Elliot Kim
The VOX amplifier is a highly sought-after piece of equipment by guitarists, with its unique sound helping to shape some of the most iconic records in music history. The VOX AC-30, in particular, is known for its tonal qualities and has been used by legendary bands such as The Beatles, Queen, and Radiohead. The amplifier's design, incorporating power tubes and preamp tubes, as well as Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, contributes to its distinctive sound. While some users appreciate the chime-y and versatile nature of the VOX amplifier, others may find its sound too piercing or unpleasant. Ultimately, the VOX amplifier's sound is subjective, and while it may not suit everyone's taste, it has undoubtedly left its mark on the world of music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound quality | Chime-y, versatile, unique, rich, piercing, harmonically rich, clean |
| Volume | Too loud for some bands, not suitable for low-volume practice amps |
| Reliability | Modern Vox handwired amps are reliable; old vintage Vox amps are unreliable |
| Price | Affordable, steal, cheap second-hand |
| Design | Very present, upper-midrange-heavy |
| Usage | Used by guitarists of all kinds, helped craft iconic records by legendary bands |
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What You'll Learn
The Vox AC-30 and its unique tonal qualities
The Vox AC-30 is a guitar amplifier that was introduced in 1958 to meet the growing demand for louder amplifiers. Its "jangly" high-end sound made it widely used by British musicians and others, including George Harrison and John Lennon of the Beatles, Brian May of Queen, and Dave Davies of the Kinks.
The AC-30 works differently from most guitar amps and offers a unique and unparalleled tonal experience. It has a honky midrange and sparkling high-end frequencies, which help it excel in cutting through dense mixes, providing guitarists with clarity in both live settings and recordings. The AC-30 can produce both clean and raucous overdriven sounds, seamlessly pairing with the intricacies of the player's style.
The AC-30 was Vox's response to the weakness of its original flagship amplifier, the 15-watt AC15, which proved too weak to be heard over the screaming fans at Cliff Richard's concerts. As a result, the AC-30 was designed with a higher wattage, doubling that of its predecessor. The AC-30 initially used EL84 tubes, a GZ34 tube rectifier, and three ECC83s (12AX7) for the Normal channel and the tremolo/vibrato oscillator/modulator circuits.
Over time, Vox made several changes to the AC-30 design. In late 1960, they replaced the EF86 tube with an ECC83 (12AX7) to address its susceptibility to microphonics and failure when exposed to increased vibration. This new version, the AC-30/6, featured three channels, each with two inputs, and offered additional tone controls for bass and treble.
The AC-30 has remained a popular choice for musicians, with newer models being reissues of the various top boost AC-30/6 versions. Its unique voice has made it an iconic amplifier in the world of music, with many accomplished artists relying on it to amplify their sound.
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The Vox chime-y, versatile sound
The Vox "chime" is a unique sound that has been described as a bright and airy tone with a lot of presence and "brilliance". It is a sound that is dynamic and versatile, capable of producing anything from "soft, buttery jazz" to "mangled, distorted rock and roll".
The "chime" is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including the mid 'scoop' of the tonestack and the strong 3rd order harmonics generated by the amp. It has a bright, jangly upper mid and treble tone that is distinct from the Fender 'sparkle'. The Vox amps have more mid-range and upper-mid-range presence, and they distort a bit with pick attack, but it is not perceived as distortion.
The Vox AC-30 is particularly renowned for its chime-y sound. The AC-30 was born out of the need to compete with Fender, who had released the Twin Amplifier. To do this, Vox designer Dick Denney doubled the output of their previous model, the AC-15, by adding another speaker and cabinet. The AC-30 became extremely popular in England during the late 1950s and early 1960s, with bands like The Beatles using them extensively.
The Vox chime-y sound is versatile and dynamic, and it has left its mark on Western rock and pop music over the past 50 to 60 years. It is a sound that has been sought after by musicians and audio enthusiasts alike, with some describing it as "charming" compared to other amps.
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The Vox AC15C1 for home practice?
The Vox AC15C1 is a 1x12, 15-watt, single-channel tube combo amplifier. It is a modern take on the iconic AC30, one of the most popular British amps ever made, and is renowned for its chime-like cleans and overdriven sounds. The AC15C1 offers two separate inputs depending on the tone you want to achieve: Normal and Top Boost. The Top Boost input provides a pushed, slightly overdriven sound that varies depending on the guitar you're playing.
The AC15C1 is a viable option for home practice, rehearsals, and gigging. It is loud enough for rehearsals and small to medium-sized gigs, but some users have reported that it might be too loud for home use, especially if you want to overdrive it. The amplifier's master volume needs to be set at around 10 o'clock to get the power tubes to open up, which may be too loud for some home environments. However, some users have reported achieving great tones at low volumes with the AC15C1, especially with the right settings and equipment.
