Vox VT40+

Overview

Vox is a name that is synonymous with quality guitar amplifiers. They are especially famous for their tube amplifiers that produce warm clean tones and smooth overdrives, like the AC30 and smaller AC15. More recently, though, Vox has released the Valvetronix series of "modeling" combo amps ranging from 20W to 120W. Each of these amps includes 33 different digital amp models (11 types with 3 different variations for each), and a host of other effects and presets on tap for the musician who wants a "catch all" amplifier at an affordable price. With the 11 types of amp models, along with volume and EQ controls, the Valvetronix amps can dial in tones reminiscent to iconic Vox, Fender, Marshall, and other classic amps. The crown jewel of this amp (and where the name "Valvetronix" comes from) is the 12ax7 tube built into the preamp, making this amplifier one of the few 'hybrid' amps on the market--a combination of tube and solid state circuitry. This means that guitarists can have access to tube-driven sound without paying an arm and a leg for it.

My Experience

I purchased the Vox VT40+ amplifier for a 3-month summer tour, traveling and playing music on a daily basis. I wanted an amp that would travel easy (we had to pack light), stand up to road wear, and give me several options to choose from. I also purchased Vox's VSF5 foot switch that remotely controls the custom presets and effects on the amp.

The initial factor that drew me quickly to this amplifier was the great price, but I soon discovered that I had access to much more than a simple amp with a few built in effects. The VT40+ has some great features like the variable wattage control, eight customizable presets, multiple reverb settings, built-in tuner, tap tempo control, headphone output, and a manual setting (which overrides the preset setting). In addition, there are several on-board digital effects, most of which are actually useful. I have used multiple settings on the VT40+ and programmed my own custom presets (though I only use the manual setting on the amp now with my pedal board).

I purchased this amp brand new 4 years ago, and the original 12ax7 tube is still going strong. Also, during the initial 3-month tour when I bought the amp new, it withstood a variety of environments indoors and outdoors--even extreme humidity at times. I have never experienced any malfunctions or issues with the amp in the years I have owned it, and that's impressive considering all the controls on the interface are digital. I can also attest to the amp's durability; it has fallen over, been thrown around, and moved frequently during the time I have owned it. The VSF5 foot switch is also durable, housed a sturdy metal case, and works seamlessly with the VT40+ amp.

These days, my VT40+ is mostly used as a versatile practice amp as I have graduated to bigger tube amps, but I would never hesitate to use this amp as a live back up in a pinch (in fact, I have a few times). It's been faithful to me, and I've been highly satisfied with its performance.

Quick Note

For all the VT40+ offers, there are a few 'duds' amongst the huge selections of amp models and effects to choose from. By 'duds,' I mean strange effects or over the top distortion modeling that does not sound very natural. But once you have done enough tweaking and found the sound you like (or several), you can immediately save it as a custom preset for future use. The best part about the custom presets is that they are always rewritable, so you're never stuck with what you choose.

Bottom-Line

The Vox VT40+ is just one of several Valvetronix amps that provide flexibility, in-the-box effects, and tube-driven sound. It has enough on-board options to inspire new ideas, but also enough power and durability to make it gig worthy, if you need it.

Let me first start by saying I'm not a fan of amp modelers. Most of them are really weak and completely unnatural. Most that I have played or heard, have been extremely sub par. This one is no exception.

The first few channels are fairly clean channels and then it goes up to the standard Vox tones and then as you turn the dial you get heavier and heavier. Some gems in between but for the most part it has a couple good sounds, but this is a pass amp.


Vox VT40+ Combo Guitar Amplifier Features at a Glance:

* Power amp output: 60W RMS (@ 8 ohms)
* Speaker: 1 x 10" VOX original speaker
* Power level control can limit the power amp output wattage, creating distinctive power amp distortion at any listening level
* Tube-driven VOX Valve Reactor circuit uses a 12 AX7 vacuum tube for true-tube tone
* Number of amp models: 33
* Number of effects: 11 pedal effect types, 3 reverb types, 1 noise reduction type
* Number of programs: 99 preset, 8 user (2 banks x 4 channels)
* Built-in automatic guitar tuner
* Input/output jacks
* Top panel: Input jack (1/4" Mono)
* 1/8" headphone output simulates the acoustic and spatial character of a full speaker cabinet
* Aux IN jack (1/8" Stereo)
* Rear panel: Foot SW jack
* Power supply requirements: AC, local voltage
* Power consumption: 36W

UTILIZATION

Details
Type Hybrid
Number of Channels 4
Power 60W
Speakers 1 x 10"
Effects Yes
Reverb Yes
EQ Treble, Middle, Bass
Amp Modeling Yes
Number of Models 99 Presets, 8 User, 33 Amp Models
Number of Tubes 1
Preamp Tubes No Preamp Tubes
Power Tubes 1 x 12AX7
Inputs 1 x Instrument, 1 x Aux (1/8")
Outputs 1 x Headphone (1/8")
Footswitch I/O Yes
Effects Loop No
Height 16"
Width 16.6"
Depth 8.7"
Weight 24 lbs.

