Vox VX I & VX II modelling guitar amps announced

Vox has announced new modelling combos that the company says offer more authentic amplifier models than its previous Valvetronix amplifiers, along with host of other new features. Read on for the official skinny…

Press Release

• Redefining the modeling amplifier as you know it. Advanced technology that carefully recreates classic amplifier circuits, providing a more authentic tone.
• Proprietary VET (Virtual Element Technology) models the actual circuitry of the original amp.
• The new power amp stage employs an FET-equipped analog circuit and also models the sag and compression that is characteristic of classic amplifiers.
• A sealed, one-piece speaker cabinet allows for overwhelming sonic performance and eliminates unwanted vibrations.
• A unique bass-reflex design delivers an unprecedented amount of rich low end for an amplifier of this size.
• The ABS cabinet material offers extremely light weight, durability, and unique acoustical properties.
• Ultra-light weight design of 3.8 kg (8.38 lbs) shatters expectations for guitar amps.
• A total of eleven extremely accurate built-in amp models, including coveted vintage amps and sought-after boutique amps.
• A total of eight reengineered built-in effects: four types of modulation and four types of delay/reverb.
• Power level control allows you to lower the volume without sacrificing dynamics.
• Eleven song presets that instantly simulate the sound of historic songs and famous guitarists.

  Two customizable user programs
  JamVOX III modeling software is included (VX II only).
  USB audio interface function with ASIO support (VX II only).
  Editor/librarian software is provided, with support not only for PC, but also iOS devices (VX II only).
  Headphone output and AUX input for silent practice or playing along with your favorite tracks
  An optional VFS5 foot switch allows for expanded user programmability.
  Modeling amplification was first introduced nearly two decades ago. Since then, thanks to the advancement in technology, the quality and functionality of these amplifiers has increased dramatically. Because of these improvements, modeling amplifiers have become a more popular choice for a variety of modern guitarists. Now with the debut of VX I and VX II, VOX introduces a bold new modeling technique that yields vastly improved sound quality and a more authentic playing experience. A longtime innovator of modeling technology, VOX Amplification has taken modeling amps to the next level with the VX I and VX II.

  When we began work on the VX I and VX II, we had come to the conclusion that conventional modeling methods had been exhausted. In order to achieve advanced sound, a newer, more refined method was developed. This innovative new method, known as VET (Virtual Element Technology), meticulously models the actual circuits and electrical components of an amplifier. This more sophisticated approach to modeling results in a more accurate and more articulate representation of the desired amplifier. Taking this process one step further, we also reengineered the conventional guitar cabinet, opting for a one-piece, sealed enclosure that enhances the sound quality and performance of the VX amplifier range.

  The circuits at work in the VX I and VX II offer guitarists the best of both digital and analog amplifier design. The Virtual Element Technology at the heart of these amplifiers was used to revive a myriad of classic amplifiers. The VX Series offers functionality that is beyond current digital amplifiers and represents an evolutionary step for modeling technology.

  New VET (Virtual Element Technology) modeling technology
  This technology is referred to as “modeling” because it is based on the existence of an original amplifier. In the case of rare vintage amps, it is not unusual for individual units of the same model to sound different due to the passage of time and the varying environments in which they have been used. For these reasons, the selection of the original amp has a major influence on the accuracy and sound quality of a modeling amp. Since the analysis is based on the output sound, the condition of the amp is also very influential, and the unavoidable reliance on the human ear has an even greater effect. These factors make it difficult to say that the modeling accuracy extends to the tonal changes arising from the interaction between the tone controls, the volume, and the various components.

  In order to resolve these issues, we completely rethought previous methods of modeling for the VX I and VX II. This led to the development of VET (Virtual Element Technology), which models the actual circuit of the original amp. An enormous amount of information about the vacuum tubes and each individual component was carefully analyzed in order to accurately reproduce the characteristics of the desired amplifier, as they were originally intended.

