when Vox brings the A game

[@tonedowne]

A really cool thing about the AC15 is that it is cheap enough to be able to have two and run them in stereo. I’ve gigged like that a few times and it’s like a religious experience.

[@gamezharks]

That or pairing them with something else, a Vox and a Blackface style Fender is killer. A Marshall or something Hiwatt style works real well too.

[@tonedowne]

@ My only other amp is a Laney Lionheart, which is kind of like a hifi version of a Vox. Funnily enough they don’t really compliment each other very well. I filled in with a metal band a while back and used the Vox as a lead boost, rolling it in with a volume pedal. That worked well.

[@Lil_Niglet_yy]

get one more and you can do wet-dry-wet! :D

[@SebastiaanFranken]

Agreed! I have 2 AC30's (a Blue and a Green), that combination works só well. Especially with a oxbox and a treble booster, that tone is just there!

[@tonedowne]

@ Nice. I’ve not tried the green and blue at the same time

[@smautomat]

I also have a Vox AC15c1, which I absolutely love. My tone cut knob lives in the 12 o’clock position.

[@avi4767]

Hehe I first got mine I thought "why would I ever use this, I have a tone knob" but your right in that being the best place for it to be. It does something way different than a tone pot/capacitor. Got mine used for 420 dollars

[@MilitantOldLady]

I love his story times, he’s so pleasantly excited about stuff. 🙂

[@ivurivurivur]

Love how every single mike video starts with 'storytime'. So cool.

[@oreally8605]

It is! 😂

[@victorbrown3570]

This is my problem with the blog. I took a long break from his videos and came back to this one only to think that nothing has changed, more of the same. Change isn't always necessary, but it can be very good. I would also like more on actual playing and a little less on equipment. All that said I see Mike has changed his hair style a bit since I was last here. Don't get me wrong and think he seems to be a great, interesting guy.

[@christopher-miles]

@@victorbrown3570 its so boring and narcissistic

[@pedalprescription]

This is literally a marketing channel for Sweetwater. Same video every time showcasing a fake story ending with “check this brand out!”

[@timoconnell]

“Ok, so here’s the thing…”

[@monkeyrater]

glad to see you covering underrepresented and affordable tube amps, everyone else covers the boutique amps no one can afford

[@officialWWM]

I’ve been dragging around an AC30 to gigs for years. It’s heavy and it’s loud but the tone is simply beautiful. I now use a UAFX Ruby into a Fender Tonemaster FR12. It’s the same glorious tone at a tenth of the weight!

[@matthewcates2337]

I’ve got an AC30 HW2 with Alnicos…LOVE that amp, but I’m pretty sure it’s blown a few discs in my back over the years. Put casters on it last fall. I wish I had done that 6 years ago

[@officialWWM]

@ lol, installing casters is always the first thing I do with any amp 😂

[@danduntz2539]

A handwired ac30 with 1962 Thomas organ speakers have been my go-to performance gig for the last ten years. It’s capable of almost any sound you want and the tones out of it are exactly what I want and need. I also have an early 80’s fender concert and a 90’s soldano hot rod 50, but the vox is still my work horse.

[@fsvibrato]

Great amp. Scrumptious tones. From belltone cleans to back in black and beyond And bulletproof! Keep on keepin on Mike! Thanks

[@hortamaroto]

Another Vox amp that really surprised me was the Pathfinder 15R, it's perfect for small gigs

[@allentkatch1762]

I got a good deal on my used AC15 but I discovered that if you want it with the Celestion Blue speaker, instead of buying that version new, it is actually cheaper if you buy the version with the Greenback installed and then install the Celestion Blue yourself, plus you will have a spare Greenback speaker.

[@jamiesugg]

I've been using an AC15C1 for over a decade now, mainly in a church worship band setting but also for wedding gigs too and it is superb for all styles; takes pedals really well and hasn't let me down yet. It's heavy for a 1x12 compared to something like a Blues Junior.

