Vox VT40X Amp Supremacy
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- Опубліковано 20 гру 2024
- Singing the praises of the Vox VT40X and VT20X amps. This video is inspired by the recent affordable amp shootout conducted by Andertons. Here are some videos to watch as follow-up to this video:
Andertons Video - Amp Shootout: • Affordable Guitar Amp ...
My original VT20X review with Toneroom: • Vox VT20X Review - Exp...
With an Oscar Schmidt OE20: • Oscar Schmidt OE20 Les...
How to get a Hank Marvin tone: • How To Get a Hank Marv...
How to get a Sultans of Swing tone: • Sultans of Swing Tone ...
How to save or archive sounds on VTX series amps: • How to Save or Archive...
Recording direct with VTX series amps: • Recording a Vox VT20X ...
VT40X still rocking after 7 years: • Vox VT40X Valvetronix ...
Is Vox VT40X road-worthy: • Vox VT40X Build Qualit...
P90 pickups with VTX series amps: • P90 Grote Semi-Hollow ...
![Victory Amps MK Clean & OD [With Martin Kidd & Lee Anderton]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PgKHBpHKQ-g/mqdefault.jpg)
![Victory Amps MK Clean & OD [With Martin Kidd & Lee Anderton]](/img/tr.png)
Anderton's video shootout is what got me interested. Did some further research including your videos and ended up ordering a 40X. Never owned a Vox before, so this is a first for me. The great tone/sounds, variation of amp/pedal options and the Tone room software is what separated the Vox from the other competition, and why I made the purchase. It arrives tomorrow, looking forward to it.
I really think you'll like it! Just remember - it's not a do-all amp - it just does what it does really well. If you like the valve/tube sound, then you'll be happy. I honestly just use the amp overdrive settings, mess around with the tube bias settings and then add some delay or reverb. That alone makes me extremely happy!
I have the VT40X and I've been using it once a week at jam sessions, I just love it! Everyone does. It's absolutely loud enough to play with drums, bass, vocals, keyboards. And it sound really sweet. The tube does make a difference! I use it "clean" with a little reverb and then add distortion and delay as needed. Great (not so) little amp!
Do you add distortion by an external pedal or do you use one of his internal effects?
Loved those clips at the beginning, especially the jazz fusion one. Great video. I'm going to have to go back and see the Anderton video. I might have to grab one of those sometime.
You aint nobody, you're you. Good review, it was the Andertons shootout that brought me here. Funny how things work. Watching your joy speaking about these amps, makes me want to play one. Nice to hear that the VT20x sounds as good or better than the 40.
I have a Katana 100mk2, have not owned another amp. It can sound very good, especially via headphones or monitors. But at times my ears do yearn from something more, especially when i hear certain tones from other amps. I think it is the upper mid and higher frequencies that, at least to my ears sound more authentic on some of these tube amps than the Katana.
Just so you know, Lee didn't get the tube wrong. In England they call the 12ax7 an ecc83 for some reason. Man did i love that video. The only amps I owm are a line 6 spider 4 75 watt, which actually isnt a bad amp at all it just doesnt do crunch tones well, and the vox and for awhile I thought I may have made a mistake buying it but now I know for sure it's a great amp.
Thanks so much for the comment. I had no idea that the tubes went by different names from US to UK. Appreciate you watching. And yes - that video motivated me to re-focus some attention on my Vox amplification!
Thanks Tony, I love my VT40X, I played it for a long time at our Church.
I bought this amp when they were first released.
I own tube amps and some great solid state amps like the Roland Blues cube Hot.
I am amazed how good this amp still sounds.
Some really great tones in it when you want to just play through a small tube sounding small solid state modeling amp.
Hi,
Quick question, do you like the vox vt40x more than the blues cube hot? I have the blues cube hot and I love it. I tried a couple Boss Katana’s and wasn’t happy so I switched to the Roland blues cube hot and now I’m happy. Just curious how you’re getting along with the Vox?
