review

Vox AD30VT Valvetronix

Review by Mark Starlin

Vox AD30VT Valvetronix amp

The 30-watt AD30VT is the middle sibling in the latest series of low wattage Valvetronix amps from Vox, which also includes the 15 watt AD15VT and the 50 watt AD50VT. Featuring the same hybrid digital/analog/tube “Valve Reactor” technology that was first used in the VOX AD60VT and AD120VT, the AD30VT packs plenty of powerful modeling capabilities and digital effects into a very compact package, at a price even beginners can afford.

Features

The AD30VT is a small (18" x 9" x 17" inches), 30-watt amp with a VOX original 10" speaker. The amp uses chipboard construction with a rugged black textured finish and a silver metal front grill. The main amp controls are “chicken head” pointer knobs. The overall effect is a mix of modern and vintage design. Cost cutting is apparent in the use of plastic corner protectors and handle. It weighs in at 26 lbs. Signal processing and A/D conversion is all 24-bit, 44.1 kHz.

The AD30VT features 11 amp models and 9 digital effects. A line/headphone jack is available for direct recording or practicing without disturbing your family and neighbors. A knob on the rear of the amp allows you to adjust the wattage of the amp from 1 to 30 watts so you can crank the master volume to drive the tube power section, yet still play at lower volumes. My test unit had a noticeable hiss that disappeared when I turned the wattage down about a quarter of the way.

Controls and Operation

The AD30VT attempts to pack a lot of power into a small package, including three different operating modes and onboard effects. While this offers a lot of versatility, it also makes operating the amp less than intuitive. You will need to spend time with the manual to really understand what the amp can do and how to achieve the best results.

There are seven main control knobs on the AD30VT faceplate. The AMP knob lets you select one of the eleven modeled amps. The GAIN knob controls the amount of gain for the selected amp model. The VOLUME knob controls the amount of volume for the selected amp model. Standard TREBLE, MIDDLE, and BASS knobs control the EQ of the amp. The EFFECTS knob lets you select one of the eleven built-in digital effects or combinations. The Master knob controls the overall volume of the amp and resulting distortion of the “Valve Reactor” power section. The effects section and operating modes also have buttons and knobs to control their individual functions.

Vox VFS2 footswitch
Operating Modes

The AD30VT has three separate operating modes, let’s take a look. First up is the Preset mode. Selecting the Preset button places the amp in Preset mode. Now when you use the Amp select knob to select an amp model, a factory preset provides you with a typical setting (EQ, gain, effects, etc.) for that particular amp. Like any factory presets, there are some you will like and some you won’t. Fortunately, you are not stuck with the factory presets. You can enter the Channel Select mode and save two of your own creations as user presets. While this is certainly not a lot of presets, it does allow you to use the optional VFS2 dual foot switch to switch between a clean and distorted preset, or perhaps a rhythm and lead preset of your own creation when playing live. The final mode is the Manual Mode, which bypasses all presets and lets you use the amp’s knobs to control everything — just like a typical tube amp.

The Technology

Without getting too geeky, the Valvetronix amps uses digital modeling technology for the creation of the basic tones of the eleven modeled amps it contains, and then puts those tones through an analog (solid state) power section that uses a 12AX7 (ECC83) tube (valve) and a virtual output transformer to provide the characteristics of a real tube power amp circuit. This patented circuitry is unique, and only found in Vox Valvetronix amps.

Amp Tone And Feel

The goal of all this “Valvetronix” technology is to provide the tone and “feel” of a real tube amp. And for the most part it succeeds. It does have a more dynamic feel then many of modeling amps I’ve tried, and the amp’s controls affect the tone in convincing tube amp–like ways. You have to find the right combination of gain and volume (including Master volume) for each amp model to find its “sweet spot” — just like a real tube amp. Impressive.

