Unveiled at NAMM 2026, the VOX AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1 introduce a new ceramic-speaker take on the hand-wired AC platform, offering a smoother, more forgiving VOX voice while preserving the craftsmanship and musicality players expect from the brand’s flagship valve amps.
VOX continues to quietly refine its most iconic circuits, this time broadening the hand-wired AC family with the new AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1. Rather than replacing the Alnico Blue-equipped models, these new variants sit alongside them, offering a different flavour of classic AC tone that feels deliberately voiced for modern players and contemporary rigs.
Key Features
- Hand-wired AC30 and AC15 valve combos with ceramic speaker voicing
- Celestion G12M Greenback speakers for a smoother, more rounded response
- Focused midrange and tighter low end for improved mix placement
- Excellent pedal compatibility thanks to a more forgiving amp character
- Designed as a complementary option to Alnico Blue-equipped AC models
A Different Side of the AC Sound
The classic VOX AC30 and AC15 sound has long been associated with Alnico Blue speakers, prized for their chime, immediacy, and dynamic sensitivity. With the AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1, VOX explores a different direction by pairing its hand-wired circuits with Celestion G12M Greenbacks.
Ceramic magnets bring a slightly milder tonal profile. The upper mids feel smoother, the low end tightens up, and the overall response becomes more controlled. This makes the amps feel more forgiving under the fingers, particularly when pushed into overdrive. Clean tones remain warm and detailed, while driven sounds hold together with a rounded edge that sits comfortably in a mix.
Rather than being positioned as a step down, these models feel like a deliberate expansion of the AC palette. They retain the recognisable VOX identity, just presented through a different lens.
Built for Pedals and Modern Setups
One of the standout benefits of the ceramic speaker pairing is how well it interacts with pedals. The AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1 take drive, modulation, and time-based effects with ease, making them appealing options for players who build their sound around pedalboards.
The focused midrange also lends itself well to modern lead tones, where clarity and consistency are often more important than sheer brightness. For guitarists moving between genres or playing in tighter band arrangements, this voicing feels practical without losing character.
AC30HWR2 vs AC15HWR1
The AC30HWR2 delivers the familiar authority and headroom associated with a 30-watt AC platform, now tempered by the smoother response of dual Greenback speakers. It suits players who want classic AC punch with a little more control at volume.
The AC15HWR1 brings the same ceramic speaker philosophy into a more compact format. With a single Greenback and lower output power, it feels responsive and direct, ideal for studios, smaller stages, or players who prefer earlier breakup and touch sensitivity.
Both models maintain VOX’s hand-wired construction approach, reinforcing that these are premium instruments designed to be played, not just admired.
A Broader AC Family
With the AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1, VOX continues to treat the AC series as a living platform rather than a fixed historical artefact. By offering multiple speaker voicings within the hand-wired range, players can now choose the AC sound that best fits their style, space, and workflow.
Some guitarists will always gravitate toward the sparkle and immediacy of Alnico Blues. Others will appreciate the smoother, more rounded response of Greenbacks. Having both options available within the same build quality and circuit philosophy feels like a thoughtful move.
At NAMM 2026, these releases reinforce a simple idea. The AC sound is not one-dimensional, and VOX seems content letting players decide which version speaks to them most.
Catch up on all the announcements HERE – NAMM 2026
