Carvin V3 User Manual

V3 AMP SPECIFICATIONS:

RMS Power: 100, 50 or 25 watts (switched)
Output Impedance: 4, 8 or 16ohm (switched)
Input Impedance: 220kOhms
Chan.Tone Controls: BASS, MID, TREBLE, PRESENCE, EQX
Ch 1 Sensitivity: 1mV for clipping
Ch 2 Sensitivity: 1mV for clipping
Ch 3 Sensitivity: 16mV for full output
Channels: 3 - switching
MIDI functions: Channel, Effect Loops, Reverb, Boost, LED switching

100 available patch locations, CC control, IN / THRU
Voiced Line Out: 1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes: 5: 12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Amp Tubes: 4: EL34 (power pentode)
AC Power: 120VAC or 230VAC (switchable), 50-60Hz, 300VA
Fuse: 5x20mm, 120VAC:6A slow-blow, 230VAC:3A slow-blow
Cabinet Size: inches (cm) WxHxD/ Net Weight

24.25” (616) x 10.5” (267) x 9.5” (241) /35lbs.(16kgs.)
Cabinet Material: 7-ply hardwood
Warranty: One Year
Country of Mfg: Made in USA
Options: V3PSS : Polished Stainless Steel Grill

CV3200 : Vinyl cover
FS44M : 4 button LED footswitch for CH1-3, BOOST
FS22 : 2 button footswitch for Effect Loops
412VT or 412VB : matching 4x12 speaker cabinets

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL

Congratulations on your purchase of the V3all tube amplifier. Carvin
has been building tube guitar amplifiers since 1949. They have been
used by top professionals like Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Craig Chaquico,
Allan Holdsworth, and other great musicians. You will discover that
these amplifiers represent a significant sound improvement over con­ventional amplifiers. Spend time with your new

V3

and get to know

its many sounds.

TECHNICAL DESIGN OF THE V3

The V3 design criteria was to build a high peformance 3-channel guitar ampli­fier with an all-tube signal path. The V3 has the ability to produce ultra-high
gain and bass heavy sounds with the flexibility to cover all playing styles. The
V3 utilizes new ideas built upon proven tube amplifier technology with an exten­sive set of features.

FLEXIBLE GAIN STRUCTURES

Each channel of the V3 offers three different gain modes that change the
way the amp reacts to your playing. Different preamp frequencies are
enhanced, giving each setting a different character. Unlike other 3-channel
amps, the V3 allows you to set-up both overdrive channels alike, then
change settings to achieve mild or drastic differences between the two chan­nels.

MASTER EQUALIZATION

The V3 incorporates three master equalization controls: DEEP, MID CUT,
and BRIGHT. These controls affect the power amp output and allow you to
finalize your sound in a way not available on most amps.

TONE CONTROLS and EQX

The passive BASS, MID, TREBLE tone controls offer a wide range of tone
settings. The greater range of these controls comes from the use of high imped­ance 1 meg sealed controls (many guitar amps use only 250k controls). The
EQX switch on each channel takes it one step further, offering a second range
of tones to control by shifting the frequencies affected by the tone controls.
The PRESENCE control is designed to adjust the “edge” on your sound. It’s
range allows for super-smooth warm sounds at lower settings or turn it up to
cut through.

TWO “SMART” EFFECT LOOPS + “SMART” REVERB

The V3features two switching effect loops, one series and one parallel. We called
them “Smart” loops because they recall their settings when you switch between
channels 1-3. For example, you can set both loops ON for channel 1, just
Loop 2 for Channel 2, and Loop 1 for channel 3, or any combination. The TAIL
switch activates the long tailed loop feature, switching off only the “send” and
leaving reverbs and delays to decay naturally the way it’s done in the recording
studio. The built-in Reverb will also switch for each channel in the same way.

GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST!

A switchable volume boost is available by footswitch or MIDI. Set the amount
of boost with the BOOST control. When turned on, it will boost your amp’s
output by up to 9dB for solos or any time you need to stand out in the mix.

MIDI MEMORY and CC Control

Set the Channel (1-3), Loops 1&2 (on/off), Reverb (on/off) and Boost
(on/off). Put the V3 in “learn” mode and it will assign your settings to the MIDI
patch number you choose from your controller. The V3 also responds to CC.

EL34 POWER TUBES

Your amp is equipped with EL34 power tubes because of their powerful output
and responsive tone. The characteristics of these power tubes respond to
the wide dynamic range of guitar playing. These tubes react to the touch. If
you play soft the tubes remain clean and if you increase your attack they
respond accordingly.

