CARVIN VTS User manual

MODEL VT50 HEAD SPECS:
RMS Power: 50 watts
Output Imp: 4, 8 & 16Ω
Input Imp: 100,000 ohms
Tone Controls: BASS: 80Hz
Both Channels: MID: 600-700Hz
TREBLE: 11k Hz
Ch 1 Sensitivity: 1mV for clipping
Ch 2 Sensitivity: 16mV for full output
Channels: 2—switching
Voiced Line Out: 1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes: 5—12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Tubes: 4—EL84’s
USA Model: 120VAC, 300VA
USA Fuse: 3A 250V slow blow, 5x 20mm
Export Model: 230VAC, 300VA
Export Fuse: 1.5A 250V slow blow, 5x 20mm
Cabinet Size: 22.5W x 10.5H x 9”D, 33 lbs.
Cabinet: 7-ply poplar wood
Warranty: One Year
Options: CV3200 cover, FS22 footswitch
CARVIN ENGINEERING DATA OPERATING MANUAL
MODEL 112 & 212 COMBO SPECS:
Speakers: One/Two VL12 Vintage Series 12” spks
RMS Power: 33 watts Vintage 33, 50 watts all others
Output Imp: 4, 8 & 16Ω
Input Imp: 100,000 ohms
Tone Controls: BASS: 80Hz
Both Channels: MID: 600-700Hz
TREBLE: 11k Hz
Ch 1 Sensitivity: 1mV for clipping
Ch 2 Sensitivity: 16mV for full output
Channels: 2—switching
Voiced Line Out: 1.5 VAC @ 100 watts RMS
Preamp Tubes: 5—12AX7’s (dual stage)
Power Tubes: 4—EL84’s
USA Model: 120VAC, 300VA
USA Fuse: 3A 250V slow blow, 5x 20mm
Export Model: 230VAC, 300VA
Export Fuse: 1.5A 250V slow blow, 5x 20mm
112 Cabinet : 19.5W x 10.25D x 17.5”H, 44 lbs.
212 Cabinet : 26W x 10.25D x 17.75”H, 56 lbs.
Cabinet: 7-ply poplar wood
Warranty: One Year
Options: CV3212 cover, FS22 footswitch
76-10302 797 12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
[phone] [phone]
www.carvin.com
For your records, you may wish to record the following information.
Serial No._____________________ Invoice Date_______________
212 Bel Air™
RECEIVING INSPECTION—read before getting started
INSPECT YOUR AMP FOR ANY DAMAGE which may have occurred during shipping. If any
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 provide the best possible protec-
tionduringshipment. CARVINandtheshippingcompanyarenotliableforanydamagecaused
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 portion with your name and
comments to us.
VINTAGE 33, NOMAD 112, 212 BEL AIR COMBO
GUITAR AMPS & VT 50 VINTAGE GUITAR HEAD
VT50 Vintage™
410 Speaker
Vintage 33™
Nomad 112™
Congratulationson yourpurchaseof theVINTAGE TUBE SERIES alltube ampli-
fier. Carvinhas been building tube guitar amplifiers since 1949. They have been
used by top professionals like; Chet Atkins, Jeff Beck, James Burton, Jerry
Donahue, Dan Huff, Jorma Kaukonen, Will Ray, and many other great musicians.
Youwilldiscoverthat theseamplifiersrepresentasignificantsoundimprovement
overconventionaltubeamplifiers. Spend timewithyournewampandget toknow
it’s many sounds.
TECHNICAL DESIGN OF THE VINTAGE TUBE SERIES
The VINTAGE TUBESERIESis100% tubedesign—noIC’s,FET’s ortransistors. Thedesign
criteriawastobuildanall-tubeguitarampthatsoundedbetterthananythingelseonthemarket.
This meant that the VINTAGE TUBE SERIES was going to be totally new from the ground up
and that it was going to be an all tube design.
