+Robert Baker LOL IT WON'T LEAVE!!! Thanks man. I've been trying to steal literally from people like yourself, @Agufish and the other greats. Thanks man!
Very nice demo/review! I wish all amp demos were done this way; really takes you through the parameters of the amp. Excellent! I just ordered one (Vox AV30). Can't wait. Cheers!
Great job on this bud ! Just literally ordered this yesterday. Also saw it on NAMM reviews and on Andertons review. Needed a good amp to use for the house and practice. Instead of hauling my JCM around. Really looking forward to it. Thanks man 👍🏻👍🏻
+JamesAllen Rock on man! I'm sure you'll really like it. I had high expectations and they were met completely. And your back will thank you over the JCM LOL.
+Nick in the States Hey bud ,haven't stopped playing it. Tried it at a loose jam with some buddy's plenty loud enough and with a Strat or Les Paul. 👍🏻👍🏻 Cheers
Hi Nick, OK, the more I hear this Vox AV30, the more I like it. I think this will be my next purchase to satisfy my GAS addictions. I'm going to have to try it in person. Blues On....
Hey man! I like this guy a lot. It gets me all the tones I need at a proper living room level... but can get up and bark if the wife and kids allow too! I play through it nearly every day. It's cool!
Clean, Crunch, & OD sound really good. But IMO High Gain didn't sound good. I'm going to buy this amp anyway, but will have to use a BOSS MT-2 for the high gain tones. Hopefully it takes pedals well. I love that this amp has an output jack for an external speaker cabinet AND an effects loop; is this the first line of Vox hybrid amps to have both? Can't wait to order this! Nice review BTW, thanks for uploading.
@@ayfersucu5195 Yes, I did buy it, got lucky and bought a demo model from Sweetwater for only $189 when Vox discontinued them (I think they were selling new for $349 at the time). I actually decided not to hook up any pedals to it (yet) because most of my pedals are hooked up to a Marshall AVT150, and I find the built-in chorus, delay, & reverb to be adequate for how I use the amp. Also, both high gain settings actually sounded much better in person, although it depended on which guitars I was playing (Hi Gain 2 sounded best on my guitars with DiMarzio Super Distortion, DiMarzio Evolution, & Seymour Duncan JB pickups in the bridge). The 10" speaker is actually really good, but I have it hooked up to a Marshall 1960 4x12 cab for a fuller sound. If you use a lot of pedals I'm sure they'll sound fine through the effects loop and through the top input. I definitely recommend this amp.
@@martinafan64 Thank you so much for your detailed answer. Can't seem to find any negative reviews towards this amp so I think I'll buy it! Thanks again
@@ayfersucu5195 I think you will really enjoy the amp. Hybrid amps seem to work best for my playing situation (playing at home only, but not being able to crank up the volume due to having pets with sensitive ears). IMO they sound much better at a lower volume than my all-tube amps do at the same volume, and overall sound much better than solid state amps (esp on crunch and high gain settings). I learned the hard way that tube amps have a "sweet spot" that starts when the volume is at least 6 or 7, which is way too loud for my house. The pedals I would suggest to start out with are an EQ pedal to have more control over your tone, and the Vox VFS5 5-button footswitch to make it easier to switch between channels and to turn on/off the built-in effects. If you get the VFS5 footswitch the buttons are configured as follows: BANK: Switches between channels A & B CH1: Chorus ("MOD" on the amp) CH2: Delay CH3: Tap tempo (I don't use this much but I've heard it only affects Delay) CH4: Reverb There's a used AV30 on the Guitar Center website available right now so you might want to grab it before someone else does!
Every tone you dialled up seems like the perfect ones for my type of music - Country Rock with Punk Rock driving rhythm with lots of Keith Richards type of licky fillers in between chords.
Nice demo Nick and nice amplifier! Thinking of buying one for home use mostly. Do you think there´s a significant volume difference between this one and the AV60? You think the 60 is usable at home or is the 30 better suited for that? Thanks.
Hi Nick. Dude, I was sold on the Valvetronics. I watched a lot of videos on You Tube for both the AV and the Valvetronics and sold on the Valvetronics, especially since Marshall owns Vox. I thought it would be a legit way to get the Marshall sound and looked like an awesome amp, also a hybrid. Then you, yes, you did this video. Now I am torn Nick, torn. It burns, it burns. (Imagine Gollum crying). You did an excellent job, great review and just so you know you totally shattered my path, but, I know more than I did yesterday, so thank you! I was looking at the Vox stomp lab, only $89.00 and a lot of really cool features, and so, my style. I might start their!
Good review thanks very much. These types of video are really good when you're thinking of buying a new piece of gear but need some more info on it before buying. Obviously if you get the chance a lot of people will try it in the shop before buying it but even then that only gives you a very fleeting idea of what a instrument or amp is like, it's only when getting the gear home and using it for a few days that you really get a proper idea of what it's like . Also these videos are much harder to do than they look IMO. So many reviewers either waffle on way too long about stuff that isn't particularly relevant or else don't cover half the features properly. To do it right and get the right amount of information in the video with some playing examples to illustrate the points you want to make, cover all the features, make it interesting and above all entertaining is a difficult thing to do well. Well to do it well anyway. I thought you're review was brilliant Nick, right length, good content and informative as well as interesting/entertaining. Thanks you very much.
I would like to ask you what your feelings are about the Kelly guitar? They look real nice,but I've never seen or played one in person,and I was just curious.I'm still not sure how I feel about that though.Thanks for the demo!
great video. The AV is not a hybrid. An hybrid amp is an amp that has either a tube preamp OR a tube power amp. The AV has BOTH, but at the end of the chain there is an additional solid state amp that only provides the power, no coloring. It's as if you miked an all tube amp like a Marshall DSL 1, and then you amplified the whole thing with a PA....that would not make the little Marshall a hybrid. The AV has a very small tube power amp, it would only provide about 1 watt without the additional power amp at the end of the chain. Exactly like, say, the Marshall 1 watt tube amps. Examples of hybrids are the Marshall Valvestate 100 w, the Fender Roc Pro. They only have a tube preamp. The old Peavey Classic has a tube power amp, but a solid state preamp. But the AV has both a tube preamp, and a tube power amp too, although the latter is very small. In so doing Vox can provide an all tube amp at a reduced cost, so it makes the amp more affordable. Otherwise the 30 w power amp at the end of the chain, if a tube one, would require a much more expensive design, because now you'd need at least four EL84 tubes, and a much more expensive power transformer and output transformer. A 1 watt output transformer costs way less than a 30 watts one. But with the Vox design it's impossible to tell the difference, so it all works very well. But anyways, the AV isn't a hybrid, it's a tube amp ( tube preamp + tube power amp) with an added solid state at the end of the chain, that is completely transparent (called a class D amp)
Nick you're killing my I just talked the wife into the Michael Kelly you just reviewed now I have to go back and extol the virtues of my needing another amp to go with the guitar....
