Vox AC4C1-12 Valve Guitar Amplifier Review - 4 Watts of Vox!

[@johnmurray3346]

I run mine as a pedal platform in an apartment, gain on 2.5 volume on 3 bass and treble at 12 o’clock with a large pedal board, it sounds amazing with a looper pedal jamming mostly mellowish ambient tones, gain stacking for lead ( nothing crazy ) really love it, i can afford to buy a more expensive offering but can’t see how at those volumes i can get any better, i have a katana 50 also and this is MUCH better in feel and tone, hope this helps someone as it’s the info i could never find before i got it, cheers legends 🤙🏻

[@jasonb5898]

Thanks for the insight.

[@intheblues]

I only had this amp for a day so I had to re-use the backing track from the other video but there are some great tones in the solo section! Lemme know what you think. Timestamps below: 0:00 - Jam Track 1:54 - Amp Overview 3:23 - Les Paul 6:26 - How Loud is it? 7:09 - Tele Tones 9:25 - Final Thoughts -- Check it out online: ►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/jxoqv ►Thomann - bit.ly/3jM7T9A ►Sky Music - alnk.to/60UhwGB (affiliate links)

[@landonbailey]

I had one for a bit, but found it boxy. Once I got the Mini SuperBeetle, the AC4 was out the door. Definitely could use some built in reverb.

[@calebruizdevelasco8068]

Got both love both for different things

[@nickwilson9210]

I have over 10 amps and I always come back to this amp because it so simple and sounds amazing I changed my speaker sounds great with pedals

[@ahhoiboy]

What speaker did you change to

[@JC-11111]

So glad the blues is alive and well in 2020/2021. That'll always be my favorite. Thanks to my namesake, Duane Allman, I have a deep, deep love and appreciation for blues & blues/rock. Had I not been named after him(we share the middle name Duane. Yes, my dad is his biggest fan lol), I likely wouldnt have the hobbies and interests I have today. And it wouldn't have led me down the blues rabbit hole. Thank you daddy & Duane & Gregg & the rest of the Brothers and Sisters of The Allman Brothers Band. Without them, I don't know where I'd be.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Great review Shane. I love my AC4 for playing at home. It doesn't have a lot of headroom but that was kind of the point for me, it is fun to play and rock out with. Looking forward to seeing your review of the AC10. Surprisingly to me that one sounded similar rock tones but actually has more bass end with a 10"-probably due to the cabinet.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Just got one of these. Played clean with a 99 Black Russian Big Muff that I bought new and it sounded f**king amazing. This amp really does a lot of things well. Only drawback is the lack of reverb.

[@snooze0023]

I think reading the comments comparing this amp to the AC10 or the super beetle amp is not a good comparison. Its a 4 watt amp designed for NEAR listening volume levels (like a PC monitor speaker). Its purely for your bedrooms or study or the spare room that's like 4 or 5 meters squared . All amps of this nature are going to sound crap at high volumes in larger rooms. Just keep it close and keep it dialed down you got to finesse it a little. Maybe stick a equalizer pedal in the mix. Think of it as a good excuse to get your GAS juices flowing going and put together a nice little compact minipedal board yeah or even stick a helix mini in front. Of course its not gonna be for gigging.

[@TeleCathster]

That has to be my favourite piece of music of yours Shane! I love this amp!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I use the Vox AC4-12 exclusively these days for recording. I have lots of amps, including my beloved AC15, however I find the AC4-12 to be a better fit for recording. Any "boxiness" is eliminated by creative EQing and reverb is added to the mix. I run mine with low/medium gain (additional grit from pedals) and Telecasters.

[@tylerjaax4917]

Swapped the speaker in mine for a Scumback M75 paper voice coil and it breathed new life into this amp. Love the tone now.

