Carvin Catalog Archive • 1976

1976

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Highlights

Highlights from this catalog

Key products, features, and themes you’ll see in this issue.

QM1850 Quadraphonic Mixer

The QM1850 introduces quadraphonic mixing capability, expanding beyond stereo into four-channel spatial control, making it one of the most advanced control systems in the 1976 catalog.

Quadraphonic (4-channel) mixing capability
Advanced channel routing and panning control
Designed for complex live and recording applications
Expanded monitoring and output flexibility
Integrates with power slave amplification systems
Represents a step beyond traditional stereo mixers

Featured models: QM1850

PS940

The PS940 represents a refined full-range loudspeaker system designed to deliver balanced output across bass, midrange, and high frequencies. Positioned as a versatile system component, it supports both instrument amplification and PA applications with consistent tonal clarity.

Multi-driver configuration for full-range response
Tuned cabinet design for balanced low-frequency output
Compatible with horn systems for extended high-frequency projection
Designed for integration into larger PA systems
Suitable for both instrument and sound reinforcement use
Strong mid-tier system flexibility

Featured models: PS940

JBL1330 Loudspeaker

The JBL 1330 low-frequency driver brings a new level of professional-grade performance to Carvin’s 1976 speaker systems, offering increased power handling and improved low-end definition for large-scale reinforcement setups.

High-power JBL low-frequency driver
Designed for deep, controlled bass response
Improved efficiency and projection over prior speaker options
Used in advanced Stage system configurations
Compatible with horn-loaded and reflex cabinet designs
Key part of Carvin’s expanded JBL integration

Featured models: JBL1330

Stage 10 Sound System

The Stage 10 system represents one of the most complete large-format sound reinforcement packages in the 1976 catalog, combining advanced mixing control, high-output amplification, and multi-cabinet speaker arrays for full venue coverage.

Multi-channel mixer with advanced routing capability
High-output power amplification with modular expansion
Large-format speaker arrays including horn-loaded components
Designed for large venues and outdoor applications
Supports stereo and multi-source mixing
Fully integrated system from input to projection

Featured models: QM1850 ASG500 JBL2470-R520 C801 JBL1330

VTR2800

The VTR2800 builds on Carvin’s established tube platform with increased power and expanded tonal control, offering a rich, harmonically responsive sound with added onboard effects for stage-ready performance.

All-tube circuitry for warm, dynamic tone
Integrated reverb system for spatial depth
Dual-channel operation for tonal versatility
Increased output over earlier tube models
Designed for pairing with large cabinet systems
Smooth sustain and responsive overdrive characteristics

Featured models: VTR2800

LM1200 Lead Amplifier

The LM1200 represents the next evolution of Carvin’s Lead Master concept, delivering higher output and improved system pairing for players requiring strong projection and clarity across larger performance spaces.

High-output solid-state amplification
Designed for stack configurations
Clear lead tone with strong midrange presence
Modular pairing with multiple cabinet options
Suitable for medium to large venues
Positioned between compact and full concert systems

Featured models: LM1200

VT1500 Guitar Tube Amplifier

The VT1500 introduces a new tier of tube amplification, combining high output with advanced tonal shaping features, including graphic equalization for precise control of frequency response.

All-tube design with high-output capability
Integrated graphic equalizer for detailed tone shaping
Dual-channel configuration (sustain and normal modes)
Designed for stack systems and larger stages
Strong harmonic response and natural compression
One of the most advanced tube systems in the 1976 lineup

Featured models: VT1500

V410 Combo Tube Amplifier

The V410 provides a compact tube combo solution, delivering the tonal warmth of tube amplification in a self-contained format suited for smaller stages and controlled environments.

Tube-driven combo amplifier design
Integrated speaker configuration
Responsive tone with natural compression
Portable format for smaller venues and studio use
Simplified control layout for ease of use
Bridges gap between practice and stage amplification

Featured models: V410

Catalog Story

Inside the Carvin Catalog

The 1976 Carvin catalog presents a noticeably expanded and more fully integrated sound-reinforcement program than the 1975 edition. The opening sales page states that the company released 42 new Carvin products and specifically calls out mixers with quad panning, graphic equalizers, rack-mount bi-amped power amps, tube and solid-state guitar amplifiers with graphic equalizers, and the addition of the JBL Professional speaker line. That opening statement sets the tone for the rest of the book: the catalog is centered on controllable power, scalable speaker systems, and mixing architectures designed to move from club use into more ambitious stage applications.

