Carvin V3MC V3M Series Product Manual - Page 2

Best Overall Product KEY FEATURES AT A GLANCE 3 channels Reverb - Effects Loop All-tube - 12AX7 & EL84 50w, 22w, 7w - switchable Master Volume - Variable Boost 19lb, 15" W x 8.5" D x 7" H The V3M was awarded Gear Guru's Best of NAMM 2011 "Best Overall Product" because of its 19Lb compact size, features and it nails "Country", "Blues", "Jazz" and "Metal" tones. Its powerful 50 watts easily drives a 4-12 half stack while its 7 and 22 watt setting delivers sweet saturation at lower levels. Each channel incorporates its own character drive switches "Bright to Soak" on the clean channel and "Thick" to "Intense" on the dual distortion channels. Lush Reverb, Effects Loop and Variable Boost are features not found in other micro amps. Never before has there been so much tone and power from a micro amp. TECHNICAL DESIGN OF THE V3M The V3M design criteria was to build a high peformance 3-channel tube guitar amplifier in a compact, yet powerful package. The V3M has the ability to produce ultra-high gain and bass heavy sounds with the flexibility to cover all playing styles. The V3M utilizes new ideas built upon proven tube amplifier technology with an extensive set of features. FLEXIBLE GAIN STRUCTURES Each channel of the V3M 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 V3M allows you to set-up both overdrive channels alike, then change settings to achieve mild or drastic differences between the two channels. 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. 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. BUILT IN REVERB The V3M reverb is custom designed for a lush, natural sound. The "long tail" switching system turns off only the send to let the reverb to decay without being cut off. GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST! A switchable volume boost is available by footswitch. Set the amount of boost with the BOOST LEVEL control. When turned on, it will boost your amp's output up to 6dB for solos or any time you need to stand out in the mix. EL84 POWER TUBES Your amp is equipped with EL84 power tubes because of their unique 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 V3M 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 capacitance in the preamp to control high frequency oscillations. Instead, we controlled oscillations through careful component layout and lead placement allowing its shimmering highs to be reproduced. 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 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. V3M HEAD & V3MC COMBO SPECIFICATIONS: RMS Power: Output Impedance: Input Impedance: Channel Tone Controls: Ch 1 Sensitivity: Ch 2 Sensitivity: Ch 3 Sensitivity: FS44L-V3M Footswitch: Voiced Line Out: Preamp Tubes: Power Amp Tubes: AC Power: Size: V3MC Combo: V3MC Speaker: Warranty: Country of Mfg: Options see facing page: 50, 22 or 7 watt "plate voltage" switch 4, 8 or 16ohm switch 220,000 ohms BASS, MID, TREBLE, PRESENCE, EQX 1mV for clipping 1mV for clipping 16mV for full output CH3, CH1/2, Reverb and Boost -25dB from speaker output 4 - 12AX7's (dual stage) 4 - EL84 (power pentode) 120 or 240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 150VA, 3A fuse inches (mm) WxHxD/ Net Weight V3M: 15.0 (381) x 7.0 (178) x 8.5 (216) / 19.1lbs.(8.7kgs.) V3MC: 16.0 (406) x 17.75 (450) x 9.3 (236)/ 36lbs.(16.4kgs.) 7-ply hard wood enclosure 12" Carvin GT12 or optional Celestion™ Vintage 30, 8 ohm One Year Made in USA - CBV3M (padded carry bag for V3M head) - CV3M3 (vinyl cover for V3MC combo) - FS44L-V3M LED footswitch - CH3, CH1/2, Reverb and Boost - 112V (matching 1x12 convertible speaker cabinet) - 212V (matching 2x12 convertible speaker cabinet) - 412VT or 412VB (matching 4x12 speaker cabinets) - V3MRP (rackmount brackets for V3M head - 4U) For your records, you may wish to record the following information. Serial No Invoice Date 2 FAQ Q: Where can I hear or see a demo of the V3M/V3MC? A: Carvin has 3 videos and 1 audio clip available. 3min video is a quick overview with short sound samples in 50w mode. 8min video covers the V3M head in 50w mode and has an example of each channel. 15min video covers the entire amp in 50w and 7w mode plus also covers the 112V cab and V3MC combo as well as footswitch functions. Audio clip used 22w mode and is ONLY available at Carvin Channel.com Videos are available at CarvinChannel.com and Youtube.com. Q: Can I rackmount the amp and what size rack will I need? A: Yes with Carvin's V3MRP and will require a 4U rack case. Q: Can I use the V3M without a footswitch? A: Yes, you can manualy switch channels on the front panel. To switch Reverb and Boost the FS44L-V3M footswitch is required. Without the footswitch connected, Boost and Reverb remain on. Use the Reverb and Boost level control to turn off. Q: Can I use a different Carvin Footswitch? A: The FS44L will work but is not labeled to match the V3M functions. The FS44 will work but does not have LED indicators on the pedal, and is not labeled to match the V3M functions. The FS22 will work but will only switch channels, switching between CH1/2, and CH3 on/off. Q: Can I install different model tubes such as 6L6/5881? A: The V3M is only designed for EL84 power tubes. Replace preamp tubes with 12AX7. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: WATER AND MOISTURE: The product 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 product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the unit. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of the product 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 product. SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the unit 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 WHITE (BLUE)-Neutral BLACK (BROWN)-Hot 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 For USA customers, CARVIN products are warrantied against failure for ONE YEAR with the exception of 3 YEARS for POWER AMPS & SPEAKER SYSTEMS and 5 YEARS for GUITARS. TUBES shippped with amps and SPEAKER COMPONENTS (purchased as individual parts) are warrantied for 90 DAYS. For all other customers, go to carvinworld.com for warranty information and service. CARVIN's Limited Warranty does not cover and no liability is assume for damage due to: a) moisture, b) salt damage, c) natural disasters, d) accidents, e) abuse, f) loss of parts, g) lack of reasonable care or h) damaged caused to speakers or horn drivers caused by this unit. 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 of servicing of CARVIN products. CARVIN shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. For USA warranties, CARVIN will provide its own service and parts at no charge providing the CUSTOMER includes "proof of purchase" (receipt or invoice) and the unit is shipped in original carton (pre paid) to the factory. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. For USA service, go on line to carvinservice.com and complete the "RMA Repair Form". Ship item including form and allow up two 2 weeks for CARVIN to recieve. You will be contacted by email. If out of warranty, a "Flat" service fee is available. Or, if we are no longer servicing the unit, you may be eligible for a new, similar unit for a fee. HELP SECTION 1) AMP WILL NOT TURN ON Check the power to the amp (circuit breakers, ext. cords, etc..) Check the amp's fuse. The amp may be OK but occasionally a fuse may blow because of high AC voltage surges. If the proper fuse fails continuously, the amp may 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 see the internal help section on page 5 of this manual. 3) KEEP YOUR AMP LOOKING NEW Use a damp cloth to wipe the controls on the front & rear chassis panels. Wipe vinyl coverings with a damp cloth. CAUTION REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL! THIS UNIT CONTAINS HIGH RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK VOLTAGE INSIDE! 7