The Hand-Wired Series is the ultimate tribute to the VOX sound and heritage! With this VOX Hand Wired Series AC30HW2 Combo Amplifier only the most premium components and techniques are used, resulting in the richest and most powerful tonal performance on the market for that ultimate VOX experience. Although built to true vintage specs this AC30HW2 is no dinosaur, it also provides a variety of new functions that keep pace with the needs of today's artists. The Key specs with this Hand-Wired model are it's two 12" Celestion Greenback speakers and it's output of 30 Watts RMS into 8/16 Ohms.
With the clue in the name itself, this VOX amplifier is wired by hand, an extremely demanding, time-consuming and technical process that only the most highly skilled craftsmen can lay claim to. Carrying out this careful process means the tubes, transformers, speakers, chassis, and the rigorously-selected custom parts all join together in an ideal state with the signal path remaining efficient for minimal loss or restriction in amplitude. Also enhanced greatly is the subtle nuances of the guitarist's touch, the guitar's audio signature and the natural character of the vacuum tubes, which are transparently passed to the speakers.
Inside this AC30HW2 Combo you will find a true all-tube design with a pre amp, power amp and rectifier. This classic preamp is made up of three ECC83/12AX7 tubes with the power stage using a quartet of the famous EL84 tubes that make the speaker sing! Another important component is the tube rectifier, as an AC30 this model uses an GZ34 tube for this stage which has been known for its superb power and reliability. Combining all these ingredients is the recipe for a vibrant, organic sounding tone that is the beating heart of the classic VOX tone that is so sought after.
This AC30HW2 is equipped with Two Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers. These have always been a speaker for those who prefer a broader mid-range attack and that restrained top-end. With these 12" speakers leading the line you can expect a punchy attitude when playing chords and a searing lead tone!
With this model VOX have opted for the traditional two channel design that was made famous in 60's, made up from a Top Boost and Normal channel. Straight away when plugging into the Top Boost channel you will recognise that legendary vintage "AC30" sound with a fully interactive tone stack. The controls for the Normal Channel are made up of a simple volume knob, providing a clean and natural tube sound. This channel offers a BRIGHT switch that adds emphasis to the upper harmonics of the tone. Additional new features include a HOT/COOL switch, when on the COOL setting you will hear the orthodox Top Boost tone and when on the HOT setting the tone circuitry is bypassed to create a purer sound for richer gain.
With this being a high end VOX product you get a VFS1 footswitch included with the amp so you can fully optimise the COOL/HOT switch with your feet for added flexibility.
Like many hand-wired amplifiers the VOX AC's of old did not have a master volume. The high-gain sound meant players were left with no option but to play at higher volumes to preserve their tone, a very inconvenient compromise, particularly for the modern guitarist today. This is where the VOX master volume control and the built in MV/BYPASS switch come in. With this switch you have the ability to completely bypass the whole master volume section which leads to a pure, high gain sound that has achieved legendary status over the 50 years since that first note was struck.
- 30 Watts RMS into 8/16 Ohms
- 2 Celestion Greenback speaker
- Hand-wired turret board construction
- Birch-ply cabinet featuring solid bracing and a natural high frequency diffuser
- All-tube design
- ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes (x3)
- EL84 power tube quartet; (AC30 models)
- GZ34 rectifier (AC30 models)
- Fitted with matched Ruby Tubes that provide extended dynamic range
- Traditional VOX two-channel design
- Top Boost and Normal. High and Low inputs for each channel
- The Normal channel provides an additional BRIGHT switch
- The top boost channel provides a HOT/COOL switch to achieve even more gain
- Master Volume/BYPASS switch completely bypasses the Master Volume section
- OP mode switch cut the amp’s Output Power level in half
- Vintage fawn-coloured vinyl, reminiscent of the 1960 classic AC30
- VFS1 footswitch controls the Top Boost channel's HOT/COOL switch
- A premium, custom-fit dust cover is included