Vox AC30CC 112 Combo

Price Paid: US $850.00

Features: 9
Features as listed in prevous reviews.

I don't use the reverb, it's pretty weak. I use a Boss RV 5 instead.

The tremolo works well but I don't use it. It is nice to have however.

Sound Quality: 10
I've been playing 35 + years. Did the bar scene for years. Back in the day I had a Marshall 50 watt MV combo and other assorted Fenders.

Now, I play in a Christian praise band. We are not the avearge praise band. We play LOUD and we recycle a lot of old rock songs as instrumentals. We really have a ball. I also play in a Christian blues band.

The Praise band has a two hour practice once a week and we play two services each Sunday. The AC 30 does get hot but I have not had any breakdowns. I realize it's not 4 sets a night in a club, but it's what I do. The amp sounds great straight and it also sounds great with my pedals. I have not made any changes in the electronics and I doubt that I will as I'm not electronically inclined.

I play Gibson Les Paul Historic models and I also have a Firebird V that I also use. The AC 30 CC1 makes all of my guitars sound great. It especially sounds awesome with the Firebird V. Crystal clear highs, great mids and the bottom doesn't get muddy. The Firebird sounds like a Strat on steroids.

Reliability: 9
I was skeptical about this amp when I first considered buying it. I read a lot of posts on several other forums and the early models seemed to have a lot of problems.

To date, I have not had any trouble with this amp.I feel confident enough to gig without a backup if necessary. ( although I always have a backup amp where ever I go )

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't had to deal with Vox / Korg.

Overall Rating: 9
Over the years I played through all of the great amps, Twins, Bandmasters, Super Reverbs, Marshalls, Silvertones, Bassmans, Ampeg V2's etc.

Currently I have a Marshall JTM 45 RI in an 18 watt cabinet, a 68 Bandmaster piggyback, a 68 Bandmaster in a custom cabinet with a 15" 1966 Jensen Concert series speaker, Gibson Goldtone GA 30 RV and my AC 30 CC1. The AC 30 sounds different from the other amps in my collection. That's why I have the different amps; they all have their own special tone. Somebody once asked me which one of my amps was my favorite. My reply? " The one I'm playing right now."

Anyways, if my AC 30 were lost or stolen I would buy another one without hesitation. I would highly recommend the AC 30. IMO, it will handle any type of music in any venue.

Submitted by Coachmoe at 12/20/2005 21:25

Price Paid: US $999.

Features: 9
Purchased new from Vox 06/05. Most of us are familiar with the features by now, but in case you aren't go here:http://www.voxamps.co.uk/products/ac30/ac_30cc.htm, to learn all you need. I have to say that for my playing preferences it has all I need (and a little more...). I use this amp in the studio and for club gigs, and it has plenty of juice (as I matter of fact I have the bias st on the lower power setting because it "warms" the sound a bit; takes off a bit of the high end.

Sound Quality: 10
Although I have a bunch of differnt guitars, I used a trusted old tele (stock late 50's pickups), and a likewise old strat for my sonic evaluations. I play sort of a straight-ahead type of heavy folk-rock thing (mix equal parts Byrds and Zep!?); nothing too "shreddy" (it's a word now, I guess...). I originally had this amp up for sale on e-bay, but didn't have any takers ( nobody hit the reserve price); so...I decided to give it another try before I gave it up to someone else, and I'm glad I did. Thing is, I think this may be a truly misunderstood piece of equipment. First of all, I didn't give it a fair shake first time around. I was a bit spooked by some of the other reviews and it colored my expectations. So, I opened it up, took a look around and changed all the tubes (J/J's for the El-84's & EH for the 12 AX7's). BIG DIFFERENCE! Seriously folks, the power tubes that come with the amp are actually quite good and don't really need replacing (Electro Harmonix 84's; sound good AND take the heat of the oven known as AC30...), but the crap Chinese tubes have gotta go (Very Microphonic; lots of mechanical noise, especially at higher gain settings.)After that I just ran the amp through all the paces anfd was very impressed. Also, at first I couldn't really get the "Custom/Standard tone switch to make that much difference. Then I turned both tone controls all the up (where they become highly interactive, and the backed off on the treble to about 3 o'clock, and THEN flipped the switch around and you can see (hear, that is...) what it does: Very versatile! This is funny: at one point I'm sittingf there diggin' on this great amp when all of a sudden, a eally strange series of hums and whirs and cliks starts comming out of the amp! I thought, "Oh crap!" Just when I was thinking irt was a 10! Then i realizes what was creating the interference; My Cellphone!!! Turned it off, noise went bye-bye. All-in-all, I love this thing can get everything out of it that I want, y'know? (and that's all that matters.

