Vox AD120VT Valvetronix 212 Combo

Price Paid: US

Features: 10
well covered already.

Sound Quality: 10
i'm adding to my review that i wrote after having the amp for only 4 weeks. i've now had it almost two years and I STILL LOVE IT!!!!! as i stated before, my #1 influence in music is The Edge from U2. and this amp DOES deliver a very very good ac30tb! i have been using it for my U2 tones all this time and haven't needed to stray from the ac30 models much, but i have tried the blackface and the uk80's and loved them as well. the acoustic simulator sounds quite convincing as well.

i did change out the tubes about 3 months ago. i put in electro harmonix tubes, and i did notice a brighter and clearer tone after having done that.

i originally put my sdd2000 delays in the effects loop, but noticed some strange volume drop offs on the left speaker when i did this. not sure why. but i've since put all of my effects in front of the amp and that problem ahs vanished. it may be something with the stereo nature of the effects loop, since my delays are mono units.

if you want to go real lo-tech, stick an electro harmonix memory man in front of this thing and you have instand old school U2!

to be honest, i don't use many of the onboard effects though. i use the 'verbs occasionally, and the treble booster is nice. i don't use the wah that much because it's kind of a pain to access. i will prolly just buy a vox wah and use that.

overall, the tone is excellent...even after almost two years of living with it, i still discover new and pleasant things!

BUY THIS AMP!!!

Reliability: 9
so far the only issue i have had was the volume drop off when using the mono gear in the effects loop. i don't know what caused this. mitch colby at korg usa said he thought it sounded like a dirty or damaged jack socket on the effects loop. this may be. but since i moved all of my (considerable) effects to the front end, this problem has gone away.

and if you need help with vox/korg products, mitch is the man! that guy is so cool and willing to help you. you can talk to him over at www.voxtalks.com

Customer Support: 10
talked to mitch when i had one small issue and he was extremely helpful and supportive.

Overall Rating: 10
i've been playing since about 1984 and have tried all sorts of things...most of them crap. i was always limited by funds, you know. but i went out on a limb for this amp and shelled out a grand. and i've never been dissapointed! well worth the money. i love it still.

if you guys still want sound samples, go to my website at:

http://edgeworld.ameys.net

click on the "sounds" tab at the bottom left and check out some of my clips.

Submitted by chris henry at 06/21/2003 09:40

Price Paid: US $1,000

Features: 9
Really versatile and gets every sound "right". I've been playing through a Flextone II for my country gigs and a Digitech 2101 legend through a 4x12 for my rock gigs, but I'm going to get the 2x12 extension cabinet and switch to the Valvetronix for everything. If I need a 4x12 I can jsut bring the extension cab along. It's a beautiful thing. Only downside is the footcontroller. I play in Cowboy boots and you can't see the bank # when you step on the switch banks switch so you have to guess based on feel. Only reason it gets a 9.

Sound Quality: 10
Super quiet. Don't know if there's and invisble gate or what, but even with drpping distortion it's quiet as a mouse until you hit a note then it screams. I play Teles, Strats, Les Pauls and Explorers through it as well as banjo, dobro and an old 1930's lap steel and I've found great tones for all of them.

Reliability: 10
No complaints.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
Absolutly fabulous! I've been playing a Flextone II for over a year and was going to upgrade to the Flextone III. I went in to the music store and just for comparison sake tried the Fender Cyber-Twin and the Valvetronix. The Valvetronix just KILLED both of them. It is a totally inspirong amp to play. I couldn't stop. The Line 6 and Fender are both fine working man's amps but the Vox plays like a "real" amp with the flexibility of modeling.

Submitted by Paul Jacques at 06/06/2003 16:04

Price Paid: 10000 (SEK)

Features: 10
Read below, it's been covered.

Sound Quality: 9
I´ve waited to contribute on my experience with this amp for some time since I really wanted a "walk-through" before sharing my opinions. I've had it for 7 months now and so far used it from bedroom to stage. EXCELLENT!!! is the short description. To me, a good amp is when you try it out, and you'll get stuck just playing the guitar! I'snt this what is all about. You fool around whith it for a minute and..oh yes, you discover you've been playing the same sound for 10 minutes, just sitting their playing, enjoing yourself! Thats what a good amp is all about.

