Vox VT30 Owners Club.

[jb12string]

Anybody want to help me translate the amp descriptions to what they really are? I know some of them, but others I am not sure of
A-1: BOUTIQUE CL= ?
This models the clean channel of a high-quality amp that was produced only on
special order, and was known as the overdrive special. With a beautifully rounded
low range, a sharp mid-range attack, and a sweet treble register, this is ideal for
single coil pickups.
A-2: DELUXE TWEED= Fender Deluxe?
This American-made 1x12" hand-wired tube combo amp is one of the most loved
club/studio amps in history. Its 12W of warm sound that responded sensitively to
the player’s touch was projected from a tweed-covered cabinet made of solid pine.
A-3: SUPER 4X10= SF Super
This American-made combo amp containing four 10" speakers was produced from
1963–1968, and noted for its big clean sound and its warm, husky sound when driven.
A-4: AC15TB= Duh
This is a modern amp that combines the ideally sweet tone of the AC15’s low-output
power amp with the highly-flexible tones of the AC30’s top boost channel.
A-5: AC30HH= Duh
The AC30HH is a hand-wired all-tube amp head sold to commemorate VOX’s fiftieth
anniversary. This amp has no rival in its ability to create sparkling chime-like
clean sounds and creamy warm overdrive sounds.
A-6: EXPRESS TRAIN= Trainwreck
This models a wood-finished 30W boutique amp head that cost more than $25,000. It
delivers sparkling glassy clean tones, and raising the gain will produce overdrive
sounds that are startlingly sweet in a musical way.
A-7: AC50CP2= Duh
The VOX AC50CP2 classic plus combo is VOX’s new concept in all-tube amps. This
amp models the more high-gain channel 2 with the “Fat Switch” turned off.
A-8: UK 25TH= JCM 2555
Based on a UK-made 100W head, this amp was created for a famous guitarist known
for his amazing tone, slash rhythms, and liking for silk hats. If you have a desire for
ultimate metal tones, this amp will be the perfect choice.
A-9: US ‘90S= ?
This two-channel 120W head manufactured in Mississippi was designed for a legendary
guitar hero known for his “brown sound.” This amp models features a highgain
sound that’s ideal for the tapping performance technique.
A-10: UK MODERN=?
This models an English-made 100W amp head released in 2007 and boasting a fourchannel
design with powerful tone. On the VT-series, we’ve used the “Overdrive 1”
channel that produces a tight low-end and transparent high-gain metal sound.
A-11: BOUTIQUE METAL=?
This models the crushing high-gain sound emanated from a German-made 100W
four-channel amp head. On the VT-series, we chose the “Heavy” channel that delivers
a startling tightness when played with a dropped-D metal tuning.

Bank B
B-1: MODDED CL= ?
This modifies an American-made black-paneled amp that has been modified. With
this modification, an already-superb amp gains even greater smoothness and additional
warmth.
B-2: TWEED 2X12= Fender Twin?
This American-made tweed-covered 2x12" combo amp made in 1957 is known for
its rich and clean tone that’s ideal for classic rock, blues, and country. By raising the
volume you can also produce a powerful and punchy overdrive sound.
B-3: TWEED 4X10= Fender Bassman
This models a 4x10" combo amp from 1959 that was originally designed for bass
guitar. Its smooth and crisp overdrive sound will respond sensitively to your picking
dynamics and to the volume of your guitar.
B-4: AC15= Duh
This models channel 2 of the VOX AC15 (1x12," 15W), which was manufactured in
1962 and was a big hit for its compact cabinet, power, and great tone – along with
then-popular British bands.
B-5: AC30TB= Duh
This models an AC30 amp with the “top boost” circuit that was included as standard
starting with units produced in 1964. It delivers a smooth and refined top end, majestically
deep overdrive, and a rich and brilliant clean sound.
B-6: BOUTIQUE OD=?
This models the overdrive channel of a 100W high-quality amp that was produced
only on special order, and known as the overdrive special. The wonderful sustain
obtained by raising the [GAIN] control is smooth and soulful.
B-7: AC30BM= Duh
This models the AC30BM Brian May signature model which faithfully reproduces
every nuance of the legendary original AC30 from the 1950’s. On the VT-series, this
setting provides the screaming sound of the amp being overdriven with the treble
booster turned on.
B-8: UK ‘80S=? Marshall something or other I'd guess
This models a UK-manufactured 100W single-channel head with master volume
made in 1983. Turn the gain control all the way up to get that thick, snarling hard
rock and heavy metal sound that dominated the 80’s.
B-9: CALI METAL= a Mesa/Boogie?
This models the modern high-gain channel from a wild beast of a high-gain amp. Its
deep and loose low-end, sparkling highs, and monstrous gain are ideal for guitars
tuned as low as possible, or for metal acts wielding seven-string guitars.
B-10: UK ‘90S= ?
This models the high-gain channel of a modern 100W amp. While individual notes
are clearly defined, it delivers a monster sound that’s quite aggressive and arrogant.
B-11: METAL BULL= ?
This models a California-made amp head with a three-channel design and versatile
gain switches that produce a wide variety of sounds. On the VT-series, we’ve modeled
the lead channel that produces the ultimate high-gain tone.