Compared with 1975, the 1976 catalog broadens the lead amplifier section with several clearly new or newly foregrounded models. The 1975 catalog emphasized the LM1000 / SLM1000 / BL1250 / FR1200 family and related stack systems. In 1976, Carvin adds a more diverse range of lead formats, including the Concert VT1500 tube stack, Concert LM1200, Lead VT410 tube combo, Musician’s VT312, and Studio Lead VT210, showing a stronger spread between large stack systems and compact self-contained combos. The new tube offerings also emphasize 7-band graphic equalization, dual sustain/normal channels, and power tube switching, making tube amplification more feature-rich and more central to the lead section than it was in 1975.

The power-unit section also develops beyond 1975 by giving greater prominence to modular rack and standalone amplification. In addition to the familiar ST2500, ST4500, SC2000, SC3000, SV125, SV250, and ASG500, 1976 uses them more explicitly as building blocks for bi-amped systems and larger reinforcement packages. The catalog’s explanation of graphic equalizers and reasons for bi-amping shows that Carvin is not just selling components, but also teaching customers how to assemble higher-clarity, higher-output systems.

One of the biggest differences from 1975 is the stronger JBL integration. In 1975, JBL was already present in featured systems. In 1976, the JBL line feels more structurally embedded across the catalog through the JBL 1330, JBL 1220, JBL 2470-R520, and Stage systems built around those components. The catalog also contrasts JBL and Altec options in more detail, which gives the loudspeaker and horn sections a more professional reinforcement orientation than the prior year.

Mixer development is another clear step forward. The 1975 catalog already offered the MP600, MP1000, MC1000, SP8000, and related systems. In 1976, the mixer section becomes broader and more specialized, with the MP400, MP600 / MC600, MP1000 / MC1000, SM1200, SM1800, and the new QM1850 quadraphonic mixing console. The quad board, stereo monitoring architecture, and detailed equalizer discussions signal that Carvin is extending deeper into recording and advanced live control, not just powered PA mixers.

The sound-system section reflects this growth most clearly. Stage packages expand and diversify, with Stage 1 through Stage 7 visible in the 1976 catalog, including multiple Stage 6 variants and bi-amped configurations using the ASG500. Relative to 1975, the catalog places greater emphasis on choosing between non-bi-amped and bi-amped systems and on pairing mixer, crossover, horn, and bass sections as defined system families.

On the instrument side, 1976 continues the established guitar and steel lines but also shows meaningful evolution. The parts and guitar sections reference models such as DC150, CM96, SS76, SS66B, DT640, CB100, and LB70, and the guitar features page introduces stereo wiring as a standard feature on the DC150 guitar and CB100 bass, with stereo optional on the LB70 and CM96. That is a notable functional step beyond the prior catalog’s simpler instrument presentation.

Overall, 1976 reads as a transition from a strong amplifier-and-speaker catalog into a fuller professional sound catalog. The 1975 book already had serious stage-system ambition, but the 1976 edition adds more lead-amp variety, more formalized bi-amp logic, deeper mixer specialization, and a much stronger JBL-backed reinforcement identity.

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Carvin Catalog Archive

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1976

Year: 1976

Brand

Carvin 1976 catalog, Carvin Professional Instruments 1976, Carvin VT1500, Carvin LM1200, Carvin VT410, Carvin VT312, Carvin BM700, Carvin FH1800, Carvin VTR2800, Carvin ASG500, Carvin QM1850, Carvin SM1200, Carvin JBL 1330, Carvin JBL 2470-R520, Carvin SENTRY IV-R500, Carvin Stage 6, Carvin vintage PA systems, Carvin stereo wired guitar, Carvin DC150, Carvin LB70

