Vox Cambridge 30 Reverb

Price Paid: 300 (euros) used

Features: 10
This has been covered...I needed a small amp under 400 euros with reverb and TREMELO! Let's face it, there's aren't many choices out there...I like the line out, I like the speaker out (more on the speaker later). Footswitchable channel and tremelo is very handy (and the option for switching gain and reverb is nice too). Overall, lots of bang for the buck.

Sound Quality: 5
At first I tried guitars with humbuckers and P90s through this amp--and really hated the sound. I mean, I was disappointed. Just kind of harsh, grating--actually, I think it's the speaker that can't keep up, as soon as you try to push the volume, it just breaks up into garbage. But it's the gain channel too--at low volumes, it's okay, but pushed a little too hard...and you just can't run the tremelo with the gain channel, just sounds like mud.
Ah, but then I picked up a cheapo Morris Melody Maker copy with single-coils...and wow, what a difference! All of the sudden this amp sounds great, just like I wanted it to sound. Nice and warm--the clean channel is delicious, the gain channel is snarly but controlled. Still, the speaker really sucks--it's just too small. But the amp's not worth adding cabinet...right now I'm thinking of modifying it by putting in a 12" Greenback...don't know if that'll work! So I'm rating this a 5 --if you don't have single-coils, don't bother with this amp.
The reverb is nice and deep sounding, but never gets in the way. The tremelo could be a little more extreme for my taste--it's quite restrained. I usually leave it set to the fastest speed and then just nudge it into the overall sound. I bought THIS amp for the tremelo--there aren't many amps out there offering tremelo anymore...

Reliability: 7
This is an apartment/studio amp--they made that clear when they 'forgot' to protect the corners. Don't know why--how much could a set of corners cost?
I've had the amp for about six months now, routinely keep it running 5 or 6 hours a day or more (it's next to my desk while I work, I play it, type, play it, type...). Never had any cause for alarm.
But still, it's obviously cheap construction, and the way my band tosses things around, I wouldn't want it near them! (I don't play guitar in this band, so I don't need to bring it.) Still, since I've had no problems, I'll give it a decent rating.

Customer Support: N/A
I expect nothing from 'Vox' for this amp.

Overall Rating: 5
I just started playing again six months ago (after a long break), and this amp has helped me regain a lot of what I'd lost...for that it has been the perfect companion while I wait until I can afford a true pro amp. I plan to start gigging next year, by then, this puppy will be replaced. Too bad those AC30s are overpriced!
Like I said, I was really disappointed by the amp until I plugged in a single-coil guitar, and now I really like it--except the speaker is still too small, and that part's a shame. Wish I'd been able to get the twin version, but it was hard enough finding this one here (France).
If you're looking for a home/rehearsal amp, I think this is a good choice. If you're willing to gig with it, you're braver than I am.
I'm cutting the overall rating because of two things: The shitty speaker and my lack of confidence for bringing this along for gigs.

Submitted by Melody Man at 02/01/2004 00:36

Price Paid: US $200

Features: 8
2 channels - one clean (solid state), one 'hybrid' channel with a 12AX7 in the preamp. Reverb, trem, 'gain boost,' classic Vox look.

Seeing that I bought this as a closeuout at $199, I was impresed for what features were available for the money. A pretty loud 30 watts makes this appropreate for club gigs - or you could mic it.

Sound Quality: 8
Overall, this amp has a pretty decent sound. I like the clean channel - very clear with a nice ring to it. I've played both a tele and an Ibanez archtop through it. I'd have to say that I prefer the sound of humbuckers if I had to pick one over the other. The second channel is more suited for a blusey style. I didn't care for the 'gain boost' option, but I normally use a pedal for overdrive.
I was suprised how loud this amp was - when it's really cranked, the speaker 'quacks' with some tones. As I normally mike my speaker, I don't normally use that much volume - a setting of 4 1/2 - 6 (depending on guitar) seemed enough to drive the speaker toward a warm but clean tone.
I really like the tremelo - sounds really good.

