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
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 dif-
ferences 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 chan-
nel 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
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 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 imped-
ance. 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 oscil-
lations. 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 protec-
tion 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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