it's a valve reactor which is a single preamp tube that in my opinion, make your sound a lot better than a solid state amp, and it's the closest thing to an all tube amp, so it's pretty much what it comes when you collapse these two worlds in one, the ease to use of a solid state with the rich and amazing tone of a tube amp! there you have Vox Valvetronix!
Well, they do - I've been playing over 35 yrs, & have an AD120VTX, VC12 floorcontroller, & AD212 extn cab. I've owned and/or played through just about every type of classic tube amp there is - trust me, these amps not only sound like an all-valve amp, but they respond very much like them too. My Valvetronix is my no.1 gigging rig - stand in the audience, & you'd never hear the difference between it & 'the real thing'.
I remember when in about 1971 when I was 19, going to music stores & being magnetised by the 100watt Vox head with (a much larger than current ) speaker column! My VT40 is incredibly loud, compared with sound systems rated at much higher wattage output, it is more than adequate for me now, after all I am over 70 & only play the occasional pub gig.
I love these amps. They have awesome tones. I blow my Harmonica thru the AD30VT and practice my guitar some on it. The effects alone are worth more than what I payed for the whole killer amp! I had to pay 30 bucks for the footswitch and 140 for the amp but I feel I got a bargain for the quality that is in VOX. For the Guitar I wish I had an AD100VT-XL because that would be all I would ever need. The 30 watt model is loud enough for gigging a small club on Harmonica and weighs only 26 Lbs.
I own the early Vox Valvetronix AD120. I am very pleased with it. I have had it for about 5 years now. I don't think they make them anymore. I have recorded and gigged with it and have no complaints. Even when our bass player spilled a long neck beer down into the heat sinks it kept on rocking. Some said it sounded better after the beer was poured into it. I sold all my old effects because this amp has them all plus alot more. I also bought the pedal board which helps with switching.
I got it back later that day actually, there was loose soldering in the connection to the TX lead and it had come apart in transit, I've loved it ever since, it's brilliant!
Yes, you can hook any of these (except the 15 watt model) to separate cabs... I have the AD50, and have powered a 4x12 cab many times... really kicks ass BTW.
Yeah they are British amps. If you go to guitar center this month of december they have holiday discounts and you can get a Vox 50 watt 212 combo for $299. I also got a 10% coupon in the mail, so I bought one this last weekend for around $285 with tax! It sounds great. I have a friend who gigs with the 212 50 watt version. He just mics it for larger venues.
it's loud enough & pretty good value for money sound-wise, but there are a few problems with them build quality wise.... eg: it's fairly easy to break the jack input socket, probably advisable to replace with a more heavy duty socket
I bought the Valvetronix 100 watt combo over a year ago and I use it with my Roland vs2480 for recording. I typically use the direct out for recording, the amp has always given me a great tone for recording, very quiet using the direct out. Alot of buck for the dollar.
It has one 12AX7 tube in it. The 12AX7 is traditionally a preamp tube but Vox includes a little output transformer and uses it as a low wattage power tube to drive its output transformer into saturation. As for which amp to choose, you gotta use your own ears and pick the one that sounds best.
Important thing to remember. Firstly there is a NOISE REDUCTION thing. press the left bypass, then use the nob to cut out the buzz. your pick ups. or other things like PC monitors can cause buzz.
I've got the AD50VT and I like it a lot. Of course, it doesn't compare with my 1968 Deluxe Reverb, but then that's now why I bought it! Thanks for posting this vid, now I have a better idea of the different sounds my amp can make.
The 100VT is great, it is great for many styles, and it has all the essential amps, and many boutique (rare) amp models. As far as comparing it to the ac 15 there ids no comparison as they are two different animals. Choose the VT if you wan 22 amp models and tons of effects options. Choose the AC 15 if you want that famous VOX tone, and an all tube traditional amp, that works great with stomp boxes.
I have a 5w version (DA5), and the clean is the best I've ever heard, I'm not joking! I use it in the studio the whole time, the reverb is amazing! It really shouldn't be as good as it is! Crazy good!
