The fender sounded the most hollow out of all of them by quite a bit. Like the Vox and Fender were polar opposites which I think threw off the sounds of almost everything but the crush.
Absolutely! I do believe Rob was right about the speaker selection making a difference, also. Obviously VOX has produced a package that works really well--creating a proper "full" sound! My experience with the VT40 was similar when I was at--of ALL places--a Guitar Center; where the SalesKids were using it as the "Guitar Demo Amp" of choice. I remember complimenting them on what a good choice it was!
I owned the 20 Watt version it had some brilliant sounds, I wish VOX make some upgrades to bring up to some sort of modern specs its still uses the old USB and having adapter instead a regular kettle lead , and the ability to connect to your pc or interface to record would be brilliant , one setting I loved on mine was the Dumble sound ,
I actually own 3 of these amps. The Vox30, Katana Mk2 and Orange. The Orange is a plug and play amp with limited options but gets a nice sound up to a certain point but then becomes flubby. Katana is a great amp and very versatile but can take time to set it to the sounds you want with the Tone studio. The Vox allows you to just plug in and find a sound you want within minutes without too much effort. Only flaw as the guys said is the power supply. Other than that it’s a great amp for home practice
Absolutely! Felt the same something like 10-15 years ago with the Vox Pathfinder 10 VS Marshall MG 10. I've chosen the Pathfinder 10, because it has more Dynamic, felt "bigger" and more like a "Real Amp" (and yeah, I know, they are real amps...I think you know, what I mean)...it has that rough, crispy and biting sound, that the MG's didn't had that time. And if I'm not wrong, the VT's were something like the "Big Brother" of the Pathfinder and came around more or less in the same time.
I bought a Vox AC4 based on Robs opinion in an older video, they had just released it with a 12" speaker and Rob said "Full credit to Vox, they've made the thing that everyone wanted them to make". He gave it 9/10, then they plugged it into an extension cab and he upgraded to 10/10. Then I bought one and I love it.
Very pleased to see the Vox get a shout for the first time. I bought one about 8 years ago as a tuck it in by the couch living room practice amp, It made its way to the studio very quickly and has been extensively used on probably 10+ albums at this point... it just has so many great sounds and is very fast to dial in... and yet I never once heard mention of it on any review channels. So it's finally had its day. 😊
I bought one of these back in 2017 or 18 and played with it for a while, put it up and now it's back in regular rotation. I also have a spider V, old fender champ and either an AC 10 or 30, can't remember off the top of my head. But for ease of set up and tone the Valvetronix is amazing. I don't have to lug around my huge AC and it honestly sounds just as good when turned all the way up. The spider is fun to play around with just because there's so many dang settings and you can download custom tones from people online, which is something I wish Vox would do. The Vox tone room just isn't as robust and I wish they'd add more tones to it, that's my only complaint with it.
Any chance you could tell me if the amp has a small amount of hiss even when the guitar isn't plugged in? I haven't turned mine on in over a year and I don't remember it being this noisey
I've got one, had the big bro version too but had to let it go to save space. Dunno if this is a common opinion but i love this generation of vox modelling because it seems to be able to do other amps really well. But how many other modelers can do vox really well?
I'm Sorry I can not recommend VOX any more. This is due to how they handle there app and there google play honesty. Bought a VOX Adio GT air, Got one year of a working app, The phone and the tablet updated and now the features I bought can not be used with any modern Phone or Tablet I own. It has been two years, only for the app to start working after a phone update then the app updated and now the app just crashes this is over Bluetooth... Lesson Learned Digital Modellers is only as good as the software support, you may end up with an oversized paperweight that is what I ended up with. Have not had any support answered and all reviews have been removed from google play.
The second best thing about that VOX after the tone is that it doesn't look flashy. Well done VOX. It reminds me one of my fav amp, the Roland Tube Logic.
I own the Valvetronix and either an AC 10 or 30. The AC was the first amp I bought because I honestly love the look but now I'm a Vox guy for life because of the tooooooan.
Very informative. The Vox pulls off a valve sound very well and gives the right hand freedom to be dynamic. There is a reason that tube amps hang on and on.
Rob was spot on, and the Vox sounded glorious - An easy winner. I only wish that Rob had a chance to dial in the other Amps at the end so we could hear what he thought were the best sounds each could produce. It was a very interesting shootout. Thanks
i have a vox valvetronix a much older model. it sounds good. when it blew up i had to go out and find the exact same year model. Robs playing with a blindfold on never fails to amaze me how good he is.
I really dig these blindfold Rob videos. There always fun and I’ve been blown away with Rob’s ability to hear the different tones with guitars, pedals, etc. great stuff guys!
I’ve had the Vox VT20x for years and year as an amp I use for teaching and am continually blown away with how great it sounds and I’m playing through it 5 hrs+ a day!
I had a Vox VT20X as a first amp, it was simply phenomenal for practice. 4 reberbs, delay, phaser, tremolo, crompression, 2 drives and you can set the warmth of the valve and the type of amp it emulates. It's a bargain for the money. And if you get it, the foot switch is a must have.
Same, no other solid state digital amps have lived up to my old one. I have a line 6 catalyst, and some of it’s sounds are good, but it mostly just makes me miss my pathfinder 😢
I have used several budget amps for practice with a single 12ax7 preamp tube into a SS power amp, and they always have a warmer and more dimensional sound than any modeler. It simply works!
I own a Vox Cambridge 50 & I’ve shot it out against a Boss Katana, Line 6 Catalyst & a Blackstar Silverline. Miles above in tone against the rest & it looks great too. The NuTube tech really makes the difference. Only if it had an effects loop & a mid control this amp would be the ultimate small gig/home practice amp. Glad to see Vox are getting the credit they deserve!
