I use the top boost channel. I get it out about once every 6 months when the kids aren’t home screaming or telling me “it’s too loud.” The man holding me down. I pull out my telecaster and spent about a half hour trying to remember that one song by that band I like, where he does that one cool thing, you know the one? I used to know how that song went. Then I pull out the Les Paul, get distracted by something else, and take a nap on the couch. All on the top boost channel. That’s my tone.
I hope you were able to salvage those pants my friend, nothing worse than a mishap like that. ;) Have you tried this technique yet? If so, what did you think of it?
The reason why the Top Boost tone stack affects the Normal channel when you bring the Top Bost volume up is because the first 12AX7 tube is used for both channels, and it has both triodes sharing a cathode connection, so some of the sound from one channel is sent to the other. This is an exclusive thing on the AC15C1, as the original AC15 amps used a separate pentode tube (EF86) for the Normal channel.
I have had an AC15h1TV Handwired for many years. I nearly only use the Channel 1 (EF86) for its warmth and noiseless advantage. However, the treble was every so slightly blunt or dull and switching the brightness on would be too harsh to my taste. While using the channel 1, I always used the Channel 2 volume off but this video really opened up a world of possibilities. I just went to my original setting (Channel 1, no brightness, bass shift 1, pentode mode) and opened up slightly the volume of the channel 2 while adjusting the bass and treble... WOW!!! Amazing! The sound is much more defined, mainly in the treble. It keeps the warmth of the Channel 1 but the eq seems much more balanced and sweet!! Thank you so much for these tips!!!
You are most welcome. You are the first to confirm that it works with the hand-wired amps. These amps sound different compared to the AC15C1, but they still have enough similarities that permit this hack to work. I am happy to hear this. If you have not watched my new Tone Hacks video, I have even more tips in there for you. Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
My recommendation for any guitar on the AC15C1: Master Volume: half Top Boost Volume: half Bass: half Treble: completely OFF. Sounds a bit like a fender and gives your guitar a smooth tone without treble loss. The Bass knob can now be used as a mid knob. In my opinion, the treble knob has nothing to do with treble. It’s more like a „chime“ knob, which is an thing by it’s own :) But I love every tone that can be created by this amp.
I have only just come across this and the beauty of it is that it makes a massive improvement to this channel. I feel a bit of a clown for not having spent the time to experiment but then the changes in tone are incremental and they only really become obvious when one maxes out the various controls. Really great suggestion so thank you.
@@TheToneLounge I already am. I have a band rehearsal tomorrow night and I will be interested to see if the fuller sound is detectable in that context. It was certainly a noticeable difference in my practice room. I now need to spend a bit more time with your channel. Thanks again.
I got the ac15c1 today. I couldn’t deal with the Marshall dsl 20hr popping when I change channels and effects loop issues . I’m happier now I finally have a clean tone and reverb that sounds like I wanted. I will try these tricks thanks for the thorough review.
Right on! I'll be posting a new video soon where I'll be giving a bunch of useful tips for the AC15. Be sure to pop by and watch it. In the mean time you can watch this playlist to help you along. Let me know if you have any specific questions that I can help you with. Cheers AC15 series: ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
@@TheToneLounge I have the AC15C1. I've found one speaker to be fine, but wonder what I'm missing out on w/ an AC30. It would be unnecessarily LOUD, but what are the perks that drive people towards an AC30 over the 15? If you don't mind imparting a little bit o' insight. :)
Excellent choice of amp Vox for me all the way. The AC 15 is fantastic - I tend to use pedals for a lot of swooshy delays and reverbs with the amp reverb mid way. (tuner - Comp - boost - tone/klon & Chorus - reverb - delay - delay short - volume/expression). I turn up my amp and down the guitar, I can always add as I require from the volume knob or pedal etc. The amp is more likely to be some metres behind me on stage I can't keep popping backward to set it, once it's done it's done. I used to use 2 AC 15's one clean one dirty. I play for fun now and i'm retired I did most of my career behind a huge Premiere or Ludwig kit.
Hey Mark, I'm a huge fan of Vox amplifiers as well. Sounds like you and I do something similar, as I ride my volume on the guitar as well. I just changed the pots on my LP Junior and I'm way more satisfied with the results when playing with the guitar pots. I think the AC line is a fantastic choice for pedals, I'm getting great results with a TC Electronic G-System. Your idea of using two AC15's has crossed my mind as well. I love the dirty tone and clean tone, but sadly can't toggle between them. I'm still searching for an overdrive pedal that might be less expensive and gets me closer to the drive tone I want. By the way, did you see my new tone hacks video? I have even more tips in that one. Cheers
I just tried this with my amp, the bleedover from top boost is actually alot, i turned "Normal" channel volume all the way down, and the top boost channel was loud. It does sound fat when the two channels are mixed though, and I actually liked it. thanks for the tip!
I use an AB pedal plugged in both channels and then switch both channels on.The controls and the Top boost seem to boost overall output. Great tips ,but with the pedal you get much more out of it.
Waitjng for my ac15 to be delivered and this one video and comment section will keep me busy for awhile ….never occured to me to have an aby pedal used like this …ithunk i heard two guitars could plug i. At the same time, so was gonna possibly have a humbucker and single coil in at all times but this seems a better option to try .ty
I knew this from experimenting with my AC30 but it's nice to see someone else doing it. Thanks. And BTW, love your rhythm playing. Usually everyone plays every note possible.
I was looking for this video because I wasn’t sure if this was how it supposed to work. My top boost channel was almost dead, read on the internet and it was the v2 tube. Swapped with a tung sol and it came back to life. Then my reverb started to act weird, I swapped RCA cables, Problem solve. Started to mess with controls and notice this. It’s a game changer. This amp is a beast!
Funny thing. Got rid of the Ac15 only to buy another one a year later. Checking your videos again and I find my original post, with your response. I Never saw the notification for your response. 😂
Thanks for the info! I will try these tricks tomorrow. I have an AC15C1 with a Greenback in it. Was thinking of buying the Alnico Blue and putting different tubes in it.
i love the VOX AC15C1 and the VOX AC30.. Though these far eastern made Vox uses some sort of MDF in the cabinet that needs to be rather thick and this makes the amps heavy.. The VOX AC15 with a greenback (3.5kg).. weighs in a hefty 22kg. With lightweight thinner plywood they could get down to maybe 19kg and a more resonant cab..
I love my Vox AC15. I actually use BOTH Channels at the same time. I have a Boss DD-6 Digital Delay and I run two outputs (one to the normal channel, one to the top boost channel). I started doing this to obtain more bottom end (from the normal channel) while still using the top boost channel (which has better tone in my opinion). I tend to keep my master volume at the low setting and turn my top boost gain to 11:00 and my normal gain to 12:00. This is a great platform for other distortion pedals. With the Vox AC 15 the tone nob on the guitar has become by best friend. I ignored it for years and ALWAYS set it at max and forgot about it. Once I learned how awesome the tone cut nob on the amp was, I started wondering if the tone nob on my guitars could do the same thing. Sure enough, they do! If the amp sounds a little bright I simply roll the tone down a bit on my guitar (I usually play between 50% and 70% now). Great video, good tricks. I would recommend the Vox AC15 for anybody. It is an amazing amp that is very versatile. Unless you play strictly death metal, I would recommend this amp for any style.