[@jvasey]

Even better is the C1X with the alnico blue speaker. I have both the 15 and 30, but the 15 gets used for 90% of gigs, because it's better to run the 15 at 60% than the 30 at 25%

[@derrickmickle5491]

Yes! Also a member of the C1X church (my Vox is a hand-wired one) and it's a phenomenal difference the alnico blue speaker makes.

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

Vox’s are great, great clean tone and full overdrive

[@joibjalla]

Love my Vox AC15c1 👌

[@Headbutter-Lettuce90]

Run a treble booster in front of it, you won't be disappointed with the sound

[@Alfgunnarp]

Nice to see this amp get some love. Had mine for 12 years, gigged a lot with it, and it`s been super solid so far!

[@steveliberty]

I love the Vox tube amp sound. I've owned the AC4, AC10, and AC15. And I found that none of those had adequate clean headroom for my taste. They all broke up in very nice ways, but too early. An AC30 would probably have served me well, but there is no way I was going to carry that beast from home to a jam and back. If the AC15 has enough cleans for your taste, its a great amp. (Its pretty heavy too BTW). For me, I moved into modeling so that when I found a clean sound I liked, I just had to make it louder form the power amp/cabinet, and that wouldn't cause the cleans to morph into dirt the way it would have been on the actual amp.

[@slimturnpike]

That makes a lot of sense. Which modeler did you settle on?

[@TheLiam85]

My first and current tube amp is the vox ac15c1. As soon as i heard it in the shop i loved it. When i got home and plugged my tele in i was even more in love.

[@cusithe7076]

When I record, it's all VSTs and amp sims, but for when I sit and practice n play n chill out in my front room, it's a Vox AC15 C1. I have a Mojo Mojo pedal in front of it (I believe folks say the Vox ACs take to pedals really well), and I totally love the range of sounds I get. On the reverb, I find it very pleasant as well, despite usually using a ton of reverb in VSTs for huge echoey space ambient sounds! It's the perfect amp for me :) Glad you rediscovered yours and are having fun with it!

[@dylacious92]

I've had my ac15 for a decade now. I swapped the original greenback out for a celestion badcat speaker - sounds so good! I love my vox.

[@bobmoire5676]

Mike, you've grown. You've certainly found your stride and become a superior presenter. Well done!

[@bruhemian]

Your videos always find me at a good time. been thinking about getting a VOX and this popped up in my feed. I think I'll go for it

[@Earthstein]

Very good presentation and personal experience growth. I too enjoy Mike's enthusiasm. .

[@ChrisJohnsonChannel]

I’ve never watched any of your content but I’m getting drawn in already.. the way you tell a story is brilliantly executed. 👍

[@weeks55]

I finally kept at it with guitar this year and it’s all thanks to the Vox + Telecaster combo. (Valvetronix + Squier🤘) An AC15C1 is exactly what I’m going for once I can convince myself it’s OK to play loud at home. 😂

[@Steve-wz5pz]

Ditto. Picked up an AC15C1 a few years ago, went through an excellent 5E3 clone, a '63 Tremolux, a '73 Bassman, and a couple others. Plugged in the AC15C1 a couple weeks back and was BLOWN away by how AWESOME it is.

[@mrredritehand]

IMEHO ... VOXAC30 was the first considered , and the best example of "Crunch" tone and the BENCHMARK for British sounding overdrive.. SWYW... A nice quality pair of EL84's are just pure Magic

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

Those are great amps! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@BobbyDoesMusic]

I love the Vox sound. Never owned one. I'm in the Synergy ecosystem though, so I get "versions" of the Vox sound through either the Morgan AC or the newer Z Wreck modules. But yeah, gotta love that chime. Awesome video!

[@IGrocker]

I love my AC15c1. I bought it new after comparing it to a Hot Rod Deluxe 6-7 years ago. Mine has the maroon covering. Currently has a greenback and I use the normal channel with the tone cut turned all of the way up. Add in a Marshall GV-2 and a Les Paul, and you’re in sonic heaven!

[@htsdady6004]

Mike Mike Mike... Loved it ! Keep it up ! (Fell into the tele myself recently... This baby wont leave my hand !)

