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Published on 05/13/12 at 08:15After 3 years of using my VOX AC15 CC1X, I decided to write a review that is only my opinion ... but after 36 months and three dozen concerts this opinion has the merit of being given "a clear head "without a little naive glee of a notice posted just after a purchase, such as one often reads of AF.
(Note: the AC15 CC1 and CC1X are no longer marketed. They have given way to two-channel AC15 C1.)
The AC15 is a CC1X 15 w tube amp with speaker-channel 12 inches. Simplicity itself.
There are two different versions depending on the HP: CC1 with the Wharfedale GSH 1230 and CC1X with Celestion AlNiCo Blue. The latter being the high end of HP 12 inch portion supplemented the price of 200 euros (my goodness!).
A 2-band EQ and volume (which acts as GAIN) constitute the TOP BOOST the amp. We find this section TOP BOOST on the majority of tube amps VOX.
Add to that a reverb, tremolo (both switchable by footswitch included) and a master, that's all.
No effects loop but two adjustable outputs for HP 8 or 16 ohms.
The design is classic and sturdy construction. With 22 kg, it is very heavy even for a 15 W. Almost as heavy as a Fiat Panda (without the cigarette lighter), it is you say.
To believe that Vox engineers planquent bars of lead in the chassis to weigh it down!
Cons: The two switches on and standby are plastic while on most other amps VOX, even the little AC4, there are switches in metal.
Reverb (spring) is too present for my taste, and this early in the race's knob. It's almost an all or nothing! On this point, engineers VOX can do better.
on the other hand, the tremolo is very bo. The speed and depth of the effect can be adjusted on the amp. Must love, but it's always nice to have a foot in the integrated amp, right?
No effects loop. Too bad, indeed, but not fundamentally important.
Regarding the HP, which could not compare the two versions, I can not tell you more. But from what I heard and read, it seems that the AlNiCo Blue provides a much more balanced sound, with less shrill treble and bass rounder than the Wharfedale.
UTILIZATION
There is a French manual, well translated (it is rare).
But why? Given the simplicity of the amp, is not something to write a novel!
SOUNDS
The question that torments many neophytes: 15 watts, is that enough?
Frankly, yes.
In repeated with a drummer who has nothing of a girl, it goes up-the-hand. In the club or in bars, it's too strong. On stage at venues small and medium gauge (up to 600 seats), I have never exceeded half of the master. The Stade de France, I never did.
To be honest, I had a very good tube amp 50 W: I have never exceeded 3 on the master. I sold it to my AC15 and I do not really regret it.
So what to expect with an AC15?
You can have a clean sound or a crunch. There is no pedal to switch from one to another (this is a single channel that I told you!). on the other hand, and that's when you recognize a good amp, it will easily pass from clean to crunch by modulating its attack with a pick.
In the small world of scratch they will say "wow, this amp has a damn dynamic! "(Although strictly speaking it does absolutely nothing like it).
Personally, I prefer to simply say that this is an amp that has the "respondent".
The clean sounds are very "bright" very slap. VOX is the sound in all its splendor. With a Tele bridge pickup on: ouch, it can hurt the ears if you do not drop a little treble.
All guitar amps AC (recall also that historically, the preceded the AC15 AC30) are done for cruncher: this is where they sound excellent.
But do not push too AC15: when the gain exceeds 3/4, the distortion becomes, to my taste, too messy.
For my part, I remain on a volume to 1 pm or 3 am and that's enough to make deliciously cruncher of single and double coils.
Those who sought saturations of death will be disappointed. This amp is not made for that.
With overdrive and distortion pedals, it's the same story: if you throw him saturations hell, it's not going to do. We can say that the AC15 is "taking" is not great sounds super saturated. on the other hand, nothing prevents you to activate your overdrive to boost your solo a bit. On this point, no problemo.
In fact, between a guitar and AC15, the best thing it's just a jack.
AC15 and has the gift to return what your guitar actually in the belly. Bridge or neck pickup, tone knob, you REALLY hear every nuance of sound from your favorite instrument. Magic! This is what makes an amp suited to blues, rock, pop, but do not have the "BIG SOUND" hard rock or metal.
OVERALL OPINION
In short, this amp is a very typical. This is what those who failed the first try.
The clean sounds are superb. The crunch is second to none.
It's very British. This is THE sound that built the legendary VOX. Point bar.
This is an amp that faithfully restore your game: no cheating possible.
So yes it can be disappointing at first deal with Marshall, the Orange or Mesa distortion devastating smile and he can do to deal with modeling amps with 50 amps built.
But despite this lack of versatility that some accuse him neophytes, the AC15 is part of the small family of legendary amps.
