Carvin MTS3200

The amp was made in 2000.
The MTS series amps are simply the best sounding tube amps available. True dual channels with separate pre amp tubes, fully optimized dual-passive T-Bridge tone circuits, tube driven reverb and effects loops and multi-tube (6L6, 5881, or EL34) compatibility just begin to scratch the surface of this amp?s capabilities. Glassy clean, growling crunch, and awesome over-drive sounds, along with long-tailed, lush, studio grade reverb, make the sound of this incredible amp second to none! Back panel features "Cabinet Voiced" line out, 50% power switch, Impedance switch, Footswitch Jack, and Effects Loop Send/Return.
I will be rehearsing and recording with this amp. It is plenty powerful enough for me.

Mating it with a Marshall 1960a cabinet too.

After replacing all the pre amp tubes with some Groove Tubes I had laying around, the amp tone and clearity improve much.

I use a Charvel SanDimas Strat w/ a mohogany body and birdseye maple neck. With a Seymor Duncan humbuckers in both the neck and bridge.

This amp gives both excellent cleans and dirfy for anything from Country-Blues-Hard Rock.

I Play mostly ROCK with a ALA LYNCHVIAOVANWYLDE and BLUES ALA STEVIE RAYHENDERIXOLOMETER and POP ALA JOHNPAULGEORGERINGOALLICA. Lets just say a lot of stuff>

Very Clean sound with no humm even with the overdrive cranked!!

The clean channel sounds very clean with no distortion at high volumes (0-7) AFTER I CHANGED THE PREAMP TUBES.

The distortion is one of the best all tube distortion I have heard. NO MACHINES, NO FLOOR GADGITS.

You can get many differant sounds from this amp, just like most tube amps, changing the Power and Pre amp Tubes can make some big changes.

From Beatles to Metallica it does it!

This is a new product for me from Carvin so I can not judge yet. The 10 day trail period is a plus. Hey Via and Zappa used these things, what more can I say?

Ordering this thing on line was a snap!
2 year warranty

I have been playing for 19 years. I also own a Seymour Duncun 100watt convetable amp head. A 4x12 Marshall 1960a cab, a 2x12 Marshall 1922 cab. a Marshall Power Brake. Fender Strat. Charvel SanDimas Strat w/ a mohogany body and birdseye maple neck. With a Seymor Duncan humbuckers in both the neck and bridge.

If This amp was stolen I would buy 2 more!

What I like about it is the brass speed knobs, the 6l6/EL34 options and the PRICE for the SOUND!!

I have had it long enough to hate it.

Compared with all the others this is a great BARK for the Doe, BANG for the Buck

I waish I had a Les Paul to use with this setup! or even a Paul Reed Smith!

I rate this amp over all "9" simply because I have not played thru a a "10"... yet

Not sure the year, but I bought it used for $440. This is a versitile amp, im sure. I dont play a wide range of music though. The features on this amp are i dentical to the Legacy, the only diff is the tubes(MTS=5881,Legacy=EL34) and the cosmetic appearence. And to put it in simple terms, THIS AMP HAS MASSIVE BALLS! No master volume :(

I play a Squire, Hamer strat style, and some no-name with dual humbuckers. I play mostly stuff like Bush and Nirvana, but I sometimes play Deftones. This amp can take care of all of it. The sounds that cum out of this thing are great! Sometimes the clean channel will get muddy and distorted at higher levels, but that may be my settings. The lead channel is wonderful! Very smooth distortion, at low and high levels. Its not noisy, a plethora of tones. All in all a bombastic sounding amp. I play through a Marshall 2x12 cab by the way.

So far so good, used it at a gig and it never faltered. Ive had it for a bout a month and a half so it may be too soon to tell. The reviews on this amp tell no tales of failure though. Im confident in its reliability, unlike the Legacy. Ohhhh, bad reviews. Ill give the MTS a 10 for now.

never dealt with em

Ive been playing for 4 years, not that long. This has to be the best sounding amp! I own an old Marshall split channel 50 it was blown away of course. If it were lost(like Id lose this buety) or stolen id save up and buy a new one! I compared it to a Legacy and let me tell you something, dont buy hipe, save your money and buy an MTS3200. Same features as the Legacy, better reliability, and better price.