DYNAMIC EL84 POWER TUBES
PremiumEL84 powertubesareselected fortheirexcellentsaturationandpowersoak char-
acteristics. Just like early VOX AC30 amps, EL84’s are used for their ideal transconduc-
tance delevering a tight bottom and soft drive with superior definition.
HIGH IMPEDANCE GUITAR INPUT
Carvin has long known about the effects of miss-loading a guitar pickup which can cause
high frequencyloss. The VINTAGE TUBE SERIESguards againstthis losswith its ultrahigh
input impedance. Also, we considered the capacitance of the average shielded guitar cable
which can reduce the high frequency response of your guitar pickups. Unlike other ampli-
fiers,wepurposelyavoidedaddingcapacitanceanywhereinthepreamptocontrolhighfre-
quency oscillations. Instead, we controlled oscillations through careful component layout
and lead placement allowing its shimmering highs to be reproduced.
CLEAN AND SOAK CHANNELS
The equalization of the clean and soak channel is designed to offer clarity to your instru-
ment. Special mud-cutting circuits eliminate the unwanted sounds in the 500 to 700 Hz
range which normally take away the tone definition of your instrument. You will also take
notice of the clean channels rear PRESENCE control which adds acoustic voicing to your
instrument. This control boosts only the guitars very highest harmonics which are in the
10k Hz range instead of the normal 3K Hz of a bright switch.
TONE CONTROLS
The T-Bridge passive BASS, MID and TREBLE tone controls offer a wide range of tone set-
tings. Take full advantage by setting them where they sound best. Your sound may not be at
center (5 on the dial). Instead, the treble and bass may need to be at 10 while the mid con-
trol at 0 (or) the treble at 1 and the bass at 10 depending dual or single coil pickups. These
controls 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
Hzwhilethe mid control is setat650 Hz. The treble control is setata very high11kHz giving
the VINTAGE TUBE SERIES it’s dynamic highs.
REVERB
TheFS22 footswithfor thelong tailedREVERBsystem inthe VINTAGE TUBESERIES switches
only the reverb “send” leaving the tail of the reverb to decay naturally, the way it’s done in
the studio. A special pre filter eliminates the spring “boing” normally heard in other sys-
temsgiving ita“lush”sound. The alltubereverbsystemoffersvibrantclarity withfulldepth
reminiscent of the sixties tube amps. Guitar Player magazine rated this system as one of
the best they have heard.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (EUROPEAN)
The conductors in the AC power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
GREEN &YELLOW—Earth BLUE—Neutral BROWN—Live
U.K. MAIN PLUGWARNING: A molded main plug that has been cut off from the cord is
unsafe. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULDYOU INSERT A DAMAGED
OR CUT MAIN PLUG INTO A POWER SOCKET.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
POWERSOURCES: Theapplianceshouldbeconnectedtoapowersupplyonlyofthetypedescribed
in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polar-
ization means of an appliance is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention
to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: If your unit is equipped with a fuse receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse.
Refer to replacement text on the unit for correct fuse type.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the pres-
ence of uninsulated “dan-
gerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of suf-
ficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is
intended to alert the
user to the presence of
important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Carvin product is guaranteed against failure for ONE YEAR unless otherwise stated. Vacuum
tubesare guaranteedfor90 days. Carvin willserviceand supply allparts atno chargetothe customer
providing the unit is under warranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. CARVIN
DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL
INVOICEIS REQUIRED TOVERIFYYOUR WARRANTY. Carvinassumesno responsibility forhorn dri-
vers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for
damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect
use,orfailure tofollowinstructions. This warrantyisinlieuofallotherwarranties, expressedorimplied.
No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Carvin any liability in connection
with the sale or servicing of Carvin products. CARVIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
WhenRETURNINGmerchandiseto thefactory,youmaycall forareturn authorizationnumber. Describe
in writing each problem. If your unit is out of warranty, you will be charged the current FLAT RATE for
parts and labor to bring your unit up to factory specifications.
