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azraik « The 'catch all' guitar amp »
Published on 04/07/15 at 22:15
Value For Money :
Excellent
Audience:
Anyone
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.
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.