NAMM 2024: New Vox AC-HWR Amp Series Reproduces the Essence of the Classic Amp Sound

VOX has always been a favourite amplifier amongst guitarists looking for that vintage amplifier tone and just in time for Namm 2024, they have now given us more options to consider with their new AC Hand-Wired range of amplifiers!

According to VOX, they conducted a detailed analysis and study on mint condition AC15 and AC30s from the 1960s to truly uncover and understand the inner workings of these legendary amplifiers. The culmination of these efforts has resulted in the emergence of these new amps.

The rarity of vintage amplifiers contributes significantly to their high value, but equally impactful is the distinctive sound inherent in vintage amps. Despite the AC30 being manufactured with nearly identical circuitry since the 1960s, the character of vintage units is often described as being almost beyond description, possessing a rich and musical quality that is equally unmistakable and mysterious, so VOX aimed to unravel the secrets of this sound, with this new series of amps!

The series includes 30W and 15W combo types, available as the AC30HWR2X and AC15HWR1X, both featuring Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, as well as the AC30HWR2 and AC15HWR1 equipped with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers. Additionally, there is the AC30HWRH head that can be coupled with your own cabinet, or paired with the new  V212HWRX speaker cabinet with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers. Rounding out the series are the AC10HWR1 and AC4HWR1 compact combo amps, designed for lower output use.

So you may ask, how did VOX go about reproducing the classic tones with these amplifiers?

Output Transformer
The output transformer contributes significantly to the classic vintage VOX  sound. Even if the specifications are the same, saturation distortion in the transformer section can add to the pleasant harmonic components of vintage amplifiers. However, as this distortion cannot be precisely measured by the specifications of the transformer, we embarked on a program of extensive prototyping to develop. custom transformers with the essential vintage sound characteristics required.

Cabinet

VOX carefully examined the thickness of the materials used, as the vintage AC30 employed slightly thinner cabinet materials, contributing to a rich and expansive midrange.  The new cabinet design employs the same thickness of material as the vintage amp, helping to deliver a faithful sound reproduction.

Practical Features

While it was important to get as close as possible to the specifications and sound of the 1960s models, VOX’s approach was to maintain simplicity while incorporating practical features for contemporary guitarists.

Spring Reverb
In contemplating what could enhance the immersive quality of a guitar amp,  a very high-quality spring reverb unit was considered a “must-have” to achieve that magic vintage sound.

FX Loop
Modern guitarists love to combine various effects to create their sound. However, issues can arise when combining distorted amps with spatial, modulation, and pitch-shift effects. Distorting these effects can muddy the sound. To address this, an FX loop was integrated, allowing for a clean output of effects.

Speaker Out

A relatively simple yet significant addition was made to the AC15 and AC30 equipping the built-in speakers. Easily removed collection cables allow for the straightforward connection of an attenuator – perfect for situations where lower volume levels are required.

Specifications:

AC30HWR2X

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 4、GZ34 x 1
• Speakers: 12” 8Ω Celestion Alnico Blue x 2
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 705 x 260 x 550 mm

AC30HWR2

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 4、GZ34 x 1
• Speakers: 12” 8Ω Celestion G12M Greenback x 2
• Dimensions: (Wx D x H): 705 x 260 x 550 mm

AC30HWRH

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 4、GZ34 x 1
• Dimensions: (Wx D x H): 705 x 260 x 250 mm

V212HWRX

• Speakers: 12” 8Ω Celestion Alnico Blue x 2
• Dimensions: (Wx D x H): 705 x 260 x 550 mm

AC15HWR1X

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 2、GZ34 x 1
• Speaker: 12” 16Ω Celestion Alnico Blue x 1
• Dimensions: (Wx D x H): 610 x 260 x 550 mm

AC15HWR1

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 2、GZ34 x 1
• Speaker: 12” 16Ω Celestion G12M Greenback x 1
• Dimensions: (Wx D x H): 610 x 260 x 550 mm

AC10HWR1

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 2、EL84 x 2
• Speaker: 12” 116Ω Celestion G12M Greenback x 1

AC4HWR1

• Vacuum Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 2、EL84 x 1
• Speaker: 12” 16Ω Celestion G12M Greenback x 1

Specifications may change without notice

More info here: https://voxamps.com/