Carvin VL2100, VL2212 Owner's Manual
"The Legacy 2 is a dream amp. It’s simple, versatile and the
sound is creamy and warm. Finally there is an amplifier that
has a Master Volume control that can raise or lower the over-
all sound coming out of the speakers without changing its sat-
uration or tone. Although the sound has retained the integrity
of the original Legacy, there is now an added channel that acts
as a boost on the clean channel giving it a bit more hair. No
need to keep dreaming, it’s here."
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)
The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
GREEN & YELLOW—Earth BLUE—Neutral BROWN—Live
U.K. MAIN PLUG WARNING: A molded main plug that has been cut off from the cord is
unsafe. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAM-
AGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polariza-
tion means of an appliance is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to
be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse. Refer
to replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the pres-
ence of uninsulated “dan-
gerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of suf-
ficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intend-
ed to alert the user to
the presence of impor-
tant operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for ONE YEAR unless otherwise stated. Tubes are guaran-
teed for 90 days. Carvin will service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit is
under warranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. CARVIN DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR
SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR
WARRANTY. The CARVIN LIMITED WARRANTY covers all manufacture's defects. The warranty does not
cover: speaker or driver failure due to an open or rubbing voice coil, or failure caused by any influence from
misuse, dropped, dents, scratches, chemicals, paint, dust, wind, smoke, fire, water, liquid, moisture, salty or
corrosive environment, and normal wear and tear. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or
implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Carvin any liability in connection
with the sale or servicing of Carvin products. CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES.
SERVICE
In the USA go to www.carvinservice.com
Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to www.carvinworldservice.com for your nearest service center.
Include a written description of the problem with serial number and date of purchase.
HELP SECTION
1) AMP WILL NOT TURN ON
Check the power to the amp. Check for tripped circuit breakers, unplugged extension cords or power-strip
switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse. If a dark brownish color or no wire can be seen within the
glass tube, then replace. The amp may be perfectly fine but occasionally a fuse may blow because of high
AC voltage surges. After the fuse has been replaced with the proper Slow Blow value and if the fuse fails
again, the amp will require servicing.
2) NO OUTPUT with POWER LIGHT ON
Tubes damaged in shipping will be the primary reason for your amp to not function properly. Please give
us a call to help guide you through this simple repair.
3) KEEP YOUR AMP LOOKING NEW
Use a damp cloth to wipe the controls on the front & rear chassis panels. Wipe the black vinyl covering with
a damp cloth.
MODEL VL2100/VL2212 SPECIFICATIONS:
RMS Power (switched): 25, 50 or 100 watts
Output Impedance: 4, 8 or 16 ohm switch
Input Impedance: 220,000 ohms
Tone Controls: BASS: 80Hz
MID: 600-700Hz
TREBLE: 11kHz
Channels: 3 - switchable from front panel, remote FS33L footswitch, or MIDI
MIDI functions: Channel switching, 100 patch locations, 5 pin MIDI IN and THRU
Sensitivity: Ch.1: 30mV for full output, Ch.2: 15mV, Ch.3: 15mV for clipping
Voiced Line Out: 1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes: 5 - 12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Amp Tubes: 4 - EL34’s (power pentode)
USA Model: 120VAC, 300VA 6A slow-blow fuse, 5x20mm
230v Model: 230VAC, 300VA 3A slow-blow fuse, 5x20mm
Cabinet construction: Multi-ply hardwood
Size/Weight: VL2100 head: 24.25W x 10.5H x 9.5”D, 40lbs.
VL2212 combo: 30W x 14D x 28”H, 79lbs.
Speakers (VL2212 only): Two Celestion™ Vintage 30 (8 ohms total impedance)
tuned, vented enclosure with removable back
Warranty: One Year
Country of mfg.: Made in USA
Options: FS33L LED footswitch
CV3200 cover (head), CV3212 cover (combo)
C412T2 / C412B2 matching 4x12” Vintage 30 speaker cabinets
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
Congratulations on your purchase of the Legacy II all tube signature amplifier.
Steve Vai worked very closely with Carvin Engineering to develop the sound
and look of the Legacy II amplifiers. Steve also called on custom amp builder
Benjamin Fargen for input on some specific component changes to refine the
Legacy II tone. Exhaustive listening tests of various tube and electronic circuit-
ry were performed by Vai. He also tested dozens of prototype enclosures
loaded with various vintage and prototype speakers. His choice of EL34 tubes
and Celestion™ Vintage 30 speakers provide the finishing touches on a truly
original amp.