I have yet to try the technique you described. I heard that there are quite a few players using this technique to great affect. I'll have to try it out for sure. The tone cut is an indispensable tool on the Vox amps, depending on the guitar you are using, it can sound glorious or take you ears out. My Tele and Les Paul Jr sound very bright, so I tend to keep the tone cut pretty high. However, I started to experiment with the tone knob on the Gibson, as it is more usable then that of my Tele. I can get the P90 to sound more like a humbucker by rolling back the tone knob. I absolutely love the Vox sound, you could say I'm a bit of a "fan boy" lol. I agree with you, it is an amazing amp and it's also very versatile. I haven't had many opportunities to try it with dirt pedals, but I did try it with a mini TS9, a Menatone Red Snapper amd a TC Electronic Moojomojo and it sounded great with all of them. I'll have to do a video on how the amp takes pedals. TPS already a fantastic video on that, so if I do one I'll have to bring something new to the table lol Cheers
@@TheToneLounge yes...if you make a video on how well the amp takes pedals PLEASE include a high gain metal pedal. Not many videos have hit this specific topic and its a shame...it was one of the concerns that almost stopped me from getting the Vox because I was unsure...But I was happy to learn that Vox can handle high gain metal pedals just fine...I reccomend the Boss Metalcore (not metal zone)...the metal core has a lot of bottom end, a great eq, and a built in noise gate "like" circuit (probably to help with palm muting). I suggest turning master volume all the way up on the vox, plugging into normal channel, and then slowly turning gain up until you get a nice clean platform....stomp on metalcore anf you will get some of the heaviest gain riffs you ever heard...not as ideal as a mesa boogie or an EVH amp, but sounds mad good...let me know what you think.
@@aarondaniels629 fantastic idea! I will definitely add this to the list of content for future videos. Keep looking on the channel, it will be coming soon. Cheers
Aaron Daniels i think we’re using same technique,but i split it with DD-7 output,i was start running both channel since few hours i purchased the amp,,,and onetime i just realized that those both channels are connected when i use it as a single channel,,,i thought mine is broken but their not LOL,,,but my setup a bit different Aaron,,,on normal around 8.30 o’clock and top boost around 2 o’clock,master are a bit lower,only around 9-10 o’clock
I recorded on video that you guys can check it,,,and feel free correct me if i’m done wrong on the setup i got ok ruclips.net/video/ZNdLW5aLnv4/видео.html
@@TheToneLounge Hi dear friend. The speaker is the stock Greenback. I have this Amp for about 12 years now. I'm thinking in change it for a speaker made here in Brasil... but in the same time i love the Greenbacks ... One other thing (i don't know if you already made a review), i discovered your great channell a little time ago ... I love the Boss - SD1 into this Amp, for me fits perfectly as a medium drive !! Thank you for your feedback, keep the amazing work !!! King regards from Brasil !!!!
Hi, I own a AC15 twin. Until yesterday I was using top boost channel as my main entry. Then I tried this new setting! And I have to say that it changes everything. The tone gets fatter without loosing the clearness of the sound. I was already in love with my vox but I think we gonna start to sleep together by now!!!! By the way sorry for my english, I'm french!!!!!
I'm glad this tip helped you. En passant, je parle français. Mon français écrit est pitoyable, mais bon. I find it easier to write in English (the curse of being bilingual). Be sure to check out the other videos in the AC15 series. I just dropped a new video today, where I do a shootout between the AC15 and a Mini Superbeetle. Cheers
I just found this video! I've been using an splitter pedal (A and B config) so I'm able to plug two cables into both normal and boost channels and it works great.
Teemu Järvinen pretty much just what his video says. I’ve started using a radial aby for more tone shaping. Master full. Mostly normal channel with top boost blended in for top end. Just depends how loud I can be. Reverb to taste. I’ve Learned over the past few months that are using your guitars volume and tone knobs with the ac15 can really do wonders. Also try tone cut about halfway. Another cool trick is to turn tremolo depth to zero and rate to max or maybe it’s vice versa. But yeah this dude knows his stuff . Hope you find your sound
Normal channel all the way, i’ve changed the chinese stock tubes for Tung-Sol gold and now the Vox has more headroom, i can’t cranky all the volume. I’m using King of Tone , morning Glory, mini TS and Hall of fame 2 aswell. Telecaster CS , its such an amazing tone
Sounds like an awesome rig! I’m waiting for the tubes in mine to start acting up before changing the tubes. Is there a particular reason why you chose Tung-Sol? I know many people suggest JJs. Cheers
Maybe one day! My pleasure my friend. Have you seen the whole series about the AC15? I have 33 videos and always adding new content. Cheers ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
Worth the watch folks. He has quite a bit of Vox videos that are very useful;. Helped me when I got mine. I dried up his videos. I would like to see a deep dive of the PRS horse meat in comparison with some little pricier klones. Not the crazy upper 'KTR' priced ones. Maybe like $500 and under comparison as no od should cost that much lol.
Vox makes AC30CC2 that has a input link that allows you to blend top boost and normal channel. I always play with this set up. Blend the best of both channels. Not sure if they still make this amp but if you can get one with the Alnico Blues (x series) they do sound amazing. To blend the channels, simply plug into the upper Top Boost input and move the switch to the “down” position and you can now blend the Top Boost and Normal channels.
That's a cool feature. I will definitely try that out if I ever see one. Do you prefer one channel over the other, or always use both at the same time?
Always together with link engaged...........roll up the channels to taste..........they should make all the VOX amps this way.....not sure why they don't.@@TheToneLounge
There are some easy mods to lower the noise floor - mainly increasing filter cap sizes. Best of both worlds... The normal and top boost couple by sharing the cathode bias resistor on the first gain stage. There’s a capacitor across it which rolls off coupling for the highs - which I’ve reduced a bit to decrease gain at low frequencies. However, this increases coupling between gain stages.
That is very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I do not have the technical know-how to express the affect of the hack, but what you have shared, sheds more light on why this works. Plus, knowing that you can reduce the noise by changing the capacitors is a great bit of info. Thank you so much for sharing this bit of knowledge. Cheers
What's your email address? I can send across the as modified circuit diagrams for my AC30C2 with comments explaining what the mods do. The tone mods aren't all that straightforward but the noise floor ones are pretty simple. Quite convinced the whole lot cost less than £5 to do and it's made a huge improvement in noise with a slight but pleasant tweek to the tone too. Anyone with a soldering iron, a bag of components and a couple hours could implement this. And since nothing is cut - it's reversible. Saying that, I did pull the legs off 1 original capacitor, so care is needed to keep the original components. Totally possible though :O)
I immediately preferred the normal channel, and dialled it as shown at the start (channel volume a little over halfway and master at 9 o’clock or so) when playing at home. At small gig levels though I nudged the master to halfway to keep up with the drummer and found I had to back off the channel volume as the power amp distortion kicks in. A fantastic tone for blues and rock with my Strat, and I’m keen to try out the tricks in this video soon.
@@TheToneLounge Gave the AC15 a workout on the weekend and can confirm all you say is true. The interaction of the TB controls with the Normal channel are more apparent the higher you push the master, and the reverb does sound more subtle with the master up. Great tone into the Normal channel, with the master half up, TB controls Bass and Treble completely off, ch volume around 6 or 7, Normal volume 3 or 4. Cheers mate.
Good tip, I bought 10 years ago and keep it, so versatile, sounds great with my strat loaded with 69CS and my Charvel So Cal with a cruch box, I use the bright channel but made the mod of cutting a transistor. Don't remember exactly but sounds superb.
