Vox Cambridge 50 (Affordable and Promising Modeling Amp)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out more gear reviews here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNaLwTdlpQNFt5yZFJRiFtoHtPJm6bX-N

[@ctld5266]

Brian May, the treble boost is in normal channel @ 10

[@edpazeto9079]

I have one, and since in Brazil it's almost impossible to have a Mesa Boogie (a 50W combo costs 3800 dollars, an amp25W+2x12= 5800 dollars) and I'm a musician just for a hobby (not my job) I think it's a great amp.. I paid 500 dollars... I like the timbres I managed to get out of it. Between a Katana, a Classic 50, a Mustang 50 I prefer it... good, versatile and durable. Nice play and great review.

[@chaggasfernandes]

Thanks for the demo. For the buzz/white noise, i closed the open back of my amplifier with a plywood. The buzz/white noise is reduced drastically. The closed back has also added a low end punch to the amp.

[@jorvten360]

One of the best reviews over here, this guy is a pro and an incredible musician.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you :)

[@TroyNaumu808]

I love Vox amplifiers and its jingle jangle. I own three of them currently and 5 in total over the last 20 or 30 years.

[@TroyNaumu808]

I love the Cambridge 50's simple user interface, 12” Celestion speaker, and wattage control for pushing the amp for better tone at lower volume levels as i play small bar/coffee shop gigs and nooble a bit at home / jamming with friends.

[@lengross4126]

The good news is you can buy a lightly used one for around $240.00 these days.. The Cambridge may not be perfect but for my money it sounds a lot warmer than the Fender and Boss Katana solid state amps that I normally play..

[@swedishtwinsband]

Picked a new one up on sale at guitar center for $260!

[@TroyNaumu808]

I love my Cambridge but it would have been nice if there was a control knob for the mids. In its software you can create custom patches with mids. It would be nice if it had a physical knob. I had no issues with any angry wasps or bees buzzin' around in mine as of yet

[@steveo44]

Great review. Love some of the faces pulled here!. Sounds very good especially on the vox settings. I love the simplistic layout on the controls. That's a massive plus

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

Fall, dear boy. It's called fall (in America). You nearly lost it there at one point, but recovered well..... Just put in my order for one. £228 including postage (from Amazon)! I know you're not blown away by by it, but for my humble efforts (being a guitar builder, not a musician like your good self), and for the PRICE, I think, and hope, this will be a good one. It should fit in with what I've already got, which is a Vox NT15 Night Train, with a replacement speaker (10"/Celestion-can't remember) class A tube amp in a custom mahogany cabinet, and a Line 6 Mental - ERRR, Spider II modelling amp ("this one goes to INSANE"). I think what swung it for me is that the voicings are based on something, rather than just vague concepts (Twang/Blues/Crunch etc on the Spider). This amp is much more user friendly. The Spider is just a bit whacky to work out. And the Vox has the Tone Lounge app, which I'm dying to try out. I did have a Fender G-dec years ago, which came with software, but I just didn't like the amp, so I sold it. Oh, and I love small, dinky things and the Spider head is quite wide and came with a 15" speaker cab. Sounds AWESOME when you get it dialled in right, but it's about the size of Mt Everest (to me). Can't wait to try it out. Hope it don't buzz. alexanderguestguitars.com, if yer interested.............anyone?

[@writewheel]

Thanks to your reviews, I bought a Cambridge50. I am a very happy camper with what I think is the perfect pedal platform. Having owned multiple vox amps, I'm impressed by those models. In fact all the models are interesting to me except the Deluxe. I owned one and at the levels I play, that model doesn't do it for me. However, put a Strymon iridium in front of it and VOILA!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool!

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Thanks for showing off a new box from some maker by being funny and self-deprecating. You are a nice man. That little amp is a worthwhile gadget, bringing lot of bits of gear into one easy to lob box. I like when you bust out the rock sounds ... that made my cat stand to attention. These boxes are not heavy enough to anchor an aluminium row boat ...So for that I use an anchor. That buzz was the puzzle.

[@johnnie3Chords]

Mine is exactly the same , it's quite annoying , so I rarely use it , I've been using my VOX AC30 Ampli-phones , I love the surprisingly incredible tone !

