Carvin Legacy 3, VL300 Owner's Manual

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Carvin Legacy 3, VL300 Owner's Manual

LEGACY 3: MIDI FEATURES

MIDI PRESET MEMORY:

The Legacy 3 will save the CHANNEL selection (1, 2, or 3), BOOST(on/off), REVERB(on/off) and LED backlight color in a MIDI program location (1 thru 100).

The settings will be recalled when the same MIDI program number is received. Volume, Drive and Tone level settings will not be saved.

To SAVE a MIDI program setting: First, set the amp features for saving.

1.Hold down the channel (1,2,or 3) button for the channel setting you wish to save.

2.Now press the other two channel buttons, and release all three at the same time. The REVERB LED will be flashing.

3.From your MIDI controller, select (send) the MIDI program number you wish to save. The REVERB LED will stop flashing, and normal operation is resumed.

To change the LED backlighting color:

1.Hold down the channel (1,2,or 3) button to change the LED color for that channel.

2.Now press the other two channel buttons, and release all three at the same time. The REVERB LED will be flashing.

3.On the back panel, press and release the "SET LED" button to set the lighting color to GREEN, RED, AMBER or OFF. The REVERB LED will stop flashing.

4.Press and release any channel (1,2, or 3) button to save and exit.

Normal operation is resumed.

To change the MIDI receive channel:

1.Press and release all 3 channel SELECT buttons on the front panel. The REVERB LED will be flashing.

2.Choose MIDI channel 1, 2, or 3 by pressing the 1, 2, or 3 button. The REVERB LED will stop flashing, and normal operation is resumed.

CC (CONTINUOUS CONTROLLER) COMMANDS:

The Legacy 3 will respond to MIDI Continuous Controller (“CC”) commands. This allows you to recall a MIDI preset, then switch ON/OFF different amp features on demand through your MIDI controller.

CC parameters:

#81: Amp channel 1 (any change on CC#81) #82: Amp channel 2 (any change on CC#82) #83: Amp channel 3 (any change on CC#83)

#84: Boost (OFF=0-63 / ON=64-127) - toggle with MIDI footswitch in CC mode #85: Reverb (OFF=0-63 / ON=64-127) - toggle with MIDI footswitch in CC mode #89: LED backlight colors:

(0-15:OFF) (16-31:GREEN) (32-47:RED) (48-63:AMBER) (64-79:OFF) (80-95:GREEN) (96-111:RED) (112-127:AMBER)

HELP SECTION

a) USING THE VAI “HIDDEN FEATURE” :

One of the “hidden” features of the LEGACY amps 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 3 is designed to respond to this.

b) FEEDBACK FROM THE LEAD CHANNEL:

The Legacy 3 can easily 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 follow these tips;

-Stand with the guitar pointed away from the amp, and mute strings not being played.

-Keep the DRIVE control set around 5 to 7 on the dial. Some of the best lead saturation will be at around 5-7, not 10.

-If the V1 or V2 (12AX7A) has become microphonic, replacing it 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 refer to the following tube replacement guide.

1)12AX7 LOCATIONS: V1 is located closest to the INPUT jack. The other tubes follow consecutively with V4 towards the middle of the chassis. V1 and V2 are the most critical tubes for noise problems with V1 being the most sensitive (try exchanging with V3). Replace these tubes if you have popping or a bad ringing in the Lead 2 or 3 channel. Note: Low noise tubes may be hard to find and must be tested for low noise. V3 and V4 generally do not generate noise into the amp if they are slightly noisy. V3 drives the Clean channel and Power Amp IN. V4 is the Phase Inverter for the power amp. If the power amp section is not working, check V3 & V4 by inserting a signal into the rear POWER AMP IN jack (it’s gonna be Loud!). If the power amp still does not work, read about the EL34 power tubes V5 through V8.

2)The EL34 power tubes are the larger tube, located in the following order on your chassis: V5, V6, V7, V8. Normally you’ll want to replace these tubes as a set. Please contact Carvin for our latest prices. Sometimes you can spot defective power tubes when they are glowing red-hot, or flashing blue, along with an audible hum in the speaker when the amp is idling. If this happens, shut the amp OFF immediately. Check the rear bias switch to be sure that it is selected for the proper tubes. Unplug the AC power to the amp. After the tubes have cooled down, remove the metal cover and carefully remove the spring retainers. Remove the tubes by rocking the tubes in a small circular motion while pulling them out. 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.

