Vox Amps Big vs. Small

[Folkie]

Hey, Jim, is your AC15 an AC15C1 Chinese reissue?

[Folkie]

Thanks, Brian. Can you tell me a little more about the Vox Tonelab? Are you routing it directly into a hard disk recorder?

[Folkie]

By the way, Brian, I've been using an old Boss GT-3 multi-effects unit for years. It sounds great through my amp and absolutely terrible direct into the board. Hence my interest in running a line out from my amp.

I recently saw a used Tonelab at Guitar Center for a very reasonable price. The Line 6 Pods are priced competitively, but I just can't stand them.

[jps]

Jeff,

I've got some news for you: I have seen the light!

Robert

[jimk]

Hey, Jim, is your AC15 an AC15C1 Chinese reissue?

I'm certain it's a Chinese AC15C1. I bought it new in 2010. Anyway, it has but one speaker, a 12 inch Celestion green back. I guess the manufacturer quit using the old Wharfdale speakers before then.
JimK

[paologregorio]

The AC15 is all you really need. My AC30 is often too loud for a lot of venues; I have to use the low power setting and keep the volume down. I do like to use outboard distortion/OD/compressors, but even if I didn't, I'd still use the AC30 on the low power setting, so an AC15 would probably be plenty loud enough. I've used Steve Buddy Dog's AC15 HW at jams, and that amp rocks!

[jdawe]

Thanks for the advice, Jonathan. I don't have a Mac, so Garageband would be out of the question, but there are several other options that would be compatible with my PC. What recording software do you use?

I use Ableton Live Lite, but only because it came bundled with my Line 6 interface when I was getting started with computer recording. It works well for my purposes and the price was right (i.e. free after I bought the hardware), but I haven't compared it to the other options out there and don't claim that it is necessarily the best choice. But I am happy with it.

For amp modeling I use the Line 6 Pod Farm software, and like it quite a bit.

[larsongs]

I have a 2010 Vox AC15CC1X. I really like the sound of it with it's Alnico Blue Speaker. Just a really great sound. It's is a great all around Amp for Recording & Gigging. I don't play 1000 Seat Venue's so it works fine for me. If & when I do I'll get a Vox AC30 but will want the Alnico Blues in it too.

I played a friends AC30 but is way too loud to record with in my home Project Studio. For my needs it's also too bulky to easily transport & too heavy (100lbs +/-) to lug around to Jam Sessions & small Gig's. I don't get paid enough!

I usually use 2 Mic's for recording. A SM57 up close & a Cad Condenser Tube Mic in the Room. It's a simple Setup but get great sound. I find line out's are ok combined with 1 or 2 live Mic's in a bind. But prefer Mic's.

Good luck,

Glenn

[Folkie]

Glenn,

Thanks for the advice. I'd be interested to know if anyone can compare the sound of an Alnico Blue with a Celestion Greenback. Is the AC15CC1X still being made?

Robert

[larsongs]

Glenn,

Thanks for the advice. I'd be interested to know if anyone can compare the sound of an Alnico Blue with a Celestion Greenback. Is the AC15CC1X still being made?

Robert

No, they ended that series in 2010. Now you can't buy a new AC15 with an Alnico Blue speaker. Only the new AC30's have the option. You can probably find a new Vox AC15CC1X at one of the online Dealers like MF or used one on Ebay or CL. Also, North Coast Music is Modding the new AC15C1's with Alnico Blue's. This new Amp has some nice features & is worth checking out.

I originally bought my AC15 without the Alnico Blue it is called the Vox AC15CC1. CC stands for Custom Classic series. The AC15CC1 uses the VOX / Wharfedale custom GSH1230-16 speaker. It was a few hundred dollars less. To me personally it sounded harsh. So, I sprung for the more expensive one. The AC15CC1X with Alnico Blue sounded light years better to me. It is worth the extra dough to get that Tone.

Good luck,

Glenn

[rkbsound]

I am really looking forward to checking out the new AC15c2 Twin amp that was introduced this summer at NAMM. I think the 2 speakers will give the AC15 line a nice "boost".

[winston]

Thanks, Brian. Can you tell me a little more about the Vox Tonelab? Are you routing it directly into a hard disk recorder?

I run it into a mixer and then into the outboard interface for my computer. The results are nothing short of amazing.

[8mileshigher]

Robert, we can not post direct links to other Forums here on the RRF, but you might want to do a search and check out the Plexi Palace Vintage Amps Forum.

If you go into the Vox section, on the Vintage Amps Forum, you will find lots of topics pertaining to Vox AC 15 and AC 30 models, and "Hand Wired" vrs regular PCB models, and views about the Custom Classic models vrs the new "C" models and the age old topic of Celestion Blues or Greenbacks vrs. Wharfedales, and Chinese made Celestions vrs. British made Celestions; and which are good replacement tubes to get and hundreds of other Vox related inquiries and comparisons. Of course they have all kind of stuff on the older Vox amps too, Top Boost models and Jennings era stuff, and Rose Morris era, etc.

You'll also recognize several RRF members are participants on the Vintage Amps Forum too.

[Folkie]

Thanks so much for the lead, Rich! I'll visit the Vintage Amps Forum immediately!

[benjamin672]

Hm. From someone who has wanted an AC30 for most of my guitar-playing career, this discussion has been illuminating. If -- well, when -- I get to the point of deciding to buy one, I'll have to try out an AC15 first.