Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Jimbojsr

Jimbojsr

New member
Hi everybody :D

So, the v-amp is getting clunky, and I'm seriously considering a Valvetronix AD30VT. It's affordable, popular, has a valve, does several different things, and looks groovy - plus it dispenses with the cables and "is the poweramp colouring my tone?" issue of a desktop modeller.

BUT... not had the chance to play one yet. So, does anyone know what amps the AD30VT models? (it doesn't actually say on the site, or in any reviews I've read) And does anyone have one and like it or hate it?

Discuss!
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

you could do that or get a tonelab le and hook it up to a solid state. i like the vox amps. you can get some cool tones with them. personally though, i prefer the marshall valvestates over the vox for tone. the vox modelling though beats the marshall if that's what you're into. IMO, nothing beats a good tube amp. get the ad50vt instead of the 30 because the 30 won't cut it later on down the road and the 50 isn't that heavy.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Jimbojsr said:
Hi everybody :D

So, the v-amp is getting clunky, and I'm seriously considering a Valvetronix AD30VT. It's affordable, popular, has a valve, does several different things, and looks groovy - plus it dispenses with the cables and "is the poweramp colouring my tone?" issue of a desktop modeller.

BUT... not had the chance to play one yet. So, does anyone know what amps the AD30VT models? (it doesn't actually say on the site, or in any reviews I've read) And does anyone have one and like it or hate it?

Discuss!
Click to expand...

I have one. As is stated on many occasions, the speaker in the AD30VT kinda sucks (unless Vox has upgraded it since I bought mine). Really nasty highs but it guess that could change depending on what pickups you have. I just put the Celestion Tube 10 in there and it helps smooth some of that out. I would have got the G10 Vintage but a $90 speaker in a $200 amp? Didn't seem right.

Models: (from left to right on dial) Boutique Clean, Black 2x12, Tweed 4x10, AC15, AC30, Marshall 70's, Marshall 80's, Marshall Modern, Nu-Metal, US Hi-gain, Boutique OD.

Thoughts on it: Not sure how they get some of the tones you hear on demo's out of this thing, but I sure as heck can't. It does sound much better with wattage cranked and volume pushing the speaker. The effects are an after thought in my book. I give it a 7.5 out of 10. For what it is and does, the price is right and it performs well. I would look for a model that has an effects loop, maybe the 50 watt one, allow you to use your own effects if you have some.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

I played one once, and it is used by a guitarist at church.

I like it. It has good potential for an inexpensive amp. I was impressed that it responded well to a tubescreamer.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

I've got an AD120 combo I will sell ya!!!

Seriously though... Great amps. Very versatile with very usable tones. The other guitarist in my last band gigged with one, and still does.

And I Do have one for sale. :)
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Like said, if you get the AD30VT, change the speaker. If you go with the AD30VT XL, you may not have too. The XL 30 watter comes with a 12" speaker, the other one has a 10" speaker.

I've been using an AD50VT combo for almost a year and a half. No issues whatsoever. I've been getting some great sounds out of it. There is no effects loop on it though. If you want an effects loop, get the AD100VT head. I just use the reverb built in to the amp and that's it so it doesn't matter to me.

These amps take pedals extremely well. I've ran almost every pedal I have out front just for experiments sake and they all worked well with it. The wattage selector is a WONDERFUL feature. I can play at home at very low levels while our daughter is asleep across the hall and my wife is asleep down the hall and never hear a complaint. Then show up at band practice and turn that thing up and it just sings.

Another bit of FYI, when it comes time to change the tube (12AX7), stick with the Electro Harmonix brand. It seems these amps are tuned for that tube and sound best with it.

If you can find one of the AD60 or AD120 heads or combos for sale used (the blue grills), snag it. They have more features in them than the BBQ grill series (stompbox models, speaker cab models, more amp models, more storable presets, tuner). Both series sound great though, no doubt about it.
 
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Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

I demo'ed the 15 watt and 30 watt side by side before choosing the 15 watt ad15vt. The AD15VT just sounded better than the AD30VT. (At the time, I had no idea people didn't like the speaker of the 30). Anyways, its a great amp, I bought it for its small size, amp models, and built in effects. They all sound great and its one of my fav amps. I wanted to upgrade to one of the new XL's, but I'm so happy with this amp, I don't see the need to.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

I love the models in my 50 watt VOX, they're very good for what they are.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Cool, thanks guys. It's mostly bedroom playing we're talking about here, so the 30w beats the 50w on practicalities and price - unless, of course, the celestion makes THAT much difference (with the price difference, I could almost buy a Rat pedal :D )

Shame there's not a JCM900 model - the new Pod does that, and I sorely love those amps. Been listening to too much mid 90's Oasis, methinks. ach well...
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

my valvetronix 30 is perfect for bedroom practice. i can get great distortion with great dynamics at super low volumes. but when i turn the power sponge to a low level, i raise the eq, specialy the treble a tad bit to add sparkle. works even at low volume

anyway i never go past 12 on my power sponge and past 9 on the volume. it sounds muffled when it on very high volume.. never tried changing its speakers, but im still satisfied
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

They have the usual suspects on the XL.

Dumble for smooth cleans
Black Face for spanky cleans
Modded Vox for moderate and bright crunch
Marshall Plexi model (a pretty decent one)
JCM 900 Model
Marshall DSL Model
Mesa Double Rectumfrier Model

Those are all I can remember


All these models with the exception of the dumble, plexi, and blackface are tweaked and modded a bit. Some are very modded and others are only slightly changed. The original chrome series amps couldn't cover the gain territory this amp can handle and the EQ's are pretty well done for a change on these compared to most of the Vox modelers. This amp can sound pretty hairy/fizzy on the top end on the higher gain stuff, but it still has lots of usable sounds. It's a worthy amp, but I wish they would put out an improved blue grillcloth type amp with better eq's for the mid to high gain amp models.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Iiiiiinteresting.... one viewpoint seems to be that the heavier OD choices aren't quite up to scratch, but the cleans and "slightly broken-up" ones are fabulous. I, of course, am looking for something in-between :D A good cruchy rhythm sound more than anything else. Thinking it's worth saving the pennies and getting a Proco Rat as well as the AD30VT - combined with my boss SD-2, that could give be a nice broad base of overdrive sounds.

Thoughts, anyone?
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Hey Jim, that's very very similar to what I have as well. It really does work very well. The SD-2 is a great pedal. Don't sell it anytime soon.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

Jimbojsr said:
Thinking it's worth saving the pennies and getting a Proco Rat as well as the AD30VT - combined with my boss SD-2, that could give be a nice broad base of overdrive sounds.
Click to expand...

Hellz yeah!

I can tell you the Rat sounds great into an AC30 -- the "other" Vox.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

I've gotta go :thumbsdow on the 30W XL model I tried recently. I went in looking to get one as a replacement for my AD15VT ( I want that 12" speaker and the power soak) and I just didn't care for any of the new voicings. The 800 model which I use 99% of the time was just awful...sounded like a poorly modded version of an original (or a bad sounding 900). I spent a half hour trying to dial in something I liked.

The best thing about the XL was the lack of volume discrepancies compared to the original "silver" series.

I plugged into a AD15 like mine next to it, and it was*instant* useable good tone.
 
Re: Vox Modelling in the valvetronix

JeffB said:
I plugged into a AD15 like mine next to it, and it was*instant* useable good tone.
Click to expand...

That's reassuring - I'd be going for the "original", rather than the new grey hi-gain model. I take it your AD15VT is a good one, then? (even though I'd be going for the 30...)
 
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