NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

[ErikH]

After much thought on the route to go for a lighter amp and being pretty much set on the Quilter 101, I went with the new Vox AV30 combo after these new amps were brought to my attention (thanks, Jeff). After trying out the AV60, I was so impressed with it that I ordered the AV30 on the spot (they sell them out fast). It arrived yesterday at the shop.

I have to say, this is one big sounding 1x10 combo. Vox has really stepped it up, IMO. I was using an AD50VT for years (second gen modeler) so this is a nice upgrade. It is technically a modeler, but it is analog. The only digital in it is the effects bank (chorus, delay and reverb). It has 2 channels, 8 individual analog circuits inside along with a 12AX7 preamp tube in the preamp and a 12AX7 in the power amp section (just like the AD50VT has). They've added bright and fat switches to the preamp along with bias and reactor switches to the power amp. There's also an effects loop and external speaker out. Two footswitch options are available to use, the VFS2 or VFS5. I just ordered the VFS5 because not only does it allow channel switching, but each individual effect can be turned on/off and a tap tempo for the delay. The VFS2 changes channels and turns all the effects on or off.

The model voicings sound great. A big improvement, IMO. There are 2 cleans, 2 crunch, 2 OD and 2 high gain. From Fendery cleans to Vox chime to Marshall crunch to Soldano high gain. It covers it. I'm still messing with it but it doesn't take long to dial in a good sound. The WYSIWYG interface is nice to have again. I don't have to worry about saving anything or accidentally overwriting a saved preset.

Band rehearsal is on Sunday afternoon so it will get it's next test in the band setting.

More info here: http://www.voxamps.com/AV30

(not my image)

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[JeffB]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

You are welcome Bro! Glad it worked out to your advantage.

Now lets hear some clips...preferably through your 2x12

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Congrats on the new amp! I don't own a Vox anymore but I've been quite impressed with what they offer!

 

[Artie]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Sweet! It has a nice blend of "vintage" looks and modern versatility.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

The 1x10 sounds like a 1x12. No joke. Even on the amp stand I'm getting a big full sound. Clips to come as time allows. I'll want to open it up to get a really good recording.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

I received the VFS5 footswitch yesterday via Amazon same day delivery. All set with this one now. I've been sitting with it the last few nights dialing in different tones. There's a lot here with such a simple setup and no saving or anything. Just change the model and adjust the rest to taste. I checked out the headphone jack and was pleasantly surprised how good it sounds compared to other smaller amps I've used headphones with. It actually sounds like the amp. I think there's a cab sim in the headphone circuitry. This weekend at rehearsal it'll get put through the ringer pretty good.

 

[jeremy]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

looks like a cool amp. do the 12ax7's run at real voltages or are they starved plate tone modifiers?

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

looks like a cool amp. do the 12ax7's run at real voltages or are they starved plate tone modifiers?

That I don't know for sure. I think the preamp tube runs full but the power may be starved plate like the other Vox modelers with the Valve Reactor power amps.

 

[jeremy]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

are the tubes hot?

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

I haven't touched them do don't know. They don't hang off the bottom of the chassis. I can see them through the top right with the controls but getting to them is another matter. I'll check that out later. I also emailed Vox asking about it.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

I'm pretty positive both tubes are starved plate. Can't feel a lot of heat coming off them. I gotta say though, I feel very connected with this amp much like with my Marshall head. It has that reaction. Something else I discovered, the delay has a more analog sound on the fading repeats where they get warmer each time. I noticed that listening through headphones. It's not exact but it's in the ballpark and very nice sounding.

 

[jeremy]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

sounds like a fun little amp!

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

It most definitely is. I had to actually turn it down at rehearsal on Sunday. No problem hearing me and it sounds great.

 

[moshpit817]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

It most definitely is. I had to actually turn it down at rehearsal on Sunday. No problem hearing me and it sounds great.

I am needing another combo amp,I have had the Vox ad 50vt,ad30xl,and the bigger blue 2006 Valvetronix 60 watts,and some Marshall combos,and a few blackstar combos..I have a $500 max for a combo but I don't know what to get now,I want a 1-12' speaker though,and an effects loop..i wish I could find a cheap combo that sounds like my EVH Lbx 15 head,it sounds so amazing,it seems like nothing else will do,I have that sound stuck in my head..i will have to try one of these AV series Vox amps out..keep us posted !

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

I am needing another combo amp,I have had the Vox ad 50vt,ad30xl,and the bigger blue 2006 Valvetronix 60 watts,and some Marshall combos,and a few blackstar combos..I have a $500 max for a combo but I don't know what to get now,I want a 1-12' speaker though,and an effects loop..i wish I could find a cheap combo that sounds like my EVH Lbx 15 head,it sounds so amazing,it seems like nothing else will do,I have that sound stuck in my head..i will have to try one of these AV series Vox amps out..keep us posted !

The AV60 is right up your alley if you want a 1x12 and a loop. Go check one out.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Update:

Had my first gig with this baby last Friday and it passed with flying colors. It packs a punch, no doubt. For a smallish amp with a 10" speaker, it has a very big sound and spread. I had to turn down because I was overpowering the FOH mains. during soundcheck. The model I've been using a lot is OD1, based off a 70's Marshall. Gain set at noon gives a nice medium gain crunch and I use the OCD to kick it in to high gain territory. Very fun to play.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

What is the build quality like? I bought one of the Valvetronix VTX 150 Pro a couple of years ago, and was surprised how poor the build quality was compared to the older versions. The tolex has wrinkles and lumps in it. One of the effects knobs began malfunctioning within a month, and the internal build quality was pathetic with a cheap chunk of wood (not a cut block... a chunk) with a piece of rubber glued to it holding the tube in place. I still like my older AD30VT, but I think the newer versions were a step down in tone and quality. I'm hoping this one gets back to emphasizing tone instead of simply packing in a million mediocre effects and models.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Build quality seems fine. I've only had one gig with it but it feels solid. I haven't opened it up but my guess is the cab is made of a mix if ply and mdf. I never had a problem with my AD50VT. The VTX series I didn't care for either. They didn't sound right to me. These AV series are a different beast. All analog modeling with the effects (modulation, delay and reverb only) being digital. The tone is there, no doubt. I got rave compliments from my bandmates and even some folks at the gig. I could easily gig with just the amp, VFS5 footswitch and an overdrive out front but I like a few other effects that I have on my board. It's nice knowing that if I needed to just grab and go stripped down, I can and not worry about a thing.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Nice score! What does 'analog equipped power section' mean? I am assuming it's a hybrid amp?

 

[JeffB]

Re: NAD: Vox AV30 Combo

Ben- all the other Vox vt modellers of the past 12 years or so, regardless of model/series have been a digital model of the amp I question sent through a faux tube power circuit, then amplified. The tube just warms up the tone a bit and gives a slight tube like dynamic to the sound/signal.there are still some digital artifacts, but its a nice reasonable cost alternative to many pure digital modellers in the same price bracket. Usually the vox amps have had slightly less bells and whistles on the effects and practice/recording side.

In this new series, the signal path, barring the digital effects, is completely analog... so its routed through the tube that affects the pre, then through the second tube which affects the power section, then amplified.

IOW- no digital modelling of the amp in question at any point.