  A diverse array of amps and effects allows for comprehensive sound-shaping
  The eleven built-in amp models include VOX’s legendary AC30 as well as also several high-gain, crunch, and clean sounds. A VX amplifier is the one unit you need to achieve a variety of coveted amplifier sounds ranging from classic vintage effects to costly boutique amps. A full complement of effects is also provided, including four types of modulation and four types of delay/reverb. The effects featured in the VX amplifier range have been also been reengineered to deliver more accurate and articulate tones. The eleven preset programs take full advantage of these amps and effects to simulate the signature sounds of famous guitarists and classic songs.

  A redesigned power amp stage, complete with an FET equipped analog circuit
  Responsiveness, dynamic overdrive, and incredible sound quality — for the guitarist, these are the unique attractions of a tube amp, and are the reason that tube amps have continued to be sought by guitarists for decades. These characteristics are significantly influenced by the power amp stage of the amplifier. A new, FET-based analog power amp was designed specifically for the VX I and VX II to accurately reproduce the characteristics of a tube amp. This power amp design employs technology inherited from the Valvetronix series and succeeds in reproducing the distinctive sag of a classic tube amp.
  Unique bass-reflex design and sealed cabinet produce a rich low-end
  In addition to the circuit design, we considered all aspects that impact the sound, paying careful consideration to the cabinet and speaker design. In order to obtain a more authentic sound and produce sound more efficiently, we employed a uniquely designed- bass reflex structure in conjunction with a sealed, one-piece speaker enclosure. While providing an external appearance appropriate for a guitar amp, the cabinet’s shape, the curvature of the front and back surfaces, and the internal reinforcement ribs have all been carefully designed to optimize the resonance. A conventional wooden baffle was chosen to retain the projection and tone of a classic guitar amp, while the cabinet is constructed from lightweight and durable ABS. The combination of these two materials yields a superior acoustical property that sounds superb yet retains easy portability. All of these unique elements work together to bring forth a level of sound quality that was previously unachievable with an amp of this class.

  The VX II comes equipped with a USB port and JamVOX III!
  The VX II is equipped with a USB port for simple integration with your PC or Mac and also comes bundled with our JamVOX III modeling software. ASIO driver support is also provided, allowing you to not only interact with JamVOX III, but also to interface with your favorite DAW or guitar amp simulator. The editor/ librarian software “Tone Room” is also provided by download which allows for simple storage and editing of your favorite sounds on your PC, Mac, or iOS device!

  *The iOS version will be available later. Connecting to a computer via USB (VX II only) By connecting the amp to a computer using a standard USB cable, user programs can be managed with the Editor/Librarian software on your computer. The amp can also be used as a USB audio interface. The VX II can also be connected to an iOS device (iPad or iPhone) by using the Apple USB camera adapter. VX I is not equipped with the USB port. The input to the AUX IN jack is not output to the USB port.

  Tip: Install a USB-MIDI driver in order to use the Editor/Librarian software on the computer. In addition, install a USB-ASIO driver in order to transfer audio data with a computer running Windows. Download the newest versions of the drivers and software from the VOX website (www.voxamps.com).

  Tip: While holding down the TAP button, press the PROGRAM button to operate the amp as an audio interface (PROGRAM LED off and TAP LED lit). The input to the INPUT jack is directly output from the USB port, and the built-in amp models and effects are muted. Use this feature when you want to finish creating a sound using software such as JamVOX III on the computer. If the PROGRAM button, TAP button or AMP selector is operated, the amp returns to its normal operation.

  Optional footswitch expands the number of presets
  Using the optional VOX VFS5 footswitch expands the number of unique user programs to eight on the VX I and VX II amplifiers.
  Amp models (11 types)
  DELUXE CL, TWEED 4×10, BOUTIQUE CL, BOUTIQUE OD, VOX AC30, VOX AC30TB, BRIT 1959, BRIT 800, BRIT VM, SL-OD, DOUBLE REC
  Modulation effects (4 types)
  CHORUS, FLANGER, ORG PHASE, TWIN TREM
  Delay/reverb effects (4 types)
  A.DELAY, TAPE ECHO, SPRING, HALL

  Pricing
  SSP VX I £90.00 inc VAT / £75 ex VAT
  VX II £138.00 inc VAT / £115 ex VAT

  Visit Vox for more.