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Can't find what you're looking for?
Please email Carvin Service to request a new FAQ. Your comments and suggestions are welcome too.
Guitar Amps-Tube FAQ
1. How do I remove the Power Tubes from my Carvin Amp?2. What is the purpose of the Tube Holder Clip on my tubes?
3. How should I set the impedance switch in my Legacy?
4. How should I set the impedance switch in my X100B?
5. How should I set the impedance switch in my V3?
6. How should I set the impedance switch in my Nomad / Belair?
7. How to install a V3 Diamond grill.
8. Is it possible to use only one channel of the TS-100/TS100-E without burning the other channel not connected to a speaker cab?
9. How do I install the V3 LED Kit?
10. How do I know if I can install the V3 LED Kit, on my V3?
11. How do I program the color of the LED's, to assign a different color to each channel when I select it.
12. No signal, but tubes are light up, what do I do?
13. Why is my Reverb not working?
14. Why is one of my tubes in my amp look foggy inside?
15. The power went out and now my amp doesn't power ON, what do I do?
16. What is the difference between a Fuse and Thermal Circuit Breaker?
17. How to set the bias, my Carvin Amp?
18. Can I increase the bias in my amp to make it sound better?
19. Why doesn't Carvin sale basic components like resistors and capacitors?
20. What is the bias of my amp?
21. Why are the tubes in my tube amp so hot?
22. With all the power amp classifications, there may be terms you are unfamiliar with, so this document contains a brief description of Carvin's professional power amplifier designs and terminology.
23. How should I box my amp to send it in for repair?
24. What is the AC Cord wire gauge I should use with my amp?
25. Does Carvin offer a trade in for the wireless that will not work after June, 2010 because of the frequency used?
26. What is the Thiele?
27. Can a Carvin Tech Modify my amps if I send them in?
28. What is Moisture and Corrosion, and why is that bad?
29. What do I do if I get Dust or Sand inside my gear?
30. What do I do if my amp gets struck by Lightning?
31. When I tap the top of my amp the signal goes in and out, what do I do?
1. How do I remove the Power Tubes from my Carvin Amp?
Press down on the 2 metal clips that hold the tube. Press down on both clips at the same time. Use two flat head screw drivers, this is much easier if somebody helps you. Don't be afraid to push down hard on the tube holder.
Tech tip: Before installing the new power tube in, push up on the metal clips, so they grab the tube better.
Added: 10-21-2008 Revised: 10-21-2008 back to top
2. What is the purpose of the Tube Holder Clip on my tubes?
It's meant to hold the tube so it doesn't fall off. When the amp is mounted it's mounted upside down. Vibration from the speaker can rattle it out. With the clip it stays put.
Added: 10-21-2008 back to top
3. How should I set the impedance switch in my Legacy?
File includes detailed instructions with pictures.
Legacy inpedance setting.PDF
Added: 11-11-2008 back to top
4. How should I set the impedance switch in my X100B?
File includes detailed instructions with pictures.
X100B Impedance Setting.PDF
Added: 11-11-2008 back to top
5. How should I set the impedance switch in my V3?
File includes detailed instructions with pictures.
V3 Impedance Setting.PDF
Added: 11-11-2008 back to top
6. How should I set the impedance switch in my Nomad / Belair?
File includes detailed instructions with pictures.
Nomad Belair Impedance Setting.PDF
Added: 11-11-2008 back to top
7. How to install a V3 Diamond grill.
Click on link for full detailed instructions with pictures.
V3 Diamond grill installation.PDF
Added: 11-4-2008 back to top
8. Is it possible to use only one channel of the TS-100/TS100-E without burning the other channel not connected to a speaker cab?
Both output must be loaded with a speaker cabinet, you can damage the amp if itâ??s not loaded. If you only have one cabinet, run it in Bridge mode.