Valvetronix amps use a 12AX7 dual triode tube, wired directly to the transformer to simulate the power stage of a tube amp. As the owner of several tube amps, the power amp's behavior is more important to it's sonic character than the preamp side. I used to own a Vox AD120VTX head (it had two 12AX7s), and I loved it. It felt more real than any other modeling amp I ever played. The problem with these amps is their reliability, though. Mine lasted about a year before a major costly digital flaw.
there is a tube in the amps circuitry, but not in the preamp, it is somewhere in the power amp circuitry (as someone told me) I had an AD100VT, and will probably get another one when I will have the money again :p. Oh, and this is an excellent video displaying teh features of this amp.
Very good video, I have always loved Vox amps ; I was born in Dartford where they originated from), aside from that, that, they are damned god amps. I currently own a VT 40+ and it really works well with my Gibson guitar.
these amps are fucking great, i just baught a Vox AD100VT today and i love it already...took me a little bit to understand the whole "ch1 and ch2" settings and stuff like that but its just everything i hoped and dreamed iut would be. I also play Telecaster Thinline 72 reissue, so the combo is outstanding
I have the 50 watt version, now when I first bought it, I absolutely loved it. I still do, but its growing on me. And it does sound digital...its not an all tube amp. I'm gonna get a Ceriatone 18 watt tmb with a 2x12 cab....thats basically an all tube amp that is more or less designed to sound like the marshall plexi! Woot
The Spider Valve amps are AWESOME, however, they are LOUD!!! Where the Valvetronix excels over the Spider because you can have screaming tube tone and a bedroom level. I gig with my AD50 and have had no problem hearing myself up against my lead mans Marshal 4x12.
get the vox dude. it sounds so much better then the line 6 models. go try one out but make sure you go through all the settings. it's such a blast. i've read alot of reviews saying that the vox puts the line 6 in it's place. i own one and i don't think i would want anything else.
Personally, I tend to use the AC30 model with "Gain" (which isn't gain at all on the ac30...read the manual if you havn'nt already) and "Volume" both cranked. Treble and Bass at 2 o'clock...Mids at 12. My Master stays firm at about 2 - 3 o' clock and I use the knob in the back for a "real" Master volume. Using my Mexi-Strat HSS I can get crunch by 6-8 volume and loads of crunch at 9-10. I havn't played the Gretch 5122 in a couple days so I'll get back to you on that one. Good luck!
The one I played (AD15vt) didn't have quite enough treble, and was too bassy and the bass response was too muddy for metal/heavy rock, but the clean channels and lower gain things were very, very good.
I know it takes a while to get along with the amp, but once that you get it, it's your best friend, oh! BTW, if you have the chance, get the foot controller vc12 footswitch, it definitely will make your performance a dream!!!
glad to hear you're happy with your tone because that's what matters but i hate when the big manufacturers use marketing gimmicks and plays on words to fool a potential buyer. some of the comments above by valvetronix users give you a feeling that they are mislead. people asking if you need to replace the tubes. not to mention when people speak of tube tone it's the POWER tube section that creates all the goodies though pre's have their place too. but defenitely not a single one by itself.
all depends in your musical style, if you like to play versatile music, in other words a little bit of everything, I'd suggest you this one, but if you're interested in heavier music, you should go for the XL, cause the speakers in the XL have a bigger power handling than the normal valvetronix series, so they can hold the high gain without losing the tone, so it's up to you, good luck!
The only problem I had with it was the power selection switch. It was getting scratchy when I changed power setting. I thought I would have to replace it which would be a major chore since it is saudered into the circuit board. I simply took the chassie out and sprayed it with contact cleaner and it was like new.
that depends of your musical style dude, don't be so mean with valvetronix XL, I got both amps the normal one and the XL in the 100 watts version, and I couldn't be any happier!!!
fender blackface actually. far superior to the twin. and yeah its wonderful :) ive been enjoying the vox settings on mine but you need a bright guitar really for though. theyre quite dark
Well I am almost dead set on getting this in 30W. Unless you have money for a Marshall, I heard that their MG series sucks. I also hear a lot of bad things about Peavey (though they look interesting to me) compared to Vox which I hear a lot of great feedback from. Your choice really, but i'm hooked to getting this Vox.
