Vox AD50VT 112 Combo

Price Paid: US $360

Features: 9
Features have been stated and restated. I've owned several modeling amps including the Line6 Flex 3+, as well as modeling pedalboards like the DigiTech GNX4 (an altogether different beast). The VOX has the best tone hands down and is drop dead easy to use out of the box.

Sound Quality: 10
I'm using it with a 50th Anniv MIA Strat (HSS/S-1) and an Ovation s771 acoustic. Everything sounds so amazing really.

I play praise & worship, kid's praise & worship (routier and widely diverse), blues, rock, and a wee bit of metal when I can! This baby handles it all just fine. The pick, stompbox and volume response from the tube is fantastic. I need diversity - and this amp has it without making me carry a gajillion pieces of gear.

I used it in a gig the morning after I got it - worked great!

I'm doing some recording with it now and everything again sounds good. I did try the amp with the back removed, just to see how it would sound. Eh... don't go that way. It lost a lot of definition and I found the actual sound just wasn't as good. Also swapped out the EH tube for a JJ Tesla, and then a Groove Tube - the EH sounded much better.

It's a great buy for everyone from beginner to enthusiast to some levels of pro's (who can probably afford many of the real amps this thing models... but who wants to carry all of them?!). Frankly amazing.

Reliability: N/A
Dunno - it works superbly for now!

Customer Support: N/A
Same as above.

Overall Rating: N/A
Fantastic, versatile, enough power and variations to suit 95% of a working musician's repretoire. And it is a VOX afterall... this is the cat's meow IMHO.

Submitted by Kewlpack at 12/14/2004 14:22

Price Paid: N/A

Features: 9
This is a quick response to the previous poster. First, I was waiting feverishly for this amp to be released. I monitored every, and I mean EVERY online retailer as well as Guitar Center to get this amp. All of the online stores had "expected in stock" dates of mid-december. GC of Dallas got it in just a day or so before my review. That is why I am still suspicious of the first 5 reviews. If Santos Menendez's amp doesn't have a fan, maybe they sold a few and pulled them in order to add the fans. If you can't hear that fan then you must not be playing in a quiet room or recording environment, because it's easy to hear. No, its not a bum fan; I'm a computer tech and know a bum fan when I hear it. It's just a noisy fan, slightly louder than a Mark IV's fan but a little quieter than the one in your PC. Just loud enough to be annoying if you are recording. You can plainly see it by shining a flashlight into the slotted opening in the back and looking at the distant area roughly near the VOX logo. The fan's power socket is a red/black plug in the middle of the mainboard. Frankly, I don't understand why these amp makers can't put a cutoff switch on these fans. Maybe I'll do that after the warranty runs out.

Sound Quality: N/A

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I stand by everything I said before. I still recommend the 30-watt version to anyone who is going to record. It might be harder to swap tubes, but it's the quietest amp I've ever heard. The ad50vt is a great amp, but the 30 has got it for low-volume tone and quietness. It's still a fantastic value though.

Submitted by Gary H. at 12/13/2004 05:26

Price Paid: US $349

Features: 10
I picked up this amp in mid-November, from Guitar Center. Reviewer Gary H. said he's a little suspect as to the dates on the previous reviews, but I can vouch for them (no offense, Gary) since I picked up the amp at around the same time, and I definitely DO NOT work for Guitar Center, I'm not affiiated in any way with them (they just get a chunk of my cash now and then when the dreaded Gear Acquisition Syndrome hits) and I will provide an email for anyone who wants to email me on the subject or any other info on this amp.