And while feel is the most common gripe about modeling amps, tone is equally important. Are the models any good? Glad you asked. Let’s start by looking at the eleven amp models. There is a mix of vintage and modern models with a couple of boutique models thrown in for good measure. While VOX is a little sly in their descriptions of the non-Vox amps they modeled, here are my best guesses. First up is the BOUTIQUE CL, a Dumble Overdrive Special model. The BLACK 2x12 would be a Fender Twin Reverb model. TWEED 4x10 is based on a Fender Bassman. The AC15 is modeled on Channel 2 of a 1962 VOX AC15. AC30TB is modeled on a mid 60’s AC30 “Top Boost” amp. The UK ’70s is a Marshall JTM-45 Plexi model. The UK ’80s is a Marshall Super Lead model. The UK MODERN is a Marshall J-800. NUMETAL is based on a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier amp. US HIGAIN is likely a Mesa Boogie Mark III or IV series amp. BOUTIQUE OD is apparently another rare Dumble overdrive model.

I was more impressed with the vintage models than the modern ones, which tended to sound a little compressed, almost stomp box-y, to my ears. Of course, I could be totally wrong, metal is not my specialty and tone is very subjective. And to be fair, many high gain amps are know for their “fizzy”, compressed tone. The vintage models, on the other hand, are quite dynamic and fun to play. It is easy to dial up a good crunch or lead tone, especially using the Vox models. If you’re looking for that saturated Queen live tone, the AC30TB model will get you very close. None of the clean amp models totally sparkled, but this probably has more to do with the inexpensive speaker than the models themselves. Overall, the AD30VT offers a good, varied selection of tones, and most users will likely find a number of favorites.

Onboard Effects

Thanks to digital technology, many modern amps now feature onboard effects other than the old standbys reverb and tremolo. The AD30VT include auto wah, compressor, phaser, chorus, flanger, tremolo, rotary, delay, and reverb — accessible as individual or combination effects, for a total of eleven effects to choose from. Although some of the effects had an obvious digital tone to them, the effects are surprisingly good for an amp in this price range.

Unfortunately, accessing all of an effects parameters is less than intuitive (a pain, really) and requires the manual to know what parameters you are actually adjusting. There is a knob to control the most commonly used parameter for each effect, and a Tap button to set others like delay time, but accessing all the effect parameters requires some finger gymnastics that will more than likely have the user reaching for the Bypass button. Whenever I have to hold one button and turn a different knob to adjust a parameter that is only listed in the manual, I know user ease was sacrificed for cost savings. It’s a shame, a few more knobs on the panel would have vastly improved the effects section’s usability.

In Use

I tested the AD30VT with a Les Paul Custom and a Stratocaster, both at home and at my regular Sunday night gig (about 200-300 people) for my church youth group. Since I never know what to expect style-wise when I arrive, I need to have a wide pallet of tones available. Not wanting to deal with the effects section on the AD30VT in a live setting, I relied on my trusty old multi-effects unit for quick access to the effects I needed.

Once I knew what songs we were doing, I dialed up a clean and an overdrive tone on the AD30VT and saved them as the two channel select presets. I then switched between them as needed. While not designed as gigging amp, the AD30VT performed admirably, as long as I stuck to the amp models I had saved. If I had more time between songs, I could have conceivably used more amp models, selecting them by hand. Even though the AD30VT has a line out jack (which doubles as a headphone jack), we miked the amp, since using the jack cuts the signal to the speaker, and I typically use my amp as a stage monitor to better hear myself.

Final Thoughts

As a first amp or a practice amp, the AD30VT rules. It has a good, varied selection of amp tones that cover a lot of sonic ground. It is more dynamic than most modeling amps and is quite fun to play. The effects section offers nice sounding effects that are, unfortunately, hobbled by a poor user interface. Still, when you consider its street price, the AD30VT is an incredible value, far exceeding other amps in its price range.

Reader Comments

Better Guitar encourages your input. Agree with this review? Think I’m crazy? If you own or have used a Vox AD30VT Valtronix, email me your comments and I’ll post them below. The more opinions we have available, the better our buying decisions will be.

Ron B

I agree with your review. However, I was looking for an amp to support my Harmonica playing. I spent hours on the "net" looking for just the right amp. Saw several reviews such as yours. Found a nice used Vox AD 30VT at the local pawn shop for $100.00.  Brought it home and holy cow! What a great little amp it is for the Harp.  The group I play with has the high dollar/ high power amps (keyboard, bass, drums, lead guitar )this little Vox and My Hohners kicked their butts. Great amp. However, I would like to see easier access to the tube.

