So without further ado I present to you some video demos that were shot by our team down there in Anaheim:
To see more visit: Winter NAMM 2011 Videos and News
January 14, 2011
June 23, 2010
Vox AC15VR Valve Reactor Combo Amp Review
A few years ago, Vox launched their legendary AC30 as an amp head or as a combo, all made in China at an affordable price. This year, VOX is spoiling us with a hybrid series, using a special amplification technology mixing transistors and tube. This 15 Watts model is what’s on the menu for today.
Hybrid Technology
Everyone has heard of Marshall’s hybrid series (Valvestate) or Fender’s. It was often a mix between a transistor amplifier and a 12AX7 tube as a preamplifier. This technique allowed them to smooth out a little transistor stiffness and also to allow these amps to properly take on the pedals’ full power. (reminds me of my Marshall 8080 First series).
VOX uses here a different technology in the VR series: The preamp section is provided by transistors and the op-amp, while the amplifying part is based on a single 12AX7! What ?! This can’t be right! I admit, I myself second guessed this specification, but it is correct and verified. It is the same technology that was used in the Valvetronix series. This “amplification” tube has even been renamed “Valve Reactor” for the occasion.
Explanation: A 12AX7 tube is a dual triode, which is present in the circuitry only to give color to the sound. It is then connected to a solid state power amplifier where the transistor amplifier is more powerful and neutral than the tube amplifier. The tube therefore serves to color the signal, the bulk of the amplification being provided by the transistors.
Autopsy
The amp features separate channels: a clear controlled by the “normal volume” and a channel focused more crunch / distortion with two gain levels (OD1 and OD2). The “master” section includes the overall volume of the amp. It is best to adjust the volume of the channel used to get the desired sound (gain level) and then raise the master meter to increase the general level, being careful not to push too hard, otherwise saturation is inevitable (but if you want to, go ahead!). In this same section, there is also a digital reverb that quickly becomes rough when you push a little volume. But it is enough to give a little life to clean sound if you do not exceed 9 o’clock on the dial. You can manually engage it the by raising the potentiometer or by using the optional foot switch. The latter also allows you to switch between channels.
The VOX AC 15VR is equipped with a two band equalizer bass / treble, like almost all VOX amps if I remember correctly. Pushing the bass potentiometer, it overwrites the signal to unravel the inherent charm of VOX amps. Try the setting Palm Mute pushed, and you’ll understand. As for the treble, the sound tends to become a little aggressive after 12 o’clock both on its clean and distortion channels.
We notice a control panel that runs essentially unadorned or without any funky colors. But don’t laugh at VOX, in this model there is no amp simulation, no useless effects, no loops effects, no direct output. You just plug and play!On the rear panel, it is possible to connect an external speaker to the amplifier and to bypass the internal speaker. Be careful to respect the 8 Ohms impedance and perform the operation when the amplifier is off!
Conclusion
To conclude, this little amp found for less than $400 in the USA, is sufficient for guitarists who want to play at home with the master volume that can push the gain without making enemies in the neighborhood. It has no Speaker output, but output to an external cabinet is possible. We appreciate the ease of use, the little time it takes to find good quality sound. In short, unless you hate the sound philosophy and VOX itself you can buy it with your eyes closed.
Advantages:
- Good value for the money
- Construction Quality
- Nice crunch
- Output to connect another Speaker
Drawbacks:
- A little heavy for a 15 Watt
- The overdrive type 2 too dirty
- Channel switching not very smooth
To read the full detailed review see: Vox AC15VR Combo Amp
March 15, 2010
VOX AGA70 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
To see more great guitar gear videos visit us here at our video vault!
March 28, 2009
Vox Night Train Amp Head
Exclusive overview of the new Vox Night Train Amp Head.
To watch all Audiofanzine video demos visit us on Audiofanzine Videos.
March 25, 2009
Video Demo: Vox Virage Guitars
Presentation of the new Vox Virage guitars.
To watch all Audiofanzine video demos visit us on Audiofanzine Videos.
February 27, 2009
Video Demo: Vox Virage Guitar
Hi!
Sorry we were unable to upload this video to youtube, but if you want to check out the new Vox Virage semi-hollow body electric guitar, check out video demo below:
To watch all NAMM 2009 video demos visit us on Audiofanzine NAMM 2009.
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