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View Full Version : Vox AC4TV = supernifty

Showman
03-06-2009, 10:56 AM
Hi!

I had a chance to play the new Vox AC4TV today and I'm very impressed! Typical Vox chime and overdrive at very low volumes (in the 4w setting significantly louder then my Champion 600 though). The attenuator switch works like a charm and you're able to get screaming vox overdrive at extremely low volume. The sound quality is par to none in it's league (mass produced low watt tube amps). I wanted to buy it immediately but they only had one in the store and that was already spoken for :-(
If you ever wanted a bedroom Vox look no further:AOK

cheers,
Kiyoshi

BTW: They had the new Orange AD5 as well which is also a very nice amp if you dig the Orange AD sound. This one was just a little too gritty for me.
voojo
03-06-2009, 11:37 AM
Cool report Kiyoshi! I put in an order for the Vox Night Train head, I might have an AC4 in my future, maybe the head.
BAN
03-06-2009, 11:45 AM
AC4 head for the same price as a pedal. Sounds like something to check out indeed.
voojo
03-06-2009, 11:48 AM
AC4 head for the same price as a pedal. Sounds like something to check out indeed.

The only disappointment I have with the head is it only has a 16 ohm output. I don't have a single 16 ohm cab, all of mine are 8. Oh well, maybe I'll just get the combo eventually!
phyrexia
03-06-2009, 12:38 PM
I really can't get into the AD5. How do they compare? I was hoping the AC4 would blow the doors off the AD5 honestly.
52ftbuddha
03-06-2009, 12:42 PM
How about some pics, maybe some gut shots?

rob
shark_bite
03-06-2009, 01:14 PM
How had I not heard of this??? Awesome! I may need the head... it'd be perfect for playing around the house.
voojo
03-06-2009, 01:30 PM
Head:

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/750/AC4TVH-large.jpg



Combo:

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeup/750-AC4TV_angle.jpg
Showman
03-06-2009, 02:22 PM
I really can't get into the AD5. How do they compare? I was hoping the AC4 would blow the doors off the AD5 honestly.

Volumewise the ad5 is a little louder than the Vox. The AD5 distorts earlier and has a much raspier, grittier (for lack of better words) overdrive with piercing highs and a, to me, very unpleasant raw rock tone (not necessarily a bad thing). The AC4 is much smoother in it's overall tone. The highs are very nice and round, the mids are full, the bass is well defined and it doesn't sound boxy (like the Valve Junior) at all. It's harmonically rich, reacts nicely if you work with your volume pot and has the best dynamics of all the other little tube boxes I tried (Valve Junior, Champion 600, Orange AD5, Valveking Royal 8). The sound is pure Vox (cleans and overdrive) and I was surprised at how good the stock speaker sounded. I had about half an hour time with this amp at the store and it exceeded my expectations by far. This thing is a bedroombrianmay's dream :D

I'm gasing really bad for this one and going to get one asap.
BlueHeaven
03-06-2009, 02:32 PM
voojo,
I want, no...DEMAND a massive review of that Night Train when you get it!:) You have a Reverend Flatroc right? If so, include that in your review of the Vox ok? Sorry to hijack the AC4 thread because it seems pretty cool too.
52ftbuddha
03-06-2009, 02:58 PM
I should give reason for my gut shot request. I want to know if I can mod this for EF86.

rob
voojo
03-06-2009, 03:33 PM
voojo,
I want, no...DEMAND a massive review of that Night Train when you get it!:) You have a Reverend Flatroc right? If so, include that in your review of the Vox ok? Sorry to hijack the AC4 thread because it seems pretty cool too.

Done and done! The only problem, The Night Train isn't expect to arrive at my tonal Depot until end of May/early June, that's when they're expected at Sweetwater.
BlueHeaven
03-06-2009, 03:53 PM
voojo,
No problem...I probably won't have the dough until then anyway but BOTH the Flatroc and the Night Train are on my radar.
Greg
CitizenCain
03-07-2009, 04:41 PM
Done and done! The only problem, The Night Train isn't expect to arrive at my tonal Depot until end of May/early June, that's when they're expected at Sweetwater.

Looking forward to a Night Train review as well. I'm particually interested in how much clean headroom you'll be able to get from this thing. I'm looking for a cool little surf, Shadows, Ventures type amp.
triviani
03-27-2009, 06:58 PM
Hi
Is it loud at the lower 1/4watt setting? Louder than a 10w transistors amp?

I'm thinking to get one for playing at home, but i never play above 3 with the transistors fender..

Thanks!
PedalFreak
03-27-2009, 07:07 PM
How about some pics, maybe some gut shots?

rob

Mine is suppose to be here by the end of April. If it shows on time I'll open it up and take some shots.
BluesForDan
03-27-2009, 07:15 PM
I keep meaning to check my GC for one, but I keep getting sidetracked by bass guitars and amps.
FloridaSam
04-06-2009, 05:39 PM
Ordered mine this afternoon, the combo. Now the GAS induned waiting begins.
ruger9
04-07-2009, 04:07 AM
Mine's enroute.
CitizenAudio
04-07-2009, 04:46 PM
Need more info on this. 250 for a portable Vox all tube combo?

I hope it sounds good because I will pick one up.

KEEP POSTING
jimtalkbox
04-07-2009, 05:30 PM
Vox AC5 sounds pretty cool. Here goes the GAS again...
Hoodster
04-07-2009, 06:05 PM
the only disappointment i have with the head is it only has a 16 ohm output. I don't have a single 16 ohm cab, all of mine are 8. Oh well, maybe i'll just get the combo eventually!

