Another factor not mentioned was how the CCV was set up. Here is a first draft of the actual manual from the new CCV which PsychoDave has created. There are many tonal options.
REAR PANNEL
Power Switch: The power switch is two switches in one. Center is off. To power on the amplifier, flip the switch either down (low power) or up (high power). Low power applies approximately 425-450 volts to the power tubes. This makes the amp have a little bit of sag and more pronounced bottom end. High power applies approximately 525-550 volts and will make the amp feel tighter with less give. It is normal for the amp to appear to be louder in low power since the bottom end is more pronounced. Center is off.
Pentode/Triode Switch: Down is engaged (Triode). It lowers the power amp output which is great for bedroom playing. It’s not only limited to bedroom playing though. You can engage the Triode setting and turn the amp up for a totally different sound. The sound is unmistakable and removes a little bit of bottom end and little bit of high end. This enables a smooth creamy lead tone or a controlled rhythm tone. Don't be fooled though... it does work well with different amp settings for even more cool tones. For example, turn up the resonance and presence to get back some of the high and bottom end, but you still have that “creamy” tone.
Effects Loop: The CCV comes equipped with a high quality, transparent solid state effects loop. Use send going to the effects unit, and return from the effects unit.
Foot Switch: This is a jack that allows you to toggle between channel 1 and channel 2 via a foot switch. You will need an input jack wired for “ring/tip/sleeve”. Please note that there is a channel 1 / channel 2 toggle switch located near the input jack. Use this switch when you don’t have a foot switch connected.
Midi: The CCV is equipped with midi switching capabilities. The midi switching controls channel switching. The CCV has an 8 pin midi input.
Outputs: The CCV has 3 sets of outputs, one 16 ohm, two 8 ohms and two 4 ohms. Be sure to match the speaker cabinet rating to the appropriate output. You must ALWAYS have a cabinet connected before turning on the amplifier.
Line Out: This is a simple feature that offers an adjustable-level signal for driving external slave power amplifiers. Here the signal is derived from the speaker terminal, so a speaker (or load resistor) MUST be connected at all times!
A.C Receptacle: The CCV uses a removable IEC type power cord to supply the A.C. power. In The USA, the proper voltage is 117 volts A.C (110-120). Always be sure to connect the CCV to its rated voltage to avoid damaging internal circuitry. Located inside the receptacle is a 4 amp Slo-Blo fuse. Should the fuse blow, replace it with a similar type and rating.
Fuse: The FUSE should be a 2 amp Slo-Blo for use with 100 or 117 volts A.C. Mains. Should the fuse blow, replace it with a similar type and rating.
FRONT PANNEL
Punch Knob: The punch is basically a resonance knob. A resonance knob controls the amount of bottom end the amp produces. In simple terms, the resonance works like a low end EQ to offset low end frequency drop-out. The 3 position switch located above it changes the tone of the amp resonance. Center is normal/ off, the left is slightly darker, but adds a tiny bit of gain and feel. The right is darker yet and really smooth.
Presence: This knob sets up the basic brightness of the overall tone. But unlike a tone control, the Presence acts on the output, not the preamp. The 3 position switch located above it changes the brightness of the amp as well. Center is normal/off, left is slightly dark and right is very dark. If you are looking for a slightly smoother
sound, adjust the switch to the left...which gets rid of a little bit of the high end, but still cuts. Use the presence and punch 3 position switches together for a really cool tonal variety.
Channel One Controls
Master Volume: This adjusts the overall volume on channel one only. Above the master volume is a 3 position switch which adjusts gain/clipping. The clipping switch adds gain/clipping ala “Jose Master”. The center is low gain /no clipping and the amp will be loud and clean. To the left is mid gain/clipping. To the right is max gain/clipping. Keep in mind that as you add gain/clipping you are clipping the entire signal, so the volume will drop (this is normal). Just adjust the volume up or down to compensate for any changes.
Bass: This knob controls the lower frequencies. Turn it down to lower the bass; turn it up to increase the bass.
Middle: This knob controls the mid-range frequencies. Turn it down to lower the mids; turn it up to increase the mids. The CCV naturally has a lot of mids, so don’t be afraid to set the knob below half way.
Treble: This knob controls the high-end frequencies. Turn it down to lower the treble; turn it up to increase the treble.
Gain: This knob controls the amount of gain on channel one. Turn it down to have low gain, turn it up for more gain. The gain pot has a 3 position switch above it. This switch adds in a treble which adds gain. Center is off, left is the brightest (most gain) and right is less bright (mid gain). Remember that the higher the knob is turned up, the less noticeable the switches become. Keep this in mind when you set the amp for the maximum gain. Since this will allow you to turn back the gain pots to get a more noticeable effect from the switches (for better cut and more articulation). You can roll it back to noon and the amp will still have a lot of gain. Experiment!!
