Congratulations on your purchase of the
Legacy 3 all tube signature amplifier. Steve Vai
worked very closely with Carvin Engineering to
develop the sound and look of the Legacy
amplifiers. Exhaustive listening tests of various
tube and electronic circuitry were performed
by Vai. His choice of EL34 tubes and
Celestion™ Vintage 30 speakers provide the
finishing touches on a truly original amp. Take
some time to discover the extensive features
of the Legacy 3.
MODEL VL300 SPECIFICATIONS:
RMS Power
15, 50 or 100 watts (switched)
Output Impedance:
4, 8 or 16 ohms (switched)
Input Impedance:
220,000 ohms
Tone Controls:
BASS: 80Hz
MID: 600-700Hz
TREBLE: 11kHz
Channels:
3 - switchable from front panel, FS44M footswitch, or MIDI
Boost function:
Switchable, up to +6dB of volume at the Master, by FS44M or MIDI
Effect Loop
Series Loop, pre-Master Volume
Master Out / Amp In
Series connection, post-Master Volume
MIDI functions:
Channel selection, Master Boost, Reverb, backlight LED colors
100 available patch locations, CC control.
MIDI connections
MIDI IN, MIDI THRU (5 pin jacks)
Sensitivity:
Ch.1: 30mV for full output, Ch.2&3: 15mV, Ch.3 w/Gain: 10mV
Voiced Line Out:
1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes:
4 - 12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Amp Tubes:
4 - EL34’s (power pentode)
AC Power:
120VAC or 240VAC (switchable), 50-60Hz, 300VA
Fuse:
5x20mm, 120VAC: 6A slow-blow, 240VAC: 3A slow-blow
Size / Weight:
17.25W x 8.5H x 9.5”D / 32lbs.
Warranty:
One Year
Country of MFG:
USA
Options:
FS44M footswitch for CHANNEL and BOOST with LED indicators
C412T, C412B: (matching 4x12” Vintage 30 speaker cabinets,
C212S: (matching 2x12” Vintage 30 speaker cabinets, 16ohm)
1 CLEAN, 2 LEAD CHANNELS and MORE GAIN
The equalization of the CLEAN and LEAD channels is designed to offer
clarity to your instrument. The CLEAN channel’s PRESENCE switch adds
acoustic voicing to your instrument by enhancing only the very highest
harmonics in the 10kHz range. The LEAD channels “2” & “3” have seper-
ate DRIVE, VOLUME, and PRESENCE controls. The second LEAD chan-
nel “3” features a GAIN switch which adds even more drive to the classic
Legacy lead sound. By changing the tube gain circuits a higher gain state
is acheived while maintaining a smooth, organic sound.
MASTER CONTROL
The MASTER volume control allows you to get the sound you want from
all 3 channels, then adjust the overall volume of the amp without chang-
ing your tone or the volume balance between channels.
GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST!
A switchable volume boost is available by footswitch or by MIDI. Set the
amount of boost with the BOOST control. When turned on, it will boost
your amp’s output by up to 6dB for solos or any time you need to stand
out in the mix.
“SMART” REVERB
The REVERB is channel-tracking, allowing you to assign reverb to only
the channels you want. Carvin’s classic “long-tail” feature lets the reverb
ring out after it’s been switched off.
MIDI MEMORY and CC Control
Set the Channel (1-3), Reverb (on/off) , Boost (on/off) and internal back-
lighting color. Put the Legacy 3 in “learn” mode and it will assign your
settings to the MIDI program number you send from your controller.
The Legacy 3 also responds to CC for each MIDI switching function.
DYNAMIC EL34 POWER TUBES
Your amp is equipped with EL34 power tubes because of their smooth
distortion, responsive sound and reliability. The compression characteris-
tics of these “high-output” power tubes respond to the dynamic range of
lead guitar playing. These tubes react even to the most subtle touch - if
you play soft, the tubes remain clean and if you increase your attack they
respond accordingly.
TONE CONTROLS
The T-Bridge passive BASS, MID and TREBLE tone controls offer a wide
range of tone settings. Take full advantage by setting them where they
sound best. Your sound may not be at center 5 on the dial. These con-
trols will not affect or color your sound when set at extreme settings, nor
do they interact with each other. The greater range of these controls
comes from the high impedance 1 Meg sealed pots (most guitar amps use
250k pots). The frequency of the bass control is set at 80 Hz while the mid
control is set at 650 Hz. The treble control is set at a very high 11kHz giv-
ing the Legacy 3 it’s dynamic highs.
76-32301B 122316
For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR AMP FOR DAMAGE which may have occurred during ship-
ping. 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 pro-
vide the best possible protection during shipment. CARVIN and the shipping com-
pany 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 por-
tion with your name and comments to us.
USER MANUAL
LEGACY 3 TUBE GUITAR AMP: VL300
16262 WEST BERNARDO DR. SAN DIEGO, CA 92127
800-854-2235 CARVINAUDIO.COM
