Blackstar CV30 - Carmen Vandenberg Signature Guitar Amp Manual

Blackstar CV30 - Carmen Vandenberg Signature Guitar Amp Manual

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Blackstar CV30 - Carmen Vandenberg Signature Guitar Amp Manual

Introduction from Carmen Vandenberg

I would like to share my most sincere appreciation as well as excitement, for each of you, for adding the Blackstar CV30 to your sonic sphere. I first met the Blackstar team in 2016 and I immediately dove in and have been using their amplifiers ever since. From recording sessions with my band BONES UK to that of my solo project, to working with Jeff Beck, and basically every tour I have been on in the last four years, Blackstar has become home to me. As you may already know, I enjoy playing a variety of different styles which means I need an amp capable of handling everything from beautiful cleans to aggressive overdrives. One could only imagine my excitement when the opportunity was presented for me to visit Blackstar's headquarters in the UK to work closely with the engineers on voicing and creating my perfect amp.
I am so proud of what the Blackstar team and I have achieved with the design of the CV30. Each channel has the most amazing tone, allowing me to fully explore and express myself by means of whatever style I am playing in that moment, and it miraculously integrates so easily with any and all of the strange pedals I find myself experimenting with on my pedalboard.
Fully honouring this surreal opportunity, I of course wanted the cosmetics of this amp to look great too! The style we honed in on is inspired by classic art deco theatres (and, it is my favourite colour). The focus was always to stay true to the Blackstar amp that I've used live and on recordings for many years now, while remaining accessible to anyone out there who's an aspiring guitarist.
I really hope playing through this amp inspires you to create amazing music and most of all, allows you to explore and have fun.

Features

Blackstar's Carmen Vandenberg CV30 signature amplifier is at the forefront of classic tone, simplicity and flexibility.
At the heart of the CV30 lies a unique power amplifier design that harnesses the tonal qualities of the revered 6L6 valve. By carefully optimising the key power amplifier parameters of the CV30, the Blackstar design team has created an amplifier which has the outstanding dynamics normally associated with a USA 6L6 design, whilst adding the chime and shimmer of a classic British Class A amplifier.
The CV30's two channels offer a multitude of classic tones. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic purity, Carmen and our R&D team have refined every feature to allow a musician total freedom in shaping their own sound.
Pro features such as footswitching, reverb, master volume and effects loop augment the sonic experience, making the product completely equipped for today's exacting performance requirements.
As with all Blackstar products reliability is paramount and the CV30 has been subject to countless hours of endurance testing, both in the laboratory and in live performance meaning you can rely on the CV30 night after night in the most demanding gig environments.
This flexibility, tone and quality is delivered with a visual exuberance worthy of the world's greatest stages and performers. Carmen's vision, influenced by the elegance of classic art deco venues, results in the CV30 being a true masterpiece to be admired.

Channel 1
Channel 1's stripped down channel design is simplicity itself. The Volume and Tone controls offer just the right amount of adjustment on drive level and treble frequencies to drive the power amplifier to the optimum level, depending on your style and sound preference. Here the emphasis is on signal integrity and hence the nuances of your guitar, pedal and playing style will cut through with brilliant clarity.

Channel 2
Channel 2 offers a new level of clean and crunch flexibility. Featuring Blackstar's patented ISF, control the widest possible variation in tone is available. Set counterclockwise the ISF configures the tone stack to a US response, tightening the low mids and emphasising the treble and presence frequencies. Moving the control clockwise, continuously varies the tone towards a more British response, where the low mids are emphasised for a warm, 'woody' clean or crunch reminiscent of classic British amplifiers from years gone by. Most importantly, ISF allows you to pinpoint your exact personal tonal preference allowing you to find the sound in your head.

Front Panel

Front Panel

  1. Input
    Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.

Channel 1

  1. Volume
    This controls the volume of Channel 1. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At low channel volume the amplifier will be completely clean. Increasing the amount of volume will see the amplifier start to break up into a natural mild overdrive response.
  2. Tone
    The Tone control allows adjustment of the balance between treble and bass frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warmer and darker in character. As the Tone control is rotated clockwise the sound will become brighter.
  3. Channel Indicator
    When the RED LED is on Channel 2 is selected. When the LED is off Channel 1 is in operation.
  4. Channel Select
    Press this switch to select the Channel
    NOTE: this switch must be 'in' for the footswitch to work.