If you are looking for a lower-volume alternative, some users have suggested the Vox AC4 or AC4C1-12, which provides identical tones to the AC15C1 at a lower volume and is better suited for home use. Other alternatives include the Princeton Reverb, Blues Junior, or the new Fender Bassbreaker 15, which are reported to sound good at lower volumes.
Ultimately, the decision to choose the Vox AC15C1 for home practice depends on your specific needs and preferences. While it may be too loud for some home environments, it can be a good option if you can achieve the desired volume levels without disturbing others.
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Vox amps for different eras and their varying sound and quality
The Vox AC range is the brand's flagship line, delivering a globally sought-after sound. The AC range is known for its versatility, accommodating various musical genres, including pop, jazz, blues, rock, and indie. It is particularly renowned for its 60s British Invasion sound, characterised by chimey, clean tones, natural overdrive, and jangle effects.
The Vox amps of different eras exhibit notable variations in sound and quality. The modern Vox handwired series, incorporating design elements from both vintage and modern amps, offers exceptional tone and performance. These amps feature a Hot/Cool switch for gain adjustment and are widely used on prominent stages worldwide, catering to diverse musical styles.
In contrast, the vintage Vox amps from the 60s and 70s are prized for their unique sound, reminiscent of the Beatles' guitar tone. However, these older models are notoriously unreliable, making them more suitable as collector's items or studio pieces rather than for live performances without a backup.
The modern Chinese-made Vox amps represent a more affordable option but may not deliver the same sonic excellence as the handwired series or the Korg-era amps from the 90s and early 2000s. Nevertheless, they can be a good choice considering their price point.
The VX and AV ranges from Vox provide excellent value for money, and the VR range offers an affordable package with the feel and tonality of a valve amp. The VX series includes the VX-I (15 watts) and VX-II (30 watts), the latter being loud enough for small gigs. The AV range, similar to the VR amps, features a 12AX7 tube in the preamp, contributing to a warm and harmonically rich sound.
While Vox amps have their distinct character, some alternative brands, such as Morgan and Matchless, offer high-quality amps with similar sonic qualities. Ultimately, the preference for Vox amps depends on individual tastes, as their sound may appeal to some guitarists more than others.
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Dick Denney's role in establishing the Vox sound
Dick Denney is regarded by many as the UK's most important guitar amp designer. He was a guitarist himself, with a passion for jazz music and radio electronics. Denney's work in the field of amplifier design and his association with the Vox brand were instrumental in shaping the sound of popular music in the 1960s and beyond.
Denney's journey with Vox began in 1952 when, while recovering from an illness, he developed a portable amplifier-speaker unit for his Hawaiian guitar. In 1955, he demonstrated this system to Tom Jennings, owner of a Dartford music shop, who proposed a joint manufacturing venture. This marked the beginning of Jennings Musical Industries (JMI), and the trademark "Vox" was applied to all of Denney's work with JMI.
In 1957, Denney began working for JMI and, in January 1958, introduced the world to the first Vox-branded guitar amplifier, the AC1/15. This amplifier quickly became the choice of London's top guitarists, including Vic Flick, who used it to record the iconic "James Bond Theme".
As rock 'n' roll gained popularity in the early 1960s, Denney recognised that bands in London were seeking more power from their amplifiers. He responded by doubling the power of the AC15 and expanding its cabinet to accommodate an additional speaker. This new amplifier, dubbed the AC30/4 Twin, became a favourite among the city's rock 'n' roll scene and established Vox as the most sought-after amplifier brand in Britain.
Beyond amplifiers, Denney also played a pivotal role in the development of the Guitar Organ, a unique instrument that combined the mechanical parts of a Phantom guitar with the oscillators from a Vox Continental organ. This innovation allowed guitarists to produce organ tones in key with their guitar notes, creating a distinctive sound.
Denney's contributions to Vox and the world of musical amplification are still felt today, with many artists continuing to rely on Vox amplifiers and products that bear the hallmark of his innovative spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
The Vox amplifier is known for its unique sound, which has been described as "chime-y" and "versatile". It has been used by many iconic bands and artists, including The Beatles, U2, Radiohead, Queen, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. The Vox AC-30, in particular, is sought after for its tonal qualities and has become an essential ingredient in British Rock music.
The Vox sound is defined by a combination of power tubes and preamp tubes, specifically the EF-86 preamp tube. The speaker is also a key component, with the Celestion Alnico Blue speakers providing the defining quality of the Vox sound.
The Vox amplifier has a distinct sound that works for some people but not for others. It has been described as having a more "present" and upper-midrange-heavy sound compared to other brands. While some prefer the Fender sound, others appreciate the Vox for its great cleans and harmonically rich sound.
The Vox amplifier, like most tube amps, tends to sound better at higher volumes. While it may not be the best choice for a bedroom amp, it can still produce usable sounds at lower volumes. The AC15, for example, offers great cleans at any volume and decent reverb and tremolo effects.
