1997

The DCM Series (Direct Current Millennium) represents one of the most significant professional audio introductions in the 1997 catalog. Replacing the prior-year emphasis on the F-Series, the DCM line was developed as a high-output, tour-capable amplifier platform combining toroidal power supplies, Speakon connectivity, modular serviceability, advanced protection circuitry, and high-current output stages. The series was designed for portable PA systems, installed sound, monitor systems, and large-format reinforcement applications where reliability, cooling efficiency, and clean power delivery were critical. The lineup consists of the DCM1500 and DCM2000, both intended as the backbone for larger Carvin loudspeaker and subwoofer systems.

• New flagship amplifier family for 1997
• Direct Current Millennium (DCM) architecture
• Designed for touring and professional reinforcement systems
• Toroidal transformers
• Speakon speaker output connectors
• Modular construction for easier servicing
• Opto limiter protection
• Thermal protection circuitry
• Short-circuit protection
• No-load protection
• Forced-air cooling system
• Multi-speed cooling fans
• Balanced XLR inputs
• Ground lift switch
• Parallel input capability
• Bridge mono operation
• Compatible with TR Series loudspeakers and SW1802 subwoofers
• Intended for high-power FOH and monitor applications

The HT (High Energy Transfer) Series remains the foundation of the Carvin power amplifier lineup in 1997 and serves as the bridge between portable sound systems and larger professional reinforcement applications. While the new DCM Series receives significant attention, the HT amplifiers continue to provide dependable power for Clubmate, Showcase, DX console, monitor, and loudspeaker packages throughout the catalog. The range spans compact installations through larger bi-amplified and tri-amplified systems.

• High Energy Transfer amplifier design
• Wide power range from portable systems to large PA applications
• Toroidal power transformers
• High-current output stages
• Bridge mode operation
• Balanced XLR inputs
• Ground lift switch
• Fan-cooled operation
• Designed for continuous-duty professional use
• Used extensively throughout packaged sound systems
• Supports monitor, FOH, and crossover-based systems
• Frequently paired with DX Series mixers
• Often used in bi-amp and tri-amp configurations
• Proven platform continuing from previous catalogs
• Serves as the core amplifier family beneath the new DCM line

The TR Series expands Carvin's move toward trapezoidal professional reinforcement enclosures. Designed for higher-output applications than the standard 1584 and 1588 cabinets, the TR family combines roadworthy construction, horn-loaded high-frequency sections, and flexible system configuration. The series is centered on the TR1503 three-way loudspeaker and the TR1801 subwoofer, allowing users to assemble scalable reinforcement systems for clubs, churches, theaters, portable production, and regional touring applications.

• Professional trapezoidal enclosure design
• Intended for larger reinforcement applications
• Three-way system architecture in TR1503
• Dedicated subwoofer support through TR1801
• Compatible with active crossover systems
• Designed for bi-amplified and tri-amplified operation
• Heavy-duty plywood construction
• Duratuff II protective covering
• High-frequency horn compression driver
• Portable yet roadworthy cabinet construction
• Stackable and array-friendly cabinet shape
• Frequently paired with DCM and HT power amplifiers
• Used in DX2442 packaged professional sound systems
• Suitable for clubs, churches, theaters, and touring applications

The SW1802 is one of the major loudspeaker additions highlighted in the 1997 catalog. Developed as a dedicated high-output subwoofer, it extends the low-frequency capability of Carvin's larger sound reinforcement systems and complements the TR1503, 1584, and 1588 loudspeaker families. By utilizing a dual 18-inch configuration, the SW1802 delivers substantially greater bass output and low-frequency extension than single-cabinet systems, making it well suited for live music, dance applications, large venues, and outdoor reinforcement.

• New dual 18-inch subwoofer system
• Designed for high-output low-frequency reinforcement
• Intended for large-format sound systems
• Extends bass response beyond standard full-range cabinets
• Ideal for live music and high-SPL applications
• Works with active crossover systems
• Complements TR1503 loudspeaker systems
• Compatible with DCM and HT amplifier platforms
• Heavy-duty enclosure construction
• Road-ready design
• Suitable for clubs, theaters, churches, festivals, and portable production
• Forms the foundation of Carvin's largest PA system configurations in the 1997 catalog
• One of the most significant new loudspeaker products introduced for the 1997 model year

The RL6815 Cyclops is one of the strongest bass amplification statements in the 1997 catalog. Carvin describes it as a bi-amped monster built around the R600 Redline bass head, a heavy-duty 15-inch woofer, two 8-inch midrange drivers, and the RedEye compression horn driver in a custom-tuned bi-amped enclosure. The result is a self-contained professional bass combo that preserves the Redline system idea but compresses it into a transportable cabinet. The catalog specifically ties Bunny Brunel to the RL6815 Cyclops, noting that his acoustic upright bass through the Cyclops produced a rich acoustic tone at the 1997 Grammy Awards telecast.

