CARVIN Legacy drive vld1 User Manual

VLD1

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

VLD1

PG. 2

WARRANTY

This CARVIN AMPS product is guaranteed in normal use to be free from electrical and mechanical defects for a
period of 1 year from date of purchase. Retain proof of purchase. This warranty is in lieu of any and all other
guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied. There shall be no recovery for any consequential or incidental
damages.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Legacy
DRIVE VLD1 signature tube preamp pedal. The Legacy
DRIVE is designed to feed nearly any power amp to
drive guitar speaker cabinets with the Legacy sound.
If you already have a favorite guitar amp and want to
add a new sound, the Legacy DRIVE also works as a
pedal into the front of your amp with a true hardwire
bypass. Even if you are playing without an amp,
Carvin Amplifier’s third generation cabinet voicing
circuit emulates the frequency response of a guitar
speaker cabinet so you can send Legacy tones direct
to headphones, effects, recording inputs or live PA
without having to mic a speaker. Steve Vai began his
journey with Carvin Amplifiers very early in his
career, with Frank Zappa’s recommendation to use the
X-100B. In 1999, Carvin worked very closely with Vai
to develop the Legacy Series amplifiers which he has
been using ever since.

LEGACY DESIGN

The design criteria for the Legacy DRIVE was to
deliver the original sound of Steve Vai’s Legacy
amplifier in a compact package. The result is a full
tube preamp in a pedal format, able to fit in a
carry-on or backpack. The Legacy DRIVE incorporates
tube technology with simple, yet comprehensive
modern features to interface with many types of gear.

FULL TONE CONTROL

The passive BASS, MID, TREBLE, and PRESENCE tone
controls are the same tube driven tone circuits used
in the Legacy amplifiers. The great range of these
controls comes from the use of high impedance 1
Megohm sealed potentiometers. The Drive channel’s
PRESENCE control is designed to adjust the “edge” on
your sound. It’s range allows for warm, thick sounds at
lower settings or turn it up to cut through. The Clean
channel’s PRESENCE switch adds sparkling clear highs
to clean tones.

WHAT, NO SPEAKERS?

The Phones jack uses Carvin Amp’s 3rd generation
analog Cabinet Voicing circuit to emulate the frequency
response of a guitar speaker cabinet. Connect
headphones for “silent” practice, or feed to any
combination of effects, recording inputs or live gear to
capture Legacy tones without miking guitar speakers.

12AX7 TUBE STAGES

The ability to reproduce the true Legacy sound could
only come from real 12AX7 tubes, utilizing the full
Legacy preamp circuit. The four gain stages and tone
stacks are faithfully incorporated, running at the same
operating conditions as they do in the full Legacy
100-watt amps.

MORE PLEASE...

Steve liked the extra GAIN switch from the Legacy
3 so much, we included it in the Legacy DRIVE. Why
add another pedal for over-the-top solos when you
can footswitch in more gain at the tube circuits?

REMOTE CONTROL

The Legacy DRIVE has 3 top mounted footswitches
for Drive/Clean, Gain and Bypass. Rear 1/4” jacks
allow you access these functions from external
foots witches like the FS22, or by using automated
switchers. The glowing “VAI” hieroglyph symbol at
the top lights a different color for each mode so you
always know what channel you’re on.

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

VLD1

STEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVESTEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVE

PG. 3

VLD1 SPECIFICATIONS:

» Preamp Tubes: Two 12AX7 (dual stage)

» Controls: MASTER, BYPASS

» Drive channel: VOLUME, DRIVE, BASS, MID, TREBLE,

PRESENCE, GAIN switch

» Clean channel: VOLUME, BASS, MID, TREBLE,

PRESENCE switch

» Footswitches: BYPASS, GAIN, DRIVE/CLEAN

» 1/4” Footswitch jack: Tip: Hi Gain, Ring: Drive/Clean

» 1/4” Bypass jack: Tip: Bypass

» Bypass type: Hardwire bypass, relay engaged

» Phones/Cab Voiced Out: G3 speaker cabinet voicing,

stereo or mono, low impedance capable

EXAMPLE SETUPS

EFFECTS LOOP

RETURN

The Legacy DRIVE is designed to feed
nearly any power amp stage to drive guitar
speaker cabinets with the Legacy sound. If
you already have a favorite guitar amp and
want to add a new sound, the Legacy DRIVE
also works as a pedal into the front of your
amp with a true hardwire bypass. Even if
you are playing without an amp, Carvin’s 3rd
generation analog Cabinet Voicing circuit will
emulate the frequency response of a guitar
speaker cabinet. Connect headphones for
“silent” practice, or feed to any combina-
tion of effects, recording inputs, or live PA
gear to capture Legacy tones without micing
guitar speakers.