Reliability: N/A
How do I know. I've been using it about 4 hours a day, a minimum of 5 days (including rehearsals), so far so good. And for those people belly-aching about "cheap Chinese manufacture" and all the rest of it, I don't know what version of this thing you stumbled into, but mine's made very well, indeed. I think if a boutique builder tried to do this amp, it would probably be three grand (or more) with all the point-to-point nonsense ( I own several...and this compares very favorably in tone and construction...), which can be but isn't neccessarily a guarantee of quality OR good tone...Also, anyone who owns (as I do) an original AC30 can tell you that (depending on who and where the chassis and cabinetry were built and "married" together...) the amp is usually a crazy patchwork of components inside (If Tim Burton designed & built an amp, it would look like these...)that ALL MAKE THE CRAZIEST SOUNDS YOU EVER HEARD (...from time to time).

Customer Support: 8
Don't know; hope I never have to use it. They (Vox) have authorized service centers around which I've availed myself of before (AC306/TBX; now there's an amp that has issues: whaddya want, Marshall built them for Vox in their spare time ).

Overall Rating: 8
I really like it a lot; grows on me more every time I plug into it. Love the way it sounds; of course, nothing is as beautiful as a Vox AC; and the more I compare it to some of my other boutique amps (Top Hat Club Royale 2-12, Older Vibrolux, Fender Bassman reissue, AC30TBX, etc, which re all Great Amps, the more I really appreciate the the tone of this thing!

Submitted by Rdart50 at 08/23/2005 17:30

Price Paid: US $977.0

Features: 10
The Chinese built Vox AC30 CC1. Front panel controls: Inputs x 2

(Top Boost & Normal);
Input Link Switch for blending channels;
Normal Volume;
Brilliance Switch;
Top Boost Volume;
Treble;
EQ Standard/Custom Switch;
Bass; Reverb Controls (Tone, Mix, Dwell Switch);

It's got all you ever needed.
Tremolo Speed & Depth;
Tone Cut;
Master Volume;
Standby Switch;
Power Switch

Sound Quality: 10
I finaly got my AC30CC1. And spent 12 hours with it so far, I just gotta say this. I was astounded by the quality of the amp as I pulled her out of the box. I looks, feels, smells ( yes, smells ) like my Korg re-issue. The basketweave tolex is nice, the fit and finish is all Vox, and nothing but. They did a great job in reproducing the amp here.

The blendable channels are just nothing short of amazing ! This is were I was most pleased.... !!!! I set the normal channel with 1/2 bass and set the brilliant
channel to crispy clean glassy sound. Linked together they produce a sweet TONE that is INCREDIBLE ! I am almost upset at how good the tone is from this amp. For less than half the price of what I paid for my 1998 re-issue.

The reverb is unlike a fender reverb, it is different , but very usuable. It adds a touch of dimension to the sound. I like it very much. The vibrato is gone. But ho used it ? The tremolo is deep and rich as expected. People looking for a fender like reverb will be disapointed though. But this is the new AC30 !!!

The TONE is crisp and jangly. Very 1980's U2ish which is the music I mostly play. Very bouncy Vox tone. I set my output to 8 ohms. and set the bias to vintage warm. WOW, the TONE ! I love the celestion neodog inside there. I wonder if I will even change for the alnico blue ( but probably so ) only thing this amp is a 30 watter, a 15watt G12 blue would most likely blow at high volumes. I will also check into the weber vintage series alnico blue. They produce a 30 watter that has great reviews. The Celestion Century g12 'neodog' is a great speaker choice for this amp. I ran it to my G12h30 speaker cab, and no, the g12 century sounded more alnico blue'ish...

To anyone who ever wanted a Vox AC30. Don't hesitate and run to the store to snap one of these up ! This is to answer to prayers for the people on the list that weren't able to fork up two grand +++ $$ for a re-issue or JMI. Thanks Vox !

Reliability: N/A
Time will tell about the chinese realibility of the amp. But throughout time, the AC30 was never about reliability, it is about TONE !

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with them.