[@nickrouse8426]

Challenging my ears as a guitar player is why I'm so happy to have kept my Peavey Vypyr 6L6 Tube 60 all-analog combo modeler after all these years. I have a Fender Twin Reverb, Marshall Plexi, and a Voxx AC30 on tap at all times to spice things up. So beautiful. ❤

[@johnwestover206]

The vox ac15c1 is awesome. I put a wearhouse black and blue speaker in mine.

[@JamesVandevanter]

Oh yeah,the common denominator in many of the sounds I've always heard and loved are AC15's or 30's. Now that have an AC 15c1 and a VT 40, I can play without outboard effects. For me,just ft.switches for the amps,an a b y sw.Probably add a small 2 spkr cab soon. Great post,thank you.🙂🎸

[@Dreyno]

I have an AC15C1. I love it. Sometimes I regret I didn’t spend a bit more and get an AC30 but then I pick up the AC15 and remember how heavy it is.

[@RaffaeleBoni]

Ten years of Vox AC15 C1, I love it

[@greendaykerplunk]

Recently started using an AC15, well a modelled one from my helix and loving it!

[@glennlilley8608]

Not even close , but well done for trying something else

[@KinktendoShamecube]

I wouldn’t say that. The helix models are 98% there. They’re extremely responsive to playing dynamics. 99% of people won’t be able to tell the difference.

[@Brianbo4]

I have the ac15 with alnico blue speaker. Love it. If you’re using it as a pedal platform, you should fine the master volume and barely have up the gain volume. Tons of headroom, bright cap, and can run fuzzes and all other pedals well

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

My AC30 is a 1964 model without the Top Boost - simple volume and tone - best amp I've ever had!

[@odyssey6684]

Great tones Mike - there's a whole new palette at your disposal. Some time ago I was toying around with my Randall RG-80-112SC that I had originally bought for the dirt channel. This particular amp is a bit of a freak - the dirt channel is really good and has a magical low end to it that is very cool. Imagine my surprise when I tried the clean channel. Lo and behold, something very Fender-ish. Hey!!!!! Can you say pedal platform? Yep!!!! And it does take pedals well. So glad you were able to rediscover a great amp and all it has to offer.

[@zeroceiling]

I find that the AC 10 is an awesome little amp with the nicest break-up of them all. With that said, nothing beats a tube Vox Cambridge from 1966.

[@TheNino37]

I've never played an actual Vox amp. However, I have started to really like the sound of the Vox-style amp inside the Two Notes Genome/OPUS offerings.

[@matthewcates2337]

@10:30 YES! I bought my 30 to get a very specific mid 60s and early 90s Brit pop tone. It’s a huge factor in my band having a noticeable, distinct sound

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

I love the Vox sound and I used the Vox valvetronix as my first amp, fun stuff. Now I use a Vox AC10 and I have enjoyed it and the tones it puts out. I'm unsure if it qualifies as a real Vox like the AC15 and 30. I totally relate to what you said about as a player I get a bit stuck on liking what I like and not finding ways of using gear to express different creative tones and textures. I understand that variety is the spice of life and I must open my mind and playing style to a more creative way of expression.

[@Reyvil777]

Ive played a vox Ac15C1 with top boost channel, beautiful limited edition for the last 9 or 10 years now. And i enjoy it everytime i play it, however lately ive been playing a fender Hot rod 410 and this thing is beautiful. I wish that one day Vox makes a version of an AC15 with more bottom end, that would be fantastic. Still i love my ac15.

[@EdHeinzelman]

other than selling my 1967 Telecaster, my next biggest regret is selling the 1960s AC30 that I sold with it. sigh.

[@tomgreen876]

whoever bought that found a gold mine.

[@Dreyno]

If I ever meet someone called Heinzelman, I will tell them they disgust me and that will be on you, Ed. That’s on you!

