Vox AD50VT 112 Combo

Price Paid: 219 (GBP)

Features: 8
Bought in 2005. Very versatile with a wide range of amp models and effects. I would give it a 10 except for 2 things - Only 2 user presets, and lack of ability to combine effects. Have used it regularly in practise and at one gig. More than loud enough for a gig. Guess it depends on where you gig/how loud the rest of your band is, but at the gig we did, I had no issues. We do alternative rock type stuff.

Sound Quality: 10
I play a 1990 MIM Strat, which I bought new and have been playing ever since... Haven't owned a decent amp myself before - mainly relying on practise studio equipment (at rehearsals) and borrowed equipment (at gigs). So clearly I've been 'going with the flow' with respect to amps. However, this means that over the years, I've tried several very nice , and several very poor amps and know the basic difference. To my ears this amp seems to be full of nice warm sounds, with no bad ones. It sounds good at low volume, but when you crank it up and start pushing the speaker, it sounds even better. Not prone to noise (except the minor fan noise which you can't hear once you start playing, even on the quietest settings). My favourite amp models are the bassman and dumble overdrive... I used to have a POD 2 (which I loved), and I sold it to buy this Vox... I don't regret it. I thought the POD was good, but people are correct to say it was certainly not as WARM as the Vox.

Reliability: 6
This is the 'not totally sure' rating. I have had it for about 3 months. I practise with the band once a week (at max power), and 2-3 times a week at home (on min power). It's never totally 'let me down' but I do worry about it. There have been a couple of incidents in that time where I turned it on and it made some 'wierd' noises. E.g. last practise, before I even had the guitar cable plugged into it, it was making a very loud 'farty digital squeal' when the rear power knob was turned DOWN below 1/3. Turned it off on, moved all the controls, changed channels, plugged things in and out of jacks, made no difference to the tone or volume of the noise. Turned the power knob up above 1/3 and the squeal went away and all was normal. Turned it down again, squeal came back. OK, so the 'workaround' was just to practise that time with the power knob above 1/3 but still, makes you wonder how reliable this thing is... I took it home, and have now used it 2 or 3 times since and never had the same or any other problem. So, I'm 'not sure'...

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with them, but I get the vibe I might be soon, given the occasional weird noises...

Overall Rating: 8
I LOVE IT. I do worry about reliability, but that aside, at the price I think this thing is phenomenal. I tried it head to head against the Marshall AVT50 combo(esentially Marshall's 'Marshall' modelling amp). I found that I liked the 'warmth' of the Vox's 'Marshall' tones more, and it was a tad louder! Once I discovered it could out-marshall the marshall equivalent with still another 10 amp models to spare, it was no contest.

Submitted by The_Hexx at 04/10/2005 15:49

Price Paid: US $359.00

Features: 10
This is the 2005 model Vox AD50VT, and is quite possibly the most versatile amp I've ever played through. Much better than the Line 6 modeling amps out there, what with the tube power amp. I love the power switch feature, living in a tiny little apartment and being able to play a super-crunchy distortion in the dining room without bothering the folks in the living room. I haven't messed with the 30 watt version, but I understand that it is almost identical to the 50 with the number of amp models and effects. The only thing I wish it had is one more speaker, but then again, I've used it at gigs and recording sessions, and it soars through everything else that's going on...I play with a guy using a Fender Twin Reverb hooked in through a Vox 2x12 cabinet, and we match evenly when the volumes are pushed. Speaking of cabinets, it's a great feature to be able to plug it into a different cabinet.

Sound Quality: 10
I use a 3 pickup American Stratocaster, and play anywhere from jangly country-tinged music to hard, blasting rock. It switches with ease through varying styles. There is one problem with one of the effects, and apparently this is a common problem with Vox amps from the past ten years. If I turn the compression effect on, the low E tends to have digital rattle in the cabinet. But overall, it sounds perfect. The amp models...DAMN. The 70's UK mimics a Pete Townshend guitar sound perfectly with no effects. The Boutique CL is great for clean playing. And if you are light in the wallet when you get the amp, you have your effects built in. Make sure you check out the instruction manual to learn how to really utilize them. From what I understand, once you get the foot switch you can pretty much write off having to buy any effects pedals (but it does sound good through a distortion box, like the Classic Metal--yipes--or a tube delay). The comp effect has a little more oomph than the speaker tends to be able to handle, but it is very useful for recording.

It also has helped me as a newbie at guitar playing (been playing for about 9 mos.) to learn about how to control electronic effects and amp sounds.