Jorge Martín Pellegrino I love the AC15! Great amp with great tones. Have you seen the second part to this video? ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
Wow. I’m late to watch this video. Great video by the way. I love my ac15 and wanted to add..there is like 538 comments,, ok that’s accounting for the reply’s fair enough, but still you replied to each and every one wow. That is amazing and just shows your dedication to this channel this amp playing and most Important, helping people. That’s amazing brother. Thank you. SUBSCRIBED'!!!
Hi Chris, Thanks for joining the TTL community. I appreciate when people leave comments, so I love answering questions and comments. Let me know if you are looking for anything specific, I most likely have video on the topic. Cheers
Hi there from Australia I was playing my guitar the other night I have a a C 15 it’s the white Bronco with a cream back speaker and I stumbled across this I was wondering why is this working when I’m going through the clean channel and then I stumbled across your video yeah just adds a little bit more hey 👍🏼🇦🇺👍🏼🇦🇺👍🏼
I really like using both channels at once with an ABY and keeping master low while balancing the normal and top boost volume to taste, but cool info about the crosstalk between channels! Thanks
Damn I bought a Tiny Terror instead because thought the vox was sounding thin a low volume. Makes me wish I had known about this trick when comparing amps.
The Tiny Terror is a great little amp too. Very different than an AC but still a cool little amp. If you ever get a Vox, check back on my channel as I have series on the Mini Superbeetle, the AC10 as well as the AC15.
I bought an AC15 because I found a very nice deal at a local shop. Played it a bit and, personally, I found it almost unusable due to the hum and harsh top end that was difficult to deal with. Swapped the tubes for a few bucks (less than 40 euros total) and that made a HUGE difference, the amp sound really sweet now!
A tube swap can make a significant difference on the tone of the amp.I still have the stock tubes, but will change them at some point in the near future. Which tubes did you choose?
@@TheToneLounge I had some spare Groove Tubes 12AX7 for the preamp that I took out of an old Fender Deville and I got a set of two matched JJ EL84s. I wanted to keep this as a budget project, nothing fancy, just solid and cost effective. I may swap the pre amp tubes to some 12AT7 or 12AY7 at some point, just for the sake of trying a lower gain setup, but anyway I am really satisfied at the moment.
@@vinicioserafini5929 You know, I was just wondering about changing the preamp tubes to see if there is a huge difference in the gain structure of the amp. I would expect 12AT7 to have a less agressive gain sound, but I'd have to try it. If you ever do try one of those two, would you mind letting me know what your findings are?
12AT7 has a gain factor of 60, so it has a quite a bit less gain than 12AX7 (gain factor 100). Though the two are pin-compatible, the 12AT7 aren't intended as a preamp tube, and may be noisy and/or not well-sounding. A better option is 12AY7 (gain factor 45), which will make your preamp a lot cleaner (and quieter). It may also sound less compressed and "airier". Another option is 5751, which has a gain factor of 70, and only slightly decreases the gain. Note that the the V1 position is the only one that has a dramatic effect on the sound. Keep the 12AX7 in V2, while V3 (phase inverter) might benefit from a 12AY7 or 5751. I've tried all these in amps similar to the AC15, and have ended with 12AY7 in V1 and 5751 in V3.
This is super cool. I just bought the AC15 today that has the Warehouse G12 speaker in it. Was bummed that the normal channel didn't share the EQ, but now I'm gonna have to try this out.
I'll have to try that master volume thing to compare reverb as well. Your demo the second time around just included ringing chords the entire time, so it was impossible to tell what the reverb was doing. In the past, I've always run any amp that had master volume up full. I've always hated the sound of pre-amp distortion.
The Normal channel is actually my favorite channel. It is less compressed and sounds better with most of my guitars. I love the TB channel with my Strat. They are both very useful channels.
@@TheToneLounge Sweet! I take it the next video will talk about mods? I'm probably gonna leave my amp stock for a while, but looking forward to the videos nonetheless.
I thought I noticed this crosstalk effect on my AC15 as well, but I didn't explore the tone possibilities it created. I'm fairly new to electric guitar and the massive rabbit hole that is "tone" has been rather overwhelming.
+Mark O chasing tone is one of my favourite parts of this whole thing. I love digging into the different elements that contribute to what makes tone great/bad. If you want to know more about how to get the best out of your AC15, I invite you to subscribe to the channel, or at least check out my other videos. Cheers
I did notice that when I put 10’s on my strat, it really made a difference taming some of the spiky tones I would sometimes run into. I would love to chat with you
Awesome tip on the normal channel bleedover topboost. I took it a bit further... Try the same thing. (Jack in the normal), Master Vol at 2 oclock, and then completely turn down the normal volume and notice the heavy bass you suddenly get from turning up the volume on the topboost and adding bass as well.
Hi Sofus, I’ll give that a shot later today. I’m glad to see that you found your own “hack” with the AC15. Many people complain about this amp not having enough low end, but by using it this way we can make that amp rumble. Thanks for your tip, looking forward to try it. Cheers
Interesting. I have an AC15 but it`s a H1TV. Wonder if this top boost trick works the same way on that one. Only use the normal channel. No reverb or master volume though. Need to go to my rehersal space and try. Thanks for the tip!
Normal FTW. but this amp has frustrated me. had to replace it once it was blowing hard to get (for me) power fuse then when I got the new one, it sounded SO good for one day. Never got that tone back.. I'm careful with warming it up and using standby.. ijdk wth is up! Now it makes farts and fizzes like its about to short out. I may have to just chalk it up to being a POS.. But your video is great its true; pushing that main volume warms it up and I noticed that cross talk too! thanks!
+LeMTails sounds like a very specific issue with your amplifier. Did you bring it to a tech? Could be a very simple problem to fix. I hope you can get that amp up and running smoothly, AC15’s are a treat to play! Cheers
I've thanked you before. And I have to thank you again for all of your fantastic videos and perfectly paced presentation and cool playing. You really encourage experimentation and always sound musical and song oriented. I love my AC15C2 now.Before, I wasn't knowledgeable enough about how it likes to breathe. THANKS for your guidance 👍
I barely have the TB channel on and mix it with the normal channel. My ac30cc2 is in for repair at the moment but I'm giving this a burst when I get the amp back. Many thanks.
@@TheToneLounge Sensei, you try this hack, you are called a Sensei. I try this hack, I am called failed tone hacker. Is it too bad not every single student can reach the level of his master?
DUDE THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS. I use a fender classic player series and it has some hot pickups. I get that hiss from it but whatever. I also noticed it has A LOT of high end, so this helps. Thanks man!😁
Hey Tyler, I’m glad you found the video helpful. This is why I put it up in the first place. I’ll be posting another video soon where I’ll show the pros and cons of the Normal vs TB channel. I have other tips in that video too. Cheers
I just switched to Vox and I agree it takes a lot of time and work to adjust the knobs to where I like the tone but it was worth it( and fun).Once i got it dialed in the tone is second to none in my opinion.I spent a lot of time with the Vox and a Fender and the Vox won me over .Now I want to trade my AC30 combo in for a Vox head and cab.
Yeah, Vox is a strange beast. If you know how to dial it in, you are rewarded with great tones. If you don’t, you’ll want to get rid of your amp. That is why I have decided to focus my content on Vox amps, I think that by sharing tips, people will get better results out of their gear. Speaking of which, did you see my new version of the tone hack? Cheers ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
Great video! I use the normal channel for humbuckers and The top boost for single coils. With the normal i just need the tone cut from the amp and the tone knob from the guitar. When i use the top boost i use it with single coil because i need the EQ to control the high frequencys 😬. Thank you for the tips 😁👌
Hey Matias, I do something similar to you, in that I use the TB channel with my SSS Strat to beef up the tone. I use the Normal channel for almost everything else, thanks for the comment. Cheers
I personally like the top boost channel,I usually use mine set to edge of breakup with a tube screamer and use the guitar volume and guitar tone to get desired tone .