[@kurtj312]

Having played 60s Vox amps, you only need a AC15 if you're recording or having fun annoying the neighbors. The biggest problem with the AC15 is that it doesn't have an effects loop for your "ambient sounds." Modulation and time based effects need to be post drive to sound like most records who add these in post production. The Matchless Lightening with a custom ordered effects loop is the sound you're looking for if you want this sound live. If the Lightening is out of your price range, try a Source Audio EQ2 in an effects loop. Lots of good "peddle platform" amps out there. All of my amps are modded by an old CAT electrician who plays guitar. Solid "off the shelf" amps in the used market -- Soldano SLO-30, Suhr Bella, Friedman BE50 Deluxe, Fender Supersonic 60 (w/ a speaker swap and Genalex KT66s), Marshall 30th Anniversary 6100 or 6101 (EL34 version not the LM w/ 5881s). Even a Carvin Nomad or VT50 takes pedals ridiculously well and priced under $500. Amps are luxury items that most venues don't want to mess with unless you have name recognition. Your best bet is a Fractal Audio FM9 Turbo for playing out.

[@davepatterson4774]

I've had a couple Vox amps. Probably the best sound I ever got from one (after a considerable amount of time being spent on dialing it in) was using a 4 input AC30 and jumping the channels. It sounded fabulous! But, it was way too loud before it got there to use in any situation other than at practice or live gigs. I still miss it, though.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

Been using an AC15c1 for small club gigs for years. Plenty of headroom and it’s a great amp for pedals. A bit heavier than a blues jr, but much lighter than an AC30, but still had the top boost. Great little amp!

[@andrewpolk3527]

I had the British racing green one from GC and I miss it every day

[@thepeopleschoice431]

Have a Vox MV50 AC head (the tiny little guy) Sounds really great. Makes me very interested in trying out a real tube vox amp.

[@fionnd2627]

Looking to get a Vox AC30S1, looks like a great middle ground. My alternative is the Fender HotRod Deluxe

[@robertn8423]

Thanks Mike for your story, always enjoy listening to your talks to the camera....Running the AC15C1 in red Tolex paired with a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe or Supro Saturn Reverb. Gotta run two amps for blended tone. Always run the Vox Normal channel though, never Top Boost.

[@terrillmel]

I've been tempted by a Vox ac15 and recently I pulled the trigger. I'll tell you why. My friend came over with an AC15 head and we tried it through a variety of speaker cabs. I've always wanted the circuit for its unique characteristics: Amazing breakup, dynamic consistancy, but mostly that it sounds like a fully driven amp even with that master volume in the ciruit. That catch was although the dynamic characteristics had all the goods, something about the amps natural EQ lacked the magic. The answer was an Eminence Allesandro speaker, which is an American voiced speaker and the magic flowed out. I never see anyone mention alternate speakers outside of the standard blue and green so I thought I'd share.

[@Acroanidd]

The Fray's guitarist you shown was using a Martin 000-17 Black Smoke... the same model guitar I bought while at the Martin factory on a tour, bought it before it was even available to the public. I also am a Vox AC15C1 enjoyer and have one sitting beside me at my computer desk.

[@reenchanted]

Cool stuff! Some of the really bright saturated bits reminded me of Coldplay’s Lovers in Japan where they did their best My Bloody Valentine shoegaze impression. But I think I like the cleans the best, and you know how to find such a great tone.

[@paulkasputis5978]

My band mate has an AC15c1 great sounds.

[@blackfishgaming7145]

I have an AC TB 30 from the late 90s. It’s heavy as heck but sounds amazing. I use an AC 4 12” for practice. There’s nothing quite like that vox sound.

[@Lalairu]

I have the AC4 too, I love it!

[@ScotYount2025]

You should find a TopHat Club Royale to plug in to....great great amp.

[@davehewlett9249]

Only amp I own. It’s always the one we end up using for Studio work. Can’t beat it. Got it for $400 used.

[@jazzsounds8159]

Dr. Z and Matchless amps should be on your list to play.

