Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've had may AD120VT for over two and a half years, and never had a problem with it.

As a post-script, my new AD50VT arrived a couple of days ago and its real cool !! I am in the learning stages. This 30+ page instruction manual for the amp is technical, to say the least !! All suggestions, "coaching" or favorite settings preferred by Forumites or other comments are welcome.
Regards - Rich F.

A general starting point on my rig is to get the master up between 2pm and 4pm (almost full on) and control the volume with the patch volume and gain. This seems to be the "sweet" spot for the AD120VTH, even though the patch volume and gain actually control the tube portion of the circuit. It appears as though the "feedback" circuit from the power section has a great effect on the tube portion.

...Dean

There are a couple of good websites that Valvetronix owners can share patches on:

http://www.patchtronix.com/index.php?POSTNUKESID=31c9a56e1864e492b7e9300d7d082b6c

http://www.valvetronix.net/

Hey Kris -- thanks for those great Valvetronix sites links. There's a lot to dig into there !

Regards - rich F.

The posting activity on those sight's forums is patchy (ooo. sorry!) and unfortunately quite often not very pleasant commentary, but there are some really great patches in the lists.

There are also a lot of great technical responses on the amps in the forum topics dedicated to technical.

...Dean

Dean - Melibee - Bill - Kris, et. al.
Further Postscript
(Wow -- this makes Forum post #100)

I am really liking that Boutique Clean with the Compressor setting, that you have mentioned. I thinks its the one I like best for that Jingle-Jangle tone with a Ric twelve string on the Valvetronix.... but there are still so many other channels/variations to test, trial and error... And only so many hours in a day to plug in without raising "issues" on the homefront about neglecting other chores and responsibilities because of this Rickenbacker addiction ! (e-f-g) Regards - Rich F.

[From the main site:

e. Frequently engaging in Rickenbacker activities even when expected to carry out obligations of a social, vocational, academic or domestic nature;
f. A reduction in important social, vocational or recreational activities due to Rickenbacker activity;
g. Continuing to engage in Rickenbacker activities in spite of the knowledge that the behaviour leads to recurrent social, financial, emotional or physical problems;

Submitted October 9, 1999 - Revised June 1, 2001

© 1999-2001 Peter McCormack. All rights reserved.

Is there a halfway house for Ric addicts? I need help.

(Now wouldn't THAT be a fun place. Maube not much rehab, but fun!)

...Dean

Awesome old thread. Thanks for being there for me once again, RickenPeople.

Given the choice, what would be better: AD60 or AD50vt?

Suddenly offers are coming at me from all sides...

Well Mark --- as for the choice between the AD60 or the AD50VT models --- if you look at some of the comments posted earlier on this thread about the features of the "AD60 and AD120" models, with the ability to use that super-size Vox Effects pedal/module that Kris speaks about, and the ability to program more channels that is certainly a plus for "60". But then you need to assess the dollars you want to outlay versus how many effects you get with the AD50VT model, which only uses the VFS2 footswitch for switching between three different functions/models at any given time. There are these trade offs to consider. I don't know if anyone has posted any sound comparison of playing the 60 against the 50 in a direct comparison. Maybe its a question of looks or aesthetics .... do you like the metal front on the AD50VT or you prefer the old fashioned Vox grill cover on the 60 series ?? Maybe it comes down to how many dollars you want to spend. I also just saw on the Vox website that they now have another alternate version of the AD50VT chrome metal front model which has twin 12 inch speakers.....

So many choices ... what is a Ric/Vox fan(atic) to do ?? Good luck making your decision.
Regards -- Rich F.

It's a straight trade with my Vibro Champ, so money isn't involved. I just wonder why the AD60 costs so much more...surely because there's something about it that is hundreds of dollars more desirable? I do like the older look, but I'm more interested in what it does differently.

Mark, while I do not have any experience with the AD50 chrome face amp, I did find a pretty good comparison by a Vox acquaintance (goes by the moniker Voxman) to the AD30 on a Valvetronix forum that may help you. I have corresponded with him on many aspects of using and tweaking our AD series amps. I find he is very fair in his evaluations.

"The AD60VTX is a full featured amp - more amp models, 32 patch memory, VC12 compatible, pedal section, Hi& Lo inputs, separate effects sections allowing far greater versatility. Proper dedicated line-outs, headphone, effects loop. Better build quality (birch ply), and the Neodog 1x12" speaker is bigger & way superior to the 10" stock speaker in the AD30VT. Much more flexible, more tone options, & thus much more fun!"

An additional note I have to this is the early chromes line out was before the speaker compensation circuitry, while the Blue amps (AD60 and AD120) have the line outs after speaker compensation. This difference is significant if you use the line out, IMO. I get great tone for recording by running the line outs through the board as well as miking the cabinet.

...Dean

Awesome info, Dean, just what I needed.

I wants it, preciousss...NICE ampses....

I have a related question re the line-outs on the Valvetronix. The AD30VT does not have a line out feature per se but it has a headphones jack which sends out signal. I "line out" my AD30VT to my PA and it works fine. What's the difference between this and a line out on the 60 models and up? Is it because I'm "lining out" to another amplifier instead of a straight cab?"