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Average Price: $395

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Description

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. Channels 1 and 2 are identical overdrive channels. However since each offers 3 different Drive settings and EQX Expanded Tone Circuits, you'll be able to dial in numerous variations on each channel. New channel assignable reverb adds a new dimension to your sound.

The 3rd channel is the clean channel, but with its own Drive control and 3 position switch, you'll be able to use this as an additional distortion channel as well. The Volume Boost is ideal for leads and solos, kick it in when you need to cut through. Two Smart Loops offer assignable effects to your channels. Simply select your channel and select your Smart Loop. The assignment is saved and recalled when you play through that channel. MIDI offers storage of channel switching, Volume Boost On/Off and Smart Loop On/Off. Built like a tank, the V3's ruggedness keeps you playing night after night.

Master Controls

  • Master volume: Controls output of all 3 channels. Boost or cut your entire rig with one control.
  • Boost: Add up to 9 dB of volume boost, switch it on/off via the FS44 footswitch and MIDI.
  • Bright: Boost highs starting at 5kHz for added clarity.
  • Mid Cut: A unique mid cut helps dial in a master scooped tone from mild to extreme.
  • Deep: Adds low frequencies at the sub-harmonic level
  • Reverb: Assignable to any channel.
  • Smart Loops™: Total control of your effects, remembers your effects loop settings for each channel. Just assign a loop(s) to the current channel, Smart Loops permanently saves it until you change it.

Channel 1 & 2 Overdrive

3 Drive Modes: a) "Center" - a classic rich, open overdrive with lots of headroom. Turning up the Drive knob adds sustain and warmth. b) "Thick" - brings on the chunk with a massive low-end, textured mids and blistering highs. Turning up the Drive knob adds sustain to the highs, grit to the mids with low-end bark. c) "Intense"- the most gain and sustain with notes that leap out with startling articulation. The low-end is deep and percussive. Mids and highs smoothly blend and still cut through. Turning up the Drive stretches the envelope of sustain to the edge. EQX: Toggle between standard EQ and Expanded EQ. This switch opens a wider frequency range for the TREBLE and BASS. Presence: Boosting 8kHz to help cut through.

Channel 3 Clean

3 Drive Modes: a) "Center" - a classic rich, open clean sound with lots of headroom. Turning up the drive adds tube warmth and sag. b) "Bright" - adds high end to the preamp, inviting high frequencies to chime and sustain as the Drive is turned up.

EQX: Toggle between standard EQ and Expanded EQ. This switch opens a wider frequency range for the TREBLE, MID and BASS. Presence: Boost 11kHz for glassy, shimmering highs.

V3 Rear Panel

V3 Rear Panel (click to enlarge)

Construction:

  • Cabinet is made from plywood, not particle board
  • Covered in black Tolex with metal corners
  • Dimensions: 25.4 inches wide X 9.5 inches deep X 10.5 inches high
  • Weight: 35 lbs.
  • Made in San Diego, California

    • RMS Power: 25, 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
    • Channel Assignable Reverb
    • 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: Five 12AX7's tubes
    • Power Amp Tubes: 4-EL34 matched tubes
    • 120VAC, 300VA; 6A Circuit breaker; 120V/240V selector switch
    • Cabinet Size: 24.25" wide x 10.5" high x 9.5" deep
    • Cabinet: 7-ply premium hardwood
    • Net Weight: 35 lbs
    • Warranty: One Year
    • Made in San Diego, California

Product specs

Brand Carvin
Model V3 3-Channel 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 3 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Carvin V3 100 Watt 3-Channel Tube Amp?

The Carvin V3 is known for its versatile tonal range, offering crystal-clear cleans, tight crunch, and saturated high-gain tones. It features three independent channels, allowing for a wide array of sound shaping suitable for various music genres.

Does the Carvin V3 100 Watt Tube Amp take pedals well?

Yes, the Carvin V3 is designed to work well with pedals. Its clean channel provides a solid foundation for effects, and its effects loop allows for seamless integration of time-based effects like delays and reverbs.

Is the Carvin V3 100 Watt Tube Amp suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Absolutely, the Carvin V3's 100-watt output is more than sufficient for live performances, even in loud band settings with a drummer. Its high headroom ensures clarity at high volumes.

What type of power tubes does the Carvin V3 use?

The Carvin V3 utilizes EL34 power tubes, which contribute to its dynamic response and classic British-inspired tone, offering both warmth and clarity across its channels.

How many channels does the Carvin V3 100 Watt Tube Amp have?

The Carvin V3 features three independent channels, each with its own EQ and gain controls, providing a broad spectrum of tones from clean to high-gain distortion.

