Page 1
THREE BAND
CHANNEL TONE
CONTROLS
PAD
GAIN
MIDLOW
MIC
PRE
CHANNEL
FADER
LEFT
TAPE IN
RCA
PAN
RIGHT
CHANNELS
line pad
(-16dB)
PHONES
LEVEL
PHONES
OUTPUT
RIGHTLEFTEFFECTS RETURN
3L - 3R
HI
RETURN 3
LEVEL
L - R
METERS
INSERT
MIC
LINE
LO
CUT MUTE
PFL
MON 4MON 1
LEFT & RIGHT
BAL OUT
HEADPHONE
AND METER
SWITCHES
L - R
LEFT
RIGHT
EFF 1
EFF 2 PFL
MON 1 - 4LEVEL
LEFT FADERS
GROUP 1
MUTE
TAPE OUT
GROUP 2
GROUP 3
GROUP 4
MON
2-3
MON 3
MON 4MON 1
MON 2
GROUPS 1 - 4
1 - 4 BAL TRS
BAL TRS
SWITCH TO
GRAPHIC EQ
RIGHT
Æ’REQ EFF
1-2
LEFT
RIGHT EFFECTS RETURN
4L - 4R TAPE IN
RTN 4
LEVEL
SWITCH TO
GRAPHIC EQ
MON 1 & 2 ONLY
PFL
MONO MONO
BAL OUT
RIGHTLEFT
ASSIGN
EFF SNDS
1 & 2 DSP x 2
MON 1 - 4
TO
L & R
TO
MONS 1 - 3
FADERS
LEFT
RIGHT
EFF 1
EFF 2PFL
GROUP 1
GROUP 2
GROUP 3
GROUP 4
MON 3
MON 4MON 1
MON 2
SIG PEAK
STEREO IN 1
IN 2
SOURCE
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA C844, C1644, C2444, C3244 4-BUS MIXER OPERATING MANUAL
12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
(800) 854-2235 www.carvin.com
76-02400 1001
CONCERT SERIES SPECIFICATIONS:
Mic Input:Balanced XLR, Mic Imp. 150-„¦
Line Input:Balanced 1/4 Jack Imp. 10k/20k bal.
Frequency Response:Mic or Line Inputs: 20Hz-20KHz ±1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:Less than .01%
Equivalent Input Noise:150 ohm source: -117dBu
Output Noise:less than -90dBu Master Line Out
Output Headroom:+28dB XLR bal, +20dB 1/4 unbal.
Maximum Gain:Mic in to Master Line Out: 74dB
Crosstalk:Adjacent channels: -60db at 1KHz
Common Mode Rejection:-75db at 1KHz
Phantom Power:All XLR Mic in (channel groups of 8)
Channel EQ.:3 band active,LOW: 80Hz ±15dB
MID: 100Hz to 5kHz ±15dB
HI: 11.5KHz ±15dB
9 Band Graphic EQ.:±12dB 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 16k
Power:90 to 250VAC 50-60Hz, 20 to 50VA
Size:C844: 14.25D x 14.5W x 3.25H
C1644: 14.25D x 22.25W x 3.25H
C2444: 14.25D x 30W x 3.25H
C3244: 14.25D x 38.1W x 3.25H
C1644 BLOCK DIAGRAM
C1644
CONCERT 44 SERIES Never before have so many features been packed into such a rugged, compact, American
made mixer. The best feature of the Concert 44 Series is the sound. Sound that is pure and quiet enough for
your digital recording studio! Everything is logically laid out making the powerful features simple to use and
the compact size makes it a breeze to carry. The knobs are not micro size, making adjustments quick and
easy - and the visible pointers show you the status of your mix at a glance. The C844, C1644, C2444 and
C3244 feature 8 to 32 channels with true 4-bus performance.
TRUE 4-BUS DESIGN The Concert 44 Series offers increased mixing flexibility over standard stereo
consoles by letting you assign channels to one of the 4 sub groups or L/R. This allows you to mix the
entire drum, horn, choir section, etc. into one sub group fader, which feeds the L/R faders. This is
an easy way to control the volume of grouped mics or inputs. If you dont need subgrouping, you can
depress the L/R channel button and the channel goes directly into the L/R output like a standard stereo
console. All 4 sub group outputs have balanced outputs for long cable runs.