Reliability: 10
I could have Ivan Drago from Rocky IV take a few whacks at it, and it probably would kick his Russian ass.

Customer Support: N/A
Probably not bad. You can register online.

Overall Rating: 10
I love it. I would buy four more of them at least. I love just about everything about it, including the price (CHEAP!). It reminded me of a more versatile Music Man 112 with the tube preamp.

Go buy one if you are new at guitar and are wanting to learn about amplifiers. It's a great deal for a true sound.

Submitted by Kris Langley at 03/21/2005 13:01

Price Paid: US $359

Features: 8
Im doing a review on a vox ad50vt 1X12 combo amp incase you didnt know already. This amp has many features that include amp modles from boutique clean to high-gain amp modles, there is 11 modles in all. There is also 11 digital effects and a noise gate built in. the level of each effect can be tweaked also which is a good feature. It has a preset mode ( stock presets) a manual mode ( manual, make your own sounds) and two channels for saving your sounds. it also has a headphone jack and speaker out. It has plenty of power but the internal speaker is muted when using headphones, this makes it sound very quiet and the amp's volume must be jacked to get a decent sound. Overall vox did a good job with putting alot of features into this amp that work good.

Sound Quality: 7
I use a epiphone les paul with a seymour duncan jb humbucking pickup in the bridge, and a schecter c1 plus with humbuckers. I play alot of metal, classic rock and some blues. This amp isnt exactly a great metal amp. the high gain modles seem like a blanket is over the speaker, they are kind of lifeless. This amp doesnt seem to really come alive like others when playing with alot of distortion ( the tones are amazing though) I found the cleans on this amp to be outstanding, i can get a great clapton or SRV tone with this. Great for blues and some classic rock.

Reliability: 2
Vox could have really had a great amp if they would have gone the extra mile to make it reliable. My ad50vt broke down 2 DAYS after getting it!!! i hadnt even turned the volume past a halfway. The knobs and input jack seemed flimsy and poorly built. I returned it for a different amp because it just doesnt seem like it would ever be reliable. I wouldnt recommend this for a back up amp at a gig, it could break up or have somehting go wrong. the bad reliability pulls this amp way down.

Customer Support: 5
The warranty is limited and is setup like this, speakers: 90 days. tubes: 90 days. and most other things are ninety days. when i emailed vox dissapointed with my amp i recieved an computer automatic response which doesnt really suit me ( it may help some people). Vox should have a more helpful customer support if they build amps that need alot of support.

Overall Rating: 6
Ive been playing for about 2 years, i own a crate glx30 amp and a rocktron replitone 2X12 amp. guitars: yamaha c40 classical guitar, epiphone les paul, schecter c1 plus. If it were stolen i would choose a different amp, possibly a roland cube 60. I love the effects, clean tones, classic rock tones, and effects. i hated the uk 80's mode and the high gain mode, both sounded poorly. If you like clean to classic rock stuff and dont mind possibly having reliability problems ( they all dont have problems, just some) then id give this amp a shot. if your into anything heavy at all go by a roland cube 60.

Submitted by Anonymous at 03/15/2005 20:33

Price Paid: 399 (Euro)

Features: 10
as listed here before. The features are nice, for the money called perfect.

Sound Quality: 4
Played with a IBZ AS200; Rockinger Mahagoni Strat; Fame Forum III; Kramer Focus; IBZ SA.

I play in a Cover Rock Band with 5 hours of program and giging once or twice a week.

The Fender and the Vox Modellings are good period. Clean and Drive they are very close to the originals! NICE!

The Marshall Moddelings are good, but only over the headphone out. over the speaker they are muddy. I had to take out the bass completeley and turn Mid and Treble to 8 or 9 to get somthing of good sound.

The Rektumfrier Modeling is ok.

The Soldano Simulation is again too muddy, you need to teke out the 200hz and add at 2khz with a separate EQ. Than it is usable (similar to the marshall sim.

The clean Dumble is good, the overdriven is acceptable.

The Efects-section is very good. I whish one could turn on and off the effects with a footsitch.

Reliability: 1
Well this the worst part of the story. I had to return the amp twice! The first had obviously some cold soldering joints, the second had what ever he had - he sounded complete like a garbage can. The third sounded as described above.

Customer Support: N/A
No comment but the dealer was great

Overall Rating: 3
Actually a good design. The smaller ones and the larger ones sounded good. Buth the AD50VT can only be used for Fender and Vox Modellings.