HIGH IMPEDANCE GUITAR INPUT

Carvin has long known about the effects of mis-loading a guitar pickup, which
can cause high frequency loss. The V3 guards against this loss with its ultra
high input impedance. We also considered the capacitance of the average
shielded guitar cable which can reduce the high frequency response of your
guitar pickups. Unlike other amplifiers, we purposely avoided adding capaci­tance in the preamp to control high frequency oscillations. Instead, we control
oscillations through careful component layout and lead placement allowing its
shimmering highs to be reproduced.

76-33101A 0212

For your records, you may wish to record the following information.

Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________

RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started

INSPECT YOUR AMP FOR DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping.

If damage is found, please notify the shipping company and CARVIN immediately.

SAVE THE CARTON & ALLPACKING 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 are missing items, 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.

V3 THREE CHANNEL TUBE GUITAR AMP

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

[phone] www.carvin.com

c

V3 shown with optional V3PSS polished Stainless Steel grill

GETTING STARTED QUICKLY

If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in
and get started playing right away. You can read the rest of
the manual later to learn the finer points of operating your
amp. In order to get started you will need your V3 amp, a 120
or 230 AC grounded power outlet, your instrument, a stan­dard guitar cord, a speaker cord and speaker cabinet.

First, make sure the rear panel 120VAC/240VAC switch is
set for the voltage in your area. Plug in your speaker and set
the “SPEAKER OHMS” switch to match your speaker. If you
have the FS44M footswitch, plug it into the rear 5-pin “FS44M”
footswitch jack. Turn all volume controls off. With the amp
turned off, and the 120/240 switch set correctly, plug into AC
voltage.

Now, plug in your guitar and turn the POWER switch ON.
Wait 60 seconds or more for the tubes to warm up, then turn
on the STANDBY switch. The amp will be ready to play in a
few seconds. Gradually raise the Volume and Master con­trols and re-adjust the tone controls to your liking. If you feel
your amp is malfunctioning, first check all settings and con­nections. However, sometimes tubes are damaged in ship­ping. In this case, contact Carvin

FRONT PANEL

1. POWER SWITCH

The POWER switch is to be utilized as the master ON/OFF
switch. As the amp is turned on, the large BLUE jewel lamp
LED near the input jack will illuminate as your ON indicator.

2. STANDBY SWITCH

After turning the POWER switch ON, wait 60 seconds or
more for the tubes to warm up - then turn on the STANDBY
switch. When turning the amp OFF, shut off the STANDBY
switch first, then shut off the POWER switch. Use the
STANDBY switch if you are taking a break. This turns the high
voltage off, increasing the life of your power tubes while keep­ing the tube filaments on and warmed up for immediate use.

MMAASSTTEERR SSEECCTTIIOONN

These controls affect all output from the amp.

3. MASTER VOLUME

Controls output of all 3 channels and effects. Once your chan­nel levels are set up and balanced to each other you may
not want to change them. Use the MASTER to change your
overall volume level for the amp.

4. BOOST CONTROL AND LED

Add up to 9 dB of volume boost via the FS44M footswitch
MIDI preset, or CC control. The front panel GREEN LED will
light when the BOOST function is ON. (to switch the BOOST
without a footswitch, see MIDI PROGRAMMING)

5. BRIGHT

Boosts high frequencies starting at 5kHz for added clarity.

Adjust for different rooms, or simulate closed or open back
cabinets.

6. MID CUT

The MID CUT removes midrange frequencies sometimes
referred to as “muddy”. The MID CUT is a progressive con­trol that varies both the level and frequency of the cut. At low
settings, the MID CUT starts mildly cutting frequencies in the
900Hz range. At Maximum setting “10” a deep cut is produced
with the frequency centered around 450Hz.

7. DEEP

Turning up the DEEP control adds low frequencies at the
sub-harmonic range. If your speakers sound unfocused or
muddy, try reducing the DEEP control in small steps. This can
tighten up your sound and give your amp a more solid feel.
You may want to reset the MASTER volume after adjusting
the DEEP control.

8. REVERB, “SMART” SWITCH AND LED

The REVERB control sets the level of Reverb for the amp.
The switch allows you set the Reverb ON or OFF for each
channel 1-3. As you switch through the channels, the LED
will indicate the REVERB is ON for the channel you are using.

CCHHAANNNNEELL SSEELLEECCTTIIOONN,, LLOOOOPPSS AANNDD IINNPPUUTT

9. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCHES

Press and release switch 1, 2 or 3 to select the channel to
be used. The LEDs next to the channel’s volume control indi­cate which channel is functioning. The FS44M footswitch or
MIDI may also be used to select the channel. These switches
are also used to set up MIDI presets (see MIDI IN/THRU).

