Vox Valvetronix VT15s from A&C
Hamilton Preston
With sound quality that overpowers its rivals
I like to play loud and as we all know valves like to be played loud . However
Mums Dads or in my case girlfiends dont always appreciate my awesome
technique at full volume. The Valtronix AC15 is the answer to my dream, I can
push the valve and tone to extreme and although Im not as loud as Id like to
be I dont have a bruise from the frying pan on my head and I do get the tone.
The Valvetronix VT15s power break is a godsend
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Sound Great with This Very Portable 100-watt Modeling Amp!
The Vox Valvetronix VT15 100-watt modeling guitar amplifier combo packs great
amp and effects models into a 2 x 12" combo that packs a real punch!
The Valvetronix VT15 gives you 22 amp models, 12 effects (including independent
reverb), and a total of 66 presets for an incredible amount of flexibility
onstage, in the studio, or in the practice room. Its onboard 12AX7 tube gives
you that magical tube amp response - and you can even choose the output wattage
to take advantage of those characteristics at low volumes.
Its 2 x 12" speaker configuration makes the Valvetronix VT15 sound full,
too. |
Vox has a heritage that no other music company can boast.
Throughout the 1960’s it was one of the greatest innovators of music
technology and the name Vox was associated with many top and new artists of the
decade such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and The Shadows. Over fifty
years later, after six changes of ownership, it is still surviving in what has
become one of the worlds most competitive markets. Now there is a whole new
generation of Vox users, many because of their aspirations and respect for the
many artists who rely on Vox for their sound. So here is a brief overview of
the history of Vox and how it became one of the best-know amplifier brand.
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VT15 Twenty-two amp models
use high-quality modeling technology Another indispensible aspect of the Vox
VT15 Valvetronix is the modeling technology that is the source of its diverse
amp sounds. The sounds of twenty-two tube amps sought-after by the guitarists
are built in, including vintage amps that are now hard to find, as well costly
boutique amps. The coverage includes not only vintage types, but also the
latest high-gain types, accommodating a wide variety of playing techniques and
styles. |
Key Features of the Vox VT15 Valvetronix 15W Guitar Amp
Combo
- VOX Valve Reactor circuit that uses a 12AX7 to produce real tube power amp
sound.
- Twenty-two realistic amp models are built-in, ranging from the latest
high-gain types to unobtainable legendary boutique amps and vintage amps.
- Twelve high-quality effects including independent reverb, rivaling the
quality of dedicated units
- Three banks (basic, effected, and song) are provided for each amp model,
giving you a total of sixty-six preset programs.
- Twenty-two programs of "song presets" simulate the sounds of
famous guitarists. You can save eight of your own edited programs.
- Power level control allows you to adjust the output wattage of the power
amp, meaning that you can obtain that distinctive power amp distortion even at
low output levels. Headphone output lets you practice at home, even at night.
- By using the VFS5 foot switch you can use your foot to change programs or
turn effects on/off.
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VT15 Twelve high-quality effects deliver the
essentials with plenty of variation
Effects are an important part of creating your guitar sound. The Vox VT15
guitar amp contains twelve effects with quality rivaling that of dedicated
stand-alone processors, ranging from familiar standards to fresh new types. Of
these, the reverb effect is always available, and three of the other eleven
types are composite effects that allow up to three effects to be used
simultaneously. Noise reduction can also be used at the same time. Each effect
has multiple parameters that you can adjust to create the precise sound you
want. Theres also a tap switch that makes it easy to set the delay time or
modulation speed. Independent reverb is provided, giving you an even broader
range of sound-creating possibilities. |
Optional VFS5 foot switch lets you switch programs or
turn effects on/off with your foot
By using the optional VFS5 foot switch you can switch programs, turn reverb or
other effects on/off, or make speed/tap settings using your foot. This is a
great advantage when youre creating sounds or performing live. Headphone
output and expandability allows home recording and late-night practice
Theres a headphone output that can be connected to headphones or to your mixer
or multi-track recorder. Since the tonal characteristics of the cabinet are
applied to this output, the sound will not be impaired even if you make a
direct-line recording or listen through headphones, ensuring that you continue
to get that great spatial depth and character. The VT50/100 provides a speaker
output that allows an external speaker to be connected, and the VT15 provides
an effect loop thats convenient for connecting an external effect, giving you
the flexibility to configure your system for any situation. |
The 60s and 70s 1961
Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight” is #1. The first Vox
guitar were now on sale. The Stroller and the Clubman. These were low cost
budget models made for Vox by a furniture maker, and were comparable to other
similar models available at the time. 1962
The Beatles record "Love Me Do" using at least one fawn AC15. Not
content with making low cost guitars that looked like American imports, Tom
Jennings decided that a more original design of higher quality was needed.
