2007 Vox AD30VT Valvetronix Combo

“VOX Valve Reactor for true tube power amp sound and feel.

“The AD100VT, AD50VT, AD50VT-212, AD30VT and AD15VT feature our patented VOX Valve Reactor found on all Valvetronix products. The Valve Reactor circuit uses a 12AX7 triode vacuum tube together with an actual low-wattage tube power amp circuit, a virtual output transformer and a dummy speaker circuit that simulates the impedance changes of a real speaker. It also reconfigures itself so that its characteristics are the same as the amps it’s modeling (class A, class AB, negative feedback circuit, etc.). This means that all of the nuances of the original amp model including sound, feel, distortion and presence are reproduced accurately.

“Eleven realistic amp models using sophisticated modeling technology

“A total of eleven coveted amp types are provided. Starting with the classic AC30 and ranging from vintage to modern, higain to clean, a variety of amp models are built-in, giving you an incredible range of sound-creating potential. Selecting the amp model and adjusting the tone controls is as intuitive as it gets – just turn the knobs!

“Eleven high-quality effects cover the basics

“Nine standard effects indispensable for any guitarist are built-in. These include auto wah, compressor, phaser, chorus, flanger, tremolo, rotary, delay and reverb. With the addition of combination-type effects, you have a total of eleven effects to choose from. Each effect lets you adjust several parameters. There’s also a Tap button that makes it easy to set the delay time or modulation speed.

“Save your user programs in CH1 or CH2

“Channel Select mode lets you save two of your own programs, including the combination of amp and effect settings. You can access either channel at a touch, for immediate switching while you play.

“Easily select the classic sound for each amp type

“The new Preset mode gives you a tonal starting point for each amp model. You can enter Preset mode at the touch of a button, and then simply choose an amp model to automatically get the preset sound for that amp. Select a Preset, modify it and save it to CH1 or CH2.

“Manual mode lets you hear your exact sound settings

“In Manual mode, the sound you’re hearing will be exactly what the knob settings indicate – just as on a conventional amp. It’s visually intuitive, so it’s quick and easy to create just the sound you’re looking for.

“Convenient line/headphone jack for home recording or late-night practising

“You can connect the line/headphone jack to your mixer, multi-track recorder or headphones. Since the character of the cabinet is also added to this signal, the sound will have a sense of ’air’ and depth even when you’re listening through headphones or recording direct. The AD100VT, AD50VT & AD50VT212 all have an external speaker output, and effect-loop jacks have been built into the AD100VT making it convenient to connect with external effect processors.

“Adjust the output wattage of the power amp

“The AD100VT, AD50VT & AD30VT let you adjust the output wattage from 1~100W(AD100VT), 1~50W(AD50VT & AD50VT-212) & 1~30W(AD30VT) so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive that’s unique to tube amps. You can get the great distinctive tube sound at a volume that’s appropriate for any location.

“Footswitchable control

“If the optional VFS2 dual foot switch is connected, you can use it to switch between user programs (CH1, CH2) or to bypass the effect. Alternatively, you can choose to have the footswitch activate Manual mode instead of Effect Bypass, which gives you hands-free switching between three different sounds (the two user programs and the Manual settings) for convenience during a live performance.”

— VoxAmps.co.uk

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I bought this amp so I could have something small and light that I could take to practice, yet still have most of the onboard effects available to me in the AD120. It’s awaiting a new speaker right now. Slightly related note here: when starting up a band, be sure that none of your lineup has a drug addiction. I’ll explain. Our original lead guitarist was a drug addict and spent his spare time associating with unscrupulous people who took advantage of him. He sold his nice Fender Deluxe amp (which was still unpaid for) so that he could pay his deadbeat girlfriend’s rent. So being the nice guy that I am, I let him use my Vox AD30 when I moved to bass. Then one day he took seven steps while plugged in with a six foot cord, and yanked the amp right off its stand, face down on the concrete floor. Busted the speaker. He offered to pay for its repairs, but since he’s a drug addict, he never forked over more than twenty bucks. He’d rather spend his economic stimulus check on a big pile of dope than make good on his promise. Besides that, he was so stoned all the time that he couldn’t remember what he played from one week to the next. So let that be a lesson to all you aspiring musicians out there. Don’t associate with addicts.

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June 24, 2009

It took eighty-five bucks and several months to get a new Celestion speaker for this amp. Apparently, it’s highly uncommon for a person to order just one ten inch speaker, so the delivery time is extraordinarily long.

I installed the speaker last night, but didn't attach the wires, the ends of which were taped up. I assumed that I would have to solder them onto the speaker, and I don’t have the necessary equipment (or experience) for that. So I was somewhat embarrassed today at Music-Go-Round when the tape came off and we realized that the wires simply clip onto the connectors on the speaker. Durp.

But the good news is, of course, that it works again.

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Vox Amplification UK

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