+Nick in the States Funny thing is steve pixxy lixx sold it to me when he work at the music store in Dedham. And she does still sound great. My cat beat it up but it still plays fine. Maybe ill re do her. Little face lift. Lol.
Hi Nick! We talked a bit yesterday during Shanes live feed :) I have a question for you. I know this is a personal reference but your opinion could be a solid and valid input for the outcome ;) As you might remember i do own the Yamaha THR10C and have NOTHING to complaine about. But now the new Vox VT40X have arrived i am thinking...Hmmmmm :) I could buy it just for the Dumble preset. So, what´s your take on this? Cheers from Sweden!
Hey man! I haven't played the newest Vox amps as of yet. I imagine it would fit a slightly different role as it's bit bigger and you'l feel it more. People have been very impressed with that amp. Make sure you play the Dumble setting to see if it jives with you. Everyone has been chasing that Dumble tone for years... with mixed success.
thanks for this review! i am just about to buy one of those for practise usage. probaply just the av15 or a small tube amp like the bugera g5. i tried the av15 at my local music store and i can absolutley confirm that it sounds amazing (even at very low volume). the only thing i disliked is that on some amp circuits there seems to be a little bit of unintentional clipping on gain settings above 50%. do you have that issue with yours too?
+Da Faq I didn't notice it... but there are a few setting where turning the gain past 2 really doesn't do much. It might do it a little bit with higher output pickups. I'll push it around a bit and see if I can make it clip.
Hi nick. Nice review. Just wondering if the av15 has the fx loop like the 30? I just bought a code but really not impressed with the sound and I think the av series could be what I'm looking for.
Excellent demo. Thank you. I've been waiting for VOX to bring something like this out. They shelved a similar amp after only 2 years (2001-2 I think) called the VR30r. I think strategically the VR30r amp was seen to be taking some of the shine of the new modelling Valve Reactor (VR) amps of the time but...I have one...and love it. This AV30 as a newer/updated concept of the VR30r looks to be the 'Ducks-Guts', the 'Dogs-Bollocks', the 'Quill' as we say. I don't need another amp but...well you know how it is :-). Only thing I think (which doesn't worry me 'cause I'm not into high gain stuff much) Is my VR30r likely has a better high gain capability (Squeek, pop, zoom) as it has two channels. Ch 1 Clean is very organic with good gain crunch/breakup and Voxy, ch 2 is a more driven channel but still quite tubey...and then a OD on top of the second channel which is high-gainville. Thanks for going to the trouble of vid and insights.
+Brett Murphy Happy you enjoyed it man! I vaguely remember the V30R. The hard stuff on this meet my needs when I feel like venturing into high gain on those rare occurrences. I know some 5150/SLO players have knocked them as not being "very good" or "very accurate" or "expensive sounding enough." I can't really say as I haven't owned either amp and my playing style really doesn't quite get that high gain driven. I love the Crunch and OD1 tones of this little fella. I'm going to try it out of external cabs tonight and see how it fares as well.
thank you , this is a great video! enjoyed the andertons video too... now Im just torn . I know they're two different amps entirely but I cannot decide between the AV30 or DSL40CR. price is not the deciding factor. versatility and good sound/tone at low to moderate levels with option to play loud on occasion is what Im after. (brought a fender bassbreaker home for a day , it was way too much power and no low power mode or master vol..) looks to me like both are equally versatile , but with a trade off. sounds like better cleans on AV30 but better/sweet marshall over drive tone on dsl40cr... (FX are nice but i could take em or leave em) ... ugh. i probably need both. LoL.
Yes, get both! I like Marshall for OD & high gain, and I like Fender & Vox for clean and light crunch. The DSL40CR is WAAAAY better than the DSL40C that I sold to fund the purchase of the AV30 (buying it today or tomorrow...so excited!). I thought about getting the DSL40CR, but I already have 2 Marshall heads (AVT150H & DSL1HR), and always wanted a Vox hybrid amp. Can't wait to get it, gonna play it thru one of my Marshall cabs lol!
Thx for the demo Nick! I just picked this baby up for 150 and it sounds pretty good to me (plus it's lighter than my tube amp). I can't figure out how to use the tap tempo on the delay though. If I select the delay, the light blinks but it does not adjust speed with tap tempo. I have to press the button down WHILE turning the knob to adjust speed on the tempo. Is this normal?
I missed 2 key things. It's 2 flipping channels that are optional foot switchable. And it remembers you effects settings on each of the preamp circuits.
+aleh baba the effects. The bias / reactor / fat / bright switches not tied to a preamp circuit settingZ they are master so on for all circuits if the switch is on.
The GAS is strong with this one! It would be more helpful if you leave the POWER setting alone and use the Master Volume control when varying the Gain Control to demo the interaction between settings.
Hi Nick. Is the AV30 too loud for apartment bedroom practice? Can chimey cleans and pleasing overdriven/high gain sounds be achieved at low volumes? Thanks!
Thanks for review man. I own AV30 for about 3 month ago. Love how high gain channels give me the tone that i look for.. I've been trying to plug ts mini and the tone is awesome, but in high gain channel these amp become noisy. How can i deal with noise?
I've been stalking them on eBay recently... but thanks to Mr. Segeborn they've been selling for a bit more than they used to. I'll get one at some point. right now I only have budget to hunt steals on them. I also got another amp that fit that bill... it's a 10 watt tube one off Marshall JCM800 sort of thing, but with an extra gain stage. It doesn't like cleans much, but man it can rip through late 70s and 80's rock.