After teaming up with Italian guitar maker, EKO to provide the necks, one of
Vox’ most famous guitars appeared in late 1962. With a trapezoid shaped
body it was named the Vox Phantom. Also in 1962, AC30’s started to be made
covered in black vinyl as well as the usual blonde vinyl and the Beatles start
a long a prosperous association with Vox taking delivery of some new AC30s.
1963
The Phantom was now very successful and used by many top artist of the era
including the Dave Clark Five and the Hollies. Late 1963 Vox produce the
Phantom Mk III guitar. Completely different in shape to the early Phantom
guitar, this rounder, lute shaped instrument went on to become Vox’s most
famous guitar shape. Soon it was simply known as the “Teardrop”
guitar. The very first hand built example was used and made famous by Rolling
Stones founder member Brian Jones. Semi-acoustic guitars were also very
fashionable and the Vox Victor was made in the style of a Hofner and the Vox
Verithin that was more like a Gibson 335. The black coloured AC30s were now
very popular and soon the blonde coloured ones were phased out and a new Vox
amplifier arrives, the AC50. 1964
Cassius Clay becomes heavyweight champion when Sonny Liston throws in the towel
in the sixth round The success of the Vox guitars meant that the range would
expand. And soon there were not only 6-string lead and 4-string bass version of
the Phantom and Teardrop but 12-string versions. Also by 1964 Vox were making a
short scale 12-string guitar know as the “Mando” guitar because of
its mandolin style attributes. A major part of the Jennings Musical Industries
business at the time was still electronic organs.
Earlier in 1962 the Continental I organ was launched but because of the strong
Vox name it was marketed as the Vox Continental I organ. The technology from
this organ led to one of Vox’s really true innovations of the time. The
Vox Guitar Organ was a guitar that contained the oscillator circuits from the
Vox continental organ. By holding down the strings, the organ tone would sound
and could be combined with the sound of the guitar. Dick Denny continued to be
creative and soon the Vox catalogue contained the Vox Echo machine,
Vox Radio Microphone and the first Vox transistor amplifier, the T60. Also, the
Top Boost add-on for AC30’s was now integrated into the design and
construction of the AC30, and it became known as the AC30 Top Boost. |
The sound of the Vox Continental found more success with The
Animals reaching number one with “The House of the Rising Sun”.
Also at the same time is could be heard on Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah
Diddy Diddy” and the Zombies’ “She’s Not There”. Other
Vox models of note to appear in 1964 were the Foundation bass speaker cabinet
and the AC100 head that was designed to be used with the new Beatle speaker
cabinet. In need of further financial investment and also with a fear that the
golden age of pop maybe short lived, Tom Jennings looked for perspective buyers
for his business.
During 1964 the Royston Group acquired a substantial shareholding. With the
success of the Beatles in the U.S. and subsequent demand for Vox products by
U.S. importers, a deal was made with the Thomas Organ Company to import Vox
into the USA. More premises were now needed and manufacturing works in West
Street, Erith were made available with the help of the Royston Group.
1965
The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing songs from their new
album Help! The Thomas Organ Company began to supplement the imported Vox valve
amplifiers from the UK with their own U.S. made transistor models design by
their laboratories at La Sepulvenda. The Super Beatle amplifier appears with a
host of features including built-in tuning tones and a Hammond licensed reverb
effect. The Thomas Organ Company pay a large licensing fee to the Royston Group
and Jennings loses control of Vox in the U.S. All U.S. amplifier models soon
become transistors based. 1966
The Thomas Organ company expanded the range and the 4 and 7 series amplifiers
were added to the catalogue. 1967 The first issue of Rolling Stone magazine is
published With Dick Denney’s help a range of UK solid-state amplifier were
soon on sale in the UK. The Conqueror (30 watts), Defiant (50 watts) and
Supreme (100 watts) were three lead guitar models that had unique, at the time,
features like distortion, tremolo and a Vox reverb. Also, three bass model were
added, The Dynamic (30 watts), Foundation (50 watts) and Super Foundation (100
watts).