HELP SECTION
1) AMP WILL NOT TURN ON
Checkthepower totheamp. Check fortrippedcircuitbreakers,unpluggedextensioncords orpower-
strip switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse. If a dark brownish color or no wire can be
seen within the glass tube, then replace. The amp may be perfectly fine but occasionally a fuse
may blow because of high AC voltage surges. After the fuse has been replaced with the proper
Slow Blow value and if the fuse fails again, the amp will require servicing.
2) NO OUTPUT with POWER LIGHT ON
Tubesdamagedin shippingwillbe theprimary reasonforyour amptonot functionproperly. Please
give us a call to help guide you through this simple repair.
3) KEEP YOUR AMP LOOKING NEW
Usea damp cloth towipethe controls on thefront & rear chassispanels. Wipe the black vinylcov-
ering with a damp cloth.
REFER SERVICINGTO QUALIFIED SER-
VICE PERSONNEL!THIS UNIT CON-
TAINS HIGHVOLTAGE INSIDE!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Ref. # Description Carvin PN
B1 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B2 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B3 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B4 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B5 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B7 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B9 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B10 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B11 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B12 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B13 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B14 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B15 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B16 Junper, 0.8”, 0Ω44-18000
B17 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B18 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B19 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B20 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B22 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B23 Junper, 0.8”, 0Ω44-18000
B24 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B25 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B26 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B27 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B28 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B29 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B30 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B31 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B32 Junper, 0.8”, 0Ω44-18000
B33 Junper, 0.8”, 0Ω44-18000
B34 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
B35 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B36 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B37 Junper, 0.35”, 0Ω50-00035
B50 Junper, 0.5”, 0Ω51-00050
C1 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C2 Capacitor, Poly, 0.01µF 100V, 10% 46-10312
C4 Capacitor, Poly, 0.001µF 100V, 10% 46-10212
C5 Capacitor, Poly, 0.033µF 100V, 10% 46-33312
C6 Capacitor, Ceramic, 120PF 500V, 10% 45-12152
C7 Capacitor, Poly, 0.01µF 100V, 10% 46-10312
C8 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C9 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 400V, 10% 41-47342
C10 Not Used
C11 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C12 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0033µF 100V, 10% 46-33212
C13 Capacitor, Ceramic, 250PF 500V, 5% 45-25152
C14 Capacitor, Ceramic, 560PF 500V, 10% 45-56152
C15 Not Used
C16 Capacitor, Ceramic, 0.0047µF 400V, 10% 41-47242
C17 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C18 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 400V, 10% 41-47342
C19 Capacitor, Ceramic, 120PF 500V, 10% 45-12152
C20 Capacitor, Poly, 0.022µF 100V, 10% 46-22312
C21 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0022µF 100V, 10% 46-22212
C22 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0022µF 100V, 10% 46-22212
C23 Not Used
C24 Not Used
C25 Capacitor, Poly, 0.047µF 100V, 10% 46-47312
C26 Capacitor, Ceramic, 82PF 500V, 5% 45-82052
C27 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C28 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 400V, 10% 41-47342
C29 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0022µF 100V, 10% 46-22212
C30 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10µF 50V, 20% 47-10051
C31 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0022µF 100V, 10% 46-22212
C32 Not Used
C33 Capacitor, Poly, 0.001µF 100V, 10% 46-10212
C34 Capacitor, Ceramic, 56PF 500V, 5% 45-56052
C35 Capacitor, Poly, 0.047µF 100V, 10% 46-47312
C36 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 400V, 10% 41-47342
C37 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 400V, 10% 41-47342
Ref. # Description Carvin PN
C38 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 47µF 63V, 20% 47-47061
C39 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 630V, 10% 46-47362
C40 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22µF 500V, 20% 42-20052
C41 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22µF 500V, 20% 42-20052
C42 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22µF 500V, 20% 42-20052
C43 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22µF 500V, 20% 42-20052
C44 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22µF 500V, 20% 42-20052