That's interesting thanks. I like my AC15C1 but it is a frustrating amp in a lot of ways. I'll have to try this. This amp is my sole remaining tube amp and I would like to get more out of it. I usually use top boost normally. I never understood the speaker selection for this amp. But I suck as a player so who am I to critique. Thanks again for the great video.
nice, benefits from twiddling knobs, I've found that with my BJ fi I put the treble at 9 O'clock, mid cut all the way or no more than 9 O'clock and bass up all the way the overly bright tone is tamed well too, that's with a strat. I generally prefer to start with clean tone, then get dirty with a pedal, without a pedal I like both, like to use clean and OD sounds in most songs
I like to keep the amp clean as well and just use pedals for dirt. I find my Wampler Ecstasy rather hard to beat for crunch tones. Understanding how to dial in a Vox is crucial in order to get the best tone. Have you seen my second tone hacks video?
Great little tip. I have an AC15 2x12 and I love it when compared to some other amps I’ve used. But this should help me tweak it a bit more as I’m not a fan of TB when paired with pedals. Look forward through more of your content, and I hope your channel continues to grow.
I’m glad the tip is useful. I have more videos coming and you should be able to watch them soon. In the mean time there are a few more videos on the AC15 on this channel. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers
@@TheToneLounge Getting a tone like you have takes talent... but do you enjoy creating teaching videos? I believe you have too much to share to just do gear videos.
👇𝙉𝙀𝙒: 𝙏𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙎 2019 👇
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
I use the top boost channel. I get it out about once every 6 months when the kids aren’t home screaming or telling me “it’s too loud.” The man holding me down. I pull out my telecaster and spent about a half hour trying to remember that one song by that band I like, where he does that one cool thing, you know the one? I used to know how that song went. Then I pull out the Les Paul, get distracted by something else, and take a nap on the couch. All on the top boost channel. That’s my tone.
you are the man
Challis Venstra Man I relate!! Same here brother.
You are me in 10 years
Cheers mate...this comment made my day
"The man holding me down." 😅😅😅 always.
Crapped my pants when you first messed with the Top Boost volume and it affected the normal channel. That is a game changer.
I hope you were able to salvage those pants my friend, nothing worse than a mishap like that. ;) Have you tried this technique yet? If so, what did you think of it?
SAME. I was like 😳
I saw 10 vids of VoxAC15 tones ands setups, this was by FAR the most usefull, clear, straightforward of all! thanks
The reason why the Top Boost tone stack affects the Normal channel when you bring the Top Bost volume up is because the first 12AX7 tube is used for both channels, and it has both triodes sharing a cathode connection, so some of the sound from one channel is sent to the other. This is an exclusive thing on the AC15C1, as the original AC15 amps used a separate pentode tube (EF86) for the Normal channel.
I have had an AC15h1TV Handwired for many years. I nearly only use the Channel 1 (EF86) for its warmth and noiseless advantage. However, the treble was every so slightly blunt or dull and switching the brightness on would be too harsh to my taste. While using the channel 1, I always used the Channel 2 volume off but this video really opened up a world of possibilities.
I just went to my original setting (Channel 1, no brightness, bass shift 1, pentode mode) and opened up slightly the volume of the channel 2 while adjusting the bass and treble... WOW!!! Amazing! The sound is much more defined, mainly in the treble. It keeps the warmth of the Channel 1 but the eq seems much more balanced and sweet!!
Thank you so much for these tips!!!
You are most welcome. You are the first to confirm that it works with the hand-wired amps. These amps sound different compared to the AC15C1, but they still have enough similarities that permit this hack to work. I am happy to hear this. If you have not watched my new Tone Hacks video, I have even more tips in there for you. Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
I noticed that and I thought my amp was not working all right, but I kind of liked it. So thanks for broadening the explanation!
My recommendation for any guitar on the AC15C1:
Master Volume: half
Top Boost Volume: half
Bass: half
Treble: completely OFF.
Sounds a bit like a fender and gives your guitar a smooth tone without treble loss.
The Bass knob can now be used as a mid knob. In my opinion, the treble knob has nothing to do with treble. It’s more like a „chime“ knob, which is an thing by it’s own :)
But I love every tone that can be created by this amp.
I have only just come across this and the beauty of it is that it makes a massive improvement to this channel. I feel a bit of a clown for not having spent the time to experiment but then the changes in tone are incremental and they only really become obvious when one maxes out the various controls. Really great suggestion so thank you.
Not many people knew about this when I published this video, so no need to feel silly. 😉
Can you see yourself using this from now on?
@@TheToneLounge I already am. I have a band rehearsal tomorrow night and I will be interested to see if the fuller sound is detectable in that context. It was certainly a noticeable difference in my practice room. I now need to spend a bit more time with your channel. Thanks again.
Let me know how that goes, curious to hear your thoughts.
Picked my amp up from repairs and re-valve this morning and tried it ... do believe the tone had more meat on the bone! thankyou
+gerry stevenson that’s great! More hours of play time and enjoyment. Rock on!
this is crazy. I thought the title was clickbait, but these are actually really great tricks
+stenyxx nope, no clickbait. Just looking to help people get the best out of their amp. Thanks for watching.
I got the ac15c1 today. I couldn’t deal with the Marshall dsl 20hr popping when I change channels and effects loop issues . I’m happier now I finally have a clean tone and reverb that sounds like I wanted. I will try these tricks thanks for the thorough review.
Right on! I'll be posting a new video soon where I'll be giving a bunch of useful tips for the AC15. Be sure to pop by and watch it. In the mean time you can watch this playlist to help you along. Let me know if you have any specific questions that I can help you with. Cheers
AC15 series:
ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
A-ha! That's why the Reverb on a Vox sounds so good! You nailed it!
Thanks Terry! What’s your amp of choice? AC15 or AC30?
@@TheToneLounge I have the AC15C1. I've found one speaker to be fine, but wonder what I'm missing out on w/ an AC30.
It would be unnecessarily LOUD, but what are the perks that drive people towards an AC30 over the 15?
If you don't mind imparting a little bit o' insight. :)
Thanks for the link, dudes! There's some other good vids that I may have lost in the pile. as well. Much appreciated. :)
Excellent choice of amp Vox for me all the way. The AC 15 is fantastic - I tend to use pedals for a lot of swooshy delays and reverbs with the amp reverb mid way. (tuner - Comp - boost - tone/klon & Chorus - reverb - delay - delay short - volume/expression). I turn up my amp and down the guitar, I can always add as I require from the volume knob or pedal etc. The amp is more likely to be some metres behind me on stage I can't keep popping backward to set it, once it's done it's done. I used to use 2 AC 15's one clean one dirty.
I play for fun now and i'm retired I did most of my career behind a huge Premiere or Ludwig kit.
Hey Mark, I'm a huge fan of Vox amplifiers as well. Sounds like you and I do something similar, as I ride my volume on the guitar as well. I just changed the pots on my LP Junior and I'm way more satisfied with the results when playing with the guitar pots. I think the AC line is a fantastic choice for pedals, I'm getting great results with a TC Electronic G-System. Your idea of using two AC15's has crossed my mind as well. I love the dirty tone and clean tone, but sadly can't toggle between them. I'm still searching for an overdrive pedal that might be less expensive and gets me closer to the drive tone I want.