Submitted by ChrisCZ at 03/13/2005 05:54

Price Paid: US $359.00

Features: 10
This is my secound amp (replacement)and is new for 2005. I't provides more than enough amp models and effects to nail any style of music. Two or three channels depending on set up by user, headphone jack and built in effects.

Sound Quality: 10
Well my new amp arrived and wow! Vox definately addressed the fan issue. My new amp has a fan, but it is quiet as a whisper. Also cosmetically it is flawless, showing quality continues to climb the longer this amp is in production. Needless to say I am one happy camper and recommend this amp to anyone who wants tone that nails the original amps modelled for a fraction of the cost. Again , Bravo Vox!The amp just sounds great with my Affinity Squier Tele belting out some blues rifts. I say hands down this thing has more bang for the strumming buck than any amp close! Vox sucks unbelievable warmth out that 12AX7 tube and then they put it directly in your amps tone. Distortion doesn't sound harsh and ragged, you still hear your guitars tone. Volume is adjustable from a third volume controll on the back which allows your amp to rock with the same tone at all volume settings including 1 watt!I think that taking the plunge will only give you tone you dreamed about in the under $400 club and it will excell many amps costing considerable more! Vox, Korge and Celestion sound in a package ole Squire could afford! http://www.eagleenterprise.com/squierred

Reliability: 10
This is a rugged and well constructed amp. If you do have a problem, call Vox. One tube, not much to go wrong!

Customer Support: 10
I love my AD50VT and I might add that Vox stands by it's products. I have had a very good experience with Vox customer service who absolute took care of and addressed any concerns I had! I hate Vox bashing and that is the only reason I won't tell you how far they went in making a very pleased customer!!!!!!!!

Overall Rating: 10
I own a Squier Tele and Squier SP-10 amp modified, been playing one year, mostly Blues. I would definately by Vox again because of customer service and excellent tone for dollars ratio! I tried several amps at Guitar center including Fender Fm series, Peavey and other hybrid amps and they just didn't deliver the warmth and tone. If you need a great amp that transforms from bedroom to gigging, this amp deserves a serious look! http://www.eagleenterprise.com/squierred

Submitted by Squierred at 03/08/2005 06:22

Price Paid: US $359.97

Features: 10
This amp is new for 2005. I't provides more than enough amp models and effects to nail any style of music. Two or three channels depending on set up by user, headphone jack and built in effects.

Sound Quality: 10
The amp just sounds great with my Affinity Squier Tele belting out some blues rifts. I say hands down this thing has more bang for the strumming buck than any amp close! Vox sucks unbelievable warmth out that 12AX7 tube and then they put it directly in your amps tone. Distortion doesn't sound harsh and ragged, you still hear your guitars tone. Volume is adjustable from a third volume controll on the back which allows your amp to rock with the same tone at all volume settings including 1 watt!I think that taking the plunge will only give you tone you dreamed about in the under $400 club and it will excell many amps costing considerable more! Vox, Korge and Celestion sound in a package ole Squire could afford!

Reliability: 10
This is a rugged and well constructed amp. If you do have a problem, call Vox.

I love my AD50VT and I might add that Vox stands by it's products. I have had a very good experience with Vox customer service who absolute took care of and addressed any concerns I had! I hate Vox bashing and that is the only reason I won't tell you how far they went in making a very pleased customer!!!!!!!!

Customer Support: 10
I'll repeat this if you weren't listing!

I love my AD50VT and I might add that Vox stands by it's products. I have had a very good experience with Vox customer service who absolute took care of and addressed any concerns I had! I hate Vox bashing and that is the only reason I won't tell you how far they went in making a very pleased customer!!!!!!!!

Overall Rating: 10
I own a Squier Tele and Squier SP-10 amp modified, been playing one year, mostly Blues. I would definately by Vox again because of customer service and excellent tone for dollars ratio! I tried several amps at Guitar center including Fender Fm series, Peavey and other hybrid amps and they just didn't deliver the warmth and tone. If you need a great amp that transforms from bedroom to gigging, this amp deserves a serious look! http://www.eagleenterprise.com/squierred

Submitted by Squierred at 02/25/2005 11:43

Price Paid: US $350

Features: 7
This was a 2004 Model - relatively light weight and appeared to be solid. The switches were easily accessible not overly complicated. The touch tempo feature was especially creative. Each of the different Amp types were identified and easily to swith between. I should have purchased the footswitch it may have been easier then stop playing. I used the Amp in my 12 by 12 Home Music room and at my bands Jam session in the garage (open Door). Surprisingly not enough power to keep up with the Fender tube amp and the acoustic drums. NOTE: The Power Level Adjuster in the back of the amp cause much problems with cracking sounds and could not be adjusted to full strength. This may have contributed to the power issue.

