Dave's 30-Day Carvin S600B Review

[earri]

Thanks Dave:

Fantastic review. Not sure I'm ready to let go of my Fishstick, but when/if I do, your thorough review has convinced me that this unit is presently where I would go next.

[jricc]

thanks for an excellent well-written review.

[gfa]

Thanks for taking the time to write a thoughtful review!

[necrome]

Originally Posted by NotValid

OK now your starting to kill my gas. lol
But I'm glad. This unit is overkill for what I need but the other options are not as desirable. Looking for a portable P.A Thats battery powered but sounds better than a Cube Street, etc. My other choice is the Laney AH4x4 but the lack of a proper EQ has me put off. What I would really like is the Carvin S600b but in a smaller package wattage wise (maybe even reduce the drivers by 1") but keep all the goodies like the 6 channel on board mixer. That would be a great from home to gig solution. The ultimate Buskers amp that doesn't sound like a cheap boxy busker amp. I would imagine there to be a big market for such a device. Or an updated S600 with a small room switch doohickey which attenuates it so it sounds good in a low volume small room setting.

I have an AH4x4 and thought it would be my solution for all my outdoor performing problems but it isn't. Previously, I was using a Roland AC-33 which I think just wasn't loud enough, and after switching to the AH4x4, I still find that not being loud enough. So I am bringing both of them out nowadays, with my mic and guitar going into the AC-33 (for EQ and tone) and then line out to the AH4x4 (for better reach and volume). The current setup irks me because I'm bringing more things than I'd like but it's been bringing me about 40% more income from busking probably due to the extra volume and reach. The combined weight is close to 11kg, which is what the Carvin weighs.

The S600B seems like the one-stop-solution for me at this point in time but I'm very reluctant to blow another substantial amount after just owning the AH4x4 for half a year. Just like what another sir mentioned, I'd really appreciate a slightly smaller/lighter version!

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by necrome

I have an AH4x4 and thought it would be my solution for all my outdoor performing problems but it isn't. Previously, I was using a Roland AC-33 which I think just wasn't loud enough, and after switching to the AH4x4, I still find that not being loud enough. So I am bringing both of them out nowadays, with my mic and guitar going into the AC-33 (for EQ and tone) and then line out to the AH4x4 (for better reach and volume). The current setup irks me because I'm bringing more things than I'd like but it's been bringing me about 40% more income from busking probably due to the extra volume and reach. The combined weight is close to 11kg, which is what the Carvin weighs.

The S600B seems like the one-stop-solution for me at this point in time but I'm very reluctant to blow another substantial amount after just owning the AH4x4 for half a year. Just like what another sir mentioned, I'd really appreciate a slightly smaller/lighter version!

Based on what you've noted, I don't think there is an equally powerful, self contained, battery operated unit that's any smaller or lighter. Once you set it in person, you'll realize how small it actually is.

Seems a shame to lose on a 6 month old investment. Perhaps you can can recoup some of that cost by reselling the AH4x4?


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[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by earri

Thanks Dave:



Fantastic review. Not sure I'm ready to let go of my Fishstick, but when/if I do, your thorough review has convinced me that this unit is presently where I would go next.

Earri, very good! Do note, however, that you'd probably want the S600B and another S648 stacked to get the full power from the amplifier. Just something to consider if you are budgeting. They sell them as a pair at a discount.


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[TheShadowKnows]

Dave,
You've truly raised the bar for show-n-tell / gigging with the gear, reviews. Most excellent!

My big problem is to chose between the S600 (no batt needed for me) and the brown 3-way guitar box AG300 Carvin makes. I guess I need to just go to the showroom with my axe in hand and turn it lose! (I live in San Diego)

I'm also considering an EV ZLX12P (12" 2 way PA speaker) with a GoRack micro-mixer. I don't really need onboard reverb or effects. Got a good TC Elec rack unit for that. I tried a mid-priced Martin into the EV and it sounded pretty amazing! Stuck it on a pole and it was amazing and higher.