I have that same Vox amount and I also love it. But I do have a question for you about it. Which amp modeler do you use the most or prefer because I have a tuff time really dialing it in.
Depends on your style. I’ve set the 3 EQ’s around 1/2 o’clock & I switch between the boutique clean & the Brit VM with the hall reverb set to 3/4 to get that heavy rock sound. Look at upgrading the speaker. It’s easy to replace
@@JBP91 thanks man I appreciate, it’s just my little room amp, I have a Marshall DSL 100 H that I really blare so I’m not really interested in upgrading it
I use a Vox AV60 which is the old Cambridge. It has an FX loop and wipes the floor tone-wise with anything that isn't twice the price. They make exceptional gear for the price.
The valve as a pre amp is not a gimmick. They really do make a difference. The VOX was very very good. They all were but the vox nailed it. Very clean, big sound. Very affordable here in Australia. $ 325- $350.
That Vox was definitely the right choice for straight out of the box rock tone. It may not be the most versatile one but I totally agree with it winning in this context.
Rob definitely made the right choice. The Vox sounded best. Only the Blackstar came close. And I had the same initial reaction to the first few sounds coming out of the Fender. 😬More shootouts, please, Lee! Thank you!
I have the VT40x. It is really a great amp. When I bought it I compared it to Katana, Line6 and Fender. It' s been by far the best sounding out of these!
I had a Vox Valvetronix in highschool many years ago. I loved that thing! That one has a normal AC plug, too. Surprised they did away with the normal plug. I might be biased, but I also dig the Vox look. Maybe it's nostalgia.
I got the Vox a few years ago and I was astonished at how good it sounded! Even at low volumes, which is what I got it for, it really sounds like an actual amp.
Not only tone, but you can see that the Vox had great feel. He just took off and ripped when they clicked it on every time. Good to see ya Rob! Great job
Love these blindfold tests. The preconceptions are overcome and just the performance matters. Love that the Vox and the Blackstar performed well. I’ve had both forever.
Back about 20 years ago I bought a Vox Valvtronix modeling amp and was blown away at the tone, plus all the options. I eventually sold it, with a bunch of other hear to buy a Martin D-18 (yes, whole different story). I now primarily play thru my Blue Jr IV, but I still recall how much that valve preamp seemed to add to that amp’s sound. On a side note, when my son was little, I also Bought a 5 watt Vox for him and still have it. Though I have been playing thru a Spark mini, in its stead, I still love the sound of that little Vox modeling amp. And it’s battery powered! That was mind blowing to me, when we first got it. Vox definitely makes done great stuff.
Vox will be very happy with this video. I think that where they are winning is that its doing a decent approximation of an old style valve amp rather than trying for a more modern sound.
Honestly I like the look of the vox. It looks classy for the small size. I grew up using valvetronix and I feel like they just work. Maybe not the top dog, but they always always work.
This is making me very happy because I happen to have a Vox valveTronic similar to this one. I've gotten compliments on its sound by very distinguished musicians and I just happened to buy this one from a guy before I knew anything. I've already arrived and I didn't even know it.
Had my VT40X for about 8 years, and I still can't find anything better for weight and tone. I like to travel light. I've owned (3)Tone King, Vibro-King, (3) Victoria, you name it and I also have a 57 Vibrolux and a 67 AB763 Super Reverb.The effects it also brings just seals the deal, 20 lbs. I stuffed the wall wart inside, glued it down and terminated it with a regular IEC plug. Hard to beat, no winners yet!
Totally agree with Rob. The Vox had that tube "squish" and notes bloomed whereas the other amps had a sterile solid state tone. I DO love my solid state Crush, but that is entirely it's own thing (great for Sabbath). Owned one of the early Valvetronix amps and still consider it the best of the affordable "modeling" type amps.
From their launch in the mid 2000's I've been a huge fan of Blackstar amps. Since I got my first Blackstar HT5 head I haven't looked back. Even got a Fly 3 and Fly 3 Bass =)
I was happy to see the Vox Valvetronix win Rob's opinion! I have the VT 30 and the VT 15 and I have always felt they were really underrated! I also have the Marshall code 50 and that amp has 100 different settings and they all sound a little different but I seem to prefer the silver jubilee setting. Leave it to Rob to sniff out the one tube in the mix! I would like to add that having changed the tubes in these amps it is true what Vox says "these tubes are not only used in the preamp but they also run some power amp through them too". I can tell you those little 12AX7 tubes get hot just like a power tube!
Full credit to Rob: he immediately spotted the "Vox", "Katana" and "Orange" sound. Not surprised he couldn't spot the Fender and Marshall: they sounded sh*t and nothing like their bigger brothers (or sisters).
I would be extremely embarrassed if I was Fender or Marshall and putting my name on these products, especially considering the quality of the gear they're known for.
@@dansands6363 I have earlier/lesser versions of both, and a Vox AD15VT (VT40X valvetronix forerunner), and have always favoured the Vox - however, as modelling amps, there's a fair amount of tweakability available, so it's just about possible to get fairly reasonable results from the others. Better than portrayed here anyway.
@@digitalchris6681 However, looking at the settings, the VT40X's implied amp emulations were Fender for clean, and Marshall for dirty. Though the settings aren't necessarily as the selector switch portrays if presets are engaged...
There's something almost magical about the sound quality from the VT40X. I firmly believe it has less to do with the valve reactor circuit (which is very good) and more to do with the reflex design of the cabinet. For a small amp, it sounds huge in the room. The 1x10 sounds more like 2x12.
I have the Crush 20RT - and it's the best amp I've ever bought .If I'm not using it - I'm using NAM with an Orange model and an Orange IR - or a multifx with an Orange IR into a PA.
Totally agree with rob here, that vox was in a league of its own. It’s the only one where if you handed me it instead of one of its bigger brother, I wouldn’t totally be bummed out.