Basically, this amp is fantastic. I also had the 30 Watt model, which is about the same size and weight (25 pounds) as the Fender Princeton reverb. It was a great amp, sounded fantastic, and was built like a Mack Truck, went through three sets with no problems. However, I'm primarily a keyboard player, and since I like running my board through an amp for such things as clavinet (think Terry Adams of NRBQ, who uses a Twin Reverb for this purpose) or for combo organ (I own a Vox Continental, and it sounds great through a guitar amp), I felt I needed an amp with a 12" speaker. And of course, the fact that the speaker was a Celestion was definitely a plus. The amp is incredibly versatile, and is appropriate for any guitar (I'm also a guitarist, so that's definitely useful to me) situation, and also some keyboard stuff. It's great for rock, jazz, blues, country, some metal, UK Brit stuff, just dial in a sound. It's built like a Mack Truck as well (don't drop it real far, though, this amp is particle-board, which keeps costs down but it's heavier than pine and particle-board does crack, so don't throw it at your drummer!!). It's about the same weight as a Fender Deluxe Reverb (44 pounds), and it's a little bulkier (about the size of a Deluxe Reverb) than the 30 Watt model, but the extra oomph, the 12" Celestion and the external speaker output (8 ohms) makes up for it. This amp is quiet, I have a feeling that reviewer Gary might have a bum fan in his (if there's a fan at all, I looked in with a flashlight, I saw nothing, but never assume!) and yes, the 12AX7EH tube was definitely inverted (when I checked the amp in the store, I thought they actually put the tube socket in and forgot the tube, but I turned it on, it was fine, silly me!)and it definitely makes for easier tube switching (I tried to figure out how to change the tube on the AD30VT, I think you have to disassemble the whole amp section to do this, oy vey), and I put in a Telefunken 12AX7 in place of the Electro-Harmonix.

The amp has one channel, one input. Good. No one shares my amp, period, that's the way I like it. It's definitely aimed at the player rather than the knob-twiddler (the earlier AD60 and 120 amps are a lot more complex, and have a lot of unnecessary extras I would never use). No channel switching, no effects loops (all effects anyone would ever need are built into the amp, and they are very good). It has line out (always useless on any amp, just mike it and run it into the board like everyone else does for a good sound), external speaker (very useful), headphone jack and the output control which cuts output from 50 watts to about one watt or so, a great feature for late-night practice to get your heavy Marshall overdrive at very low volumes, but of course you get the best sound by keeping the knob at full 50 watts. The amp also has two presets you can program and select to get an instant amp tone patch, but this is the only area I can ask for some improvement in. I only use two or three tones, but if there were possibly four or five instead of two, that would allow for a little more flexiblity. However, I usually just put the amp into manual mode, set the amp model I want, and set the knobs to the sound I want, so that's a negligible issue. Remember that the AD60 is now about $800 new, and this amp is $349 new, so costs had to be cut somewhere, and Vox was smart enough to keep the best of what they had, s

Sound Quality: 10
I mainly use a hand-built Fender Stratocaster, three single-coil Fat 54 pickups, sometimes I use a Telecaster, sometimes keyboards through it. It definitely suits my music styles, it excels at what I need it for, especially the rock, rockabilly, jazz and British rock styles. The amp is no more noisy than your typical tube amp, sometimes you hear a little solid-state digital noise that you have to control with the built-in noise reduction, but it's so minute, you don't notice it unless you want to be stickler and put your ear to the speaker to hear it. In other words, big deal! Its sounds are the key here. I've owned (and borrowed) a wide range of amps, especially Fenders and Voxes, and this amp does a great job of getting the nuances of what made those amps great. The 4x10" Bassman setting is perfect, has that great grunt and of course, you have the excellent delay for your Scotty Moore licks. The Blackface 2x12" is fantastic, bell-clear, great tremolo, they definitely took their time with this, and the two Dumble amp settings (clean and overdrive) also show lots of tone research. There are three Marshall settings, 70s (for JTM 50/100 amps), 80s (JCM800) and 90s-series amps. The 70s Marshall model sounds note-perfect, you add a little reverb, every note sounds like Pete Townshend's tone on "Live At Leeds," the 80s model is nice and crunchy (70s metal, hard rock) and the 90s is very hyper, but definitely usuable). The Mesa and Soldano models are both great, once again very usuable and they get the sound across. Then we get to the Vox models. I personally own a Vox AC-30, so I can say for certain that the AC30 top boost setting is every bit exact. I call this amp "my other AC-30", not only for the three top vents on the amp's cabinet, but for that sound. It sounds like an AC-30 with Greenbacks in it, every Class A harmonic is there, you have THE SOUND for a ridiculously low price. The AC-15 sound, once again, is beyond words. Cut the bass, put the guitar on the bridge pickup, play "Day Tripper" intro hook, and get a wide smile on your face. It's that simple, you have the potential to recreate the sound of the British Invasion all the way to Queen, Status Quo, Tom Petty, and U2 at your fingertips, of course, if you have the chops and talent (I'm a simple player, I always have been, but once again, it's like owning a Corvette. Maybe you'll never go faster then 65, but you might do it one day, so it's nice to know you have that power in your grasp). The amp has no nasty solid-state distortion, nothing brutal, everything is silky, especially since I replaced the EH12AX7 (a little harsh) with the Telefunken 12AX7 (a great tube). The Telefunken drastically altered the disposition of the amp, especially since the Telefunken is a older, burned-in tube. The amp's warmth just amazes me, I'm still amazed that a company known for an extremely high-priced product (the AC-30 I bought retailed for over two grand) can produce a product (regardless of where they built it, and it's built in Korea for the record) for under $400 that gets THAT sound. Definitely a ten. However, you must READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH THE AMP. This is a must, not as much for the amp models as for the effects. Since there are not many controls on this amp, the knob and buttons that control the effects levels control more than one aspect of the effect, and the effect models are quite intricate in how they can be adjusted, so if you don't know what you're doing, you won't get the sound you want, and this amp can get EVERY sound you need with little effort.