I have the first version the VD60VT with the VC12 foot pedal and I love this thing.. sure, you can get better sound by buying things separately (head, pedals etc..) but if you're going to be playing a bunch of different things this type of amp is great. I can get sooo many sounds it's crazy.. I've played out with this and people have asked what I was using - btw - the autowah SUCKS!!! (just heard that part as I was typing =) )
I think its the guitar youre playing with .... at first I played with a LTD guitar and I was disapointed to, but a few days ago I buy a fender telecaster and wooww beleive it sound like the videoo jeje and now IM very happy jaa
I'm afraid not - The VC12 can ONLY be used with the more sophisticated, full-featured, but now discontinued 'Blue' series AD60/120VT/VTX/VTH Valvetrix amps. They are not compatible with the 'Chrome' or 'XL' Valvetronix amps.
They could have chosen a better name for the "numetal" tone. It's a pretty straightfoward metal tone. I'm getting one these out of layaway pretty soon. I have a shitty Starcaster guitar, but either way, I can't wait.
Sitting here with my vox Valvetronix. Power on. Amps on. No sound??? New guitar leds. Tap tap no sound.??? have I blown a valve help please love this amp. Cheers
I dont know whether to get the 50Vt or the 30Vt. I don't have much money, I've been playing the guitar for 2 years now, and the hardest song I can play is One by Metallica (The whole thing including all three solos), and I'm not in nor do I plan on being in a band. I may use the amp for school concerts (audiotorium)
14 years later, my AD50VT is kicking ass as intended :D
I LOVE this amp. It really does give that true Marshall-style "roar" tone with no fizziness. It is AWESOME!!!
it's a valve reactor which is a single preamp tube that in my opinion, make your sound a lot better than a solid state amp, and it's the closest thing to an all tube amp, so it's pretty much what it comes when you collapse these two worlds in one, the ease to use of a solid state with the rich and amazing tone of a tube amp! there you have Vox Valvetronix!
Well, they do - I've been playing over 35 yrs, & have an AD120VTX, VC12 floorcontroller, & AD212 extn cab. I've owned and/or played through just about every type of classic tube amp there is - trust me, these amps not only sound like an all-valve amp, but they respond very much like them too. My Valvetronix is my no.1 gigging rig - stand in the audience, & you'd never hear the difference between it & 'the real thing'.
That guy performing the demonstration could own all of those 'worlds greatest players' himself.
For the price, this amp looks INCREDIBLE!
I remember when in about 1971 when I was 19, going to music stores & being magnetised by the 100watt Vox head with (a much larger than current ) speaker column! My VT40 is incredibly loud, compared with sound systems rated at much higher wattage output, it is more than adequate for me now, after all I am over 70 & only play the occasional pub gig.
I still love my AD30VT-XL to this day. I have many amps, but this is still my favorite practice amp 🙂
VOX ADVT & ADVT XL Series were the very best hands down
I love these amps. They have awesome tones. I blow my Harmonica thru the AD30VT and practice my guitar some on it. The effects alone are worth more than what I payed for the whole killer amp! I had to pay 30 bucks for the footswitch and 140 for the amp but I feel I got a bargain for the quality that is in VOX. For the Guitar I wish I had an AD100VT-XL because that would be all I would ever need. The 30 watt model is loud enough for gigging a small club on Harmonica and weighs only 26 Lbs.
this thing is really versatile!!! awesome lead tones!!!
I own the early Vox Valvetronix AD120. I am very pleased with it. I have had it for about 5 years now. I don't think they make them anymore. I have recorded and gigged with it and have no complaints. Even when our bass player spilled a long neck beer down into the heat sinks it kept on rocking. Some said it sounded better after the beer was poured into it. I sold all my old effects because this amp has them all plus alot more. I also bought the pedal board which helps with switching.
I got it back later that day actually, there was loose soldering in the connection to the TX lead and it had come apart in transit, I've loved it ever since, it's brilliant!
