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

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

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

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

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 (Very Good), 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 / 631-390-6800
Email: voxsupport@korgusa.com
Web: https://voxamps.com/support/

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 January 2, 2015 by Steve S in Miami, FL

"Great Amp Dynamic and Super Pedal Friendly"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Got the greenback version. This amp is super responsive and versatile. Love how you can set it up on the edge of breakup pick hard and it will distort pick soft and it will be clean. Also love how it cleans up really well when you roll down the guitar's volume knob. Its super pedal friendly on either channel. Haven't had a pedal sound less than awesome through it yet. You can even get metal by boosting this amp with a good overdrive. The amp sounds best with the master cranked and using it as a clean platform for a pedalboard in my opinon. But its more versatile than that because you can get natural amp overdrive. But you can still get a good sound at quiet volumes and use it as a practice amp at home.

Sound
Think U2, Radiohead, Oasis (Early in their career), The Beatles (Early Years too), The kinks, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Tom Petty, and REM. The Sound is bright and cutting. Loud!!

Features
The tremolo and reverb are very good. Tone cut really makes this amp because it keeps it from sounding harsh. Wish it came with a footswitch. The FX loop is good too and bypassable The EQs on top boost are interactive and affect one another. No mids control. But sounds great regardless

Ease of Use
Literally you can plug and play this amp and get a good sound. 5 minutes and you'll be an expert using this amp.

Quality
Its well made despite being made in vietnam. also… read more the fact the cabinet is not made of wood kind of sucks but it wouldve made the amp heavier and it still sounds really good

Value
Its worth it.

Manufacturer Support
no need for it

The Wow Factor
Looks as good as it sounds

Musical Background:
Been playing for several years doing live shows

Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, Jazz, Blues, Christian, Country, Reggae

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