Added: 4-28-2010 back to top
9. How do I install the V3 LED Kit?
Click this link for detailed instructions:
CLICK HERE: V3 LED KIT Installation Procedures
Added: 8-10-2009 Revised: 10-13-2009 back to top
10. How do I know if I can install the V3 LED Kit, on my V3?
There are a few ways to tell, the easiest way to tell is by looking inside the amp, if there is a cable hanging in the back of the front grill, it can be done. If it doesn't have a cable you can't. The LEDs that come part of the kit are software driven, it's connected to a software processor.
Another way is to look at the serial number starting on : OD08555 going forward you can. Any V3 made after July 22 2009
Look inside the amp, if you can see a ribbon cable, the option is available. Click this link for a picture
Added: 8-10-2009 Revised: 10-13-2009 back to top
11. How do I program the color of the LED's, to assign a different color to each channel when I select it.
Click this link below for detailed instructions in PDF. Or click the Video Link for a demonstration.
How to change the V3 LED Color to Hot Red to Cool Blue to Warm Amber or any combination up to 7 colors
Click this link for Video How To: VIDEO Start
Added: 8-10-2009 Revised: 10-13-2009 back to top
12. No signal, but tubes are light up, what do I do?
If one of the preamp tubes went out there will be no signal. Check tube V5 it's the inverter tube, if that tube is out you will have no signal. Swap V4 with V5 to check it. V4 is only used for the reverb. TIP: Use tube V4 for any of the five positions, V1-V5, to troubleshoot the other tubes. Note: If any tube is discolored, or burned in any way, replace it. For a replacement tube click Replacement Parts.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-18-2008 back to top
13. Why is my Reverb not working?
If the reverb tank is not working it may not necessarily be the tank that went bad. It could be the tube driving it. Check V4. If that tube is bad you will loose all reverb. If on the other hand the tube is okay, check the cables going to the reverb tank and check the tank. To remove the reverb tank you must remove 4 screws 2 per side.
Added: 9-11-2008 back to top
14. Why is one of my tubes in my amp look foggy inside?
That is because it lost its vacuum, that tube is bad, it should be replaced.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-17-2008 back to top
15. The power went out and now my amp doesn't power ON, what do I do?
Check the fuse, or Circuit breaker. Some of our Tube amps use a thermal circuit breaker that pops out, to reset it you only have to push in the little tab that pops out.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-10-2008 back to top
16. What is the difference between a Fuse and Thermal Circuit Breaker?
When a fuse goes out, you have to replace it, because it is open inside (picture B). A circuit breaker you can reset(picture A).
A)Circuit Breaker
B)Fuse
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-24-2008 back to top
17. How to set the bias, my Carvin Amp?
You need a meter that can measure AMPs. Instructions are provided at Carvinservice.com/HowtoBias.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-21-2008 back to top
18. Can I increase the bias in my amp to make it sound better?
No, the bias is set for maximum performance, if you change the bias you will void your warranty, and you will damage the amp. For detailed instructions on how to bias your tube amp click on "How to Bias" under "troubleshooting".
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-24-2008 back to top
19. Why doesn't Carvin sale basic components like resistors and capacitors?
You can find those at any electronics stores, those components are common components. Bottom line is that we don't want you to pay for something that you can get somewhere else for much less. If Carvin sold it to you, we would charge 8.99 for shipping, the resistor may only cost 10 cents. A 10K ohm resistor is the same no matter where you get it. If you go to an electronics store they will sale it to you for 10 cents, why pay more. If you can't find it at a local electronics place, try Digi-key.com or Mouser.COM
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-21-2008 back to top
20. What is the bias of my amp?
Click on "Troubleshooting" then on "How to Bias" for directions on how to Bias your amp.
Bias Setting list.PDF
All of the Bias setting are listed in this file.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-24-2008 back to top
21. Why are the tubes in my tube amp so hot?
All tubes are always hot, on any tube amp. Tubes get hot by design. Some times not as hot as other, it depends on how they are used in the circuit. In some cases they may not even be ON, until a switch is flipped or a channel selected. But it is very normal, it doesn't mean the amp is broken.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 10-17-2008 back to top
22. With all the power amp classifications, there may be terms you are unfamiliar with, so this document contains a brief description of Carvin's professional power amplifier designs and terminology.