Sound Quality: 5
I use a Fender Fat Strat. The Amp did not bring out the sounds I have experienced in other Amps (Fender Twin & Marshall AV2000). The pre-defined Amp sounds were marginal at best and difficult to get control over. I felt somewhat controlled by Vox's idea of what it should sound like. This was the greatest pitfall of this Amp. The Clear needed much improvement. I play Classic Rock, Blues and Country. Did not find it siuted my variety needed.

Reliability: 7
Returned it after a weeks use so can not say much, except Vox has a great reputation for reliability and it appeared to be made solid. The Power Adjuster is concerning; although it may have been an exception and not the rule, I would be concerned that this issue would arise at a critical time in a Gig. Have not read any other similar problems. Use yu own judgement.

Customer Support: N/A
Can not comment. Guitar Center offers 30 Day trial; in this instant I needed it.

Overall Rating: 6
I was excited to get this Amp and it fell short of my expectations. I am sure Vox would not have survived this long if they made poor quality products. here I think they tried to add more features then was worth the sacrfice over control. Sorry but it fail its maiden week of testing.

Submitted by Git-r at 02/08/2005 19:22

Price Paid: US $359.

Features: 10
BOUGHT THE AMP NEW FROM GUITAR CENTER IN DEC.2004. I USE A MESA BOOGIE NOMAD 45 3 CHANNEL COMBO FOR GIGGING. PLAY ANYTHING FROM SRV TO VELVET REVOLVER. THE BOOGIE NAILS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR WHAT I GUESS IS CALLED NU METAL. CAN'T GET THE DARK NICKLE BACK SOUND WITH THE MESA NOMAD SO I WAS LOOKING TO REPLACE THE BOOGIE WITH A DUAL OR TRIPLE RECTIFIER. BY CHANCE, I TRIED THE AD50VT AND WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THE RECTO AND MARSHALL SOUNDS. ALSO THE PRICE! DECIDED TO BUY IT AND DO A/B SWITCHING WHEN NEEDED. MOST OF THE TIME I LEAVE IT ON WITH THE NOMAD(BOTH AMPS ARE MIKED)AND GET A GREAT SOUND. FUN TO MIX AND MATCH THE AMPS AND ALAYS HAVE A BACKUP AT THE READY. I OWN OR HAVE OWNED FENDER, MARSHALL, PEAVEY, BOOGIE,MUSICMAN, AND OTHER AMPS THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN( BEEN PLAYING OVER 30 YEARS). TRIED MARSHALL AVT AMPS OF ALL TYPES. THIS IS MILES ABOVE THE MARSHALL AVT'S IN SOUND AND OPTIONS. MY ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT THE SPEAKER DEADENS THE INTERNAL SPEAKER. ASIDE FROM THAT IT GETS A 10 FOR SOUND AND FEATURES. THE AMP HAS PLENTY OF GIGGING POWER.

Sound Quality: 10
I USE A GIBSON NIGHTHAWK, FENDER AMER STRAT, PRS CUSTOM 22, PRS SANTANA, CARVIN, PEAVEY AMER.WOLFGANG, EPIPHONE LES PAUL. AMP COVERS ALL STYLES JUST FINE. NOT NOISY. GATE WORKS WELL. THE AMP CAN SOUND LIKE A MARSHALL HALF STACK OR A FENDER SUPER CLEAN. GREAT DISTORTION SOUNDS.

Reliability: 9
BUILT LIKE A TANK. NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.

Customer Support: 9
NO DEALINGS YET.

Overall Rating: 10
AS I STATED ABOVE, I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR OVER 30 YEARS. THIS AMP IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY. I WOULD BUY AGAIN. LIGHT TO CARRY AND EASY TO PROGRAM.
WISH IT HAD A SEPERATE SPEAKER OUT THAT DID NOT AFFECT THE INTERNAL SPEAKER. I REALLY APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT IT CAN BE USED RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX WITH NO ADJUSTING. THIS COMES IN HANDY AT GIGS WHEN LIGHT AND TIME IS AT A MINIMUM.

