V-AMP 3 User Manual
Selecting a configuration
Press the B and D buttons simultaneously to enter configuration mode. The display shows the current selection. Use the BANK UP and BANK DOWN arrow buttons to select a new configuration. See table for routing options.
•When headphones are plugged into the PHONES jack, the V-AMP 3 automatically switches to Studio 1 (S1) operating mode.
•Press the TAP key and turn the GAIN knob to adjust the input sensitiv- ity to match the output of your guitar’s pickups. If the CLIP LED lights, the input sensitivity must be reduced. Only raise the sensitivity if the pickups have particularly weak output.
To exit configuration mode, press the TUNER/EXIT button. | Operating | Function |
| Application |
| Mode |
| LINE OUT L LINE OUT R |
| |
| | |
7
Studio Mode 1 and 2
When using headphones, the V-AMP 3 will automatically switch into Studio Mode 1 (S1). This stereo mode works well for both monitoring and recording with effects, amp and speaker modeling. If you are certain the tone you have selected is what you want permanently recorded, then Studio Mode 1 is a good option. This Mode does not apply the
3-band EQ to the signal, but most recording programs have advanced graphic EQ capabilities that allow you much more precise adjustments.
In addition to advanced EQ, recording programs often possess high quality effects plug-ins that can be tweaked and edited to your heart’s content. In this regard, Studio Mode 2 may be a better option to allow the most editing flexibility. This configuration sends a signal with amp and speaker simulation in both channels, but only the right output has the effects, leaving the left output“dry”and ready for editing in your DAW. You may either record both outputs to separate tracks, or only record the“dry”left output while monitoring the right output.
Studio 1
(S1)
Studio 2
(S2)
Live 1 (L1)
Live 2 (L2)
Live 3 (L3)
Stereo operation with selected effects and speaker simulations.
Left (dry | Right (with |
signal, only | modulation, |
compressor | delay and |
plus | reverb |
auto-wah). | effects). |
| |
Stereo operation + additional 3-band EQ (adjustable in CONFIGURATION mode).
Stereo operation +
additional 3-band EQ, but without cabinet simulation.
| Left | Right |
| + additional |
| with |
| 3-band |
| cabinet and |
| EQ with |
| modulation, |
| modulation, |
| delay and | delay and |
| reverb |
| reverb |
| effects, but |
| effects, but |
| without |
| without |
| additional |
| cabinet |
| 3-band EQ. |
| simulation |
| |
| | |
••V-AMP 3 as practice amp, e.g. with
headphones.
••Recording situation: (V-AMP 3 is connected to stereo line channel on the mixing console).
••Recording situation: with the left channel connected to the recording device. The right channel is used for monitoring only (with effect).
Advantage: while recording, you don't have to specify the effect used during the mix-down, but can still monitor wet signals.
••V-AMP 3 connected to a guitar amp
with stereo input. The additional EQ (BASS, MID & TREBLE controls) allows you to match the sound to the amplifier used. The additional EQ does not affect the settings of
your presets.
••Here, too, the V-AMP 3 can be connected to a guitar amp with a stereo input. The additional EQ (BASS, MID & TREBLE controls) allows you to match the sound to the amplifier used. However, since no cabinet simulation is enabled, the speaker sound is determined by the combo/ cabinet used.
••V-AMP 3 as a stage amp, with the left output connected to a line input on the monitor amp. The additional EQ (BASS, MID & TREBLE controls) allows you to match the sound optimally to the monitor amp. The right channel (DI Out) is connected to the mixing console or stage box and is used for the FOH mix.
Visit www.behringer.com for tips about integrating your V-AMP 3 with your computer system and exchanging presets and experiences with other V-AMP users.
Live Mode 1, 2 and 3
When performing live with the V-AMP 3, the most common way to get the sound to the crowd is to run the unit into an amplifier on stage, route your signal directly into a mixing board, or both.
If you chose to run the outputs directly to the main mixer, Live Mode 1 will be the best option as it includes amp and speaker simulation, effects, and the 3-band EQ. You will have no sound on stage unless the signal is sent to a monitor speaker, so make sure the venue can accommodate this setup.
Another option is to use Live Mode 2 and run the V-AMP 3 into the effects loop return inputs of 2 different guitar amps. This configuration does not feature speaker simulation and allows the amplifier’s natural speaker sound to go unaltered. In this scenario, the amps would be mic’ed on stage to get the sound to the house speakers, and having a dedicated monitor would be less important.
The most practical and versatile way to use the V-AMP 3 in a live setting is using Live Mode 3. This allows you to send the left output (without speaker simulation) to an amp’s effects loop return to provide on-stage volume, and also send the right output (with speaker simulation) to the main mixer for inclusion in the main house mix.
