Vox Valvetronix amps?
- Thread starter StratTom
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StratTom
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
Cool. Is there a significant difference between recording from the head vs. cab?
Pink Unicorn Horsey
Megä Pöny Rÿdr
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Yeah, I think you get a richer and more dynamic tone using the head into the cab rather than going directly from the head to the mixer or recording device. There's also the added versitility of using different cabs, switching mics, changing around mic placement, etc. Plus, you're using the tube in the power stage, which is bypassed when you go direct. My cab is a vertical 2x12.
- Keith
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Yeah, I think you get a richer and more dynamic tone using the head into the cab rather than going directly from the head to the mixer or recording device. There's also the added versitility of using different cabs, switching mics, changing around mic placement, etc. Plus, you're using the tube in the power stage, which is bypassed when you go direct. My cab is a vertical 2x12.
- Keith
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Exactly. Well stated.
Since I can't always mic up at home, the Ultra-G has been wonderful to use. Since it can handle the load from a speaker out (up to 3000 watts so the specs say), the dynamic tone and warmth is retained while going direct. I'd much rather mic up live but if I have to, I'll use the Ultra-G. And, since it has the direct link jack on it I come out of that back to the amp's speaker. To do that I had to rig up a 1/4" jack to the other +\- lugs on the speaker. This way I have my own "monitor" and run through the house system.
Re: Vox Valvetronix Amps?
Exactly. Well stated.
Since I can't always mic up at home, the Ultra-G has been wonderful to use. Since it can handle the load from a speaker out (up to 3000 watts so the specs say), the dynamic tone and warmth is retained while going direct. I'd much rather mic up live but if I have to, I'll use the Ultra-G. And, since it has the direct link jack on it I come out of that back to the amp's speaker. To do that I had to rig up a 1/4" jack to the other +\- lugs on the speaker. This way I have my own "monitor" and run through the house system.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
Here's another one. It starts out on the UK 80's model and then changes to the US High Gain model. This is running speaker out to the Behringer Ultra-G with its 4x12 cab sim on.
http://www.erikhansen.net/music/Strat-AirZone-800-Soldano.mp3
Here's another one. It starts out on the UK 80's model and then changes to the US High Gain model. This is running speaker out to the Behringer Ultra-G with its 4x12 cab sim on.
http://www.erikhansen.net/music/Strat-AirZone-800-Soldano.mp3
StratTom
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
Sounds great! I'm really set on checking out this amp. Thanks again!
JeffB
Let it B
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
Thanks for the "plug" DB
The VT are the most "organic" modellers...but the least flexible. They just don't have the sheer number of options or the versatility compared to say a Line 6 Flextone/PodXT/XTL, or Roland gear. I miss my POD XTL, cos I can get real close to *my* sound out of it...which is a 800 marshall blasting through GB25s. Can't get that on a Valvetronix.
That said, The VT have a good dose of tube warmth/compression, and respond to the touch AND the volume knob the way a tube amp does. Its not JUST like a tube-amp, but FAR better than the all digital amps. It's effects are also more organic or realistic.
I have owned the 15/30/50 combos, the Da5 combo (no tube), the ToneLab SE, and have put in a few hours on the "blue" combos (60/120).
For the small combos:IMO/IME, avoid the AD30VT. Its the worst of the bunch IMO..at least in stock form. Its the fuzziest and grainiest sounding, as well as the least "tight" or the sloppiest. It also has the least authentic sounding models...everything is a little "scooped" sounding...not full. I'd hope a new speaker would take care of it, but I don't know.
The 15 and 50 are MUCH punchier and tighter, and the models sound more "authentic". The 50 is the best of the lot simply for the fact that you have a speaker out, AND the wattage selector. The 15 watt does not have the speaker out or wattage selector. The 15 sounds AWESOME when ya get a little volume on it, but does lack some punch and fullness without the wattage selector. Its a dang loud 15 watts, but thankfully doesn't need to be cranked too much to get good tones. It also sounds much better at low volumes if you get it off the floor.
The Tonelab SE...I did not have good luck with running through my Atomic...it was small sounding, thin, and lacked a "real amp" tone. It sounded like a recording of a recording, no matter how much I played with it. The POD XTL on the other hand was full, punchy, and sounded more amp-like through the Atomic. A tube swap in the TL helped *some* but not nearly enough.
The 60/120w heads/combos are the Tonelab guts...and IME MUCH better than the TL through the Atomic. I like the stombox additions, and the effects tweakability that and the TL add but tonally I dont think they are any better as is...through a speaker cab with celestions, I'm sure they improve markedly.
