Carvin vl100 Manual De Usuario

Two 1/4” SPEAKER JACKS are featured to operate several speaker systems at the same

time. Calculate the total speaker impedance based on parallel wiring as both speaker jacks
are wired in parallel.  Select the IMPEDANCE SWITCH for the correct impedance.

The IMPEDANCE SWITCH offers the selection of 4, 8 or 16 ohms to match your speaker

system.  The correct setting for use with one C412 cabinet is 16

Ω

. For use with two C412

cabinets, the correct setting would be 8 ohms.   The impedance of the Legacy VL212
combo amp is 8 ohms.  In the case of adding another 8 ohm system such as the C212E
8 ohm extension cabinet, move the switch to 4 ohms.  

For maximum output power, be sure the power tube selector switch is selected for 4

TUBE 100 watt operation.  For lower overall levels and early power amp clipping, move
this switch to the 2 TUBE 50 watt operation.  The volume reduction will only be 3 dB.

If you desire to change from EL34 to 5881 (6L6GC) power tubes, you may do so by select-

ing the external BIAS switch to the 5881 (6L6GC) position on the rear panel.  Be sure that
this switch is selected to the proper position or excessive heat will damage your tubes.

The internal P11 bias trim control can be set by a qualified technician.  To set the bias,

measure the current across the terminals of the STAND BY switch (set this switch to the
off position when the amp is on).  Set the idle current to 100 mA for all tube types.

The LINE OUT 1/4” jack is “CABINET VOICED” to prevent excessive bass or highs going

to your mixer.  This greatly aids in sound quality because you do not have to move your
mixer EQ setting to the extreme. The 1.5 VAC output (reference to 100 watts output at
8 ohms) is more than adequate to drive any professional mixer or power amp.

Most foot pedals with 2 switches, a stereo cord and plug will work.  However, Carvin’s

FS22 is recommended because of the correct identification label on the foot switch.  First,
the channel SELECT switch on the front panel must be selected to the “OUT” channel 1
position before the footswitch will work.  Now that you are connected correctly, the chan-
nels and reverb can be switched remotely.  If a hum is heard in the speakers, the select
switch is in the wrong position (this will not harm the amp).

For the lowest possible noise from an effects processor, use the effects loop instead of plug-

ging the guitar into the effects and then into the amp.  To use the EFFECTS LOOP, plug the
INPUT of your effects into the SEND jack and the OUTPUT of your effects into the RETURN
jack.  Use shielded cables, not speaker cables.  It’s possible to have a slight gain reduction
of several dB with some effects units.  However, the amp has plenty of gain to overcome any
loss.

The detachable AC POWER CORD supplied is designed to operate with one type of volt-

age (the European 230V export model uses a CEE-7 plug cord set).  Check the rear power
cord label for the proper voltage and fuse value.  Make sure the cord is securely inserted

into the back of the unit.  Plug the cord into a grounded “3” prong” power source.  No
attempt should ever be made to defeat or use the amp without the ground connected.

The Legacy features a circuit breaker that protects itself from damage that would oth-

erwise be caused by power surges, or short circuits from damaged cables.

One of the “hidden” features of the Legacy amp 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 fea-
ture 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
his/her attack when picking or strumming, and the Legacy is designed to respond to this.

The Legacy will 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, keep the DRIVE control set around 5 to 7 on the dial.  Some
of the best lead saturation will be at around 5—not 10.  Sometimes replacing V1 (12AX7A)
can help reduce feedback.  

It is not uncommon for tubes to malfunction during shipping. If your amp is not work-

ing properly (popping noises, bad ringing, or power tube problems), please call for assis-
tance or refer to the following tube replacement guide. 

1)  The 12AX7A preamp tubes V1 and V2 are the most critical tubes for noise problems

with V1 being the most sensitive (try exchanging V1 and V2).  Replace these tubes
if you have poping or a bad ringing in the Lead Drive channel.  Note: Low noise tubes
are very hard to get and have to be tested for low noise.  V3, V4, and V5 generally
do not generate noise into the amp regardless of how noisy the tubes may be.  V3
and V5 drives the Clean channel and power amp stage.  V4 drives the Reverb system.
If the reverb fails, check the cables before you replace V4.  Sometimes the small lead
wires inside the tank break.  If the power amp section is not working, check V3 & V4
by inserting a signal into the rear EFFECTS RETURN jack.  If the power amp still does
not work, read about the power tubes V6 through V9.  12AX7 LOCATIONS:  V1 is
located next to the outside (left or right depending on the model).  The other tubes
following consecutively with V5 twards the middle of the chassis.

2)  The EL34 power tubes are located in the following order on your chassis:  V6, V7,

V8, V9.  Normally you’ll want to replace these tubes as a set.  Please call for our latest
prices.  Sometimes you can spot defective power tubes when they are glowing red-
hot  along with an audible hum in the speaker when the amp is idling.  If this hap-
pens, shut the amp down immediately.  Check the rear bias switch to be sure that it
is selected for the proper tubes.  After they have cooled down, remove by pushing
the retainers on the base of the tubes down and rock the tubes in a circular motion
while pulling them out.  It is recommended to turn your amp upside down to replace
tubes.  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.

1

4

5

6

3

22

Press firmly until cord clicks in.

Visit the Carvin website for Steve Vai’s amp settings, and

sound samples. www.carvin.com/vai