Bought this in 98 direct from Carvin. Features are basic (see other reviews)

I play Blues, Classic Rock, and more Blues. I play the Carvin head thru a Gallien Krueger 4X12 cabinet. The clean channel is the best I've heard. For the SRV Texas tone, I hook up one of my Strat style guitars and feed it thru my Ibanez TS9 tube screamer. The clean channel has all the clarity and pop of a Fender, but has none of the tinny-ness that makes me HATE Fender amps.
The overdrive channel has even more warmth than a Marshall, and humbuckers played into this will still sound tasty at lower volumes. My only sonic complaint with this amp is this: the clean channel is much louder than the overdrive. This can make those well-needed boosts in volume when switching to lead a bit tough to come by. Otherwise this would be a 10!

There's a weird scratchy hum that pops up after a few minutes (and I don't mean the normal hiss that comes up when an amp is overdriven). It isn't noticeable at gig volumes. and it's probably just a tube that needs replacing, or a circuit that got knocked loose. At some point, I'll get it looked at, and then update this review

I've bought tons of stuff from Carvin, and they're always helpful

It's a little to heavy to take with me to smaller gigs, but I have no regrets about buying this bad boy!

Made in 2000. I love the fact that there is a switch in the back which lets you choose between the stock 5881s or EL34s. The switch which selects either 50 watts or 100 is also a nice feature (remenisent of the Marshall Jubilee Series). One thing I wish it had was a master volume on the "Clean" channel, so you could have two overdriven channels if you wanted to. Also a level control for the effects loop would probably be good.

Excellent sound! Both distortion and clean channels have a lot to offer. As far as the other people who have reviewed them claim not enough gain, they must have gotten a bad amp. Luckily I live near the factory store and was able to play the one I bought before I took it home. I compared it right next to the new Legacy Amp and the MTS was definately more gainy.

So far so good.

Like I said I went to the factory store. Staff was very friendly, let me crank it up as much as I wanted to. Being it's only a 15 minute drive to get something fixed, I'm pretty lucky.

I've been playing for 15 years and this is a great amp. I've owned Marshall, peavey 5150s, Mesa, and Fender. This one goes up there with the big boys without the big price. I am a big believer that every amp sounds different and I'm not sure if I would buy this without first playing it, No actually I wouldn't have bought it without playing it. Looking at all the diffent reviews, I'd say that my theory holds true for these amps. If you can try it out first. Also if it's used and your not getting the gain you thought you would get, see if someone changed the power tubes, the 5881s seem a lot more gainy than the EL34s.

MTS3200 head, 2-channel, 50/100 watts selectable, effects loop. Standard 3-band EQ and volume for each channel. Clean channel has push-button prescence switch, lead channel has adjustable prescence and of course a drive control. EQ is as I like it - simple. Chassis painted white, ala Soldano. Used for home practice, rehearsal, recording and gigging. Plenty of power.

My primary axe is a Carvin DC-135 with stock humbucker and two single coils. I play several styles of music (rock, metal, blues, jazz) but my primary love is progressive metal (DT, Fates Warning). The clean channel is phenomenal -- the best I have ever heard. Very natural sounding and reproduces every tonal nuance of your axe with gobs of headroom. Better than my Legacy head. I normally prefer an adjustable prescence, but the button works fine and adds some sheen. The lead channel is very good, with a lot of gain on tap. Very agressive. Blazing mid-scooped thrash sounds are easy fare, as are crunchy rock tones. Versatile for many music styles. Unfortunately, the lead channel sounds a little harsh with the drive cranked....probably due to the fact that upon examination I found that the distortion circuit is solid-state and not tube driven. Not as creamy sounding as my Legacy head. There is a lot of treble and prescence available, but settings above 6 or so tend to sound harsh. Below that, all settings sound very good. In addition, this thing is LOUD. The bass player won't be walking on you again. If you are in the market for a dominating metal amp, look no further. For other styles, this amp is worth checking out as well.

I have had Carvin gear in the past, and it has been infallible. The construction is top notch, with a thick plywood cabinet and metal corners. Looks tough. Gets moved around a couple times a week, and no problems so far. I'd trust it without a backup, but I'd pack some extra tubes (the amp is tough, tubes are not).

