Vox AC30 Custom Guitar Combo Amplifier (30 Watts, 2x12")

Vox AC30 Custom Guitar Combo Amplifier (30 Watts, 2x12"), AC30C2, with Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers, Top

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Choose the Vox AC30C2 with Celestion Greenback speakers, or the AC30C2X with Alnico Blue speakers. Both amp models are based on the classic Vox AC30 design.

Overview

For more than half a century, the Vox AC30 combo amplifier has delivered an unmistakable tone and vibe. Now, Vox makes this legendary design available again with an updated AC30 that benefits from some critical modern touches. There are two distinct models available in this release: the AC30C2 and the AC30C2X. They are identical in every way, but sport two different speakers inside to best accommodate with your musical style.

Blue vs. Green

The AC30C2 pushes its 30 watts through 2 x 12-inch Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers. The AC30C2X, for its part, utilizes 2 x 12-inch Celestion Alnico Blue Speakers. The Greenbacks reveal their characteristic distortion (think Angus Young) a little later in the gain stage than the Alnicos, which develop their own unique crunch a little earlier (Noel Gallagher). The Greenbacks are constructed with ceramic ferrite magnets, while the Alnicos are made out of the ALuminium/NIckel/CObalt alloy from which they take their name. It's hard to explain the difference in words, but you should consider trying both models before you buy -- or get both!

Tubes Tried and True

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X both make use of 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and use 4 x EL84 tubes to push 30 watts of power.

Vox's Famous Tremolo and Spring Reverb

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X both include Vox's signature Tremolo to add that famous swirl to your sound. This Tremolo is adjustable both for Rate and Depth. There is also a genuine spring reverb onboard with a… read more decidedly warm tone, adjustable for Tone and Level. Vox's signature Top Boost function is also here, with a 2-band treble/bass EQ and a separate Volume knob to gain the amp beyond the Master Volume. Both models include a built-in effects loop which makes this considerably more versatile than the original AC30s.

Tone Cut and Volume Controls

You'll find Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section to take your tonal crafting power even further. Tone Cut works by modulating the signal passing through the power stage, yielding a darker, richer tone. Then, you'll find yet another level of tone control, playing with the balance between the Master Volume control and Top Boost Volume.

Plays Nice With Other Speakers

When you want to send your AC30 tone into a separate set of speakers, there is a switchable 8/16 ohm output jack. Plugging into this jack automatically mutes the internal speakers. There is also an additional 2nd extension speaker jack, which allows you to run an extra 16 ohm cabinet simultaneously with the Vox AC30C2's internal speakers. This allows you to achieve a fuller sound overall, while also letting keep your ears on your amp's actual tone when you're onstage.

Check out our exclusive run-down of the Vox AC30C2 Guitar Combo Amplifier:

Features:

- 2 channels: Normal and Top Boost
- 30 watt 12-inch Celestion G12M Greenback speakers (on AC30C2)
- 30 watt 12-inch Celestion Alnico Blue speakers (AC30C2X)
- 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- 4 x EL84
- Treble/Bass switch
- Tremolo
- Spring reverb
- Standby switch
- Switchable 8/16 ohm output jack

Specs

VOX AC30C2 Custom Specifications:

Output Power: 30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms
Speaker: 2 x 12" 8 ohm Celestion G12M Greenback
Inputs: Normal input jack (high and low), Top Boost input jack (high and low), FX RETURN jack, Footswitch jack
Outputs: External loudspeaker jack, Extension loudspeaker jack, FX SEND jack
Dimensions (W x D x H): 702 x 265 x 556 mm / 27.64 x 10.43 x 21.89 inches
Weight: 32.2 kg / 70.99 lbs.
Options: VFS2A Footswitch

VOX AC30C2X Custom Specifications:

Output Power: 30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms
Speaker: 2 x 12" 8 ohm Celestion Alnico Blue
Inputs: Normal input jack (high and low), Top Boost input jack (high and low), FX RETURN jack, Footswitch jack
Outputs: External loudspeaker jack, Extension loudspeaker jack, FX SEND jack
Dimensions (W x D x H): 702 x 265 x 556 mm / 27.64 x 10.43 x 21.89 inches
Weight: 33.4 kg / 73.59 lbs.
Options: VFS2A Footswitch