10. SMART LOOPS AND LEDS

The V3 remembers your effects loop settings for each chan­nel. Just assign the loop(s) to the currrent channel, Smart
Loop™ permanently saves it until you change it. LOOP 1 is
a series loop, and LOOP 2 is a parallel loop. The LEDs will
also light during MIDI programming.

11. GUITAR INPUT

A standard 1/4” input jack feeds all channels through the
SELECT switches. Use a professional quality guitar cord no
longer than 25 feet. Typical cable capacitance should be under
50pf—the longer the cord, the greater the capacitance (you
can measure this with a capacitance meter). A long cable
with high capacitance will reduce the overall treble response
from your pickups.

12. BLUE JEWEL LIGHT

Indicates the POWER is ON.

CCHHAANNNNEELLSS 11 && 22 OOVVEERRDDRRIIVVEE

The V3 features extensive tone and drive shaping for each
channel. Unlike most 3-channel amplifiers, the V3 allows you
to set both overdrive channels to start with the same sound,
then change the controls to get mild or drastic differences
between the two channels.

13. PRESENCE

Each channel features a PRESENCE control for added clar­ity. It’s frequency range is from the mid to high range of the
tonal spectrum. Careful adjustment with the TREBLE con­trol will make this feature very useful.

14. TREBLE, MID, BASS CONTROLS

To start off with, set the BASS, MID & TREBLE controls at
their center (5) position. These controls are to be set accord­ing to the type of sound you want. Try adjusting the PRES­ENCE control also when adjusting the treble.

15. EQX

Toggle between standard EQ and Expanded EQ. This switch
opens a wider frequency range for the TREBLE and BASS,

providing a second set of frequencies to work with.

16. DRIVE MODE 3-POSITION SWITCH

The switch labeled INTENSE/THICK is a 3-position switch
that changes the gain structure of the channel. This provides
three choices of distortion styles:

-"INTENSE"(up)- the most gain and sustain, with excellent
picking articulation. The low-end is deep and percussive. Mids
and highs smoothly blend and still cut through. Turning up
the Drive adds more sustain and saturation.

-”CLASSIC”(center)-rich overdrive with a dynamic response.

Turning up the DRIVE knob adds sustain and harmonics.

-"THICK"(down) - designed with a massive low-end, textured
mids and blistering highs. Turning up the DRIVE knob adds
sustain to the highs and fuller low-end harmonics.

17. DRIVE CONTROL

For mild tube saturation, set the DRIVE control below “4”.
For more harmonics and dynamic playing, set the control
between 4 & 6. For full blown overdrive, set the control between
6 and 10 (your guitar volume should be turned all the way
up).

Because the V3 has been “Hot Rodded” with very high gain
available from the DRIVE control, you may encounter feed­back. If feedback is a problem, reduce the DRIVE or move
the guitar to the side or away from the speaker(s).

18. LED CHANNEL INDICATORS

The blue LED will illuminate when channel 1 is selected.

The red LED will illuminate when channel 2 is selected.

19. CHANNEL VOLUME

Set the volume of the channel to be used. The level of signal
coming out of the EFFECT SENDS will also change. To
change the volume of all channels without upsetting the bal­ance between the 3 channels, use the MASTER volume con­trol.

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20. CLEAN VOLUME

Switch to Channel 3 for”clean” playing. Adjust the DRIVE and
VOLUME controls together to set the level for this channel.

21. LED CHANNEL 3 INDICATOR

The Yellow LED will illuminate when CHANNEL 3 is selected.

22. CLEAN DRIVE

For the cleanest sounds with the most headroom, set the
DRIVE control below “5”. As the DRIVE is turned up, tube
dynamics and harmonics are introduced to your sound. Try
different sounds by setting the DRIVE MODE switch.

23. DRIVE MODE 3-POSITION SWITCH

The switch
labeled BRIGHT/SOAK is a 3-position switch that changes
the gain structure of the channel. This provides three choices
of drive styles:

-"BRIGHT" - adds high end to the preamp, inviting high fre-

quencies to chime and sustain as the DRIVE is turned up.

-(CENTER) - A classic, open clean sound with lots of head­room. Turning up the DRIVE adds harmonics and mild com­pression.

-"SOAK" - boosts all preamp frequencies. As the DRIVE is
turned up, a vintage snarl is available when played hard.

V3 FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS

1 2

26

24

25

23

22

20

3

4

5

7

6

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27

8

21