CLEAN, BOOST, AND LEAD CHANNELS
The equalization of the CLEAN, BOOST and LEAD channels is designed to offer
clarity to your instrument. You will also take notice of the CLEAN channels PRES-
ENCE which, adds acoustic voicing to your instrument by enhancing only the very
highest harmonics in the 10kHz range. The BOOST channel adds warmth and har-
monics to the clean sound for more textured playing. The PRESENCE control on the
lead channel allows for super-smooth sounds or turned the other way, it can add
bite to your leads.
DYNAMIC EL34 POWER
Your amp is equipped with EL34 power tubes because of their smooth distortion,
responsive sound and reliability. The compression characteristics of these “high-
output” power tubes respond to the dynamic range of lead guitar playing. These
tubes react even to the most subtle touch—if you play soft, the tubes remain clean
and if you increase your attack they respond accordingly.
TONE CONTROLS
The T-Bridge passive BASS, MID and TREBLE tone controls offer a wide range of
tone settings. Take full advantage by setting them where they sound best. Your
sound may not be at center 5 on the dial. These controls will not affect or color your
sound when set at extreme settings, nor do they interact with each other. The
greater range of these controls comes from the high impedance 1 meg sealed pots
(most guitar amps use 250k pots). The frequency of the bass control is set at 80
Hz while the mid control is set at 650 Hz. The treble control is set at a very high 11k
Hz giving the Legacy II it’s dynamic highs
.
76-32200A 0309
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 dam-
age is found, please notify the shipping company and
Carvinservice.com
(Carvinworldservice.com outside the USA) 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 dam-
age 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 sepa-
rately. 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.
LEGACY II GUITAR AMP
VL2100 HEAD / VL2212 COMBO
HELP SECTION
a) USING THE VAI “HIDDEN FEATURE”
One of the “hidden” features of the Legacy II amp is using a technique that Steve Vai
requested be part of the amp 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
the channel actually “cleaned up” with your guitar at a lower volume. This is a great fea-
ture for playing both rhythm and lead without switching channels. You will also find that
the amp will be very responsive to your “attack”. An advanced player knows how to vary
his/her attack when picking or strumming, and the Legacy II is designed to respond to this.
b) FEEDBACK FROM THE LEAD CHANNEL
The Legacy II will feedback when the LEAD volume, DRIVE, TREBLE and PRESENCE are
turned all the way up. Like other highly modified tube amps, this is normal. To help reduce
feedback and noise, keep the DRIVE control set around 5 to 7 on the dial. Some of the
best lead saturation will be at around 5—not 10. Sometimes replacing V1 (12AX7A) can
help reduce feedback.
c) TUBE REPLACEMENT GUIDE
It is not uncommon for tubes to malfunction during shipping. If your amp is not working
properly (popping noises, bad ringing, or power tube problems), please call for assistance
or refer to the following tube replacement guide.
1) The 12AX7A preamp tubes V1 and V2 are the most critical tubes for noise problems
with V1 being the most sensitive (try exchanging V1 and V2). Replace these tubes if
you have poping or a bad ringing in the Lead Drive channel. Note: Low noise tubes can
be hard to get and have to be tested for low noise. V3, V4, and V5 generally do not
generate noise into the amp regardless of how noisy the tubes may be. V3 drives the
Clean and Boost channels. V4 drives the effect loop send and return. If the power amp
section is not working, check V4 and V5 by inserting a signal into the rear EFFECTS
RETURN jack. If the power amp still does not work, read about the EL34 power tubes
V6 through V9. 12AX7 LOCATIONS: V1 is located next to the outside (left or right
depending on the model). The other tubes following consecutively with V5 twards the
middle of the chassis.
2) The EL34 power tubes are located in the following order on your chassis: V6, V7, V8,
V9. Normally you’ll want to replace these tubes as a set. Please call for our latest
prices. Sometimes you can spot defective power tubes when they are glowing red-hot
along with an audible hum in the speaker when the amp is idling. If this happens, shut
the amp down immediately. Check the rear bias switch to be sure that it is selected for
the proper tubes. After they have cooled down, remove by pushing the retainers on
the base of the tubes down and rock the tubes in a circular motion while pulling them
out. It is recommended to turn your amp upside down to replace tubes. All tubes are
keyed in the same direction. Running defective power tubes could damage the amp.
It is recommended that you have a spare set of power tubes along with several 12AX7A
preamp tubes.
USING VAI’s “HIDDEN FEATURE”
One of the “hidden” features of the Legacy series amplifiers is using a technique that Steve
Vai requested be part of the amp 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
the channel actually “cleaned up” with your guitar at a lower volume. This is a great feature
for playing both rhythm and lead without switching channels. You will also find that the
amp will be very responsive to your “attack”. An advanced player knows how to vary their
attack when picking or strumming and the Legacy II is designed to respond to this.