[@Yu54m18]

Great review. Awesome playing!

[@jaecenwhite2590]

It does a “practice and non-pro gig passable” AC30TB, JCM800, and Mesa. I probably wouldn’t record with it but it’s most of the way there for messing around or finding what you like. I’ve had plenty of amps I just never touch because I don’t like the way they sound and this one sounds enough like an AC30 at practice volumes to keep me playing it. My neighbors probably appreciate that I’m not firing up the real thing.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D They probably do :)

[@blueswood854]

Great review! Might I recommend the Vox AC10C1...all tube with few features, but if you're going to use pedals anyway, why not? The tone is great. I've done many gigs with it in a trio and 4-piece. But when I have the six piece with a Hammond, it can't keep up-all knobs to 11, and it JUST hangs in. No clean headroom. But with a smaller band, it sounds so much better than SS. Just under $300 used. Also, take a good look at the Fender Super Champ X2. Versatile, gigable. Buy the head, and put it thru a twin 12 cab, and it will keep up.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Been thinking of the Super Champ. Already tried the AC10C1. Even have a video on it.

[@notoriusdrifter40]

4:35 you are a legend man

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers :)

[@edpazeto9079]

Deluxe CL = Fender Twin Boutique Clean = Dumble Steel String Singer Boutique Overdrive = Dumble Overdrive Special Brit 1959 = Marshal Plexi Brit 800 = MArshal JCM800 Brit VM = MArshal JVM SLOD = Soldano SLO30 Double Rec = Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier

[@danielpecheny]

Great playing, thank you. The amp sounds fabulous

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you too!

[@troyredford149]

Honestly this was way better than I expected. If I didn't have so much crap already I'd consider getting one lol.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah. I know what you mean :D

[@thierryalduc268]

je possede cet ampli depuis quelques années trés bon rapport qualité prix son clean au poil + modélisation d'ampli et effets interressants😉👌

[@barryarsenault9796]

What’s the difference between the Cambridge 50 and the VT40X ? Which is a better sound? Does the VT40X have more features

[@ajlsrv5490]

I’ve played it. It’s great, but the buzz is present on all of the overdrive models and ruins what would otherwise be a great amp. It’s the same type of buzz you get when you run an overdrive into the vibrato channel of a Deluxe Reverb. That horrible fizziness that sits above every note. Hopefully Vox comes up with a fix. Great demo!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@leeevan6908]

I think for this one, jusrt need to use noise gate, compression and a 7/10-band EQ. For live gigging, elevate the amp and use mic (front and back)

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I had a vox 2 x 12 hynrid amp and it sounded great. But it was a pain to setup. I'm old and like knobs and things to be straight forward. Engineer types tend to want to show off how powerful and complicated they can make hardwaare and software. I just want it to work. Simplicity is most of the time great. Don't mkae em think. I do enough of that elsewhere that I don't want to do so with my amp... Very cool sounding to me..

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. Good old amps without software is what I like too.

[@kingstumble]

I think Vox make some of the best modelling amps. I still have the first one they brought out, the DA5--which is the perfect practice amp for me. I don't do high gain so I've no idea if it's any good for that but for anything clean or slightly overdriven it's great. And dare I say, it takes pedals better than my little valve Champ.

[@pauljohnson3686]

The first modelling amp that Vox brought out was the Valvetronix AD120VT..back in 2001.

[@clarenzlarka]

A demo fine and fun. I am a Vox lover, so thank you for this quick follow up to the NAMM release.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@chrisfit]

Full distortion wasn’t too bad. Didn’t hear much if any digital clipping.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, surprisingly good.

[@EvilAlt]

I have a Vox 5mini I've used live because of the mic input also has basic drum beats and I have Tonelab LE and more Vox Tube amplifiers all good. But as for Digital Amps this Dog just got a Katana 50 MK2 💥£215.00 British pounds and it's easily the best connect using the mobile app and jobs a goodan 😎

[@EvilAlt]

Oh ..... Thanks anyway keep Rocking 🎸💯

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@EvilAlt Cheers :)

[@pascaldorensan6064]

Hmm this did not convince me to get rid of my peavey bandit yet

[@joshuakarar3594]

Hahaha love the manual reading with accents. Cheers from Texas, USA

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers man :)

[@raibard8886]

The buzzing sound might be an environmental issue, not climate change :) , but something in the room; as the buzzing seems to be focused around a certain set of notes. Just a thought.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I thought that too, but couldn't find it. Also, I haven't noticed it with anything else.