[@nateguitar486]

Once again great video Shane! Would love to see you demo the AC 4 hand-wired version as there are not really any other good videos on it currently. If you could get your hands on one that would be awesome. Keep up the excellent content too! :)

[@hutchfromba]

I love the clean vox and fender sounds mixed together. With AB Y switch. Great tones. Blues On....💙

[@ziotomasi4597]

I like your Videos. The sound of the Vox AC4 Bl with the 10 inch loudspeaker is much better. It compresses much nicer than the AC 4 C 12. The overdrive sound is somehow muddy. Greetings from Germany

[@ziotomasi4597]

For me, the Vox AC4 BL is, next to the Fender Champ 57, the best amplifier for studio recordings in the areas of blues, soul, and rock. A good analog delay and a good overdrive pedal in front of it, and the sun comes up.

[@jackhaugh]

I just bought a used one at an estate sale for $80! Brought it home, ran my 12 string Jazzmaster, Strat, Tele, and Les Paul through it. They all sounded fantastic! I’m really surprised at how easy it is to get the gain to start breaking up at such a low volume. Very impressed to say the least.

[@sixbladeknife44]

A boost out in front goes a long way with these amps.

[@VintageRadius]

I’ve tried this amp before and much prefer the AC10 although both sounded a bit small to me. AC10 into a 2X12 would be a nice sound. Looking forward to that review Shane!

[@vincentl.9469]

yes it would. if you plug into the spk. extension socket it cuts out the internal speaker . they would need to be wired to be wired in series..I'm not sure

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Nice little Vox. Perfect for home use and lightweight, unlike my old Fender HRD. Good review Shane.

[@dannops]

Have one for bedroom play/practice. Better than lugging the AC30 while still maintaining that Vox sound. Thanks again for the content Shane.

[@barbdwyer7001]

I just bought one... it's an excellent amp!😊

[@joeobrien167]

Shane, did you prefer the AC4 or the mini super beetle? I was surprised how good the mini super beetle sounds myself.

[@NigelXW]

I Run mine with the bass at 4 o'clock, and treble around 3, 4, or 5. It cuts the bass near the top, and I can always roll off the top with my knobs.

[@anthonyward8587]

The only one I have played is the AC15, and I thought it was brilliant with a Gibson junior.

[@JT-gd7he]

I was able to test this against the older AC-4 10" version and the AC-10. I walked out with the AC-10 and NEVER regretted it.

[@paulcowart3174]

And a vintage AC 10 is probably one of the best tones out there

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Agreed, I tried both too and the ac10 was far superior to this

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

The AC10 is flat out one of the greatest amps ever made. I've got an AC10 and a Deluxe Reverb that I run together but I honestly prefer the AC10 to the Deluxe. I've got a Strat, Tele, and 335 and the Tele just shines like a diamond with the AC10. A Vox and a Tele might be the greatest combination of sound ever.

[@JT-gd7he]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 Agreed. A Tele and the AC10 is a match made in heaven.

[@spatulaman2753]

Can you turn the AC10 volume down enough to work as a “bedroom” amp?

[@Имбирнаяпеченька-ю6ь]

Guitar with humbuckers + germanium treble booster + this cranked amp = kind of MAJIC!

[@RajagopalaRaoS]

What i like most about your reviews is you show guitars and amps as you would play them and not be generic Showcases the product much better I feel Keep rocking \m/

[@oncameramastery]

I love the super simple 'cave man safe' control setup! 😂

[@alandennis3853]

The speaker sounds nice and full, probably will get even better as it breaks in. Nice demo! Seems that with some mic’ing you could even play small gigs with it

[@christophervincent8420]

Thanks for that review. Which did you prefer the Vox ac4 or the Beatles mini? I know it sounds different in the room than on the video.

[@tbone2451]

Sounds great with the Tele.

[@rosswilkinson1022]

Great review Shane. I have one and I find it annoying that reverb isn’t built in. Just an extra hassle to have to use a reverb pedal. Looking forward to your AC10 review to decide if I should sell the AC4 and get its bigger brother.