Came across some hand wired boutique UK made amps fair prices, www.tube-tone-engineering.co.uk/purchase.html www.dc-developments.com/index.html I like the cornell Vintage brown 10 and the Blues Express 2 watt 1x10" studio combo
I have an older VT30 which i use for jams and low vol practice. Great amp for what I use it for, but it had an inherent problem with standing waves. Making the bass thump in a bad way. Fixed it by drilling two holes as port behind the grill. Do you notice anything like that?
Funny you mention that. I hadn't played this in a while since getting a Peavey Bandit Red Stripe (older). When I went back to play it the first thing I noticed was the bass thump. I fiddled around thinking that something was broken but maybe it was always there. Very weird. I might have to contemplate trying your fix!
Nick in the States with a Strat it is already too much, let alone a humbucker guitar. Most amp designs go with a open-back simply because you avoid all these problems you get with the litre capacity and the speaker used. Dunno why VOX is so happy on closed-back combos. AC line is pretty much completely open-back.
It's a bummer. I do love this amp but now I notice it every time I play it. Time for it go mosey on down the road! And get a Marshall Code to replace it :)
Hi! I just bought this amp and I hear a slight hum/buzz when turned on (even when nothing is connected and all controls are at minimum). Does yours do this too? Is this normal on this kind of amp? I'm starting to think it's faulty. Thanks!
So far it doesn’t sound warm to me but I’m at the beginning of the vid. I’ve got an AD50VT and I can’t decide if I need a new amp or not. I kinda want a tube amp
hi everyone great video n' got just 2 questions ...is it good idea to buy this amp for recording in a studio??? .. and how this amp runs with pedal effects such as overdrive , distortion , and fuzz ??? help me please and thanks for that ..bye
I think it would be great in the studio. The highest gain settings might now sound the best, I prefer the crunches and the overdrives as well as the clean. I've had great experiences with pedals and this amp. It pushes and sounds rather epic at normal volumes. Where it might show its weakness is at higher volumes but in a studio setting it's probably right in its sweet spot.
Old Vid I know but..... In another vox demo it says the power level is post Poweramp, therefore the power level (I think) does nothing to crank the power tube the normal volume does - and the gain controls the pre:amp tube, power level is basically an attenuator?
The LP with that tweed & blackface was awesome . But I still prefer my full tube amps for Blues, it just seems to me that tubes are fuller sound and better sustain. Great video though and I do like the fact that the Amps are so much lighter & analog . Thanks Nick and Blues On....
+Nick in the States I do love that it has a headphone jack. I have my Mustang III and a Analog Marshall MG 50FX (series 4) with headphone jacks. Other wise I would buy a Vox AV 60.
+HUTCHfromBA It took me a lot of internal debate to choose the 30 over the 60. Somehow I've never owned a Mustang... I've borrowed a couple but never owned one. One of these years! LOL
Awesome! That's pretty much how I always play it. I have some big boys for full on jamming but this one is perfect to play and sound good and not piss off the wife and kids.
They're actually not so bad. It makes sense in my simple brain! I have thought of building a custom one but haven't gotten around to it. This one fits the need of an amp that sounds great at living room levels. It's great louder but that was paramount. And a headphone jack! Damn sleeping kids.
I've got one of these too. i say the 2 high gain settings are useless. the amp has a weird flubby sounding oscillation on every setting. with chords you can hear each note fighting back and forth for presence, and certain chords just die out immediately because of this. it seems like the od and high gain settings are mainly solid state distortion too. i really wanted to like this amp but when i put it thru the paces it just didn't perform well. every guitar has its own slight oscillation, and it does not play nice with the amp's
+Reggie Tito I'm not the biggest High Gain player so I didn't pick up on that with my amp. I'm going to spend some time in that region of tones this weekend and see if I notice the same thing.
I think "the tubes" don't actually do anything. Not sure why. If the radical tone shaping is happening in an analog process (like on most pedals) it's done via e.q. or with diodes or transistors. The tubes light up and look neat but if the amp can run without them. ..shazam.!
Hero Zero the older valve reactor VT30 for example used the two halves of the triode as a pre- and powerstage. Shifting the bias and or class A or AB to simulate the model correctly. It also inserted the tonestack at different spots depending on the model. All these swaps when changing the model made the volume jump. Plus yeah it needs a tube to run. Mine cracked from cold to warm transistion and back during gigging. VOX makes the only modellers that I find acceptable.
I just got one of these....... a replacement on the way. It sounded like garbage, under the grill area on top where the tubes are it rattled like mad, un-playable because of this. my superchamp x2 sounded better in position/model 10 once tweeked a bit via fuse. I recently bought and sent back two VoxAC15C1's both rattled away where V2 met the circuit board inside... not even just tube rattle.... horrible design.. it seems the new AV has the same issue for me. Sure I turned it up about half way, but you should be able DIME an amp and have it hold up. Sounded stupidly steril.... I doubt the replacement will sound any better... infact after listening to this demo... i hear the suckage without the rattling.. not much better.
+Edward Arwine IMHO the Anderton's demo is much better in terms of tone. I agree though about Nick's demo, his tone does this amp no favors. Actually I've been on the fence for awhile about whether to buy an AV15 which, at least in theory, seemed like a good proposition for a bedroom amp or to buy a Blackstar HT-1 combo. (BTW, the Blackstar is priced the same as the AV30.) I found a good deal today on a brand new HT-1, so I'm going for it. In every demo (and there are about a trillion) the Blackstar HT series has beautiful rich and warm clean tones, and that really is what I care about.
+Ron Light Hey Ron, I just happened to be up and taking a small break from playing. So I ended up cancelling the AV30 replacement. What I did get which turns out to have WAY more tone and is bedroom friendly is the Vox Pathfinder 10, that and the Zoom G3X. This is honestly an amazing practice combination. The zoom has a drum / rhythm pattern with looper and tons of effects. Set the Vox on the clean channel and put an overdrive effect in one of the first slots on the zoom and it pushes it into the vox distortion.. i.e. dual channel + effects, looper, rhythm... it sounds very organic and "chewy". I have a Blackstar club 40, and it's very good, I'm sure the HT-1 will be awesome. What ever amp you end up getting... if you haven't already...I recommend picking up the Zoom G3X, it will really make your time more enjoyable and productive. ------- Rock on
+Edward Arwine Great, thanks for the update and advice. The Zoom sounds mighty nifty. I have no idea whatsoever what it is ;-) but I'll be sure to check it out. Hey, the Pathfinder was on my list some time ago so that sounds pretty nifty, too. Like you, I have a couple more amps around to fill out the full spectrum of desire, need and satisfaction. I'm glad we could have this conversation, so thank you. Now, back to practice!