Reliability: 10
My AD30VT (30-watt Valvetronix amp) was borrowed by the guitarist in my friend's band for about a month. He used it for everything, used it in at least four gigs that month (three sets a gig), all rehearsals, and no problems whatsoever. He actually bought his own 30-watt amp, he felt he couldn't be without it, it also was a hell of a lot lighter than his Peavey Classic 30. I've only had the AD50VT about a month, but no problems so far, and since it contains the same construction, electronic structure, and parts as the other amps, I don't see any problems. I'm an amp tech (part-time) anyway, so if something breaks, I can fix it. I'd definitely use the amp at a gig without a backup, mainly since I don't have the money to go out with an arsenal of gear, so it's got to be the one and I think it'll be fine.

Customer Support: 10
I've dealt with the company before, actually to get a manual for my AC-30. No problems, I emailed them, they emailed me back, I gave them the info they needed, I got the manual ASAP. Friendly service, no pains or any issues. As far as repairs, I do my own repairs, but since this amp is under warranty for the time being, it goes back to Gee-tar Center if I have any problems, and they give me a new one.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing keyboards for about thirty years, guitar for about twenty years. I own a Fender Stratocaster, a Vox Continental, an Alesis QS6.2 keyboard, and I have a '68 Reissue Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster set aside for my daughter when she gets to be a good guitarist and knows how special the Paisley Tele is. My amps are a '68 Fender Princeton Reverb, a re-issue Vox AC30TB with Blue Bulldogs (put one of those in the AD50VT, and watch out!) and the AD50VT. I had to cut down my guitar and amp collection because I had no space (I had a collection of Thomas-built American Vox amps, they're great amps when they're restored) and I figured that since I had such a great core selection of gear, what else did I need (I mean, I own an AC-30 and a Stratocaster, I don't think I can do any better than that right now, especially since I want to start playing Shadows tunes, and that's what Hank Marvin uses). If this amp were stolen, I'd just go buy another one, if I could find one. These amps (especially the 30 and 50-watt models) have been pretty hard to get, apparently there was a quality-control problem at the plant that made the IC chips for the amp, and Vox decided to wait and get the problems fixed rather than farm the production out to someone else, hey, extended wait for the amp as opposed to increased costs, I'll wait for the cheaper amp, you know what I mean?), but Guitar Center seems to have some in stock now, they're online, and you can even get amps at North Coast Music (www.northcoastmusic.com) that have the metal grille replaced with original Vox grillecloth for a little more money, but the metal grille doesn't really bother me, it's a post-modern Vox amp, and it still looks stylish. I love its ability to make every sound I'll ever need, from a Deluxe Reverb to Marshall to AC-30 at a fraction of the cost of all those amps (ever price a Deluxe Reverb lately??), and if it isn't a Marshall stack, well, you've got a speaker out on this one, plug in a cabinet and have fun! As far as things I hate, there's nothing I hate about it, it looks great, sounds amazing, it's not bulky, it's loud enough for anyone, it's a Vox amp, and so much more. Like I said before, the lack of a few more preset buttons could be a little bit of a problem, but if you're like me, you use the amp in manual or you get the footswitch, use the footswitch to select between the two presets or set it to the manual setting you have on the amp. That's three settings, put a tube screamer in front of it if you want, I noticed that some reviewers wanted combined reverb/delay (the amp hasn't got this), well I have an echo unit, so I'm set if I ever need this combined effect. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!! This is the key to getting the sounds you need on this amp. I compared it to Line 6 amps, the Fender Cyber series (ugly-looking and horrible-sounding), and the original Valvetronix amps (beautiful to look at, and I like the blue grillecloth, a nice twist on the old theme), and this amp came out on top for all the right reasons. It's a fun amp to own, it's good for all situations, it looks like a no-bull player's amp, it's built to take out and gig with, not to admire it in your den, and it throws out great sound. And, all misty-eyed sentiment aside, it's a Vox, maybe not a traditional-looking one, but you still feel part of that great chain of musicians who chose this amp brand for its sound and style, everyone from Hank Marvin to the Beatles to U2 and every band that plays the Conan O'Brien show (90 percent of them use Vox AC-30s, isn't having a trust-fund great? Oh brother...)Oh yeah, one more thing I'd like to share--READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!! Did I say that enough? Good, now go get one, and drive your neighbors crazy!