15. LEAD—BASS, MID & TREBLE
To start off with, set the BASS, MID & TREBLE controls at their center (5) position. These
controls are set according to the type of pickups used and for the sound you are looking
for. It’s normal to decrease the BASS at higher playing levels. Try the PRESENCE control
also when adjusting the treble.
16. LEAD PRESENCE
Channel 3 features it’s own LEAD PRESENCE control for added clarity. Its frequency range
is set at the mid range of the tonal spectrum. Careful adjustment with the TREBLE control
will make this feature very useful.
MASTER SECTION
17. MASTER
Set the MASTER control for overall volume of the amp.
Unlike other amps, the MASTER
control is
before
the EFFECTS LOOP and affects the SEND, not the RETURN.
This allows vol-
ume control of multiple amps from a single knob.
18. STANDBY 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.
19. POWER SWITCH & INDICATOR
The power switch is to be utilized as the master ON/OFF switch. As the amp is turned on,
the RED portion of the power switch will illuminate as your ON indicator.
REAR PANEL
20. SPEAKER JACKS
Two 1/4” SPEAKER JACKS are featured to operate several speaker systems at the same
time. Calculate the total speaker impedance based on parallel wiring as both speaker jacks
are wired in parallel. Select the IMPEDANCE SWITCH for the correct impedance.
21. SPEAKER IMPEDANCE SWITCH
The IMPEDANCE SWITCH offers the selection of 4, 8 or 16 ohms to match your speaker
system(s). The correct setting for use with one C412 cabinet is 16. For use with two C412
cabinets, the correct setting would be 8 ohms. The impedance of the Legacy II VL2212
combo amp is 8 ohms. In the case of adding another 8 ohm system such as the C212E 8
ohm extension cabinet, move the switch to 4 ohms.
22. RMS POWER SWITCH
The 3-position RMS POWER switch reduces the 100watt output of the amp down to 50 or
25watts while still using all four output tubes. Lower settings will allow the great sound and
feel
of the tubes being overdriven but at lower volume levels.
For maximum output power
and headroom set the switch to 100watts
.
For early power tube saturation move this
switch to 50 or 25 watts. The volume reductions will only be 3dB and 6dB respectively. So
don’t expect huge volume changes.
23. POWER TUBE BIAS SWITCH
If you desire to change from EL34 to 5881 (6L6GC) power tubes, you may do so by select-
ing the external BIAS switch to the 5881 (6L6GC) position on the rear panel. Be sure that
this switch is selected to the proper position or excessive heat will damage your tubes.
We recommend re-biasing when changing tubes. The internal P11 bias trim control can
be set by a qualified technician. To set the bias, measure the current across the terminals of
the STAND BY switch (set this switch to the off position when the amp is on). Set the idle
current to 100 mA for all tube types.
24. VOICED LINE OUT
The LINE OUT 1/4” jack is “CABINET VOICED” to prevent excessive bass or highs going
to your mixer. This aids in the sound quality. The 1.5 VAC output (reference to 100 watts
output at 8 ohms) is more than adequate to drive any professional mixer or power amp.
25. FS33L FOOTSWITCH JACK
(NOT a MIDI JACK)
Connect only the Carvin FS33L to this jack. Other devices will not work and may cause
damage. The FS33L will allow you to remotley choose channel 1, 2, or 3 and includes LED
indicators for each channel.
26. MIDI IN/MIDI THRU
Connect any standard MIDI controller to the MIDI IN jack with a 5-pin MIDI cable. Connect
other MIDI compatible devices to the MIDI THRU if used.
(See MIDI PROGRAMMING FEATURES at the end of this page.)
27. EFFECTS LOOP
Unlike other amps, the MASTER control is
before
the EFFECTS LOOP and affects the SEND,
not the RETURN. This
allows volume control of multiple amps from a single knob.
For the lowest possible noise from an effects processor, use the effects loop instead of plug-
ging the guitar into the effects and then into the amp. To use the EFFECTS LOOP, plug the
INPUT of your effects into the SEND jack and the OUTPUT of your effects into the RETURN
jack. Use shielded cables, not speaker cables. It’s possible to have a slight gain reduction of
a few dB with some effects units. However, the amp has plenty of gain to overcome any loss.
28. AC POWER & FUSE
The detachable AC POWER CORD supplied is designed to operate with one type of volt-
age (the 230V export model uses a CEE-7 plug cord set). Check the rear power cord label
for the proper voltage and fuse value. Make sure the cord is securely inserted into the back
of the unit. Plug the cord into a grounded “3” prong” power source. No attempt should ever
be made to defeat or use the amp without the ground connected.