Urvan is my customer support guy. Everyone should have customer support like he provides. Not sure about the rest of the guys.

I've been playing for about ten years and own a host of other amps and equipment. Carvin gear is a steal, no one comes close to thier quality for the price. The downside - no trying the amp before you buy it. This is a major holdup for some people, but if you can get past that, go for it. I've havent been disappointed yet.

I bought this head with the matching 4/12 cabinet. I play a fender lone star strat with a dunlop wah, a boss ds-1 and other effects and it sounds great. I have used this amp at low as well as high volumes and haven't been disappointed. Very low, thick distortion. Excellent clean channel. The presence button brings out great tone in my texas specials.

This amp has never failed me.

I have also own a carvin pro bass 200 amp. It distorted at high volumes so i called carvin. They were very nice and they had me send it in. They replaced some parts free of charge and had it back to me in no time in great order. A friend of mine broke a couple knobs of the front but carvin put new ones on without me even asking for free.
Great company.

This amp is great. It has met all my expectations and more. Go and buy one. Excellent price.

I purchased this amp head from my gutiar player in my band. I was going to replace it after i got more money but this amp blew me away the second i played it.(I bought it before i ever played it,based on size and watts)It has two independant channels (clean and lead) and no matter what style you play you'll love this affordable head!I play everything from the Smashing Pumpkins to the Doors and the amp is wonderful. It can follow any path let it be ripping a metal like solo or playing clean melotic jazz chords.

The clean settings on this amp are beautiful. The owner before used a Fender Strat Deluxe, I use a lefty Danelectro. The amp's lead channel is monsterous. You can rip it up with Black Sabbath or Metallica.This amp is ready and willing to take any challenge (and win)! This bad boy can crank, too. I play in an alta-rock band and I've never turned it passed 4! And you can get damn good harmonics. This head is guarenteed to shake your brain!!!!!

I think it was made in the 97-98 era but it looks great. I beat the crap out of it every gig and the damn thing loves all my abuse! You punch it and it just looks at you and smiles with that "is that all you got" look! I really don't think you can break this baby.

I've haven't delt with any problems yet and never will*

I've been playing for 6 years and I finally found the amp I can trust and depend on for gigs, practice, or the studio. It just sound great. I bought a Carvin 4X12 Cab to go along with it. I actully hire a friend to watch it (guard) at gigs! I've played Marshalls and Fenders and they are too fragile and not at all affordable. I wouldn't trade this head for anything. ever.

A full-featured, 100-watt, two channel (clean and lead) guitar head with enough power to possibly blow the windows out of your bedroom should you use it for practice in a room that small. Each channel has its own EQ (bass, mid, treble), volume. Reverb is controlled via a master knob, and the presence control is applied primarily to the "Lead1" channel but can also be included in the "Clean2" channel via a simple push of a button. The rear panel houses ohm-selectable outputs, stereo options, a half-power switch (great for getting tube saturation at 50 watts instead of skull-crushing 100), and a buffered effects loop. Everything you need to dial in tone is here. I do wish it had a 5-band EQ like the old X-100B heads used to have, it would help enhance the tone significantly, especially on the lead channel.

I have a variety of guitars and one of the standout features of this amp is its ability to not clutter a guitar's natural tone. The EQ, volume, and gain settings you choose amplify your guitar's natural harmonics, thump, whatever you might have. My Fender Strat with Texas Specials sounds like I'm playing through a Fender "The Twin" on steroids, my Carvin DC127 (two humbuckers) sounds gets me razorblade gain, and my Danelectro keeps that vintage "countertop" tone on the clean channels. An outstanding amplifier because it offers no frills sound and incredible tonal variations. On the flips side, I wouldn't recommend this amp if your tastes are particularly specific. This amp is made to run the tonal spectrum and not focus on being a Korn-style high gain machine or a tube riding surfboard like a vintage Fender Vibrolux. It nails the best of what's in-between.

I've had the amp for about a month and the only thing I might have to have repaired would be the reverb bypass. I've noticed in particular "thumpy" settings where the bass is cranked (8 or above) I can hear the springs reverberate even though the effect isn't selected. Other than that this amp has been beaten up sonically and seems to thrive on it. It has sounded great since day one ...