C45 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 2200uF 6.3V, 20% 47-22260
C46 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 2200uF 6.3V, 20% 47-22260
C47 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 2200uF 6.3V, 20% 47-22260
C48 Capacitor, Mylar, 0.047µF 630V, 10% 46-47362
C49 Not Used
C50 Capacitor, Poly, 0.0022µF 100V, 10% 46-22212
C70 Capacitor, Poly, 0.01µF 100V, 10% 46-10312
C71 Capacitor, Ceramic, 180PF 500V, 10% 45-18152
C72 Capacitor, Ceramic, 120PF 500V, 10% 45-12152
D1 Diode, 1N4745A 16V, 1W 60-47450
D2 Diode, 1N4745A 16V, 1W 60-47450
D3 Diode, 1N4745A 16V, 1W 60-47450
D4 Diode, 1N4745A 16V, 1W 60-47450
D5 Diode, 1N4003 200V, 1A 60-40030
D6 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D7 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D8 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D9 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D10 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D11 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D12 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D13 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D14 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D15 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D16 Diode, 1N4007A 1000V, 1A 60-10000
D20 Not Used
D21 Not Used
F1 Fuse Clips, (1 pair) 23-03529
Fuse 1AGC Fast 70-21010
F2 Fuse Clips, (1 pair) 23-03529
Fuse 10A Slow 70-22101
F3 Fuse Clips, (1 pair) 23-03529
Fuse 1AGC Fast 70-21010
G1 Ferrite Bead 15-27430
H1A Cable 10” 2 conductor + Shield 05-00110
H2A Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
H2B Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
H3A Conn. Header, 4 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11004
H3B Conn. Header, 4 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11004
H5 Wire 10”, 18GA (Pair) 04-18010
H6 Wire 4”, 18GA (Pair) 04-18040
H7A Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
H7B Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
H8A Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
H8B Conn. Header, 2 Pin Vert, SHS 23-11002
J1 Phone Jack, 1/4, 90° Rev Threaded Neck 21-01804
J2 Phone Jack, 1/4, 3 Pin Plastic, 24mm 21-06453
J3 Phone Jack, 1/4, 3 Pin Plastic, 24mm 21-06453
J4 Phone Jack, 1/4, 3 Pin Plastic, 24mm 21-06453
J5 Phone Jack, 1/4, 7 Pin Plastic Stereo, 24mm 21-06457
L1 Relay 3V PCB MNT, 5V DPDT 70-05303
L2 Relay 3V PCB MNT, 5V DPDT 70-05303
P1 Potentiometer, B100K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14052
P2 Potentiometer, B1MEG, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14070
P3 Potentiometer, 25A25K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14050
P4 Potentiometer, B1MEG, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14070
P5 Potentiometer, 5A500K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14060
P6 Potentiometer, B100K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14052
P7 Potentiometer, B1MEG, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14070
P8 Potentiometer, 25A25K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14050
P9 Potentiometer, B100K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14052
P10 Potentiometer, B100K, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14052
P11 Potentiometer, Trimmer, 20K PCB MTG 71-22012
P21 Potentiometer, 25A15K-C, O Shaft, 16mm, RX250 90° 71-14048
Ref. # Description Carvin PN
QC1 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.205 06-40045
QC2 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.205 06-40045
QC3 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.205 06-40045
QC4 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.205 06-40045
QC6A Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC6B Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC7 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC8 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC9 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC13ASpade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC13BSpade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC14 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC31 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC32 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC33 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC35 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC36 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
QC37 Spade Terminal, QC Vertical, 0.250 06-40050
R1 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R2 Resistor, 1.5K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15035
R3 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R4 Resistor, 150K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15055
R5 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R6 Resistor, 1.5K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15035
R7 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R8 Resistor, 1.5K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15035
R9 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R10 Resistor, 4.7K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47035
R11 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R12 Resistor, 47K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47045