Channel Two Controls
Solo Master: This is simply another master volume on channel two that is switchable. Use it for an increase in volume from the regular master. The solo master also has a gain/clipping switch. Like all of the master volumes on the CCV, the gain/clipping switches that add gain ala “Jose Master”. The center is no clipping and the amp will be loud and clean. To the left is mid gain/clipping. To the right is max gain/clipping. Keep in mind that as you add gain/clipping you are also clipping the signal, so the volume will drop (this is normal). A cool simple trick to do is set the master on mid (left) gain/clipping and the solo master on (right) max gain/clipping and use a foot switch to toggle between them. This way the amp becomes basically 3 channels. Note… one of THE biggest advantages of having the clipping type gain is the ability to roll back on the guitars volume. Rolling back lowers the input signal and thus cuts the gain and saturation of the amp. The amp will sound very clear and clean. Experiment and watch your friends faces as you go from clean to mean with the turn of the volume knob.
Master Volume: This adjusts the overall volume on channel two only. Above the master volume, as mentioned previously, is a 3 position switch which adjusts gain/clipping. This switch adds gain ala “Jose Master”. The center is low gain/no clipping and the amp will be loud and clean. To the left is mid gain/clipping. To the right is max gain/clipping. Keep in mind that as you add gain/clipping you are also clipping the signal, so the volume will drop (this is normal). Just adjust the volume up or down to compensate for any changes.
Bass: This knob controls the lower frequencies. Turn it down to lower the bass; turn it up to increase the bass.
Middle: This knob controls the mid-range frequencies. Turn it down to lower the mids; turn it up to increase the mids. The CCV naturally has a lot of mids, so don’t be afraid to set the knob below half way.
Treble: This knob controls the high-end frequencies. Turn it down to lower the treble; turn it up to increase the treble.
Gain 2: This knob controls the amount of gain on channel two and works in conjunction with Gain 1. Turn it down to have low gain, turn it up for more gain. The gain pot has a 3 position switch above it. This switch adds in treble which adds gain. Center is off, left is the brightest (most gain) and right is less bright (mid gain). Remember that the higher the knob is turned up, the less noticeable the switches become.
Gain 1: This knob controls the amount of gain on channel two and works in conjunction with Gain 2. Turn it down to have low gain, turn it up for more gain. The gain pot has a 3 position switch above it. This switch adds in treble which adds gain. Center is off, left is the brightest (most gain) and right is less bright (mid gain). Remember that the higher the knob is turned up, the less noticeable the switches become.
Note: Use Gain 1 and Gain 2 together to get a myriad of gain options. Set one high, one low, set one switch to the left, one to the right, both on, both off, etc. Remember that the higher the knob is turned up, the less noticeable the switches become. Keep this in mind when you set the amp for the most gain. When adding gain (via the gain/clipping switches above the masters), turn back the gain pots to get a more noticeable effect from the gain switches (for better cut and more articulation). You can roll them back to noon and the amp will still have a lot of gain. There is no right or wrong way to set these knobs or switches. If it sounds good, it is good. Have fun and experiment!!
Channel 1 / Channel 2 toggle switch: This 2 position switch allows you to toggle between the two channels without the need of a foot switch. Note that this switch is bypassed when a foot switch is connected in the back of the amp.
Gain Voicing: This is the 3 position switch located under the channel toggle switch. This switch changes the voicing on channel 2 only. Center is the least amount of gain. To the right, the sound is mid gain, but the bottom end gets really big. To the left is max gain. Remember that using max gain, the amp will be slightly dark and have a big bottom end. Don't be afraid to tinker with the switch. A really cool thing to do is set the switch for mid or low gain and use a pedal. It seems to change the entire amp into something different. On low gain settings you will notice that the switch seems to add a little mid-range.
Input Jack: This is the location for the input of the guitar jack.
Tubes: The CCV is a tube amp and requires the use of both preamp and power tubes. Over time, tubes will wear out and will need to be changed. The preamp and power tubes can be changed any time you notice the amps tone starting to degrade (depending on how often it is used), the power tubes will need to be properly biased in order to function correctly. IF you are not sure how to bias an amp, take it to a tech. Amplifiers contain lethal voltages and care should be used when changing the power tubes. All of the preamp tubes are 12AX7 / ECC83 types. All of the power tubes are EL34 / 6CA7 / KT77 types.
Tube tips: Winged C EL34 power tubes seem to sound the best although any EL34 will work. A good substitute is the new Tung-Sol EL34. If you really like to experiment, try the Gold Lion KT77. The CCV also loves Chinese preamp tube. For V1, try swapping in a Sovtek LPS or Tung-Sol 12AX7 for different overall tone experience. Like everything else, don't be afraid to experiment with different tubes.
Sample Settings
On the entire amplifier, set all of the knobs to approximately 2 o’clock, master volumes low and all switches to the left. Start with channel two and adjust the volume while playing to get something you like. At this point adjust the bass, mids and treble knobs to your liking. Next adjust the punch and presence to your liking. Try adjusting the 3 position switches back and forth to get familiar on how they interact with the amps tone. Now adjust the 3 position switch over the master volumes to the right. You should notice an increase in gain and a decrease in volume. This decrease in volume is normal and you will need to turn up the amp to compensate. Repeat the same procedures with channel one.
After playing and adjusting the knobs and switches above the knobs, try adjusting the 3 position voicing switch near the input of the amplifier. Take your time to get a full understanding how the switch changes the voice of channel 2.