Submitted by Santos Menendez at 12/11/2004 17:23

Price Paid: US $359.00

Features: 5
brand new purchased from guitar center. price paid $359.99. boy i hate to write a bad review but i was less than impressed with this amp. it sounded good in the store and good at home. on the gig was another story. i play in a 600 seat theatre in vegas. the main problem in my opinon was the lack of tonal focus. i worked at home for 5 days to get familar with the amp. once the band kicked in i the only thing i could hear were unattractive high or low frequencies popping thru the mix. it was hard to concentrate on the gig. this particular gig is pretty straight forward rhythym guitar with a few solos here and there. the power at 50 watts seemed light. i use a 15 watt matchless as my main amp it works fine. the effects sound very good. the amp is stiff for chords.

Sound Quality: 5
the sound was ok at best. this was also my first use of a modeling amp.

Reliability: 5
it made noises when i put the jack in and i would be suspect of its overall reliability.

Customer Support: N/A
xxxxxxxx

Overall Rating: N/A
35 years as pro guitar player

matchless marshall amps.

gibson heritage and schecter guitars

i compared it to the line 6 and the fender cyber deluxe.

i wish it had a better overall feel when playing less stiff.

i think overall alot of people will really like this amp. it just was not for me.

Submitted by Eric at 12/10/2004 11:23

Price Paid: US $359 plus tax

Features: 9
It's a brand new late-2004 design. I am suspect of the previous 5 reviews as I got the first one of these that Guitar Center received, and I got it the same day it came off the truck on December 2. NONE of the internet order sites had this in stock yet either, so maybe Korg/Vox put a few good reviews for themselves up on this site a month ago.
Anyway, I also own the 30 watt version (ad30vt), and since this is almost the same amp just check my review there (under Gary H.) for my opinion of the features. Something different on this amp is the tube is not visible through the rear grille on this 50-watt version. It looks like they made it easier to swap though, as you can get to it through the speaker area by removing the rear panel. They kind of flipped the tube socket upside-down to make tube swaps easier, so when you look through the grille all you see is the bottom of the tube socket. It is still an Electro-harmonix 12AX7EH tube. The speaker is a made-in-England Celestion, but the magnet isn't as big as the Vintage 30 or Greenback. It is a good sounding speaker though, especially with the closed-back cab design. The 30-watt is a better choice for recording, as it is quiter since this 50-watt has a noisy fan in it.

Sound Quality: 10
Again, please see my other review of the 30-watt version for more info here. I think this amp sounds fuller due to the larger cabinet and the 12-inch speaker. As noted before, if you are not gigging and want to record with this, you're better off with the 30-watt version as the fan in this thing is annoying as hell. I can see the plug for it inside through the rear grille, so maybe I'll take it apart and unplug it at some point. Most amps don't absolutely have to have these anyway, unless you use it out in the sun at 100 degrees cranked wide open. Excellent cleans, great distortions, the best modeling I have heard yet. Superior noise gate, decent effects, and it sounds great cranked up. Overall outstanding tone from a $360 amp.