• Bi-amped bass combo
• Built around the R600 Redline bass head
• 15-inch woofer
• Two 8-inch midrange drivers
• RedEye compression horn driver
• Custom-tuned bi-amped enclosure
• 600-watt RMS amp platform
• Designed for club-filling bass while still fitting in a trunk or back seat
• Optional cover, footswitch, and removable casters
• Strong artist association with Bunny Brunel

The RL410T RedEye is the high-output top cabinet at the center of Carvin’s Redline bass systems. It is presented as the cabinet that supplies the articulation, snap, and upper-register clarity for bi-amped R600 rigs, especially when paired with an RL115 or RL118 low-frequency cabinet. The catalog’s system packages show the RL410T in the RL615 and RL618 bi-amped bass systems, where it works above the low cabinet while the R600 handles crossover and power distribution. The RL410T is also referenced in the PB100-10 copy because that compact combo uses the same heavy-duty PS10 10-inch woofer family featured in the RedEye cabinet.

• RedEye bass speaker enclosure
• Used as the upper cabinet in bi-amped Redline systems
• Paired with RL115 in RL615 system
• Paired with RL118 in RL618 system
• Designed for strong attack, midrange articulation, and slap/acoustic bass detail
• Includes high-frequency horn / tweeter control context
• Connected to the PS10 driver family used in PB100-10
• Artist use: Dave Roe uses R600 into RL410T and RL115; Ed Friedland is tied to R600 with RL410T / RL210T in the prior-year Redline rollout

The RL118 is the larger low-frequency partner in the Redline cabinet family. In 1997 it appears as the low cabinet in the RL618 bi-amped bass system, paired with the RL410T and powered by the R600 head. Its role is deep, extended bass support beneath the upper RedEye cabinet, giving the Redline system a larger low-end platform than the RL115 pairing. The catalog positions the RL118 for players who need greater bottom-end reach while keeping the modular Redline architecture: R600 head, top cabinet, low cabinet, and cabling

• 18-inch Redline low-frequency bass cabinet
• Used in the RL618 bi-amped bass system
• Pairs with RL410T as the upper cabinet
• Driven by R600 Redline head
• Built for deeper bass reinforcement than the RL115 system
• Part of the modular Redline architecture
• Optional cover and casters appear in system accessory listings

The MP210T represents one of the most versatile loudspeaker designs in the 1997 catalog, bridging the gap between traditional stage monitors and full-range reinforcement systems. Carvin markets the MP210T as a multi-purpose enclosure capable of functioning as a floor monitor, side-fill monitor, small PA loudspeaker, speech reinforcement cabinet, keyboard monitor, or acoustic instrument system. Its trapezoidal cabinet design and dual-purpose orientation allow it to be deployed in a wide variety of live sound environments without requiring dedicated monitor and FOH cabinets. Positioned alongside the TR Series and Pro Series loudspeakers, the MP210T provides a compact but professional solution for users who need flexibility, portability, and full-range performance in a single enclosure. The catalog also offers packaged MP210T systems powered by HT760 and DCM1500 amplifiers, demonstrating Carvin's emphasis on scalable sound reinforcement systems built around common loudspeaker platforms.

• Multi-purpose loudspeaker and monitor system
• Designed for both floor monitor and front-of-house applications
• Trapezoidal enclosure for flexible placement
• Full-range sound reinforcement capability
• Suitable for:
• Stage monitoring
• Keyboard monitoring
• Acoustic instrument amplification
• Speech reinforcement
• Portable PA systems
• Side-fill applications
• Compact alternative to larger TR Series systems
• Compatible with HT Series and DCM Series amplifiers
• Available in packaged monitor systems:
• CVSMP210-2 (dual monitor package)
• CVSMP210-4 (four-monitor package)
• Works with active crossover and EQ systems
• Designed for touring, church, club, school, and portable production use
• Roadworthy construction with professional-grade components
• One of the catalog's most flexible loudspeaker solutions, capable of serving multiple roles within the same sound system setup