Carvin V3212, V3L Owner's Manual
MODEL V3 AMP SPECIFICATIONS:
RMS Power: 50 or 100 watts
Output Impedance: 4, 8 or 16ohm switch
Input Impedance: 220,000 ohms
Channel 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 and Boost switching,
100 available patch locations, 5-pin jack
Voiced Line Out: 1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes: 5—12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Amp Tubes: 4—EL34 (power pentode)
USA Model: 120VAC, 300VA
6A Circuit breaker
Export Model: 230VAC, 300VA
3A Circuit Breaker
Cabinet Size: 24.25W x 10.5H x 9.5”D
Cabinet: 7-ply poplar wood
Net Weight: 35 lbs
Warranty: One Year
Country of Mfg: Made in USA
Options: -CV3200 cover
-FS44 footswitch - CH1-3, BOOST
-FS22 footswitch - 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
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 the loops off for channel 1, Loop 1 for only Channel 2, and both
loops on 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.
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
Set the Channel (1-3), Loops 1&2 (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.
76-33100A 1005
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 miss-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 controlled oscillations through careful component layout and lead
placement allowing its shimmering highs to be reproduced.
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 & 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 find items missing, 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
(800) 854-2235 www.carvin.com
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GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in
your new amp and get started playing it 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.
Plug in your speaker and set the “SPEAKER OHMS” switch
to match your speaker. If you have the FS44 footswitch, plug
it into the rear 5-pin “FS44” footswitch jack. If you also have
the FS22 footswitch, plug it into the rear 1/4 inch “FS22”
footswitch jack. Turn all volume controls off. With the amp
turned off, you may now plug it into the proper 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 channel volume and master volume
controls and re-adjust the tone controls to your liking. Please
call if you feel your amp is malfunctioning. Occasionally tubes
are damaged in shipping.
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 power
and preamp tube filaments on 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 FS44 footswitch (labeled
EFFECT on the FS44) or MIDI preset. The 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.
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. SMART LOOPS AND LEDS
The V3 remembers your effects loop settings for each channel. Just
assign a 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.
CHANNEL SELECTION 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 FS44
footswitch may also be used to select the channel. These switches
are also used to set up MIDI presets (see MIDI IN/THRU).
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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 so much gain in 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).
17. LED CHANNEL INDICATORS
The blue LED will illuminate when channel 1 is selected.
The red LED will illuminate when channel 2 is selected.
18. 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
19. CLEAN VOLUME
Switch to Channel 3 for”clean” playing. Adjust the DRIVE and VOLUME
controls together to set the level for this channel.
20. LED CHANNEL 3 INDICATOR
The Yellow LED will illuminate when CHANNEL 3 is selected.
21. 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. Different sounds can be
achieved by setting the DRIVE MODE switch.
22. 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.
V3 FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS
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