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Great video Shane. I'm not sure if you ever did a review of a Supro Blues King 12. I really like it,12 inch speaker with a effects loop and a great sounding spring reverb Would love to see what you think of it. I just purchased one for half price from Sweetwater Black Friday Special

[@paulcowart3174]

Yes I got one when they first came out Great amp If you haven't tried the line out into one of your favorite 50 or 100 watt amps your missing a great feature Just killer into my 100 watt Tonemaster I couldn't believe how good it sounded and the Tonemaster sounds fantastic by itself but w that BK12 words just can't describe 👍

[@jamesmarcin4787]

@@paulcowart3174 , That sounds great. Thanks for the info 😃👍

[@CraigDeubler]

Hmm, I really want to like it but I wonder if it's fighting the speaker a little? I wonder what it'd be like with a 25W Greenback? 🤔

[@rustycage55]

Hello, which amp would you recommend for home practice, VOX AC4 or VOX AV30? they are in the same price range so im not sure what to get. I have telecaster with few distortion and chorus pedals. thanks for you advise!

[@breeze3003]

The 12” speaker makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD! I had the same amp with the 10” speaker and it was AWFUL! Replaced it with a Blackstar HT-5R which is a GREAT little amp.

[@stu-j]

What rail pickups are in the blond tele dude? They sound awesome ive been contemplating the Seymour Duncan ones for a while but never pull the trigger!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

GLORIOUS !

[@thomasloveday1617]

I had one of these. Loved the tone, but found it was too loud for apartment use. I think these low watt amps are for studio use, not home. Wouldn't buy an amp without reverb again either. Hot tip - crank the master and put a clean boost into it.

[@greatvanzini]

Great demo on great little amp. Even the mini ac4 out to a bigger speaker is great for recording.

[@JohnTheRipper2]

Wow, that tele really sings! Absolutely goegeous piece of music, is there a full track of it?

[@wfm210]

Sounding good Shane, did you like the ac 4 better then the mini super beetle?

[@intheblues]

I think this sounds good but I would miss not having reverb. The AC10 video is on the way and that's the next level in terms of sound and usability.

[@nicholasblake9005]

@@intheblues Could you use a single coil pickup instead of a tele with hot rails? Great vids. Maybe a shootout with all three Vox amps when you get the AC10?

[@ekan1578]

Hi. Great review as always! I’m thinking about two things. How does it take pedals? Is it a manageable practice amp for home use with an OD pedal and lower volume?

[@voxpathfinder15r]

It takes pedals awesomely! I have the 10” version

[@billyhorton1254]

It definitely liked the telecaster.

[@markbois1713]

Had a AC4 didn't care for it had a AC10 and I loved it. Mabey I would like that one more with a 12" speaker.

[@franklovestojam888]

Hi Shane. I have an AC10C1 and if the AC4C1-12 extension speaker socket is the same the internal speaker is disconnected once the extension cab is connected. Thanks for another great review.

[@avisaiko5354]

this amp or Marshall Combo DSL-5CR for blues & jazz music? & samotimes i use my mooer ge150 in to this amp . Any opinion ??

[@seric4546]

If you can get your hands on an older Pathfinder 15R grab it. They are about the best bang for the buck amp Vox has ever made.

[@nickdevriese]

Exactly! That thing was amazing. Why they ended it’s production? Perfect starter amp or just a great sounding amp.

[@paulcowart3174]

EPI Valve Jr is a good one too One EL84 and can actually push a 4/12 Add a pedal for EQ and some push and your good to go

[@u2acrobata]

how about pedals ?!!!! how does it handle ?!!!! cant wait for the Ac10 review Thanks ... great vid! greetings from Portugal Stay Safe & Rock on ...

[@youssefkasim7556]

I don’t think Vox now is what it used to be in the 60s, they don’t even sound close to the ones from the 60s, which is kind of sad. I think Morgan amplifiers are the closest amps to the real deal or Dr. Z. Keep it up Shane.

[@MrMrjauregui]

I had an AC4, that amp benefits from a quality speaker change ( weber AlNiCo pup ). That small class A crunch was nice afterward.

[@kirkscobey3031]

Own the ac4tv in cream I love it!

[@nostro1001]

I have an AC4 HW...it's open back and also has a high/low input, plus hot/cool switch, but no reverb. Great tones and it is definitely ideal for home use. Alas, it costs considerably more than this AC4 & I've not done any tube rolling just yet. I don't think mine distorts as fast as this model, perhaps due to the open back. As for a recording amp, I think mine is ideal for tone. I'd certainly recommend an AC4 for home use if you like that typical vox/valve sound which it reproduces well. I'm not sure you sounded very convincing Shane in terms of your thoughts, I guess your playing might speak louder than words here. 🎸 😎 However, we all have different requirements and not all of us have the luxury of being able to use a 10+ valve watt amp to good effect at home, where louder volumes are typically required to achieve that valve sound. Cheers.