This symbol is intended to

CAUTION

This symbol is intended

alert the user to the presence

 

 

 

to alert the user to the

of uninsulated

“dangerous

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

presence of important

voltage” within

the product’s

DO NOT OPEN

operating and mainte-

enclosure that may be of sufficient magni-

 

 

 

nance (servicing) instructions in the lit-

 

 

 

tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to

 

 

 

erature accompanying the appliance.

persons.

 

 

 

 

 

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 polarization 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.

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 DAMAGED OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for ONE YEAR unless otherwise stated. Vacuum tubes are guaranteed 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. Carvin assumes no responsibility for horn drivers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. 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 CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

SERVICE

In the USA go to www.carvinservice.com

Outside the USA, contact your dealer or go to http://www.carvinworld.com for your nearest serv-

ice 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.

CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA

LEGACY 3 TUBE GUITAR AMP: VL300 OPERATING MANUAL

Congratulations on your purchase of the Legacy 3 all tube signature amplifier. Steve Vai worked very closely with Carvin Engineering to develop the sound and look of the Legacy amplifiers. Exhaustive listening tests of various tube and electronic circuitry were performed by Vai. His choice of EL34 tubes and Celestion™ Vintage 30 speakers provide the finishing touches on a truly original amp. Take some time to discover the extensive features of the Legacy 3.

1 CLEAN, 2 LEAD CHANNELS and MORE GAIN

The equalization of the CLEAN and LEAD channels is designed to offer clarity to your instrument. The CLEAN channel’s PRESENCE switch adds acoustic voicing to your instrument by enhancing only the very highest harmonics in the 10kHz range. The LEAD channels “2” & “3” have seperate DRIVE, VOLUME, and PRESENCE controls. The second LEAD channel “3” features a GAIN switch which adds even more drive to the classic Legacy lead sound. By changing the tube gain circuits a higher gain state is acheived while maintaining a smooth, organic sound.

MASTER CONTROL

The MASTER volume control allows you to get the sound you want from all 3 channels, then adjust the overall volume of the amp without changing your tone or the volume balance between channels.

GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST!

A switchable volume boost is available by footswitch or by MIDI. Set the amount of boost with the BOOST control. When turned on, it will boost your amp’s output by up to 6dB for solos or any time you need to stand out in the mix.

“SMART” REVERB

The REVERB is channel-tracking, allowing you to assign reverb to only the channels you want. Carvin’s classic “long-tail” feature lets the reverb ring out after it’s been switched off.

MIDI MEMORY and CC Control

Set the Channel (1-3), Reverb (on/off) , Boost (on/off) and internal backlighting color. Put the Legacy 3 in “learn” mode and it will assign your settings to the MIDI program number you send from your controller. The Legacy 3 also responds to CC for each MIDI switching function.

DYNAMIC EL34 POWER TUBES

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 11kHz giving the Legacy 3 it’s dynamic highs.

76-32301A 04-02-12

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 reship 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.

MODEL VL300 SPECIFICATIONS:

RMS Power

15, 50 or 100 watts (switched)

Output Impedance:

4, 8 or 16 ohms (switched)

Input Impedance:

220,000 ohms

Tone Controls:

BASS: 80Hz

 

MID: 600-700Hz

 

TREBLE: 11kHz

Channels:

3 - switchable from front panel, FS44M footswitch, or MIDI

Boost function:

Switchable, up to +6dB of volume at the Master, by FS44M or MIDI

Effect Loop

Series Loop, pre-Master Volume

Master Out / Amp In

Series connection, post-Master Volume

MIDI functions:

Channel selection, Master Boost, Reverb, backlight LED colors

 

100 available patch locations, CC control.

MIDI connections

MIDI IN, MIDI THRU (5 pin jacks)

Sensitivity:

Ch.1: 30mV for full output, Ch.2&3: 15mV, Ch.3 w/Gain: 10mV

Voiced Line Out:

1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS

Preamp Tubes:

4 - 12AX7’s (dual stage)

Power Amp Tubes:

4 - EL34’s (power pentode)

AC Power:

120VAC or 240VAC (switchable), 50-60Hz, 300VA

Fuse:

5x20mm, 120VAC: 6A slow-blow, 240VAC: 3A slow-blow

Size / Weight:

17.25W x 8.5H x 9.5”D / 32lbs.

Warranty:

One Year

Country of MFG:

USA

Options:

FS44M footswitch for CHANNEL and BOOST with LED indicators

 

C412T, C412B: (matching 4x12” Vintage 30 speaker cabinets, 16)

 

C212S: (matching 2x12” Vintage 30 speaker cabinets, 16ohm)

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

Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________

c

12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

(800) 854-2235 www.carvin.com

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