Overall Rating: N/A

Submitted by Marc at 08/14/2005 14:30

Price Paid: N/A

Features: N/A
This is addition to my previous review.
I should add that there is possibility to improve the sound of this combo and I did it after couple of weeks.
So hear is my impressions on combo after following changes:

-preamp tubes replaced with Mullard ECC 803s
-loudspeaker (that is indeed very good) replaced with Celestion Alnico Blue
-loudspeaker cable replaced by slightly longer high-end cable

Sound Quality: 10
Yes, now it is 10+, slightly brighter, perfect cleans, but very subtle and even better on distorted sounds.
Tubes made mids more open and forward placed, the room if filled with sound even on low levels.
Some reviewers on AC 30 CC2 criticized noisy operations. Should be something wrong with their combo. In modern mode, it is very silent and with Mullards almost completely noise-free, yes in vintage mode due to some wiring sound is slightly changed, but for me it's not better, so just change back to modern mode and no problems.
Alos, some reviewers compared this one with 30-40 years old originals and it's funny and stupid comparison.
When I put same tubes and loudspeaker to vintage AC 30, I got similar, but not better sound.
In my experience 112 has more mid-range and tightier sound than 212 and it's lighter.
It reallt exceels on distorted sounds, I use Tech 21 in loop for distortion generation and when mixed with many tubes in path, at the end all magic is there. No problems to get any brutal sound.

Reliability: N/A
I checked carefully inside of amp and it seems sturdy and built to last. Many people are concerned, but after 3 months of very heavy use didn't find any flaws. I hope it will work long, as I like it very much.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: N/A
So, my mods costed 520 $ (340 for loudspeaker and 180 for tubes). so more than 50% over the price. Is it worth?
Depend on expectations, but many subtle nuances are improved, sound is even bigger, smoother and I would do it again.

Submitted by Dirk Hannes at 08/04/2005 14:28

Price Paid: US $900

Features: 9
The latest version of venerable AC 30. And the best so far. Well, JMI AC 30 could have some vibe slightly different, but this one rocks really good.
I am amased for price bellow 1k I got incredible combo with huge power, it is loud.
I like reverb, as it is very shy almost not noticable, compared to my beloved reverb on Crate GXL 44.
It is almost noise-free (in vintage mode nosie is slightly higher, but I don't use vintage mode).
It has all, depth, warmth, highs, lows, plenty of everything.
Of course this is noble combo, so for power metal you still need something like Mesa.
3 channels with intereting mixing route.
I just miss possibility to switch channels by remote control, but hey than it would not be AC-30.

Sound Quality: 10
I tried it with all guitars I have, PRS Modern Eagle, Parker Fly Mojo, Pensa Suhr Strat, PRS 513 and some others.
It is always huge, nice, kind to ears and soul. On higher level you can feel tone more than hear it.
This is not cheap re-issue. It is reall AC 30 for XXI century.

Reliability: N/A
No idea.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I play for 28 years, on stage and in studio, I have 10 amps, 22 guitars and know what is good sound.
AC 30 is not the best combo I ever heard (in any of its incarnations), but it is damn near to be one of the best.
AC 30 is history and history in such good shape was never so affordable.
Well, I don't know would it be so reliable as my other dependable combos, but we'll see.
Anyhow just warm recommendations.

Submitted by Dirk Hannes at 08/03/2005 11:29

Price Paid: US $750.00

Features: 10
bought this amp from guitar shop in Lexington Ky that I do refinish work for. It is brand new. I really like the versatility(spanky-clean) to overdrive and anything in between. Probably won't use the "crunch" setting. I play mostly in small venues and really appreciate the settings on the rear to "power down" the amp. Earier AC 30's would have been too loud for my use. This amp has killer tone but does require some study time to get it right. The card Vox sends with 4 different settings is helpful because the "clean"setting on the card is one I would never have tried and as it turns out, it is perfect for a Ric 12 string which I use a lot.

Sound Quality: 10
I play a mix of vintage rock to ballad on a Gretsch 6120 DeArmond pickup and a Ric 12 string with "horseshoe" pickups, and a strat with vintage 50's Lindy fralin's. My 60's deluxe reverb blackface can't touch it in the tone dept either in clean or overdrive. Look, this amp is not a Marshall and people who want that sound should probably not buy this one. This amp keeps your guitar sounding like a guitar not like swarm of bees when it overdrives and that is what I wanted. It has the best master volume setup I've ever tried.