Due the cost of the Alnico magnets, the Vox Blue speaker was phased out and
replaced by cheaper ceramic magnet speakers. With a complete catalogue of
transistor amplifiers, the great valve Vs transistor debate started amongst
guitarist and with most favouring valves, Vox started to loose some reputation
for sound quality. Not helped by the advent of Hard Rock with legends such as
Hendrix and Cream favouring amplifier made by the competition. The Wah-Wah made
its first appearance. Designed to emulate the sound of a muted trumpet the Vox
Wah-Wah pedal was one of Vox’s most innovative and successful products.
With the Royston Groups take over of Vox and the Thomas Organ Company’s
control of Vox’s U.S. operation, Tom Jennings resigns. 1968 The Bill Wyman
bass arrives and the Royston Group invest heavily in other areas outside the
music industry, but these investments did not pay off and some major contracts
were lost. 1969 Astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the
Moon. Woodstock Music and Art Fair Royston Industries go into liquidation and
are put into the hand of the receiver. After nine mouths of uncertainty the
Corinthian Bank becomes the new owner of Vox. The name changes to Vox Sound
Ltd.
1970
Vox Sound Ltd is sold to a consortium comprising of John Birch and George Stowe
of Stolec Electronics and the Schroder Bank. Manufacturing was moved to
Hastings where a few organs and the AC30 were made. The AC30 now included
reverb and was manufactured using a printed circuit board (PCB). The valve
rectifier was also removed and replaced by a solid state device.
1972 CBS Arbiter, the UK Fender importer make an offer to buy Vox Sound
Ltd. Accepted by George Stowe, Vox has a new owner for the forth time.
Production moved to the Dallas Arbiter factory in Shoeburyness where their own
version of the AC30 was made. In a cost cutting exercise some features were
change much to the annoyance of AC30 fans. The cabinet was now made out of
particleboard as opposed to plywood making it heavier and weaker. In 1972 Vox
had the good fortune to team up with Brian May of the group Queen. Combining
multiple AC30 with a unique playing style, the image of Brian May backed by a
stack of AC30s provided excellent and much needed promotion for Vox.
Arbiter reintroduces the Vox organs with the re-issue of the Continental I and
Continental 300. A new version of the AC50 was made and a new amp the V100 was
made but short-lived. A mini AC30 was made that had a 2.5-watt output and was
battery powered. Soon a mains option was added and the Vox mains/Battery
amplifier was named the Escort.
1975
Vietnam War ends for the US. The Vox Escort 30 appears a 30 watt transistor
amplifier cosmetically styled like an AC30. By now a Solid State version of the
AC30 was available, the AC30SS and although it did not sound like a real valve
AC30 at the time it was good valve for money. 1978 First test-tube baby
CBS-Arbiter had by now had a fair attempt at reviving the Vox brand, and new
models like the AC120 amp, Italian made pedals including a Wah-Wah and the tone
bender had appeared. But with live music declining and strong competition from
other music companies a decision was made to sell Vox Sound Ltd. |
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VOX Valvetronix VT15 Specifications
- [Amp Models] BOUTIQUE CL,DELUXE TWEED,SUPER 4X10,AC15TB,AC30HH,EXPRESS
TRAIN,AC50CP2,UK 25TH,US 90S,UK MODERN,BOUTIQUE METAL,MODDED CL,TWEED
2X12,TWEED 4X10,AC15,AC30TB,BOUTIQUE OD,AC30BM,UK 80S,CALI METAL,UK 90S,METAL
BULL
- [Effect Models] DELAY,TAPE
ECHO,CHORUS,COMP,OCTAVE,FLANGER,PHASER,ROTARY,TREMOLO,PITCH,REVERB, NR(Noise
Reduction)
- Number of amp types: 22
- Number of effects: 12
- Number of programs: 66 preset,
- 8 user Input/output jacks: 1x INPUT,1 x FOOT SW jack, 1 x PHONE jack, 1 x
EXTERNAL SPEAKER OUT jack, 1 x LOOP RETURN jack, 1 x LOOP SEND jack
- Power amp output: maximum 100W RMS @8 ohms Speaker: 2 x VOX original (12
inch,8 ohm)
- Signal processing A/D conversion:
- 24-bit, D/A conversion: 24-bit, Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
- Power supply requirements: AC, local voltage Included items: power cable
- Options(Sold separately): VOX VFS5 foot switch
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