AC15X Hand-Wired
The AC15 Hand-wired brings the legendary Vox sound in a more compact 15W combo amp. Equipped with a single 12” Celestion Alnico Blue speaker, this amp offers a rich and intimate sound experience. A homage to our legendary 60s legacy, the Vox AC Hand-Wired Series features custom transformers, reengineered power circuits, and historically accurate cabinets that ensure each amp resonates with the depth and character of the originals, while enhancements such as high-quality spring reverb and FX loops add contemporary versatility.
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CRAFTING THE FUTURE ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PAST
The new Vox AC Hand-Wired Series is a triumph of craftsmanship. A homage to our legendary 60s legacy, the series was meticulously developed after studying pristine vintage models and captures the elusive Vox sound with unparalleled authenticity. Custom transformers, reengineered power circuits, and historically accurate cabinets ensure each amp resonates with the depth and character of the originals, while enhancements such as high-quality spring reverb and FX loops add contemporary versatility. These new Hand-Wired models are not just amps – they are a bridge from the golden age of rock to the forefront of contemporary sound.
The story of the new Hand-Wired series begins with a quest to truly understand the iconic sound of our 1960s Vox AC15 and AC30 amplifiers. These legendary amps, renowned for their distinctive tone, have long captivated musicians and engineers alike. Our team embarked on an exhaustive study of these vintage models. We meticulously analysed mint-condition amplifiers, dissecting every component, every circuit, and every design nuance to understand the core of their legendary sound.
This journey led us to a profound appreciation of the intricate craftsmanship that defined the original Vox amps. It became clear that replicating this sound required more than just technical expertise; it demanded a blend of artistry and engineering. This renewed understanding guided every step in the development of the new AC Hand-Wired Series. We sought to recreate not just the sound but the soul of the vintage amps, infusing each model with the essence of the 1960s while incorporating advancements for the modern musician.
Revolution in power supply circuitry
In the realm of amplifier design, balancing stability with the dynamic character of vintage sound is an art. Modern power supplies prioritize steadiness, reducing voltage fluctuations to ensure reliability. Yet the charm of vintage amps lies in their power supplies' unique fluctuations, which interact with speaker movements to create the signature "compression" and "sag" effects so cherished in historic models. Our journey into the heart of vintage Vox amps led us to meticulously analyse and measure the power supply circuits of numerous classic AC30s. These insights paved the way for us to engineer a completely new power supply circuit, specifically crafted to replicate these revered tonal qualities.
Addressing the challenge of "ghost notes" – those unexpected, extraneous pitches at high volumes – was crucial. In our latest Vox Hand-Wired amplifiers, we've redesigned the power supply circuit to eliminate ghost notes while maintaining the amplifier's rich sound quality and dynamic response, this ensures that each note played is both authentic and impeccably clear.
Transformative sound with custom output transformers
At the heart of recreating the classic vintage Vox sound lies the pivotal role of the output transformer. It's not just about matching specifications; the true essence of vintage amplifiers is often found in the subtle nuances of saturation distortion within the transformer. This type of distortion enriches the sound with harmonious components that define the much-sought-after vintage character. However, capturing this essence goes beyond mere technical specs. It's an elusive quality that isn't readily captured by standard measurements.
We set out to craft custom transformers that embody the quintessential characteristics of vintage Vox sound. This process involved a series of meticulous prototyping, where each iteration brought us closer to that perfect blend of warmth and clarity. The result is a set of transformers that not only meet but exceed the expectations of vintage sound enthusiasts. They are the beating heart of our amplifiers, meticulously engineered to bring the rich, harmonious essence of the past into the present.
Cabinet construction: a nod to the classics
In our quest to authentically recreate the revered sound of vintage ACs, we delved into the very fabric of the amplifier's construction, particularly the cabinet materials. Our research revealed that the slightly thinner materials used in the vintage AC cabinets were instrumental in producing its rich and expansive midrange – a key characteristic of their legendary sound profiles.
We meticulously replicated the thickness of these materials in our new cabinet design. This careful attention to detail ensures that each cabinet in our series not only looks the part but also resonates with the authentic tonal quality of their legendary predecessors. It's a marriage of form and function, where every aspect of the cabinet's construction contributes to delivering a sound that's as faithful to the original as possible.
Legendary sound, modern features
Recognising the profound impact of reverb on the overall sound experience, we carefully selected a top-tier spring reverb unit. This feature isn't just an add-on; it's an essential component that captures the magical ambience of vintage sound. The reverb enriches each note, adding depth and dimension, thus ensuring that the rich, immersive quality of the amp is maintained.
Guitarists often shape their unique sound using a variety of effects. However, the combination of distorted amplification with spatial, modulation, and pitch-shift effects can often lead to a muddied output. To resolve this, we've incorporated a seamlessly integrated FX loop into the new Hand-Wired series amps. This allows for a clean and clear output of effects, ensuring that the integrity of the individual effects is preserved while being used with the amp.
For the AC15 and AC30 models, we've added a “speaker out”. This modification is straightforward yet impactful. The built-in speakers come with easily removable connection cables, enabling the direct and hassle-free connection of an attenuator. This is particularly beneficial for situations where maintaining the quality of sound at lower volume levels is essential, offering flexibility and control to the guitarist.
Specifications
Vacuum Tube Configuration
ECC83/12AX7 x 4, ECC81/12AT7 x 1, EL84 x 2, GZ34 (rectifier) x 1
Speaker
12” 16Ω Celestion Alnico Blue x 1
Dimensions (W x D x H)
610 x 260 x 550 mm
Weight
22.8 kg
Returns
We offer a 30-day returns period on all products purchased directly from Vox Amps UK.
Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
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