SOUNDS

This is one of the most odd amps I have ever come across. First off this is a hybrid amp which means it uses tubes but it doesn't use all the tubes like a tube amp would. This amp has no preamp tubes however, it has a preamp tube in the power tube section. I have never seen this operation before. I'm not an amp engineer but that just seems out of place to me.

Anyway, the first few channel or amp models are very blah. Once you hit the Vox section it starts to sound better. Then is begins to get really distorted and metal tones. These are pretty good but the US Metal is horrible! The other metal or rock tones are pretty decent, but this particular one is just a pass for me tone wise.

OVERALL OPINION

For me this is a must pass amp. I don't find enough tones that are usable for me. The cleans are not up to par and the the tone overall is not that good. This preamp in the power section is really a weird operation to me.

At new these units come in at around $$240 which isn't a bad price, but I think VOx has a couple other amp modeler amps that sound better. For the Peavey amp modeler for $100 has far better tones and usability than this amp. I wouldn't recommend this amp to anyone because it just doesn't sound that great.

Amp mixed with lamp
Modeling amp with a small lamp to warm the sound 0w to 60w
99 presets, 33 amp simulations,
multi effects, saturation, octave, delay
3 reverb (hall, spring, room)
a power control
frequency equalizer,
gain control, output adjustment and especially a volume knob that allows you to play without waking the children but enjoying the Hp 10 "and these capabilities.
A little swagger but it takes all tastes.

UTILIZATION

That said, a few minutes are necessary for proper grip and a few days to really take advantage of all possibility of the amp.
A little more use of pedal footswitch VFS5 for choosing 8 settings made by our hands.
The manual is clear and should be read to truly enjoy the possibilities of the amp presets are provided amply for failing to plug the guitar.

SOUNDS

The sound is good, even surprising. The advantage of a real volume knob that allows you to play "not safe" keeping the gain.
For my part I play StartoCatser Fender Texas Special pickups with. It gives good. It retains the identity Fender long as you do not go on the high gain presets.
I also play with Martins folk cutaway with a Fishman. Acoustic presets are round and full but you have to play on the reverb and the knobs to have a "wet" sound so to speak and relatively deep.
Finally I also play on Ibanez AFJ85-VSB and there, I must say that it is happiness. Especially emulation AC15 or AC30.

I use little effect pedals. I dropped the pedal to sound, it was not justified to keep it. For Fender, I play is blues and there is a very interesting preset, and Ibanez, no effect pedal that is not justified for what I do.

In conclusion, the sound is really good and respects the instruments. However, a slight hum may be heard when the master is pushed.
This is an amp that needs to speak as he should not be stuck in a wall corner otherwise an echo may occur.
Finally, a power which I was not aware of the purchase and, I say thank you to output volume knob that is just essential for this type of amp.

The amp that is priced where it is, the sound is wonderful.

OVERALL OPINION

I now use it for a little over a year.
Advised by my dealer, I left a 30 w Fender Reverb Vox. I do not regret it.
I also tested other amp therefore more like a 40 W Orange and a nice round Roland. But it is the only one that allowed me to play all my guitars with a single amp.
Clearly no regret. Even if I had more means to put in an amp, I'm not sure as I have bought another. Especially since I'm not a buff effects pedals. Also, I found a different sound without spending hours in the settings.
Finally, the sound is constant, so no adjustment again when we go to a friend or when you make a beef. It is light, handy and robust.
To have swarmed the Marshall 100W double head I'm glad to have this nice little cube, aesthetics and dynamic (and yes it sends heavy) to move.

If I had to do ... I'm ready to buy a second.

Combo amp transistor modeling. Preamplifier lamp
33 amp models
11 pedal-type effects
11 types of modulation / time
3 types of reverb
1 Noise Reduction
99 presets
8 user presets (2 banks of 4 presets thomann)

UTILIZATION

The grip st easy but this amp has so many possibilities that must spend time to explore sounds, it seems infinite so it is rich, fortunately we can record 8 Custom presets.
The ergonomics of the buttons enables easy, precise adjustments.
I do not know if there is a more complete than this amp.

SOUNDS

Tremendous versatility because you get any sound imaginable with a remarkable clear sound. The range is huge distortions can do everything.
Let's exceptional side of this amp is the sound!
The effects are good, at least the main ones: chorus, delay, reverb ...
The great side of this amp is the three buttons for power, volume, and master power level. Can be set from 1 to 60 W, it can cover a battery but can also play at very low volume retaining all the characteristics of a sound, such as sustain a note.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year and I have no complaints about him he released his superior combos that cost twice as much, it is very light, it allows to walk on all styles.
To acquire eyes closed unless you want to invest in a tube amp.