Thanks
@@brianrollins7275 , I like them both for different reasons. The Vox is great when I just want to play guitar with a bunch of different features and tones at home levels. The Blues Cube is great when I want to play at more higher volumes and want a great edge of breakup tone. They do sound and react differently from each other. Both great.👍
I have the 40X..it is a great amp. Lots of sounds and they did knock it out of the park. The dumble preset is great. Closest I will ever get playing a dumble.
Totally agree. That Dumble model was the one that surprised me the most actually. Thanks for the excellent comment.
Freshman year of college I had an Orange 12 and had that til junior year when I moved in with a friend who had the old vt20x model. I played with my Strat through it and I immediately fell in love. I was asking to borrow his amp every other day. End of classes was coming around and I wouldn’t be able to wait a whole summer to play it again. Soon as I got home I headed to my guitar center and found the updated vt20x model. Been playing that since and my roommate and I actually really liked the new look. Never tried the tone room until I saw your video and saw there was those “secret amps” that I could load in. I mainly play 80s hard rock so getting access to the soldano and EVH amps was awesome. I still got my strat, but now mainly play through it with a Kramer Barretta special with an upgraded Seymour RTM pickup and it sounds absolutely killer. Was also pretty glad when the Vox came out on top on the Anderton’s vid haha. Appreciate your videos 🤘🏽
Thanks for this video. If I didn't already have a Fender Mustang LT50, I'd be interested in one of these Vox amps. I still would like to try one out at a store if I come across one.
Well ...curious thing when i watched your videos i was indeed surprised by your Vox Vt40x amp 🙊🙊🙊 It sounds great , I have the Vox Av60 ( 2 12AX7 valves ) i think it is a similar concept ) i replaced the original speaker with Celestion Creamback ( really like the result 🤗) also i was thinking on replacing the cabinet for a open back pine cabinet 🙊🙊🙊 . Ive read these valves in sort of preamp stage last a lot time (so i wouldnt be worried for that ) A friend got the 10inch speaker version and i was worried but it also sounded great . Nice video Sir , thanks for sharing your experiences 🙂👍👍
I'd love to switch out my speaker for a Creamback. That would take the sound to a higher level. I might give that a go. Thanks for the inspiration!
@@tonyleeglenn remeber to take care of speaker impedance (I think original speaker is about 4ohms , ive installed a 8ohm speaker you losse power but anyway the sound seems more detailed, more definition, also i really set my tones very bright and the creamback seems to control some of the treeble peaks ( it stoped some ear pain )
Btw, I actually like the look of the Vox VT40X! To me it's a classic, vintage look, which is another reason it stands out from the competition which mostly have a more modern look.
I like the way it looks too. It's not sleek - just classic!
Tony that sounds great thanks for sharing
Kay - bless your heart for watching my boring guitar stuff!
Hey Tony, I have a VT20X and I agree with you"ABSOLUTELY"! I saw a European guy on UA-cam who modified it to have a "SPEAKER OUT"! I did it and it sounds "AMAZING"!
I run it through a LANEY IRT-X which makes it safe on the wattage! I also swapped out the stock VOX 8" speaker with an American "EMINENCE" PATRIOT speaker!
I’d sure like to see that video about the speaker out modification. Send me the link if you can find it. Many thanks for watching my video and commenting.
I own a katana 100w head , a KEMPER and the VT40x ....I also have various tube amps ..... I use the Vox VT40x DAILY and really like the onscreen editor
I watched the Andertons video I'm pretty sure Boss was not too happy their updated Katana Amp did not come out on top and esp with Chappers doing the testing , when I had mine I loved the Dumble setting Vox needs to update this amp but keep the 12x7 preamp tube, upgrade the speaker, update the USB , have the amp at least connect to the PC and use it to record directly , and update to a full size plug , one thing you did mention was you are able to connect it to a interface , I think you said you could only play through headphones ? Or could you connect studio monitors speakers ? I miss my VOX there is plenty out there on the use market , changing the preamp tube is easy I changed mine to a Bugera 12x7 tube,
He brother. Yes, the headphone out doubles as a stereo line-out. That's how I typically connect to my Scarlett (or sometimes a Zoom Livetrak mixer-recorder). Thanks for letting me know that a tube swap is easy. I'm sure I'll face that at some point down the road!