Click this link for a Description of the most common terms.
Carvin Professional Power Amp Design.PDF
Added: 1-26-2010 Revised: 1-27-2010 Generic FAQ back to top
23. How should I box my amp to send it in for repair?
The amp should be boxed up in its original packaging. If that is not possible, then box it up as best you can. Make sure to leave a protective cushion between the amp and the box. During shipping the amp will be exposed to rough handling. If improperly boxed, the unit will be damaged. Carvin is not responsible for shipping damage due to improper boxing. Remember to fill out your RMA form.
Added: 10-21-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
24. What is the AC Cord wire gauge I should use with my amp?
Click on link,
AC Cord Wire Gauge.PDF
AC Cord Wire Gauge Rev B.PDF
Added: 10-7-2008 Revised: 3-19-2010 Generic FAQ back to top
25. Does Carvin offer a trade in for the wireless that will not work after June, 2010 because of the frequency used?
Carvin offers a 100 Dollar credit towards a replacement system, which are in the 638-698Mhz range(NEW), older is (700-800Mhz). You don't have to send in your old wireless. The credit applies to any owner not just the original owner. A serial number must be provided. Valid until Jan, 2013. Please call Carvin Sales at 800-854-2235
Added: 2-8-2010 Revised: 2-8-2010 Generic FAQ back to top
26. What is the Thiele?
The Thiele specifications are a set of parameters used to describe the audio characteristics of a speaker driver.
Added: 8-26-2009 Generic FAQ back to top
27. Can a Carvin Tech Modify my amps if I send them in?
No. Carvin Technicians are not permitted to MOD (modify) any amplifier. It is against company policy. Carvin does not repair modified amplifiers. If a modification is found during a repair, then the component values will be returned to factory specs (if it is not rejected).
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
28. What is Moisture and Corrosion, and why is that bad?
Moisture is the presence of water in trace amounts. It can cause rot in wood and corrosion in metals, both of which are the main materials in your amplifier and cabinet. When moisture goes inside the amp it can corrode the input and output jacks (causing intermittent crackling, popping, and volume loss), damage the cables inside the amp, and short traces on the circuit boards. If corrosion is present on any of the jacks, the best thing to do is to replace them. For light corrosion, applying contact cleaner to the jacks will help.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
29. What do I do if I get Dust or Sand inside my gear?
Dust and/or sand should never go inside the amp. If any debris goes inside try to clean it out as best you can. Dust and sand can block the fan and vents, causing the amp to overheat, and they can also short components inside. Any debris inside the chassis will also absorb moisture and cause corrosion to form on chassis and circuitry.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
30. What do I do if my amp gets struck by Lightning?
Lightning can cause extreme and intermittent failures to all electrical equipment. Most of these issues are very difficult to repair and usually return after time. In the case of a direct hit, the amp will likely not work well ever again. If there was a black out for a few seconds and the amp does not power back ON, check the fuse. For a replacement fuse click on "Fuse and Bias Values" in the FAQ Categories menu.
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
31. When I tap the top of my amp the signal goes in and out, what do I do?
This is a characteristic of something inside the amp being loose. In most cases it is a loose connector, but it can also be dirty or corroded contacts, a bad ribbon cable, or broken solder joints. To check this, take the amp out of the enclosure and verify that all harnesses and connectors are installed correctly. Disconnect and reconnect the ribbon cables. Power on your amp and verify that it is working properly. If the problem persists, you may have to replace a connector and do further troubleshooting. A cable can work its way out from the vibration of a speaker. For a replacement cable click on "Parts".
Added: 9-11-2008 Revised: 11-10-2008 Generic FAQ back to top