Channel 2

  1. Gain
    Channel 2 can be adjusted between a clean and medium overdrive response by adjusting the Gain control. Low settings (counter clockwise) will deliver a clean sound. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will be more harmonically rich until a classic overdrive response is achieved.
  2. Bass
    The Bass control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp has an advanced tone shaping circuit which allows the tone to be varied from tight and cutting when counter clockwise, to warm and thumping when fully clockwise.
  3. Middle
    The Middle control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of 'body' your tone has. With the Middle control set to its minimum position (fully counter clockwise) the highs and lows will be accentuated, and the tone will sound more 'scooped'. As the Middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of 'body' is increased, which will lead to a fatter more vocal mid-range sound.
  1. Treble
    The Treble control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and darker in character. As the Treble control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter. At the maximum setting the sound will be glassy and very dynamic sounding.
  2. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
    The patented ISF control works in conjunction with the Bass, Middle and Treble controls. It allows you to choose the exact tonal signature you prefer. Fully counter clockwise has a more American characteristic with a tight bottom-end and accentuated presence and treble. Fully clockwise has a British characteristic adding more low-mid body and has a softer more 'woody' sound. Unlike conventional 'contour' controls and parametric equalisation systems, the Bass, Middle and Treble controls remain interactive with each other just like in a traditional guitar amplifier tone stack. This leads to a very familiar, musical response.
  3. Reverb
    The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase the amount of reverb.
  4. Master Volume
    This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
  5. Power Indicator Light
    The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
  6. Standby
    This switch enables the output stage. Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (15). During short breaks in playing use just this switch to turn 'off' and 'on' the amplifier's output.
  7. Power
    This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off. You should always turn this switch on before turning on the Standby switch (14).

Rear Panel

Rear Panel

  1. Mains Fuse
    The value of the Mains Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.
  2. Mains Input
    The supplied detachable mains lead is connected here. The lead should only be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, power and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. If in doubt get advice from a qualified technician.
  3. H.T. Fuse
    The value of the H.T. Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.
  4. Speaker Outputs
    As standard, the single internal speaker will be connected to 1x16 Ohm output. If you wish to use your CV30 with an extension cabinet, please refer to the table below for correct connection instructions.
    '1x16 Ohm' output ' 1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' outputs
    Internal 16 Ohm speaker load X X
    Internal 16 Ohm speaker load and a single 16 Ohm extension cabinet X
    Single 8 Ohm extension cabinet X X


    The output marked '1x16 Ohm' should never be used at the same time as any of the outputs marked '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm'. Failure to correctly match the impedance of the amplifier and speakers will damage the amplifier.
  1. Speaker Emulated Output
    This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural valve overdrive tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk. Always use a good quality screened lead.
    NOTE: To 'silently' record, set the Master Volume to zero or turn the amp to standby mode. You may also record from this output while in standby mode without a loudspeaker connected, but ensure that no loudspeaker leads are connected to any of the loudspeaker output jack sockets of the amplifier, as this will defeat the load protection circuit and will cause damage to the amplifier.
  2. Reverb Dark/Light
    In the out position the digital reverb is voiced to have a warm, dark quality. When the Light position is selected the reverb has a brighter quality with more zing on the reverb tail.
  1. Effects Loop Return
    Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.
  2. Effects Loop Send
    Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
  3. Effects Loop Level
    The Effects Loop Level switch sets the effects loop to either +4dBV/-10dBV, which enables you to use it with either professional equipment (+4dBV setting), or with guitar level effects such as effects pedals (-10dBV setting).
  4. Footswitch
    The supplied 2-way footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch between Channels 1 and 2, and switch the Reverb on or off.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 30 Watts
Valves: 2 x 6L6, 2 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 22.5
Dimensions (mm): 690 x 540 x 260
Footswitch: FS-8 supplied

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Read these instructions.
  2. Keep these instructions.
  3. Heed all warnings.
  4. Follow all instructions.
  5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
  6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
  7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
  8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  9. D o not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
  10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
  11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
  12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
  13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
  14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

"TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE".

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS".
warningThis symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
shock hazardThis symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.


Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!

High internal operating voltages.
Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
Unauthorised modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.
Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.
Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
Avoid placing vessels filled with liquid on top of the amplifier.
Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!
Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.
Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply in your area.
Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if damaged in any way.
Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.
Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.
The U.S. Government´s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

Duration Per Day In Hours 8 Sound Level dBA, Slow Response 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
102
1 105
½ 110
¼ or less 115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.
Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

www.blackstaramps.com

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