1994

The DX line is presented as a professional stereo/4-subgroup console family built for both live sound and multitrack work, combining sweepable mid EQ, subgroup routing, balanced outputs, long-throw faders, dual graphic equalizers, and optional onboard digital processing. What makes the DX mixers stand out in this catalog is not just the raw channel count, but the fact that Carvin is folding more control, cleaner routing, and programmable effects into a roadworthy mixer aimed at real-world reinforcement use. In the context of 1994, this is a meaningful step forward from the more established mixer families, and it helps explain why the cover calls out new digital effects mixers as part of the year’s featured gear.

• New-for-1994 mixer family positioned as a portable professional console
• Available in 16-channel and 24-channel formats
• Built around stereo / 4-subgroup architecture
• Channel strip includes 3-band EQ with parametric mid sweep
• Includes direct out / insert capability for recording and signal processing
• Equipped with mute and PFL functions for better live control
• Provides 2 monitor sends and 2 effects sends
• Master section includes dual 9-band graphic equalizers
• Offers balanced outputs for main, subgroup, and monitor paths
• Uses 100mm faders for more precise control
• Optional DSP1000 digital effects processor adds onboard reverbs, chorus, flanging, and delay combinations
• DSP section includes MIDI control, which is a notable capability for this catalog year
• Packaged DX systems show Carvin positioning the mixers as the front end of complete reinforcement rigs, not just stand-alone boards
• Strong fit for church, club, multitrack, and portable production applications

The Wireless Microphone Systems are another major 1994 addition and one of the most obvious markers separating this catalog from 1993. Carvin promotes them right on the cover, signaling that wireless operation is now part of the company’s broader live-performance offering. The line is split between the 4000 Series non-diversity systems and the 8000 Series true diversity systems, giving users a tiered path depending on budget and application.

• Clear new-for-1994 category, called out on the cover as new wireless mics
• Two product tiers:
• 4000 Series non-diversity
• 8000 Series true diversity
• 4000 Series aimed at strong value and practical stage use
• 8000 Series positioned as the more advanced option with true diversity reception
• Catalog emphasizes 120 dB dynamic range
• Claimed to run quieter than competing systems
• Rear-panel level control allows easier matching to mixer inputs
• Mute control included for suppressing unwanted background noise in high RF areas
• Bodypack systems support guitar/instrument use
• Available handheld and lapel-oriented configurations widen application range
• Systems are rackmountable, with 200R bracket/hardware for mounting two systems
• Good match for the catalog’s overall move toward more complete live-performance systems with fewer cable limitations

The TRI-AMP speaker systems represent one of the most technically complete sound reinforcement solutions in the 1994 catalog, built around a modular approach that separates low, mid, and high frequency reproduction for greater clarity, efficiency, and power handling. Rather than relying on passive full-range cabinets alone, Carvin positions these systems as scalable, professional-grade rigs using dedicated components like the 560 subwoofer, 2210 mid/high cabinets, and 4018 systems, combined with electronic crossovers and high-power amplification. This configuration reflects a system-design philosophy where each frequency band is optimized independently, resulting in improved projection, reduced distortion, and better control in demanding live environments. In the context of the catalog, these tri-amp systems reinforce Carvin’s emphasis on complete, high-output reinforcement solutions suitable for clubs, touring rigs, and larger installed applications.

• True tri-amp configuration (low / mid / high frequency separation)
• Core system elements include:
• 560 (low-frequency subwoofer section)
• 2210 (mid/high frequency enclosure)
• 4018 (full system integration / packaged configuration)
• Designed to be paired with:
• XC1000 electronic crossover
• FET Series power amplifiers
• Improved clarity and headroom vs. full-range passive systems
• Reduced intermodulation distortion due to frequency band separation
• Higher overall SPL capability with better efficiency
• Modular system allows scaling for venue size
• Suitable for:
• Live bands
• Touring PA rigs
• Clubs and larger venues
• Installed sound reinforcement

The FET Power Amplifier series forms the backbone of Carvin’s amplification offering in the 1994 catalog, providing the high-current, reliable output required to drive full-range and multi-way speaker systems. Built around MOSFET output stages, these amplifiers are designed to deliver clean, consistent power with strong transient response, making them well-suited for both full-range systems and more complex configurations like tri-amp setups. Models such as the FET450 and FET1000 are presented as rugged, professional tools with practical features like bridging capability, protection circuitry, and flexible connectivity. In the broader context of the catalog, the FET series is not positioned as standalone gear, but as an integral part of complete reinforcement systems—powering loudspeakers, monitors, and tri-amp configurations with dependable performance across a range of live applications.

