Vox AD30VT, AD50VT, AD10VT, AD15VT manual AC15

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4. AC15

This is modelled on Channel 2 of an amazing sounding 1962 VOX AC15. This 1 x12”, 15 Watt, valve driven combo was unleashed on the market in 1958 and was the first ever VOX amplifier. Thanks to its compactness, built in vibrato and tremen- dous tone, it was a huge hit with the popular British guitar bands of the time.

One of the biggest reasons for its signature tone is the fact that it employs EL84 output valves in a Class A circuit with no negative feedback. The result of this design is more perceived power and more distortion — the latter of which gets thick with second and third order harmonics that increase as the amp is cranked. Thanks to Valve Reactor Technology the power stage of your amp is automatically switched to its “EL84s in a Class A circuit with no feedback” emulation whenever AC15 (or AC30TB) is chosen.

The AC15 is the very essence of simplicity. The Channel we modelled only has three controls — Volume, Brilliance (really a bass cut) and Top Cut. When you select AC15, the GAIN control mimics the original’s Volume control. The BASS control acts as the Bass Cut (originally labelled Brilliance) with total variability instead of the original two position switch. Since everyone leaves the Top Cut in the full ON position, we’ve eliminated this function.

So what do the “extra” TREBLE and MIDDLE controls do? Set them at 12 o’clock and they’re “neutral” (they mimic the tone of the original) or tweak them for extra flexibility.

Original’s valve compliment: 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83s, 1 x ECC82 in preamp, 1 x EZ81 rectifier, 2 x EL84s in power amp.

5. AC30TB

The first AC30’s were similar to AC15’s but with twice the power (using four EL84’s) and the addition of a third channel. Just like the AC15, it was instantly popular. Even though it was a runaway success, several artists asked for more tonal flexibility. VOX designed an add-on tone circuit using an additional ECC83 valve. The circuit increased gain in the Brilliant channel and added Treble and Bass controls. The AC30’s new gutsy tone became an instantly recognisable signature sound of many major groups in the mid ’60S. VOX initially called this their “Brilliance Unit” but it quickly became known as “Top Boost.” When Top Boost was first introduced it was only avail- able as a retrofit back panel assembly. It was fitted to AC30 top panels around 1964.

GAIN, TREBLE and BASS mimic the original’s Volume, Treble and Bass con- trols. The MIDDLE is an “extra” with 12 o’clock being its “neutral” position.

Our AC30TB model produces clean sounds that are rich and jangly with a smooth yet detailed top end, and overdrives that have a glorious, throaty bark — just like those classic, “Class A” tones that have made the original a “must have” in any serious player’s amp collection.

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Contents Page Important Safety Instructions Table of Contents Page Main Features IntroductionWelcome Aboard Signal Path Power AMP and the GloryValve Reactor Technology Setup Quick StartChecking OUT the Preset Programs Switching Between the Channels of a ProgramCreating Your OWN Sounds Volume Guitarist’s Guided Panel TourInput Section AMP SectionEffect Section TREBLE, MIDDLE, and BassMaster EffectsPRESET/MANUAL/CHANNEL Section Power Switch AC powerPower Level Write buttonLINE/PHONE External Speaker OUT jackSend jack Return jackPreset Mode Selecting a Preset Program Channel Select Mode Selecting a Channel ProgramAbout the three operating modes Manual Mode Switching ChannelsGetting to Manual Mode Creating and storing your own program Creating Your OWN ProgramAdjusting the Noise Reduction When you’ve come up with a sound you like, store the programChecking the Settings of a Program Original Values Storing Your ProgramRestoring the Factory Settings Turn the power offUsing the VFS2 dual foot switch Switching the Channel Program SwitchTurning Effect Bypass ON/OFF Switch Switching to Manual Mode SwitchAmp models and effects AMP ModelsControlling Factors Power AMP Accuracy Tube TalkTurn IT UP Boutique CL BlackAC15 UK ’70s UK Modern NumetalUS Higain Boutique ODEffects EDIT1EDIT2 EDIT3Comp TAPFlanger Delay Troubleshooting Amp isn’t powering up when the Power switch is onYou can’t hear any effects Specifications Input/output jacksProgrammer’s Cheat Sheet Program Name EDIT2TAP+EDIT 1 /TAP