Reliability: 3
Hmm...
As one can gather from many of the other reviews here, this amp has its problems. Mine worked perfectly before it suddenly came down with a classic case 'Cambridgeitus.' I had the amp repaired at a moderate price and then...several gigs later - same thing. Also, at one point the gain pot stopped working. Its a real shame that Vox/Korg wasn't able (or willing)to work out the bugs in this thing - the potential for an amp leading its price range and size was possible.

Customer Support: N/A
My local shop was great aboout repairs - never contacted Vox/Korg

Overall Rating: 5
I really wanted to like this amp, but it seems the manufacturer decided to cut one too many corners.
This does not sound anything like an AC30 - but I never thought it was supossed to. I has a great sound for its price range.
The major drawback here is reliability and quality control.

Submitted by Anon at 01/14/2004 13:25

Price Paid: US $225

Features: 7
This amp has some pretty decent features. I liked the seperate (although limited - high and low only) EQ for each channel. Even some more expensive amps have only a shared EQ. Also the mid and gain boosts on the second channel really help to give you a nice selection of sounds if you use a decent guitar. Also, the tremolo effect can be cool when used correctly. Nice 10" Blue bulldog Celestion and tube/solid-state hybrid construction. There is no effects send and the outputs to a seperate cab or for recording, are limited and don't sound too good.

Sound Quality: 8
This amp has some great tone. It took me back when I first played it. The cleam channel when played with a nice single coil, really sings. I feel this amp must be graded for what it is professing to be. To mark it against a 60W Fender with 2x12s is not fair. It has great tube like tone for a mostly solid state 30W amp with one 10 inch speaker. It is absolutley brilliant at home practice volumes, yet can stand well in a band practice situation. It is missing a bit on the low end (probably due to the 10") and has some white noise which can irritate some. For the money, it beats most in its class. The output from the preamp for recording purposes or to PA is not good. The resulting sound (while functional) looses all its great tone.

Reliability: 6
I did have to get a reapir done on this amp. After a year, it put out a weak distorted sound that failed to get to a truly audible level. The reapir bill was cheap ($40) and I was good to go again. I have heard others complain of similar. Until that point, this was my only amp and I never considered getting another. I has not had a problem since.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with Vox support.

Overall Rating: 7
I have been playing for 10 years and sadly enough, this was my first decent amp (bought 3 years ago). Until that time I played at home or soley for recording through a preamp to a PC or headphones. I think that amp is a good comprimise between solid state and tube. I sounds great, and if it didn't breakdown I might not have gotten another amp. Unfortunately, Vox has discontinued the amp. But if you catch one on Ebay or in a shop and are looking for a nice little practice amp with great tone for the buck, pick it up.

Submitted by Rich Webb at 12/29/2003 13:10

Price Paid: US $199

Features: 9
For the price (I paid $199), you get all the following:
- Celestion bulldog speaker
- 2 channel switching with full controls
- Footswitchable Spring Reverb
- Footswitchable Tremolo
- Mid Range Boost
- Ext cab out
- Headphone out
- Tube preamp!

That's a good deal for this setup. I see these amps in the $150 range on Ebay now, and not much more for the twin reverb models. It's hard to beat that.

Sound Quality: 9
I use one of the following:
Epiphone 335 Dot (humbuckers)
Rickenbacker 360 (humbuckers)
Danelectro DC-12 (single coil)

The amp really chimes with all three guitars. You're best off elevating the amp a couple of feet so it has room to breathe. Clean channel is clean with very little distortion even when pushed hard. The tremolo is sweeping and full-- I actually wish it were more robust. The reverb is decent, but I stick with a EH Holy Grail instead.

The Gain channel is *awesome* I understand the gain channel uses a similar configuration of the V810 Valvetone pedal, which is essentially a Tubescreamer. It sounds that good, and pushes the 12AX7 VERY nicely. Cranked wide open, there's still oceans of tone. It sounds ridiculously good with a modulation device (flange or phase) in front of it. The distortion is not overly metallic or overbearing, which suits me perfectly. Metalheads will probably want to look elsewhere (when have they ever been interested in Vox?)