[@JustinTime-rg7ks]

Thumbs up Great video subbed

[@PeaceMusic53]

Nice review.

[@PulledPurk]

I have a 5 watt 5" tube amp Would the AC4 be louder?

[@cesspaul2]

Got an original one that I've had since 1967 that I believe once belonged to the Troggs. Last time it was opened up was about 69 to replace a valve. About 25 years ago I thought I'd check it out after many years in the loft etc. Speaker was damaged so I put a Weber 7 inch i think and for the first time in its life drove it hard with a pedal and wow was i surprised what it could do. Turned off quick as I thought it would need servicing and recapping which I keep meaning to get round to some day. Still in my studio looking good though.

[@analogaudiorules1724]

You should replace all electrolytics and paper in oil capacitors since its that old..... Its literally a ticking time a bomb, and the performance is far less then when you'd get with peoper modern capacitors inside, especially for the dc rectification, it would be a great shame if one of those caps would internally short out...

[@spatulaman2753]

I’ll give you $50 for it.

[@Andy_Yates]

I have one of these too. The Celestion 70/80 is a really efficient speaker and my results were similar to yours db wise. My music room must be smaller because it would overpower the space and send my ears ringing. I swapped to a less efficient greenback and lifted the bright cap they put across the master volume. The speaker made the volume more bedroom friendly (less band practice friendly) and the bright cap made eq way easier to dial in /more forgiving. I have since replaced the greenback to try a vintage alnico speaker that got a recone treatment by the Reverb vendor. This amp being relatively inexpensive, the speaker swap for the alnico was $60, so it didn't cost an arm to do it. The greenback was a speaker I already had laying around so it cost me nothing to try it out.

[@Rj_fender]

What are your opinions on Greenback in this amp. I am planing to swap the stock with G12M Greenback. But not sure if that is going to make any night and day difference. I have remived the bright cap though and amp tone is less shrill now

[@Andy_Yates]

@@Rj_fender I'm one of those oddballs that wanted a little less volume from a greenback compared to the original speaker. I ditched the 70/80 in my Vox and my DSL20, and both times it tamed the volume a bit, and further tamed the harshness. I did the speaker first in the Vox and the cap second but the cap made a more significant difference in my opinion. I do like the greenback in this, and it's what they install in the AC15's so the sound gets a little closer to the bigger brothers. Just a note that the G12M just fits in the AC4, though it is close to the transformer.

[@catalinm756]

Cand you do a video on the best pedals,amps and guitars for slide guitar?

[@glenkepic3208]

Sounds good to me. Pathfinder 15 R replacement ? Sold mine ....can't find one now.

[@J.C...]

Why, does everybody say the cab is "so small"? It's 16x17x8 while the Monoprice/HB 15W is 17x17x9 and isn't "so small" So how does 1 inch make that cab "so small" and how does it kill the low end? Because that amp has NONE.

[@GrandaddyJeff]

This is one of two amps I was looking at possibly getting this spring (Supro Blues King being the other.) I was leaning towards this one despite the lack of reverb, due to it being a lower wattage amp with a 12, whereas I’d need the 15 watt Supro to get a 12 in it and it’s just going to be used for home use, but now I’m not so sure. When you were talking about it depending on the type of guitar one has makes a difference and higher gain issues. I generally don’t play with high gain, but do occasionally. My main guitar is a T style I built myself. It has the EMG T system for pickups. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with those, they’re active but not what one thinks of traditionally with actives. Retain the traditional tele sound, but still they’re active pickups and I generally play with the volume of my guitar turned down halfway when I want to play clean as the pickups are so high output. Do you think this pickup configuration could lead to some issues with this particular amp due to the higher output of them? Thanks, and as always, keep up the good work.

[@tdunster2011]

Just back down the volume on the guitar as you said. Problem solved.