» DC adapter (included): 12VDC/1A voltage regulated,

5.5mmOD/2.1mmID Center Positive

» Size: H x W x D 3.825” x 8.875” x 8.375” (97mm x

225mm x 213mm)

» Weight (without adapter): 3.4 lb. (1.55 kg)

» Warranty: One Year, 90 days on tubes

EXAMPLE SETUPS

The Legacy DRIVE is designed to feed
nearly any power amp stage to drive
guitar speaker cabinets with the Legacy
sound. If you already have a favorite
guitar amp and want to add a new
sound, the Legacy DRIVE also works as
a pedal into the front of your amp with
a true hardwire bypass. Even if you are
playing without an amp, Carvin Amp’s 3rd
generation analog Cabinet Voicing circuit
will emulate the frequency response
of a guitar speaker cabinet. Connect
headphones for “silent” practice, or feed
to any combination of effects, recording
inputs, or live PA gear to capture Legacy
tones without miking guitar speakers.

PG. 4

REAR PANEL

TOP PANEL

1

SIDE

PANEL

19 20 21 22 23

2

24

4

12

9 8 7

18 17 16 15 14 13

6

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11

QUICK START GUIDE

If you are like most players, you probably want to plug
in and get playing right away. You can read the rest of
the manual later to learn the finer details. To get started
you will need your Legacy DRIVE, a proper AC adapter,
an instrument, and a standard guitar cord.
Turn the MASTER control to “0”. Turn
the Volume, Drive, and tone controls to their
center position. Plug in your instrument at the
rear INPUT jack. If you are using an amp with guitar
speakers, plug in to the rear OUTPUT jack. If you
are listening with amplified full-range speakers or
headphones plug into the side PHONES/CAB VOICED
OUT jack. Now plug in the AC adapter to the rear
POWER jack, then plug it into the proper AC voltage.
Allow 30 seconds for the tubes to warm up. Set the left
ON/BYPASS footswitch to light the red “ON” LED near
the MASTER. The right footswitch selects CLEAN or
DRIVE channels. The center footswitch selects more
GAIN for the DRIVE channel. Turn up the MASTER
slightly and adjust each channel VOLUME. Adjust the
DRIVE and tone controls and you’re ready to go.

VLD1 CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS

1. “VAI” SYMBOL - COLOR CHANGE
Steve Vai’s trademark “VAI” hieroglyph symbol will glow
different colors to indicate which mode the Legacy
DRIVE is in. Green is for CLEAN, red is for DRIVE and
amber-yellow is for GAIN in DRIVE mode.

2. FOOTSWITCHES

The LEFT footswitch is for ON/BYPASS switching.
The CENTER footswitch is for GAIN mode, adding to the
DRIVE channel. The RIGHT footswitch chooses between
the DRIVE or CLEAN channel. The LED’s next to the
volume controls indicate which channel is active, and
will also be shown by the color of the “VAI” symbol.
When using the rear FOOTSWITCH or BYPASS jacks,
first set these footswitches to the DRIVE, GAIN and ON
positions.

3. ON LED (RED) and BYPASS MODE

The LEFT footswitch is for ON/BYPASS switching.
When the red LED is ON the preamp is active. When
the LED is OFF the unit is in BYPASS mode, and the
signal is unaffected from the INPUT to OUTPUT jacks.
In BYPASS the PHONES/CAB VOICED OUT jack will
include guitar speaker emulation, but is otherwise
unaffected. Select ON or BYPASS from the left
footswitch or the rear BYPASS jack.

4. MASTER

Set the MASTER control for overall volume at the
OUTPUT and PHONES/CAB VOICED OUT jacks.

CLEAN CHANNEL

The Clean channel gives you crisp, clean playing with

high headroom and no breakup. Thanks to special
mud-cutting circuits that work between the frequencies
of 500 and 700 Hz, your guitar tones will be full and
vibrant.

5. CLEAN CHANNEL INDICATOR

The green LED will indicate the CLEAN channel is
selected (right footswitch).

6. VOLUME

This control sets the CLEAN channel volume. If you
hear any distortion lower this VOLUME and raise the
MASTER which also affects output.

7. 8. 9. BASS, MID & TREBLE CONTROLS

You can start at 5 on the dial for each of the tone
controls. However, these settings do not represent a
normalized (flat) sound. You need to set them where
they sound best! Some musicians like to reduce the
MID for deeper bass and crisper highs. If your sound
is too bright with single coil pickups, you may want to
keep the PRESENCE switch off.

10. PRESENCE SWITCH (Clean channel)

For added clarity, the PRESENCE switch increases only
the highest guitar harmonics in the 8-10k Hz range
which is ideal for brightening up dual coil neck pickups.

