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Re: carvin V3 - round 2
i also put this in the other V3 post, so don't read it twice unless you are REALLY bored!!
well, i have one and while it has it's problem, i can answer your question. it does 80's metal sounds GREAT, and it will get the "new" metal (not NU!!) tones like you are looking for.
i have decided to keep mine because the tonal variety is extreme, especially on the overdrive channels. the master EQ section allows A LOT of variety.
if you want the scooped out, bottom heavy sounds - V3 does it. if you want thick, heavy sounds - V3 does it. you want a mildly overdriven classic rock sound - V3 does it. the only thing V3 does not do very well is clean. it is passable and useable, but NOTHING like my blackface fender or rivera M/S amps.
the trackable effects loop is VERY cool. i am using it now with a fender tube reverb unit in the series loop, and an ADA S-1000 in the paralell loop. VERY nice. there seems to a volume issue with the "tail" switch on the loops, but i like the delays and reverbs to cut off when i switch channels, so i don't care.
each OD channel has 3 modes of distortion: thick, classic, and insane (which is like a more modern distortion). i have channel 1 set up to be like a cross between a DR and an Engl-type sound (insanr setting). channel 2 is set up like a slightly hotter JCM800 (classic setting). channel 3 (clean) is a work in progress. the clean reminds me of my Mark IV clean - very thin and overly clean, none of the girth of a blackface fender (i will admit i am still learning that channel. it may be okay).
the EQX function is interesting. i have yet to try the head with my marshall 4x12 (it's at the rehearsal studio), but when used with my rivera c-112 EVM12L cabs, EQX is too much. it may be PERFECT to get some more "meat" out of the celestions in my marshall.
the EQ pots are all 1 meg pots, so there is A LOT of variation as you trun the knobs. this is good and bad. it gives a wide range and adds to the versatility, but also makes it a little easier to mess up a good sound. you boogie MARK series amp user know what i am talking about!! it's not AS bad, but close.
that master EQ section really makes the amp. you have a bright EQ which REALLY gives some serious "sizzle" to the sound. want that boogie rectifier sound? use that knob to dial it in!! there is a mid-cut knob that changes to frequency of the mids. like your sound SUPER SCOOPED, use this knob!! then there is a deep knob. this one will make the walls shake with low end. need to over power your bass player and sound metallica's "and justice for all"? use this knob!!!
another cool feature, especially for guys like jgcable that need and like solo boosts, there is a solo boost knob. it will give up to a 9 decible boost when you step on the switch!!
the amp is also midi controllable, or you can be like me and use the 2 carvin footswitches.
all in all it is a good amp. worth keeping, despite the issue i've had.
i also put this in the other V3 post, so don't read it twice unless you are REALLY bored!!
well, i have one and while it has it's problem, i can answer your question. it does 80's metal sounds GREAT, and it will get the "new" metal (not NU!!) tones like you are looking for.
i have decided to keep mine because the tonal variety is extreme, especially on the overdrive channels. the master EQ section allows A LOT of variety.
if you want the scooped out, bottom heavy sounds - V3 does it. if you want thick, heavy sounds - V3 does it. you want a mildly overdriven classic rock sound - V3 does it. the only thing V3 does not do very well is clean. it is passable and useable, but NOTHING like my blackface fender or rivera M/S amps.
the trackable effects loop is VERY cool. i am using it now with a fender tube reverb unit in the series loop, and an ADA S-1000 in the paralell loop. VERY nice. there seems to a volume issue with the "tail" switch on the loops, but i like the delays and reverbs to cut off when i switch channels, so i don't care.
each OD channel has 3 modes of distortion: thick, classic, and insane (which is like a more modern distortion). i have channel 1 set up to be like a cross between a DR and an Engl-type sound (insanr setting). channel 2 is set up like a slightly hotter JCM800 (classic setting). channel 3 (clean) is a work in progress. the clean reminds me of my Mark IV clean - very thin and overly clean, none of the girth of a blackface fender (i will admit i am still learning that channel. it may be okay).
the EQX function is interesting. i have yet to try the head with my marshall 4x12 (it's at the rehearsal studio), but when used with my rivera c-112 EVM12L cabs, EQX is too much. it may be PERFECT to get some more "meat" out of the celestions in my marshall.
the EQ pots are all 1 meg pots, so there is A LOT of variation as you trun the knobs. this is good and bad. it gives a wide range and adds to the versatility, but also makes it a little easier to mess up a good sound. you boogie MARK series amp user know what i am talking about!! it's not AS bad, but close.
that master EQ section really makes the amp. you have a bright EQ which REALLY gives some serious "sizzle" to the sound. want that boogie rectifier sound? use that knob to dial it in!! there is a mid-cut knob that changes to frequency of the mids. like your sound SUPER SCOOPED, use this knob!! then there is a deep knob. this one will make the walls shake with low end. need to over power your bass player and sound metallica's "and justice for all"? use this knob!!!
another cool feature, especially for guys like jgcable that need and like solo boosts, there is a solo boost knob. it will give up to a 9 decible boost when you step on the switch!!
the amp is also midi controllable, or you can be like me and use the 2 carvin footswitches.
all in all it is a good amp. worth keeping, despite the issue i've had.
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