R13 Resistor, 1K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10035
R14 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R15 Resistor, 47K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47045
R16 Resistor, 10K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10045
R17 Resistor, 22K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22045
R18 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R19 Resistor, 220Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22025
R20 Resistor, 2.2M, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22065
R21 Resistor, 47K, 0.8 Prep., 5% Carbon 1W 53-47045
R22 Resistor, 2.2M, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22065
R23 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R24 Resistor, 1.5K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15035
R25 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R26 Resistor, 1M, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10065
R27 Resistor, 22K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22045
R28 Resistor, 1.5K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-15035
R29 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R30 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R31 Resistor, 560Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-56025
R32 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R33 Resistor, 22K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22045
R34 Resistor, 22K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22045
R35 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R36 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R37 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R38 Resistor, 220K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22055
R39 Resistor, 3.9K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-39035
R40 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R41 Resistor, 4.7K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47035
R42 Resistor, 2.2K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22035
R43 Resistor, 350Ω., SDOF, 10% Sand Bar,10W 56-35010
R44 Resistor, 100Ω, 0.35 Prep., 1% Metal, 1/4W 50-10021
R45 Resistor, 100Ω, 0.35 Prep., 1% Metal, 1/4W 50-10021
R46 Resistor, 10Ω, 0.5 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/2W 52-10015
R49 Resistor, 100K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10055
R50 Resistor, 1MEG, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10065
R57 Resistor, 4.7K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47035
R60 Resistor, 56K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-56045
R61 Resistor, 56K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-56045
R62 Resistor, 350Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-35025
R63 Resistor, 350Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-35025
Ref. # Description Carvin PN
R64 Resistor, 56K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-56045
R65 Resistor, 56K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-56045
R66 Resistor, 350Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-35035
R67 Resistor, 350Ω, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-35035
R70 Resistor, 2.2K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22035
R71 Resistor, 10K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-10035
R72 Resistor, 470K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-47045
R73 Resistor, 22K, .35 Prep., 5% Carbon, 1/4W 50-22045
S1 Switch, DP3T Lift Tall Bat, PCB MTG 25-76286
Switch, Channel Select, SPST toggle, Chassis MTG 25-75801
Switch, Power, LG DPDT, Chassis MTG 25-31350
Switch, Stand-by, LG DPDT, Chassis MTG 25-31350
SPK1 Phone Jack, 1/4, 3 Pin Plastic, 24mm 21-06453
SPK2 Phone Jack, 1/4, 3 Pin Plastic, 24mm 21-06453
Vintage Tube 50, 120V Transformer, Chassis MTG 15-10640
Vintage Tube 50, Output Transformer, Chassis MTG 15-02066
V1 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube 12AX7A 65-00127
V2 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube 12AX7A 65-00127
V3 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube 12AX7A 65-00127
V4 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube 12AX7A 65-00127
V5 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube 12AX7A 65-00127
V6 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube EL84 65-00084
V7 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube EL84 65-00084
V8 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube EL84 65-00084
V9 Socket for 12AX7A/EL84 12VAC, 9 Pin, SIN/RUS 23-91632
Vacuum Tube, Type Tube EL84 65-00084
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST (for circuit cards)

9872 531 6
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
4
Bel Air212 as shown
Vintage 33 & Nomad 112 controls are identical. VT50 Vintage head front & rear panels reversed
18
Press firmly until cord clicks in.
GETTING STARTED QUICKLY
If you are like most players, you probably want to plug in your new amp and get started playing
it right away. You can read the rest of the manual later to learn the finer points of operating your
amp. In order to get started you will need your VINTAGETUBE SERIES amp, a 120 or 230 AC
groundedpower outlet, yourinstrumentand astandardguitarcord. With theampturnedoff, you
may now plug it into the proper AC voltage.
