Vox Amplug

[Ball&Chain]

I just got a Vox Amplug Metal headphone amp and all I can say is WOW!!


Its just not for me.

I should have known when it said US High Gain in the description that it would be the scooped us high gain. No mids at all, and you cant get them back with the tone control on the thing either.

If I were into doom or black metal or whatever it is the kids listen to nowadays, it would be perfect. Plug it straight into your guitar, plug in your headphones and off you go. No guitar cables, no power adapter needed thanks to AA batteries.

So, I love the concept and think this would be great for practice, but I cant get past the scooped thing, so im sending it back to MF. Question is.. Is the Amplug Lead version any better? Should I exchange the Metal for the Lead? Ive heard anything about the Lead from, its a Metal with delay added to Its a modified Metal with delay and boosted mids, which sound more up my alley. Will it get that marshall on steriods high gain mid grind type tone?

Another option would be a line6 POD Express. What are the prospects there? This is after all just for practice purposes, but id like at least a workable tone.

 

[GeBe2]

Re: Vox Amplug

I have tried the Classic Rock and I was not really that happy about it. I couldn't get a clean out of it and the the tone control was too touchie. You had to zero in to get the sound you wanted and a little shake and you missed it, but like you I love the concept.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Vox Amplug

Interesting because Vox has not used that name historically for the rectifier model. The "US high gain" in the AD/DA series is based on a Soldano, and it's ALL mids, and the newer VT "US high gain" models are based on the 5150-which is also REALLY heavy on the mids. They have used "Cali metal" or similar as the name for the rectumfrier modelling on the valvetronix line.

I'm surprised they used that term in their marketing materials, considering.

I had the original pocket pod- HORRIBLE HORRIBLE interface. also ate batteries like nothing I've ever seen- 2-3 hours max before they'd die. It did have a few good tones if you could figure out how to tweak it. They brought out the Express the next year with a much more simple interface because of that.

 

[these_go211]

Re: Vox Amplug

the amplug ac30 model is great.

 

[eschoendorff]

Re: Vox Amplug

I have tried the Classic Rock and I was not really that happy about it. I couldn't get a clean out of it and the the tone control was too touchie. You had to zero in to get the sound you wanted and a little shake and you missed it, but like you I love the concept.

I also have the classic rock version. The jury's still out though. I decided to give it a try based on some positive reviews from the SDUGF as well as positive reviews from some other trusted sites. Still not completely happy with the sound from it though.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Vox Amplug

This is what i was seeing most. Before I pulled the trigger I looked at as many youtube demos as I could see and they all sounded decent to my ears that way.

taken from the vox website

Metal delivers the explosive roar of US high-gain metal sound.

If you look deeper on the vox site, they lump the descriptions with all the models together.

The oringial models are still available in three different sound styles: VOX AC30, Classic Rock, based on a UK-made amplifier head, and Metal, based on a California-made high-gain amplifier head. Even with its ultra-compact size, amPlug perfectly reproduces the complex and warm distortion that is distinctive of a vacuum tube, as well as the powerful high gain produced by a large amp stack. Using all new analog modeling technology, amPlug delivers full-fledged amp sound.

This is from musicians friend. I guess I should have read deeper.

Metal delivers the explosive roar of US high-gain metal sound, and uses two stages of ultra-high gain plus a mid-cut circuit, giving you modern metal high-gain sound anywhere and anytime.

I guess this sounds more like what im after. Most comments I read comparing the 2 said the Metal was just plain better and in most of the samples I heard, the lead sounded awful, so I guess I stupidly rolled with that. heh. I just dunno as of yet, if that delay effect can be turned off or not. If it cant, i dont think id want it even if it did sound wonderful for solo and scale practice.

'Lead' is based on a US-made high-gain boutique amp, further modified for lead guitar. It also contains a digital delay effect, delivering a huge, spatial sound that could not be previously obtained, and giving you a rich and full-fledged lead sound that you can play anytime and anywhere.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Vox Amplug

if you need delay then the lead is the one, i guess

i think the AC30 and the Classic Rock sound good and have more than enough gain for heavy heavy metal

this is what happens when you order from a website without testing it in person first...you run the risk of having to return it :smokin:

none of your local shops have these things on the wall? the packaging lets you pop 'em out easily for demonstrations...

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Vox Amplug

I dont really need delay, i just need mids, but if the delay sounds alright I wouldnt mind it i guess.

Yea, the packaging is good for that, but no, my local music store has nothing but acoustic guitars, banjos and mandolins on the wall. To get to see one in person, id probably have to make the 1 hour drive to GC in Columbus.

 

[Condemnedsoul]

Re: Vox Amplug

+! on the AC30 amplug

Plug it into the amp side of your pedals,

and use good headphones, they seem to realy dislike the cheap throwaway variety,

then you might be more impressed with the sound.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Vox Amplug

The AC-30 and the Classic Rock are nice little easy to use devices!
But they will never replace a real amp!

 

[eschoendorff]

Re: Vox Amplug

+! on the AC30 amplug

Plug it into the amp side of your pedals,

and use good headphones, they seem to realy dislike the cheap throwaway variety,

then you might be more impressed with the sound.

Will have to retry my Amplug with my nice headphones then...

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Vox Amplug

I love my Classic Rock model Amp Plug. Even through a $10 pair of headphones, it gives that quad-can-miked-in-a-room thump. I carry it when I travel on business. I usually play it by itself, but I have used it with pedals. The Amp Plug doesn't really take overdrive the way a real Marshall does, but that's the only area where the simulation fall down. On its own, it's brilliant.