I just bought the 40X, as a result of the Anderton's video and doing some further research (I agree with Rob, it was clearly the best sounding amp in the lineup, plus in my further research in the same class). But as you described, if they came out with a 50 or 60 watt with a 12" better speaker and maybe an update on the software and usb and plug, I would sell my 40X (that I haven't received yet) and immediately upgrade. The 100 watt is just too big for what I'm wanting currently in my music equipment portfolio.
I have the 20 vtx. Great little amp! Sometimes it leaves me speechless because of the beautiful sounds it can make. The only flaw is that you can only use three effects at the same time, so I'm forced to choose only one between chorus, compressor, overdrive or boost, so now I'll add some analog pedals
I bought a VT40X a couple of years ago based on Henning Pauly's review. (Saw a few of your videos too)
I really wish Vox would update the software on these - and if they had bothered to market them properly, there would be as big a user group of these as the Katana.
And it would be amazing to download fresh, user-made presets.
The only other thing I wish this had was an effects loop - as what I would love to do is have a modelled amp with boost pedals that go in the front and time-delays in the loop - to get past the 3-pedal limitation of the software. (Although updated software could possibly solve this)
I have considered replacing the speaker with something else - but there is less variety in the 10" size.
You are spot on with this comment.
I bought the Valvetronix VT20X. You make it sound better than I can. I also own the MV50 Clean w/ 8" cab. The cleans on the VT20X don't really compare to the MV50. The Valvetronix series are a good all-around amp. The MV50 amps do only 1 thing, but they do it brilliantly. Unfortunately, to buy all 6 MV50's would cost $1200-1300 USD. A VT20X or 40X costs a lot less & gives a lot of value. I play Surf/Spaghetti-Western/Chill. My Holy Grail Reverb & Boss Trem thru MV 50 are more transparent than the VT20X.
I love this video. I came from the Andertons video too. I'm thinking of getting the VT40X or the AC15. Which would you recommend? Does the VT40 take pedals well? I want it all for tone. No computer connections. I used to have an Audio Air GT as my first amp and still miss that Vox sound.
I wish other amp companies take notice. You can be an " ok" jack of all trades and master of non. Or focus on a certain range of amp to master the sound. It would be so much better for the amp industry because people can purchase what they want based off the sounds they are leaning towards just like we do with the tube amps. I love the fender Princeton but i always lean towards vox sound so when i go buy i don't really even focus on anything other than vox or maybe Morgans or Laney ,something that can be in that ball park.
Great video, Tony. I feel that excitement.What type of cable have you used to take the headphone output from the amp into your interface? [EDIT: Nevermind. I see that you already made a video about that!]
Ha - Yes, I think over the years I've made a video about almost every aspect of these amps. Thanks so much for watching and commenting brother!
..My Vox Mini Super Beetle sounds great also..and it has the Nu-Tube in it....
I'm here after watching that Anderton's video.
The older blue grille VT's were great. I had a 30. Some of the modeler choices today are really good. Currently doing the Catalyst thing. Been through them all, may try a Vox again after this dies.
Have you tried the blackstar debut 50 yet?
Had a Vox AD30VT with the same tube preamp. It was great too. I bought into the hype about the katana.
I'm interested in one of these vt amps. Unfortunately there is almost no info on what the difference is with the vt and the cambridge. I have a micro terror and micro dark heads so i am already a total believer in 1 tube in the preamp.
Cambridge 50 has the newer Nutube technology and VT40X has Valvetronix. Nutube is a real miniature vacuum tube, which gives you an extremely close tube amp experience, combined with modern features. The preamp is digital modeling, the poweramp is Nutube. On the VT40X, the preamp is digital modeling, too, and the poweramp has a traditional vacuum tube. And the VT40X has more ToneRoom options, than the Cambridge 50, which has more watts and a better and bigger 12“ speaker.
@@americanstreamer1910 which one is better?
