Справочник Пользователя для Carvin mts3200

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 speak-

er system.  The correct setting for two 16

Ω speakers or cabinets would be 8 ohms.  Select

the proper impedance.  The impedance of the MTS3212 combo amp is 8 ohms.  In the
case of adding another 8 ohm extension cabinet, keep the switch at 4 ohms. 

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

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

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

selecting the external BIAS switch to the EL34 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 normal 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 FUSE (some models have circuit breakers) is located within the AC power cord

receptacle.  To check or replace the fuse, remove the power cord, place a screwdriver
under the “FUSE” cap and pull the fuse holder out.  The fuse type is a 250V Slow Blow
SB 5 x 20mm rated at 3A for 120V & 1.5A for 230V models.  Do not use fast acting fuse,
only a SLOW BLOW (SB) type fuse will work.

The MTS3200 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, please call or refer to the following replacement guide.  

1)  The 12AX7A preamp tubes are located in the following order on your chassis: V1, V2,

V3, V4, V5.  To start with, V1 is located next to the outside of your chassis behind the
output transformer.  It is recommended to turn your amp upside down to replace
tubes.  Replacing V1 will help reduce feedback in channel 1.  Replacing V2 and V3 can
also help but V1 is the main tube to replace.  Replacing V4 will correct problems with
the reverb system unless there is a defective reverb tank or tank cables.  If the power
amp is not functioning, check or replace the 5881 power tubes and check V5 by
inserting a signal into the Effects RETURN jack.  All tubes are keyed in the same direc-
tion.

2)  The 5881 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 happens,
shut the amp down immediately.  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

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Press firmly until cord clicks in.

“Actually, the MTS3212 is a more versatile beast than I at first assumed, because, in the process of
turning the drive control all the way up, there are some excellent crunch tones along the way.

Maybe it’s the British Series (BR12) speakers, or the simple fact that the amp bristles with glow-

ing tubes of loveliness, but these mid-driven sounds are of that responsive type that you just
can’t beat.  It’s warm, of course, but vibrant enough to cut through, and the tone’s dynamic qual-
ities would seem to offer musical assistance to all but the most colourless of blues players.

However, I would argue that it’s at high gains that this Carvin comes into its own.  In this situa-

tion, it’s one of the most satisfying amps I have played in a long time.  EVH was once quoted as
saying that you know when you have a good sound when the guitar seems to play itself, and if Sir
Edward of Van plugged into this combo, he would be more than happy with the brown-ness of the
tone.

High octane rock sounds?  No problem.  Is mid-scooped thrash of angst-core your bag?  Just

step this way, Sir.  The EQ is simple because it has no reason to be anything else, such is the
efficiency of both the amp section and speakers to kick out a tone full of ballsy clout and high
end shimmer.  Putting it through a 2 x 12 extension cab merely enhances the tone further.

Just when you thought it was safe to think ‘so…it’s like a Peavey 5150’ (yes, the overdrives real-

ly are that good), a flick to Clean 2 will see you reaching for a Strat and switching to position 4.
An amp’s clean sound is, if anything, a more subjective affair than its dirty compadre, but I would
say that the MTS3212 has the best clean sound I’ve ever heard from a 100w combo.  Others
might prefer a black-faced Fender Twin or even a Roland JC120, but the bass end available here
is nothing short of incredible.  It has the potential to turn the sound of a single coil solid into
something akin to that of a monstrous f-hole jazz beast (should you so desire).  Those in-betwee-
ny Strat tones are well served, as is the neck position of a Gibson ES335, and the fact that the
combo can handle such diverse sounds with equal aplomb is a major feat.

Conclusion
Whatever styles of music you play, I have a feeling that you may well be blown away by this
Carvin.  The price tag represents excellent value, and it could give other amplifiers costing twice
as much a serious run for their money.”