Carvin V3m

[6Tones]

Any good clips of this amp?Most the video demos online sound seen muddy and uninspiring sounding

 

[standingzero]

I own the amp and I haven't seen any real good vids, nor do I have good recording equipment. To be honest the videos aren't super far off from how it sounds. I like the amp, but don't love it. Was given as a gift and I'm very thankful for it.

It's got a great feature set, good solid tones, but nothing super "inspiring". Guys on the Carvin forum swear that a JJ tube upgrade makes a huge difference. I've bought a set and am waiting for some multimeter clips so I can do the install. Will also upgrade w/ a warehouse or weber speaker in the future most likely.

Here are some clips that are better than most:

 

[GibsonLives]

Like many here have already said, I love the features on this amp, and the price is absolutely stellar, but it of course all comes down to tone, and while I haven't heard one in person, the clips I've heard are quite disappointing. I know Carvin's in the business of full-featured, American-made amps at reduced prices, but I seriously would love it if they'd just charge a few hundred more and put more into their gear. Guess I've officially become a TGP corksniffer now lol.
Steve

 

[madryan]

horrid sounding amp.

 

[LesPaulMan]

horrid sounding amp.

While is doesn't sound as good at my Blockhead or Multiwatt Dual Rectifier, I wouldn't call it "horrid sounding".

The interesting thing that I find with my V3M is that it needs some volume. Yes, it's a small lunch-box type amp, but it doesn't sound great at very low volumes. Get the volume up to band practice levels and it's actually pretty good.

 

[madryan]

While is doesn't sound as good at my Blockhead or Multiwatt Dual Rectifier, I wouldn't call it "horrid sounding".

The interesting thing that I find with my V3M is that it needs some volume. Yes, it's a small lunch-box type amp, but it doesn't sound great at very low volumes. Get the volume up to band practice levels and it's actually pretty good.

I rank it somewhat better than a Genz Benz El Diablo but it sucks compared to a Peavey XXX.

Just a buzzy, lifeless amp IMO.

Carvin tried to sell it on the features not the tone because honestly, the tone sucks.

 

[teveinsene]

I rank it somewhat better than a Genz Benz El Diablo but it sucks compared to a Peavey XXX.

Just a buzzy, lifeless amp IMO.

Carvin tried to sell it on the features not the tone because honestly, the tone sucks.

So I take it with this opinion you have obviously played it, or is this just another opinion based on clip If you have played it tell us a little more, I'd be interested.

 

[LesPaulMan]

I rank it somewhat better than a Genz Benz El Diablo but it sucks compared to a Peavey XXX.

I'll have to disagree with you there. I have a Peavey Triple X sitting right next to my Carvin (The XXX is used as a back up to my Dual Rect when playing live. I would use the V3M as a backup, but need the higher wattage on occasion).
The XXX has a more compressed sound that can be a little undefined. While the XXX is smooth sounding, it doesn't cut like a good Marshall. The V3M, with it's EL84 tubes cuts better than my XXX with JJ KT-77's.

I actually used both the Carvin and Peavey at a recent band practice. My band members said the Carvin sounded better and I agree.

 

[boltcrank6]

Sounds ****ing good for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wap8Pio9G0s&feature=related
I think if they double the price a lots of guys will start to love the carvin v3m...

 

[demea26]

My V3M/2x12 cab arrive today so I'll tell ya'll what I think of it in a couple days.
Bought it on a whim since I had the V3 2x12 combo about 5-6 years ago and gigged pretty heavy with it for about a year. Was good for me in the respect that it covered alot of ground for my coverband needs. Couldn't get 'great' tones out of it, but it was pretty good.

I figured I'd try the V3M due to the power scaling and reverb, two of the features that I felt the V3 was lacking in.

 

[boltcrank6]

Cool, I´ll be waiting for your feedback.
Something to keep eyes on:
http://www.hughes-and-kettner.com/products.php5?id=148&prod=TubeMeister 36 Head

 

[James M]

So, whadda you think of the V3 mini so far?

 

[83stratman]

My friend has one. How you describe the clips is kind of how I would describe the amp.

Any good clips of this amp?Most the video demos online sound seen muddy and uninspiring sounding

 

[dughaze]

I own the amp and I haven't seen any real good vids, nor do I have good recording equipment. To be honest the videos aren't super far off from how it sounds. I like the amp, but don't love it. Was given as a gift and I'm very thankful for it.

It's got a great feature set, good solid tones, but nothing super "inspiring". Guys on the Carvin forum swear that a JJ tube upgrade makes a huge difference. I've bought a set and am waiting for some multimeter clips so I can do the install. Will also upgrade w/ a warehouse or weber speaker in the future most likely.

Here are some clips that are better than most:

Be sure to try the Carvin matching speakers with it at some point. A buddy of mine had a V3 and the matching cab and it sounded pretty good but it did not sound so well with my beloved V30 loaded cab. I was shocked at the difference. I suspect the V3M may be like this as well.

 

[LesPaulMan]

My V3M sounds great using Greenbacks, especially in a 4-12 cab. Also sounded decent with some Mesa MC90's.
Didn't like it with V30's. Seemed a bit nasal sounding.