[@Evan-Loftus]

I managed to get a massive deal on a ac15c1, got it for a really good used price because it was only just sent back by the first buyer so the store couldn't sell it new again for some reason. went from a orange cr60 to it and omg it was the best upgrade I have ever done. It sounds amazing and just got better the more and more I use it

[@allanmargolin]

Mike…can you do a Beatles tone video with the Vox? I used to have a half stack vox Pathfinder 15 R and I sold it. It was one of the coolest amps I’ve ever had and had a really cool tremolo. I love vox. you love vox…and the Beatles did too…maybe you can converge it all and bless us with a Beatle Vox video. I know John used the AC30. You can use a strat as John and George had one each. You rock Mike. Love the videos. Have a great one good sir

[@israelr6636]

And very heavy but it pacts a punch. My house shakes a bit from how loud my AC30 is.

[@tkauff713]

I have a vox pathfinder 10. It is a very good practice amp its only 10 wats but it screams. The built in fuzz is anolog and give off big muff vibes. Its a great amp.

[@odgeUK]

AC15C1 = 1x12 with a Celestion Greenback AC15C1X = 1x12 with an Alnico Blue AC15C2 = 2x12 with Celestion Greenbacks (also known as the Custom Twin). The "C" stands for Custom. Not to be confused with the "CC" range of Vox AC amps, which stood for "Classic Custom" and are quite different to the Custom series.

[@rbull7777]

The top boost doesn't need as much "taming" in a full band mix. Cuts right through!

[@CameraLaw]

I’m not sure how close it’s taken me but my favorite model on the Boss ME-90 is the emulation (is that the right word?) of the AC30. I use it for a jazzy crunch. I mix it in with my Hot Rod Deluxe preamp by the 4 cable method. I mentioned this is another comment somewhere and a guy called me an idiot.

[@mantonius1877]

It's late November I did not need to be enticed by the allure of a Vox right now, thanks Mike

[@davidzack2822]

I never was quite sure why people like it so much. I will probably need to get one and play around with it.

[@millmoormichael6630]

My main amp is a 1965 AC30 with nos tubes and a hot plate.

[@AndrewMasters]

with the top boost

[@Adammorris23435]

That strumming sound on the strat was very popular in the 90s. Dig it.

[@CRWhiteside]

Just proves it is getting to know your how your gear works rather than what the name on the gear is

[@189pinto]

If you want to play around with that AC15 a bit, get a Mullard tube and replace your V1 with it.

[@Kev3542]

I don't know what it is, but your delivery always makes me watch to the end!

[@festcentral]

Thanks for the review Mike. I've always been Vox-curious because of all the great Americana players that use them, particularly Mike Campbell, but anytime I actually got my hands on one of the AC series, my first impression was that it was shrill and sounded like dog$hit, so I'd immediately go back to my Fender happy place (operator error I'm sure, but that was my first impression nonetheless). The only one that remotely tickled my fancy was the AC15 hardwired, which they no longer carry. I guess I need to try one with an Alnico blue and go on a dark retreat with it like you did in order to figure it out once and for all. As an aside, I did have a Night Train NT15 briefly and thought it kicked ass - at least until the head blew up - but that's a different sound altogether, more in the Marshall camp.

[@geneevans7885]

The great thing about vox, it’s a home amp. Live? Whole different story.

[@christophervincent8420]

I'm actually saving up and waiting for the new Hand wired Vox 4w with the Spring reverb. I'm just chopping at the bit here.

[@barrykelleher5009]

My First amp was the Vox ad15vt. I still use it nearly 20 years on

[@Htbaa]

I had the AD50vt because I wanted enough volume for practice sessions with others. I think I did that for a total of 3 times 😅. That thing was huge, and heavy. 7 years ago or so (probably 8) when the AV line was released I traded it in for the AV30. I started to find the sounds I’d get out of the AD50 to be very muffled so I wanted a change. Sizewise the AV15 would’ve been perfect but I wanted two channels and an FX loop. I don’t think they’re making the AV line anymore but they’re great amps.

[@joemeyer6876]

Missed You!

[@t_man31415]

My AC15CH head with the built in attenuator rules. Makes me reconsider an AC30 head!

[@skyman98]

You should try a Mesa Boogie Lonestar... I feel like you would really dig it since you do not have to worry about being quiet anymore.