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATACARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

VLD1VLD1

STEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVESTEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVE

PG. 5

VLD1 CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS CONT.

DRIVE CHANNEL and GAIN MODE

11. DRIVE CHANNEL LED (RED)

The red LED will indicate the DRIVE channel is selected
(right footswitch).

12. GAIN MODE LED (YELLOW)

The yellow LED near the DRIVE control will indicate
GAIN mode is ON for the DRIVE channel (selected by
the middle footswitch). GAIN does not affect the sound
when you are using the CLEAN channel. The “VAI”
symbol will glow amber-yellow when GAIN is active.
The GAIN mode on the DRIVE channel adds even more
gain to the classic Legacy sound, while still retaining
12AX7A tube dynamics. Super hi-gain sounds are
available without the need for external pedals that can
limit dynamics.

13. VOLUME (Drive channel)

Set the volume of the DRIVE channel with this control.
The MASTER control also affects output.

14. DRIVE CONTROL

For mild tube overdrive, set the DRIVE control below

4. For some of the best rhythm sounds, set the drive
control set between 4 & 6. For full blown saturation,
set the control between 6 and 10. With high-output
pickups, Drive settings above 7 or 8 can be subject to
over saturation causing sluggish distortion. If so, play
your guitar with it’s volume at 10 and decrease the
DRIVE until the crisp highs come back. For very high
gain playing, try the GAIN switch.

USING THE VAI “HIDDEN FEATURE” One of the

“hidden” features of the Legacy Series is using a
technique that Steve Vai requested for his own use.
While playing on the lead channel with a generous
amount of DRIVE (around 6), back off the volume on
your guitar. You will find your sound actually “cleaned
up” with your guitar at a lower volume. This is a
great feature for playing both rhythm and lead without
switching channels. An advanced player knows how
to control their attack (how hard or soft you play the
strings) for different sounds. The Legacy DRIVE is
designed to be very responsive to these changes in
your attack.

15. 16. 17. BASS, MID & TREBLE (Drive channel)

To start off with, set the BASS, MID and TREBLE
controls at their center (5) position. These controls are
set according to the sound you are looking for. Even
though you may have found “your sound”, you may
want to change the settings for different guitars or
playing conditions. It’s normal to decrease the BASS
at higher playing levels, or adjust the TREBLE or
PRESENCE for different rooms.

18. PRESENCE (Drive channel)

The wide range of this control, in the upper range of the
tonal spectrum, can be set for very different sounds.
Turning the PRESENCE “up” allows you to stand out in
the mix or sound more aggressive. Turning PRESENCE
“down” produces a smoother, thicker sound.

REAR PANEL: 19. INPUT

A standard 1/4” INPUT jack feeds the channels or
bypasses directly to the OUTPUT as selected by the
footswitches. For best results, use a professional quality
guitar cord no longer than 25 feet. Typical cable
capacitance is over 25pF per foot. The longer the cord,
the greater the capacitance. A long cable with high
capacitance will reduce the overall treble response
from your guitar pickups.

20. POWER JACK

The POWER jack requires an AC adapter, which is
included with the Legacy DRIVE. Other power sources
can be used, but must have a regulated 12VDC output,
1A (1000mA) capable and center pin positive (+) polarity.

21. BYPASS JACK

Before plugging into this jack, set the internal ON/
BYPASS footswitch to ON. The RED “ON” LED near
the MASTER control should be lit. Using a standard
footswitch, the “Reverb/Effects” switch will control
the BYPASS switching. Most footswitches or automated
switchers with a latching switch and a 1/4” plug will
work. The Tip controls BYPASS.

22. FOOTSWITCH JACK

Before plugging into this jack, set the internal
footswitches for the DRIVE channel, with GAIN mode.
The color of the “VAI” symbol should be AMBER­YELLOW. Using a standard footswitch, the “Channel”
switch will control the CLEAN/DRIVE and the “Reverb/
Effects” switch will control GAIN switching. Most
footswitches with 2 latching switches and a stereo
plug will work. When using footswitches or automated
switchers with mono (tip only) outputs, use a TRS-to-Y
adapter.
The Ring controls DRIVE/CLEAN, and Tip controls
GAIN.

23. OUTPUT

The rear panel OUTPUT 1/4” jack is for connecting
to guitar amps or power amps which will drive guitar
speakers. The OUTPUT jack can be connected to the
front input of a guitar amp and added or removed
from the signal path using the BYPASS/ON footswitch,
similar to adding a distortion pedal. The OUTPUT
jack can also drive a power amp to connect to guitar
speakers, or it can drive a guitar amp’s power section
using the “Effects Return” or “Power Amp In” inputs.
Plug the guitar into the Legacy DRIVE. Most effects
would be used between the OUTPUT jack and the amp.
Exceptions may be compressor, envelope filter or wah

PG. 6

TOP PANEL

1

SIDE

PANEL

2

24

4

12

9 8 7

18 17 16 15 14 13

6

10

5

3

11

23 CONT.- pedals which usually sound best when used

between the guitar and INPUT jack.