[@rantional8180]

people are complaining across the internet about buzzing from the vox modelers.

[@davidjorgenpedersen8010]

The Tone at 17:5 was Nice, at 18: was the Best! Just My Humble Offering.....

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers :)

[@TheTomnom]

Just bought one 👍

[@guyfromnj]

Good video Elmo!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@fastacesus8499]

"....Won't compare to marshall code... you'll know why" lol. Nice review.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D Thanks :)

[@66Thunders]

Much metal in there but can it do Stones ?

[@mrscary3105]

You are prompt my Finnish friend. 5AM every upload. (Upstate NY Time) And I can pronounce your name.:) (Car-E-O-Line-In)

[@MrPolevaulter]

I'm not that prompt. I time the releases beforehand :D

[@Bowietrope]

Elmo the magnificent! Excellent playing as usual, I need to look into your lessons, especially for picking. The buzz you're describing I certainly notice on a couple presets of your favorite amp of all time the Code. It makes me wonder how some presets sound so warm and defined and then one sounds like someone razor bladed the speakers and then blew out the voice coil (ok, slight exaggeration) on the other hand some of those old Humble Pie songs, those Marshall's sounded a bit buzzy, even tinny.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Yeah, the Code had all sorts of issues :D

[@spada60]

U know that's the Vox Adio GT just put into a box. Great practice amp that GT

[@saginawdan]

Just subscribed from Northern Minnesota, home of many Finns.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@europeanzorro4330]

Hi! great video. Can you connect this amp with an external speaker?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Can't remember. But you should be able to google it.

[@stanyoung453]

Like the German reading... sounds like Dr. Strangelove.

[@MrPolevaulter]

You deserve a reward :D It's based on Dr. Strangelove.

[@RapttorX]

4:25 now thats how you present the new scamtube

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@elinzmeyer3550]

Replaced my Peavy 212 (that I never really liked) practice amp (I'm glad it is broken) with the VOX Cambridge 50. I agree, it is the okayest amp at this price point and am not sad I didn't spend more money for something better. Good, fair review. Question: at what age are all Scandinavian guitarists required to be able to play the whole Rising Force Album note for note? jk

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@Dokustrat]

Vox Cambridge 50 or Boss Katana 50?

[@rickie330]

Indian accent great, German accent brilliant. Should have kept it going!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D Might need to do more of those accents in videos :D

[@wayne2150]

Nice demo! How well does this thing take Distortion/overdrive/fuzz pedals?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! I do try that in the video.

[@wayne2150]

@@MrPolevaulter Ah, yes. I originally watched this on the train. Too much distraction. 😁

[@MrAntpre]

Tks for the review... Would like it compare to the silverline standard. There almost same price.. Any opinion? I m mainly using cleans and bluesy sounds. Tks

[@MrPolevaulter]

I don't have a Silverline. I sold mine. Don't know how it compares. Depends so much on the speaker in the Silverline. I might do a comparison though.

[@robson6491]

Hi. I have tried this amp in a shop. The british amp.sounded as it were low gain although the gain was setted maximal. In your video it sounds like high gain as lead sound. I suppose you use sth.else, some boost or od. Can you tell me what it is? Thank you.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I did use a pedal, although I forget which one. I do think I said which one it was in the video.

[@researchcapt]

Indian accent....cracked me up! :D

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@doctorskull8197]

Love the light weight. Not interested in effects, just want a Sex Pistols type sound for playing live occasionally, Is that possible with this amplifier? Tried Marshall Code. Sucked. Excellent video!

[@kandycole4576]

How does this Amp compare to the Fender Champion 40 ?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haven't tried it, so I don't know.

[@Pulse2AM]

IMO Fenders have their own sound as do Vox., Vox is a bit more wooly Fender a bit more glassy for lack of a better way to describe them. All Fenders sound like Fenders, if you like players that use them then you'll probably like one.