I play various guitars with mostly humbuckers, with music ranging from playing in church to grinding metal and IT WORKS!
Some tip though: after spending some months with it, happy as a puppy, i was curious what a good parametric eq in the loop (programable if possible) would accomplish. Well...this REALLY pushes a great sound into an astonishing good sound! I mainly do this with the distorsion sounds (the Recto-mode is IMHO the least good-sounding one, which i regret since this whas the sound i would have prefered sounding great. Now do the usual, cut some low/upper mids, add BOTTOM and some highs and volia!! ITS FREAKING THREATENING!! Dry, neutral, massive sound. Try it plz).

To push some more air, i've made it convertible to closed/open cab.
If you try this one for the first time, try Boutique CL, gain at 5-10 and add lots of compression. Now i´snt that a good sound ;-)

With this amp swithing from blistering cleans to really dirty to insane gain, im totaly happy with it. I'll just keep playing!

Reliability: 9
Never had a problem so far. Rarely use the power selector. Allways on max for headroom. I would not like to drop it from any stairs though, but who want ;-)

Customer Support: N/A
Never been in contact with them. I´ve got a "noquestions asked" warranty from local dealer.

Overall Rating: 9
Ive been playing for 20+ years now with (of course) numerous gear. Higly recommended for its versitility. For my current situation this is THE amp, period! But as allways, everything is opinions so try it out and use your ears. No one is a better judge than yourself!

Submitted by Robert at 05/26/2003 04:06

Price Paid: US $1049 (with pedal)

Features: 10
Wow....this amp is great. It has many features, and while it doesn't have as many as a Line6 or the Cyber Twin, they all sound and work extremely well. This is the selling point; that everything sounds very good. You know the specifics already, or at least you should, but I must say that they are excellent

Sound Quality: 9
Here's where we dive in. I am currently using a Fernandes Nomad, Fernandes Decade, a Gibson 1970 SG Special, and A 1966 Gretsch Viking. The amp sounds spectacular, even with my cheaper Fernandes guitars. I really can not sometimes tell the difference between thos and a real blackface Twin. I must tell the truth however, and that is that I think the Cyber Twin has one thing on the Valvetronix; The Fender Deluxe. I really cannot get the fender deluxe setting to actually sound like a fender deluxe. So, as a solution, I run it through preset 4, 4, and turn on my Voodoo Labs Super Fuzz - Instant Neil Young (Everybody Knows...) tone. Not as good as the real thing, but a very good simulation. The amp itself sounds excellent and really does not have very much noise as long as you don't try to run a fuzz through it with everything dimed; and even then it really isn't bad. Unfortunately, there is no clean channel - you have to turn down the gain, which makes the amp too quiet - which makes a very unbalanced sound. The one flaw, IMO. The distortion obviously varies from model to model, and goes from Bluesy to brutal. You can get excellent metal lead tones from the more metal-oriented amps( I.E. boogie, TSL100), more bluesy sounds from the older, sweeter amps. (I.E - Fender Bassman, Deluxe), and some great Classic Rock type distortion from those amps(Ac-30, SuperLead, JTM45). Fortunately, it is also possible to get a very very nice distortion from the Fenders; I am not sure if it is like this with reg. fenders or they have added gain in the Valvetronix. Overall, this amp is extremely versatile and sounds impeccable.

Reliability: 10
6 months - no problems. No breakdowns, no problems - completely fine.

Customer Support: N/A
NA - no experience

Overall Rating: 9
Fantasic.....I do wish it had better fuzz, because the fuzz in the amp is not pleasant. I would definitely buy one again, and I really prefer it over the other Modellers I have tried.

Submitted by Anonymous at 05/24/2003 20:27

Price Paid: US $900

Features: 10
This amp was manofractured in 2002 and is most verytiled of all vox amps Ive a tried in a long while. I play ALL styles of music and equally well I must add. There are 32 channels of this amplofier. Yes, Yes, and yes. I wish this Vox had more features that I love in this amp and then some. Of the non-user features in the Vos there are none to many though some which are used are still half not used but rarely.

I use my Vox in my home under the living room. It has some power.
Steroids and solid, etc.

