AC15 Effects Loop

[Parma_TeleMon]

Has anyone added an effects loop to one of the Vox AC15CC1 amps? If not, how much of a hassle might it be? Love the sound, but I really want an FX loop, so I may wind up getting a Peavey C30 instead.

[Parma_TeleMon]

Not surprised, but I thought I'd bump it anyway.

[Wayne Alexander]

It's a circuit board amp, so there is no "easy" path to do that sort of thing. Anything can theoretically be done, but if you're asking about this you can't do it yourself. It is not a standard mod, and it requires a lot of added components, so no tech is going to be able to do it cheaply. Sell the thing and get an AC30CC2X - it has an effects loop and a lot of additional features the AC15 does not have. A Peavey may sound good to you but it is not in the same sonic league as the AC15 and the AC30 are. They don't make the same kinds of sounds.

[JohnnyCrash]

I love Peavey C30's, but they do not sound like a Vox AC30.

If you really want that Vox sound, only with an FX loop, it is probably do-able.

FX loops are easy to add-on to most circuits. The chassis will have to be drilled for two jack (FX in and FX out). Depending on the PC board design, it could be a hassle to get to the solder points for unsoldering for an FX loop insertion point.

If you've never worked on an amp, and do not know how to do so safely (the caps can hold high voltages charges, even when unplugged or off), then I'd suggest taking it to a repair shop and asking what they'd charge. If you're already into DIY amp building, I'd look at the circuit board before figuring if you want to do it yourself, or pay a guy for the hassle.

[Dr.Ow!]

This is doable, but have you any previous experience inside the amp and soldering, measuring high dc volts with a good dmm, Do you know what draining the caps means? and can you ID resistor values as a confirm to where you are on the board relative to the schem etc etc, to make your splice-in? If so a couple pics and you may get the help you need if your a tinkering fool like most here.
From my schem's of the ac15 there should be 2 220k mixing resistors meeting at the .047 coupling cap that links sig at pin2 of the PI. Assuming a simple send return a break can be effected here-between the 2 220k's and the 047 cap. The actual how to's etc depend on the board and socket placements etc-Pics necc and maybe the pro's will chime in. I'm not a pro tech, just a hobbiest personally, but very comfy with diggin' in to the tasks when logic is prevalent. If your persistent and post pics they should help you out. Or advise you the pcb you have is unmanageable due to too tight and tiny to be workable for a home hobbiest. If you get that support I'd say go for it as fx I/O is sure nice to have.

[Parma_TeleMon]

The reason I'm not opting for an AC30 is weight - they're animals! Don't really want to lug a head/2x12 cab rig around either. Love the AC15, just wish it had an FX loop. Pretty handy with a soldering pencil, though.

[nickrom]

I have an AC30CC1 - with a single weber blue dog in it. I bought mine on eBay for $450 with a Stella padded cover.

This configuration is perfect for what you are describing.

[Parma_TeleMon]

DANG, Nickrom, nice score!! I wish they still made 'em.