The DA5 is the real surprise...absolutely a killer little tonebox..ALOT of fun, and unlike the other Valvetronix amps, ALL the models sound really good. It has no tube so it's a little fizzy on top and lacks warmth but it makes up for it in speed of attack (there is no "sag" or slower response), and requires little to no tweaking. I lterally can get great tones by just plugging in, setting the tone control at 1-2 oclock, and EVERY model will sound really good. In fact some of the DA5s models sound much better and more authentic than the VTs versions...Soldano, Marshall TSL, Bassman and the Dumble overdrive for example. Its the perfect practice/bedroom amp. It sounds good at really low volumes, and pretty decent at higher volumes..and its a loud 5 watts with great projection.
I have some clips up at www.soundclick.com/litrtrdnck. the first 5 or so clips at the top of the page.
The only issues i have had with them is reliability...my 50 died after a month, and my 30 got squirelly too..a couple of guys I know locally also had theirs die on them.they had a very high failure rate for a couple of years...but apparently reliability has been greatly improved and I've had no issues with my Da5 and AD15.
so IMO, unless you need tons of watts or the most versatility with effects combos and patch storage, grab a 15w or 50w "silverface" combo.
Thanks for the "plug" DB
The VT are the most "organic" modellers...but the least flexible. They just don't have the sheer number of options or the versatility compared to say a Line 6 Flextone/PodXT/XTL, or Roland gear. I miss my POD XTL, cos I can get real close to *my* sound out of it...which is a 800 marshall blasting through GB25s. Can't get that on a Valvetronix.
That said, The VT have a good dose of tube warmth/compression, and respond to the touch AND the volume knob the way a tube amp does. Its not JUST like a tube-amp, but FAR better than the all digital amps. It's effects are also more organic or realistic.
I have owned the 15/30/50 combos, the Da5 combo (no tube), the ToneLab SE, and have put in a few hours on the "blue" combos (60/120).
For the small combos:IMO/IME, avoid the AD30VT. Its the worst of the bunch IMO..at least in stock form. Its the fuzziest and grainiest sounding, as well as the least "tight" or the sloppiest. It also has the least authentic sounding models...everything is a little "scooped" sounding...not full. I'd hope a new speaker would take care of it, but I don't know.
The 15 and 50 are MUCH punchier and tighter, and the models sound more "authentic". The 50 is the best of the lot simply for the fact that you have a speaker out, AND the wattage selector. The 15 watt does not have the speaker out or wattage selector. The 15 sounds AWESOME when ya get a little volume on it, but does lack some punch and fullness without the wattage selector. Its a dang loud 15 watts, but thankfully doesn't need to be cranked too much to get good tones. It also sounds much better at low volumes if you get it off the floor.
The Tonelab SE...I did not have good luck with running through my Atomic...it was small sounding, thin, and lacked a "real amp" tone. It sounded like a recording of a recording, no matter how much I played with it. The POD XTL on the other hand was full, punchy, and sounded more amp-like through the Atomic. A tube swap in the TL helped *some* but not nearly enough.
The 60/120w heads/combos are the Tonelab guts...and IME MUCH better than the TL through the Atomic. I like the stombox additions, and the effects tweakability that and the TL add but tonally I dont think they are any better as is...through a speaker cab with celestions, I'm sure they improve markedly.
The DA5 is the real surprise...absolutely a killer little tonebox..ALOT of fun, and unlike the other Valvetronix amps, ALL the models sound really good. It has no tube so it's a little fizzy on top and lacks warmth but it makes up for it in speed of attack (there is no "sag" or slower response), and requires little to no tweaking. I lterally can get great tones by just plugging in, setting the tone control at 1-2 oclock, and EVERY model will sound really good. In fact some of the DA5s models sound much better and more authentic than the VTs versions...Soldano, Marshall TSL, Bassman and the Dumble overdrive for example. Its the perfect practice/bedroom amp. It sounds good at really low volumes, and pretty decent at higher volumes..and its a loud 5 watts with great projection.
I have some clips up at www.soundclick.com/litrtrdnck. the first 5 or so clips at the top of the page.
The only issues i have had with them is reliability...my 50 died after a month, and my 30 got squirelly too..a couple of guys I know locally also had theirs die on them.they had a very high failure rate for a couple of years...but apparently reliability has been greatly improved and I've had no issues with my Da5 and AD15.
so IMO, unless you need tons of watts or the most versatility with effects combos and patch storage, grab a 15w or 50w "silverface" combo.
cronnin
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I bought one AD30VT, after consulting ErikH and it turned out perfectly well!
It worked for me excellent...for almost a month now.