This amp smells great. Just fire here up and when she is hot like a virgin slut then put your nose on the vents and take a big whif. Like a new car smell only new amp smell.

Sound Quality: 10
I use a Dunlop style picks. And a Dobro. It fits my style like a glove. All styles and then more. On all settings it sounds the same. In all invronmints is sound s the same. Variety is same here and there. It can make all soudns that can be made. And with megga distortion like the Gods from on high. yes the clean chanel is very distorted at all volumes and that is good and even more distorted on the other 31 channels on all settings . Massive distoriton. Brutal, yes. Most bruttal of all amps made by Vos and then some. All distortion all the time on all settings and in all places and invronments.

Reliability: 9
I had my Vox for about 9 hours and still no problems. So, yes you can depend on it. with your life. I did not gig. but in my basement I gig and it has yet to break down. I only neglected the amp once when i had to go to bed. I have nothad it in for servicing yet but will take it back to dealer next week for its first checkup and tuning. The software is great and will take updates no problem. I looked at the software the first thing when I got it home and it looks great and solid. I will never neglect the software and I suggst that you dont either.

Customer Support: 8
I have dealt with the company off and on again for years and years. very helpful. yes. yes. every town has a autorized service center . the one in my town reparis sewing machines too and so when I take my grannies machine into town for repair I can have my software tuned as well. not bad at all!!

Custermer support is great I only contacted them twice so far and each time I gota email saying they got my email. Eat that mesa boogie.

Overall Rating: 8
I have played for 12 years. I own lots of other amps like steinberg vst amps and softwares but the vox is the best soft-hard amp. if it was stolen I'd find the steeler and bash his brain in with a shuvel and spit on him. and I'd get something else like a Roland.

I love the software. I hate the wait of the amp. It ways like 98 pounds and I nearly broke my tail bone getting it down into my cubby under the living room where My WORLD CALLS studio is situated. I hose this one vox over other voxes and non-boxes because it was the best. I wish it had more channels. I need 128 at least so I may be getting more voxes andmore channels.

I wish that vox would not use the dongle on this amp. if you loose the dongle the whole amp is useless. I lost my dongle only once so far but grannie found it for me. she made a necklace for me to keep my dongle secure when I'm not using the box.

Submitted by Steve Nightengale at 05/17/2003 23:45

Price Paid: N/A

Features: N/A

Sound Quality: N/A

Reliability: 5
This is a follow up to one of my previous posts.

I have had this amp for about 6 months now and I still love all of the tones that I get with it. but I have one MAJOR MAJOR complaint.

The cabinet is so poorly constructed that the power transformer has smashed off part of the magnet on the right speaker. There is a huge dent in the transformer and the speaker is now missing part of it's magnet. I wondered how this could have happened because I always babied the amp for fear that some kind of jaring would hurt the electronics. When looking at it they don't touch but you can easily pull the transformer down to touch the speaker with your hand. It is moving because the cabinet wood is so soft that the screws that hold the entire chassie in are moving around in the wood, allowing the transformer to touch the speaker.

I don't know what I am going to do at this point, probly put more screwes in it untill I can afford the AC-30 repro cabinet, and now I have to get new speakers too......

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: N/A

Submitted by chris at 05/03/2003 23:44

Price Paid: US $800

Features: 10
This is a 2002 model Valvetronix AD120 that I picked up about 2 weeks ago. Everyone knows everything about the amp by now so I'll shut up about the features. It sounds pretty doggone tube-like and I'll leave it at that. It's plenty loud enough for anyone who likes good music.

Sound Quality: 9
I play through a G&L Comanche and a Epi LP. I prefer the Comanche (for obvious reasons) as it has a much larger array of tone to choose from. I play mainly Pearl Jam/Radioheadish rock with elements of god knows what else thrown in all over the place. It has sounds to suit every style ever. ever. it's noisy with my Epi because my Epi is a pile of excrament. It's very quiet with Comanche and has a very useable noisegate for the high gain models. I never play the amp above the 30x30 watt power setting anyway, because I only play in a medium sized room, so I don't know how noisy it would be if it were truly cranked.
The sounds you can generate are seemingly endless, and, as others have mentioned, the longer you spend with the amp, the more it amazes you. For instance last night I slapped some heavy but slow phaser on the black 2x12 model (I've always hated phaser) and found a truly incredible transy/blues sound, I fooled around with that for about an hour. good stuff. my point is, the more you explore, the more you'll find that everything on the amp is top quality in the sound department. and sweet mary! plug an acoustic/electric throught the amp with the acoustice simulator on. I've never even heard acoustic amps sound this good. wow.
to cut to the chase, if you need any type of clean sound, the amp has it. any type of distortion, the amp's got it.