Nikk

I have been playing for some 30 years now but no longer gig. This amp is for me a wonder. If you want to spend the extra then I recommend upgrading the stock speaker for a v10. The difference is well worth the money. I would quite happily gig this amp. The days of 4x12 cabs are over, there is just no need. Watch the valve as it does have a habit of working loose if not transported upright. A retaining clip would have been a good idea, and a removable panel in the back where the vent holes are, also, as getting to the valve is a bugger. I may cut the vents out myself and fit one as I would not want to have to strip the amp in a live situation. If only there were amps like this in my day. I used to gig a Rage practice amp, 8 watts I think. Max one sound but wound up they were great and lets face it, in the local how loud do you want to be? We did a support with the blues band and they laughed at our amps, but when miked up through the PA they changed their tune! A fantastic amp, a few odd ways but nothing I can’t live with and for the price if it lasts 5 years then it is still a bargain.

Bill Bertsch

Excellent review on the Vox AD30VT. I just picked one up at the local pawn shop and I too have hiss at full amp. Figured that’s why it was at the pawn in the first place. Actually thought about taking it back but after your very enlightening and thorough review I am keeping it. I can live with lower amp volume especially for 140 bucks.

Alasdair Blain

I am in the market for a 30-50W valve combo. I considered Bluetone, Orange, Peavey, Vox (AC30). Then I heard good reports on VT for about half the price. I own a decent guitar (LP Std) so selecting purely on price would be a major mistake. Then last week my mate Colin traded his Hughes and Kettner for an AD30VT, so yesterday I could play for a long time without any pressure or time constraints like you may get in a store (while he had to play through my Laney.) I agree with the comments on the FX loop — pretty dubious and limited, but I must say apart from that I was really impressed. Colin paid £139 for his, I would be looking at the AD50 (maybe £189). For that money, that power and sound plus the excellent feature of being able to select 1-50W max. output: I think it’s a no-brainer.

Frankie G

I also just read the ad. I have a Mesa Rectoverb 50 combo and a Koch 120 watt going through a 4x12 Mesa. I’ve been searching for a small practice and little gig amp for living room playing, some jammin stuff. I played the AVT 20 Marshall, I have the Marshall G30, and sold my VS 100 Marshall. So lately it was a task to find what I was seeking in a small amp. I sat in Dietze Music in Omaha, NE for two hours trying amps. My was the Vox 5 watt awsome little amp and you can use batteries, great for sitting under a tree jamming outside. Then the 30 watt. I loved it and believe me I love the Marshall sound for small amps, but I bought the 5 watt and the 30 watt! There is so much more to the amp and I’ve never played the Vox to really buy one. Great price, great big sound.

Dell

I just read your review on the Vox Valvetronixs and I want to say that I agree about the effects that the amps have, they suck for the most part. I have a AD50VT, not counting the effects, I think the amps are great! You could play through them anywhere, just mic them if needed.

Scott

I just read your review of the Vox AD30VT and I agree with much of what you said. I own the AD50VT and I’m always surprised by the tube-like tones I can get from it. Sure, it's no Mesa or Marshall, but it comes pretty close. I thought your review was well thought-out and covered everything well. Being a metal player, I just wanted to provide my thoughts on the overdrive models. They all come very close to the amps they try to model (at least the ones I’ve heard; I’ve never seen a Dumble amp in a store). I find that the overdrive models do sound a little fake (I think you used the phrase “stomp-boxy”), but you can’t do better for the cost of this amp. For those buyers comparing the amp with other modeling amps in the same price range (the Line 6 Spider and Flextone come to mind), the Vox blows these amps out of the water.

stats

  • • 30 Watts
  • • Eleven built-in effects
  • • Two user presests
  • • Eleven factory presets
  • • Knob-based interface
  • • Line/headphone jack
  • • Adjustable output wattage
  • Positives
  • Exceptional value; good sounding models and effects.
  • Negatives
  • Accessing effects parameters is a hassle; plastic corner protectors and handle.
  • Rating
  • Performance: 7
  • Sound Quality: 9
  • Construction: 8
  • Overall: 8
  • Ratings Key
  • 0 = Worthless
  • 10 = Excellent
  • Approximate Street Price
  • $249
  • Sound Samples
  • (mp3 format)
  • Couresty of VOX UK. Performed by Freddy DeMarco and Rob Math, Korg USA Product Specialists.

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