30 tube-driven watts is plenty to play out with. I have no trouble bringing it to practice and being heard over my friends' blues jr. or epiphone pacemaker.

I've experienced very little hum (more from the Dano's single coils) from this amp, but some 60Hz is to be expected.

Reliability: 8
I have not experienced any of the horrors that others have in the 18 months I've been using this amp. There has been no loss of signal nor fading out. I was concerned when my warranty expired six months ago, but there have been no issues as of yet.

Customer Support: N/A
Not applicable.

Overall Rating: 9
I wish I had another one of these to run in stereo from my GT-3. I would hesitate slightly before replacing it because of the issues others have brought up, but I can't say how happy I've been with this product. I used to play keyboards, and have been playing guitar for about four years-- but about 6 hours a day for four years. I don't expect to ever get rid of this amp.

Submitted by Ryan at 10/31/2003 16:32

Price Paid: 300 Euro (Feedback Rotterdam, Holland)

Features: 10
This amp had some very good features. The reverb on the Cambridge 30R is so nice ! 2 Channels (1 clean and one distorted... the last one uses the tube). The first channel, clean is very nice. It has a very warm sound. Good for stuff like Nirvana and stuff. Now the second... damn the second channel is good. The gain on this channel is soooo nice! Specialy if you got the reverb half open.. The tremelo is pretty useless for me but it does sound good though.

For the rest of the features just check out the other reviews.

Sound Quality: 10
I have a Stagg Les Paul (good copy of a Gibson Les Paul).

I was looking for a distorted late 60's Britisch rock sound and I've found it in the VOX Cambridge 30R. It has such a warm gain... It's really good if you're covering White Stripes and stuff (sounds like White Stripes: Black Math, Screwdriver, Lets Build a Home,

Reliability: N/A
Well I have this beauty for a week now so I don't think I can say a lot about the reliability but I would defenatly take it to a gig without a backup although a backup is always good.

Customer Support: N/A
I never had to deal with them, but like I said; i only have it for a week now.

Overall Rating: 9
If this amp would be stolen I would defenatly buy anoter VOX Cambridge 30R...

What I like about this amp is the old crunchy rock sound.
There actually nothing i dislike but if the Foodpanel for channelswitch would be included i'd give Overall Rating a 10.

Submitted by Amin Eftegarie at 10/05/2003 23:38

Price Paid: US $300

Features: 10
Just bought two of these to use as a stereo rig. I bought them both used but paid up for them on Ebay. I found one to have a more used tone than the other due to the age and obvious use but the loss of high freqs was actually pleasent for cranked tone.
I am an audio engineer by trade and I produce music, very little playing but when I plugged in my ricko 370 in stereo I was blown away with the cool counds. The reverb is bright and hashy but I plan to ad a mojo in the bottem of the amp case and remote it. Will likely look for a way to kit the output up with a pair of 6v6s. Let's see PSU 5u4 and a fender out xformer. Sounds like a cool product to me. There is plentuy of room in one of these cheap amps to do stuff like this so get ready for a classic mod find as they will likely go up in value soon.

I thought i would hate a chip based solid state amp. Cound the contrary. I love the sound od this little guy.

Gary
818-521-5535
eir@ispwest.com

Sound Quality: 9

Reliability: N/A
We'll see.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 9

Submitted by GARY Brandt at 09/12/2003 02:22

Price Paid: 225 (Canadian)

Features: 10
(UPDATED REVIEW!!!!)

This review should totally overshadow the review I made a while ago.