I've been dealing with Carvin ever since I realized the company didn't charge extra for making left-handed instruments. The company has always offered an incredible bang for the buck and I honestly hope they stay under the radar of mainstream music so they can keep making affordable, great-sounding equipment.

The MTS 3200 was an incredible find and I scooped it up about 15 minutes before someone else came in to purchase it. I play a variety of different styles of music (jazz to shred) and this amp responds and exceeds my expectations every time. This amp really smokes when used with a 4x12, but it sounds great and punchy when you use it with a 2x12 (I have a Marshall 1936 cabinet). An absolutely outstanding amp for all kinds of music.

I've had this amp for a month and have completely checked it out.
2 chan, reverb and chan footswitch and effects loop. Great amp for the money.

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom(500T), and a standard Strat(texas specials). With these guitars, this amp is all I need for any desireable sound. It doesn't distort at high volumes on the 50 watt setting. I'm too scared to put it on the 100 watt setting, for the sake of my ears. The distortion channel is very versitle from warm blues to brutal metal!

I've only had it for a month. Just from handling it it seems preety tough. Although I would never abuse any amp, good or not!

I am copletely satisfied with my amp. I've nevr had to talk to anybody.

I,ve been playing for two years. In my short experience I've heard many amps and have got friends opinions. Even my friends say this amp is great! Within my household I have a Marshall, a Line 6, Peaveys, and many Fenders. I consider this amp the best one. The amps price attracted me at first and reviews did the rest. I was confident enough in Carvin to try a mail order. This amp sounds great!!!

I feel this is the BEST amp for the price. I bought this head w/ a 4x12 cab, unbelievable!!! This amp is very versatile, even though I play clean, because I run through a Roland GP-8 effects processor.

As for the cleaniness of the clean channel, phenominal! I would highly recommend this amp.

Very dependable, rugged construction, No particle board here folks.

I bought this amp w/ a 4x12 cab and I cannot get over the sound and price!

I love this amp. It has two footswitchable channels, each with thier own EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble, and prescense on the lead channel), and reverb. all tube amp (i'm pretty sure) I would talk about this more, but I'm ignorant in the ways of tube amps (hey, this is the first REAL amp I've bought, my other is a Crate GX-15. A switch on the back makes it either 100W or 50W.

My band plays an Ibanez RG7621 and a Gibson Les Paul Studio through this. The amps own lead channel is very good, almost killer. Then, we tried this through Boss Metal Zone and a Fender Roc-Pro 4X12. HOLY GRAIL OF METAL SOUNDS!!!! Clean is very clean, lots of headroom, sounds great with lots of reverb. Very nice

Right now, my band gigs without a backup simply because we can't afford it. However, I assume it is at least a couple of years old (i don't think Carvin would put 50th Anniversary on them if they come out in different years)and I bought this one used for $350 in MINT condition! Never broken down, but I've only had it for a few months

I've been playing for about 4 years and this is the first good amp I've bought, If it were lost or stolen, I would cry for a few days, then realize life was no longer living. I love this amp so much, I refer to it as "my son" (also because if I spend $350 on something, I'm gona treat it like my first born. This is totally an excellent amp for Metal! Make sure you use the Fender GE-412 cabinet with it, enough bass to make your nuts fall off (if you have them)

I'll keep it simple. This amp has great features, great sound, and a great price. I play high gain, alternative rock, but also dabble in some jazz. This amp is perfect because it does both exceptionally well. And because it has separate EQ sections for each channel, I can dial very different sounds for each channel. And I must say, the gain channel is scorching!

Great sound! Pretty much covered this above

No problems.

Decent support - haven't really had a need to call them.

If you need a brutal gain channel, and a pristine clean channel, then this amp is all you need. I saved literally hundreds of dollars by going with Carvin, and it was the best music equipment purchase I've made.

100 Watt, 2 channel, all tube amp. One high gain channel (Marshall), one clean channel (Fender-ish). Reverb. Separate EQ section for each channel.
This amp is really pleasing on the ears. The clean channel is phenomenal, and the gain channel is really hot-rodded - this thing comes as close to a Marshall or Mesa as you can get - frankly I think it beats the Marshalls - and at a fraction of the cost
I play hard, alternative rock, and find this amp to be perfect for that sound.