I picked up one of these a few weeks ago through mail order, and I found that there was a distinct hum that was introduced when the Reactor switch was placed in the 'right' position. I returned it, thinking that amp was defective, but I was told that all of them had the same issue. Can anyone confirm this? I really like the amp, but I found that hum to be unacceptable.
I haven't run into this. I do notice you can make it do some weird things if you're using fat and treble boost at the same time. Mine has been very well behaved though.
I've only tried a couple into it (MXR Badass and a Soul Food) I'm home fucking around with gear today. I'll bring up my board to it and see how she rocks.
It's all your fault! I just bought a HB ST-70 Paisley... How do I let them know you are propagating your "issues" to otherwise and previously normal subscribers?
+VeeDubJohn LOL If you click the link to purchase that I have in the video they can track where you got to them from. One even better way is to leave a review for the guitar and mention you saw it here! I haven't yet asked them for any favors or discounts but one of these days I just may! Now for the more important question. How do you like it??????? I want one very badly. I don't need one at all. But the want is quite strong!
+Nick in the States So it arrived and I wrote a review on their site. You'll know it's mine because I mentioned your channel. Overall I love it. I've wanted a Strat for a long time and it has THAT sound. Played for a few hours and I'd say that a little filing of the nut, treating the fretboard and a basic setup and all will be well. Now for a few questions and the one bad thing. The paisley has a shadow in it, like a printer running low on ink. Bothers me and would bother you too, based on what you say in your vids. If the store were local, I'd just exchange it. What has your experience been when a return is needed? It's a shame because it is really a beautiful and unique looking guitar. I've really fallen in love with the looks of it.
Its a bitch to return from the US. They usually offer a good discount to keep you happy and save the hassle of shipping. Thanks for the mention on their site! I've been on vacation for a bit so just catching up on comments. What di you end up doing?
Your welcome. I'm going back and forth with them at the moment. I got "Please return, but let us know if the shipping is more than 40 EURO" message. The cheapest shipping I could find is the good ole US Post Office, but it's about twice the 40 EURO. As maybe you know, the email thing is slow. I'm going to push for the return though as I really like the guitar and want a good example. I'm kind of opposite you, I've had the same two guitars for 30 years and want another "keeper." I'll pick up a HB hollow body of some sort eventually. If you are curious about the issue, I've put a thread up on the HBClub forum, ST-70 Paisley, there is a picture or two of the issue. Thanks for getting back to me, looking forward to the next vid:-)
I'm sorry but why do we have to suffer these players to watch a demo. I really am not trying to be negative but damn, for every 10 demo vids you're lucky to get one professional player that can actually demo an amp properly. Just my opinion...
Hey man, sorry I'm not your cup of tea... but with that said, before you complain, how about trying to share some content as well? Just a thought. RUclips is only as good as those who create stuff. Good or bad, the more people that can create the better. Grab a cam and share some of your thoughts!
_this_ is how you demo an amp on youtube.
Thank you Nick!
Hey Patrick! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Clever way to demo, using the looper: I haven't seen anyone else do that and it really shows off what the amp can do.
Great video man and that riff you were playing while you were changing the settings will be stuck in my head FOREVER!!! great riff.
+Robert Baker LOL IT WON'T LEAVE!!! Thanks man. I've been trying to steal literally from people like yourself, @Agufish and the other greats. Thanks man!
Very nice demo/review! I wish all amp demos were done this way; really takes you through the parameters of the amp. Excellent! I just ordered one (Vox AV30). Can't wait. Cheers!
effective use of my time! no grand vision of stardom, stupid humor, just tone we need. I enjoy data that's useful.
Happy it worked for you Steve!
Very warm sounding without being muddy, but not much bite.
Sounds good! I love the paint job on that guitar.
Nick, that was cool of you to give props other artist on RUclips land, but dude you have the very best review on this amp. Thank you👍🏼
THANK YOU! Jesus, every...single...review of this amp is just all over the map with little or no "demoing" actually happening. Very helpful!
Great job on this bud ! Just literally ordered this yesterday. Also saw it on NAMM reviews and on Andertons review. Needed a good amp to use for the house and practice. Instead of hauling my JCM around. Really looking forward to it. Thanks man 👍🏻👍🏻
+JamesAllen Rock on man! I'm sure you'll really like it. I had high expectations and they were met completely. And your back will thank you over the JCM LOL.
+Nick in the States Hey bud ,haven't stopped playing it. Tried it at a loose jam with some buddy's plenty loud enough and with a Strat or Les Paul. 👍🏻👍🏻 Cheers
Best review of this amp by far
Interesting amp ... again this is how amps will be ... glad to see vox inovating on there hybrid line.
+terrybear Me too. Very cool stuff!
Hi Nick, OK, the more I hear this Vox AV30, the more I like it. I think this will be my next purchase to satisfy my GAS addictions. I'm going to have to try it in person. Blues On....
Hey man! I like this guy a lot. It gets me all the tones I need at a proper living room level... but can get up and bark if the wife and kids allow too! I play through it nearly every day. It's cool!
Does the 10" 30W have a external FX for my modulation pedals ?
It does have an FX loop too.
Good review Nick. Sounds like a good amp with versatile sounds available.
+Dale Palmer Thanks Dale! I'm really liking it. It's making me practice more which is always a good thing.
Clean, Crunch, & OD sound really good. But IMO High Gain didn't sound good. I'm going to buy this amp anyway, but will have to use a BOSS MT-2 for the high gain tones. Hopefully it takes pedals well. I love that this amp has an output jack for an external speaker cabinet AND an effects loop; is this the first line of Vox hybrid amps to have both? Can't wait to order this! Nice review BTW, thanks for uploading.
Hey! Did you buy it? How is it with pedals?
