With a name as descriptive and dead-on accurate as Tone Blaster Xtreme, you almost don’t need to check the features. (But you should anyway). Ibanez’s all-new line of guitar amps completely delivers the full metal goods and more.
Dimensions: 19.5 in. W x 17.8 in. H x 10.1 in. D
Weight: 42 lbs.
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Introducing the new Classic Plus range of all-tube amplifiers from Vox. This EL34-powered line-up marries the classic Vox tone and chime of rock and roll legend with a versatile high-gain channel that goes beyond anything in Vox’s 50 year history and into all-new Vox sonic territory. With the new AC50CP2 50-Watt combo, the Classic Plus range delivers amps that do it all — from the ’50s to tomorrow. Sound big? You bet. What do 50 years of classic Vox sonic history sound like? Play one.
2 Channels, Endless Possibilities
The Classic Plus is a channel-switching valve pre and power-amp guitar amplifier that can produce many flavors of tone, from pristine clean to impressive high-gains, and all points between. The 2 channels have a variety of wide-ranging controls to help you create the sound textures that you desire.
Channel 1 covers classic Vox AC30 tones, from sparkling clean to raunchy overdrive. The EQ on this channel is of the interactive passive format that is historic to Vox Top Boost amplifiers and boasts the addition of the famous Tone Cut control, which musically rolls off high end as it is turned up.
Channel 2 picks up where Channel 1 leaves off, delivering everything from modern blues and classic rock tones all the way to high gain classic metal sounds and fluid lead tones. While Channel 2’s EQ controls are also of the interactive passive format, they are centered on different frequencies to enhance the higher gain capabilities of Channel 2. The Channel 2 Bright Switch brings in an extra capacitor (switch down) across the Gain control to boost the high-mid and upper frequencies and is particularly effective on lower gain settings. The Bright Switch is great for giving extra bite and clarity to muddy sounding humbuckers. The Fat Switch adds extra gain, and focuses the mid range of the guitar and amp, which helps produce a “singing” tone when playing lead lines.
The Presence Control circuit is another unique feature to the AC range. It combines the traditional active power amp feedback circuit with a passive circuit within Channel 2’s preamp. This not only focuses the Presence boost, but, if you turn the control down, it will also introduce a high frequency cut filter that can be used to de-fuzz the preamp distortion, making it less aggressive and sweeter. Since the channels of the Classic Plus are totally independent, you do not need to compromise to achieve your desired tonal palette. It’s almost like being able to mix and match two completely different amplifiers!
Total, Tonal Control
The Classic Plus range is packed with features and controls that meld the best of Vox’s history with modern conveniences. The Classic Plus features a long spring, high-quality Spring Reverb with individual, foot-switchable level control for each channel, plus series FX looping with selectable level control and bypass switching. The Bypass slide switch will either engage the loop (switch On) or disconnect the effects loop circuitry from the rest of the amplifier (switch Off). With the Loop switch in the Off position, the Send jack socket is still operational and can therefore be used to send the signal to another device such as a tuner or slave amplifier. The Loop Level switch allows the loop to used at 2 different signal levels (approximately +4dBV (high) and -10dBV (low)). This will enable a wide range of devices to be connected to the amplifier. Channel switching and on/off reverb control is managed with the supplied VF002 dual footswitch.
Go Direct
The Classic Plus range features extensive direct recording and line out capabilities from both balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4 in. outputs with rotary level control and ground lift switching. To enable great sounding connection into PA or recording equipment, the DI also features a speaker emulating Low Pass Filter (LPF) network. This can be switched into or out of circuit as required. Another great plus of the DI circuit is that it is post the power amplifier’s phase inverter valve, and before the Output Master Volume control. No matter how loud or quiet your stage level is, you have totally independent control of the DI output level. You can even turn the Master Volume totally off and use the DI output for “silent” recording for those midnight sessions.
Power Trio
The Classic Plus range is comprised of the 50-Watt AC50CPH head (4 x 12AX7/ECC83, 2 x EL34B), the 100-Watt AC100CPH head (4 x 12AX7/ECC83, 4 x EL34B), and the 50-Watt AC50CP2 combo (4 x 12AX7/ECC83, 2 x EL34B). The AC50CP2 comes loaded with 2 Vox original design 12 in. speakers voiced for maximum performance with the Classic Plus. Pair either of the heads with Vox’s V412BN cabinet, and you’ve got an unbeatable tone machine. No matter how you play, there’s a Classic Plus for you. And with their combination of unmatched tone, flexibility and ultra-cool looks, the Classic Plus range is at home on any size stage. Plug in and hear them roar!
Power Output: 50 watts RMS into selectable 8 or 16-ohm loudspeaker load
Loudspeaker complement: 2 off Vox/Wharfedale GSH1230 8-ohm loudspeakers wired in series for a total of 16-ohm load
Valve complement: 4 x 12AX7/ECC83 (V1:Low microphonic) and 2 x EL34B
Dimensions (W x H x D): 702 x 265 x 540 mm / 27.6 x 10.4 x 21.3 in.
Weight: 35 kg / 77.2 lbs.