SIDE PANEL

24. PHONES/CAB VOICED OUT JACK

The side panel PHONES/CAB VOICED OUT uses
Carvin Amp’s third generation analog Cabinet Voicing
circuit to emulate the frequency response of a guitar
speaker cabinet. This allows you to perform without
using guitar speakers. The PHONES/CAB VOICED OUT
will drive recording or live mixer inputs, effects and
power amps, and will drive stereo headphones directly.
Before plugging in headphones set the MASTER to a
low level.

HELP SECTION

A) As with any vacuum tubes in a metal chassis, the
Legacy DRIVE chassis will become warm. If the unit is
functioning properly and sounding right this is typically
not a concern.

B) FEEDBACK FROM THE LEAD CHANNEL

The Legacy DRIVE may feedback when the VOLUME,
DRIVE, TREBLE and PRESENCE are turned all the way
up. Like other high-gain tube amps, this is normal. To
help control feedback and noise, reduce the DRIVE or
VOLUME, or move the guitar to the side or away from
the speakers. Sometimes replacing V1 or V2 (12AX7A
tubes) can help reduce feedback.

C) TUBE REPLACEMENT GUIDE

It is not uncommon for tubes to malfunction during
shipping or after a long period of time. The tubes may
need replacing if the sound becomes muddy, dull or
drops out.

1.) Disconnect the AC adapter from the Legacy DRIVE.

- Do not apply power to the unit with the cover

removed!

2.) Remove the chrome nut on the left side for “Phones/
Cab Voiced Out”.

IMPOR TANT! FOR YOUR PROTEC TION, P LEASE R EAD THE FO LLOWING:

WATER AND MOISTU RE: Appl iance sh ould not be used nea r water (near a bathtub ,
washbow l, kitch en sink, laundr y tub, in a wet b asement, or near a swimming pool, etc).
Care sho uld be take n so that ob jects d o not fall an d liqui ds are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
POWER SOU RCES: Th e applia nce shou ld be connected to a powe r supply only of the
type
descri bed in the operat ing inst ructio ns or as mar ked on the u nit.
GROUN DING OR P OLAR IZATION: Precauti ons should be taken so that the grounding or
polar ization means of an a ppliance is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION : Power supp ly cords sho uld be route d so that th ey are
not likely to be walked on or pinc hed by items placed u pon or aga inst them, paying
particular attentio n to cords at plugs, conve nience re ceptacles, and t he point w here
they exit from the app liance .
SERVICI NG: The user shou ld not attempt to ser vice the u nit beyond that described in
the ope rating instruc tions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified s ervic e
personnel.
FUSING: If your un it is equi pped with a fuse receptacle, re place only with th e same
type fuse. Refer to re placem ent text on the unit for correct fuse typ e.

MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT:

The outer surface of your unit c an be wiped with a dr y or slightly damp c loth in orde r
to remove dus t and brin g back the n ew look. Avoid spill ing liq uids or al lowing any
other fo reign mat ter insid e the unit . As with a ll pro gear, avoid prolong ed use in caustic
environments (s alt air). When used i n such an environment , be sure th e equipm ent is
adequately protected.

SERVICE:

In the USA, visit our website: www.ca rvina udio.co m . Outsi de the USA : contact your
dea ler.

RISK OF E LECTRI C SHOCK

DO NOT OPE N

This sym bol is inte nded to
alert t he user to the presen ce
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within t he produc t’s
enclosu re that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of
electr ic shock to person s.

This sym bol is inte nded to
alert t he user to the presen ce
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

RISK OF E LECTRI C SHOCK

DO NOT OPE N

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL! CAUTION
THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH
VOLTAGE INSIDE!

3.) Remove the 4 screws on each side, and the 6 bottom
screws.

4.) Remove the bottom cover to view the two 12AX7
tubes.

5.) Carefully remove the old tubes with circular motion.
*If you can see
cracks in the glass or feel the tube coming apart as you
move it, there
may be broken glass. Use a thick towel or thick gloves
to remove the tube.

6.) Check the replacement tubes for damage to the
glass and carefully
straighten any bent pins if needed.

7.) Carefully insert the new tubes.

8.) Place the bottom cover back on the unit and screw
in all screws.

9.) Install the chrome nut and washer on the side jack.
Done.

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATACARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

VLD1VLD1

STEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVESTEVE VAI LEGACY DRIVE

PG. 7

carvinaudio.com

VLD1 2018-3-05