By the way, did you see my new tone hacks video? I have even more tips in that one. Cheers
I have a Vox ac30 c2 and I didn't now this you have explained. The sound is totally different now, thanks!!!
My pleasure.
DUDE, AWSOME HACK!!!!! I own a Vox AC 15 C1 < a year. As a big slide player you just gave me the voice I was looking for. Love the amp even more now!!
I love hearing this Michael! I’m glad that the video served it’s purpose. Be sure to check out more videos on here, I am all about the AC15! Cheers
I just tried this with my amp, the bleedover from top boost is actually alot, i turned "Normal" channel volume all the way down, and the top boost channel was loud. It does sound fat when the two channels are mixed though, and I actually liked it. thanks for the tip!
Hope it was helpful. In vase you missed it, I have more tips just like this in the video below. Cheers
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
I do this too but the other way around. I use the Top Boost and add some Normal channel volume for extra bassp
That's cool! Are you finding this technique too noisy? Or did you find a way to reduce the hiss?
Tip with cranking up master volume really helped me :)
I’m glad to hear that. Did you check out this other video? ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
I use an AB pedal plugged in both channels and then switch both channels on.The controls and the Top boost seem to boost overall output. Great tips ,but with the pedal you get much more out of it.
Oh, I have a video all about the ABY pedal:
ruclips.net/video/GcBJoqCS5zU/видео.html
I heard about this. Have to try it.
Waitjng for my ac15 to be delivered and this one video and comment section will keep me busy for awhile ….never occured to me to have an aby pedal used like this …ithunk i heard two guitars could plug i. At the same time, so was gonna possibly have a humbucker and single coil in at all times but this seems a better option to try .ty
I knew this from experimenting with my AC30 but it's nice to see someone else doing it. Thanks. And BTW, love your rhythm playing. Usually everyone plays every note possible.
That’s why I like the AC30 & combining the TB + normal channels. But I agree with you on everything you said in this vid.👍
Right on!
I was looking for this video because I wasn’t sure if this was how it supposed to work. My top boost channel was almost dead, read on the internet and it was the v2 tube. Swapped with a tung sol and it came back to life. Then my reverb started to act weird, I swapped RCA cables, Problem solve. Started to mess with controls and notice this. It’s a game changer. This amp is a beast!
It sure is! I love the Vox sound. When dialled in correctly, there are some awesome tones in that amp.
Excellent, thanks for that - I've just bought an AC15C1 - really useful!!
Glad it was helpful. Which speaker came with yours?
I’m a little late to the game, but I just got an AC 15 and I’m finding your videos very helpful. Thank you!
Glad you like them! Is there any specific info that you are looking for?
Funny thing.
Got rid of the Ac15 only to buy another one a year later. Checking your videos again and I find my original post, with your response. I Never saw the notification for your response. 😂
Great video man 👌👏 loving the AC15c1 more every day.
Thanks for the info! I will try these tricks tomorrow. I have an AC15C1 with a Greenback in it. Was thinking of buying the Alnico Blue and putting different tubes in it.
i love the VOX AC15C1 and the VOX AC30.. Though these far eastern made Vox uses some sort of MDF in the cabinet that needs to be rather thick and this makes the amps heavy.. The VOX AC15 with a greenback (3.5kg).. weighs in a hefty 22kg. With lightweight thinner plywood they could get down to maybe 19kg and a more resonant cab..
Yeah, they are surprisingly heavy amps. I know it's more than likely a cost thing, but it does make moving the amp around rather unpleasant. lol
Just ordered the VOX AC15C1 ! Will use this tip! Cheers!
Here is a pretty extensive playlist I created all about the AC15. I hope it helps.
ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
I love my Vox AC15. I actually use BOTH Channels at the same time. I have a Boss DD-6 Digital Delay and I run two outputs (one to the normal channel, one to the top boost channel). I started doing this to obtain more bottom end (from the normal channel) while still using the top boost channel (which has better tone in my opinion). I tend to keep my master volume at the low setting and turn my top boost gain to 11:00 and my normal gain to 12:00. This is a great platform for other distortion pedals. With the Vox AC 15 the tone nob on the guitar has become by best friend. I ignored it for years and ALWAYS set it at max and forgot about it. Once I learned how awesome the tone cut nob on the amp was, I started wondering if the tone nob on my guitars could do the same thing. Sure enough, they do! If the amp sounds a little bright I simply roll the tone down a bit on my guitar (I usually play between 50% and 70% now). Great video, good tricks. I would recommend the Vox AC15 for anybody. It is an amazing amp that is very versatile. Unless you play strictly death metal, I would recommend this amp for any style.
I have yet to try the technique you described. I heard that there are quite a few players using this technique to great affect. I'll have to try it out for sure. The tone cut is an indispensable tool on the Vox amps, depending on the guitar you are using, it can sound glorious or take you ears out. My Tele and Les Paul Jr sound very bright, so I tend to keep the tone cut pretty high. However, I started to experiment with the tone knob on the Gibson, as it is more usable then that of my Tele. I can get the P90 to sound more like a humbucker by rolling back the tone knob.
I absolutely love the Vox sound, you could say I'm a bit of a "fan boy" lol. I agree with you, it is an amazing amp and it's also very versatile. I haven't had many opportunities to try it with dirt pedals, but I did try it with a mini TS9, a Menatone Red Snapper amd a TC Electronic Moojomojo and it sounded great with all of them. I'll have to do a video on how the amp takes pedals. TPS already a fantastic video on that, so if I do one I'll have to bring something new to the table lol Cheers
@@TheToneLounge yes...if you make a video on how well the amp takes pedals PLEASE include a high gain metal pedal. Not many videos have hit this specific topic and its a shame...it was one of the concerns that almost stopped me from getting the Vox because I was unsure...But I was happy to learn that Vox can handle high gain metal pedals just fine...I reccomend the Boss Metalcore (not metal zone)...the metal core has a lot of bottom end, a great eq, and a built in noise gate "like" circuit (probably to help with palm muting). I suggest turning master volume all the way up on the vox, plugging into normal channel, and then slowly turning gain up until you get a nice clean platform....stomp on metalcore anf you will get some of the heaviest gain riffs you ever heard...not as ideal as a mesa boogie or an EVH amp, but sounds mad good...let me know what you think.
@@aarondaniels629 fantastic idea! I will definitely add this to the list of content for future videos. Keep looking on the channel, it will be coming soon. Cheers
Aaron Daniels i think we’re using same technique,but i split it with DD-7 output,i was start running both channel since few hours i purchased the amp,,,and onetime i just realized that those both channels are connected when i use it as a single channel,,,i thought mine is broken but their not LOL,,,but my setup a bit different Aaron,,,on normal around 8.30 o’clock and top boost around 2 o’clock,master are a bit lower,only around 9-10 o’clock
I recorded on video that you guys can check it,,,and feel free correct me if i’m done wrong on the setup i got ok
ruclips.net/video/ZNdLW5aLnv4/видео.html
Just use a y-cable and use/mix both channels as you like.
+Bonanzabilly I’m using the L and R output of my TC Electronic G-System and experimenting with this concept. I’m liking the results.
I'm actually using the Boss TU-3 tuner which has two outputs. Both channels at the same time sounds great!
Always plugged into TB, never really gave normal a go. I'll give this hack a shot on my AC15 and see what this is all about!!