Now turn all the volume and drive controls off and set tone controls at their mid center position.
If you have purchased the FS22 foot switch, plug it into the rear foot switch jack for switching
the channels and reverb. Note: The channel SELECT switch must be selected for channel 1 for
the FS22 to function (a hum will be heard if it’s in the wrong position).
Now, turn the power switch and standby switch ON. Allow 60 seconds for the tubes to warm
up. Gradually raise the volume controls and re-adjust the tone controls and your ready to go.
Please call if you feel your amp is malfunctioning. Occasionally tubes are damaged in ship-
ping.
FRONT PANEL
1. GUITAR INPUT
A standard 1/4” input jack feeds both channels through using the SELECT channel switch.
Use a professional quality guitar cord no longer than 25 feet. Typical cable capacitance should
be under 50pf—the longer the cord, the greater the capacitance (you can measure this with a
capacitance meter). A long cable with high capacitance will reduce the overall treble response
from your pickups.
2. CHANNEL SELECT
Set the channel SELECT switch to the desired channel. Channel 1 is designed for clean play-
ing while channel 2 is designed for overdrive/sustain. For the FS22 foot switch to function, set
the channel 2 SELECT switch to the channel 1 position.
CLEAN CHANNEL 1
3. CLEAN VOLUME 1
Use channel 1 for clean playing. Thanks to special mud-cutting circuits that work between
the frequencies of 500 and 700 Hz, your guitar tones will be full and vibrant.
4. CLEAN—BASS, MID & TREBLE CONTROLS
You can start at 5 on the dial for each of the tone controls. However, these settings do not
represent a normalize (flat) sound. You need to set them where they sound best! Most musi-
cians like to reduce the MID’S between 1 and 4 for deeper bass and crisper highs. If your
sound is too bright with single coil pickups, you may want to keep the rear PRESENCE con-
trol off.
LEAD CHANNEL 2
5. SOAK—6. LEAD VOLUME 2
Channel 2 is offered for its unique tube soak output the overdrive of the pre 60’s amps, or as
an alternate clean channel offering a different voice than channel 1. To get the pre 60’s over-
drive, keep the VOLUME 2 down until you have determined your final gain level—think of this
control as a master volume. Turn the SOAK control up until you get the amount of overdrive
you’re looking for. The setting will vary for the same amount of overdrive depending on the
pickups used—single or dual coil and the setting of your guitar.
7. LEAD—BASS, MID & TREBLE
To start off with, set the BASS, MID & TREBLE controls at their center (5) position. These
controls are to be set according to the type of pickups used (dual or single coil). It’s normal to
decrease the BASS at higher playing levels.
MASTER SECTION
8. MASTER REVERB
Set the REVERB control for the desired amount (this works in both channels).
9. POWER INDICATOR LIGHT
As the amp is turned on, the red pilot light will illuminate.
REAR PANEL
10. AC POWER & FUSE
The detachable AC POWER CORD supplied is designed to operate with one type of voltage
(theEuropean230V export model usesaCEE-7plugcord set). Check the rearpowercordlabel
for the proper voltage and fuse value. Make sure the cord is securely inserted into the back of
the unit. Plug the cord into a grounded “3” prong” power source. No attempt should ever be
made to defeat or use the amp without the ground connected.
The FUSE (some models have circuit breakers) is located within the AC power cord recepta-
cle. Tocheckorreplacethe fuse,removethepowercord,placea screwdriverunderthe“FUSE”
cap and pull the fuse holder out. The fuse type is a 250V Slow Blow SB 5 x 20mm rated at 3A
for 120V & 1.5A for 230V models. Do not use fast acting fuse, only a SLOW BLOW (SB) type
fuse will work.
11. POWER SWITCH
The rear POWER SWITCH is to be utilized as the master ON/OFF switch. The front panel light
will illuminate when the amp is switched on.
