Vox AC50CP2 Classic Plus Guitar Amplifier Reviewed by Guitarbitz
This EL34-powered line-up marries the classic VOX tone and chime of rock and roll legend with a versatile high-gain channel that goes beyond anything in VOX’s 50 year history and into all-new VOX sonic territory.
With the new AC50CP2 50-Watt combo, the Classic Plus range delivers amps that do it all – from the ‘50s to tomorrow. Sound big? You bet. What do 50 years of classic VOX sonic history sound like?
AC50CP2: 2x12 combo with 4 x 12AX7/ECC83 & 2 x EL34B loaded with VOX original design 12" speakers
Two channels, endless possibilities
The Classic Plus is a channel-switching valve pre- and power-amp guitar amplifier that can produce many flavours of tone, from pristine clean to impressive high-gains, and all points between. The two channels have a variety of wide-ranging controls to help you create the sound textures that you desire.
Channel 1 covers classic VOX AC30 tones, from sparkling clean to raunchy overdrive. The EQ on this channel is of the interactive passive format that is historic to VOX Top Boost amplifiers and boasts the addition of the famous Tone Cut control, which musically rolls off high end as it is turned up.
Channel 2 picks up where Channel 1 leaves off, delivering everything from modern blues and classic rock tones all the way to high gain classic metal sounds and fluid lead tones. While Channel 2’s EQ controls are also of the interactive passive format, they are centered on different frequencies to enhance the higher gain capabilities of Channel 2. The Channel 2 Bright Switch brings in an extra capacitor (switch down) across the Gain control to boost the high-mid and upper frequencies and is particularly effective on lower gain settings. The Bright Switch is great for giving extra bite and clarity to muddy sounding humbuckers. The Fat Switch adds extra gain, and focuses the mid range of the guitar and amp, which helps produce a “singing” tone when playing lead lines.
The Presence Control circuit is another unique feature to the AC range. It combines the traditional active power amp feedback circuit with a passive circuit within Channel 2’s preamp. This not only focuses the Presence boost, but, if you turn the control down, it will also introduce a high frequency cut filter that can be used to de-fuzz the preamp distortion, making it less aggressive and sweeter. Since the channels of the Classic Plus are totally independent, you do not need to compromise to achieve your desired tonal palette. It’s almost like being able to mix and match two completely different amplifiers!
Total, tonal control
The Classic Plus range is packed with features and controls that meld the best of VOX’s history with modern conveniences. The Classic Plus features a long spring, high-quality Spring Reverb with individual, foot-switchable level control for each channel, plus series FX looping with selectable level control and bypass switching. The Bypass slide switch will either engage the loop (switch ON) or disconnect the effects loop circuitry from the rest of the amplifier (switch OFF). With the Loop switch in the OFF position, the Send jack socket is still operational and can therefore be used to send the signal to another device such as a tuner or slave amplifier. The Loop Level switch allows the loop to used at two different signal levels (approximately +4dBV (high) and -10dBV (low)). This will enable a wide range of devices to be connected to the amplifier. Channel switching and on/off reverb control is managed with the supplied VF002 dual footswitch.
Play one.
Includes Vox VF002 footswitch.
Specifications:-
* Power Output: 50 Watts RMS into selectable 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load.
* Speakers: 2 * VOX/Wharfedale GSH1230 8 ohm loudspeakers wired in series for a total of 16 Ohm load.
* Valves: 4 x 12AX7/ECC83 (V1:Low microphonic) and 2 x EL34B
* Dimensions: 702 x 265 x 540 mm / 27.6 x 10.4 x 21.3 inches
* Weight: 35 kg / 77.2 lbs.
Comments