Reliability: N/A
Looks reliable. Only one tube, so in theory it should be more reliable than a traditional tube amp. Time will tell.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with them.

Overall Rating: 10
Been playing about 10 years. I've submitted dozens of reviews here. This is one of my favorite pieces of guitar gear so far. If it were stolen I would replace it. It's reasonably lightweight, has plenty of bottom end from the closed-back design, has a usable compliment of effects including an outstanding reverb and noise gate, sounds great, and has enough volume to gig with. Overall an outstanding value. This is the modeling amp for guys who hate modeling amps!

Submitted by Gary H. at 12/06/2004 09:48

Price Paid: US $359

Features: 9
I agree I would have like a echo and reverb setup in the effects.

Sound Quality: 10
The sounds on this amp are excellent. I play blues, rock, country, oldies. To me I get the best sound with the power dial turned down just a little. I am waiting to run it through my 2 x 12 cab at pratice. The twin seems to be I guess the word would be rattely at high volumes. But turning the wattage dial down helps.

Reliability: N/A
Only had it a week.

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't dealt with them yey

Overall Rating: N/A
Been playing about 38 years. Main guitar is a Fender Super Honey Super Strat. I do wish you could use the internal speaker when using the direct out or ext. cab.

Submitted by Anonymous at 11/28/2004 09:00

Price Paid: US $349.00

Features: 9
I originally played the AD15VT at Guitar Center and thought it sounded way too good for an 8 inch speaker. I then tried the AD30VT, and liked it even more. So when I found the 50 watt Version, I tried it as well anmd walked out the door with it.
This is a great amp to have around. I use it to practice (mostly rock and blues) with and find it incredibly easy to use. The tones are very user friendly ( In my opinion, Vox has done the best job of any amp manufacturer in amp-modeling world) and the addition of an actual 12AX7 tube adds warmth to the tone that a Line 6 just does not have.
My only complaint is that I wish it had three programmable channels instead of two and an effects combo of delay/reverb (then again, no amp maker does this that I know of). But other than that, this amp rocks like nothing else in its size and price range. The addition of the attenuator on the back is a nice touch to get tube satuation at lower volumes. If you crank the treble, it adds an exciter type effect to the tone, which really brings the amp to life.

Sound Quality: 9
I play a Les Paul primarily and can get a myriad of tones out this amp. The 80's channel nails the JCM800 sound that every rock band had back in the day. The AC30 tone is as sweet and syrupy as the original, it would make Brian May happy. The nu-metal and hi-gain amp models are harmonically rich and would work great live or in the studio, without having to lug a huge cab and head with you. And the cleaner channels are very nice, with the 4x10 setting acting like a bassman on the edge of breaking up.

Reliability: N/A
I've only had the amp for a short time, only time will tell how reliable the amp is. More than likely the first test of this amp will bewhen it comes time to replace the tube.

Customer Support: N/A
No experience with VOx customer service, hopefully never will have to.

Overall Rating: 9
This is my first experience with Vox. I own other amps by Marshall and Fender, and this amp can run with them both. This amp has also redefined my opinion of what a Vox amp is. It's more than an AC30, but it can be as well. Go try one out, you will be pleasantly suprised no matter what type of music you play.

Submitted by Jason Laurianti at 11/26/2004 06:57

Price Paid: US $340.00

Features: 9
The amp is a 2004 it just came out. I already have the 30 watt version. I play classic Rock n Roll and Blues, mixed with an electic batch of almost anything. This amp can pretty much cover all of the bases. It has multiple amps (11 usable favorites) of almost every kind you would ever need. You can dial them in manually or pre-set them with and without effects with the 2 button vox footswitch. It has a line that doubles as a line out or for headphones.

The only reason I'm not giving this a "10" is out of all of the combo effects it doesn't have reverb and delay together. I guess that's what pedals are for. I love the simplicity of the amp. You can pre-set on the fly if at a gig and you don't need a lot of time or a degree from MIT.