Reliability: N/A
Based on other revues I've read on this amp and the fact that mine has a not too noticable but big dent in the cabinet, I feel that Vox should get a better shipping box supplier and maybe another shipper than the goons at UPS. Every knowledgable music guy knows that class A amps are delicate and shipping is hard on any tube amp. I probably wouldn't have bought this amp if I didn't have a buddy who's as ace amp tech. But so far so good. I've only had it two weeks

Customer Support: N/A
no dealings- will probably arrange my own repairs if needed

Overall Rating: 10
40 years playing time and I only wish I could have started out on an amp like this. If it proves to be reliable, I would by another one in a heartbeat especially for what mine cost. I chose this particular model because of its portability (the 2 -12" combo is too heavy for my use. The ability to lower the power output and response is a real plus for indoor venues. Take some time to explore the features on this amp and you should be happy with it. the interactive tone contols will fool you at first(some settings work best with them completly off)and find two or three sound that work for you and follow directions when switching on and off and when setting the switches on the back panel.

Submitted by bill lester at 07/16/2005 08:07

Price Paid: US $850.00

Features: 9
New 2005 combo, hencho in China.
A lot of features compared to my 1965 Ac-30.
Tremelo is nice but a little slow(crimson and clover until yer mates scream STOP!),Reverb is passable at low settings,decay
is to long.Input link is nice for dialing in warmth from normal channel.
Modern/vintage switch for EQ,i don't hear it in either ear.
Half power feature is nice but doesn't seem like a huge volume change.
FX loop-I don't need it although it might get used in the future.
Slip cover,Not included and thats a feature i would use grasshopper:)
Oh yea, i can lift it much easier than the 2x12.
Very important as you approach Geezerhood.

Sound Quality: 9
I waited 4 months for this amp to get here so i could retire my old AC-30.
I play all kinds of music,all rooted in blues if i get it my way.Les Pauls,
Ricky 12,Old Harmony with a P-90 and soul you can't buy.
My original JMI is my favorite amp i've ever owned in 25 years of playing.
The list of amps i've had would be to long and we are talking Vox sound,
So i'm comparing it to the real deal.I almost canceled the order after
hearing about so many problems from others.If youv'e owned an original
you know what a pain these things can be,Hot,Tempermental,hissy ,
moody works of art.The AC-30cc is cut from the same cloth and sounds
incredible.I was floored...notes bloom,tight bass out of an 1x12!
It grinds a bit more than my JMI,with a hint of Marshall.And the master
volume works nicely.The sweetest clean sounds! I am very impressed with the Celestion neo-dog.
This amp is Not a copy of an JMI era AC-30.It has it's own vibe and
tone to itself.I do think it's more Vox than many other X-pensive boutique
wanna-be amps.This amp makes me smile when i plug in.

Reliability: N/A
I've had it a couple of weeks and have left it on all the time,stand bye
overnight.I been waiting for problems,so far none.
I will be changing the spkr. leads so i can plug in my UniValve as a back up
for gigs.The cabinet work is perfect and still the most beautifull look to
me of any ampLove me do!Yes it's honeymoon time and i expect problems
cause it's a hot-tube machine.Go spend $$$$ on an old one that you can't
leave the house without a back-up and a fire-extinguisher.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with them.
We should add a category to these reviews called Lack of Customer Support.
Thats a whole 'nother rant and i'd be preachin' to the choir.
Please Vox, surprise us all.

Overall Rating: 9
I have a few other amps,THD,Fender,off the wall(Harmony-Silvertone)
My original JMI AC-30.Also work in a studio where everything passes through
for recording.If it were stolen i wouldn't be happy,thats why i bought it
because my old AC-30 is irreplacable.No amp is the holy-grail and i'm
always looking for more/different sounds that have their own voice.
This amp has it in spades and for small$$
If i was Matchless/Bad Cat/TopHat ETC....i would beSCARED cause this
amp equals and betters most(soundwise) for a lot less cash.
Build quality isn't the same league as Boutique .
I have a friend with the korg ac-30,another with a korg ac-15.
I was fortunate to have my JMI set up by Mark Sampson and he made it sing.
The AC-30cc is more musical, especially the clean tone than the korg
models.And it is more flexible than any of them.I like it as much as my JMI
for sheer fun.Will it hold up under gig conditions?Only time will tell.
If you have to have" that" Vox sound,buy an old classic IF you can find one
that has the magic(Not all do)
If your open to something a bit different you may be pleasantly surprised
like myself.I give this amp a rating of 9 cause i'm a sucker for tone.
The only amp that desrves a 10 is my JMI VOX AC-30!
If you heard it you'd cry to yo' mama and kick your dog.
It's staying in the studio fanned by virgins,Love me do indeed.

Submitted by revolver at 07/13/2005 04:33