I opened it, and it does not have a fan, it just has a huge cooler for a 6-pin electronic component placed just before the speaker output (in power stage).
The tube is Electro-Harmonix 12AX7, and it gets pretty hot, dont try to touch it, but it's so small, you cant get much heat from it.
I'm very satisfied with the sound. I guess the 50W version, with original Celestion speaker would sound brighter?
The 70/80s Celesetion speaker does have a differnet frequency response.
I changed strings on my guitar, and this time the amp really suonds muffled (though brighter- as it always is when you put a new set of strings) I dont know what I did wrong...maybe I have messed the tone pot...will see about that.
So, the guitar matters, pot matters...and by the way does anyboody know a good sounding hums for this amp? What Duncans or EMGs sound nice?
I bought one AD30VT, after consulting ErikH and it turned out perfectly well!
It worked for me excellent...for almost a month now.
I opened it, and it does not have a fan, it just has a huge cooler for a 6-pin electronic component placed just before the speaker output (in power stage).
The tube is Electro-Harmonix 12AX7, and it gets pretty hot, dont try to touch it, but it's so small, you cant get much heat from it.
I'm very satisfied with the sound. I guess the 50W version, with original Celestion speaker would sound brighter?
The 70/80s Celesetion speaker does have a differnet frequency response.
I changed strings on my guitar, and this time the amp really suonds muffled (though brighter- as it always is when you put a new set of strings) I dont know what I did wrong...maybe I have messed the tone pot...will see about that.
So, the guitar matters, pot matters...and by the way does anyboody know a good sounding hums for this amp? What Duncans or EMGs sound nice?
StratTom
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I've heard about the reliablity concerns with these as well. I hope for they are fixed by now. Anyone else have problems like JeffB had?
Thanks JeffB, I'll check those clips out tonight at home.Thanks for the "plug" DB
The VT are the most "organic" modellers...but the least flexible. They just don't have the sheer number of options or the versatility compared to say a Line 6 Flextone/PodXT/XTL, or Roland gear. I miss my POD XTL, cos I can get real close to *my* sound out of it...which is a 800 marshall blasting through GB25s. Can't get that on a Valvetronix.
That said, The VT have a good dose of tube warmth/compression, and respond to the touch AND the volume knob the way a tube amp does. Its not JUST like a tube-amp, but FAR better than the all digital amps. It's effects are also more organic or realistic.
I have owned the 15/30/50 combos, the Da5 combo (no tube), the ToneLab SE, and have put in a few hours on the "blue" combos (60/120).
For the small combos:IMO/IME, avoid the AD30VT. Its the worst of the bunch IMO..at least in stock form. Its the fuzziest and grainiest sounding, as well as the least "tight" or the sloppiest. It also has the least authentic sounding models...everything is a little "scooped" sounding...not full. I'd hope a new speaker would take care of it, but I don't know.
The 15 and 50 are MUCH punchier and tighter, and the models sound more "authentic". The 50 is the best of the lot simply for the fact that you have a speaker out, AND the wattage selector. The 15 watt does not have the speaker out or wattage selector. The 15 sounds AWESOME when ya get a little volume on it, but does lack some punch and fullness without the wattage selector. Its a dang loud 15 watts, but thankfully doesn't need to be cranked too much to get good tones. It also sounds much better at low volumes if you get it off the floor.
The Tonelab SE...I did not have good luck with running through my Atomic...it was small sounding, thin, and lacked a "real amp" tone. It sounded like a recording of a recording, no matter how much I played with it. The POD XTL on the other hand was full, punchy, and sounded more amp-like through the Atomic. A tube swap in the TL helped *some* but not nearly enough.
The 60/120w heads/combos are the Tonelab guts...and IME MUCH better than the TL through the Atomic. I like the stombox additions, and the effects tweakability that and the TL add but tonally I dont think they are any better as is...through a speaker cab with celestions, I'm sure they improve markedly.
The DA5 is the real surprise...absolutely a killer little tonebox..ALOT of fun, and unlike the other Valvetronix amps, ALL the models sound really good. It has no tube so it's a little fizzy on top and lacks warmth but it makes up for it in speed of attack (there is no "sag" or slower response), and requires little to no tweaking. I lterally can get great tones by just plugging in, setting the tone control at 1-2 oclock, and EVERY model will sound really good. In fact some of the DA5s models sound much better and more authentic than the VTs versions...Soldano, Marshall TSL, Bassman and the Dumble overdrive for example. Its the perfect practice/bedroom amp. It sounds good at really low volumes, and pretty decent at higher volumes..and its a loud 5 watts with great projection.
I have some clips up at www.soundclick.com/litrtrdnck. the first 5 or so clips at the top of the page.