To convince you, look well on your POD amp simulator, your V-AMP or on your amp modeling (including the last Mini3 VOX) .... so like, there is always an AC15 emulation!
(Note: the AC15 CC1 and CC1X are no longer marketed. They have given way to two-channel AC15 C1.)
The AC15 is a CC1X 15 w tube amp with speaker-channel 12 inches. Simplicity itself.
There are two different versions depending on the HP: CC1 with the Wharfedale GSH 1230 and CC1X with Celestion AlNiCo Blue. The latter being the high end of HP 12 inch portion supplemented the price of 200 euros (my goodness!).
A 2-band EQ and volume (which acts as GAIN) constitute the TOP BOOST the amp. We find this section TOP BOOST on the majority of tube amps VOX.
Add to that a reverb, tremolo (both switchable by footswitch included) and a master, that's all.
No effects loop but two adjustable outputs for HP 8 or 16 ohms.
The design is classic and sturdy construction. With 22 kg, it is very heavy even for a 15 W. Almost as heavy as a Fiat Panda (without the cigarette lighter), it is you say.
To believe that Vox engineers planquent bars of lead in the chassis to weigh it down!
Cons: The two switches on and standby are plastic while on most other amps VOX, even the little AC4, there are switches in metal.
Reverb (spring) is too present for my taste, and this early in the race's knob. It's almost an all or nothing! On this point, engineers VOX can do better.
on the other hand, the tremolo is very bo. The speed and depth of the effect can be adjusted on the amp. Must love, but it's always nice to have a foot in the integrated amp, right?
No effects loop. Too bad, indeed, but not fundamentally important.
Regarding the HP, which could not compare the two versions, I can not tell you more. But from what I heard and read, it seems that the AlNiCo Blue provides a much more balanced sound, with less shrill treble and bass rounder than the Wharfedale.
UTILIZATION
There is a French manual, well translated (it is rare).
But why? Given the simplicity of the amp, is not something to write a novel!
SOUNDS
The question that torments many neophytes: 15 watts, is that enough?
Frankly, yes.
In repeated with a drummer who has nothing of a girl, it goes up-the-hand. In the club or in bars, it's too strong. On stage at venues small and medium gauge (up to 600 seats), I have never exceeded half of the master. The Stade de France, I never did.
To be honest, I had a very good tube amp 50 W: I have never exceeded 3 on the master. I sold it to my AC15 and I do not really regret it.
So what to expect with an AC15?
You can have a clean sound or a crunch. There is no pedal to switch from one to another (this is a single channel that I told you!). on the other hand, and that's when you recognize a good amp, it will easily pass from clean to crunch by modulating its attack with a pick.
In the small world of scratch they will say "wow, this amp has a damn dynamic! "(Although strictly speaking it does absolutely nothing like it).
Personally, I prefer to simply say that this is an amp that has the "respondent".
The clean sounds are very "bright" very slap. VOX is the sound in all its splendor. With a Tele bridge pickup on: ouch, it can hurt the ears if you do not drop a little treble.
All guitar amps AC (recall also that historically, the preceded the AC15 AC30) are done for cruncher: this is where they sound excellent.
But do not push too AC15: when the gain exceeds 3/4, the distortion becomes, to my taste, too messy.
For my part, I remain on a volume to 1 pm or 3 am and that's enough to make deliciously cruncher of single and double coils.
Those who sought saturations of death will be disappointed. This amp is not made for that.
With overdrive and distortion pedals, it's the same story: if you throw him saturations hell, it's not going to do. We can say that the AC15 is "taking" is not great sounds super saturated. on the other hand, nothing prevents you to activate your overdrive to boost your solo a bit. On this point, no problemo.
In fact, between a guitar and AC15, the best thing it's just a jack.
AC15 and has the gift to return what your guitar actually in the belly. Bridge or neck pickup, tone knob, you REALLY hear every nuance of sound from your favorite instrument. Magic! This is what makes an amp suited to blues, rock, pop, but do not have the "BIG SOUND" hard rock or metal.
OVERALL OPINION
In short, this amp is a very typical. This is what those who failed the first try.
The clean sounds are superb. The crunch is second to none.
It's very British. This is THE sound that built the legendary VOX. Point bar.
This is an amp that faithfully restore your game: no cheating possible.
So yes it can be disappointing at first deal with Marshall, the Orange or Mesa distortion devastating smile and he can do to deal with modeling amps with 50 amps built.
But despite this lack of versatility that some accuse him neophytes, the AC15 is part of the small family of legendary amps.
To convince you, look well on your POD amp simulator, your V-AMP or on your amp modeling (including the last Mini3 VOX) .... so like, there is always an AC15 emulation!