AD30VT-XL Review

The AD30VT-XL is part of the New VOX Valvetronix XL line, an exciting new range of tube-powered modelling amplifiers that delivers the power and punch that modern rock players require, with a selection of hi-gain sounds that span the entire range of heavy rock music.

Features:	7.3
Sound:	7.7
Reliability:	8.3
Impression:	7.3
Overall rating:	7.7
Users rating:	8.6
Comments:	16

overall: 7.5

Reviewed by: Toolfan11, on september 15, 2008

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Advance Music (VT)

Features: This is a very versatile amp from Vox's 'Valvetronix' modeling series. With 11 amp models that model the sounds of the AC series Vox amps and many others, you can get a lot of great tones from this amp. There are 11 preset channels, a "manual" and two custom channels to save your own preset sounds. You can purchase a foot switch, which runs about 25 USD. There's also a headphone jack, which I don't use. I use this amp in my bedroom and it's plenty loud enough for me. I've never really cranked it past 4.5, but I can only imagine. // 8

Sound: I'm currently playing with a Squire Strat, which pisses me off. But for the style that I play, which includes: rock, and metal, It is great. I use the "Modern" amp model around with the settings as follows: Gain-@5 Treble- 8 Mid-10 -Bass 2-3 I boost the signal with my EQ pedal to give it more punch.It is a little hissy when I play directly from my guitar to the amp. But that's most likely from my guitar. As I stated before, there are loads of great tones to be found in the Ad30, you just need to know how to tweak it. The clean channels are great, At 5 volume there is no distorted sound, Again I have not gone past 5 volume, but for my purposes it's great at 5. the distortion is a little lacking I think. You need an EQ or boosting pedal to really give it a good heavy distortion // 9

Reliability & Durability: I have had no problems with this amp at all, and this was the floor model at the store, so it had been played quite a bit. I would gig with this IF, and only IF I were playing solo or had a PA system, 30 watts SS would be a little lacking for a gig. // 7

Impression: As I said before, I play rock and metal, This amp is great for the styles. I've been playing just over 2 years, and use a squire strat, which will be replaced soon, and a Behringer EQ700. If I lost this amp I probably would not but another, because I'm looking to go all tube. Absolutely love the effects in this amp. But, I wish I were able to use more than one effect per channel. When I got this amp, I also played a Roland Cube 30 and Line 6 Spider 3. Out of the three amps This one was definitely the best. the Spider, was what you can expect of a spider, and the Cube sounded a bit too bland to me. // 6

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Sanctus, on june 19, 2008

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: MusiciansFriend

Features: Usual Valvetronix fair. 12" speaker on this one which made it more appealing than some of the others(and not 2x12 which is a bit large for my uses). // 9

Sound: Playing with a Samick Malibu(strat-type) and a Schecter Tempest Custom(stock HB102s). I thought it might suit my style well, but as it turns out I think the gain is a bit too brutal haha. Even the clean channels will distort at fairly low volume levels and the others are just really really metal. Some really wicked metal sounds though! They're awesome on their own, but don't really work for me doing covers of the stuff I tend to listen to. I'm sort of an alternative/hard rock fan so I thought this might fit me, but I'm finding that I overshot the mark a bit. Probably going to buy either the non-XL line or maybe look into a Blackheart or SuperChamp. // 7

Reliability & Durability: Haven't had any reliability problems with it. Seems built to last. // 9

Impression: Wasn't a good match for me. I thought I'd be able to coax some decent overdrive and cleans out of it, but I think I was better off with my pedal on my old practice amp--though this one is definitely great for metal! I really loved the crunch of the modern, damaged and black voices. I wish I'd had a bit more time with this at GC. I knew I'd love some of the voicings, but I didn't realize how distorted it would sound when playing my usual practice routines. I'm hoping to return it and get the Blackheart or Super Champ XD instead (really loved both the cleans and the crunch). Don't really hate it, just didn't think match me as well as I thought it would. // 8

overall: 7.3

Reviewed by: ken112291, on september 15, 2007

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Zzounds

Features: 30 watts, I don't know exactly when it was made but I know it's quite new, 11 models, (2 clean/9 distortion), it has 2 channels for saving your settings, a knob that allows you to go from 0 watts to 30 and anything inbetween, and it has 11 effects. Pretty much all of the effects but the reverb and chorus are useless. They just aren't tweakable enough. It also has one useless tube in it but don't take that the wrong way. It sounds better than most SS amps. This amp is versitile in the rock department thanks to the 9 different distortions ranging from a light overdrive to zomgbr00tal. However it only has 2 clean channels and you can't overdrive them without a pedal =(. Vox put some wierd "gain cap" on the clean channels and because of this the amp doesn't accept pedals very well. I tried using my DS-1 and it sounded like someone covered my amp with a blanket. // 5

