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.
For what it does and the price point that it has it isn't bad at all. This isn't an amp that you would do a high end recording with or probably even put in your band. You would get laughed right off the stage. I doubt any stage hand would even allow this amp on stage or even mic it up. However, the intention of this unit is never to be that anyway. The idea of this amp is to give a young kid an opportunity to play guitar in his bedroom and be able to have enough features to get him or her started in electric guitar. UTILIZATION Main Features - Tube-driven VOX Valve Reactor circuit uses a 12 AX7 vacuum tube for true-tube tone - 99 Expertly voiced presets - 33 Song Presets: spot-on recreations of the sounds used on classic tracks - 33 Basic Amp Model Presets: Valvetronix amp modeling at its robust finest - 33 Effected Amp Model Presets created with variety of effects including chorus, flanger and tremolo. - 25 In-demand, top-quality effects - 11 Pedal-type effects - 11 Modulation (chorus, flanger, etc.)/Delay effects with Tap Tempo control - 3 Reverb styles - 8 User Programs for saving your favorite custom settings - Accurate amp models encompass the entire VOX lineage from the traditional AC30 to the modern Night Train, plus an impressive list of other hard-to-come-by classics and rare hi-gain boutique models. - Amp offers Gain, Volume, and Master Volume; EQ features Treble, Middle, and Bass - Unique Power Level control can limit the power amp output wattage, creating distinctive power amp distortion at any listening level. - Built-in automatic guitar tuner - Newly re-voiced VOX original speaker ensures ample power. - Headphone output simulates the acoustic and spatial character of a full speaker cabinet Timeless VOX styling - Use the optional VOX VFS5 footswitch to change programs to turn effects on and off, or to set the Tap Tempo function. SOUNDS There is an assortment of different tones you can get from this little amp. The good thing about it is that you have a tube preamp and it gives you somewhat of that feel and tone of a real amp. The unfortunately the thing is..its not a real amp. Though it has a tube in it, it will never have an authentic tube amp sound or feel. Essentially it is a step up from the all digital amp modeling which sounds as terrible as it can get. No matter what guitar you throw in front of it it will give you the sound you are going for. So for instance if you want a Metallica sound you get a humbucker guitar and you set it to the metal setting. If you want a country tone then you would use the Cali clean or Us blues setting with a Strat or a Tele. It is pretty easy and will get you the idea of what you are looking for but won't give an authentic tone. OVERALL OPINION Amp modeling has become a very lucrative outlet for many manufactures today. It has gotten very popular these days with so much music out there and not one amp can do all of it. So for those exploring their abilities and skills, something like this would suit a beginner. Not going to be an amp for someone who has been playing for a long time. So if you are 16 or young this might be the amp for you. At new they come in at around $170 which isn't bad price for some soccer mom to plunge on their guitar playing adolescent. If you are used to playing real amps you will be disappointed with this. If you are new to the guitar then this would be right up your alley.
