch
must be OFF (OUT).
25V OR 70V DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
BRIDGED MONO
PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER 120V~60Hz Slow Blow
FUSE 8AG 700VA
+ -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERSCH1
IN XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENCAUTION - TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY
GROUND ON THE POWER CORD - DO NOT REMOVE COVER .
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFED PERSONNEL.
PARALLEL switch OFF (OUT).
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
Single speaker or
system connected
in BRIDGE mode.
Minimum imp. 4-„¦
Use either the Bridged
Speakon-„¢ connector or the
binding posts. No other
connections can be used while
in Bridged mode.
PROFESSIONAL STEREO
POWER AMPLIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER
+ -“-“BRIDGE-“-“ + -“ -“SPEAKER
2 SPEAKER
1
GND LIFT PARALLEL BRIDGE LIMITERSCH1
IN XLR
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 POS
PIN 3 NEG 25V or 70V
Distribution System:
Wattage of transformer (TAP)
divided by total wattage
of Amp = Number of
transformer/speaker(s)
that can be hooked up.
+
16
8
4
C 15w
7w
3w
1w
C
+
16
8
4
C 15w
7w
3w
1w
C
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.