Sound: I use an Ibanez RGT342FX and I play mostly metal and various other genres of rock. It suits my style perfectly and no it is not noisy at all. I play in front of a computer and I barely get any feedback. There's also a noisegate but I don't like using it because it kills your sustain. The distortion on this amp is great. However the super high gain setting won't get you that Master of Puppets sound. Instead you get this very slightly fizzy high gain sound that has a lot of clarity. I could describe all the other distortion channels but that'd take me forever so I'll just talk about the clean channels. Funked has a twangy saturated tone and glass has this silky... glassy sound. And I've mention this before but you can't distort the clean channels no matter how high you crank it witch is dumb as hell if you ask me. // 7

Reliability & Durability: This amp is very reliable and it's built like a tank (cliche I know). I'd be careful with it anyway since it has a tube in it. This amp has never broken down. However it did sound wierd for a bit after I used my pedal but I just unplugged it and left it alone for a while and it was back to it's usual self. // 9

Impression: Overall this is a pretty nice budget amp that's great for metal. If this was lost or stolen I probably wouldn't buy it again. Instead I'd save up for a REAL tube amp. I love how simple and easy it is to use and how many different distortion models it has but I hate how that knob in the back for adjusting the wattage is practically useless since you can't overdrive the clean channels. It also really doesn't really change your tone very much so to me it's just another volume knob. I compared it to the Cube and if you ask me this amp is better in both the clean and metal department. So yeah, overall great amp for it's price. Buy it if your looking for a deal. // 8

Comments

[atreyurock9]

I played the 50 watt version at a local music store and it was LOUD but very noisy... Maybe it was a lemon? Anyways, if someone's buying in this price range, they're better of going with the regualar AD30VT IMO. Way more versatile. Not quite as loud but loud enough and a lot better sound quality.

[atreyurock9]

off**

[RandyRhoads2]

I dunno,I have one and it sounds pretty dam good even when I turn it all the way up.

[Andrewxox]

I have one. For some reason it has random moments where it switches to the delay effect when I don't even mess with the effect dial. Another thing I don't like is that the volume has a complete fit when you change the model channel. My friend has an AD50VT, and I'm thinking of getting an amp from that series if this amp gets any worse.

[sinfull14]

Do you know how to bypass the effects on the amp?

[wolfy808]

There's a bypass button...

[WARLOCK123]

is this better than the AD30VT

[syiafuku]

yeah how is this better than the AD30VT?planning on buying this one if this model has significant improvement over the older model.heard the difference is XL has loop function tho.anymore?

[no.human.being]

That's not right. The XL has a bigger speaker (12" instead of 10") and more gain than the regular version. All the other features are the same, so if you're looking for a high-gain amp for Metal, get the XL. If you're looking for an amp for classic rock overdrive sounds, get the regular version. You'll get an effects loop with the 100 Watt version of either the XL or the regular Valvetronix or you can interrupt the signal path between the pre amplifier and the power amplifier and put in an effects loop by yourself if you have one of the lower wattage amplifiers, but this will void your warrenty.

[drdreth]

hy

[drdreth]

ive playd both the regular ad30vt and the xl and i just had to buy the xl. I've got an ibanez with emgs, but i can get it all the way up to damaged model just for hard rock, so this is dam versatile and definitely not only for metal, and the clean sound is WAY better on the xl as well imo.

[HELLSHREDD]

The XL version is 4 METAL. Ive tried all these amps & all I can say is get the 50 watt version , it has a closed back & sounds wicked. The 100 watter has an open back & SOUNDS like crap. I havnt tried the 30 but if it has a closed back i bet it sounds better than the 100. I also tried all the VT versions that are not XL & they dint cut the mustard for METAL at all , so get the 50 watter & BE VERY HAPPY PERIOD.

[kelstermcgil]

The AD30VT-XL is a close backed amp. It sounds great. I play a Brian May Red Special clone made by Star's. It has phase switching with Tri-Sonics pick-ups. With the built in effects on the amp and the phase switching p'ups, I use zero outboard gear. Awesome!

[lloyd91]

i have vox velvetronix ad30vt-xl
i would like to trade for velvetronix ad30vt

i play blues and rock
but not really metal..
xl for metal..anyone?

[Chaz22]

They were very wrong about not being able to use a pedal on the clean channel. I use a Metal Muff in front of the GLASS channel and can get any sound i want. I use a Jackson with a JB in the bridge. It can go from Van Halen to Metallica to Megadeth easy. You just have to screw around with the EQ. And there is no Gain Cap if you use a pedal with its own gain anyway!

[JiMEE]

So, is it possible to use a Pedalboard on the clean channel of this amp (ad30vt-xl)? I have a Boss ME-50 peadalboard and would like to use it with this amp for some classic rock and vintage sounds.

Thanks in advance for your help