[aritak]

Originally Posted by jb12string

Anybody want to help me translate the amp descriptions to what they really are? I know some of them, but others I am not sure of

There is a smart VT user named JWilkinson that gathered all the info about the 22 models and made a nice summary sheet, he/she even took the time to insert the pictures of every amp! I found it on the valvetronix.net forum, which is a good resource for info and tips about these Voxes of ours.
http://www.valvetronix.net/forums/my...41.html#p22689

[Jethro]

Originally Posted by aritak

1 month ago I swapped my VT30's stock speaker (which I found to be harsh and/or muddy at times) with an Eminence Ramrod and couldn't be happier! The sound is much smoother and defined, so rich and musical... For the cost of a basic pedal, my tone improved radically. I just regret not having done the change sooner!




And, the "Eminence inside" tag (provided with the speaker) looks cool on the VT30's front, isn'it?

Thanks for the tip, and yes I agree....the Eminence tag looks like it belongs there

[jb12string]

Here is the link to the document that aritek referenced:
http://home.comcast.net/~james.wilki...onixModels.pdf

[Jethro]

Originally Posted by jb12string

Here is the link to the document that aritek referenced:
http://home.comcast.net/~james.wilki...onixModels.pdf

Hey, that's slick....perfect quick reference.

Thanks much

[blowtorch]

i really want to check out the VT40 as a possible upgrade to my old first generation AD50VT. That amp can do anything, there are times I do wish it was a little bit more portable (not that it's bad at all now). plus I hear the new VT series can store patches easier.

[Jethro]

Aritak,

Would you say that the Ramrod seems louder and/or projects somewhat better? I'm trying to see if I can get this amp to keep up at some of my club gigs....so far it's struggling a bit, which leads me to either trying a new speaker, or selling and going with a slightly bigger amp???

[aritak]

Originally Posted by Jethro

Would you say that the Ramrod seems louder and/or projects somewhat better? I'm trying to see if I can get this amp to keep up at some of my club gigs....so far it's struggling a bit, which leads me to either trying a new speaker, or selling and going with a slightly bigger amp???

Keep in mind that the Ramrod is an 8 ohm speaker. The VT30 is rated to give 30 watts on the stock 4 ohm speaker, so theoretically with a 8 ohm one the output power is supposed to be 15 watts. BUT...! Since the Ramrod has a greater sensitivity than the stock speaker, the loss of nominal power is compensated by its louder nature. It means that the Ramrod driven with only 15 watts sounds (almost) as loud as the stock speaker fed with 30 watts.
From my personal experience, I can say that my Ramrod equipped VT30 produces more or less the same sound level of the stock model. Maybe it's just a little bit quieter, but since the tone is so much punchier and more defined, I find myself playing at rehearsals with the volume knobs at the same positions as before (again, more or less...), also because it cuts better in the mix of the band.
If your amp has been struggling at gigs with the stock speaker and your aim is getting more volume, I don't know if the Ramrod can be the perfect solution. It can give a big twist in sound QUALITY for sure, but do not expect a boost in terms of QUANTITY, i.e. sheer sound level. Then, as I mentioned, a better tone passes through more easily than a muddy one at the same volume levels, but I guess it depends on how much more kick you need...

