VOX PREVIEW
Posted on Thu 14 October 2010 in entries
Vox in miniature
Vox’s latest releases may be small in stature but, like the Amplugs, they all certainly pack a big punch in the sound and looks departments…
The recent flurry of releases from the classic British amp brand has made us wonder whether we’ve stumbled into the music industry’s equivalent of Gulliver in Lilliput. Not only has the Amplug family taken on a couple of new members, but there’s also a new mini guitar amp in the shape of the Vox AC1 RhythmVox, the tiny MINI3 modelling amp in three colours, a smaller but just as beefy Night Train all-valve amp head and a miniature cab to go with it, namely the V110NT. Time to get out the magnifying glass and get down with the little people…
You got (very small) rhythm
Vox’s new AC1 RhythmVox expands the boundaries of mini amp technology by including an array of built-in rhythms and song patterns. With analogue circuitry borrowed from the AmPlug series, the AC1 boasts 66 rhythms covering a wide range of styles.
Goodness knows how they pack it all in, but you’ll find 11 different rhythm patterns here including eight-beat, 16-beat, blues, funk and reggae, with each pattern allowing for six types of variation. There’s also one song pattern with an extended multi-measure drum part. On the amp side of things you’ve got gain, tone and volume controls as well as an Overdrive switch to provide even more variation.
Mini Me times three
Another new Vox release whose size belies its abilities is the MINI3.
A modelling guitar amp that weighs a mere three kilos, the MINI3 boasts 11 amp models, ranging from authentic Vox models right through to historic classics and some rare boutique amps. Also included is a pure, non-distorted Clean mode, ideal for use with semi-acoustic guitar, keyboards or even any other acoustic instrument fitted with a pickup.
Somehow they’ve also managed to squeeze in some effects – reverb, delay, compressor, chorus, flanger and tremolo – plus a Tap Tempo function, mic input, aux input for playing along with an MP3 player and a built-in tuner. The MINI3 also comes with a detachable carry strap for ultimate portability and it’s available in three colours: ivory, racing green or black. Oh, and did we mention that this mighty mini will only set you back £79?
Heads and cabs, here we go…
Next up in the Lilliputian line-up is the Lil’ Night Train, a shrunk-down version of the all-valve Night Train head that’s been wooing guitarists for a few years now. The Lil’ Night Train weighs in at under three kilos, it has the same sleek finish as the original and near enough the same classy sound thanks to its two 12AX7 preamp vacuum tubes and the 12AU7 power tube. It’s the ideal all-tube solution for rehearsing, recording, gigging or practising.
The front panel on this 2W head features gain and volume controls, treble and bass EQ controls and the all-important two-way mode switch. Bright mode boosts the high frequencies and activates the EQ, giving you that unmistable Vox chime, while Thick mode bypasses the EQ and boosts the gain for a full, beefy sound.
Another welcome addition is the Lil’ Night Train’s headphone/line out jack, a surprisingly rare feature for an all-valve amp. This output comprises a cabinet simulator that reproduces the resonances and spatial characteristics of a quality speaker cabinet, so you can enjoy real tube amp sound even during night-time practice sessions or when recording directly from your Lil’ Night Train.
The perfect partner for the Lil’ Night Train, and initially only available in a pair with the Lil’ is the V110NT speaker cabinet. This retro looking cab with convenient carry handle packs a ten-inch custom Celestion VX10 speaker and delivers a rich, full-bodied tone.
AmPlug additions
This autumn we saw two new models join the AmPlug family. The Acoustic simulator and the fiery-red Joe Satriani model join the already popular AC30, Bass, Classic Rock, Lead and Metal flavours, with prices starting at as little as £31!
It’s a small world
To hear any and all of these mini beasts in action, visit our showroom for a demo today!
Purchase the VOX MINI3 MODELLING GUITAR AMP (BLACK)
Purchase the VOX MINI3 MODELLING GUITAR AMP (IVORY)
Purchase the VOX MINI3 MODELLING GUITAR AMP (RACING GREEN)
Purchase the VOX NT2H LIL' NIGHT TRAIN VALVE AMP HEAD
Purchase the VOX AMPLUG ACOUSTIC SIMULATOR HEADPHONE GUITAR AMP