I literally agree with every single word spoken by Rob in this video. The Vox simply sounds amazing. I used to have a VT20 for a while which I loved but it became still too big to be my bedside amp so I now use a tiny Vox Mini 5 which still manages to move tremendous amounts of air with its diminuitive speaker. It too sounds brilliant for what it is (and does so without a fancy Valvetronix circuitry). I think, in fact, it may even sound as good as some of the guys we heard in this video. I own a Marshall and a Laney (full tube) too but if only for convenience, the little Vox is my usual go-to amp. The Vox amps I have (and had) were so convincing by the way that they also turned me onto their guitars and to add to the experience their SSC-55 instantly replaced my Gibson SG '61 Reissue as my most used guitar. It's just fantastic, too.
I thought the Vox was a solid pick but I couldn't get along with it's distortion channel but it has very great cleans. My personal Favorite is the Blackstar Debut 50R it had a great clean and Distortion for my personal tastes plus I'm a bedroom player so it's perfect for me.
Not only does this challenge confirm the quality of this VOX amp, but it also shows that you don't need to have a monster amp or head and cabinet to get a great sound! I have long owned a 60s-era Twin Reverb that is an absolute beast to lift - can't believe I once used to lug that hernia-maker around in my car. And my early 90s Peavy Classic 50 - same deal - great amp and sound, but crazy to lift or transport!
I recently went with the Blackstar Debut 50r over the Katana MKII, very happy with it just a great home amp and pedal platform. Very easy to use, sounds legit. The Vox was the best sounding of the bunch for Rob's playing, but the Blackstar held its own as well.
Yes, the Blackstar sounded surprisingly good. It might not have as "full" of a sound compared to the VOX, but it had a tight sound that was dynamic and punchy.
@@flynnleese8222 I agree, in the US the Vox is around 350 USD while I got the Blackstar for 220. I do agree with other reviews that find the overdrive channel on the Blackstar is a bit flubby, my solution was to buy a Klon clone with the price difference which totally tightened up the overdrive and made the need for another overdrive or distortion pedal disappear. I just like having those kinds of options rather than software or multiple on board adjustments. Nothing wrong with the Katana, but the out of the box sound of the Blackstar with the simplicity of the ISF control is sooooo much easier to get quality tones for my old brain. It's just a great place to start. But if like me you find the overdrive channel a bit mushy, a simple Klon clone considerably elevated it for me. I got a b-stock Warm Audio Centavo for 80 bucks and it just transformed that channel for me.
I own a valvetronix since 2015 (previous model) and it's crazy what this little thing can do, the settings are mad precise, you can shape your sound at a degree I couldn't even imagine for the price, I'm now considering trying the new one seriously 🤩🤩
Somewhat unrelated, but their video on the Vox Bruno amps sold me on them. I still have the amp nearly 10 years later. All I did was replace the speaker with something more lively (Celestion Alnico Gold) and changed tubes a few times. It's a wonderful amp, just doesn't sound much like a Vox.
Vox makes a lot of good amps, but it’s so bad at promoting and designing. I own AC10C1, VX50GTV, Clubman 60, and all of them sounds fine, and pretty much nobody knows them.
I bought a Bugera practice amp years ago. It’s tube. It has three different wattage options; .1 watts, 1 watt and 5 watts so you can definitely play and get good sound at low enough volume to not piss off your neighbors if you’re in an apartment or condo or your wife in a house at odd hours. It sounds amazing clean for what it is and takes pedals well. I would record with it and I think I paid $100 bucks for it. It was definitely under $200.
I used a Vox Valvetronix combo for years while I worked as a guitar teacher. I did eventually upgrade my backup amp to a Katana head mkii for the headroom plugging into a bigger cab, but I loved the vox! It was probably the one amp that didn't deserve to be overshadowed by the katana
I have two amps (that I use). A Vox Valvetronix and a Boss Katana. I use them both with an A/BY pedal and they sound amazing together. (The amp I never use anymore, btw, is a Fender Reverb. It really does sound like a cardboard box by comparison.)
As someone who owned the Hiwatt Crunch 50 (the slightly older version), I can completely declare that this thing sounds A LOT BETTER cranked up. All the fizzyness goes away and it sounds immense!!
Sooooo.... I watched this video with a smile on my face a mile wide. I own a VOX VT40x and a VOX VT100x, but stopped using them a while ago because I felt "they lost their mojo." They've been collecting dust in my studio and I was thinking about letting them go. I'm keeping them now!!! LOL! Thanks for reminding me why I bought them in the first place. Gonna plug them back in tomorrow. (Reunited and it feels so good...🎶)🙃
I am an unqualified but self declared tone snob, and I have to comment that I agreed with everything Rob was saying all the way through. His ear is spot on imo. This was a lot of fun! (P.s. I own 2 Vox amps, so a little biased perhaps, lol.)
I just got a Vox yesterday without really knowing anything about it, it was just affordable… After playing and recording with it, I love it and after seeing this video I really understand I made the right choice… Farout and dig…
That’s why I’ve been playing Vox hybrid modellers for 20 years. I’ve never been disappointed. My practise amp will always be Vox modellers. They’re just so rich.
So far I got three big big takeaways. 1) that orange sounds so orange it’s scary 🤣🤣 WOW 2)that Chapman guitar is much better than I thought. Hearing it through the affordable gear gave me such a good idea of where this guitar sits. 3)the vox sounded really nice. I suspect it’s got a much better designed cab. Rob’s got some really good ears!!! Spot on with almost everything I can hear this side of the glass. What the vox needed is a little eq and comp in the console or daw and it would work perfect! Great video!
Haha. I’ve been recommending these little Vox amps to students for years. They’re pretty darn good. And the smaller VX15 is a great practice amp with an very useable SLO model, amongst others.