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Can the Carvin V3 Do Metal Tones?

Video thumbnail for Can the Carvin V3 Do Metal Tones? by Leon Todd

Can the Carvin V3 Do Metal Tones?

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Carvin V3 Demo by Leon Todd

Carvin V3 Demo

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Carvin V3 - Tones & Stuff by Leon Todd

Carvin V3 - Tones & Stuff

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Reviews

PROS

  • Built like a tank, durable construction

  • Versatile three channels with extensive sound shaping controls

  • Direct out with cabinet emulation enhances recording quality

  • MIDI in for modern equipment compatibility

  • Accepts EL34 or 6L6 tubes for tonal flexibility

  • Power selection between 100W or 50W for volume control

  • Exceptional value for the wealth of features offered

  • Suitable for a wide range of music genres

  • Can mimic tones from Fender cleans to Mesa heavy distortion

CONS

  • Requires significant time to tweak settings for optimal sound

  • Interactive parameters mean adjusting one requires changing others

  • High gain channels may produce fizzy sounds at low gain settings

  • Original model lacks built-in reverb

  • Heavy and loud, typical of 100 watt tube heads

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carvin V3 100 Watt 3-Channel Tube Amp.

Comparisons

  • The Carvin V3 is described as a "poor man's dual rectifier," suggesting a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive amps like the Mesa Boogie.

    Source
  • The Orange OR15 is considered sonically similar to the Orange Rockerverb but with a different voicing, making it suitable for nu-metal tones when boosted with a pedal like the EHX Soul Food.

    Source
  • The Vox Night Train G2 and Jet City JCA20H are preferred over the Carvin V3M for superior tone quality according to user comparisons.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users find the Carvin V3's high-gain channel offers sufficient drive when paired with a 2/4 speaker cab, although it may struggle with balancing gain and tone.

    Source
  • The midi function is praised for effective channel switching, particularly for live performances, enhancing the amp's versatility.

    Source
  • Channels 1 and 2 share the same voicing but allow for different sound outputs; however, they share the same gain stage, which may limit tonal diversity.

    Source
  • The Carvin V3M offers a switchable attenuator with settings at 50, 22, and 7 watts, appealing to home players seeking volume control.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention the Carvin V3's cleans can be underwhelming, with "thick" being the only setting some users prefer.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully used JJ 6L6GC tubes and biased them for enhanced performance, with some reporting long-term reliability over 15 years without issues.

    Source
  • Some users report no issues after 300+ shows, highlighting the durability and reliability of the V3 in rigorous touring conditions.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Carvin V3M's cleans too sterile and the gain channels overly aggressive, likened to a "fully revved chainsaw."

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Carvin's business status raises concerns about future repair options, as the company no longer exists to provide support for inevitable tube amp issues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • EL34 tubes are favored by some for a distinct tonal preference, especially when paired with rack gear and pedals, indicating a flexible tone customization.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The V3 is noted for its compatibility with rock and metal genres, with users appreciating its ability to handle both fully distorted and clean tones effectively.

    Source
  • The Carvin Vintage series, particularly the Vintage 16, is recommended for cleaner tones and better handling of classic rock sounds, contrasting the more aggressive V3M.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite mixed reviews on sound quality, the Carvin V3M's American-made build and extensive features are noted as appealing for its price range.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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corey_wilkinson

Killer investment

There is no amp that compares to the Carvin V3 for features, quality (USA built), customer service and tone. Nothing in the V3's price range comes even close. Ive practiced, recorded, gigged and jammed with mine since 2009. (Mine doesn't have reverb) You'll want to yank the stock tubes out and replace them. I went with Eurotubes JJ's High gain set. Rock, Metal, Blues, Country, Progressive, Pop.... it does it all. Its features are so numerous most people will never use them all. The only drawbacks that it has are the same drawbacks as any 100 watt tube head... its heavy and loud. But it is an amazing amp. And the matching V3 cabinet is equally awesome. Upgrade the speakers to Vintage 30's and you'll have a half stack that you can put up against anything out there.

juan_jose_guajardo

Amazing.

In my opinion, this is THE best tube amplifier on the market right now. It has 3 different independent channels. It can sound like like anything from a Fenders cleans, to a Mesa's heavy distortion. Great for all types of music from jazz to the heaviest of metal. Personally I use for stuff like Tool, Mars Volta, and Pink Floyd and it sounds amazing.

Artist usage

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See how Wayne Findlay uses Carvin V3 100 Watt 3-Channel Tube Amp

Wayne Findlay

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Michael Schenker Group

...
Verified via Youku

As seen in this interview with Carvin.

Genre Usage

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