[@Woolfy74]

How does this compare to the Roland micro cube? Thanks

[@MrPolevaulter]

The Micro Cube is much better imho, although this one is much bigger.

[@notoriusdrifter40]

@@MrPolevaulter How can a microcube be so much better?

[@gta4590]

@@MrPolevaulter was that a joke?

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@gta4590 Nope. I much prefer the Roland.

[@ChrisFariasMusic]

Can you control the effects with the footswitch? Thanks in advance

[@MrPolevaulter]

Can't remember. Can't remember there being a footswitch.

[@ChrisFariasMusic]

@@MrPolevaulter they have the VFS2 or the VFS5 :o

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@ChrisFariasMusic Yeah, but I think they're optional, aren't they?

[@ChrisFariasMusic]

@@MrPolevaulter yes! But since the effects are controlled by a knob, I don't know if they can be switched on and off with the footswitch

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@ChrisFariasMusic I don't know if you can.

[@pinklily6959]

How well this amp sound with pedalboard?

[@MrPolevaulter]

I think I tried it with an overdrive in the video.

[@zerozero6100]

Why is there no mid control !!! Companies continue to make this mistake!?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, a bit weird.

[@yadevolkram]

Especially as the AV combos do have mid controls

[@krisa6097]

Hi Elmo Can you review Boss Katana Artist please

[@MrPolevaulter]

Maybe at some point.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Just noticed they're releasing the MKII of the Katana Artist.

[@krisa6097]

@@MrPolevaulter it would be great to see what do you think about MKII version

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

👍👍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

Elmo,, Can you do a video and compare your plexi vs Peavey classic 50 410. I've got the Peavey. But thinking of getting a Marshall

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@JONNIE_ROCKER Maybe. It will take some time though, as I have videos done for quite some time.

[@lordimpaler3899]

How does it compare to the AV series?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Better imo.

[@paulkielt9301]

A buzz can occur with some OP-Amp circuits. But it depends of the amount of gain, which is different from channel to channel, I think? All cheap stuff is always made in China, so don't expect to get more than its price.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. You get what you pay for.

[@l3ertuz362]

so it's a vox tonelab with a speaker in it

[@MrPolevaulter]

Mmm...speaker...

[@craigstevens3619]

Scalloped frets?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep.

[@spada60]

U sure the BUZZ wasn't coming from ur head?

[@simonrowlands8031]

If you use the app there is a mid switch but not sure why it wouldn’t have a physical button 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrPolevaulter]

Weird.

[@spada60]

what with u metal heads always banging ur heads against the walls

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

After having taken delivery of my Vox, and tried it out, I have to say, that annoying buzz is in mine as well. It's not the speaker, because it's there if you put the headphones on as well. The only difference is that on mine it seems to be "shshsh" sound over the top of what you're playing, rather than a buzz. And it's quite apparent. Especially on the AC30 setting which is my favourite setting. Play any chord and you get a kind of WHSHhhhhshhh...... diminishing with the chord. Once you know it's there, you can hear it all the time. Not good. Might have to send it back. D'oh.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Sorry to hear.

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

@@MrPolevaulter Yep. Sent it back. I'll put the money towards a Blackstar HT5 head I think. Proper valve amp that doesn't need amp models. I can use whichever speaker I want then. I do have a new guitar model on my website - www.alexanderguestguitars.com/tempest I'd be honoured if you could let me know what you think of it? Cheers Elmo.

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@alexanderguestguitars1173 Looks very nice :)

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

@@MrPolevaulter Cheers Elmo!

[@chrisstabile3243]

The power button is awful - mine started not working after a couple of months unless i really held it down hard for a few seconds. Finally the button just pushed diagonally into the surface. Worst power switch ever made, lint-filled innie bellybutton/10

[@BaroqueBlues]

18:43

[@hwcdlimited5693]

haha

[@getenlightened]

No FX loop, right? Can't use a looper with the built in effects. Epic fail and a pass.

[@getenlightened]

At least they allow their 5 button footswitch to work with it. Unlike Boss and their K 50 ( no GA FC support )

[@MrPolevaulter]

No loop. Bummer.