Love the way you made Rob wear the blindfold even before he was on set. I sincerely hope he wore it for the rest of the day.. I can imagine him trying to make a cup of tea
I would have chosen the Vox too. Orange Crush and Blackstar next. Great sounding and not too "filtery" for lack of a better word, at the Gain settings. Once that Vox turned on I just smiled, every damn time. I love it! 🔥
I bought the VT20X when it was first released and I thought it always sounded great. I own a bunch of amps Tube amps and a Roland Blues Cube Hot. All sound great but recently started playing my VT20X again and blown away how great it still sounds for a practice amp. Great video guys.
I am always astounded at how Rob can pick up brands whilst being blindfolded. It's truly phenomenal. Also nice he didn't pick the katana (I use a katana 😅) Great video
I own a vt20x and love it. And the the tone room app allows you to easily customize your presets with reverb, chorus and a whole lot of other effects. It’s my favorite combo and sounds good at any volume.
@@markweaver8529 Absolutely. If you’re worried about bedroom levels maybe go the 20 version. Unlike a lot of other amps it retains its rich sound even at speaking levels. It’s a great little amp
I have one... I play with it at home and with my friends in our little band together, it's great... even with just the speaker and all the presets turned off, it works really nice with my pedals. Until the moment I bought it in my local music store I never heard of him or seen anything about the VT40X online... I just tried him at the store and got in love, great value for money!
That VOX sounds really smooth, it sometimes made the other amps sound shrill and gated in comparison, especially that Fender...
The fender sounded the most hollow out of all of them by quite a bit. Like the Vox and Fender were polar opposites which I think threw off the sounds of almost everything but the crush.
Absolutely! I do believe Rob was right about the speaker selection making a difference, also. Obviously VOX has produced a package that works really well--creating a proper "full" sound! My experience with the VT40 was similar when I was at--of ALL places--a Guitar Center; where the SalesKids were using it as the "Guitar Demo Amp" of choice. I remember complimenting them on what a good choice it was!
Dat tube preamp
I owned the 20 Watt version it had some brilliant sounds, I wish VOX make some upgrades to bring up to some sort of modern specs its still uses the old USB and having adapter instead a regular kettle lead , and the ability to connect to your pc or interface to record would be brilliant , one setting I loved on mine was the Dumble sound ,
Smooth my arse. Muddy, flubby and will be stuck in the back in a mix.
I worked music retail for almost a decade. I've always felt like the vox valvetronic was at the top of its class. Very underrated amps.
Been saying that for years!
I actually own 3 of these amps. The Vox30, Katana Mk2 and Orange.
The Orange is a plug and play amp with limited options but gets a nice sound up to a certain point but then becomes flubby.
Katana is a great amp and very versatile but can take time to set it to the sounds you want with the Tone studio.
The Vox allows you to just plug in and find a sound you want within minutes without too much effort. Only flaw as the guys said is the power supply. Other than that it’s a great amp for home practice
I had a VT40 valvetronix years ago and every time I turned it off, the settings reset. Maybe I had a lemon
@@gunkanjima3408You have to run it in manual mode. Or save the settings to a bank
Absolutely! Felt the same something like 10-15 years ago with the Vox Pathfinder 10 VS Marshall MG 10. I've chosen the Pathfinder 10, because it has more Dynamic, felt "bigger" and more like a "Real Amp" (and yeah, I know, they are real amps...I think you know, what I mean)...it has that rough, crispy and biting sound, that the MG's didn't had that time.
And if I'm not wrong, the VT's were something like the "Big Brother" of the Pathfinder and came around more or less in the same time.
I'm surprised but I have to agree. The Vox was in a league of it's own.
Made in China 🇨🇳 awesome 👏
I have this vox and it's the best little Amp you could get
Vox has had the best (not loudest) sounding practice amps since they came out with the Valvetronix line.
The pre amp valve is unbeatable.
you can say what you want about Rob Chappers, but he sure knows his shit when it comes down to tones. He has incredible ears.
I don't get negative comments about Rob, except that they are made by jealous basement dwellers.
@@michaelgarcia2050 - Hey now, I'm a jealous basement dweller and I like Rob fine~
I like this segment. Please do this often. The comparison between high budget and low budget must go on.
aren't these all low budget?
I bought a Vox AC4 based on Robs opinion in an older video, they had just released it with a 12" speaker and Rob said "Full credit to Vox, they've made the thing that everyone wanted them to make". He gave it 9/10, then they plugged it into an extension cab and he upgraded to 10/10. Then I bought one and I love it.
Love me AC4
Ac4 with a upgraded speaker like a greenback. I also use a Morley humno to clean up my houses power
The unfiltered honest response of Rob is priceless. You just can't get that from many other places on RUclips.
Exactly, Pete would never be so honest.
hes married dude
propper amp test. Anderton need a shoutout!!
Cause this does dis a few well markedet brands😂🎉❤
He’s British. What do you expect?
@@johnr.b.murray3417 i don't know, maybe invade some territory, loot their resources and colonize the people?
It never ceases to amaze me at how good Rob's ears are. Holy moly! And I can only concur that the Vox sounds fantastic. I'd buy one.
"Could I have less treble?"
*turns treble from 5 to 4.9*
I was so triggered by that fr , he turned up the mid from from like 5 to 5.1
Lee is afraid to turn knobs.
@@TheCyberMantis This actually cracked me up XD so true though, the memes go on!
That thing was dialed in sooo bad, or the just sound like that?
These amps are really sensitive to those changes though. Also if Rob didn't think it was changed enough surely he would say?
Very pleased to see the Vox get a shout for the first time.
I bought one about 8 years ago as a tuck it in by the couch living room practice amp, It made its way to the studio very quickly and has been extensively used on probably 10+ albums at this point... it just has so many great sounds and is very fast to dial in... and yet I never once heard mention of it on any review channels.