@@ayfersucu5195 Yes, I did buy it, got lucky and bought a demo model from Sweetwater for only $189 when Vox discontinued them (I think they were selling new for $349 at the time). I actually decided not to hook up any pedals to it (yet) because most of my pedals are hooked up to a Marshall AVT150, and I find the built-in chorus, delay, & reverb to be adequate for how I use the amp. Also, both high gain settings actually sounded much better in person, although it depended on which guitars I was playing (Hi Gain 2 sounded best on my guitars with DiMarzio Super Distortion, DiMarzio Evolution, & Seymour Duncan JB pickups in the bridge). The 10" speaker is actually really good, but I have it hooked up to a Marshall 1960 4x12 cab for a fuller sound. If you use a lot of pedals I'm sure they'll sound fine through the effects loop and through the top input. I definitely recommend this amp.
@@martinafan64 Thank you so much for your detailed answer. Can't seem to find any negative reviews towards this amp so I think I'll buy it! Thanks again
@@ayfersucu5195 I think you will really enjoy the amp. Hybrid amps seem to work best for my playing situation (playing at home only, but not being able to crank up the volume due to having pets with sensitive ears). IMO they sound much better at a lower volume than my all-tube amps do at the same volume, and overall sound much better than solid state amps (esp on crunch and high gain settings). I learned the hard way that tube amps have a "sweet spot" that starts when the volume is at least 6 or 7, which is way too loud for my house.
The pedals I would suggest to start out with are an EQ pedal to have more control over your tone, and the Vox VFS5 5-button footswitch to make it easier to switch between channels and to turn on/off the built-in effects. If you get the VFS5 footswitch the buttons are configured as follows:
BANK: Switches between channels A & B
CH1: Chorus ("MOD" on the amp)
CH2: Delay
CH3: Tap tempo (I don't use this much but I've heard it only affects Delay)
CH4: Reverb
There's a used AV30 on the Guitar Center website available right now so you might want to grab it before someone else does!
Every tone you dialled up seems like the perfect ones for my type of music - Country Rock with Punk Rock driving rhythm with lots of Keith Richards type of licky fillers in between chords.
That amp sounds real good Nick .
Thanks Joe!
Thanks a lot from Spain!! 👍🎸💪🍻
Great no nonsense demo
Thanks Tom!
Nice demo Nick and nice amplifier! Thinking of buying one for home use mostly. Do you think there´s a significant volume difference between this one and the AV60?
You think the 60 is usable at home or is the 30 better suited for that? Thanks.
GREAT review ! thanks
Nice recording as a room sound perspective
Thanks Popo!
Hi Nick. Dude, I was sold on the Valvetronics. I watched a lot of videos on You Tube for both the AV and the Valvetronics and sold on the Valvetronics, especially since Marshall owns Vox. I thought it would be a legit way to get the Marshall sound and looked like an awesome amp, also a hybrid. Then you, yes, you did this video. Now I am torn Nick, torn. It burns, it burns. (Imagine Gollum crying). You did an excellent job, great review and just so you know you totally shattered my path, but, I know more than I did yesterday, so thank you! I was looking at the Vox stomp lab, only $89.00 and a lot of really cool features, and so, my style. I might start their!
Lol sorry to have complicated your decision man. I think with those choices there are no losers. Can't really go wrong!
Nice Nick! I like the clean channel and the fact that you can use headphones!
+TheDaddy135 Thanks man! I missed pointing that out. It sounds great through the headphones too!
Good review thanks very much. These types of video are really good when you're thinking of buying a new piece of gear but need some more info on it before buying. Obviously if you get the chance a lot of people will try it in the shop before buying it but even then that only gives you a very fleeting idea of what a instrument or amp is like, it's only when getting the gear home and using it for a few days that you really get a proper idea of what it's like .
Also these videos are much harder to do than they look IMO. So many reviewers either waffle on way too long about stuff that isn't particularly relevant or else don't cover half the features properly. To do it right and get the right amount of information in the video with some playing examples to illustrate the points you want to make, cover all the features, make it interesting and above all entertaining is a difficult thing to do well. Well to do it well anyway. I thought you're review was brilliant Nick, right length, good content and informative as well as interesting/entertaining. Thanks you very much.
Seems like a good practice amp!
I love it for precisely that. It sits in my family room and sounds great at low volume all the way up to piss off the wife volumes.
Muy buen vídeo muy bien explicadas las características del Amplificador
I would like to ask you what your feelings are about the Kelly guitar? They look real nice,but I've never seen or played one in person,and I was just curious.I'm still not sure how I feel about that though.Thanks for the demo!
I'm sold, thank you.
great video. The AV is not a hybrid. An hybrid amp is an amp that has either a tube preamp OR a tube power amp. The AV has BOTH, but at the end of the chain there is an additional solid state amp that only provides the power, no coloring. It's as if you miked an all tube amp like a Marshall DSL 1, and then you amplified the whole thing with a PA....that would not make the little Marshall a hybrid. The AV has a very small tube power amp, it would only provide about 1 watt without the additional power amp at the end of the chain. Exactly like, say, the Marshall 1 watt tube amps. Examples of hybrids are the Marshall Valvestate 100 w, the Fender Roc Pro. They only have a tube preamp. The old Peavey Classic has a tube power amp, but a solid state preamp. But the AV has both a tube preamp, and a tube power amp too, although the latter is very small. In so doing Vox can provide an all tube amp at a reduced cost, so it makes the amp more affordable. Otherwise the 30 w power amp at the end of the chain, if a tube one, would require a much more expensive design, because now you'd need at least four EL84 tubes, and a much more expensive power transformer and output transformer. A 1 watt output transformer costs way less than a 30 watts one. But with the Vox design it's impossible to tell the difference, so it all works very well. But anyways, the AV isn't a hybrid, it's a tube amp ( tube preamp + tube power amp) with an added solid state at the end of the chain, that is completely transparent (called a class D amp)
Great review and amp!
Nick you're killing my I just talked the wife into the Michael Kelly you just reviewed now I have to go back and extol the virtues of my needing another amp to go with the guitar....
+Mark Beckelman Jr LOLOL sorry Mark!
+Nick in the States loving the channel keep up the good work I'll just get a second job or something!
+Mark Beckelman Jr LOL thanks Mark!
Hello, sound pretty good. Do you think that this amp is loud enough for medium sized gigs like clubs concerts?
Probably not. Great for living rooms or band practice. Could probably mic it though.
