Carvin BX500

Bought this in May, 2009 as a replacement for my old (read ancient) pre-amp/power amp setup that weighed about 60 lbs! This amp weighs in an a nice 5-6 lbs, so it's very easy to pick up, weighs about the same as my wah pedal, I think. Has a bunch of features, mainly the two equalization sections. It has a parametric eq first, with a bass and treble control, and two parametric mid controls (they let you change the frequency at which you boost or cut). In addition to that, it has a switchable 9-band graphic eq, with well-located frequencies, in my opinion. It also has an easy-to-use single-knob compressor that works pretty well without drastically altering your tone, if you use it reasonably. Also has a mute switch, which silences the amp, except for the tuner out (handy), and active/passive switch, a contour knob (scoops the mids), and effects loop, XLR DI with it's own level control, a tube bypass switch (which bypasses the single 12AX7 preamp tube), a ground-lift switch, and a tuner out. Nothing really fancy, but all very useful.

The drive knob is also a feature of its own. It functions more as a modified gain knob than anything else. At 0, there is still a signal passing through, it's like having a traditional gain knob at 3 or so. As you turn it up, it adds a bit of treble and upper-midrange tones to the sound, which I like. As you turn it up past 5 or so (depending on your bass and setup etc.) you'll get a little bit of overdrive, but not much. I use the amp with a single 4 ohm 2x12 cab, so this thing pumps all its available power into it, and it's really, really loud. With the drive at 7, and the master at 4, it's loud enough for gigs and everything.

I use a passive Jazz Bass and an Avatar 2x12 with this amp, and I get an awesome, slightly trebly growl out of this amp, with a solid low end. This amp definitely lends itself toward more modern, bright tones, which is exactly what I want. The two eq's give you a lot of tonal shaping options. With the drive knob at 7, it distorts just a tiny bit, mainly on chords and low notes, which is exactly what I want, and it sounds great. The DI also has a pretty good tone, but it is not affected by either eq, which is one of my only complaints about this amp. The compressor, at low to medium settings, does a great job at evening out the volume, without squashing your tone. At high settings, it still works pretty well, but takes some of the life out of your tone. Overall, I'm very, very pleased with the sound of this amp with my setup.

I haven't had it that long, and have only gigged with it once. One nice thing, though, is that if your tube blows, you can bypass it with a switch on the back of the amp. I've messed with that switch, and it really doesn't change your tone anyway. I would use this without a backup live, and am planning to.

Haven't had to deal with them. The warranty is nice though, and they give you a 10-day period from when you get the amp to return it, no questions asked.

This amp is light, small, powerful, and has great tone. And the price is great too. There's really nothing bad I have to say about this amp, with the sole exception of the DI. I would really prefer the DI to be affected by the EQ's, or at least have a switch to make the DI pre or post-eq. But that's a minor issue, and I'm very pleased with this amp.

Bought in 2009.This is Carvin's new entry into the light weight class D bass amp playing field.This amp was introduced at the NAMM show in January.Very nice features and arranged well front and back.12Ax7 tube in pre amp section that is switchable in and out on the back panel.Drive control,treble,bass,2 seperate parametric mid controls,contour control,compressor,active/passive switch,mute switch,9 band EQ.and a master volume.DI volume on front panel,speakon and phono speaker outs, footswitch on back.

You can dial in any tone you want,can be very punchy or a very warm some what tube sound.You can switch the EQ in and out so it is like having 2 channels.Carvin's EQ sections are adequate,but not as good as say a ampeg svp pro.The contour conrol is a nice option for a flat to a scooped sound.The compressor is easy to use and sounds really nice for being on board.Having 2 seperate parametric mid controls is key on this amp,it give you a wide range of mids.Funk,slap,blues rock,jazz etc... any style you want it will do it.I use Musicman stingray and bongo 5's.Carvin 2x10 and 4x10 cabs and sometimes both cabs together.Very impessive amp at low and hi volumes.And by the way it is dead quiet.Alsothe fan is very quiet

The build quality is very good.I own a R600 combo,never had a problem for over 12 years.Can't say the same for my R1000 it is noisy and runs real hot.I have played this BX500 for hours and is does not get hot at all.So far so good,but to new to rate.

I 've had good CS with Carvin,I twisted a trussrod off in one of there basses once,they built me a new bass no questions asked,It was even out of warranty.A very well run company and all made right out in San Diego.They stand behind ther products.

Been playing 40 + years and I've used a lot of gear,this pro gear that is light weight( 5 lbs.)Nice features,great sound (love the punch) at a VERY affordable price,plus a 10 day free trial period,if you don't like it send it back,which is something I will NOT be doing!

Made in USA. 300w-500w Tube (12AX7) pre, solid stade D-tech power amp. WEIGHS ONLY 5.5 pounds! It has a direct out with variable volume for DI, 2 ohm switch, graphic eq can be enabled/defeated by a switch or footswitch (can be used to re-shape your sound or as a 2nd channel, or as a boost.

I have been playing for over 20 years. OOver the years I have used almost every brand out there. I also was a manufacturer's rep for over 50 companies for several years...so I am familiar with music gear. THIS AMP ROCKS! I was able to dial in my sound (vintage blues/classic rock) immediately. I play a Dean Jeff Berlin with passive Bartolinis. My friend borrowed it for a gig to replace (for one night) his Ampeg...he loved it. He plays a much more progressive style and uses a pick (I use fingers). He was able to dial in his sound quickly. the amp was loud for its wattage, and clear as a bell.

Not sure since it's so new, but I have been running it hard for a few weeks and it hasn't failed yet. By this point (in the past) I had already been dissapointed with amps from GK, Ashdown, Peavey, Ampeg, Trace Elliot, and Fender....and smoked the GK.

Carvin was/is always very friendly and helpful. I wish that some of the pricing was more clear...the catalog and website seems to conflict from time to time, but the equipment is good qualilty.

I own too much gear to list (I own a recording studio, a music lesson studio, a full pa rig, etc...) My main bass is my Jeff Berlin Dean bass.

If it were stolen I would definately buy another...as soon as I stopped crying!