30w vavle-state combo
2 channels
1st channel: voulme, treble, bass
2nd channel: volume treble, bass, gain, mid-boost switch
reverb and tremelo controls

two foot switch jacks: (top - channel, rear - tremelo)

three output jacks: studio line-out, headphones, and external speaker out

single 10' Blue Celestion Bull-dog speaker

Missing features: Effects loop, mid controls, stand-by switch

I have used the tremelo effect on occasion and get varying results. Overall I find the Tremelo nice to have, if I'm not using my regular setup. I would rather have the Boss TR-2 at my feet than the inbox tremelo.

Sound Quality: 10
I'm using a heavily modified Epiphone ES-335 (Burstbucker 2 neck pickup, 500t super ceramic pickups, w/coil/phase tap on each, grover locking tuners, bone nut, and the rest is all offical gibson hardware!) through a Vox Clyde McCoy wah pedal, Boss TR-2 Tremelo, and Danelectro Cool Cat. I'm also known to use a Ovation Celebrity Deluxe acoustic through this setup as well.

I play a lot of Rock, blues, jazz, and punk, and this amp can really dish it out. The Clean channel is supurb and emits an incredible tone. However at 1 o'clock (where I usually play it at) I get a natural overdrive out of my guitar because of the pickup/guitar/amp combination so I have to keep an eye on my guitar's volume to get a true clean sound with no distortion.

The distortion channel is definatly what this amp is all about. I've played through AC30TBX models and while the overdrive of the AC30 is much better, the Cambridge definatly has nothing to fear. What I mean by this is that the Cambridge 30's overdrive is almost as creamy and errotic as the AC30's. Definatly my favorite sound!

Of course I would have sold the amp already if I didn't pipe the amp through a custom cabinet housing 2 12' Celestion Greenbacks.

Reliability: N/A
no reliablity problems. The stock speaker does rattle and sound kinda nasty at higher volumes, but I use an outboard cab now

Customer Support: N/A
no need

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for 5 years now, and I have used my fair share of equipment, and I have to say that the Cambrdige 30 was definatly worth it's weight in gold.

In fact, I love this amp so much that I now use my cam30/cab combo at all gigs and my AC30 sits at home. Why you ask? Well the Cam30/cab combo is much lighter, has a much larger stage pressance, and is a much better choice for my needs. The overdrive of the cam30 is great and can be switched off at the push of a pedal, the ac30 however has no channel switching, making it too hard to use on stage for quick changes between sounds. (I had to use my guitars onboard volume before) Also I perfer the overdrive of the cam30 towards any distortion effects pedal.

The Cam30 is an incredible amp which I would love to see more artists use, but because of limited numbers and the discontinuation of the amp, I doubt we will see very many on stage...except for mine!

http://www.rolodexmusic.com/audio.html for clips from a recent show using this amp guitar configuration!

Submitted by Luke at 06/07/2003 14:47

Price Paid: Australian (550)

Features: 8
Features on other reviews. Made in Korea. 2 channels. NO DIGITAL EFFECTS. I have spent 10 years gathering my FX setup- I do not want an amp with FX. Everything I want, nothing I dont; although, it could probably use a middle EQ know on either but the sound quality is such that you really don't need it. People have said that the valve is only for the dirty channel, but I don't think so. When I turn it on and it's on clean, it takes a LONG time to sound, just like a valve. If anyone knows about this, please email me.

Sound Quality: 10
I'm using it with a Yamaha RGX, Ibanez CT and a custom tele. It sounds superb. The tele is a home-made project and the Vox brings out the very best in it. MUCH better sound on the neck pick-up than any amp I've ever tried- incuding Fender Champs etc. This amp has a full, rich tone that makes all of my guitars different- in a good way. The clean channel is as rich as any tone I have ever heard from a guitar. Dirty channel is the first I've ever used much (because I usually hate amp distortion). It is superb all-round sound.

Reliability: N/A
Well, I know this is the part where these amps have their downfall- in fact, mine is a factory second which had repairs even before I bought it. But, I guess the rating goes on MY amp and thus far I have had no problems with it, although I guess I haven't had it long enough. One note: guys, if you get it and it doesn't work, don't mark the 'Sounds' category down- mark reliability down. Whilst I concede that there seem to have been reliability problems (and lots of them), there don't seem to be many complaints about the sound.