I use with a Fender Strat and a custom shop Carvin with humbuckers. Both sound great, although the gain channel really comes into its own with the humbuckers. Conversely, the clean channel sounds awesome with the Strat in pickup position four.

Rock solid. No problems.

Well, this is why they're so cheap after all. They take out the middle man - and sell direct. But if you have a problem you need to ship it to San Diego. If the amps were crappy this wouldn't work, obviously. But, I know a lot of people that own Carvins and none has ever gone back to the factory. When I've called, I've gotten good support.

For the price, you can't beat this amp. It really does it all. I've tried JCM 900's and 5150's, but was frustrated by their lack of separate EQ, reverb, clean channel, etc. This amp gives you all the crunch those amps offer, but with great added features. The only amp that beats it, in my opinion, is a Mesa, but the difference in price makes it too big jump for too little additional value.

Made recently (last 4 years or so). It's not even as versatile as a good distortion pedal. It has 2 channels. It has channel and effects loop switching. I wish it had much much much more gain!! It's an all tube head that's not noisy at all. No gate is needed. The clean channel is way way way too bassy. Not nearly enough sparkle. The lead channel doesn't have enough gain for any lead.

I used it with my Carvin AE 185 (amazing axe) and Ibanez S540 LTD. Both have high gain pickups. My style is hard rock. It's not noisy at all. It can only make a dark, bassy clean sound and a wuss distorted sound. With the gain on 10 it sounded like the gain was at like 5. It was good for blues players I guess but if you like anything remotely harder stay far, far away. The distortion isn't even as brutal as my sans amp tri o.d. distortion pedal.

who knows? I sent it back thinking it was broken and they told me it was fine. I'm getting my money back.

Very helpful and friendly. Too bad they make a bad amp. Their guitars rule though.

Like gain? Look away!! Like muddy clean sounds and really wussy leads, step this way sir. They make great guitars and great speakers but the head sucks.

1997 2 CHANNEL loud and empty. the tone is fuzzy like a grizzly bear. the input is 1meg ohm way to hot. and it is ugly a sin.

man how can an amp have so much buzz? the tone controls are great as much bass as you want fat is where this puppy is at. the clean channel is not clean at all its dry and grainy. the tube distortion is way to fuzzy. think big muff.

it looks built tough. but hey I sent it back jack.

very friendly. but a pain in the ass buying mailorder. buy wait try return. it gets old quick.

I do not recommend carvin it is a nightmare dealing with them because you can't try it unless you buy it. shipping $$$ kills ya dude.

This a 2 channel all tube head, w/optional foot switch has an a effects loop etc..

I use a PRS and Strat with this head, And run it through a Marshall 4x12 cab.This by far the queitest 100 watt head I have ever heard. I play instumental music Vai,Satch and good old blues SRV, Hendrix This amp sounds great on everything really!! The clean channel is has a very nice warm tone to it you can't find in most hi-gain amps and the lead channel has some serious Looow end that goes from a nice brown tone to a Sceam. It reminds me of a Reveira KnuckleHead

had it for about 7 months no problems

I have been playing about 17 years and played just about everthing out their, and owned some great stuff Too, But for the money This amp is hard to beat. For once I'm not looking at differnt amps

This amp is great for pretty musch every style. I play jazz, rock, and blues and this does them all great. Two totally independant all tube channels are footswitchable, has pretty good reverb, effects loop.... Also, there is a bias switch if you want to use totally different power tubes. This is a loud amp. It would have no problem filling a good sized bar or club. At the 50W (has switch for 100W or 50W) setting its pretty loud at the two setting. The acoustic prescence is a nice touch but there isn't a master volume.

I play a Yamaha strat, ES-335, and Ovation custom legend and they all sound good on this amp. Humbuckers can get a totally Marshall heavy scooped out metal tone or a crunchy overdriven chicago blues tone. On the clean channel, you can get a smooth jazz sound or a twangy countryish tone. With single coils the vox sound is a chievable and a smooth, round Texas fat blues sound can be reached. However like with most regular amps, the acoustic sound leaves a little to be desired. Otherwise though great tube tone on all sides especially for the price

I can comfortably use this amp without a backup. Its built with stability in mind. Has a metal grill so you won't punch out the speakers that easily. The tubes might get hot fast because there isn't much ventilation but I've only had it about a week so I'm not sure how much damage it can sustain. I give it No Rating because I'm not sure yet.