Included items: Power cable, VF002 footswitch
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Myeh…I was expecting more to be honest. But don't stop reading just yet – I spent a good whole day evaluating this amp. Used it with my Les Paul and dialed in my sound. It's like I can almost hear its' potential, but it sounds like it has the equivalent of having stuffy sinuses and a scratchy sore throat. Maybe it's the speakers or tubes, but whatever the case, it sounds a bit ugly even with the settings dialed in. But now about the channels – Channel 1 is classic VOX chime with gain and eq control to it so it can go warm clean to Zeppelin Rock either way, pretty darn close re-creation of the tone that you get from an ac30 or ac15; happy to say that i liked this channel quite a bit, the VOX chime is definitely here. But then…Channel 2 is different in some ways. I've never heard this kinda sound before. It is very Marshall-midrangey sounding, but i can tell that it has some VOX essence to it, specifically the chimey highs that you get form it. Decent amount of gain, but not for metalheads. But like i said earlier, you are still distracted by that overly raspy sound that is more apparent in this side of the channel. When I put a line out the back and slaved it to my old Gibson amp, it sounded quite good coming through, and the haze was gone! So there are some weird issues going on here, but I have faith in that it can be fixed…and I guess I will be brave and be one of the first owners to do so. I think that the circuitry and overall signature sound in this new breed of amp is intact, but I must try to unmask it.
Lots of features here, nothing to complain about. 15 knobs that control 2 channels. Fat and bright switch on high-gain channel 2. Effects loop and line out (for recording purposes or slaving another amp if you want, which i did and was pretty friggn' cool!)Last but not least, it has your choice of an 8 or 16ohm line-out for speaker for additional speaker cabinet (or two depending on how you set up your internal speakers). Took me a while to dial in the sound for my humbucking Les Paul; I would suspect that it would be easier to dial in for single-coil equipped guitars. Lots of ways to adjust to get your the sound you need…everything that you really need to be honest! Very happy with this part!
I honestly question the reliability of this amp at this point. Is the haze going to get worse, or are the speakers going to wear in and end up sounding better? One good thing I can say though is that externally the amp is sturdy and well made. Everything is screwed tight and latched down; they must be paying china better than most companies.
I see some potential in this amp. I am going to inquire about changing the speakers or maybe driving the load through an external cab. Maybe get the tubes changed too, cause they might be the cause of the haze. Overall, i like it. The sound is new and different, and I'm betting that i can make it sound like it's supposed to because i like its' character and its' looks to. Pretty cool amp sitting there in the corner of my room, light picking up the gold trim and retro-throwback classic british vibe. You know it's a VOX, but you really haven't seen or heard anything quite like it…at least that's what i hope people end up thinking when i'm done with it. If you're looking to get one, go ahead, but be prepared to tinker with it a bit and pay for some upgrades. Might be a great deal for a tube combo once ya do.
Chris (06/05/2008)
Okay, here's the deal(breaker). Admittedly, I am pretty particular about my tone, so any amplifier I use better play hardball. I am not some kid that could use anything that shreds, I'm a big boy and I need an amp that's going to give me inspiring tone and a clear "voice" – even with distortion. Having said that, I do understand that good Rock tone often needs rawness to be convincing, so this is a factor too. The AC50CP2 is touted as having the best of both worlds – jangly and heavy – and in this respect, it does have a measure of these qualities going on. However, I personally found the whole amp to be sonically underwhelming. Channel 1 has the VOX chime, but has nowhere near the sparkle of my AC30 (with Alnico Blue's). Channel 2 goes further downhill; despite the Treble and Presence controls plus a Bright switch, this channel is (disappointingly) still pretty dark-sounding. What's more, the overdrive this channel produces is unfocused and rather amateurish for a $1000 rig. The one really positive thing is that this is a SUPER-quiet amp. Overall, it seems as if VOX is doing a "buffet-style" amp: a variety of tones to choose, but no one thing being great.
2008 model. 2×12, 50 watt, 2 channel, tube combo amplifier. I have owned two VOX amps in the past as well as several others, so I feel I'm able to give a pretty competent review. And in this, I'm going to make the most comparisons with the AC30. This rig is heavy like an AC30 and has similar dimensions. It features a 12AX7 tube preamp section, but unlike an AC30, has solid state rectification and twin EL34 power tubes. Thankfully, it has its controls on the front — instead of the goofy & archaic top-mounted, rear-facing control panel on the AC30. The control set is about as complete as anyone could squeeze on the CP2's panel, having separate 4-band EQ controls for each channel, separate reverb controls, Bright and Fat switches on channel 2, and no less than five volume controls on the amp. The rear panel sports various speaker jacks, slave jack with level control, and effects loop with level switch. Footswitch for reverb and channel included. Stock speakers are the VOX-labeled Wharfedale 12's.
The other problem here is this. Shortly after I first fired the VOX up I had a nice microphonic howl going on. I understand the nature of tubes, but come on! Also, as a side note, the covering around the control panel corners was poorly applied and quite wavy.
I have been playing about 25 years and I currently own a Mesa Stiletto Ace and a Fender Super Reverb reissue. I play classic rock, blues, and pop. I really wanted to like the AC50CP2 for just what it was advertised to do, but it was disappointing to me. In all fairness, it IS internally similar to the original AC50 amp, so an AC30 it will never be. My advice is: don't just swallow the hype (for ANY rig), and do careful amp listening/comparisons when you shop around. It's your money on the line.
Paul (04/04/2008)
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