Carvin Bx1200

Features galore on this amp. Semi-parametric and 9-band graphic EQ sections. Footswitchable mute, graphic eq, and effects loop (any two of those three). Crossover can be used if using two cabs (Lo and Hi). Contour, Drive, and Compressor controls. XLR output includes Pre/Post EQ option as well as Ground/Lift. Tuner output on back of amp is a nice feature because I can plug directly from my bass into the amp's Input jack. Weighs about 23 pounds without the case (included), and the head is rackmountable. As for power...

- RMS 8 ohm 275W/ch, 4 ohm 400W/ch, 2ohm 600W/ch
- 8 ohms Bridge 800W, 4 ohms Bridge 1200W

I've been using this amp with my Yamaha BB3000MA bass, which is a passive bass equipped with P/J pickups. The cab is a Low Down Sound 15/6.5 featuring an Eminence Kappa Lite 3015LF 15" and 18 Sound 6ND410 6.5" midrange driver. My band plays mostly Rock covers ranging from Sabbath and Zeppelin to Poison and J. Geils Band to STP and Pearl Jam to Finger Eleven and Theory of a Deadman. Add a little Blues, Funk, R&B, etc. and there ya go. Overall, I'd say this amp is working very well for my needs. I'd call this amp a bit bright with a lot of clarity especially when compared to my Peavey Pro Bass 500 (less clarity with a bit more low end). Some might find it a bit harsh or shrill at 1kHz (upper mids), but, again, there are plenty of EQ options if you need to cut those frequencies. In my band's mix, this amp seems to sit just about perfectly with minimal EQ. In fact, most of the time, any EQing I do is simply for personal taste based on which song I'm playing. Boost at about 500Hz for more aggressive Rock tone, Boost at 200Hz for a bit more low end when I don't need to sound so aggressive, and I generally use the Drive control dimed. The Drive just adds more harmonic content which makes it sound a little gritty. I wouldn't call it overdrive or distortion at all. I engage the graphic EQ via the optional footswitch when I need a good Slap tone. The Contour control can also be used if that is preferred. I usually only use the Contour control when I need just a little for a song like "Santeria" by Sublime.

I do have a backup amp just because you never know. Plus, I've only had this amp for about a week, so this is a preliminary review. I have used it for two gigs so far, and no problems so far. It does seem to get a bit warm after my 4 hours gigs, though.

I haven't had to use Customer Support. They do respond to e-mails, although it takes about 2 days. Their online forum can be somewhat helpful.

I've been playing for about 14 years, and I'm using the gear I already mentioned. I have a 5-string coming soon, so maybe I'll post an update in a few months and mention how the amp sounds with those additional lower notes. For the price, this amp has some amazing features and lots of headroom. I run it bridged into a single 8 ohm cab, and it's way more than I'll probably ever need. I love the head's versatility. It might be better if they could make it a bit less shrill at about 1 kHz. Maybe they could also add a tube preamp with a Gain/Overdrive control. Comparing it to my Peavey Pro Bass 500 head, the BX1200 is brighter with more clarity, but it sits quite well in a mix. The Peavey doesn't have the same clarity and has a bit more low end.

TONS of features, but without being usless feature at that. Multiple ways to utilize this amplifier. 3 stages of EQ. Sounds cumbersome, but reacts quite well to subtle touched and great for multible basses. I personally play two to three basses during the length of a set and LOVE the ability to configure the Graphic EQ to boost a more quiet instrument to match the level of my hottest guitar. My main bass is a Spector Euro 4LX-EX-35 and it is HOT. I Also use an MTD Artist 5 string, and an MTD KZ6 fretless. This EQ feature makes it a piece of cake to switch during a set. I also love the built in crossover for biamping. Sounds great on the low end.

Ok this is what really blew mw away. I purchsaed this as a backup amp to have enough power to match my main amp. I was using an Ampeg SVT6Pro and loved it. I have had to replace a couple of 1/4" jacks due to giggin. I got my BX1200 two days agoabout 5 minutes before rehearsal. Pulled it out of the box and set it right on top of my rack so i could mess around with it beforehand. Well i plugged in the power, plugged in the speaker cables and plugged in my bass adn WOW. THIS thing is a TONE MACHINE. After extremely brief tweaking of the drive and contour knob, i was in love. Sounds sooooo much more clear than my Ampeg, but still has lots of warmth. SUPER SUPER lound too, by the way. I had my SVT6 on at about 11:00 for usual practice (which is still pretty loud) and the carvin is on 2, which is about 9:00. AMAZING. Ive had no problems with clipping form the super hot Spector and the sound running the effects loops is awesome. I use LOTS of effects from time to time, but still love a smooth dry sound most often. This amp is definately capable of satisfying anyone's tone desires.

Dont really know about this. I will say the thing seems very rugged and sturdy, plus, made in the good ole US of A. Im sure it will last quite some time with proper care.

I have never had any problems with Carvin and have purchase many things from them in the past. I will likely be a long time Carvin Customer.

I cant belive this thing was have the price of my Ampeg and sounds better and has more power to boot! UNBELIEVABLE VALUE

wow! alot of features!
Advanced Equalization - three EQ sections
??? Active Passive front panel input gain switch
??? 5-band three sweep tone control section
??? 9-band foot switch able graphic EQ
??? Single knob silent Optical compressor with auto limiter
??? Internal crossover for bi-amping
??? Preamp DRIVE and MASTER volume controls
??? XLR Direct out with Level, ground lift & pre-post preamp controls
??? Effects loop Switch able by front panel or FS22 footswitch
??? Tune output jack independent of mute switch.
??? High-current Spekon connectors
??? RMS 225W @ 8 ohms, 400W @ 4 ohms, 600W @ 2 ohms
??? 800W 8 ohm bridge, 1200W 4 ohm bridge
??? THD less than .03% at 90% output.
??? Freq. Resp.: 20-20k Hz
??? Dual speed fan
??? Active Passive input (-10DB)
??? 5.7 inches high x 21.6 inches wide x 12 inches deep
??? Weight: 23 lbs.
??? Made in San Diego, California
need i say more!

i am using this puppy with my dr bass BL310 and what can i say! it gives me everything i need ( granted i bought mine used from ebay and the bass knob didn't work,but the graphic eq easily compensated for that!!)it gives me all the power i can handle. plenty of headroom. i do find it a tad bit harsh on the high mids, but other than that its a really goo bass amp.

i haven't had the amp long, and even though the amp was used it was in excellent condition. but only time will tell. it does look well built though.

i haven't dealt with them and i hope not to...

i think i got a great buy. i would have gotten it new but it just so happens it was on eBay at the time. i think its a great value. good sound, very flexible, and great price point. im not sure i would but another one if i lost it, only because i would like to have an eden wt-800! but nonetheless its a great amp.