TWO EFFECT SENDS / TWO 24-BIT EFFECT PROCESSORS Two built-in 24-Bit effects, each offering
256 stereo effects, is a first in a 4-bus mixing console. Since there are two, you no longer have to
choose between that great vocal reverb with delay and that awesome guitar chorus - you can have
both! Each processor offers lush REVERBS, rich CHORUSES, thick textured FLANGING and pristine
ECHOES with fully adjustable parameters for damping, decay, depth, speed, time and regeneration.
Both processors can be sent back into the monitor mix so the performers can hear exactly what the
audience is hearing.
FOUR MONITOR SENDS Every channel can access any of the 4 MONITOR mixes while still having
access to 2 EFFECTS. The MONITOR 4-ALT EFF2 control not only sends to the MONITOR 4 output but
also sends to the EFFECTS 2 processor for two simultaneous effects per channel. All 4 monitor sends
are balanced.
3 BAND EQ/MID SWEEP The superb EQ system gives extended 15 dB boost and cut tone shaping. The
LOW frequency control builds bass response starting with 20 Hz through 80 Hz for a solid non-flabby
bass. The exclusive offset of the MID FREQ. control ends the confusion of selecting your mid frequency
from 100 Hz to 5kHz. The MID cut and boost control adjusts the gain to the perfect mid-dip or boost
curve to enhance all instruments and vocals. The 11.5k Hz HI treble control adds sparkle to your top-
end without adding harshness. Both the LOW and HI are shelving, which means they are effective
from 20 Hz and up to 20k Hz. The LO CUT switch eliminates stage rumble or other unwanted low fre-
quencies that would normally rob power from your woofers.
TWO 9 BAND EQUALIZERS Precision equalizers provide precise 1 octave adjustments to tune in your
overall sound and control feedback. Unlike one stereo equalizer, two independent 9 bands offers total
flexibility. With two convenient buttons, you can assign either EQ to the R/L outputs or to the 1/2 mon-
itor outputs. Center frequencies are 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k & 16k Hz.
RECEIVING INSPECTION-read before getting startedINSPECT YOUR MIXER FOR ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If any damage
is found, please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.
SAVE THE CARTON & ALL PACKING MATERIALS. In the event you have to re-ship your unit, always
use the original carton and packing material. This will provide the best possible protection during
shipment. CARVIN and the shipping company are not liable for any damage caused by improper
packing.
SAVE YOUR INVOICE. It will be required for warranty service if needed in the future.
SHIPMENT SHORTAGE. If you find items missing, they may have been shipped separately. Please
allow several days for the rest of your order to arrive before inquiring.
RECORD THE SERIAL NUMBER on the enclosed warranty card or below on this manual for your
records. Keep your portion of the card and return the portion with your name and comments to us.
CHANNEL FEATURES Every channel has a full balanced XLR and LINE (1/4) preamp with an
INSERT jack for a compressor or EQ that also serves as a DIRECT OUT when plugged half way.
The PAN control directs the channel into the L/R output or any of the 4 sub groups after depress-
ing the appropriate ASSIGN switches. A PFL (pre fader listen) switch allows you to hear the
channel before the fader is turned up in the headphones. A solid on condition of the PEAK
led indicates that the MUTE switch has been activated which turns the channel off including all
monitor and effect sends. When flashing during use, the PEAK led also lets you know when to
adjust the channels GAIN control to prevent channel overloading. The SIGNAL led lets you know
that a signal is coming through the channel starting at -“20 dBu. A silky smooth 60mm audio taper
FADER delivers professional fade-outs. The PHANTOM power switches provide power through
the XLR connectors for use with condenser mics like the Carvin CM90E in groups of 8 channels.
MASTER FEATURES Each of the 4 SUB GROUP faders can be switched to the R/L outputs or used
independently through their own balanced output jacks. Each of the sub groups PFL switches
allow you to listen to the sub groups in your headphones before it is turned up. The R/L MAIN
output faders are independent for added flexibility over a single stereo fader. A MONO control
sums both the R/L outputs together for a center, side fill or subwoofer output. The stereo HEAD-
PHONE control tracks the METER switches which allow you to look and listen from the L/R, MONO,
MONITOR 1/2 and 3/4 outputs and channel PFL switches. The master section also features 2
EFFECT SENDS, 4 RETURNS and RCA TAPE IN/OUT jacks. All 4 SUB GROUPS, 4 MONITORS,
XLR L/R and MONO outputs are balanced. A FOOT SWITCH jack turns both effects processors
on or off remotely with the optional FS22 foot switch.
SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY Our exclusive 125k Hz switching power supply eliminates trans-
former noise. Like a laptop computer, go anywhere in the world and not worry about power
because you can run on any voltage from 90 to 250VAC.
SUPERB SOUND State-of-the-art low impedance, low noise preamps are featured on every chan-
nel. The balanced common mode rejection is better than 70 dB to eliminate cable noise. All
main outputs are balanced to guard against system noise. The near theoretical limit on distor-
tion has been achieved with THD below .01% to guarantee the purity of your sound, ensuring it
will be dynamically open and transparent.
ENGINEERED TO LAST Hidden deep in the heart of these USA made mixers is the SMT construc-
tion that utilizes surface mounted components to prevent malfunctions caused by vibrations. Sealed
controls and switches guard against the outside elements while heavy-duty jacks provide a posi-
tive connection to your cables. Fire retardant FR-4 military spec circuit cards feature double-sided
copper to eliminate radio frequency interference. Precision 1% tolerance components guaran-
tee your settings will be accurate every time. The Concert 44 Series is built to strict standards.
For your records, you may wish to record the following information. Serial No._________________________ InvoiceDate___________
Optional Accessories:C844: CB800 Heavy padded bag FS22foot switch for all models C1644: CB1600 Heavy padded bagAN1600 Anvil -„¢hard case C2444: CB2400 Heavy padded bagAN2400 Anvil -„¢hard case C3244: AN3200 Anvil -„¢hard case
Page 2
C44 SERIES CONTROLS
CHANNEL FEATURES
1. 1/4 LINE INPUTS
The line connectors are for connecting balanced and unbal-
anced instruments and line level sources such as drum
machines, keyboards, ETC.
2. XLR MIC INPUTS
The balanced Mic inputs are for connecting microphones that
use XLR connections. Both the LINE and XLR MIC inputs can
be used simultaneously.
3. CHANNEL INSERT/CHANNEL DIRECT OUT
To insert channel effects, compressor, etc. use a 1/4 TRS (Tip
Ring Sleeve) cable (see INSERTS AND DIRECT OUTillustration
on page 5 for TRS details). To achieve a direct out from the chan-
nel, insert a standard 1/4 cable to the first click (1/2 insert).
4. GAIN
The GAINcontrols the input level for the channel. If the GAIN
is set too high, the PEAK LED will flash and distortion may
occur. Decrease the amount of GAINuntil the PEAK LED does
not flash. It is important that the gain control should be kept
right under the PEAKLED flash point to maintain the lowest
noise performance of the channel. You can use the channel
PFLswitch to monitor the channel input level and use the
meters to adjust the GAIN control to 0dB. This will give you
a good reference point where the GAINcontrol should be set.
5. LOW CUT SWITCH
A 75 Hz LOW CUTfilter helps eliminate unwanted low fre-
quencies. Great for reducing boom noise from mic stands
or from acoustic/electric guitars. Turning up the LOWEQ when
using this filter can help create a punchier bass response.
6. ACTIVE 3 BAND EQ
The C44 SERIESmixers provide studio EQ. The ±15 dB boost
or cut gives an overall 30 dB range for powerful EQ control.
The active circuits deliver deep bass from the 20-80 Hz LOW
control. The MIDcontrol works at 100Hz to 5kHz, depend-
ing on the MID FREQcontrol. The HIcontrol functions at 11-
20k for crisp highs.
Start out with all tone controls at their center zero posi-
tion. Determine which position your MID FREQsounds best,
then cut or boost your HI, MID, and LOWfrequencies as
needed. If you are trying to mic instruments such as acoustic
guitar or drums, try various mics and mic placement before
adjusting your tone controls. A typical setting may be: HI +6,
MID -4(MID FREQset at 700Hz), and LOW +4. Dont be afraid
to push the HI and LOW controls to get good presence and
depth while reducing the MIDs to clean up your sound. This
is the key to great sound.
7. MID SWEEP
This control allows you to select which frequency (from 100Hz
to 5kHz) that the MIDcontrol will boost or cut. Instruments
and singers have various tonal qualities. By adjusting the MID
FREQ, you can select the exact frequency that will best com-
plement these various inputs. 700Hz is a recommended set-
ting for the MID FREQ control for guitar and vocals.8. 9. 10. MONITOR 1 THRU 4 CONTROLS
The channel MONITOR controls allow you to create four inde-
pendent monitor mixes. The MONITORsignals (pre-EQ, pre
fader) are routed to the master MON 1, 2, 3and 4controls
(#24) respectively before going to the output connectors (#39).
