The Carvin Audio C1648 Concert Series 16-Channel Console demonstrates Carvin's commitment to professional live sound. The C1648 includes more channel sends and additional EQ capabilities than our previous Concert Series boards, with a total of 8 channel sends: 6 monitors and 2 effects. The 4-band channel EQ features dual sweep parametrics with LO MIDS and HI MIDS giving you greater control of your sound. The four main buses (groups) feature their own compressor/limiter with a Link switch for tracking two compressors together, which a big plus for controlling drums, choir, etc. The Concert Series is designed for installations such as churches and performance venues, or for touring sound systems. Careful attention has been given to the features, sound reproduction and mechanical construction, making Carvin's new Concert Series mixers the ideal choice for most live sound applications. Professional features, unsurpassed sound, rugged construction and a price that can't be beat make the C1648 the ideal choice for your live setup, and best of all, it's made in the USA.
Simplicity In Operation
Ease of operation is incredibly important. The C Series consoles are designed with the operator in mind. Everything is logically arranged. Simply plug-in the channels, adjust the monitor levels and bring up the main L/R faders and you're up and running. If you need EQ (tone changes), simply dial in the sound you want. The C Series is designed on a small-scale platform making it easy to transport. No other console offers more channels per linear inch.
USB Recording
USB connectivity allows for ease of recording using a single cable to record your L/R stereo mix direct to your computer. The digital interface gives you the highest quality audio output for recording. You can send audio from your computer into the console via USB. Set-up playlists on your computer for hours of automated playback through your sound system.
Onboard Wireless Capability
The exclusive optional True Diversity USM16 built-in wireless systems allow the C1648 to have up to 2 wireless units, whether it be mic or belt-pack systems. The advantage of adding these options now or later is that the operator eliminates cable clutter and simplifies setup. The wireless units are automatically routed to channel 1 & 2 on the console plus the internal power supply and the rear antennas. Each system is connected with a simple plug-in connector.
C1648 Optional Onboard Wireless System
Quality Control
Our Quality Control Department personally inspects every mixing console. After the physical inspection, the most critical and most important part of QC testing is running every channel, master section and connector through Audio Precision™ computers to verify every function. This means everything meets 100% of its specifications. This is great assurance that every EQ section, every output delivers the highest voltages with the lowest possible THD.
Construction
The engineering and design is what you'd expect from Carvin's high-end manufacturing. Ultra low-noise, high slew rate IC's for exceptional sound. Sealed controls and switches guard against the elements while the "SMT" Surface Mount Technology construction ensures the integrity of each component. The rugged chassis incorporates the integral SwitchMode™ 90V-260V 50-60 Hz power supply. The C1648 is made in the USA at our San Diego, CA facility.
Recommended Applications
Touring - Theatres - Houses of Worship - Music Venues - Musicians & Bands - Recording & Mixing
Key Features
MASTER
- 4 Sub Groups + L/R
- Center/Sub output
- 4 Buses Compressors
- "Link" switches for compressors
- 2 processors – 256 effects each
- Effects to monitors
- 2 9 band L/R-Moinitor EQ's
- 2 USB power ports
- USB L/R recording output
- USB L/R PC input
- Rear slots for wireless options
(up to 4 mics or beltpacks)
- Ultra low THD – less than .01%
- SwitchMode™ 90-260 VAC input
CHANNEL
- 4 Buses + L/R
- 4 Band EQ w dual Mid sweeps
- High pass filter
- 6 Ch Monitor Sends
- 2 Ch Effects Sends
- Ch mute/Peak indicator
- Adjustable Gain attenuator
Specifications:
6 monitor sends, 2 effects sends
4 band channel EQ with dual mid-sweep parametrics
Two 5V USB power ports
4 bus compressor with link switches
Freq. response: 20-20k Hz ±1 dB
THD distortion: .01% 20-20k Hz
E I N: -117 dBm
S/N Ratio 90 dB
Dynamic Range: 104 dB
Mic Gain: 52 dB
Line Gain: 30 dB
Total Gain: 72 dB (balanced)
Max Output: +28 dBm
Power Req. 90 to 250VAC 50-60Hz, 50VA
Dimensions: 22.2" wide X 16.3" deep X 3.75" high (56.3cm wide X 41.5cm deep X 9.5cm high)
Weight: 18.1 lbs (8.2kg)
Made in San Diego, California
Reviews:
Don (Dondi) Weiss Prescott, AZ
http://www.dondisound.com
I am very excited about the new Concert Series mixers from Carvin! Three things struck me immediately about this mixer that put it far above any competitor in it's class:
1 - The footprint is small and perfect for easy transport, or in a church or bar where the sound booth may have limited space.
2 - THERE ARE FOUR BAND EQ ON EACH CHANNEL! I have never seen that on a mixer in this price range.
3 - You have EIGHT sends (two FX and six monitor)
With this mixer you really have complete control. You can properly EQ the inputs with the smooth sounding 4-band EQ available on each channel. The top and bottom frequencies are fixed allowing you to bring out the sparkling highs or beefy lows, but the two sweepable mid controls really give you full range, and that sets this board apart from the rest.
Lots of choice for monitoring with so many sends available and that means you don't have to compromise (neither does the band).
The many built-in features minimize what you need to bring to the show:
- Two stereo FX units
- Dual 9-band graphic EQ's for mains or monitors
- Compressors on the subgroups
...and there are even ports for built-in wireless mic receivers right in the mixer!
If you are looking for a board that can also be used for your home recording studio, this is the one. There is a comprehensive monitoring system for use with studio speakers or headphones, plus the individual inputs have an insert for signal processors that can also be used as a direct output for multitracking.
Take it from a multi award-winning industry professional, this mixer will do everything you want and more.
Levi McGee Kansas
"Amazing product. The 4-band EQ along with the 9-band Main EQ give you total control over every frequency.
With the built in FX a separate FX rack is almost obsolete. The compressors work very well, especially when linked, but are not quite as responsive as a rack mount.
Six monitor sends is also unheard of at this price. They can be used for more then just monitors. Sending subwoofers through a monitor mix enables you to select what instruments you want running through them.
The 'all XLR' idea is amazing for traveling sound groups. There is much less buzz in the speakers then traditional 1/4 inch connections. Using a two Carvin 8-channel snakes is ideal for this board. You can utilize all sends this way. You also won't need to do the whole 'buying a thousand XLR to 1/4 connectors' thing.
Overall this board is amazing."
Don L. San Diego, CA
"I had a chance to use the new C3248 this past weekend at the La Jolla art festival. The new EQ is great and the bus compressors were very useful. I did use all the monitor sends and had the board loaded down with 27 inputs being used at the same time and 6 monitor mixes going. The console performed flawlessly. I was very pleased with the overall performance. I had an XP800 in use all weekend driving a pair of LM15s and that stood up perfectly as well."
Mark Pilkerton Highland, IL
"I have been using my C1648 board for about 6 months now. I didn't have much experience with sound before this purchase. If you want tech comments, read another review. I can tell you that this board is GREAT! There are options on here that are not available on other boards in this price range. If something happened to my C1648, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Carvin's customer service has been great!"