+Clayton Glore of course. Drop me a line, let me know if it working for you. Cheers
I have many Amps, but the AC15 - C2 is the WIN !!! Congrats for you Channell, Sucess always !!! Thank you !!!!
Thanks Daniel! The Ac15 C2 is a great amp. What speakers are in yours?
@@TheToneLounge Hi dear friend. The speaker is the stock Greenback. I have this Amp for about 12 years now. I'm thinking in change it for a speaker made here in Brasil... but in the same time i love the Greenbacks ... One other thing (i don't know if you already made a review), i discovered your great channell a little time ago ... I love the Boss - SD1 into this Amp, for me fits perfectly as a medium drive !! Thank you for your feedback, keep the amazing work !!! King regards from Brasil !!!!
I really, really like the AC-15. Everything about it. Looks fantastic, sounds incredible. Thanks.
Thanks a ton! Do you own one? Or have you tried one ?
@@TheToneLounge i would love to get one. Budget says otherwise. Stuck with my old Peavey. Oh well, can't complain. The Vox amps sure are nice though.
Best Vox Ac 15 video
Thanks a lot.......
This was an awesome video! I prefer the Normal channel, and you just made me LOVE IT A LOT MORE.
+Omar Jauhari LOL awesome dude! Normal channel for the win! Cheers
Hi,
I own a AC15 twin. Until yesterday I was using top boost channel as my main entry. Then I tried this new setting! And I have to say that it changes everything. The tone gets fatter without loosing the clearness of the sound. I was already in love with my vox but I think we gonna start to sleep together by now!!!! By the way sorry for my english, I'm french!!!!!
I'm glad this tip helped you. En passant, je parle français. Mon français écrit est pitoyable, mais bon. I find it easier to write in English (the curse of being bilingual). Be sure to check out the other videos in the AC15 series. I just dropped a new video today, where I do a shootout between the AC15 and a Mini Superbeetle. Cheers
This video helped me immensely! It's like having a whole new amp!
Your time stamps in the description is a godsend! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
I just found this video! I've been using an splitter pedal (A and B config) so I'm able to plug two cables into both normal and boost channels and it works great.
That's the best way to do it. Are you using a buffered ABY?
@@TheToneLounge No, it's a Radial passive splitter.
Just tried this and you sir are my hero! Many many thanks . Like I just got a new amp. Pedals sound like gold now
Did you watch the new Tone Hacks video I just put out today? I have even more tips!
So what is your amp setup now? I cant find good sound of my vox :(
@@teemujarvinen6260 you've come to the right place my friend. Just watch the video in this link:
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
Teemu Järvinen pretty much just what his video says. I’ve started using a radial aby for more tone shaping. Master full. Mostly normal channel with top boost blended in for top end. Just depends how loud I can be. Reverb to taste. I’ve Learned over the past few months that are using your guitars volume and tone knobs with the ac15 can really do wonders. Also try tone cut about halfway. Another cool trick is to turn tremolo depth to zero and rate to max or maybe it’s vice versa. But yeah this dude knows his stuff . Hope you find your sound
Teemu Järvinen Also if you’re using more gain try turning your treble past halfway and cut your bass under half way makes it less muddy
Normal channel all the way, i’ve changed the chinese stock tubes for Tung-Sol gold and now the Vox has more headroom, i can’t cranky all the volume. I’m using King of Tone , morning Glory, mini TS and Hall of fame 2 aswell.
Telecaster CS , its such an amazing tone
Sounds like an awesome rig! I’m waiting for the tubes in mine to start acting up before changing the tubes. Is there a particular reason why you chose Tung-Sol? I know many people suggest JJs. Cheers
Got my AC15 today. I’m glad I found this video early 😂
Hope you enjoyed it!
Vox should sell that as a feature. Great job on those vids, thanks for taking the time
Maybe one day! My pleasure my friend. Have you seen the whole series about the AC15? I have 33 videos and always adding new content. Cheers
ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
Worth the watch folks. He has quite a bit of Vox videos that are very useful;. Helped me when I got mine. I dried up his videos. I would like to see a deep dive of the PRS horse meat in comparison with some little pricier klones. Not the crazy upper 'KTR' priced ones. Maybe like $500 and under comparison as no od should cost that much lol.
If I can manage to get one, you can expect a video for sure.
I wish i saw this video when i had a ac15. Great tip, thanks.
Vox makes AC30CC2 that has a input link that allows you to blend top boost and normal channel. I always play with this set up. Blend the best of both channels. Not sure if they still make this amp but if you can get one with the Alnico Blues (x series) they do sound amazing.
To blend the channels, simply plug into the upper Top Boost input and move the switch to the
“down” position and you can now blend the Top Boost and Normal channels.
That's a cool feature. I will definitely try that out if I ever see one. Do you prefer one channel over the other, or always use both at the same time?
Always together with link engaged...........roll up the channels to taste..........they should make all the VOX amps this way.....not sure why they don't.@@TheToneLounge
There are some easy mods to lower the noise floor - mainly increasing filter cap sizes. Best of both worlds...
The normal and top boost couple by sharing the cathode bias resistor on the first gain stage. There’s a capacitor across it which rolls off coupling for the highs - which I’ve reduced a bit to decrease gain at low frequencies. However, this increases coupling between gain stages.
That is very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I do not have the technical know-how to express the affect of the hack, but what you have shared, sheds more light on why this works. Plus, knowing that you can reduce the noise by changing the capacitors is a great bit of info. Thank you so much for sharing this bit of knowledge. Cheers
What's your email address? I can send across the as modified circuit diagrams for my AC30C2 with comments explaining what the mods do. The tone mods aren't all that straightforward but the noise floor ones are pretty simple. Quite convinced the whole lot cost less than £5 to do and it's made a huge improvement in noise with a slight but pleasant tweek to the tone too.
Anyone with a soldering iron, a bag of components and a couple hours could implement this. And since nothing is cut - it's reversible.
Saying that, I did pull the legs off 1 original capacitor, so care is needed to keep the original components. Totally possible though :O)
You should be able to find my contact info on the “about” section of my YT channel page. Thank you for all the awesome info. Cheers
AC15 is classic awesome amp. Your tips were really usefull. :)
+JayAlexFin thanks for your feedback, glad that the tips were useful. Cheers
You are genius! I just fixed my amp :))) Thank you, this is unique information I never met before
I'm no genius, I assure you! I just got lucky stumbling on this little happy accident!
Thanks for this video. Yeah, I know it’s 4 years old. I’m picking up one of these amps tomorrow.
The video is old, but the information is still relevant. At least I hope it is lol. Let me know what you think of the amp once you have it. Cheers
Love to see you rocking that 2015 Gibson without Shame. Wave on
Yeah, it's a great little guitar. Nothing to be ashamed of :)
I immediately preferred the normal channel, and dialled it as shown at the start (channel volume a little over halfway and master at 9 o’clock or so) when playing at home. At small gig levels though I nudged the master to halfway to keep up with the drummer and found I had to back off the channel volume as the power amp distortion kicks in. A fantastic tone for blues and rock with my Strat, and I’m keen to try out the tricks in this video soon.
Let me know once you do, and if you want more tone tips be sure to check out my other videos:
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
@@TheToneLounge Gave the AC15 a workout on the weekend and can confirm all you say is true. The interaction of the TB controls with the Normal channel are more apparent the higher you push the master, and the reverb does sound more subtle with the master up. Great tone into the Normal channel, with the master half up, TB controls Bass and Treble completely off, ch volume around 6 or 7, Normal volume 3 or 4. Cheers mate.