Customer Support: N/A
Can't say either way.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing 14 years now and have only recently (two years) been discovering the difference a good amp can make. I can safely say that this is the first amp I have bought solely on the basis of sound quality. The first hybrid amp I've amp I've owned-I was a solid state man. I am now selling my Laney World Series Combo (120TR). And for the money, it doesn't get any better. I know there are problems with reliability and it may therefore be a liability but it sounds so good, I have made a calculated risk. Set up: Tele ->Jen CryBaby Wah (original)->Ibanez DML-10 (modulating delay)-> Boss OS2 (dist/o'drive)->Boss ME-30->Vox. I'm getting close to the place...You know...the place.

Submitted by Mike at 06/01/2003 04:54

Price Paid: £229 (UK pounds)

Features: 9
Well first of all it looks great, no cheesy looking digital on board effects for us vintage snobs. For the money it's immensly great looking. I love the knobs and the reverb and tremelo are great

Sound Quality: N/A
I use a fender USA strat 73 with original pick ups, used to play through a fender twin for years and it sounded dreamlike. Most reliable guitar I've ever owned (almost 3 years). I play mostly warm guitar sounds, velvet underground, sparklehorse, sonic youth, new country stuff. I saw this amp in the shop and was reluctant to try it as I thought it would sound very bad. I tried it and was shocked, wasn't too bothered about the clean channel as it sounded thin but the dirty channel had the best tones I have heard in a long time. Warm, vintage, organic, REAL. I was shocked how great it sounded. Being very dubious I kept the credit card in the pocket and spent a week or so reading reviews (read this page about 50 times) and asking around, the good reviews seemed to far out number the bad ones. I went ahead and brought, and was very happy with the sound I got.......... on the first night.

Reliability: 1
My nervousness was confirmed after reading these reviews. After ONE night of playing, I got a crackle in the amp, no matter what speakers, leads, guitar I used. I really could not believe it, shortly afterwards the volume dropped on the clean channel and the tremelo stopped working. LISTEN TO THE REVIEWS PEOPLE.

Customer Support: 1
I'm feeling too sick too right now. No doubt they will blag with some bullshit

Overall Rating: 5
I love the sound dearly but I'm so nervous to get another, I would love to give it a try, if my second unit fails that's it. Though when it worked it sounded heavenly.

Submitted by mark at 05/22/2003 04:20

Price Paid: US $300

Features: 8
solid state, british clean tone w/ tube distortion channel. also has reverb and vibrato. i will go into more detail later.

Sound Quality: 10
most sounds are relative. meaning they react to what you use with them. i use solid body, humbucking guitars (gibson, dean) and found that it brought out many difernt tones than wat i had heard before on other amps. the gibson was a little muddier than with the fender i previously owned but that was able to be tweaked out within the first day. the dean gave me a brighter, more trebly sound but i liked it so that was cool. i prefer the british clean tone and rely on stomp boxes alot. if you want a good blues amp this probably isnt the amp for you. i found that i had to turn up the gain on my distortion a little but that was not a problem. the reverb sounds wonderful and the tremelo is pretty good too. i am looking for a tremelo pedal though. i was very disappointed in the distortion channel. even with the bass on 0 and the treble on 10 it was still muddy. might work for blues but i dont play blues. overall this is a truly amazing solid-state amp. i am very, very pleased.

Reliability: 8
did have some trouble with volume drop off. when i took it to the shop, they told me it was a loose wire. they soldered it up and i havent had any trouble since. does have a little bit of noise when it is on, but that is what makes it a vox. it isnt really bad though.

Customer Support: N/A
never dealt with vox, but the store i bought it from was really cool.

Overall Rating: 10
been playing about 4 years and this is the best solid state amp i have ever used.

Submitted by joecool at 04/27/2003 12:10