Thanks nick. Now my old crate amp isnt looking so good. Lol. Nice reveiwe. Looks like a nice unit.
+James McDonald LOL there's life in that Crate yet!
+Nick in the States Funny thing is steve pixxy lixx sold it to me when he work at the music store in Dedham. And she does still sound great. My cat beat it up but it still plays fine. Maybe ill re do her. Little face lift. Lol.
That's a small small world!
Hi Nick! We talked a bit yesterday during Shanes live feed :) I have a question for you. I know this is a personal reference but your opinion could be a solid and valid input for the outcome ;)
As you might remember i do own the Yamaha THR10C and have NOTHING to complaine about. But now the new Vox VT40X have arrived i am thinking...Hmmmmm :) I could buy it just for the Dumble preset. So, what´s your take on this? Cheers from Sweden!
Hey man! I haven't played the newest Vox amps as of yet. I imagine it would fit a slightly different role as it's bit bigger and you'l feel it more. People have been very impressed with that amp. Make sure you play the Dumble setting to see if it jives with you. Everyone has been chasing that Dumble tone for years... with mixed success.
REEEEEALLY LOUD AMP and reaaalllly quiet when you speak. Otherwise great, thanks. What guitar is it? I think that's what makes the tone even better.
thanks for this review! i am just about to buy one of those for practise usage. probaply just the av15 or a small tube amp like the bugera g5. i tried the av15 at my local music store and i can absolutley confirm that it sounds amazing (even at very low volume). the only thing i disliked is that on some amp circuits there seems to be a little bit of unintentional clipping on gain settings above 50%. do you have that issue with yours too?
+Da Faq I didn't notice it... but there are a few setting where turning the gain past 2 really doesn't do much. It might do it a little bit with higher output pickups. I'll push it around a bit and see if I can make it clip.
+Nick in the States i think the guitar i picked was loaded with a jb in the bridge. so yeah that yould be the thing. thanks for your effort!
+Da Faq Any time!
Hi nick. Nice review. Just wondering if the av15 has the fx loop like the 30? I just bought a code but really not impressed with the sound and I think the av series could be what I'm looking for.
The av15 does not have the effects loop and is only a single channel. The av30 and av60 both have the loop and two channels.
Cheers Todd!
Excellent demo. Thank you. I've been waiting for VOX to bring something like this out. They shelved a similar amp after only 2 years (2001-2 I think) called the VR30r. I think strategically the VR30r amp was seen to be taking some of the shine of the new modelling Valve Reactor (VR) amps of the time but...I have one...and love it. This AV30 as a newer/updated concept of the VR30r looks to be the 'Ducks-Guts', the 'Dogs-Bollocks', the 'Quill' as we say. I don't need another amp but...well you know how it is :-). Only thing I think (which doesn't worry me 'cause I'm not into high gain stuff much) Is my VR30r likely has a better high gain capability (Squeek, pop, zoom) as it has two channels. Ch 1 Clean is very organic with good gain crunch/breakup and Voxy, ch 2 is a more driven channel but still quite tubey...and then a OD on top of the second channel which is high-gainville. Thanks for going to the trouble of vid and insights.
+Brett Murphy Happy you enjoyed it man! I vaguely remember the V30R. The hard stuff on this meet my needs when I feel like venturing into high gain on those rare occurrences. I know some 5150/SLO players have knocked them as not being "very good" or "very accurate" or "expensive sounding enough." I can't really say as I haven't owned either amp and my playing style really doesn't quite get that high gain driven. I love the Crunch and OD1 tones of this little fella. I'm going to try it out of external cabs tonight and see how it fares as well.
yeah that'll be interesting. Wonder if a Celestion Blue pairing could sound hot?
Oooh that might be very nice.
Cool video great tones
+AMM118Honda Thanks Andy!
thank you , this is a great video! enjoyed the andertons video too... now Im just torn . I know they're two different amps entirely but I cannot decide between the AV30 or DSL40CR. price is not the deciding factor. versatility and good sound/tone at low to moderate levels with option to play loud on occasion is what Im after. (brought a fender bassbreaker home for a day , it was way too much power and no low power mode or master vol..)
looks to me like both are equally versatile , but with a trade off. sounds like better cleans on AV30 but better/sweet marshall over drive tone on dsl40cr... (FX are nice but i could take em or leave em) ...
ugh.
i probably need both. LoL.
Yes, get both! I like Marshall for OD & high gain, and I like Fender & Vox for clean and light crunch. The DSL40CR is WAAAAY better than the DSL40C that I sold to fund the purchase of the AV30 (buying it today or tomorrow...so excited!). I thought about getting the DSL40CR, but I already have 2 Marshall heads (AVT150H & DSL1HR), and always wanted a Vox hybrid amp. Can't wait to get it, gonna play it thru one of my Marshall cabs lol!
GREAT VIDEO NICK !!!
+MrJp5150 Thanks man!
Great demo! Are tubes user replaceable?
Thx for the demo Nick! I just picked this baby up for 150 and it sounds pretty good to me (plus it's lighter than my tube amp). I can't figure out how to use the tap tempo on the delay though. If I select the delay, the light blinks but it does not adjust speed with tap tempo. I have to press the button down WHILE turning the knob to adjust speed on the tempo. Is this normal?
I missed 2 key things. It's 2 flipping channels that are optional foot switchable. And it remembers you effects settings on each of the preamp circuits.
+Nick in the States Big advantage.
+aleh baba the effects. The bias / reactor / fat / bright switches not tied to a preamp circuit settingZ they are master so on for all circuits if the switch is on.
The GAS is strong with this one! It would be more helpful if you leave the POWER setting alone and use the Master Volume control when varying the Gain Control to demo the interaction between settings.
The power level knob is not a master volume, it regulates the effect level for power amp distortion ;)
Hi Nick. Is the AV30 too loud for apartment bedroom practice? Can chimey cleans and pleasing overdriven/high gain sounds be achieved at low volumes? Thanks!
No it's perfect for that. I use mine when I don't want to piss the wife off. It sounds quite nice at a normal volume.
Thanks for the quick response. I just ordered one and can't wait to get it!
Awesome man, congrats! Let me know how you like it :-D
Since Namm I've been wondering how good these amps sound. Now I am serious considering buyng the av15 :)
+Luis 77 I don't think you'll be disappointed. The only thing that would scare me would be the 8" speaker.