Keywords

1954 Carvin Catalog, vintage Carvin, guitar amplifiers, bass amplifiers, electric Hawaiian guitar, steel guitar, tube amplifier, Baldwin Park California

Models

Carvin Models: VT1500-1, SVT1500-2, LM1200, SLM1200-1, SLM1200-2, VT410, VT312, ML300, VT210, SB500, AL500-Altec, BM700, ABM700-Altec, SBM700, FH1800, SFH1800-1, SFH1800-2, VTR2800, ST2500, ST4500, SC2000, SC3000, SV125, SV250, ASG500, SR690, ALTEC 1218, ALTEC 700, JBL 740, BR1040, TR1000, ALTEC 1221, FH980, PS940, ALTEC 940, C-801, JBL 1330, JBL 1220, ALTEC 1421, JBL 2470-R520, SENTRY IV-R500, MP400, MP600, MC600, MP1000, MC1000, SM1200, SM1800, QM1850, MCR870-1, ALTEC 875-1, MCR900-2, ALTEC 977-2, MS500, ALTEC 517, Stage 1, Club PA, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 4 Bi-Amped, Stage 5, Stage 6 Non-Bi-Amped, Stage 6 Bi-Amped, Concert Stage 6 Bi-Amped, Stage 7, DC150, CM96, SS76, SS66B, DT640, AS55B, AS51, CB100, LB70, LB70S, PRO-S6, PRO-S8, PRO-D6, PRO-D8, L33, L34, SC12, SC16, HC17.Third Party Models: Schaller M6, Schaller M12, Schaller ST6L, Schaller MA5, Schaller MA4SL, Bigsby B15, Bigsby B16, Altec 417-8H II, Altec 418-8H II, Altec 421-8H II, JBL K120, JBL K130, JBL 2220, Electro-Voice EV30A, Electro-Voice EVM-18B, Electro-Voice 1823M, JBL 2470, R520, R500, Hammond 4C, RCA 150 Watt transistors.

Series

Concert Lead, Concert Tube, Musician’s Tube, Musician’s Solid-State, Studio Lead, Studio Bass, Musician’s Bass, Concert Bass, Lead Master, Super Lead Master, Band Leader, Super Band Leader, Full Range, Solo Master, Professional Power Unit, Dual Channel Power Unit, Single Channel Power Unit, Power Amp, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Club PA, Stereo Mixer, Quad Mixer, Monitor System, Pro-Series Steel Guitars

Technology

7 band graphic equalizer, 10 band graphic equalizer, 5 band graphic equalizer, active filters, bi-amping, electronic crossover, passive crossover, quad panning, stereo mixing, channel panning, stereo wired guitar, dual-to-single coil switching, phase switching, sustain drive, harmonic sustain, power tube switching, Hammond reverb tank, rack mount power amp, horn-loaded enclosure, folded horn, bass reflex, tuned bass reflex, tuned-sealed enclosure, radial horn, front horn, horn-loaded port, monitor bus, headphone monitoring, variable input attenuation, solid core plywood, Schaller machine heads, Alnico V magnets, humbucking pickups

Artists & Endorsers

Lloyd Rea Jr., Amerson Brothers, Lee Downs, Rick Rohlman, Scott Runyan, Thomas Cry, Tyre Cassidy, James Craft, Elton Comier, Richard Robinson, Lillian Roxon, J.B., W.B., C.E., G.G., H.E., J.S., R.P., M.B., L.M., J.J., J.C., W.A., S.R., E.C.

Search Tokens

1976 Carvin, VT1500, LM1200, VT410, VT312, VT210, SB500, BM700, FH1800, VTR2800, ST2500, ST4500, SC2000, SC3000, SV125, SV250, ASG500, MP400, MP600, MP1000, MC1000, SM1200, SM1800, QM1850, JBL1330, JBL2470, SENTRYIVR500, PS940, BR1040, TR1000, FH980, DC150, CM96, LB70, PRO-S8

Additional searchable lines

Example: Electric Spanish Guitar kits, Alnico pickups, accordion pickup, mid-century musical instruments.
Example: Electric Spanish Guitar kits, Alnico pickups, accordion pickup, mid-century musical instruments.