12. STANDBY SWITCH
Use the rear STANDBY SWITCH If you are taking a break. This turns the high voltage off,
increasing the life of your power tubes while keeping the power and preamp tube filaments on
for immediate use.
13. ACOUSTIC PRESENCE
TherearACOUSTIC PRESENCEcontroladdsasibilancetothehighfrequenciesofyourguitar.
Most presence controls work in the 3k to 4k range. However, the VINTAGE TUBE’s presence
starts at a very high 8k Hz delivering 10 dB at 12k Hz and continues to 20k Hz which extends
VINTAGE TUBE SERIES FRONT & REAR PANEL CONTROLS

all the upper harmonics of your guitar. The amount of sibilance will depend on the speakers
used. To keep both channels totally independent, the ACOUSTIC PRESENCE is switched by
relayonly intocleanchannel 1. TheeffectoftheACOUSTIC PRESENCEwillseem eversoslight,
however, the result is added sibilance only to the ultra-high frequencies.
14. EFFECTS LOOP
For the lowest possible noise from an effects processor, use the effects loop instead of plug-
gingthe guitarintothe effectsandthen intotheamp. TousetheEFFECTSLOOP,plugthe INPUT
of your effects into the SEND jack and the OUTPUT of your effects into the RETURN jack. Use
shielded cables, not speaker cables. It’s normal to have a slight gain reduction of several dB
with some effects units. However, the amp has plenty of gain to overcome any loss.
15. FS22 FOOTSWITCH
Most foot pedals with 2 switches, a stereo cord and plug will work. However, Carvin’s FS22 is
recommended because of the correct identification label on the foot switch. First, the channel
SELECT switch on the front panel must be selected to channel 1 before the footswitch will work.
Now that you are connected correctly, the channels and reverb can be switched remotely. If a
hum is heard in the speakers, the select switch is in the wrong position.
16. VOICED LINE OUT
The LINE OUT 1/4” jack is “CABINET VOICED” to prevent excessive bass or highs going to
your mixer. This greatly aids in sound quality because you do not have to move your mixer
EQ setting to the extreme. The 1.5 VAC output (reference to 100 watts output at 8 ohms) is
more than adequate to drive any professional mixer or power amp.
17. SPEAKER IMPEDANCE SWITCH
The IMPEDANCE SWITCH offers the selection of 4, 8 or 16Ωto match your speaker system.
Setthe rearimpedanceswitch tothefollowing impedance: 8Ωforthe Vintage33™and Nomad
112™,4Ωfor the212Bel Air™comboand 8Ωforthe410 cabinet. Inthecase ofaddinganother
extension cabinet, set the impedance switch to 4Ω.
18. SPEAKER JACKS
Two 1/4” SPEAKER JACKS are featured to operate several speaker systems at the same time.
Move the IMPEDANCE SWITCH to the correct setting.
HELP SECTION
a) FEEDBACK FROM THE LEAD CHANNEL
TheVINTAGETUBE SERIESwillfeedbackwhentheLEADvolume,DRIVE,TREBLE andPRES-
ENCE are turned all the way up. Like other highly modified tube amps, this is normal. To help
reduce feedback and noise, keep the DRIVE control set around 5 to 7 on the dial. Some of the
best lead saturation will be at around 5—not 10. Sometimes replacing V1 (12AX7A) can help
reduce feedback.
b) TUBE REPLACEMENT GUIDE
It is not uncommon for tubes to malfunction during shipping. If your amp is not working
properly, please call or refer to the following replacement guide to replace tubes.
1) The 12AX7A preamp tubes are located in the following order on your chassis: V1, V2, V3,
V4, V5. To start with, V1 is located next to the outside of your chassis behind the output
transformer. Itisrecommendedtoturnyourampupside downtoreplace tubes. Replacing
V1 will help reduce feedback in channel 1. Replacing V2 and V3 can also help but V1 is the
main tube to replace. Replacing V4 will correct problems with the reverb system unless
there is a defective reverb tank or tank cables. If the power amp is not functioning, check
orreplace theEL84power tubesandcheck V5byinsertingasignalintotheEffectsRETURN
jack. All tubes are keyed in the same direction.