Yes, you can hook any of these (except the 15 watt model) to separate cabs... I have the AD50, and have powered a 4x12 cab many times... really kicks ass BTW.
Yeah they are British amps. If you go to guitar center this month of december they have holiday discounts and you can get a Vox 50 watt 212 combo for $299. I also got a 10% coupon in the mail, so I bought one this last weekend for around $285 with tax! It sounds great. I have a friend who gigs with the 212 50 watt version. He just mics it for larger venues.
it's loud enough & pretty good value for money sound-wise, but there are a few problems with them build quality wise.... eg: it's fairly easy to break the jack input socket, probably advisable to replace with a more heavy duty socket
I bought the Valvetronix 100 watt combo over a year ago and I use it with my Roland vs2480 for recording. I typically use the direct out for recording, the amp has always given me a great tone for recording, very quiet using the direct out. Alot of buck for the dollar.
i got a 100w (bottom right) earlier this year and im pretty satisfied with it .
price was fair and i get what i need from it versatility wise.
It has one 12AX7 tube in it. The 12AX7 is traditionally a preamp tube but Vox includes a little output transformer and uses it as a low wattage power tube to drive its output transformer into saturation. As for which amp to choose, you gotta use your own ears and pick the one that sounds best.
Important thing to remember.
Firstly there is a NOISE REDUCTION thing.
press the left bypass, then use the nob to cut out the buzz.
your pick ups. or other things like PC monitors can cause buzz.
I've got the AD50VT and I like it a lot. Of course, it doesn't compare with my 1968 Deluxe Reverb, but then that's now why I bought it!
Thanks for posting this vid, now I have a better idea of the different sounds my amp can make.
The 100VT is great, it is great for many styles, and it has all the essential amps, and many boutique (rare) amp models. As far as comparing it to the ac 15 there ids no comparison as they are two different animals. Choose the VT if you wan 22 amp models and tons of effects options. Choose the AC 15 if you want that famous VOX tone, and an all tube traditional amp, that works great with stomp boxes.
I have a 5w version (DA5), and the clean is the best I've ever heard, I'm not joking! I use it in the studio the whole time, the reverb is amazing! It really shouldn't be as good as it is! Crazy good!
Valvetronix amps use a 12AX7 dual triode tube, wired directly to the transformer to simulate the power stage of a tube amp. As the owner of several tube amps, the power amp's behavior is more important to it's sonic character than the preamp side. I used to own a Vox AD120VTX head (it had two 12AX7s), and I loved it. It felt more real than any other modeling amp I ever played. The problem with these amps is their reliability, though. Mine lasted about a year before a major costly digital flaw.
there is a tube in the amps circuitry, but not in the preamp, it is somewhere in the power amp circuitry (as someone told me)
I had an AD100VT, and will probably get another one when I will have the money again :p. Oh, and this is an excellent video displaying teh features of this amp.
Very good video, I have always loved Vox amps ; I was born in Dartford where they originated from), aside from that, that, they are damned god amps. I currently own a VT 40+ and it really works well with my Gibson guitar.
I love how they showed 4 crappy bands around 1:10 XD. but yeah, VOX is really good.
I'm definitely gettin one of these.
I have the 100W version halfstack...it is everything they say, f-ing unbelievable loud as shit just like a tube! Love it.
these amps are fucking great, i just baught a Vox AD100VT today and i love it already...took me a little bit to understand the whole "ch1 and ch2" settings and stuff like that but its just everything i hoped and dreamed iut would be. I also play Telecaster Thinline 72 reissue, so the combo is outstanding
I have the 50 watt version, now when I first bought it, I absolutely loved it. I still do, but its growing on me. And it does sound digital...its not an all tube amp. I'm gonna get a Ceriatone 18 watt tmb with a 2x12 cab....thats basically an all tube amp that is more or less designed to sound like the marshall plexi! Woot
i have the 100 watt and it is AWESOME!! highly recommended.
ad30vt= epic win! love the compresser
getting my hands on one of these tommorow cant wait!!!