So it's finally had its day. 😊
I bought one of these back in 2017 or 18 and played with it for a while, put it up and now it's back in regular rotation. I also have a spider V, old fender champ and either an AC 10 or 30, can't remember off the top of my head. But for ease of set up and tone the Valvetronix is amazing. I don't have to lug around my huge AC and it honestly sounds just as good when turned all the way up. The spider is fun to play around with just because there's so many dang settings and you can download custom tones from people online, which is something I wish Vox would do. The Vox tone room just isn't as robust and I wish they'd add more tones to it, that's my only complaint with it.
Made it into the studio on 10+ albums 😂
Any chance you could tell me if the amp has a small amount of hiss even when the guitar isn't plugged in? I haven't turned mine on in over a year and I don't remember it being this noisey
That Vox man... even after round 1, I had a feeling it would win. It sounds so good.
I've got one, had the big bro version too but had to let it go to save space.
Dunno if this is a common opinion but i love this generation of vox modelling because it seems to be able to do other amps really well. But how many other modelers can do vox really well?
That vox just had a ROAR!!! to it, can def see why rob enjoyed that the most
I’m with Rob 100%. Vox absolutely slayed it!
Orange was pretty close too. I love the gain on the Orange. Vox clean is just unbeatable.
Same here
Vox entry amps have always been great. My first amp was a pathfinder 10 back in 2001. Did me well until I needed something for gigging.
I'm Sorry I can not recommend VOX any more. This is due to how they handle there app and there google play honesty. Bought a VOX Adio GT air, Got one year of a working app, The phone and the tablet updated and now the features I bought can not be used with any modern Phone or Tablet I own. It has been two years, only for the app to start working after a phone update then the app updated and now the app just crashes this is over Bluetooth... Lesson Learned Digital Modellers is only as good as the software support, you may end up with an oversized paperweight that is what I ended up with. Have not had any support answered and all reviews have been removed from google play.
The others sounded really narrow in frequency...
The second best thing about that VOX after the tone is that it doesn't look flashy. Well done VOX. It reminds me one of my fav amp, the Roland Tube Logic.
Vox once again proving to be criminally underrated. I personally like the look, as well.
Hah I love the sound hate the look😂!
I agree. I've owned three different versions of the Vox Valvtronix amps, and I love them.
I like the one in the video here. But I never liked the ones I've personally tried out for some reason.
I have the Adio GT and it's pretty impressive for it's size.
I own the Valvetronix and either an AC 10 or 30. The AC was the first amp I bought because I honestly love the look but now I'm a Vox guy for life because of the tooooooan.
Very informative. The Vox pulls off a valve sound very well and gives the right hand freedom to be dynamic. There is a reason that tube amps hang on and on.
Rob was spot on, and the Vox sounded glorious - An easy winner. I only wish that Rob had a chance to dial in the other Amps at the end so we could hear what he thought were the best sounds each could produce. It was a very interesting shootout. Thanks
The good thing about the Vox is that it's super easy to dial in. No fiddling.
i have a vox valvetronix a much older model. it sounds good. when it blew up i had to go out and find the exact same year model. Robs playing with a blindfold on never fails to amaze me how good he is.
I really dig these blindfold Rob videos. There always fun and I’ve been blown away with Rob’s ability to hear the different tones with guitars, pedals, etc. great stuff guys!
That was just night and day between the Vox and the rest. And I don’t know what you guys are on, but it looks gorgeous.
I’ve had the Vox VT20x for years and year as an amp I use for teaching and am continually blown away with how great it sounds and I’m playing through it 5 hrs+ a day!
Same here dude, had my VT20x for almost 7 years now, love that little guy
You must have stellar hearing. Well done.
I had a Vox VT20X as a first amp, it was simply phenomenal for practice. 4 reberbs, delay, phaser, tremolo, crompression, 2 drives and you can set the warmth of the valve and the type of amp it emulates. It's a bargain for the money. And if you get it, the foot switch is a must have.
It is fun watching Rob do blinded reviews. He knows his gear sounds . Great educational video!
Had a Vox Pathfinder for years and always been the best sounding solid state amplifier
Same, no other solid state digital amps have lived up to my old one. I have a line 6 catalyst, and some of it’s sounds are good, but it mostly just makes me miss my pathfinder 😢
Pathfinder is the first amp I ever bought and I still have it and still use it. Great amps.
So happy that Rob was blindfolded and subsequently didn't choose a Katana
I got no beef with Katana but this comment is hilarious.😂
@@H..M..dude I own a Katana. But enough with the hype 😂
I sold my Katana. Best day of my life.
@@killnoni5032I married mine.
I think I remember him saying he has to set up his patches with a Katana, and that he doesn't like the base settings.
Massive respect to the people at Vox for making such a quality amp.
I've had a couple valvetronix amps over the years and they are the BEST small combos I've ever had
I have used several budget amps for practice with a single 12ax7 preamp tube into a SS power amp, and they always have a warmer and more dimensional sound than any modeler. It simply works!
I own a Vox Cambridge 50 & I’ve shot it out against a Boss Katana, Line 6 Catalyst & a Blackstar Silverline. Miles above in tone against the rest & it looks great too. The NuTube tech really makes the difference. Only if it had an effects loop & a mid control this amp would be the ultimate small gig/home practice amp. Glad to see Vox are getting the credit they deserve!
I have that same Vox amount and I also love it. But I do have a question for you about it. Which amp modeler do you use the most or prefer because I have a tuff time really dialing it in.
Depends on your style. I’ve set the 3 EQ’s around 1/2 o’clock & I switch between the boutique clean & the Brit VM with the hall reverb set to 3/4 to get that heavy rock sound. Look at upgrading the speaker. It’s easy to replace
@@JBP91 thanks man I appreciate, it’s just my little room amp, I have a Marshall DSL 100 H that I really blare so I’m not really interested in upgrading it
I use a Vox AV60 which is the old Cambridge. It has an FX loop and wipes the floor tone-wise with anything that isn't twice the price. They make exceptional gear for the price.