Submitted by Lance at 01/27/2005 11:51

Price Paid: (c dn)

Features: 9
all listed before....nothing new to add. Lots of features for the money.

Sound Quality: 10
I love this amp. I had purchased the 30 a couple of months back but liked the sound so much I thought I'd see if the 50 was gigable and it is. I use it with a fender strat, thinline tele and jay turser violin six string. I really like the boutique clean and bassman settings. I find that the 70's marshall sound is also great. I don't have a lot of use for heavily distorted metal sounds but they live in this amp too. The sounds is smooth and warm and makes all of my guitars sound better. It has a fan that a number of reviewers have complained about and I'm not sure why...my fan is just a whisper..you really have to get your ear on the top vent to hear it.

Reliability: 5
ohhhh....I've had trouble with korg products. I owned a cambridge 30 when they came out a few years back and the amp was a nightmare to own and Korg was a nightmare to deal with. Non stop problems, no help from the manufacturer...Vox england didn't even see fit to return my thoughtfully constructed correspondence. In any event, I swore that I would never own another Korg/Vox product again in my life so this purchase makes me a liar. I liked the sound so much and the price so much that I bought it anyway. Given my last go round, I'll give this a mid rating unti I'm proven wrong this time.

Customer Support: 1
Terrible customer support...the absolute worst I've ever dealt with. But I will say that the Korg USA marketing guy was nice to me even though they didn't offer to replace the dog of an amp that I had purchased. I have to give them a 1....it'd be a zero if possible.

Overall Rating: N/A
Been playing for about 25 years..just an average rhythm player but I enjoy a good quality piece of gear. I also own a Kustom Quad 100 DFX that I love but it is very very heavy for its size. The vox is not that heavy and a bit more compact. I've been looking for a gigable practice amp and this is the best one I've ever heard with a solid state circuit. Tried the Marshall valvestate, line 6 spyder, fender dyna touch 160....didn't like any of them as much as this vox. If it stays running, it was indeed a great purchase.

Submitted by George at 01/20/2005 11:16

Price Paid: US $399

Features: 8
This is a brand new "custom" amp from North Coast Music that's been modified with an original brown Vox tolex instead of the cheaper looking metallic grill that Korg designed these with. They charge about $50 more than market value for this customization, but they don't charge for shipping, so it works out to the same if you were going to order from Musician's Friend. Check out www.northcoastmusic.com to see a picture of this amp-- it's a very nice looking amplifier once they do the mod.

It's hard for a modelling amp not to chalk up points for features. I've docked a point or two because I was expecting compatibility with the Valvetronix VC-12 floorboard and was a little disappointed that's not a possibility. You can switch between two channels with the optional footswitch that also works for the Cambridge/Pathfinder series of amps. The variable power output is a great feature, but has been well documented.

Sound Quality: 10
I have a very elaborate pedalboard setup so I got this with the expectation of using the amp models only, not the effects. I've played this amp with several of my guitars, including an Italia Modena, an Epi Dot, and a Nashville Telecaster. Simply put, the tones on this are gorgeous. Last week I bought an early 60s vintage Fender Bassman 2 x 12 cab, refitted with Celestion 30s and I feel like I'm in possession of a boutique class amp. I can say that regardless its settings, the Valvetronix is completely noiseless.

There are 11 models to work with, though I stay to the left of the dial where the Vox emulates some vintage amps, including the Dumble, a Fender Twin, a Bassman, an AC15, and the AC30TB. All of these models are very usable and react differently to pick techniques and the volume controls on your guitar. There is plenty of volume when connected to the 2x12 cab to play mic'd at stage levels. I have no doubt this is my ideal stage setup.

Reliability: N/A
I would have liked to see a 1 or 2 year warranty, but these seem to be well constructed. North Coast Music bench tests each amp for 6 hours before selling, and were super to work with. I'm confident this should last awhile.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I've played for several years now and have run through a fair amount of equipment in that time. I was excited when the Valvetronix line was announced in smaller wattages, but think this 50W model is ideal, since it doesn't kill you to carry it and has plenty of tone. I went to see the Ocean Blue a few months back and saw the 30W model on stage and figured then I'd probably get one.

I'd consider moving up to the 60W head version, since this cabinet sounds so good, but I'm very happy with this purchase so far. I'll agree that you really can't do any better in this price range-- there's no equivalent in Line6 or the CyberTwin series. Go to Guitar Center, try it out & then order the cool looking one from North Coast.

Submitted by Ryan at 01/17/2005 10:21