Vox - Valvetronix VT40X - 40W Modeling Guitar Amplifier - Black

Product Information

The line output is fed through an integral speaker simulator. Unfortunately, I found that it didn't sound nearly as nice as the speakers, being thinner and a little buzzy. Even readjusting the EQ wasn't a complete solution. I also had problems with ground-loop hum as soon as I connected the amp into my mixer, so my conclusion is that the best way to record this amplifier is to mic it up. This is reasonably convenient, given the choice of power settings; even the 2W setting produces a powerful sound, with no loss of character. The Sound There are few surprises in the effects section, though the U-Vibe and Octave settings in the pedal section are rather unexpected. These work much like their pedal equivalents, so when using the Octave (octave divider) setting you need to play monophonically. U-Vibe is based on the Univibe pedal and sounds like a hybrid of phasing and modulated EQ -- perfect for those slow Hendrix numbers. Everything about the Valvetronix is extremely intuitive. It utilises familiar guitar-amp controls (Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence and Master volume), augmented by a rotary Amp Type selector switch, plus dedicated effects sections that each have controls very similar to what you'd expect on a simple stomp box. The Vox Valvetronix series artfully marries state-of-the-art digital technology with timeless analogue circuitry, integrating authentic vacuum tubes into the structure. Models like VT20X and VT40X utilise a Valvetronix preamp within their multi-stage amplification circuit. This circuit faithfully mirrors the unique distortion, swift response, and tonal characteristics that are exclusive to classic tube amps and simply cannot be duplicated by digital technology in isolation. Analogue and digital in perfect harmony

The blend of a meticulously sealed chassis along with a unique bass-reflex design ensures the efficient delivery of potent sound and a profound low-end, without generating any undesirable resonances. These amplifiers are capable of producing a sound of immense magnitude, significantly surpassing their physical size. Fine tune with Tone Room software Effects are pivotal in moulding your sound. The VT20X and VT40X offer four distortion and dynamics effects for placement before the amp stage, four spatial-type effects such as flanger and delay, and four reverbs, totalling to 12 in-built effects. Alongside Noise Reduction, you can employ up to four effects concurrently. Furthermore, each effect comes with multiple parameters, offering you the liberty to instantly achieve your desired sound. A handy tap switch is also included, facilitating easy setting of delay time or modulation speed. Up to 30 presets The AD50VT follows a "chrome" theme, in fact, one magazine ad campaign from Vox used the theme, "Go Chrome or Go Home." Chrome plated Vox logos and a chrome plated steel grill highlighted this theme. The number of amp models has increased (there are three variations on each of 11 amp types), and these are augmented by 11 stomp‑box effects, 11 modulation/delay effects, and three types of reverb. All three effect sections can be used together in addition to the in‑built noise gate. There's a useful range of presets, and eight user memories, which can be recalled from the front panel or via an optional footswitch. There's also an integral guitar tuner.The 33 preset programs (which expand to 60 when using the editor/librarian software) fully harness the capabilities of the VT20X and VT40X. Among these presets, you'll find several signature sounds of illustrious guitarists, allowing you to instantly invoke the iconic guitar tones from your favourite songs. Naturally, you're free to edit these programs according to your taste and store up to eight of your personal sounds. Optional footswitch

The Vox VT20X is not just another guitar amp. It's a comprehensive tool that offers guitarists a full palette of sounds and tones. From the clarity of high tones to the depth of lows, this amp ensures that every note you play resonates with precision and quality. The amp makes the right sounds at sensible levels, and it's adjustable enough to do some serious tone shaping without making life complicated. It has a rather less loose‑sounding bass end than the AD30VT that I still use, and I preferred its general tonality to that of the VT30 model, which I found sounded a hint 'unyielding'. Other old favourites such as Boutique OD (based on a Dumble) and a Double Rectifier have more dynamic range, with a sweeter, more detailed top-end that comes almost uncomfortably close to the real thing. The effects are equally impressive, with a choice of 12 onboard modulations, delays, reverbs, overdrives and distortions, as well as a handy noise reduction. The AD15VT follows a "chrome" theme, in fact, one magazine ad campaign from Vox used the theme, "Go Chrome or Go Home." Chrome plated Vox logos and a chrome plated steel grill highlighted this theme.I've had great results miking up my little Vox AD30VT guitar amp, and the VT40+ reviewed here is Vox's second upgrade to that model. This range of amps is so useful in the studio because their sound is virtually independent of the output level: there's a separate Power Level control, so if you want to get a big sound while driving only a couple of watts into the speaker, you can. These amps also include a speaker‑emulated headphone output that can be used for DI recording, and this mutes the speaker, which can be very handy in a domestic recording setup. Whether you choose to use the effects, use your own pedals, or process after recording using plug‑ins, this little amp works really well in the studio, particularly if you're prepared to use a mic, rather than go for the DI option — though the latter doesn't sound bad if you need to keep the levels down. This hybrid physical modelling, valve and solid-state design, presented in a classic AC30-style format, aims to offer the best of all possible worlds. How far does it succeed?