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
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 con-
ventional 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 ampli-
fier 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 exten-
sive 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 chan-
nels.
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 imped-
ance 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!
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 capaci-
tance 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 & 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 inquir-
ing.
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
c
V3 shown with optional V3PSS polished Stainless Steel grill
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