What do you prefer, the Cambridge 50 or VT40X?
The valve as a pre amp is not a gimmick. They really do make a difference. The VOX was very very good. They all were but the vox nailed it. Very clean, big sound. Very affordable here in Australia. $ 325- $350.
That Vox was definitely the right choice for straight out of the box rock tone. It may not be the most versatile one but I totally agree with it winning in this context.
Why not versatile?, it has a lot of different amp sounds and configurations
I have a VT20X and I can get so many different sounds out of it, it's lovely.
Love listening to Rob play! It helps when he plays the same "licks" on each amp. Especially when they are from songs we all know. Love it!
Rob definitely made the right choice. The Vox sounded best. Only the Blackstar came close. And I had the same initial reaction to the first few sounds coming out of the Fender. 😬More shootouts, please, Lee! Thank you!
I have the VT40x. It is really a great amp. When I bought it I compared it to Katana, Line6 and Fender. It' s been by far the best sounding out of these!
I think at one point they did also make a VT60 with either 1 or 2 12s didn't they?
I had a Vox Valvetronix in highschool many years ago. I loved that thing! That one has a normal AC plug, too. Surprised they did away with the normal plug. I might be biased, but I also dig the Vox look. Maybe it's nostalgia.
I got the Vox a few years ago and I was astonished at how good it sounded! Even at low volumes, which is what I got it for, it really sounds like an actual amp.
Not only tone, but you can see that the Vox had great feel. He just took off and ripped when they clicked it on every time. Good to see ya Rob! Great job
He certainly seemed to be enjoying playing the Vox.
Proud of you guys for showing the unfiltered opinion. Super cool stuff.
The Vox rox. He nailed it imo. Sounded fuller and more natural than all of them.
Love these blindfold tests. The preconceptions are overcome and just the performance matters. Love that the Vox and the Blackstar performed well. I’ve had both forever.
Yep, agree with Rob. Vox and Lee needs to be blindfolded on a challenge… Desk top amps… 👍🇦🇺🏴
Vox is definitely underrated, my friend has one and i love playing through it. Sounds very tubey to me. Marshall tube amp owner for 50 years. 😊
Back about 20 years ago I bought a Vox Valvtronix modeling amp and was blown away at the tone, plus all the options. I eventually sold it, with a bunch of other hear to buy a Martin D-18 (yes, whole different story). I now primarily play thru my Blue Jr IV, but I still recall how much that valve preamp seemed to add to that amp’s sound.
On a side note, when my son was little, I also
Bought a 5 watt Vox for him and still have it. Though I have been playing thru a Spark mini, in its stead, I still love the sound of that little Vox modeling amp. And it’s battery powered! That was mind blowing to me, when we first got it.
Vox definitely makes done great stuff.
Vox will be very happy with this video. I think that where they are winning is that its doing a decent approximation of an old style valve amp rather than trying for a more modern sound.
Honestly I like the look of the vox. It looks classy for the small size. I grew up using valvetronix and I feel like they just work. Maybe not the top dog, but they always always work.
The closed back cabinet of the Vox makes the 10" speaker sound huge.
What about the closed back cabinet of the orange and its 10" speaker?
I don't know what it is. All I know is that, time and again, my ears prefer vox.
This is making me very happy because I happen to have a Vox valveTronic similar to this one. I've gotten compliments on its sound by very distinguished musicians and I just happened to buy this one from a guy before I knew anything. I've already arrived and I didn't even know it.
I really appreciate that you guys are willing to be open and honest about your opinions of gear.
Always glad when chappers drops by. That Vox was surprising, excellent sounds.
Had my VT40X for about 8 years, and I still can't find anything better for weight and tone. I like to travel light. I've owned (3)Tone King, Vibro-King, (3) Victoria, you name it and I also have a 57 Vibrolux and a 67 AB763 Super Reverb.The effects it also brings just seals the deal, 20 lbs. I stuffed the wall wart inside, glued it down and terminated it with a regular IEC plug. Hard to beat, no winners yet!
Totally agree with Rob. The Vox had that tube "squish" and notes bloomed whereas the other amps had a sterile solid state tone. I DO love my solid state Crush, but that is entirely it's own thing (great for Sabbath). Owned one of the early Valvetronix amps and still consider it the best of the affordable "modeling" type amps.
This was a great example of what valves do to tone - the dynamics and warmth were there.
@@hoilst265 Best cleans, and no fizz.
From their launch in the mid 2000's I've been a huge fan of Blackstar amps. Since I got my first Blackstar HT5 head I haven't looked back. Even got a Fly 3 and Fly 3 Bass =)
I was happy to see the Vox Valvetronix win Rob's opinion! I have the VT 30 and the VT 15 and I have always felt they were really underrated! I also have the Marshall code 50 and that amp has 100 different settings and they all sound a little different but I seem to prefer the silver jubilee setting. Leave it to Rob to sniff out the one tube in the mix! I would like to add that having changed the tubes in these amps it is true what Vox says "these tubes are not only used in the preamp but they also run some power amp through them too". I can tell you those little 12AX7 tubes get hot just like a power tube!
That Vox sounds like a solid all rounder but the clean sound on that Orange... next time I'm buying an amp it's definitely on my list.
Full credit to Rob: he immediately spotted the "Vox", "Katana" and "Orange" sound. Not surprised he couldn't spot the Fender and Marshall: they sounded sh*t and nothing like their bigger brothers (or sisters).
He didn't identify the Vox - in fact he guessed at the end that the winner was the Hiwatt.