The only issues i have had with them is reliability...my 50 died after a month, and my 30 got squirelly too..a couple of guys I know locally also had theirs die on them.they had a very high failure rate for a couple of years...but apparently reliability has been greatly improved and I've had no issues with my Da5 and AD15.
so IMO, unless you need tons of watts or the most versatility with effects combos and patch storage, grab a 15w or 50w "silverface" combo.
I've heard about the reliablity concerns with these as well. I hope for they are fixed by now. Anyone else have problems like JeffB had?
Pink Unicorn Horsey
Megä Pöny Rÿdr
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
My understanding is that, among other improvements, they've added an internal fan to keep things cooler on the inside.
My understanding is that, among other improvements, they've added an internal fan to keep things cooler on the inside.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
No problems with mine. The problem was with heat causing components to fail. That was fixed with a bigger vent and a cooling fan inside. I can hear the fan going when not playing, not through the speaker though, but through the air vent on top. I've played mine a lot since getting it and haven't had an issue.
One thing you should do regardless of which one you get is to put some clear nail polish on the input jack nut so it stays in place. Those can come lose. Just let the nail polish seep in to the threads and dry.
No problems with mine. The problem was with heat causing components to fail. That was fixed with a bigger vent and a cooling fan inside. I can hear the fan going when not playing, not through the speaker though, but through the air vent on top. I've played mine a lot since getting it and haven't had an issue.
One thing you should do regardless of which one you get is to put some clear nail polish on the input jack nut so it stays in place. Those can come lose. Just let the nail polish seep in to the threads and dry.
StratTom
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I had about the input jack issue also. However, I've never heard about the clear nail polish trick but hey if that works, then it works.
75lespaul
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I've got the AD60VTX combo (blue model). I've had it close to a year with no problems (knock on wood). I love mine. I look at it like it's another amp that gets me the "sound" of a Marshall, or the "sound" of a Fender without mimicing it perfectly. In the ballpark so to speak.
Gearjoneser is exactly right. I've found the same thing with my Line 6 Vetta as well. Things like using the Bassman amp with the tube screamer to sound like the EVH brown sound instead of using the plexi. For example, I have a real 65 Fender Champ. I couldn't get the 1X12 tweed to sound anything like it, but the Tweed 4X10 nailed it. I mean, you can barely tell the difference.
The amp and stomp combos are many and the possiblilities endless. I don't like the chorus. I love the phase shifter and all the stomp boxes except the acoustic modeler. I like the reverbs as well, but the wattage selector really is a godsend. I also use my amp with an Earcandy Buzzbomb 2X12 that's loaded with a Celestion V30 + G12H30. Sounds 100 times better than with just the internal speaker.
I've got the AD60VTX combo (blue model). I've had it close to a year with no problems (knock on wood). I love mine. I look at it like it's another amp that gets me the "sound" of a Marshall, or the "sound" of a Fender without mimicing it perfectly. In the ballpark so to speak.
Gearjoneser is exactly right. I've found the same thing with my Line 6 Vetta as well. Things like using the Bassman amp with the tube screamer to sound like the EVH brown sound instead of using the plexi. For example, I have a real 65 Fender Champ. I couldn't get the 1X12 tweed to sound anything like it, but the Tweed 4X10 nailed it. I mean, you can barely tell the difference.
The amp and stomp combos are many and the possiblilities endless. I don't like the chorus. I love the phase shifter and all the stomp boxes except the acoustic modeler. I like the reverbs as well, but the wattage selector really is a godsend. I also use my amp with an Earcandy Buzzbomb 2X12 that's loaded with a Celestion V30 + G12H30. Sounds 100 times better than with just the internal speaker.
StratTom
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I noticed that musician's friend still has the 60w and 120w head. I'm hoping to find one around so I can check it out. I also want to check out the 100w head. This would be great that way I can keep my cab. My only concern is with the 100w is that its output is 8ohms. Would this be a problem considering I have a 16ohm cab?
I noticed that musician's friend still has the 60w and 120w head. I'm hoping to find one around so I can check it out. I also want to check out the 100w head. This would be great that way I can keep my cab. My only concern is with the 100w is that its output is 8ohms. Would this be a problem considering I have a 16ohm cab?
A Skater
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I got the AD30VT and it's really nice. It took a very long time for me to get used to it. When I went into GC to buy a new amp, I was a few steps away from getting a Behringer 100 Watter with 2 speakers. However, I went home and did my research on the Vox and asked many people whether I should get a Vox, a Behringer, or a Roland. Most of the experienced players told me to go with Vox, so I trusted their judgement. When I first played it, I wanted the most distortion I could get from it, so I used the Rectifier model. Now, I'm overdriving (with pedals) the Vox AC15 model and it sounds very good.