I guess the question for you is, how's the coverage / dispersion of the S600B? The specs say 110 H x 40 V. In your real life usage, did it cover the area you hoped for? (typical P.A. speakers cover 100 H x 60 V)

[NotValid]

The thing that irks me about some of the other options (BA330,4X4, etc) is the lack of a proper 3 band EQ which should come as a standard option for musical applification instruments. Other wise they look like toys or student instruments. I think portable line array is the way of the future and its only a matter of time until more options come to the market making the BA330 and the like obsolete. Laney came really close with the 4x4. Thomann no longer carries this item (as of very recently) so maybe Laney is going to come out with an updated version? They just released the 4x4 last year. What Carvin could do is make a 50w version of the S600b with the possability to attenuate it to 10w or "eco" mode. Can even slant the box so it can act as a monitor for a full blown S600 P.A system. I hope Carvin is reading this. Lol

[necrome]

Originally Posted by NotValid

The thing that irks me about some of the other options (BA330,4X4, etc) is the lack of a proper 3 band EQ which should come as a standard option for musical applification instruments. Other wise they look like toys or student instruments. I think portable line array is the way of the future and its only a matter of time until more options come to the market making the BA330 and the like obsolete. Overnight. Laney came really close with the 4x4. Thomann no longer carries this item (as of very recently) so maybe Laney is going to come out with an updated version? They just released the 4x4 last year. What Carvin could do is make a 50w version of the S600b with the possability to attenuate it to 10w or "eco" mode. Can even slant the box so it can act as a monitor for a full blown S600 P.A system. I hope Carvin is reading this. Lol

Carvin ain't even reading my e-mails, and I'm wanting to give them my money!

[Marty C]

Thanks Dave. Great review. Sounds perfect for your purpose. Do you intend to use it as a stand alone or with your Play Acoustic?

Wonder why they don't make the acoustic amps with battery power as an option?

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by TheShadowKnows

Dave,

You've truly raised the bar for show-n-tell / gigging with the gear, reviews. Most excellent!



My big problem is to chose between the S600 (no batt needed for me) and the brown 3-way guitar box AG300 Carvin makes. I guess I need to just go to the showroom with my axe in hand and turn it lose! (I live in San Diego)



I'm also considering an EV ZLX12P (12" 2 way PA speaker) with a GoRack micro-mixer. I don't really need onboard reverb or effects. Got a good TC Elec rack unit for that. I tried a mid-priced Martin into the EV and it sounded pretty amazing! Stuck it on a pole and it was amazing and higher.



I guess the question for you is, how's the coverage / dispersion of the S600B? The specs say 110 H x 40 V. In your real life usage, did it cover the area you hoped for? (typical P.A. speakers cover 100 H x 60 V)

Thank you! The coverage is as advertised as far as I can tell. I would say perhaps even a little better horizontal.


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[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Marty C

Thanks Dave. Great review. Sounds perfect for your purpose. Do you intend to use it as a stand alone or with your Play Acoustic?



Wonder why they don't make the acoustic amps with battery power as an option?

Hi Marty,

Indeed it is a nice unit. However, it probably isn't what I need long term because of the way the box is voiced.

I'm in the category of player I described as needing a solo system with warmer low volume performance.

Long term, I'll probably go with a Bose L1 type unit to get the benefits of a line array with the warmth at rehearsal volume.


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[frank4001]

I'm still (rarely) using a powered mixer and passive speakers...dinosaur...
Don't you find the mixer on the back of the speaker a little difficult to deal with?
Does it pop out or something ?
Apologies if I missed that ...

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by frank4001

I'm still (rarely) using a powered mixer and passive speakers...dinosaur...

Don't you find the mixer on the back of the speaker a little difficult to deal with?

Does it pop out or something ?

Apologies if I missed that ...

You're on point with that criticism. Using it live means the speaker is designed to be in front of the performers. So you need a personal monitor. As part of a full PA system, that's not a problem. But for solo performer, I think the systems that double as monitors are preferable. Unless, you have a set it and forget it kind of rig and seldom access the mixer once you start.

[RogerPease]

I'll just add my thank you to all those above.
This is the kind of "real world" impression that has been lacking
on this product until now.

Still digesting this discussion.

Thanks, Dave!