+1.
52ftbuddha
04-07-2009, 06:40 PM
Can someone that owns one tell me if it will take both 240v or 120v

thanks
rob
TheLemon
04-07-2009, 06:53 PM
This amp looks so tempting! Has anyone else gotten theres yet?

The only disappointment I have with the head is it only has a 16 ohm output. I don't have a single 16 ohm cab, all of mine are 8. Oh well, maybe I'll just get the combo eventually!

Hmm, if there are extra leads (taped off) for the output transformer inside the head you could maybe re-wire it for 8 ohms or install an impedance selector switch.
riffboy76
04-08-2009, 10:36 PM
Just put an order in for one of these but dont have it yet. I did however post some gut shot pictures as previously requested in this thread here:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=527999
Sniper-V
04-09-2009, 05:50 PM
Just did a test run with the new AC4 ad it rocks!

Super surprised but re tone and it's very loud.
Good enough for the small rehersals I do and perfect for recording.

Plugged straight in sounded killer! Like the way a killer AC circuit should sound. Slot if harmonic complexity. Strat had tons of airy chime and it crunched out nicely. LP was nice too but started to over compresse at higher volume settings. Still at moderate volume/gain setting still sweet.

Ran it with pedals and it took them very well. Overdrives and delays mainly and they sounded great. The attenuator worked well too. Look out though, it's got some good volume @ 4-watts and it sounds good. At 249.99 a steal for what it can do.
shark_bite
04-09-2009, 07:08 PM
Just got mine. I wasn't really planning on getting one just yet but then I saw my local shop had just gotten a couple of them in so I went to try one out and I was sold in about ten minutes.

Really, it's that good. For $250 at least... It really is a steal.
stratocaster
04-10-2009, 08:26 AM
Had mine for about a month now and love it! awesome little practice amp.
sbruce
04-10-2009, 10:12 AM
There's not any around me yet...but for someone who has one...I'm looking for a low watt amp to run @ church (will be run off stage and mic'd) I love the sound of an AC15 on the verge of break-up and pushed with pedals. Does the AC4 compare at all? Looking for the "chime" :o
shark_bite
04-10-2009, 10:16 AM
There's not any around me yet...but for someone who has one...I'm looking for a low watt amp to run @ church (will be run off stage and mic'd) I love the sound of an AC15 on the verge of break-up and pushed with pedals. Does the AC4 compare at all? Looking for the "chime" :o

In a word, yes. Especially if you're not using too high output of a pickup.

I did a little bistro gig with a blues quintet last night, and I had it with me so I pulled it in. No miking or anything, the other guitar player was using a BJr. The AC4 was a little on the quiet side in comparison, but I made it through alright and it sounded fantastic. But at the store where I got it and then after I got home I played around, and it seems to do exactly that with the volume around halfway. Fortunately I can hit that mark at really reasonable volumes now instead of having to crank up my Bad Cat.
sbruce
04-10-2009, 10:36 AM
Thanks...that's great to hear! I've been using a POD X3L and while it doesn't sound bad, I really want to give a "real" amp a shot:AOK

I'm thinking of getting an M13 (along with my Zendrive) and run into the AC4...but I want to wait till the head/cabs are available.

Thanks...hope to hear more about/from AC4's in the future.

Have fun!
Zeon45
04-10-2009, 11:08 AM
Looks like my AC15TV is getting a little brother. :o
OrangeAD30TC
04-10-2009, 12:53 PM
I have been thinking about getting a small tube head to bring as a back up at gigs for me and the other guitarist in my band. Egnater rebel was on my list but I will have to check this out. My only fear is it wont keep up at gig volumes through a 2x12.
shark_bite
04-10-2009, 12:53 PM
I have been thinking about getting a small tube head to bring as a back up at gigs for me and the other guitarist in my band. Egnater rebel was on my list but I will have to check this out. My only fear is it wont keep up at gig volumes through a 2x12.

You're probably right.

But that's why they're also bringing out the Night Train!
relix63
04-27-2009, 04:17 PM
So I got to play this little Vox AC-4TV on Saturday and it was killer. It's about the same price as the Fender Champion 600 but much cooler in my opinion. The 1/4 watt setting was fun and at 4 watts was plenty loud enough for a home situation. I will be buying one. The only decision to make is whether I'll be getting the combo or the head/cab. If you want a low power tube for around the house, this should be on you list.
kanegon
04-28-2009, 02:18 PM
In Racing Green, same specs and same price. Haven't seen it stateside, but I like it more than the powderpuff white.

http://www.ishibashi-webshop.jp/shop/g/g591149100/

Keeps those reviews coming!
GEN DAWG
09-30-2009, 10:58 AM
To add my voice to the chorus . . . I tried out the AC4 combo yesterday, and I liked it very much, too. I tried it with a couple of Les Pauls and a Tele, and the tone knob had enough range to accomodate all of them. I didn't try out the head and cab, but I did get to try out the Night Train head / cab. I actually preferred the AC4; the Night Train was able to get a lot louder and did sound good, but I just preferred the fundamental tone of the AC4. It reminded me of my old Dr. Z Mini Z (which, of course, cost a lot more). It was loud enought that I got asked to turn down -- no, I was not playing Stairway at the time.

So my verdict, having just fooled around with one in the store, was: very good sounding little amp, great deal.

Question: How long before somebody starts making a mod kit for this sucker (a la the Epi Valve Jr.)? You know we can't help ourselves.