Carvin V3 Manual
Carvin V3 Manual Rating: 4,6/5 7080 votes
- Carvin Amp Schematics to assist you with your amplifier repairs and modifications. Javascript is disabled on your browser. To view this site, you must enable JavaScript or upgrade to a JavaScript-capable browser.
- But, in my opinion, 80% of us will find their sound in the V3! About me, I first rule equalization 'general' on the master, and then I refine the channel EQ, and presence. This is not necessarily the best solution, but it is one that suits me. So I share it to you to see what is and what will be yours! The manual is in English.
- The Kiesel Guitars USA Custom Shop makes pro quality guitars, basses, pickups, necks, guitar kits and accessories for musicians of all levels. Made in the USA, and ships worldwide.
The V3's 100% tube signal path delivers pure tone from warm to shimmering to infinite sustain and crunch. Three channels offer expanded tone circuits and overdrives for everything from blues to metal. CARVIN and the shipping company are not liable for any damage caused by improper packing. Page 2: Front Panel V3 FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS 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.
Sound OffMost notable on the V3 are the EQ and tone-shaping features – this amp is seriously loaded. Each channel corresponds to the master channel, which has a mid cut,boost for solos, deep, bright and of course the master volume, giving you a variety of ways to tweak your tone. The master channel is also equipped with two “smart” loops (one series and one parallel), a nice feature that recalls your effects loop settings from channel 1-3. You can set your effect loops off in channel 1, while using both loops in channel 3, or any other combination you like. This function allows you to have effects in the loop but intelligently assign them to specific channels. The footswitch activates the boost and effect loops simultaneously – one button will turn on an adjustable 9db boost for solos, while bringing in any assigned loop effect for the channel you are on.
“There are tons of tones available here, and it may take you some time to find your own. But that’s the trade off, as the V3 is no one-trick pony.” |
Beginning in channel 1 (sonic high gain), I gradually worked my way to channel 3 (clean). Off the bat, it’s apparent that channel 1 has as much gain capability as a Diezel Herbert, a Triple Rectifier or an Ubershcall. The features included here were extremely impressive; each channel is equipped with an EQX function, which shifts the adjustable frequency range of your tone controls. Utilizing this function in the down position, I was able to achieve ridiculously scooped mid tones for drop tunings and modern metal sounds. In thenormal position, the mids are swept in the classic or traditional range – think Marshall crunch. I was able to get a creamy high-gain lead sound with this EQX position. There is also a 3-way drive mode switch on each channel – in channel 1 and 2, it reads Intense (up, for most gain), Classic (center) and Thick (plenty of low end and textured mids, my preference for channel 1). This 3-way drive switch really changes the character of the amp, by tightening or loosening its focus, drive, compression and distortion characteristics. It also affects the midrange frequencies, and is a useful feature to really help dial in a certain tone. Channel 2 brings you into the brown sound, the old Van Halen-esque tones – the V3 also nails a pretty solid AC/DC sound. This channel, however, is capable of a higher gain and sustain-packed solo tone, just not as intense as channel 1. Channel 3 (clean) was also impressive on the versatility front. The 3-way switch here is labeled Bright, Center and Soak. The V3 is capable of chimey tight (dare I say more sterile, clean sounds) to clean on the verge of break up – not quite a vintage Fender, but decidedly in that realm.
The Build
The rear panel of the V3 boasts as many features as the front; functions include a bias option from EL34 to 6L6, cabinet voicing and level control for line out, and a power switch, which creates more or less sag on the tubes, and changes the Carvin from a 100-watt, 4 tube beast to a 50-watt, 2 tube creature. This feature offers nice live to studio flexibility, as some prefer the cranked 50 watt breakup. For those who want more headroom and sheer power, keep it in 100 watt mode and use all 4 power tubes. As an added plus, the V3 is fully MIDI compatible. The build quality is solid – the V3 is built like a tank, but unfortunately, it’s one heavy beast. This combo is not easily picked up and slung around, and the aesthetic is also somewhat conservative and plain – something to consider if you’re going for a certain look. The biggest bonus of this amp: tons of knobs and switches that allow the player to shape countless sounds. It is also on the somewhat affordable side of the boutique price range.
The Final Mojo
All in all, Carvin did a fabulous job creating a versatile amplifier with as many features as a Diezel Herbert – or at least enough to keep you busy for a long time. There are tons of tones available here, and it may take you some time to find your own. But that’s the trade off, as the V3 is no one-trick pony.
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Carvin
Carvin V3 Manual Instructions
MSRP $1299.00
Carvin V3 Manual
1-800-854-2235
carvin.com