I'm glad to hear that the tips were helpful. How are you digging the amp?
@@TheToneLounge It’s the perfect size for gigs around my little town, and I’ve been using it a fair bit since things started opening back up more.
That's awesome. I'm happy to hear that the amp is working for you. 🙂
Luv both guitars and the amp.
It’s a great combination! Cheers
Good tip, I bought 10 years ago and keep it, so versatile, sounds great with my strat loaded with 69CS and my Charvel So Cal with a cruch box, I use the bright channel but made the mod of cutting a transistor. Don't remember exactly but sounds superb.
Jorge Martín Pellegrino I love the AC15! Great amp with great tones. Have you seen the second part to this video?
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
One of the best demos I have seen. I am always experimenting cuz curiosity so I appreciate your effort!
Thanks autodivision, I love to experiment as well. I got other videos such as this coming real soon. Stay tuned, cheers!
Eu combino os dois canais do vox... mas, vou testar dessa forma também para ver o resultado, bacana o video... Legal!
Great tip! Thank you 🙏
Awesome trick man! It also works on my ac30
Thanks!
That's killer. Will you be using this trick at all?
Wow. I’m late to watch this video. Great video by the way. I love my ac15 and wanted to add..there is like 538 comments,, ok that’s accounting for the reply’s fair enough, but still you replied to each and every one wow. That is amazing and just shows your dedication to this channel this amp playing and most Important, helping people. That’s amazing brother. Thank you. SUBSCRIBED'!!!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for joining the TTL community. I appreciate when people leave comments, so I love answering questions and comments.
Let me know if you are looking for anything specific, I most likely have video on the topic. Cheers
I prefer the quad input circuit in the AC30 and jump them together to get a super involved single channel amp with lots of gain. :)
It seems to be a favorite of many AC30 players. Do you use an ABY box or just jumper them with a cable?
@@TheToneLounge plexi style with a short cable.
Any chance of a more in depth look at ho w you mic up an AC15? Sounds great with a single mic and I’d love to be able to do the same!
That sounds like a fun idea. Let me see what I can do.
Great video bud! Do you reckon you will ever do something like this for the VoxAC10C1. Thanks!!!
+arp sav I would love too. When I get access to an AC10, then I will do a series for sure.
Hi there from Australia I was playing my guitar the other night I have a a C 15 it’s the white Bronco with a cream back speaker and I stumbled across this I was wondering why is this working when I’m going through the clean channel and then I stumbled across your video yeah just adds a little bit more hey
👍🏼🇦🇺👍🏼🇦🇺👍🏼
Yeah, it’s a cool quirk. How are you using it? With the TB or Normal channel?
@@TheToneLounge
Hi there
On the clean channel
this was hell of a helpful video! Thank you so much.
Have you seen this one too?
I really like using both channels at once with an ABY and keeping master low while balancing the normal and top boost volume to taste, but cool info about the crosstalk between channels! Thanks
An ABY pedal is a great way to do it. Especially if you want to switch back and forth between both inputs.
Damn I bought a Tiny Terror instead because thought the vox was sounding thin a low volume. Makes me wish I had known about this trick when comparing amps.
The Tiny Terror is a great little amp too. Very different than an AC but still a cool little amp. If you ever get a Vox, check back on my channel as I have series on the Mini Superbeetle, the AC10 as well as the AC15.
I use my AC15 with an ABY pedal to be able to switch between normal and top boost channels.
That's the best way to do it.
I bought an AC15 because I found a very nice deal at a local shop. Played it a bit and, personally, I found it almost unusable due to the hum and harsh top end that was difficult to deal with. Swapped the tubes for a few bucks (less than 40 euros total) and that made a HUGE difference, the amp sound really sweet now!
A tube swap can make a significant difference on the tone of the amp.I still have the stock tubes, but will change them at some point in the near future. Which tubes did you choose?
@@TheToneLounge I had some spare Groove Tubes 12AX7 for the preamp that I took out of an old Fender Deville and I got a set of two matched JJ EL84s. I wanted to keep this as a budget project, nothing fancy, just solid and cost effective.
I may swap the pre amp tubes to some 12AT7 or 12AY7 at some point, just for the sake of trying a lower gain setup, but anyway I am really satisfied at the moment.
@@vinicioserafini5929 You know, I was just wondering about changing the preamp tubes to see if there is a huge difference in the gain structure of the amp. I would expect 12AT7 to have a less agressive gain sound, but I'd have to try it. If you ever do try one of those two, would you mind letting me know what your findings are?
@@TheToneLounge no problem
12AT7 has a gain factor of 60, so it has a quite a bit less gain than 12AX7 (gain factor 100). Though the two are pin-compatible, the 12AT7 aren't intended as a preamp tube, and may be noisy and/or not well-sounding. A better option is 12AY7 (gain factor 45), which will make your preamp a lot cleaner (and quieter). It may also sound less compressed and "airier". Another option is 5751, which has a gain factor of 70, and only slightly decreases the gain. Note that the the V1 position is the only one that has a dramatic effect on the sound. Keep the 12AX7 in V2, while V3 (phase inverter) might benefit from a 12AY7 or 5751. I've tried all these in amps similar to the AC15, and have ended with 12AY7 in V1 and 5751 in V3.
I Love my AC15C2. Thanks for share this usefull trick
Hey Omar, you are most welcomed. The AC15C2 is killer! Cheers
Can you use ac15c2 in lives? Is enough for watts?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that it depends on the style of music and how loud your band is.
This is super cool. I just bought the AC15 today that has the Warehouse G12 speaker in it. Was bummed that the normal channel didn't share the EQ, but now I'm gonna have to try this out.
I'll have to try that master volume thing to compare reverb as well. Your demo the second time around just included ringing chords the entire time, so it was impossible to tell what the reverb was doing. In the past, I've always run any amp that had master volume up full. I've always hated the sound of pre-amp distortion.
The Normal channel is actually my favorite channel. It is less compressed and sounds better with most of my guitars. I love the TB channel with my Strat. They are both very useful channels.
Tomorrow I'm filming the last part of a new video, which is Tone Hacks 2.0 , I have 10 tips for Vox owners. It should be out this Thursday!
@@TheToneLounge Sweet! I take it the next video will talk about mods? I'm probably gonna leave my amp stock for a while, but looking forward to the videos nonetheless.
@@TheToneLounge Also, subbed.
I thought I noticed this crosstalk effect on my AC15 as well, but I didn't explore the tone possibilities it created. I'm fairly new to electric guitar and the massive rabbit hole that is "tone" has been rather overwhelming.
+Mark O chasing tone is one of my favourite parts of this whole thing. I love digging into the different elements that contribute to what makes tone great/bad.
If you want to know more about how to get the best out of your AC15, I invite you to subscribe to the channel, or at least check out my other videos. Cheers
Just subscribed. The AC-15c1 is the GOAT modern amplifier for less than $1k. 🎸🇺🇸
I could not agree more. Best darn sub 1k amp that I've ever bought.
I did notice that when I put 10’s on my strat, it really made a difference taming some of the spiky tones I would sometimes run into. I would love to chat with you
I’m curious to try flatwound strings on my Strat. That may tame the spikiness too.
Les Paul deluxe, spikeless and buzz free. 😁👍
Awesome tip on the normal channel bleedover topboost. I took it a bit further... Try the same thing. (Jack in the normal), Master Vol at 2 oclock, and then completely turn down the normal volume and notice the heavy bass you suddenly get from turning up the volume on the topboost and adding bass as well.