I've spoken to the people at Carvin a few times and they've been helpful and friendly every time so I can't anticipate any problems, but its too soon to tell so I won't rate this category.

I've been playing for about 3 years and I love this amp. I have a Laney VC30 and this can sound like that or any Marshall Mesa or Hiwatt anyone else has to offer. I'd definitely buy it again unless someone else could beat the price and quality. I wish there was a master volume but the tone makes up for the lack of that. Definitely a great value and sound worth a lot more than the price. Carvin makes good stuff

I, personally, do not like this amp. It has 2 channels, effects loop. bias settings, reverb, 4 power tubes, 5 12ax7 tubes, and 100 watts. I wish it had more Bass, it definitely does not kick hard.

I play metal music, so, when I saw the reviews on it, I thought it was going to be a great, cheap amp to buy (because everyone says it had massive gain, and "Violin like Sustain"). It had stock clean tones, a reverb that I definitely did not consider "lush" and a fuzzy attack (the downfall of this amp). The distortion is definitely not brutal.

seemed sturdy enough.

the carvin guys are definitely great and helpful over the phone. Great service, it's just the amp.....

I own an Ibanez S540LTD, and a Carvin DC127. If I lost it, I would look somewhere else ( if your a thrasher ). This amp is nothing close to a MESA, the 5150, or a Randall. Like I said to all the Metalheadz out there.........look somewhere else.

Great overdrive on Channel 2, although as with most Marshallesque amps, don't use with single coil pickups. Wish it had a footswitchable gain option for Channel 2 to so an effects box wouldn't be needed for leads. More than enough power to fill a 4x12 cabinet. Wish they could clone Channel 2 and make it a duel overdrive channel amp. At a price point hundreds less than Marshall, this amp more than competes.

Again, don't play it through single coils. For strat players, add a humbucker in the bridge position and you'll love it. Although the clean channel is solid, this amp is really meant to be played on Channel 2 with max overdrive. Amp is a bit noisy playing live when distortion is maxed but this is natural. Good range of tonal options on both channels.

Owned for less than 1 yr., so no service problems yet. Would use at a gig without a backup.

Only dealt wit sales, and they were friendly. No need for warranty coverage yet. Warranty lasts 1 yr.

Playing for over 15 years. Own a Fender Blues Deluxe and Fender Strat. Use the Carvin as primary amp. If I needed to replace, would probably go with same, although I would look at amps with 2 overdrive channels if price point was close. In short, if you play with a predominantly overdrive sound, this amp will make you very happy. Blues/jazz and other players look somewhere else

I was hoping for a high gain amp after all the things I've read from other customers. But this one definitely had a problem. It may have passed for vintage amp, but certainly not one with "violin like sustain". I play mostly classic rock, with an edge, and this would definitely not do.

I tried contacting the service department, but all I got was the answering machine, and they never did get back with me. This is the second item I've ordered from Carvin that did not work properly.

Maybe, but I'll have to hear one first that works. I've generally been pleased with the quality of their products, but it seems they've gone downhill.

The MTS3200 is quite versatile. The clean channel is pristine, while the Lead channel provides everything from subtle overdrive to blistering distortion. Great tones for blues, rock, or even metal. The amp is mono, with one effects loop. There is a switch for selectin4,8, or 16 ohms, and a swithc to select 2 (50W) or 4 (100W) Tubes. The head is quite loud and powerful, and drives my 4x12 cabinet with ease. Great tones!!

As stated before, the amp has both great clean and overdriven tones. At ultra high volumes, say, 8 or so, the clean channel may have a little power tube distortion, but it sounds wuite natural and I think "belongs" there. This also depends on how hot your pickups are.

I haven't ahad it long enough to say absolutely, but so far no probs. I have purchased other things from Carvin before, and they have always been of the highest quality.

Absolutely AWESOME!! I would definitely but it again. Comparable or better than the 5150. Beats Marshall by far.