@@dogsbodyish8403 he did exactly that. at 6:30 he said of the Vox "it has a sort of cranked AC30 kinda vibe".
I would be extremely embarrassed if I was Fender or Marshall and putting my name on these products, especially considering the quality of the gear they're known for.
@@dansands6363 I have earlier/lesser versions of both, and a Vox AD15VT (VT40X valvetronix forerunner), and have always favoured the Vox - however, as modelling amps, there's a fair amount of tweakability available, so it's just about possible to get fairly reasonable results from the others. Better than portrayed here anyway.
@@digitalchris6681 However, looking at the settings, the VT40X's implied amp emulations were Fender for clean, and Marshall for dirty. Though the settings aren't necessarily as the selector switch portrays if presets are engaged...
There's something almost magical about the sound quality from the VT40X. I firmly believe it has less to do with the valve reactor circuit (which is very good) and more to do with the reflex design of the cabinet. For a small amp, it sounds huge in the room. The 1x10 sounds more like 2x12.
That Orange sounded awfully lovely ... but the Vox got me to check price :-)
I regret selling my orange 35, I told myself I was going to buy a super crush 100 but never did
@pads-zr9ln do it. Super affordable and kicks ass. Sounds great at bedroom volumes too, very versatile.
I was surprised at the Orange. I’ve never cared for the ‘Orange sound’ from their tube amps but that Crush had such a sweet tone
Love my Crush 35, have it paired with a katana and its a nice blend
I have the Crush 20RT - and it's the best amp I've ever bought .If I'm not using it - I'm using NAM with an Orange model and an Orange IR - or a multifx with an Orange IR into a PA.
This is the gold standard for amp reviews 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This is the kind of ridiculous brilliance that I have become accustomed to as an Andertons viewer and customer. Magnificent.
agree
So true. Something about Andertons videos that make me come back time and again. I'm American. You Brits are fortunate.
Totally agree with Rob, the Vox sounds brilliant
Totally agree with rob here, that vox was in a league of its own. It’s the only one where if you handed me it instead of one of its bigger brother, I wouldn’t totally be bummed out.
I owned one of those Vox valvetronix combos for years and I loved it. Super affordable, loads of tone options and light.
Rob is a sound Prodigy. These videos are unbelievable !!
I literally agree with every single word spoken by Rob in this video. The Vox simply sounds amazing. I used to have a VT20 for a while which I loved but it became still too big to be my bedside amp so I now use a tiny Vox Mini 5 which still manages to move tremendous amounts of air with its diminuitive speaker. It too sounds brilliant for what it is (and does so without a fancy Valvetronix circuitry). I think, in fact, it may even sound as good as some of the guys we heard in this video.
I own a Marshall and a Laney (full tube) too but if only for convenience, the little Vox is my usual go-to amp.
The Vox amps I have (and had) were so convincing by the way that they also turned me onto their guitars and to add to the experience their SSC-55 instantly replaced my Gibson SG '61 Reissue as my most used guitar. It's just fantastic, too.
I have a Vox vt20+ and it’s such an under rated amp. It always sounds incredible. Only changed the tube once so far.
I thought the Vox was a solid pick but I couldn't get along with it's distortion channel but it has very great cleans. My personal Favorite is the Blackstar Debut 50R it had a great clean and Distortion for my personal tastes plus I'm a bedroom player so it's perfect for me.
Not only does this challenge confirm the quality of this VOX amp, but it also shows that you don't need to have a monster amp or head and cabinet to get a great sound! I have long owned a 60s-era Twin Reverb that is an absolute beast to lift - can't believe I once used to lug that hernia-maker around in my car. And my early 90s Peavy Classic 50 - same deal - great amp and sound, but crazy to lift or transport!
Besides the amps , you guys are fun to watch . The dynamic duo .
I recently went with the Blackstar Debut 50r over the Katana MKII, very happy with it just a great home amp and pedal platform. Very easy to use, sounds legit. The Vox was the best sounding of the bunch for Rob's playing, but the Blackstar held its own as well.
Yes, the Blackstar sounded surprisingly good. It might not have as "full" of a sound compared to the VOX, but it had a tight sound that was dynamic and punchy.
@@flynnleese8222 I agree, in the US the Vox is around 350 USD while I got the Blackstar for 220. I do agree with other reviews that find the overdrive channel on the Blackstar is a bit flubby, my solution was to buy a Klon clone with the price difference which totally tightened up the overdrive and made the need for another overdrive or distortion pedal disappear. I just like having those kinds of options rather than software or multiple on board adjustments. Nothing wrong with the Katana, but the out of the box sound of the Blackstar with the simplicity of the ISF control is sooooo much easier to get quality tones for my old brain. It's just a great place to start. But if like me you find the overdrive channel a bit mushy, a simple Klon clone considerably elevated it for me. I got a b-stock Warm Audio Centavo for 80 bucks and it just transformed that channel for me.
I own a valvetronix since 2015 (previous model) and it's crazy what this little thing can do, the settings are mad precise, you can shape your sound at a degree I couldn't even imagine for the price, I'm now considering trying the new one seriously 🤩🤩
I recently played that Vox amp in a music store and loved it!
If they would just add an effects loop, and a sturdier power supply!
I would love to see this exact premise and lineup filmed with Rabea and compare the notes and results.
VOX just sold a lot more amps, and rightfully so. 👌🏻
Somewhat unrelated, but their video on the Vox Bruno amps sold me on them. I still have the amp nearly 10 years later. All I did was replace the speaker with something more lively (Celestion Alnico Gold) and changed tubes a few times. It's a wonderful amp, just doesn't sound much like a Vox.
Vox makes a lot of good amps, but it’s so bad at promoting and designing. I own AC10C1, VX50GTV, Clubman 60, and all of them sounds fine, and pretty much nobody knows them.