Reliability: 8
apparently, the amplifier i purchased had been sitting on the floor at the stoor for about a year and it still looks and sounds like a dream. the tolex covering on it has me worried. it's too thin and not strong at all. however, i get the distinct impression that, as with any amp, if you take care of it, it will keep up well for you.

Customer Support: N/A
don't know

Overall Rating: N/A
I'm 18 and have only been playing 5 years but I live in music and know good sound when i hear it. if it were stolen, i'd buy it again in a few months after i saved up again.
This may sound strange but i love the smell of the amp. play it a while, let it get warm, and smell the vents. my heaven. I hate absolutely NOTHING about it.
by the way, the footpedal is fine. the expression pedal is crap but, unless you need an effect every 15 seconds when you play live the pedal will work just fine.

one final question. nobody laugh at me. this is my first vox, and except for listening almost religiously to Queen, the Beatles, and REM I have no idea what a real AC30/15 sounds like. so what the hell is "jangle"? for the love of all that's good. somebody try to explain it to me, because i haven't noticed any special quality the vox models have over any others on the amp.

Submitted by Jonathan Branham at 05/01/2003 14:51

Price Paid: US $789

Features: 10
This is an update to my first review dated 1/30/2003.

The Valvetronix continues to amaze me with its wealth of great tone and versatility.

I recently purchased a new Mesa Boogie Rectoverb 50 watt head because I wanted to have an all tube, high gain amp as an alternative. I really loved this amp during the Honeymoon phase.

However, the Honeymoon ended. I started finding myself buying extra equipment just to get some of the effects I took for granted in the Valvetronix. I purchased a Tonebone Hot British tube overdrive pedal to add distortion to the clean channel (effectively turning the Rectoverb into a 3-channel amp). Then, like a total idiot, I bought a TC Electronics G-Major FX rack unit.

At the end of the day, this only brought me bit closer to the functionality of what I already had with my Valvetronix. Also the G-Major colored a bit of the sound from the Rectoverb, unlike the seamless and complementary FX modules that are built into the Vox Valvetronix. With the Valvetronix, the FX really add to the tone rather than detract from it.

Today, I went full circle...from loving the Rectoverb, to realizing I could get all of the great tube tone from the RECTO model already existing in my modeling amp...as well as all the gain and FX I needed without outboard FX.

I played through both amps all day today, and the Valvetronix just has to much incredible tone and versatility, that I quickly realized I would be playing through this more than using the Boogie Rectoverb.

Money wasn't an issue, but I just felt I couldn't justify keeping the Rectoverb, the G-Major, and assorted pedal FX while I had the Valvetronix.

I wasn't happy with one great tone...I wanted lots of different great tones.

So now, I have at least put my long time yearnings for a true 100% high-end tube amp to bed. In my opinion, the latest generation of modelers was sounding as good (and better, considering the FX possibilities) to my ear as the tube amp.

So, after I ate some crow, I returned the Rectoverb to my local guitar shop for a refund, and will be returning the TC Electronics and Tonebone to the on-line musical supply company I purchased it from.

Just thought I share my experience...especiall for anyone who is on the fence in considering getting a new Valvetronix, versus a genuine all tube amp. GO FOR THE Valvetronix and don't look back.

Sound Quality: 10
Wonderful clean and slightly breaking up blues tones with the Fender Tweed, Fender Blackface, and Bluesbreaker models. The Vox models are downright eerie as to how close they are to the real deal.

The high gain models can give you classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal 70's, 80's style. The British Modern high gain and Recto models are dangerous.

For the ultimate lead tone, I use either the Soldono model, or the Boutique OD (Dumble) with the Tube Screamer OD modeled pedal setting. Endless sustain with articulate distortion.