• MOSFET (Field Effect Transistor) output design for smooth, musical response
• Designed for high-current output and reliability under load
• Supports:
• Stereo operation
• Bridge mode for increased power output
• Integrated protection features:
• SpeakerGuard protection circuitry
• Thermal and load protection
• Includes:
• Ground lift switch
• Subsonic filtering
• Balanced input connectivity for clean signal integration
• Ideal for:
• Full-range loudspeaker systems
• Monitor systems
• Tri-amp speaker configurations
• Engineered for consistent performance in live sound environments
• Positioned as a core component in Carvin packaged PA systems

Steve Vai → X100B, X-Amp Series, Quad X, Tube 100 Larry Carlton → X100B, Tube Combo X-Amps, Quad X Lee Ritenour → X100B, X-Amp combos, Quad X Chet Atkins → X-Amp combos, clean channel applications Craig Chaquico → X100B, stereo rack systems (Quad X + power amps) Reb Beach → X100B, high-gain X-Amp stacks (XB412 / XB812) Vito Bratta → X100B, high-gain X-Amp stacks Steve Lynch → X100B, rack systems (Quad X + FET/Tube power) Bob Bradshaw → Quad X, rack switching systems, X4R racks Doug Marks → X100B, instructional / high-gain setups Guy Mann-Dude → X100B, rack-mounted X-Amp rigs Alex Lifeson → X-Amp systems, stereo rack amplification John Goodsall → X100B, rack systems (fusion context) Robbie Robertson → X-Amp combos, studio/live crossover rigs Roy Clark → X-Amp clean systems, combo amplification Jeff Cook → X-Amp combos, live performance rigs Dave Sabo → X100B, high-gain stack systems Michael Wilton → X100B, dual-amp / stereo setups Chris DeGarmo → X100B, rack-based guitar systems Chris Gates → X-Amp systems, rack rigs Tommy Girvin → X-Amp, rack systems Ivan Neville → X-Amp combos, live keyboard/guitar crossover rigs Doc Powell → X-Amp clean tone systems Terry Shelton → X-Amp live rigs Mike Sagraves → X-Amp systems

Mick Fleetwood → Pro Series Loudspeakers (973, 993), FET Power Amps Stanley Clarke → Full-range PA systems, Pro Bass + FOH crossover systems Timothy B. Schmit → Live reinforcement systems (mixers + speakers) Jay Azzolina → Rack systems (mixers + Quad X + power amps) Ray Fuller → Pro audio rigs (FOH systems, loudspeakers) Jorma Kaukonen → Acoustic/live reinforcement systems George Lynch → High-output PA + guitar amp crossover rigs Ronnie Montrose → Pro audio + amplification systems David Rosenthal → Keyboard/live sound systems (mixers + speakers) Michael Schenker → FOH systems + guitar amplification rigs Steve Vai (cross-over) → Rack systems (Quad X + Tube 100 + PA integration)

Bunny Brunel → Pro Bass amps (PB300, PB500), 4x10 / 1x15 / 1x18 systems Abraham Laboriel → Bass amplification systems + full-range PA James Jamerson Jr. → Pro Bass rigs (clean, articulation-focused setups) Reggie Hamilton → Studio/live bass systems (PB series + DI integration) Carmine Rojas → Touring bass rigs (high-power systems) Chuck Rainey → Studio/live bass amplification systems John Avila → Live bass rigs (PB series + cabinets) David Ellefson → High-output bass rigs (PB500 + large cabinets) Dana Strum → Bass stack systems (4x10 / 1x15 configurations) Scott Thunes → Rack-integrated bass systems Rocky Newton → Touring bass rigs Glenn Letsch → Bass amplification systems Patrick O’Hearn → Studio/live bass rigs