Hi Sofus, I’ll give that a shot later today. I’m glad to see that you found your own “hack” with the AC15. Many people complain about this amp not having enough low end, but by using it this way we can make that amp rumble. Thanks for your tip, looking forward to try it. Cheers
Sure thing, you did all the work, I just stumbled upon the extra extra bass :-)
Sofus Comer it’s team work dude lol
Interesting. I have an AC15 but it`s a H1TV. Wonder if this top boost trick works the same way on that one. Only use the normal channel. No reverb or master volume though. Need to go to my rehersal space and try. Thanks for the tip!
I'm curious to hear if it works on that model as well. Will you drop by and let us all know? That would be very cool.
You gotta love the AV15 C1 great amp. And yes I prefer the normal channel but this I must try.
+Keith Carter let me know how you like it, and if you look at the first comment on this video, you’ll see a link to my new tone hacks video.
Awesome Vid! I've been struggling to get a great sound and this will definitely help and I need all the help I can get!
I'm happy to help out. Here is a series that will help you get started! ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
Normal FTW. but this amp has frustrated me. had to replace it once it was blowing hard to get (for me) power fuse then when I got the new one, it sounded SO good for one day. Never got that tone back.. I'm careful with warming it up and using standby.. ijdk wth is up! Now it makes farts and fizzes like its about to short out. I may have to just chalk it up to being a POS.. But your video is great its true; pushing that main volume warms it up and I noticed that cross talk too! thanks!
+LeMTails sounds like a very specific issue with your amplifier. Did you bring it to a tech? Could be a very simple problem to fix.
I hope you can get that amp up and running smoothly, AC15’s are a treat to play! Cheers
I've thanked you before.
And I have to thank you again for all of your fantastic videos and perfectly paced presentation and cool playing.
You really encourage experimentation and always sound musical and song oriented.
I love my AC15C2 now.Before, I wasn't knowledgeable enough about how it likes to breathe.
THANKS for your guidance 👍
You're very welcome! Let me know if there is anything else you are looking for.
I barely have the TB channel on and mix it with the normal channel. My ac30cc2 is in for repair at the moment but I'm giving this a burst when I get the amp back. Many thanks.
+gerry stevenson you are most welcome. Let me know how you like it. Also, check out my new tone hacks video, plenty of other tips in that one.
Just got a Vox AC15 C2 - thanks so much for the tip, will definitely try this.
+spud2go congrats on the new amp. Be sure to watch the other videos in the series too.
AC15 series: ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
Ok the man in that tone lounge is a serious master.
Thank you Sensei!
First time being called a Sensei! 🤪 have you tried this hack yet?
@@TheToneLounge Sensei, you try this hack, you are called a Sensei.
I try this hack, I am called failed tone hacker.
Is it too bad not every single student can reach the level of his master?
You learn, practice and apply the teachings and you too will become a master!
DUDE!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!
+Moreno Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you are most welcomed
Great vid! What guitar are you playing?
Details at 0:27
@@TheToneLounge that’s what I get for trying to multitask. The Tele sounds awesome!
DUDE THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS. I use a fender classic player series and it has some hot pickups. I get that hiss from it but whatever. I also noticed it has A LOT of high end, so this helps. Thanks man!😁
Paulo, you are most welcomed! Glad this works for you. The hiss is normal, but not too loud, so you’ll learn to tune it out lol. Cheers
Thanks for this video man! I just bought an AC15 and I've been struggling dialing it in as I have played twins my whole life. This trick is awesome!
Hey Tyler, I’m glad you found the video helpful. This is why I put it up in the first place. I’ll be posting another video soon where I’ll show the pros and cons of the Normal vs TB channel. I have other tips in that video too. Cheers
I just switched to Vox and I agree it takes a lot of time and work to adjust the knobs to where I like the tone but it was worth it( and fun).Once i got it dialed in the tone is second to none in my opinion.I spent a lot of time with the Vox and a Fender and the Vox won me over .Now I want to trade my AC30 combo in for a Vox head and cab.
Yeah, Vox is a strange beast. If you know how to dial it in, you are rewarded with great tones. If you don’t, you’ll want to get rid of your amp.
That is why I have decided to focus my content on Vox amps, I think that by sharing tips, people will get better results out of their gear.
Speaking of which, did you see my new version of the tone hack? Cheers
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
Great video! I use the normal channel for humbuckers and The top boost for single coils. With the normal i just need the tone cut from the amp and the tone knob from the guitar. When i use the top boost i use it with single coil because i need the EQ to control the high frequencys 😬. Thank you for the tips 😁👌
Hey Matias, I do something similar to you, in that I use the TB channel with my SSS Strat to beef up the tone. I use the Normal channel for almost everything else, thanks for the comment. Cheers
So great. I really appreciate you!
Thanks for the kind words.
I personally like the top boost channel,I usually use mine set to edge of breakup with a tube screamer and use the guitar volume and guitar tone to get desired tone .
That’s a great way to do it! What guitar are you using?
@@TheToneLounge I usually play a USA Stratocaster,sometimes a telecaster,and a PRS se . They all sound great.
Awesome!
Great hack and it actually works! I can’t stand the extra noise though unfortunately. 😐
At the volume that I record at, the noise is negligible. Of course, it might not be negligible for everyone 😉
That's interesting thanks. I like my AC15C1 but it is a frustrating amp in a lot of ways. I'll have to try this. This amp is my sole remaining tube amp and I would like to get more out of it. I usually use top boost normally. I never understood the speaker selection for this amp. But I suck as a player so who am I to critique. Thanks again for the great video.
Let me know if you have any further questions, I most likely have a video on the topic! Cheers
nice, benefits from twiddling knobs, I've found that with my BJ fi I put the treble at 9 O'clock, mid cut all the way or no more than 9 O'clock and bass up all the way the overly bright tone is tamed well too, that's with a strat. I generally prefer to start with clean tone, then get dirty with a pedal, without a pedal I like both, like to use clean and OD sounds in most songs
I like to keep the amp clean as well and just use pedals for dirt. I find my Wampler Ecstasy rather hard to beat for crunch tones. Understanding how to dial in a Vox is crucial in order to get the best tone. Have you seen my second tone hacks video?
Great Video! Can‘t wait to check it out on my new AC15! By the way, I really liked the things you played!
Let me know how you like it! Cheers
Someone that has done his homework, Thanks GREAT!!
+Robert Brown thank you sir. Be on the look out, I have a top 10 tone tips video coming very soon.
Super neat trick
Here are a few more:
ruclips.net/video/qRFBYM0r7R4/видео.html
Great little tip. I have an AC15 2x12 and I love it when compared to some other amps I’ve used. But this should help me tweak it a bit more as I’m not a fan of TB when paired with pedals.
Look forward through more of your content, and I hope your channel continues to grow.
I’m glad the tip is useful. I have more videos coming and you should be able to watch them soon. In the mean time there are a few more videos on the AC15 on this channel. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers
You got a pretty tight rhythm technique there!
Thanks. I'm mainly a rhythm player, so I focus more on picking.
@@TheToneLounge Getting a tone like you have takes talent... but do you enjoy creating teaching videos? I believe you have too much to share to just do gear videos.
Smart guy. Thank you.
Glad it helped
Great Demo! I Do Like Top Boast With My RIC 350v63 Plugged In; Think I Get The John Lennon/Beatle Sound
I would love to get my hands on a RIC and hear it with my AC15 and AC10. It's the only guitar I have not tried yet with this amp.