Best dirt box for a Vox AC30C2

[titbeard]

So recently I bought a new Vox AC30C2. They just recently came out the with the blue and white 1963 cosmetics so I couldn't resist. I absolutely love the chime and clarity of the amp. I love the dirt it produces too. The problem is, for the band I play in, I require as much clean headroom as possible. Needless to say, I'll be using pedals to get all my dirt. Anyways, I've always owned warmer sounding amps on the Fender side of the fence. It's always been pretty simple for me to find a dirt pedal that works. Not so much the case with this amp. Everything I've tried sounds really thin and compressed and it's driving me insane. I've tried a Timmy, OCD, Marshall Guv'nor V1, Keeley Modded DS1, Robin Trower OD, some of the Plush pedals, etc...

I think I've settled on a Zen Drive. Has anyone else had this issue? Any other recommendations that I'm seriously missing out on? I've heard about the Hot Cake too. I should probably mention, I using Strats and Teles. All single coils.

Thanks!

[mcdes]

For the setup and sounds, LGW or even an AC booster. But I do reckon a good clean boost is in order!

[Godspeed64]

Hot Cakes, Rats and the Screwdriver all sound great.
I preferred the Mudhoney II which stayed on the board!

[titbeard]

This may sound insane, but I think a Mudhoney sounds like an SD-1. Not a bad thing. Just saying they have really similar characteristics at a really dramatically different price point. As far as TREX stuff goes, I preferred the Moller.

[Godspeed64]

This may sound insane, but I think a Mudhoney sounds like an SD-1. Not a bad thing. Just saying they have really similar characteristics at a really dramatically different price point. As far as TREX stuff goes, I preferred the Moller.

I have both on my board and they couldn't be more different..

[AlisterHag]

Well, I love my my KOT going into mine, I have high gain both sides and mostly use the yellow side.

[devnulljp]

You need a treble booster.

[AngelsThanatos]

I use my russian big muff and it sounds pretty thick. I know what you mean about th OCD. It does sound a bit shrill, but I like how it sounds with my setup. Red llama OD also sounds pretty good through it!

[parkhill]

Try a subdecay liquid sunshine if you can. I love love that pedal with my ac30. I have a version 2 with the bass boost engaged. For heavier stuff I have had a lot of success with either an analogman astrotone or an mjm foxey fuzz. I know what you mean though. I have a fender amp as well and the overdrives I like best with it usually don't work well with my ac30.