I have a VT20X for a few years now; it is an amazing amp for the price; my only 2 complaints: 1) AC adapter without ground - which can be worked-around, but... and 2) no Bluetooth connectivity (I'm considering trying a USB-Bluetooth adapter)
I’ve got these amps:
Marshall DSL1
Line 6 spider jam
Positive Grid Spark 40
Blackstar HT5r
Vox vt20
Roland jazz chorus 120
I think the Vox is most fun and versatile
I want one of these but the worst part is it doesn’t have an fx loop
No doubt that an upgrade to this amp (including effects patching) would blow the market apart for affordable amps.
Can I ask about the plugin you are using to record? Is that a Vox product too?
Hey - I just use a stereo 1/8" to two 1/4" cable I bought from Amazon, and then go into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I think my Scarlet is Generation 3. It has very low latency. The cable is one like this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MTDGGK7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi..can I ask what is the sound quality using headphones? Also can I adjust the power output way down and it still sounds good..sadly I live in an apartment complex ..great reviews you do ..tnx 👌🏻👑
Oh it sounds quite good. Here's a video where I record from the headphone out, which also doubles as a line out: ua-cam.com/video/_O7xFcYfDLY/v-deo.html - I'd say that out of the speaker, the VT20X is probably best for apartment volume. The 40X would still work I think, but it's a little harder to tame.
Tnx..and I subscribed 🫶👍
I always have a hard time with amp reviews, (Anderton's was kinda interesting), because they might rave about the distortion, which I abhor, and gloss over the clean tones. The ONLY overdrive that doesn't assault my ears is Robben Ford through his Dumble.
Hi! Thanks for your video. I would like to know how does the Vox sounds with a more metal sound (Metallica or Megadeth). Thanks!
You caught that on Andertons too?? Hahah I was like wow. I had the 20x. Lol
Vox will sell a bunch of these. Again lol
@@robertclarkguitar They are crazy cool. Did you ever try recording direct with one Robert? When I made that move was when I realized this thing is pretty special.
@tonyleeglenn never recorded with it. It was my first Amp in 2018 I bought. I liked it but caught the GAS and eventually sold it when I got the GT1. Then sold the gt1 and got you're incredible ME80 haha still have the Me80!!!
Whats the vt40x have that the AV30 doesnt?
Hey Tony, hope you’re doing well brother. I’m having trouble picking between the Vox VT100X, Fender Mustang GTX100, and the Boss Katana 100. What are the pros and cons of each amp, and which one do you think is best?
Woah - great question. Gotta answer with a video. I own the GTX, a first Gen Katana - and also the VT40x (not the 100 watt version). I'll make an answer vid and post by tomorrow. Thanks for asking.
@@tonyleeglenn Great, thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to make a video, that’s awesome. :)
@@tonyleeglenn how do the GTX and the Vox compare?
You said a short UA-cam? HaHa! I was one of them viewing your videos recently, but I knew them already, I viewed them again.
Ha! Yes . . a bit longer than planned. Really appreciate you watching the videos Hans!
I have a VT40X, I auditioned a Katana II at the same time, the Vox software is superior to the Boss and the amp modelling is much better IMO, I sent the Katana back!
The only thing I don't like is that when l hit an effect button while playing a clean amp the volume will treble, the master volume should be just that!
Does anyone know how this amplifier compares to the Positive Spark?
Yes. I have both. Both great but for different reasons.
Incredibly, the only thing that disappoints me on my VTX 20 is the clean vox emulation which in my opinion is really distant from reality, too muffled and closed. Don't you think so?
Anybody compared katana and vx40 ?
I did. Boss Katana Versus Vox VT40X - Which Amp Do I Like Better?
ua-cam.com/video/Mov7x3E9r50/v-deo.html
@@tonyleeglenn u dont play in that video. But according to this video katana sound like ass in every single one even distortion and as i heard ppl say that vox metal sound is bad and sound amazing for me.
ua-cam.com/video/PRHF55c5BaI/v-deo.htmlsi=-aqsWNfSuQMuUQ3W
Like you I have a vt40x and a 20. I also have a Katana artist. The Vox amps make me want to put the Katana in the garbage.
I have an original Katana that I barely use also. It's a good amp. The effects are really superb - but the core sounds aren't quite up to what I can get with the Vox.
I've had a few Vox VTs over the years and they were awesome....fender Mustangs are garbage and line6 are garbage, total garbage