Vox updates AC30 and AC15 guitar amps
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-01-17)
If you've ever heard the Beatles, you've heard the Vox AC30 amplifier, which was an integral part of the Fab Four's studio sound. Even today, the AC30 continues to be a favorite of guitarist who want an amp that carries that vintage sound and vibe. Vox announced ta Winter NAMM 2010 that is has updated AC30 and its lowered powered sibling, the AC15, to create the new Custom Series. Models in the new series include the AC30C2X, AC30C2 (pictured) and AC15C1.
The Custom Series amps use three 12AX7 dual triode vacuum tubes in the pre-amp stage, and four EL84 pentode tubes in the power stage of the 30-Watt AC30C2 and AC30C2X. The 15-Watt AC15C1 uses two EL84 tubes. All Custom Series models offer two channels: Normal and Top Boost. Each channel is equipped with its own Volume control, and the Top Boost channel offers highly interactive Treble and Bass tone controls as well. This powerful channel pairing provides an abundance of tone-crafting control. Both channels utilize the Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section. The Tone Cut control operates in the power stage rather than the preamp stage, allowing an additional degree of tone-shaping. The Master Volume control works in conjunction with the individual volumes of each channel to create just the right degree of gain-staging. By balancing the individual and Master volumes, the Custom Series can deliver the coveted clean VOX “chimey” sound, a powerful overdriven tone, and everything in between.
VOX designers combined the sounds of a vintage AC amplifier with modern changes, using a solid state rectifier that makes the amp louder, tighter, and more responsive to pick attack while retaining the B-plus voltage, chime, tone and output stage compression of a vintage AC30.
All Custom Series amps provide Vox's classic Tremolo effect with adjustable controls for both the speed and depth and a warm spring Reverb. The AC30C2 and AC30C2X offer an additional tone control in the Reverb section, plus an effects loop that allows users to incorporate their favorite effects into the Custom Series sound. True Bypass switching takes the entire effect loop out of the circuit.
Standard models are equipped with Celestion Greenback speakers; the AC30C2X is equipped with Celestion Alnico Blues. An optional footswitch controls Reverb and Tremolo.
AC30C2 MSRP: $1,500; available March 2010
AC15C1 MSRP: $900; available March 2010
AC30C2X MSRP: TBD; available April 2010
Compiled from a Vox press release.