The Vt40x is backordered on sweetwater haha
I bought a Bugera practice amp years ago. It’s tube. It has three different wattage options; .1 watts, 1 watt and 5 watts so you can definitely play and get good sound at low enough volume to not piss off your neighbors if you’re in an apartment or condo or your wife in a house at odd hours. It sounds amazing clean for what it is and takes pedals well. I would record with it and I think I paid $100 bucks for it. It was definitely under $200.
Try the V-22. Amazing. I’ve had one of those since they first came out and I love it.
I used a Vox Valvetronix combo for years while I worked as a guitar teacher. I did eventually upgrade my backup amp to a Katana head mkii for the headroom plugging into a bigger cab, but I loved the vox! It was probably the one amp that didn't deserve to be overshadowed by the katana
I have two amps (that I use). A Vox Valvetronix and a Boss Katana. I use them both with an A/BY pedal and they sound amazing together.
(The amp I never use anymore, btw, is a Fender Reverb. It really does sound like a cardboard box by comparison.)
As someone who owned the Hiwatt Crunch 50 (the slightly older version), I can completely declare that this thing sounds A LOT BETTER cranked up. All the fizzyness goes away and it sounds immense!!
Whoever put the Kublai Khan Boomslang breakdown riff as the title card music, you deserve a raise
I noticed this to 😂
Wow....that Vox rocks the overdrive. 👍
Sooooo.... I watched this video with a smile on my face a mile wide. I own a VOX VT40x and a VOX VT100x, but stopped using them a while ago because I felt "they lost their mojo." They've been collecting dust in my studio and I was thinking about letting them go. I'm keeping them now!!! LOL! Thanks for reminding me why I bought them in the first place. Gonna plug them back in tomorrow. (Reunited and it feels so good...🎶)🙃
I am an unqualified but self declared tone snob, and I have to comment that I agreed with everything Rob was saying all the way through. His ear is spot on imo. This was a lot of fun! (P.s. I own 2 Vox amps, so a little biased perhaps, lol.)
Vox was thick and huge and warm and articulate and natural. Most of the others sounded tinny and fizzy and thin and electric.
That Vox, without looking had everything I want in a clean time. I loved it.
Blindfolded and nails the Orange Crush! Amazing!
I just got a Vox yesterday without really knowing anything about it, it was just affordable… After playing and recording with it, I love it and after seeing this video I really understand I made the right choice… Farout and dig…
the vox is leagues above everything else here - almost makes the other amps sound like they're not working properly
That’s why I’ve been playing Vox hybrid modellers for 20 years. I’ve never been disappointed. My practise amp will always be Vox modellers. They’re just so rich.
My first amp was a Vox VT20+. One of the older ones. The presets were terrible but I got some nice tones out of that little 8" speaker
Yes, like they've all got something broken inside. Ha ha ha
Ive been saying it for years also but noone wants it to be true.
I'm debating whether to get a Vox VT100x or just picking up a used AC15
Me too, never thought much about Vox. But here I am with Rob; I`m very surprised. I mean positively surprised.
So far I got three big big takeaways.
1) that orange sounds so orange it’s scary 🤣🤣 WOW
2)that Chapman guitar is much better than I thought. Hearing it through the affordable gear gave me such a good idea of where this guitar sits.
3)the vox sounded really nice. I suspect it’s got a much better designed cab. Rob’s got some really good ears!!! Spot on with almost everything I can hear this side of the glass. What the vox needed is a little eq and comp in the console or daw and it would work perfect! Great video!
Haha. I’ve been recommending these little Vox amps to students for years. They’re pretty darn good. And the smaller VX15 is a great practice amp with an very useable SLO model, amongst others.
I think that orange did an amazing job on that amp
Preamp is everything. I have an Ampeg AX70 I love. Great clean, great crunchy drive channel.
Love the way you made Rob wear the blindfold even before he was on set. I sincerely hope he wore it for the rest of the day.. I can imagine him trying to make a cup of tea
I would have chosen the Vox too. Orange Crush and Blackstar next. Great sounding and not too "filtery" for lack of a better word, at the Gain settings. Once that Vox turned on I just smiled, every damn time. I love it! 🔥
The VOX sounds Awesome!
I bought the VT20X when it was first released and I thought it always sounded great. I own a bunch of amps Tube amps and a Roland Blues Cube Hot. All sound great but recently started playing my VT20X again and blown away how great it still sounds for a practice amp. Great video guys.
Shock horror---I agree with Rob. The Vox sings, the others don't.
Definitely love the Vox, and the Blackstar was also great
I am always astounded at how Rob can pick up brands whilst being blindfolded. It's truly phenomenal.
Also nice he didn't pick the katana (I use a katana 😅)
Great video
Never mind identifying gear by sound alone, i feel like this was a pretty competent demonstration of how you can melt faces by feel alone
TBF, Orange's house sound is kinda hard to miss, lol. It's definitely not my thing, lol.
Love these blindfold reviews, and they all confirm one thing: the limiting factor in my rig is my playing ability!
I own a vt20x and love it. And the the tone room app allows you to easily customize your presets with reverb, chorus and a whole lot of other effects. It’s my favorite combo and sounds good at any volume.
Would you say it’s good for home practice?not too loud?
@@markweaver8529 yes it’s perfect for home/ bedroom
@@markweaver8529
Absolutely. If you’re worried about bedroom levels maybe go the 20 version. Unlike a lot of other amps it retains its rich sound even at speaking levels. It’s a great little amp
It does sound good at any volume but I find that it does sound better when you turn the power up a bit.
I have one... I play with it at home and with my friends in our little band together, it's great... even with just the speaker and all the presets turned off, it works really nice with my pedals. Until the moment I bought it in my local music store I never heard of him or seen anything about the VT40X online... I just tried him at the store and got in love, great value for money!