Vox AC30CC2X Custom Classic 2 x 12 combo

MAY 2005 111
highs. Then there are volume, treble
and bass controls for the Top Boost
channel and another switch that allows
you to swap between standard and
‘custom’ EQ types.
As it was with the AC30HW, reverb is
an integral part of the Custom Classic,
featuring tone and level controls
combined with a useful Dwell switch
that varies the reverb circuit’s input
level. Tremolo has been retained, with
speed and depth controls, and fi nally
there’s a master volume and the
traditional backwards ‘cut’ control,
which takes out highs as you turn the
knob clockwise.
On the rear panel you’ll fi nd jack
sockets to hook up external speakers
with an impedance switch. Next to this
are two more switches with rather
esoteric functions: one changes the
EL84s’ cathode bias resistor values,
giving you a choice of either the early
four-input model’s 22-watt output with
less headroom or the extended
headroom and higher output (around
33 watts) of a six-input AC30. The
other switch varies the smoothing
capacitor values in similar fashion for
a tighter or looser response.
There’s also a series effects loop
with switchable levels to suit rack or
stompbox-type effects, and a jack
socket for the included footswitch,
which enables you to toggle the reverb
and tremolo effects.
SOUN D S: There’s no doubting the
Custom Classic’s sonic heritage – the
glassy highs, slightly boxy mid-range
and balanced low end so typical of the
AC30 are just as they should be, while
the Alnico speakers on this top-of-the-
range CC2X version add that
characteristic edgy sparkle. An original
AC30 normal channel is somewhat
‘fl ubby’ and lacking in highs, and the
Custom Classic reproduces this.
However, plug a decent treble boost
pedal into this channel, wind up the
volume and you’re as close as you can
be to the Queen guitar sound…
especially if you play a Red Special
loaded with Burns Trisonics and use
a sixpence for a pick! Flipping the
normal channel’s brilliance switch into
action restores the highs for a rich,
crystalline jangly rhythm sound that
cranks out classic sixties pop riffs with
consummate ease.
The Top Boost channel’s capabilities
are considerably widened thanks to the
dual-range EQ switch that varies the
control’s interactivity; being able to
jumper both channels together fattens
up the tone for a really thick lead
sound. The Custom Classic’s preamp
VOX AC30CC2X
CUSTOM CLASSIC
2 x 12 COMBO
PRICE: £1,049
ORIGIN: China
TYPE: All valve two
channel Class A combo
with valve rectifi cation
OUTPUT: 30W RMS
VALVES: Three ECC83/
12AX7 preamp; four
EL84 power amp, one
GZ34 rectifi er
DIMENSIONS: 540 (h)
x 705 (w) x 265mm (d)
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 32/70
CABINET: Birch ply
LOUDSPEAKERS: Two
Celestion Alnico Blue
CHANNELS: Two
CONTROLS: Normal
volume, Top Boost
volume, bass and treble,
reverb level and tone,
tremolo speed and depth,
master volume & cut
FOOTSWITCH: Two-
button footswitch
included, toggles tremolo
& reverb effects
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES: Channel
jumper switch links both
channels in parallel,
brilliance switch on
normal channel,
standard/custom EQ
switch, bias switch,
capacitor switch, series
effects loop with
switchable levels and true
bypass, external speaker
connections
OPTIONS: None
RANGE OPTIONS:
AC30CC1 1 x 12 combo
(£649), AC30CC2 (fi tted
with custom Wharfdale
loudspeakers, £679),
AC30CCH head (£499).
Standard brown cloth
cabs include the V412BN
4 x 12 (£319), V212BN
(£159) and the V212BNX
Alnico-loaded 2 x 12
cabinet (£599)
Korg UK
01908 857100
www.voxamps.com
VOX AC30CC2X CUSTOM CLASSIC 2 X 12 COMBO £1,049
GUITAR AMPS GUITARIST INTERACTIVE
VOX AC30CC2X TEST RESULTS
Build quality
Features
Sound
Value for money
■ WE LIKED A great range of Vox-inspired
sounds in a really useable modern amp and
the price is right
■ WE DISLIKED Hard to fault at this price,
but we felt the tremolo speed could do with
being upped a few notches
The glassy highs, slightly boxy mid-range and balanced low
end so typical of the AC30 are just as they should be
GIT263.rev_voxac30 111GIT263.rev_voxac30 111 1/4/05 1:28:22 pm1/4/05 1:28:22 pm