Nick in the States
Yeah i will try to demo the av30 with the 10" as well and see if its worth the extra.
+Luis 77 Good plan my man
Thanks for review man. I own AV30 for about 3 month ago. Love how high gain channels give me the tone that i look for.. I've been trying to plug ts mini and the tone is awesome, but in high gain channel these amp become noisy. How can i deal with noise?
use a noise gate pedal
Nice review I heard Marshall Lead 12 head 87' are a great sound on a budget, I like you to do a review if possible.
I've been stalking them on eBay recently... but thanks to Mr. Segeborn they've been selling for a bit more than they used to. I'll get one at some point. right now I only have budget to hunt steals on them. I also got another amp that fit that bill... it's a 10 watt tube one off Marshall JCM800 sort of thing, but with an extra gain stage. It doesn't like cleans much, but man it can rip through late 70s and 80's rock.
Came across some hand wired boutique UK made amps fair prices,
www.tube-tone-engineering.co.uk/purchase.html
www.dc-developments.com/index.html
I like the cornell Vintage brown 10 and the Blues Express 2 watt 1x10" studio combo
Those look very interesting... and prices aren't bad at all. I want the Woodhead with Tremelo. That thing looks killer!
Sweet tones man! :)
+Stahl's Blues Thanks man! I have a pile of your videos I have to check out when things slow down. It's been crazy!
This! Subscribed what am I spending off to GC
222 thumbs up and 33 thumbs down. Thanks for this review Nick in the States
Nice shirt!
+Ahmad Kareem Thanks Ahmad! Bubba Fett was a rock star from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away!
Sounds good dirty!
+Blkjakk Sure does!
I have an older VT30 which i use for jams and low vol practice. Great amp for what I use it for, but it had an inherent problem with standing waves. Making the bass thump in a bad way. Fixed it by drilling two holes as port behind the grill. Do you notice anything like that?
Funny you mention that. I hadn't played this in a while since getting a Peavey Bandit Red Stripe (older). When I went back to play it the first thing I noticed was the bass thump. I fiddled around thinking that something was broken but maybe it was always there. Very weird. I might have to contemplate trying your fix!
Nick in the States with a Strat it is already too much, let alone a humbucker guitar. Most amp designs go with a open-back simply because you avoid all these problems you get with the litre capacity and the speaker used. Dunno why VOX is so happy on closed-back combos. AC line is pretty much completely open-back.
It's a bummer. I do love this amp but now I notice it every time I play it. Time for it go mosey on down the road! And get a Marshall Code to replace it :)
Exactly the same problem with a VT50
enought for small gigs in bar or rehearsals ? (with drummer / blues/rock/hard rock ) thanks guys !
As long as your drummer doesn't have anger issues you should be okay for small gigs and rehearsals.
Hi! I just bought this amp and I hear a slight hum/buzz when turned on (even when nothing is connected and all controls are at minimum). Does yours do this too? Is this normal on this kind of amp? I'm starting to think it's faulty. Thanks!
Hi man! Mine had an ever so slight hum. My understanding is that most or all do that but can’t be sure. I only had one!
Nick in the States thanks Nick!
At 1:20, that's when I started wanting it.
So far it doesn’t sound warm to me but I’m at the beginning of the vid. I’ve got an AD50VT and I can’t decide if I need a new amp or not. I kinda want a tube amp
hi everyone great video n' got just 2 questions ...is it good idea to buy this amp for recording in a studio??? .. and how this amp runs with pedal effects such as overdrive , distortion , and fuzz ??? help me please and thanks for that ..bye
I think it would be great in the studio. The highest gain settings might now sound the best, I prefer the crunches and the overdrives as well as the clean. I've had great experiences with pedals and this amp. It pushes and sounds rather epic at normal volumes. Where it might show its weakness is at higher volumes but in a studio setting it's probably right in its sweet spot.
Nick in the States thanks a loooooooooooot for ur reply it's very helpful .. =)
Thanks man and good luck!
Old Vid I know but..... In another vox demo it says the power level is post Poweramp, therefore the power level (I think) does nothing to crank the power tube the normal volume does - and the gain controls the pre:amp tube, power level is basically an attenuator?
The LP with that tweed & blackface was awesome . But I still prefer my full tube amps for Blues, it just seems to me that tubes are fuller sound and better sustain. Great video though and I do like the fact that the Amps are so much lighter & analog . Thanks Nick and Blues On....
+HUTCHfromBA Thanks Hutch! I'll never get rid of my tube amps. This one just fills a very specific need. And it does a good job on the headphones too!
+Nick in the States I do love that it has a headphone jack. I have my Mustang III and a Analog Marshall MG 50FX (series 4) with headphone jacks. Other wise I would buy a Vox AV 60.
+HUTCHfromBA It took me a lot of internal debate to choose the 30 over the 60. Somehow I've never owned a Mustang... I've borrowed a couple but never owned one. One of these years! LOL
How well does this amp handle low volumes for evening bedroom playing?
Awesome! That's pretty much how I always play it. I have some big boys for full on jamming but this one is perfect to play and sound good and not piss off the wife and kids.
Too many knobs, confusion city! Sounds fine though. Ever thought of getting one made, or making one yourself?
They're actually not so bad. It makes sense in my simple brain! I have thought of building a custom one but haven't gotten around to it. This one fits the need of an amp that sounds great at living room levels. It's great louder but that was paramount. And a headphone jack! Damn sleeping kids.
I've got one of these too. i say the 2 high gain settings are useless. the amp has a weird flubby sounding oscillation on every setting. with chords you can hear each note fighting back and forth for presence, and certain chords just die out immediately because of this. it seems like the od and high gain settings are mainly solid state distortion too. i really wanted to like this amp but when i put it thru the paces it just didn't perform well. every guitar has its own slight oscillation, and it does not play nice with the amp's
+Reggie Tito I'm not the biggest High Gain player so I didn't pick up on that with my amp. I'm going to spend some time in that region of tones this weekend and see if I notice the same thing.
I think "the tubes" don't actually do anything. Not sure why. If the radical tone shaping is happening in an analog process (like on most pedals) it's done via e.q. or with diodes or transistors. The tubes light up and look neat but if the amp can run without them. ..shazam.!
