|
|
BGRA: Carvin Red Line 600, RL 6815
| Manufacturer |
Carvin |
Model |
Red Line 600, RL 6815 |
| Reviewer |
Kevin Gregory Sprissler |
|
|
| Experience |
3 |
Item owned |
1-6 months |
| Review Date |
2001-12-07 |
Price paid |
899 |
|
|
|
Dimensions | The size of a filing cabnit |
|
Weight | 92 lbs |
|
Power | 600 |
|
Speakers | 2 x 8", 1 x 15" |
|
Other | Compression, Lots o' Switches |
|
|
|
Carvin's Red Line series amps used to be mediocre, average amps.
Carvin's improvements to the series have pushed the company into a
position that can be seriously taken. No joke, this amp and cab sounds
just as good as a variety of brands and their similar setups, including GK,
Hartke, and SWR. For lots less.
Tone quality can be excellent. Yet looking at different reviews, you see
mixed results. Typical of Carvin, people either love the brand or hate it.
I am satisfied with my amp, and want to explain this amp to maximize the
quality for people while using it.
Though big, the amp is adequate in many dimensions, including volume. This
amp is perfect for small to medium - sized venues. Want more power? The
III series allow you to add on extension cabs, of which I reccomend a 4 x
10". However, for all but the largest gigs, this will do well.
As mentioned, the amp will sound incredible if used right, but only if.
This is an amp which I feel a purchaser should read the manual extensively.
Common problems include muddy low - range tones, overbearing mids, and a
distorted signal. These problems can be fixed easily with the correct
twists of knobs (Keep mids on the 9 - band EQ, keep the pre-amp lower then
you would want, and always keep the mid - cut depressed.).
Tone quality and construction are excellent, and value is something Carvin
is known for. In typical Carvin fashion as well, they want to hit you with
every imaginable tone. Carvin's bass guitars are similar in this extent,
and as you would imagine this is Carvin's greatest asset to their
instruments, as well as their biggest fault. And what a big one it can be
if you do not know what you are doing. I use a Yamaha TRB - 4, which
allows for extensive and comphrensive tone qualites, and the Carvin is
equally as versitale. This is an amp you need to take notes on to see what
you are playing. The direct out is excellent, and I reccomend it highly
for usage.
The compressor is effective as well, and quite useful.
Overall this is a solid amp, not the best in the world, but a definite
winner for an intermediate - advanced bassist. The prices are incredible
and Carvin specializes on customer support. The detachable power chord is
also a nifty function.
In conclusion - if you are looking for a simple, just sound good amp, I
reccomend you spend the extra 1000 dollars to get a Hartke or an SWR. Its
pretty hard to screw up the sound on those amps. If you are looking for an
amplifier which is equally as high quality, and lots cheaper, the Carvin
red lines are extremely worthwhile. Just expect the learning curve for the
amplifier to be much greater.
| |
|
| construction |
 | (95%) |
| |
|
| clarity |
| (90%) |
| |
|
| volume |
| (85%) |
| |
|
| portability |
| (85%) |
| |
|
| service |
| (95%) |
| |
|
| value |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| overall |
| (90%) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
