Carvin V3 User Manual

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA V3 THREE CHANNEL TUBE GUITAR AMP	OPERATING MANUAL

Congratulations on your purchase of the V3 all 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 V3 features 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!

Aswitchable 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.

V3 shown with optional V3PSS polished Stainless Steel grill

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 & 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 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 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

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

Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________

c

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

[phone] www.carvin.com

76-33101A 0212

V3 FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS

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.

MASTER SECTION

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.

CHANNEL SELECTION, LOOPS AND INPUT 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).

3

4

8

1

2

25

27

21

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.

CHANNELS 1 & 2 OVERDRIVE

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.

CHANNEL 3 CLEAN 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 frequencies 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.