[@GrandaddyJeff]

@@tdunster2011 yeah that’s basically what I was asking, like I said I generally have to turn it down to about halfway for clean tones. I suppose I could always just take my guitar to a store and plug into one and see as well 😀

[@bbmendel2461]

is it a big difference there ac4c10 and ac4c12?

[@EddieJarnowski]

You didnt open it up and show us the tubes?

[@NigelXW]

You like yours set lots darker than mine!

[@cristianruiz3905]

Al fin un guitarrista zurdo!

[@real_fjcalabrese]

I have one. I plan on upgrading the speaker.

[@andrewstendahl36]

Did you upgrade the speaker? I tried an Asian made Celestion Greenback in my Vox AC10c1 and realized I preferred the stock VX 10 speaker that came with it. Changing the tubes to JJs made a huge difference in my AC 10s volume, clarity and bass output

[@tdunster2011]

There is a 4w Hand Wired version of this amp which has a better cabinet, speaker, and electronics. Yes it is more expensive but still very affordable compared to something like a 3w Carr Raleigh which is more than twice the price.

[@paulcowart3174]

Sounds interesting They should have a line out feature on these little things to push larger amp

[@J.C...]

I'd definitely buy the Harley Benton/Monoprice Stage Right 15w over this. 15w/1w vs 4w. Better cab. Better low end response. On-board reverb. Same EL84s and 12ax7s. Only more of them. Yea. I'd go for 15w

[@SergeiVlassov]

I have Laney Cub 12R (as I understant Harley Benton/Monoprice made a clone of it), and I also have this VOX AC4C1-12. I installed Greenback speakers in both. I can say that one amp does not replace the other! I prefer cleans and early break-up tones on VOX, I cannot get the same on Laney. So I keep both amps and somehow I have a bit more love for VOX. I wish it only had reverb! But I don't krank it to high overdrive, so it takes reverb and delay pedals very well.

[@nickwilson9210]

You need to turn the treble up it pushes the mids

[@Dudeitsbrian]

This was my first tube amp a couple years ago. The first preamp tube died a few weeks ago and I had to replace it. For some reason it came with a JJ ElL84 and a JJ 12ax7 but some unbranded Chinese 12ax7 which died. When taking it apart I realized how simple the circuit was. Seems like a great platform to modify. Variacs don’t work on this so I’m gonna add an attenuator between circuit out and speaker. This amp does the business and I got it for like $250

[@Expediter_Ron]

I love vox. but I can only afford vox pathfinder 10. hahaha

[@TheMichaelseymour]

nothing wrong with that mate .... have you seen the vid where a guy pairs a pathfinder with a marshal 4 x 12 cabinet ?

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Vox Pathfinder amps are awesome!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

@@voxpathfinder15r especially the 15 R !!! ...that , in all honesty , were probably taken off the market cos they were too good - and challenged sales of tube ac 15 s

[@voxpathfinder15r]

@@TheMichaelseymour I have Vox tube amps and Vox pathfinder 15R amps as well as several extension cabinets. Let me tell you, once you have dialed in your favorite speaker and have a 2X12 cabinet made for them. You absolutely cannot tell the difference between a pathfinder and a more expensive tube amp, and you can gig with it!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

@@voxpathfinder15r yeh ,,,i have a AC 15 tube ...its great ...but so heavy ..and fragile .. if i could get my hands on a 15 R like yours...i would do that too ...i have the pathfinder 10 ..but need just that little bit more juice

[@kane6529]

That’s a damn good 3AM blues cover 😜 matchbox 20 coming in with the copyright lol

[@royghosn18]

anyone know what hes playing here? 7:20

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Yea that tele screams through it!

[@DMSProduktions]

4 Votts of Wox! \m/

[@peetsblues]

Cut bass, pump high and mids... Use neck humbucker... Clean crank it 😁

[@jeffbriggs4268]

I can't wait for the AC10 review. They are an interesting amp with a little more headroom for chicken picking country.

[@soofitnsexy]

I HAVE THAT AMP...AMAZING SOUND EXTREMELY LOUD...REVERB IS DIGITAL SO JUST OK...BUT A GREAT SMALL AMP!!!