[DC_Southpaw]

I got my first Vox in the mail last night from Cowboom.com, a VT30. Cowboom is like factory refurbs and returns for Best Buy, the way Huband.us is for Zzounds. It came wrapped in bubble wrap and that's it, no warranty, no user manual. But it was $130, so I'm ok with it.

As soon as I plug the guitar in and switch it on, there's a soft hum. I actually noticed this with another practice amp I was using before the Vox arrived, so I figure it's the guitar? Is there any way to clean it up?

Also, I haven't messed with it a lot yet, but I couldn't get a sound out of the amp at all until I had turned the 15w/30w knob well towards the 30w side. On mine, it's not a switch, it's a dial that rotates. I'd say I had to turn it to 20w before any sound came out, even with volume and gain cranked all the way up. Any ideas why??

I'm using a stock MIM Strat with a Monster cable.

[BooneDog]

Don't know why, but that's DEFINETELY not how mine works. (volume wise) Factory refurb or not, I'd send it back if it's not working correctly.

[Maggot]

I got one. It's a great practice amp/backup. My son poured apple juice into when he was younger, which shorted it out, so I gave it to a friend of mine who works on amps. He fixed it, and ended up giving it back to me.

It never played well with a footswitch - it just doesn't want follow directions from any stinkin' footswitch, thank you very much.

[adamjn]

Hey all, is a VT40+ owner welcome? Didn't see any clubs specific to the newer "plus" series amps. I've had mine for a few months, gigged with it, love it.

[lsvox]

Great job there! looks pretty cool, but how about 10" 4ohms options? I`ve been taking a look to some weber speakers to replace the Original VOX 10". The speakers I´m talking about are the alnico blue pup 30 watts, and the alinico silver 10 30 watts as well (https://taweber.powweb.com/weber/), any thoughts?

Thanks!

[blowtorch]

adamjn- welcome, I also am a VT40+ owner. There are great features on this amp, and I really like the amp EXCEPT for an intermittent hum/buzz. I've read that many other "+" line owners have had the same or similar complaints. Do you find this to be an issue? It's gotten bad enough with mine that I no longer consider it a serious tool for recording or gigging and I've gone back to my old chrome grill AD50VT for that, which sounds awesome.

[timmer114]

I just returned a Vt40+, it was very versatile, had some great models and the pedal emulations are superb. Loved the way it was laid out too but sadly it had that intermittant wierd snare hiss, and sometimes a popping hiss.

The guy at GC said they have been getting alot of returns on the newer ones because of the hiss. Its a shame because the VT+ takes the best of all the valvetronix amps and puts it into 1 amp. Its really a Tonelab ST in a combo amp.

I still have my VT15 though, I don't think I could ever give it up. Its the perfect at home, take to a friend's house and jam amp. My VT15 was the best 70 bucks I ever spent on gear.

I hope Vox straightens the hiss issue out on the new line. I really loved the emulated stomps, especially the Centaur OD.

[christhee68]

I'm a member of this club, too. I traded an old surfboard for mine, and it was well worth the trade. I've been using it with a borrowed Squier Tele for the past few weeks. I mostly play it a home with headphones, but have used it a couple of times at church.

I've cranked up the volume on the 30 watt setting at home at I couldn't imagine needing it any louder than that.

I would post pictures, but if you're in the club you already know what it looks like.

I haven't really figured out all the features yet, but the pick holder is one feature I can definitely put to good use.

[christhee68]

[jlindseyjr]

I have the VT15, can I be half a member?

[aritak]

Originally Posted by jlindseyjr

I have the VT15, can I be half a member?

[Tele Bee]

Sour grapes, here. Of all my amps, this one is my least fave. Settings are a pain to fiddle with while holding onto a guitar. Tap turn tap hold turn tap. I start out enjoing its sound, but it gets frustrating after aboit 15 minutes. Once heard of this amp refered to as a Wheel of Fortune effects game- you never know what you are gonna get. And the reverb isnt set apart from the other effects. Sounds good on the ac15 mod., but mine fizzles out as a chord or note decreases in volume. I would sell it, but its not worth but 75 bucks. Hope to package it with some other gear to make a profit. But more power to all of you who dig it.