Sound Quality: 10
2- Tom Anderson Cobra's ( 1-Tele Style, 1 S-body style), Fender 50th Anniversary Strat, and an American Std Strat. Humbuckers and single coils. The amp can be noisy in the higher gain settings, there is a noise gate built in that you can adjust. Great variety and it nails all of the amp settings. The 4x10 Tweed setting is awesome. Just crank the gain and volume, drop the wattage about 5-10 watts, crank the master volume, a touch of reverb, and you have a great vintage Fender sound. The Clean boutique sound and Fender Twin can be as jangly as you want. The distortion varieties on each amp setting are a adjustable, versatile, and real. When you have the master volume up loud you have to be careful about some hum and feedback. Again roll the wattage back a little and itls controllable.

Reliability: N/A
I just bought the 30 watt, and have been waiting patiently for this one. I bought the 30 watt for my son for his college dorm. It's spent more time with me at my home. Last weekend I gigged with the 30 watter it sounded great, just needed a little more juevos rancheros. That's when I knew I would need the 50 watt version. I take a backup amp to every gig. I love to play too much to have 1 amp go down and not be able play and finish the gig. So it's too early to know about service.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with Korg. There are 3 local music retailers who are authorized Vox dealers. 90 days on Speakers, Tubes, and Footswitch. 1 year on everything else. A good friend of mine has one of the first Valvetronix 120 ADT combos for a while now and his has never broken down.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for about 35 years. I have a customized Class A-30 watt Crate Vintage Club and the Valvetronix 30 watter. I've had many amps in the recent past. Cyber Twin, Crate Vintage 50 with digital effects, Vibro-King, Vibrolux, Bassman, Matchless, Marshall JCM 60, Bluesbreaker Combo, Peavey Classic's recent and the original's from the early to mid 70's, 67 Bassman with 2-12 JBL cab, and on and on.

If stolen or lost I would get another.

Oddly enough I compared it to the 60 watt Vox ADT-VTX. I set up the amps to compare the exact same amp settings, wattage, and simple effects such as reverb or delay. The only thing the 50 watter doesn't have in the EQ and tone settings is a presence control (and all of the other pedals which most of I already have). The 50 watter blew it away. It kicked it's ass. The 60 watt sells for over $700.00 The 50 was fatter, more organic, and overall had better tone that was easier to dial in. I used a $3,600 Tom Anderson S-Cobra for the AB test, no second rate guitar. I look forward to playing out with this monster and simplify my set up. I might try experimenting with speaker, and the tube to see if there is any differences. Other than that I love it.

Submitted by Jeff E at 11/14/2004 18:43

Price Paid: US $333

Features: 9
2004, 50 Watts, 1 12 inch Vox speaker.
Two channels, headphones, line out, built in attenuator!
Tube POWER amp, solid state preamp, crank it up!
Many effects, some good, some okay.
Used it at band practice with drums and a Peavey Classic 30, it held up very well, and is VERY bassy, with the 12 inch speaker and closed cabinet.

Cool part about this amp is that for the different amps, the knobs may do different things. For instance, on the AC30, which has no master volume, the 'Gain' knob acts as a master volume. It also has no 'Mid' knob, so set it to 12 o'clock, and it's neutral, just like the real thing. You can still use the 'Volume' and 'Master Volume' and 'Mid' knobs, for extra versatility, but that's not part of the experience now is it?

Sound Quality: 9
I've used it with a JBP Strat, and my Agile Les Paul with Golden Age Pickups. Each has a very different sound, but each sound is very very nice.
It can play almost any style, the cleans are beautifully clean, going to the Twin Reverb and Bassman, where it gets a little dirty, yet very clear, then to the Voxes.
The Vox AC30 sounds INCREDIBLE! Day Tripper? Yes sir, this is THEE tone. Not suprising, considering it is a Vox and all. The AC15 doesn't really tickle my fancy, sounds like the AC30 but with less distortion, maybe that's what they really sound like, I don't know, I usually opt for the AC30.
Then we get to the Marshall JTM45 (I think) which is the UK 70's amp. No master volume on this one, just like the real thing. WONDERFUL AC/DC crunch tones and any other 70's classic rock sound. Need any more distortion? Go for the UK 80's (JCM800). Great mid-high gain sound, great for leads and G'N'R and what not.
I'm not much of a metal head, so the next ones, the UK Modern, US Highgain, and the Numetal don't really interest me, but I'd say they sound okay, the US HiGain is great for some Turbonegro action. The last model is the Botique OD, which is some sort of Dumble amp. It's not as loud as the others, which is kind of weird, but sounds good, kinda like a more bluesy UK 80s amp.