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
AC30C2, with Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers: Shipping Weight: 77 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 16 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AC30C2
Open Box (Like New), AC30C2, with Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers: Shipping Weight: 77 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 16 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AC30C2
AC30C2X, with Celestion Alnico Blue Speakers: Shipping Weight: 78 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 15 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AC30C2X

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6500

Manual

Vox's Description

Vox AC30 Custom Guitar Combo Amplifier

The VOX AC30 combo amp has been an icon for decades, known as the sound that powered the 1960s' "British Invasion." Based on the classic AC30 design, the Custom Series AC30C2 and AC30C2X offer numerous up-to-date enhancements, delivering the most versatile AC30 design in VOX history.

The Models: AC30C2 and AC30C2X

- AC30C2: 30 Watts 2 x 12" Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers / Effects Loop.
- AC30C2X: 30 Watts 2 x 12" Celestion Alnico Blue Speakers / Effects Loop.

An Evolution in Tone

VOX Custom Series amps offer two channels: Normal and Top-Boost. Each channel is equipped with its own Volume control, and the Top Boost channel offers highly interactive Treble and Bass tone controls. This powerful channel pairing provides an abundance of tone-crafting control, letting you dial in a classic sound that is all your own.

Both channels rely on the Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section. The Tone Cut control operates in the power stage rather than the preamp stage, allowing an additional degree of tone-shaping. The Master Volume control works in conjunction with the individual volumes of each channel to create just the right degree of gain-staging. By balancing the individual and Master volumes, the Custom Series can deliver everything from a clean VOX "chimey" sound to a powerful overdriven tone.

Sound in Motion

You can sweeten the sound of your Vox AC30C2 using the VOX Classic Tremolo effect. Both the speed and the depth are adjustable, allowing you to generate just the sound you want. A warm Spring Reverb is also included on the AC30C2 and AC30C2X, adding spaciousness to the sound. The AC30C2 and AC30C2X also include an additional tone control in the Reverb section. The Vox AC30C2 and AC30C2X can use the VOX VFS2 footswitch, allowing you to turn the Reverb and Tremolo effects on and off as you continue to play. The AC30C2 and AC30C2X also provide an effects loop for incorporating your favourite effects into your sound. True "Bypass" switching takes the entire effect loop out of the circuit.

Power Sharing

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X amps make use of 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and use 4 x EL84 tubes to deliver 30 watts of power. The AC30C2 uses two 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers. The AC30C2X uses two 12" Celestion Alnico Blues. All models in the Custom Series offer a switchable 8/16 ohm output jack for powering an external speaker cabinet when you need to speak with a little more authority; using this jack will mute the internal speakers. Additionally, a 2nd extension speaker jack allows you to run an extra 16 ohm cabinet along with the Vox AC30C2's internal speakers for a fuller sound.

Reviews

(18 ratings)

Submitted February 7, 2013 by Steve T. in Garden Grove, CA

"Not for Amateurs "

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

When first toying with this little monster, I was a little frustrated and not too impressed with the sound. it took a good half hour to figure out what this thing could do. Being that it is based on the mind set of an English individual who designed it in the late 50s, it's kind of like driving on the left side of the road instead of the right. Once you get going, you get used to it's novel settings. I love the tight clean bright tone that makes you want to keep playing for hours. I also leave it connected with the jump cable which give you not one, not two but three volume control simultaneously. The only thing I was not impressed with was the reverb. It was a little weak even at full tilt. I have reason to believe it's not working properly as I have heard nothing but good review of it. The attention to visual detail is near impeccable. I also should mention that zzound gave me not only a highly competitive price but it was ordered Sunday afternoon and arrive Tuesday. Unbelievable customer service. As with most of the other reviewers, I should note that this thing is not fun to carry. Have a dolly or cart nearby. 72 lbs for the Celestion model and 74+. I have the Celestions.