2) The EL84 power tubes are located in the following order on your chassis: V6, V7, V8, V9.
Normallyyou’ll wanttoreplace thesetubesas aset. Pleasecallforourlatestprices. Sometimes
you can spot defective power tubes when they are glowing red-hot along with an audible
hum in the speaker when the amp is idling. If this happens, shut the amp down immedi-
ately. After they have cooled down, pushthehold-down clamp over the top ofthetube and
pull out to remove. It is recommended to turn your amp upside down to replace tubes.
All tubes are keyed in the same direction. Running defective power tubes could damage
the amp. It is recommended that you have a spare set of power tubes along with several
12AX7A preamp tubes.
Vintage Guitar Magazine
212 Bel Air Review—By Stephen Patt
...The fact that this American business has not only toughed it out for the past 50-odd years but is thriv-
ing reflects their devotion to quality, cutting edge manufacturing technology, and the ability to look at what
people want and give it to them...Using gain circuits designed in collaboration with noted guitarist Allan
Holdsworth, deriving their basic formula from the original Carvin tube amps of the 1950’s, the Bel Air is a
nifty combo amp rated fifty watts, housing two vintage Carvin 12” speakers, and packing all the punch of
a mule. The power section, comprised of a quartet of matched EL84s, is easily accessible and shows neat
workbothinsideandout. Thoughtfullyplacedintegralwireclipsretainthepowertubesandthefive 12AX7s
safe from loss and vibration, and all the parts, including heavy-duty tube sockets, are high quality.
Externally,the overall impressionof the BelAir is Tweedwitha Capital T...Really,I’m a suckerfor a tweed
combo. But this one sounds as good as it looks. A single input jack sits next to the dual channels on the
frontpanel,and eachchannelhasitsownbass/mid/andtreble controls,withtheadditionofahidden weapon
against the doldrums on the back panel; an “acoustic presence” control affecting the 8K-20K range on the
cleanchannel only. It works as well in practice as in theory—with a Tele cranked through Channel One, the
Presence control lends a glossy sheen to the high end, very Fendery and sweet to the ears (featured only
on the Nomad & Bel Air)...The “soak”, another word for gain...works on Channel Two only, and adds any-
where from a gritty overdrive reminiscent of Waddy Wachtel’s punchy guitar on Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers,
Guns, Money”, all the way up to a Skunk Baxteresque crunch a la “Reelin in the Years”. Pretty versatile,
andtheelement ofthepowertubedistortioncomesintoplaywhenthisbabygetscranked,makingforsome
realistic tube distortion, unmistakable live or recorded...A brief word about the reverb, which has a depth
andlackofboinginessoftenassociatedwithspringreverbs—thisisCarvin’sowncircuit,designedtosound
smooth and lush by pre-filtering the active signal and letting the tail decay naturally. We demo’d several of
our VG test guitars through the Bel Air...The Bel Air sounded great at low volumes, with a firm bottom end
one expects from twin 12s, and a tone that was classic and balanced. Channel One sounded natural and
clear even at increasingly high volume levels...and a bit of a pleasing growl was detected when the hum-
buckerswere put to use, whichsoftened whenthe Jaro’svolume was rolled downfrom ten to eight. Cool.
The Fenders retained their classic twang in the normal channel, and when we switched over to the over-
drive channel, a convincing ballsy-crunch became apparent, depending on each increment of the “Soak”
control. The switching is predictably silent, with none of the annoying ‘pops’ heard on some amps.
Overall, there was a familiar and versatile feel to the Bel Air, and it proves to be a great all-around amp
forclubdates,recording, and loudgigswherethatsmallerampyouhavejust won’t cutit...WaytogoCarvin!...