All in all, there's a VERY good variety of sounds that this thing can make. Just make sure you leave the Master and Volume on 11 and just control the volume by turning the Attenuator knob on the back to keep the Tube distortion alive.

The Effects:
All the effects, by using a combination of the Bypass and Tap and the Edit knob, can be adjusted with great care, just like any number of effects pedals.
Reverb is pretty good, can go from a huge auditorium sound to a small room sound, which I think is pretty neat.
Delay, very cool, for some 'Run Like Hell' action.
Chorus, I find it to be pretty cool, doesn't really work unless you're playing very cleanly, and takes some tweaking to sound good. There's a Flanger and Phaser, which I don't really use, but they serve their purpose for playing "Barracuda" :D. Tremolo is very nice for some Dick Dale action, in combination with a Strat and the Twin Reverb model.
Rotating Speaker, I don't really use it, it's just kinda like a slow tremolo to me.
Then we get to the Auto Wah, which I can't decide if I like. You turn it on, and it works pretty well, but thins out your sound a LOT. Just buy a wah pedal, NOBODY ever uses Auto Wah, EVER, unless you're just goofing around.

So all in all, very versatile, great models, and the effects are okay. But that's what pedals are for.

Reliability: 10
Looks to be pretty sturdy, nothing to really go wrong with it, except maybe replace the Tube in a few years.
Metal speaker cover is really sturdy, nothin's gonna' break that thing.

I've heard that others have replaced the speaker and tube in the AD30VT and it makes this amp a LOT better sounding. Maybe I'll try it out some day with a nice JJ 12AX7 and a Celestion.

Other than that, I see no probs with this amp, it's mostly solid state, and can't really go wrong with that in regards to dependability.

Customer Support: 10
Haven't had any issues so far.

I did E-Mail Vox as to the availability of this amp, and I got a very helpful reply within a day.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for about 2.5 years, have a Peavey Classic 30, a Washburn Mercury, JBP Strat, and my Agile Les Paul. All sound pretty good and this amp works well with all of them.

For less than $360 if you're a hagglin' bastard like me, you can't get a better amp.

Submitted by Ryley at 11/14/2004 10:28

Price Paid: US $359

Features: 10
This is the latest addition to the valtronics line of amps by Vox. This amp can do it all. First of all if you are conteplating the 30 or 50 model go with the 50. The extra power and 12 in Cellestion speaker are enough to make this a no brainer.

I can say without any doubt you cannot find a better sounding amp for under 550 dollars period. The dial a watt feature is awesome as I can open up the tubes and dial down the power (1-50) and still have that warm tube sound at low volumes. (helps with the wife!)

The features are limitless. The modeling part of the amp is flawless with preset and you can dial your own settings for each amp it mimics. Simply amazing. You can also pre program 2 settings of any combination of features. An optional foor pedal can switch from 2 presets and the original settings you start with so you can have 3 pre sets at the click of a switch.

Sound Quality: 10
I am playing with an American Strat and it blows the house down at full wattage. I mean hurt your ears power (not even at full power) but crystal clean! The distortion settings (via amp styles or gain) are absolutly fantastic. If you cannot find a sound to suit your stlye I would be shocked.

Reliability: 10
I have just purchased this amp about a week ago but it is built solid. This amp can definatly be used in a gig in up to a medium venue. It is a touch heavy but is also not a problem to cart from place to place.

Customer Support: N/A
Not needed.............

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing off an on now for 20 years. I am the kind of person who fully investigates every product before I buy. This is the best 359 dollars I have ever spent! If this were lost or stolen I would go right to the store and replace it with the exact same amp. I looked at Fenders offerings in the 300-700 range as well as Marshall, Crate, and Peavy. NOTHING even comes close to this amp. You owe it to yourself to try this out before you buy anything, I guarentee you will not be dissapointed.

I purchased mine at the Guitar Center where they just came in 2 days before. I got the last one. They were sold out in 2 days! I think the more the word gets out on this amp the harder it will be to find so if you find it you better get it quickly. Remember the 30 watt model won all types of awards in various guitar magazines and when this gets reviewed it will do 1 better.

Submitted by Charlie Centrelli at 11/10/2004 06:22