[@acidbran]

I have one for a few years now, it's a beast of an amp.

[@TheTruth70777]

Been waiting for this exact configuration of a valve amp since forever. 5 watt (4 is good too. Lol), 12 inch speaker (that I can easily swap with. This rocks.

[@rdhanson-gwt]

AC15 is almost the same price as AC4-12 + reverb + tremolo

[@EasyHeat]

I ran one of these alongside an Orange Micro Dark w/a 1x12 cab in a mini dual wet/dry rig scenario via Radial ABY splitter, and it honestly sounded freakin' immense. Way too loud tho for my meager apartment recording needs however unfortunately. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I agree this amp doesn't sound best with the gain completely dimed, but if you roll off the bass and dial in a good bright crunch? It can definitely shine on it's own. Especially when paired with a higher gain amp simultaneously, and even with delay and modulation FX in front of it. Since it doesn't rightly have a proper FX loop. I'd mos def opt for a potential speaker swap, with a greenback or alnico blue being main contenders. The fact that it has a 16 ohm spkr out tho means that you could potentially pair this with a 1st gen Torpedo Captor and have a pretty killer silent single ended tube amp recording setup for a fish & chips budget.

[@EasyHeat]

@Edu CorCel Dave Grohl ran two Mesa Dual Rectos and two Vox AC30s with a Hydra splitter live. RMS wattage ratings have more affect on overall transient headroom. Not the db level output. The Dunning Kruger Effect apparently has got you fooled mate. Check your physics. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@dimitris470]

Is it me or is this too boxy sounding even with the 12" speaker? Is it the small cab?

[@andrewgarcia3136]

it's definitely missing some of the punch of the ac4hw, which has a bigger cab and also uses a 12" speaker tho not the same speaker. the handwired circuit is a bit more vintage and I think also uses larger transformers so it's more than just the cab but I think it is a big part, you can really hear when a cab can't handle the speaker output and I can hear it in this demo, especially with the bass turned up and the les paul plugged in

[@BladeDoomer86]

Honestly i didn't like it with my Les Paul when i played it in store. But to each their own!

[@AutismRocksOfficial]

Always love "chicken head" knobs

[@JC-11111]

That's one thing I really like about my Laney cub clone, the Monoprice 15w tube amp. I like being able to adjust the knobs without having to grab them. You can just nudge them with a fingertip or even a toe if so inclined lol

[@sassycat]

Nice practice amp.

[@valentinventurino9288]

Nice amp

[@paulcowart3174]

Don't mean to offend but didn't care for those pick ups in the Tele This amp would be cool if you could line out it into your loud clean Fender amp It didn't seem to have the attack or presence a good amp needs Oh well first piece of gear I haven't liked on your channel 🙂

[@emirozdemir2037]

i guess treble stays at 3...

[@sonny6string822]

thanks for saving me from buying this mistake.

[@ewetoo]

They're cute but deadly :D

[@danielradakovic938]

Sounds like the rock and roll animal Lou Reed album to e

[@idlingby6853]

Ac4, a bit boxy but it's part of its charm

[@J.C...]

Where's the low end? 🤷

[@intheblues]

It's a Vox amp with a smaller cabinet. Not exactly a recipe for low-end.

[@andrewstendahl36]

Which is great too, if you have other amps this'll provide something unique

[@dnews9519]

Honestly I don't think this sounds as good as my pathfinder 15r

[@donny763222]

Australian and English accents grate on me sound warld

[@jamalabdul2009]

I see several Vox fans in the comments here and not to be negative but I don’t think I would enjoy this amp much. I believe that it’s more a case of the tones I prefer out of an amp than anything else. Cheers!🎸🎸

[@DrunkDuckXD]

seems like it breaks up easily

[@SteveRayDarrell]

If only it had an fx loop

[@danielradakovic938]

Sweeet Jane

[@khelg7145]

Where's the bald drummer?✌️😂

[@TwansMusic]

You micing may be off... or idk... I've NEVER heard a 12 inch speaker sound so... bad. I just didnt like these tones at all.

[@intheblues]

Its a pretty boxy sounding amp and it has the classic mid-scoop that vox is known for.