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get start-
ed 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 Legacy II amp, a 120
or 230 AC grounded power outlet, your instrument and a standard guitar cord; if you have
the VL2100 head you will also need a speaker cabinet and speaker cable. Be sure the rear
panel Impedance switch is set correctly. With the amp turned off, plug into the proper AC
voltage.
Now turn all the volume and drive controls off and set tone controls at their mid center
position. If you have purchased the FS33L footswitch, plug it into the rear foot switch jack
for switching the channels.
Now, turn the power switch and standby switch ON. Allow 60 seconds for the tubes to
warm up. Gradually raise the volume controls and re-adjust the tone controls and your’re
ready to go.
FRONT PANEL
1. GUITAR INPUT
A standard 1/4” input jack feeds all channels through using the SELECT switch. 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 tre-
ble response from your guitar pickups.
2. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCHES
Choose the desired channel with switch 1, 2, or 3. The LED’s next to the volume con-
trols will let you see which channel is functioning. Use channel 1 for pristine clean play-
ing without breakup. Channel 2 will add warmth to the clean sound and will break up when
played hard. Use channel 3 for overdrive/sustain. Channel changes can also be made with
the remote FS33L foot switch, or by MIDI control.
CLEAN CHANNEL 1
Channel 1 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.
3. CLEAN CHANNEL INDICATOR
The green LED will illuminate when the CLEAN channel is selected.
4. CLEAN VOLUME
This control sets the CLEAN channel 1 volume, but will also affect the BOOST channel 2
volume. The MASTER control also affects the output.
5. CLEAN—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 normalize (flat) sound. You need to set them where they sound best. Most
musicians like to reduce the MID’S between 1 and 4 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.
These controls will also affect Channel 2.
6. CLEAN PRESENCE
For added clarity, the CH 2 PRESENCE switch increases only the highest guitar harmon-
ics in the 8-10k Hz range which is ideal for brightening up dual coil neck pickups. This will
switch also affect Channel 2
.
BOOST CHANNEL 2
The BOOST channel 2 adds another tube stage to the CLEAN channel, adding warmth,
“sponginess” and allows break up - as Steve puts it - “more hair”. All of the CLEAN chan-
nel 1 settings affect the BOOST channel and the BOOST channel settings control the sec-
ond tube stage.
7. BOOST CHANNEL INDICATOR
The yellow LED will illuminate when the BOOST channel is selected.
8. BOOST VOLUME
The channel 2 VOLUME sets the output level for BOOST channel 2, however it is also
based on the CLEAN VOLUME 1 settting. The BOOST DRIVE will also affect the volume.
The MASTER control also affects the output
.
9. BOOST DRIVE
Turning up the BOOST DRIVE increases warmth, adds harmonics and gives a “spongier”
feel to your sound.
10. BOOST TONE CONTROL
The TONE control adjusts the balance of highs and lows. Turning this control up will
result in a brighter tone. Turning it down will produce a darker tone.
11. BOOST PRESENCE
The CH 2 PRESENCE switch will bring back some of the brightness lost when turning up
the DRIVE control
and adds a smooth glassy character to your tone.
LEAD CHANNEL 3
12. LEAD CHANNEL INDICATOR
The red LED will illuminate when the LEAD channel 3 is selected.
13. LEAD VOLUME
Set the volume of the LEAD channel 3 with this control.
The MASTER control also affects
the output
.
14. LEAD DRIVE
For mild tube saturation, set the DRIVE control between 1 & 2. For some of the best
saturation, set the control around 3 & 6. For full blown overdrive, set the control between
8 and 10. Drive settings above 8 can be subject to over saturation depending on the out-
put of the guitar pickups used. High-output pickups can over saturate causing sluggish
distortion. Play your guitar with it’s volume at 10 and decrease the DRIVE until the crisp
highs come back. See Vai’s “hidden feature”.
LEGACY II - VL2100 / VL2212 FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS
28
Press firmly until cord clicks in.
MIDI PROGRAMMING
The Legacy II will save the CHANNEL selection (1, 2, or 3) in a MIDI program patch (1 thru 100)
and will recall the setting when the MIDI patch change is received.
Volume, Drive and Tone settings will not be saved.
To SAVE a MIDI program patch:
1) Hold down the channel SELECT switch for the channel setting you wish to save (1,2 or 3).
2) Now press the other two SELECT switches and release
all three
at the same time. The LED
for the channel you picked will be flashing.
3) From your MIDI controller, select (send) the MIDI patch number you wish to save. The LED
will flash once to confirm. Normal operation is resumed.
To change the MIDI receive channel:
1) Press and release all 3 channel SELECT switches on the front panel. One of the amp
channel LED’s willl be flashing.
2) Choose MIDI channel 1, 2, or 3 by pressing the 1,2 or 3 SELECT switch. The LED will flash
once to confirm. Normal operation is resumed.
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