After reading the instructions several times and fiddling around with it for hours, I got the gnarliest tones from it! As mentioned before, the tone does sound very CD-like up to a certain degree but it still has that live rawness. Despite the amount of time I've spent trying to get an orgasmic tone out of it, I still don't fully understand the way to use the effects as you can control every aspect of it, such as the depth in the delays. However, even with my poor experience with the effects, they're still very, very good.
Also, I've heard that with a speaker upgrade (which I'm going to do as soon as I buy some coats from the thrift store), it sounds even more amazing. So, I'd recommend that if you're not too content with your amp.
Another thing I've noticed is how awesome it takes pedals. I tried a tube screamer through it, a boss mega distortion, and a boss equalizer. They all sounded better than they would through a solid state amp.
That wattage control knob=:bowdown:
I got the AD30VT and it's really nice. It took a very long time for me to get used to it. When I went into GC to buy a new amp, I was a few steps away from getting a Behringer 100 Watter with 2 speakers. However, I went home and did my research on the Vox and asked many people whether I should get a Vox, a Behringer, or a Roland. Most of the experienced players told me to go with Vox, so I trusted their judgement. When I first played it, I wanted the most distortion I could get from it, so I used the Rectifier model. Now, I'm overdriving (with pedals) the Vox AC15 model and it sounds very good.
After reading the instructions several times and fiddling around with it for hours, I got the gnarliest tones from it! As mentioned before, the tone does sound very CD-like up to a certain degree but it still has that live rawness. Despite the amount of time I've spent trying to get an orgasmic tone out of it, I still don't fully understand the way to use the effects as you can control every aspect of it, such as the depth in the delays. However, even with my poor experience with the effects, they're still very, very good.
Also, I've heard that with a speaker upgrade (which I'm going to do as soon as I buy some coats from the thrift store), it sounds even more amazing. So, I'd recommend that if you're not too content with your amp.
Another thing I've noticed is how awesome it takes pedals. I tried a tube screamer through it, a boss mega distortion, and a boss equalizer. They all sounded better than they would through a solid state amp.
That wattage control knob=:bowdown:
pedalinbob
New member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
Great info, JeffB and others.
I tried an AD30VT last year for a few days...and couldn't get a good tone out of it.
It always sounded muffled and kind of flat.
I have tried the 60--not sure which version for about 20 minutes in the store...and was not impressed. But, I know I needed more time to dial it in.
I tried the Roland Microcube. No joy.
I may have to check out the 50w, 15w and the DA5...
Great info, JeffB and others.
I tried an AD30VT last year for a few days...and couldn't get a good tone out of it.
It always sounded muffled and kind of flat.
I have tried the 60--not sure which version for about 20 minutes in the store...and was not impressed. But, I know I needed more time to dial it in.
I tried the Roland Microcube. No joy.
I may have to check out the 50w, 15w and the DA5...
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
That's why I always suggest buying the head versions of modeling amps......or using an external cab with the combo's chassis. A good cab makes a world of difference. Remember that most critics of modelers are comparing their nice tube amp with expensive cab to a modeler with inferior cab and junk speaker.
That's not a fair comparison. Connect the Vox AD120VTH head in stereo to 2 Bogner cabs, and you won't even believe it's a digital amp anymore. Way better!
That's why I always suggest buying the head versions of modeling amps......or using an external cab with the combo's chassis. A good cab makes a world of difference. Remember that most critics of modelers are comparing their nice tube amp with expensive cab to a modeler with inferior cab and junk speaker.
That's not a fair comparison. Connect the Vox AD120VTH head in stereo to 2 Bogner cabs, and you won't even believe it's a digital amp anymore. Way better!
daemon barbeque
Zuhahahaologist
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
I have the input jack issue too.It will be in service on monday!It happend in a concert ones ,and it is damn "unreliable".I am going to get a metal input jack!
I have the input jack issue too.It will be in service on monday!It happend in a concert ones ,and it is damn "unreliable".I am going to get a metal input jack!
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Vox Valvetronix amps?
If you get a metal one, make sure it is isolated from the chasis you could run in to a ground issue. That is one of the reasons it's plastic. Just make sure it's on there good and tight (not too tight) and then apply some clear nailpolish like I did. That sucker hasn't moved once on me.
If you get a metal one, make sure it is isolated from the chasis you could run in to a ground issue. That is one of the reasons it's plastic. Just make sure it's on there good and tight (not too tight) and then apply some clear nailpolish like I did. That sucker hasn't moved once on me.