@eduf93 as a person who's owned an MG30DFX and now a VOX VT15. I gotta say the VOX blows it out of the water, no question.
I feel like I'm in shop class all over again..."make sure the safety is properly seated on the table-saw..."
The Spider Valve amps are AWESOME, however, they are LOUD!!! Where the Valvetronix excels over the Spider because you can have screaming tube tone and a bedroom level. I gig with my AD50 and have had no problem hearing myself up against my lead mans Marshal 4x12.
I have this amp. It is my favorite that I've ever use.
get the vox dude. it sounds so much better then the line 6 models. go try one out but make sure you go through all the settings. it's such a blast. i've read alot of reviews saying that the vox puts the line 6 in it's place. i own one and i don't think i would want anything else.
I have bought the AD50VT for about 300$... sounds cool, I use it with a 7 string guitar and it's awesome!
Personally, I tend to use the AC30 model with "Gain" (which isn't gain at all on the ac30...read the manual if you havn'nt already) and "Volume" both cranked. Treble and Bass at 2 o'clock...Mids at 12. My Master stays firm at about 2 - 3 o' clock and I use the knob in the back for a "real" Master volume. Using my Mexi-Strat HSS I can get crunch by 6-8 volume and loads of crunch at 9-10. I havn't played the Gretch 5122 in a couple days so I'll get back to you on that one. Good luck!
i got a vox ad15vt and it rocks
yes to all of those.
The one I played (AD15vt) didn't have quite enough treble, and was too bassy and the bass response was too muddy for metal/heavy rock, but the clean channels and lower gain things were very, very good.
If you play metal and want to go with a Vox go with the XL line, they are voiced for hard rock and metal than the regular AD amp
Get the 50w man, excellent amp. I had the 30w before I bought the 50w, nice and loud but the drums had a tendency to drown it out at times.
I know it takes a while to get along with the amp, but once that you get it, it's your best friend, oh! BTW, if you have the chance, get the foot controller vc12 footswitch, it definitely will make your performance a dream!!!
The best Vox Review on THE INTERNET!
dude get the vox!!!! you'll never be regret!!! guaranteed!
Paul is da man!! Awesome demo
it's a Soldano Model. the NUMETAL is a mesa (rectifier)
glad to hear you're happy with your tone because that's what matters but i hate when the big manufacturers use marketing gimmicks and plays on words to fool a potential buyer. some of the comments above by valvetronix users give you a feeling that they are mislead. people asking if you need to replace the tubes. not to mention when people speak of tube tone it's the POWER tube section that creates all the goodies though pre's have their place too. but defenitely not a single one by itself.
i love the boutique clean, it sounds a bit like hendrix
i´m saving for an AD50VT, plus a Gibson LP, Killer tone combination! (i think i´ll be nice with my epi LP STD too)
i have the ad15vt and i love the metal tone
@dieandgoaway you can buy 12ax7s almost anywhere for around $20 to $80
I have the AD100VT, great amp, great
speakers, 80 watts each,,,,,,,,,,,,
use it for Shadows style,,,,,,,
cheers, tonio
yea i recently got a ad 50 wt
ITS KILLER!!!!
all depends in your musical style, if you like to play versatile music, in other words a little bit of everything, I'd suggest you this one, but if you're interested in heavier music, you should go for the XL, cause the speakers in the XL have a bigger power handling than the normal valvetronix series, so they can hold the high gain without losing the tone, so it's up to you, good luck!
Depends what you're playing. If you want to do thrash or some other metal, I'd go for the valveking.
I have an Vox Valvetronix AD15VT and i can get just about any tone on it
The only problem I had with it was the power selection switch. It was getting scratchy when I changed power setting. I thought I would have to replace it which would be a major chore since it is saudered into the circuit board. I simply took the chassie out and sprayed it with contact cleaner and it was like new.
id get the vox :)
i had the exact same question
and then at i tested a vox at guitarcenter and it kills line 6 and roland BIG time
that depends of your musical style dude, don't be so mean with valvetronix XL, I got both amps the normal one and the XL in the 100 watts version, and I couldn't be any happier!!!