[@BenHackett-x7m]

Do yourself a favour & try a Vox AC4C1BL, it's a 4 watt top boost amp with a VX10 (Celestion 10"), it also has a speaker out, so you can plug it into the cab of your choice. Mine is great, but even this amp can be loud if you crank it in a small home.

[@slimsantilli4476]

Rory Gallagher will change your life. He was a Vox man.

[@parlance.electricco]

Well, Vox and Fender Bassman mainly I suppose. Brian May would be a total AC30 head.

[@NisGaarde]

At Winter NAMM Vox previewed a new handwired range of AC amps. They were supposed to hit stores in the summer but never appeared. Not sure what happened. They looked interesting.

[@leeasbury7273]

Ive had an AC15 twice, an AC10 twice...i currently stull have one...I love them. Mine had tremolo that was great.

[@aciek]

It'll be cool to see your demo of Mesa Boogie California Tweed. :)

[@thebenefactor6744]

Ac15hw60, ac15vr, ac30hw2x all sound great. Still have to put that 15vr through a 2 or 4x12 to hear it shine. But that ac30 with an extension cab (i.e. 4x12) scares the cat.

[@E77IPSIS]

My dream amp is the limited ed lavender vox-ac30c2

[@fredsaintfelix6828]

Perfect timing! I had one and got rid of it and now I’m looking to get one again

[@Atbo222]

Vox mini superbeatle

[@Guyinacity463]

I demoed a vox ac30 when I first started playing guitar, and wow that was...just...it. The sound I was looking for. At first I got a cheaper amp, but saved my money and eventually bought it! Never liked another amp since! Vox ac15 is great too, same tone but not as heavy to carry lol

[@DrkMike]

Oh yeah

[@James-qv1dr]

You've got to try a Yamaha Transacoustic. They are unique for sure

[@willgoodchild4343]

Vox and Orange are sorely underrated amps. I’ve had Voxs the ac15 which was the pick of bunch and the AD30 and 15s of Orange are pretty much the same circuit but with the orange vibe to it

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

How are they underrated...? They're some of the highest rated amps and have cult followings. Some of the most famous players in the world speak of their love for them. They're perfectly rated. "Underrated" is one of the most misused words on YT...

[@willgoodchild4343]

@@IDiggPattyMayonnaisedid you watch the video? He literally says he slept on it… I agree a lot of people do use them but when you look at the excitement a fender twin gets or Marshall plexi they are underrated… also not many gear channels use them either which would suggest they don’t get rated… Question, who uses single channelled orange ad30 or 15s? Not many as they are super rare… voxs are famous, I didnt say they weren’t, but they can be underrated still… ac15s are reasonably priced but you’ll always see back line amps or people at jams with Princeton or katanas when you can get a vox and cover a lot of ground with it as they are super versatile… so yeah they’re underrated. The definition of underrated means ‘more importance, value, skill than people recognise’ not if it’s famous or has a cult following. Sounds like a vox amp to me

[@Matthew_Scan]

I’ve got 2 AC30s the first Chinese one with all the bells and whistles and tube rectifier and the current one. Great for Beatles Queen Tom Petty U2

[@jr0706]

I love a good AC15 or 30, but to my ear, they are best in an environment where there is something to balance it out. That could be a 2-amp setup with something like a Deluxe Reverb, or in a band with keyboards, bass, guitar, etc. I also am a church guitar player, and I think my reasoning above is why so many of us gravitate towards that circuit. But not me, lol. I am firmly a Deluxe Reverb guy.

[@josecubanosantiago4724]

My favorite amp use it with an ab switch Both channels at the same time is how you unlock it’s full potential

[@kendouble9705]

I have the AC15HW with the blue Alnico speaker. They’re weird when you first plug them in and they have weird controls. There’s no such thing as everything on 12 o’clock and off you go. You have to experiment and you need different settings for different guitars. With a Tele the bright switch will kill small animals but my dark old Guild M75 loves it. Wonderful amps if you put the time in. Beautiful cranked.