The Vox models and Fender models have wonderful clean tones , and the Vox models have the Vox "jangle".

Reliability: 10
HAve had the amp for 2-1/2 months and it has had no problems. I own the Head Version of the AD120 VTH

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't had to call Korg/Vox for any support. The "Voxtalks" website has been a great resource for information and helpful discussion.

Overall Rating: 10
I would purchase another Valvetronix head if this one was stolen. I am so happy to have finally found an amp that has all the tone and sounds I could possibly want.

Submitted by Anonymous at 04/18/2003 20:49

Price Paid: £960 (Pounds Sterling)

Features: 10
I went for the AD120, one, I was able to (luckily). 2, the whole AC30 shape is eye candy.3, louder. And 4, stereo output, a reason good enough on it's own.This amp has all the power I need for now, but I will invest in the 120watt cab in the not to distant future, along with the Brian May 'Deaky Amp' as a lovely pre-amp to this monster. It's tube, thus it sounds gorgeous, and for those ambient Brian May, Gary Moore or Eric Clapton tones, only a tube amp will suffice. The classic Vox styling makes this a must for anyone in love with the Vox image or affiliated bands (Shadows, Queen, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz etc.)I also bought the pedal as I gig, most helpful, great expression pedal, solid metal construction, no risk of breakage from a rogue foot etc.

Sound Quality: 10
Me being a Queen and Brian May fanatic and owning a Burns Red Special, automatically means I'm inlove with this amp. The AC30 and AC30TB amp models sound awesome, and with the BHM Burns, well it's as close as you'll ever get. The additional Brian fans treat of having not one, but two Brian effects is fantastic, both superb. Tie mamma down is 100% accurate (i've played along with the track, no difference). I've created a few patches myself now, a few Hank Marvin, Shadows style ones, and they also sound great. What more can you ask for. Van Halen, Metallica, Hendrix, surely they're playing with our dreams. This guitar will suit anyones music style. I have friends who play Pantera and they're drooling over it. My teacher plays 50s rock n roll, and he's in love with it.

Reliability: 10
I've had no troubles, but then I haven't had it long. You expect to replace tubes, and you should to get the most out of any valve amp. (Tube, Valve, i'm going with valve being a Brit). I haven't had any need to replace anything. The amp is built like a tank, as heavy as one, and you can see where your money has been spent.

Customer Support: N/A
No need for it yet, but if I do I will let you know. Customer support is, however, only as good as you are persistant. If you hassle enough, you will get what you want, and fast. Be a pain, don't relent, it's the only way.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing 4 years, I'm 16. I've owned marshall stacks of various types and sizes, I can safely say I do not like Marshalls, I don't know why people rave over them. I own an electro acoustic guitar, a nice Crafter one, lovely sound. I own my pride and joy, the Burns Brian May Red Special with custom neck fitted for my big hands. I love this amp, it's brilliant. I love the Red Special, together they produce some gorgeous vintage tones, worthy of the hairy guitar god's backing anyday. If it were stolen, I'd claim on the insurance and most definately buy another, and then hunt the thief and kill him, twice. I love the amp, nuff said

Submitted by James Kirby at 04/18/2003 19:24

Price Paid: US $799

Features: 10
already extensively covered in other reviews.

Sound Quality: 10
there's something for every style of guitar player in this amp.

Reliability: 10

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
i didn't go into full details of everything, as this amp has been extensively covered as what it has in previous reviews. i tried this amp several times, and extensively read the reviews on it(thanks to eveyone who reviewed this amp!!). i'm in love with this amp. you can switch to just about any different type of sound/ style with this amp. one thing about it is it's very practical-- no need to lug around a cartful of pedals, cabinets, amps, chords, etc.... everything is included. also, the power setting switch is great-you can play it at the one watt setting at anytime w/o angering neighbors and law enforcement;likewise, at 120 watts, it can handle anything.i think the sounds are very authentic to those it emulates(sounds much better than other multi effects pedals and amps that i have tried)...if this amp was stolen i'd mostly contact a hitman to find the sucker that stole the amp. if you are thinking about buying this amp, do it. you won't regret it. i'd be glad to answer any ? people have about my experiences w/ this amp.

Submitted by patrick at 04/18/2003 01:37