Hero Zero the older valve reactor VT30 for example used the two halves of the triode as a pre- and powerstage. Shifting the bias and or class A or AB to simulate the model correctly. It also inserted the tonestack at different spots depending on the model. All these swaps when changing the model made the volume jump. Plus yeah it needs a tube to run. Mine cracked from cold to warm transistion and back during gigging. VOX makes the only modellers that I find acceptable.
I'm curious how the Marshall code sounds.
+Bryan Hopkins Me too! I had considered it before I stumbled across this.
It’s nice but not nearly as great as this one.
I feel like it was difficult to twist those nobs oppositely in unison. I feel that way because it was difficult to watch.
I noticed that too and for a while I was wondering if it was 2 different people turning the knobs lol.
I just got one of these....... a replacement on the way. It sounded like garbage, under the grill area on top where the tubes are it rattled like mad, un-playable because of this. my superchamp x2 sounded better in position/model 10 once tweeked a bit via fuse.
I recently bought and sent back two VoxAC15C1's both rattled away where V2 met the circuit board inside... not even just tube rattle.... horrible design.. it seems the new AV has the same issue for me.
Sure I turned it up about half way, but you should be able DIME an amp and have it hold up.
Sounded stupidly steril.... I doubt the replacement will sound any better... infact after listening to this demo... i hear the suckage without the rattling.. not much better.
+Edward Arwine IMHO the Anderton's demo is much better in terms of tone. I agree though about Nick's demo, his tone does this amp no favors. Actually I've been on the fence for awhile about whether to buy an AV15 which, at least in theory, seemed like a good proposition for a bedroom amp or to buy a Blackstar HT-1 combo. (BTW, the Blackstar is priced the same as the AV30.) I found a good deal today on a brand new HT-1, so I'm going for it. In every demo (and there are about a trillion) the Blackstar HT series has beautiful rich and warm clean tones, and that really is what I care about.
+Ron Light Hey Ron, I just happened to be up and taking a small break from playing. So I ended up cancelling the AV30 replacement. What I did get which turns out to have WAY more tone and is bedroom friendly is the Vox Pathfinder 10, that and the Zoom G3X. This is honestly an amazing practice combination. The zoom has a drum / rhythm pattern with looper and tons of effects. Set the Vox on the clean channel and put an overdrive effect in one of the first slots on the zoom and it pushes it into the vox distortion.. i.e. dual channel + effects, looper, rhythm... it sounds very organic and "chewy".
I have a Blackstar club 40, and it's very good, I'm sure the HT-1 will be awesome. What ever amp you end up getting... if you haven't already...I recommend picking up the Zoom G3X, it will really make your time more enjoyable and productive. ------- Rock on
+Edward Arwine Great, thanks for the update and advice. The Zoom sounds mighty nifty. I have no idea whatsoever what it is ;-) but I'll be sure to check it out. Hey, the Pathfinder was on my list some time ago so that sounds pretty nifty, too. Like you, I have a couple more amps around to fill out the full spectrum of desire, need and satisfaction. I'm glad we could have this conversation, so thank you. Now, back to practice!
I picked up one of these a few weeks ago through mail order, and I found that there was a distinct hum that was introduced when the Reactor switch was placed in the 'right' position. I returned it, thinking that amp was defective, but I was told that all of them had the same issue. Can anyone confirm this? I really like the amp, but I found that hum to be unacceptable.
I haven't run into this. I do notice you can make it do some weird things if you're using fat and treble boost at the same time. Mine has been very well behaved though.
Difference volume between speaking ans mystique to strong
how it works with stompboxes?
I've only tried a couple into it (MXR Badass and a Soul Food) I'm home fucking around with gear today. I'll bring up my board to it and see how she rocks.
let's see then
It's all your fault! I just bought a HB ST-70 Paisley... How do I let them know you are propagating your "issues" to otherwise and previously normal subscribers?
+VeeDubJohn LOL If you click the link to purchase that I have in the video they can track where you got to them from. One even better way is to leave a review for the guitar and mention you saw it here! I haven't yet asked them for any favors or discounts but one of these days I just may!
Now for the more important question. How do you like it??????? I want one very badly. I don't need one at all. But the want is quite strong!
+Nick in the States So it arrived and I wrote a review on their site. You'll know it's mine because I mentioned your channel. Overall I love it. I've wanted a Strat for a long time and it has THAT sound. Played for a few hours and I'd say that a little filing of the nut, treating the fretboard and a basic setup and all will be well.
Now for a few questions and the one bad thing. The paisley has a shadow in it, like a printer running low on ink. Bothers me and would bother you too, based on what you say in your vids. If the store were local, I'd just exchange it. What has your experience been when a return is needed? It's a shame because it is really a beautiful and unique looking guitar. I've really fallen in love with the looks of it.
Its a bitch to return from the US. They usually offer a good discount to keep you happy and save the hassle of shipping. Thanks for the mention on their site! I've been on vacation for a bit so just catching up on comments. What di you end up doing?
Your welcome. I'm going back and forth with them at the moment. I got "Please return, but let us know if the shipping is more than 40 EURO" message. The cheapest shipping I could find is the good ole US Post Office, but it's about twice the 40 EURO. As maybe you know, the email thing is slow. I'm going to push for the return though as I really like the guitar and want a good example. I'm kind of opposite you, I've had the same two guitars for 30 years and want another "keeper." I'll pick up a HB hollow body of some sort eventually. If you are curious about the issue, I've put a thread up on the HBClub forum, ST-70 Paisley, there is a picture or two of the issue. Thanks for getting back to me, looking forward to the next vid:-)
I'll check it out man. Thanks! BTW just posted a video for the BigTone... I'd probably skip the hollowbody from them!
Nope , thin brittle and squeaky , ain't never gonna be my sweetie
I'm sorry but why do we have to suffer these players to watch a demo. I really am not trying to be negative but damn, for every 10 demo vids you're lucky to get one professional player that can actually demo an amp properly. Just my opinion...
Hey man, sorry I'm not your cup of tea... but with that said, before you complain, how about trying to share some content as well? Just a thought. RUclips is only as good as those who create stuff. Good or bad, the more people that can create the better. Grab a cam and share some of your thoughts!
Isn't the AV series basically the same thing as the VT series, minus one 12AX7 tube and digital effects?