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Vox AC30CH 30-watt Tube Head

30-watt 2-channel All-tube Guitar Amplifier Head with Tremolo, Reverb, and Reactive Attenuator
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Iconic Amp Head with Built-in Attenuator

The Vox AC30CH delivers the classic chime and complex grind that has made the brand famous. This 30-watt design was one of the first to define the British sound and continues to be used on stages and in studios around the world. The AC30CH's 30-watt output offers manageable volume in a live environment while still being able to get above the band. And the onboard reactive attenuator offers that same sound and feel down to bedroom levels. Grab this AC30CH when you want all that's great about a Vox in a versatile amp head.

Vox AC30CH Electric Guitar Amplifier Head at a Glance:
  • One of the proudest lineages in guitar amplification
  • Power and preamps
  • Vox reactive attenuator
One of the proudest lineages in guitar amplification

The AC30CH's circuit is among the most recorded amplifiers in history because of the chime and sparkle it delivers. It's because of this sound that Vox amplification has been a staple for guitarists since their introduction. The British Invasion rocketed the company to prominence in the 1960s, and their amplifiers have backed such high-profile players as The Edge, Brian May, Tom Petty, and John Scofield. This Vox AC30CH will never go out of style because of the number of players still depending on its design.

Power and preamps

The combination of the Vox AC30CH's Class A, EL84-driven power amp and its Top Boost preamp gives the amp its iconic sound. The famed Top Boost section adds sonic control and high-end detail to your guitar sound. A 30-watt power section sounds full and driven onstage or in the studio, cutting through the mix without dominating the other instruments. And Sweetwater guitarists agree that Vox's AC circuit is one of the best for taking any variety of favorite effects pedals.

Vox reactive attenuator

Older Vox AC30s have always had a great sound. But to get the breakup that many players love, you had to crank them to live performance volumes. But Vox's reactive attenuator on the AC30CH amp head lets you have that same glassy attack at bedroom volume levels. The reactive load works with your speaker to ensure you're getting the same sound as you would with a loud amplifier. And with settings at 30, 3, and 0.3 watts, finding the perfect balance for your use couldn't be easier.

Vox AC30CH Electric Guitar Amplifier Features:
  • Legendary 30-watt British guitar amplifier head
  • Normal and Top Boost channels
  • Built-in tremolo and spring reverb
  • EL84 power delivers the chime
  • Reactive attenuator for quiet performance
The AC30CH is the perfect amp head for AC30 die-hards.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Total Power: 30W/3W/0.3W
  • Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
  • Power Tubes: 4 x EL84
  • Reverb: Yes
  • Effects: Tremolo
  • EQ: 2-band EQ
  • Inputs: 4 x 1/4" (high/low normal, high/low top boost)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms)
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • Footswitch I/O: 1 x 1/4" (reverb, tremolo)
  • Footswitch Included: No
  • Bias Type: Cathode Biased
  • Construction Material: Birch Plywood with Black Tolex
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 11.18"
  • Width: 27.76"
  • Depth: 10.47"
  • Weight: 41.48 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AC30CH

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

AC30Bliss

I love it. Bought the head and a V212C cabinet. Changed out the greenbacks with blue alnico speakers. Ran 42 recordings on each for comparison. Blue Alnicos win in my book. Totally thrilled with this setup. Thanks Jon Krempel for the support.
Music background: Lifelong obsession
Rated 5/5

Great amp.

I paired it with the VOX 2X12 handwired cabinet. It sounds great, and I'm glad it comes with the attenuator. It's LOUD. I was hoping the VOX magic would make me sound like George Harrison, but I still sound like me. Too bad.
Rated 5/5

Great amp!

I've always wanted an AC30, and I must say I'm very happy with this amp. It sounds fantastic on both channels and sounds great with either my SG or my Strat. It has no problem getting that "Vox chime" and can get some surprisingly heavy tones too.

It is a very loud amp, but thanks to the built in attenuator you can still get great tones at a more home friendly volume.

If you are a fan of the Vox sound don't hesitate to get one of these amps. You won't be disappointed.
Rated 4.5/5

Vox with Caveats

I've had this amp for about 8 months and have mixed feelings. It's great 'dimed' and with the right cabinet it sounds rich and interesting. That being said, I got the head to play with different cabinets in different locations and there is a massive tonal variance depending on the cabinet. When you get a good match, this is an awesome amp but a poorly matched cabinet will yield less than stellar results. My prime sound for this amp, when it's not dimed, is slightly overdriven while using the gtr volume to round out the tone. It's very hard to get a pure clean sound at decent volume due to the master volume. But it goes from a light colored crunch to ripping with finesse.

There are some weird design choices. The effects loop is great but not very useful with no foot switch as using the loop seriously alters the tone of the amp. The attenuator is nice but it only sounds good at 30W in my view. The attenuator has some smarts and won't let you blow up the amp. I tried a cabinet that had mismarked impedance and thought I had killed the attentuator. Happily, when I fixed the impedance setup the attenuator worked fine. Depending on the cabinet the normal channel can be utterly useless as it's very dark and muddy. I tried to use both with an AB-Y switch but it only works decently on certain cabinets. I'm parked on the top boost. The tremolo isn't an old Fender but it's still pretty useful and fun. The reverb tone control has minimal value but definitely can add color. It's heavy and bulky but you get a massive spring reverb tank that really sounds good.

I bought this to get a VOX sound but based on the finicky nature of cabinets I probably would have been better off with an AC30 combo. At some point I'll get the actual VOX cabinet but I found a combination I can live with for the time being.

I have a Deluxe Reverb 65 reissue and have been spending some time comparing with the AB-Y switch. The VOX is WAY chunkier and a lot more fun without pedals. The DRRI stays clean for a long time and can be colored easily with pedals at any volume. If you can crank this AC30CH or enjoy slight reactive crunch at lower volumes the VOX is awesome! Rich, harmonics, reactive loud, crunchy fun. If you are stuck at lower volumes or want a really loud clean sound, there are other options.
Music background: Studied amateur
Rated 4.5/5

VOX AC 30 head

Very nice amp. I have a few and this rates up there with the best. Solid build and a nice predictable solid sound. Reverb and trem are both very usable.

3W setting works well. It will disappoint if you start on 30W and drop to 3W. But start the evening on 3W and it sounds just fine!

I typically run a pretty clean sound and use pedals to grit it up, however, the gain can be driven to get a good overdrive sound at reasonable levels.

I like amps with minimal knobs for ease of use, but there are times when you need to shape the sound of your guitar and this amp does that easily and effectively.

Tolex, beading, fit n finish and knob feel etc is all very good. Wish the crappy gold logo was made of something a bit nicer!
Music background: My records are sealed
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