To start, use MON 1. The MON 2/MON 3control will send
either to MON 2or MON 3. The center position is OFF. The
MON 4-ALT EFF 2not only sends to the MON 4out but also
to the EFF2if the EFF2/MON 4switch (#21) is selected in the
master EFFECTS 2 processor. This provides two simultane-
ous effects per channel and the use of MON 4.11. EFF 1/EFF 2 CONTROL
The EFF 1/2control will send a signal to EFFECTS 1or
EFFECTS 2and to theEFF 1-2 jacks (#36). The center posi-
tion is OFF. If BOTH effects are desired simultaneously for
all channels, press the MASTER EFFECTS 2 SOURCE
EFF2/MON4switch (# 21) and use the MON 4channel send,
which will also send to the MON 4output (#39).
12. PAN CONTROL
Each channelsPANcontrol allows stereo imaging by panning
Left or Right during recordings or live performances. The PAN
control also works for the sub-mix groups. A center posi-
tion will send a channels signal to a pair of sub-group faders
(1-2, 3-4when assigned). By panning hard left, the signal is
routed to only sub-group fader 1 or 3 when assigned. Panning
hard right routes the signal to sub-mix fader 2 or 4. Dual ele-
ment pan controls provide 15dB greater separation than
standard pan controls.
13. CHANNEL SIGNAL GREEN LED
The SIGNAL LEDis pre-fader and post EQ. This LED helps the
operator verify that the channel is receiving a signal from the
mic or instrument inputs even when the channel fader is off.
14. CHANNEL PEAK RED LED
This peak indicator is pre-fader and post EQ. If the PEAK LED
flashes, the channel needs a reduction with the GAIN control
(#4)to prevent distortion. A solid lit PEAK LED indicates that
the channel has been MUTED.
C844, C1644, C2444 & C3244 4-BUS MIXERS
QUICK START UP
If youre like most new owners, youre probably in a hurry
to plug your mixer in and use it. Here are some brief instruc-
tions to get you going quickly. With the mixer unplugged and
the unit turned off, complete the following procedures:
1. CONNECTING AC POWER TO YOUR MIXER
- The mixer can be used with 120 or 240VAC (it automati-
cally switches internally)
- Use only a grounded (3 prong) power outlet to prevent a
shock hazard. This gives the quietest grounding for your mixer.
2. CONNECTING INPUTS TO YOUR MIXER
- For low level balanced devices such as microphones, plug
into the balanced MICinputs using a shielded microphone
cable with XLR connectors.- For high level balanced or unbalanced devices such as
instruments & keyboards, plug into the LINEinput jacks using
a shielded cable with 1/4 phone plugs. Adjust the GAINknob
for the mic or line input being used.
3. TURNING YOUR MIXER ON
- Adjust all channel FADERS and master LEVELcontrols to
their OFF
positions
- Adjust all channels HI, MID, and BASScontrols and the
two master 9 Band GRAPHICSto their center
position.
- Adjust the Channel PANcontrols to their centerposition.
- Turn the mixer on by the rear panel POWER SWITCH
and watch for the POWERLED. Your mixer is now ready
to operate.
PHANTOM
/ /
CONCERT SERIES C1644
LR
0
1-8 POWER
1
1
LINE 1
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
2
2
LINE 2
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
3
3
LINE 3
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
4
4
LINE 4
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
5
5
LINE 5
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
6
6
LINE 6
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
7
7
LINE 7
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
8
8
8
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
9
9
LINE 9
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
10
10
LINE10
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
11
11
LINE11
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
12
12
LINE12
MIC
INSERT
MIDHI
C
LR
0
0
0
PA N
PEAKSIG 0105
0105
2/3 MON
4 MON
EFF
1/21 MON
050
GAIN LO
CUT
PFL MUTE
3-4
1-2
L-R OFF
MON
3 MON 29 96 63 3
OFF
EFF
2 EFF 19 96 63 3
LOW
FREQ
EFFALT
2
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
100 5k1k
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
13
13
LINE13
MIC
INSERT
C
LR
0
0
0
PEAS 0105
0105
050
GAIN
OFF
M MON
29 63
OFF
E EFF
19 63
FREQ
0
-12
-24
-30
-50 +
12
+6
-6
+
15 -
15+
15 -
15
+
15 -
15
1
19
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
9
10
11
12
1314
15
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6
2