Yeah, that's your opinion. I love the thin sound of a strat. But if I would play high gain stuff I would easily use a Les Paul
Cool. Thanks.
I just bought one of these
I'm getting me an AD30VT tomorrow. Also, I have a Celestion 10" speaker already, so I might just switch it. :)
i'm agree with
JamieandhisIbanez
you need a great guitar or a better effet to get a really good sound from amp...but this is a good amp too!
fender blackface actually. far superior to the twin. and yeah its wonderful :)
ive been enjoying the vox settings on mine but you need a bright guitar really for though. theyre quite dark
Well I am almost dead set on getting this in 30W. Unless you have money for a Marshall, I heard that their MG series sucks. I also hear a lot of bad things about Peavey (though they look interesting to me) compared to Vox which I hear a lot of great feedback from. Your choice really, but i'm hooked to getting this Vox.
my Friend's has the auto wah, and it sounds nice.
that damn metal grill, now it's harder to stick the headstock of the guitar in the amp :))
I have the first version the VD60VT with the VC12 foot pedal and I love this thing.. sure, you can get better sound by buying things separately (head, pedals etc..) but if you're going to be playing a bunch of different things this type of amp is great. I can get sooo many sounds it's crazy.. I've played out with this and people have asked what I was using - btw - the autowah SUCKS!!! (just heard that part as I was typing =) )
cool thanks man
holy crap i want one
this guy is awesomE
When did Michael Bolton start doing guitar demos? Schweeeeeet!!!!
you're right!
i could buy one...mmmh...thats a possibility
I have the ad120vt and the tonelab le - excellent - but judge for your self.
Sweet Rory Gallagher replica. I got confused between 1:06 and 1:12.
Ya I'm quite dissapointed of mine also :E I guess its the one with cabinet and head that guy is playing with..
Black 2X12 is the best clean preset on this amp. And how could it not be? It's based on the Fender Twin Reverb
I think its the guitar youre playing with .... at first I played with a LTD guitar and I was disapointed to, but a few days ago I buy a fender telecaster and wooww beleive it sound like the videoo jeje and now IM very happy jaa
i always cut noise reductions cuse that sometimes cuts my tone. But its pretty good if the buzz is annyoing
i love my valvetronix.
i'am getting 100 vt soon, great amps! :)
great amp. great classic tones, but not enough gain. A distortion equalizer can fix that though.
@dieandgoaway
I think Stewart MacDonald sells 12ax7a replacements.
@DavidFrazier100 hmm, I'm not going to argue with you, but i think this amp sounds just great, almost at any settings.
I'm afraid not - The VC12 can ONLY be used with the more sophisticated, full-featured, but now discontinued 'Blue' series AD60/120VT/VTX/VTH Valvetrix amps. They are not compatible with the 'Chrome' or 'XL' Valvetronix amps.
these models are discontinued but I think the new ones go from 150-650 depending on wattage.
They could have chosen a better name for the "numetal" tone. It's a pretty straightfoward metal tone. I'm getting one these out of layaway pretty soon. I have a shitty Starcaster guitar, but either way, I can't wait.
Put it to 10 and you should be able to. Give it a boost pedal (EQ or Overdrive, your choice) and yeah.
i own a 15 watt valvetronix combo. I'ts a bloody good amp
Sitting here with my vox Valvetronix. Power on. Amps on. No sound??? New guitar leds. Tap tap no sound.??? have I blown a valve help please love this amp. Cheers
I dont know whether to get the 50Vt or the 30Vt. I don't have much money, I've been playing the guitar for 2 years now, and the hardest song I can play is One by Metallica (The whole thing including all three solos), and I'm not in nor do I plan on being in a band. I may use the amp for school concerts (audiotorium)
i got to get one of those...
i got the AD100vt :) is it is just awsome!
My VT100 arrived two days ago, it wouldn't turn on :-(. I dropped it off at the Vox UK Offices in Milton Keynes earlier, I WANT MY AMP
I need to get me one of these!!! Line 6 is dead to me now.