Carvin dcm1001 User Manual

The DCM1001 professional Dual Graphic amp was designed utilizing Carvin’s

37 years of experience in power amp & equalizer technology. The DCM1001 is
Ideal for monitor set-ups because its small size, light weight, high power, and
EQ capabilities allow you to use only one piece of gear in place of two or three.
This saves you work, rack space, and money.  The thick steel face plates, large
recessed knobs, and heavy-duty steel chassis reflect the manufacturing quality
within. All models carry the CE approval for world-wide use.  

Carvin considers the sound of an amp equally important as its reliability.  To insure

pure, uncolored sound, we designed one of the fastest responding power amps
on the market today.  High slew rates greater than 45v/µs deliver superb transient
response.  High frequencies are transparent and open—even at extreme levels.  Linear
feedback circuits reduce distortion to near the theoretical zero limit, preventing any
type of harshness which would lead to ear fatigue.  The DCM Series amps deliver
flat, transparent, unaltered sound—especially important to the studio user.  And
you can drive any type of reactive loads, including 70V transformer distribution sys-
tems.  These amps are designed to deliver non-stop, continuous power and are
completely protected from heat and short circuits.  

Every chassis is made from heavy-duty 16 gauge steel that is galvanized before

being painted to prevent rust.  All internal cabling is neatly tied and harnessed.
Every circuit card is MIL SPEC, double-sided, through-hole plated, fire retardant
FR-4 glass epoxy.  This insures that the solder flows on the top, bottom and through
each hole of every component, preventing components from shaking loose—
even through constant tour use.  Heavy-duty XLR connectors, power switches,
recessed knobs, steel front panels all give the DCM amps a “tank-like” ability to
handle rough, touring transport. 

With the DCM Series, Carvin brings you totally modular construction.  If you

ever need an I/O (input/output) connector card because a connector wore-out,
just unplug it and re-install the replacement card in minutes.  You don’t have to
de-solder anything.  This applies to every aspect of the DCM Series amps includ-
ing the power supply, power cards, heat sinks and fans.  Everything is connected
by heavy-duty AMP™ and MOLEX™ type connectors for easy replacement—even
the Toroid transformer is a total plug-in.

Carvin offers up to 30% more cooling than comparable amps rated at the same

wattage.  This means that the DCM Series are thermally “over-engineered” to be
sure heat will never be a concern.  Even outdoor concerts in direct sunlight will not
cause thermal shut down.  Carvin uses precision 6063 T-5 aluminum high ratio
heat sinks that are extruded for massive amounts of cooling.  High efficiency, multi-
speed fans cool your amp quietly. 

For some companies weight reduction means cost reduction.  Carvin however,

uses expensive TOROID transformers to reduce weight.  Toroids deliver massive
amounts of “on demand” current for continuous 2 ohm operation.  This gives the
power supply a solid foundation, yielding more headroom for the largest subwoofer
application.  Not only do toroids deliver high current, but they are known for reduc-
ing stray magnetic fields eliminating hum & noise.  This is especially important for
the recording industry.

Bridged RMS Continuous
4

Ω

, (20-20k Hz, <0.4%)

1000w

Both Channels RMS Continuous
2

Ω

(20-20k Hz, <0.2%)

500/500w

4

Ω

(20-20k Hz, <0.2%)

350/350w

8

Ω

(20-20k Hz, <0.2%)

225/225w

0.03%

>400

Slew Rate: bridged mode

>45v/µs

Sensitivity: (4

Ω

, Vms)

1.0 V

Above 100 dB

±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20kHz
(±1.5 dB, 10 Hz & 40 kHz)

>20K 

Ω

, balanced

±12 dB @ 63, 125, 250,000 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k & 16kHz

• Short Circuit • No Load Protection • SpeakerGuard™ • Thermal 
Shut-Off • Mute On/OFF

• Power switch • Recessed detent attenuators • Signal LED • Clip LED 
• Protect LED • Power Indicator

• Ground Lift • Parallel  Input Switch • Speaker Output Bridge Switch •
Limiters IN/OUT Sw • Input Connectors: Two each; Balanced XLR & 1/4”
• Speaker Output Connectors: Dual heavy-duty binding posts, four 1/4” 
phone jacks, and three Twist-Lock connectors. 

3 1/2" High x 10" Depth x 19” Wide (2-space)

25 lbs. 

76-01001   0401 

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA  92128

(800) 854-2235      www.carvin.com

For your records, you may wish to record the following information.

Serial No._____________________  Invoice Date_______________

While most amps do not offer built-in limiters, this is an important feature to look

for.  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, a
well designed limiter can increase your amp’s average output as much as 3 db.  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 dis-
tortion, the DCM Series limiters keep your sound pure and uncolored!

The DCM Series feature front panel signal, peak and protect LEDs which let you

monitor the status of the amp.  Both channels use precision level controls allowing
you to see your settings at a glance.  Balanced 1/4 phone &  XLR input jacks are used
to eliminate hum & noise.  Speaker  outputs  feature 1/4” jacks, high current Twist-
Lock & heavy-duty binding posts that accept up to a 50 amp #7 speaker wire.  

The rear professional accessory group offers a GROUND switch to remove the

chassis ground from the XLR input, a Parallel input switch connects the inputs of
both channels together eliminating Y connectors and allowing amp patching in mul-
tiple amp systems.  The accessory group also features a bridge mode switch for
delivering full power into a 70V distribution system and a limiter ON/OFF switch
that gives you the choice of using the internal limiter circuitry. 

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

INSPECT YOUR UNIT 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
possible 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

manual for your records.  Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with
your name and comments to us.