VOX AD120VT Valvetronix 212 Combo

I bought it "previously enjoyed' and can only assume circa 2005 -
VOX AD120VT 60W x 60w
32 programs (8 Banks x 4 Channels)
21 Effects
10 types of drive
5 Modulations
3 types of Digital Reverbs including Spring
Chromatic Tuner (Tuner is even better with a VC12 footcontroller)

Versatility is what this amp is about. Blues, R'n'B, Funk, High Gain rock etc. As a studio owner, this is always a pleasant add to the in house go to gear. It gives me choices that even surprise the guys that come in and can't quite find "that sound" with their own rigs.
I bought it for me. There is no "I" in Vox.
Programmable circuitry is via the Korg REMS digital Modeling circuit. It???s the brains of the operation.
I own a Boss GT8 and modelling is more and more what people seek these days. Price wise, we can't all carry around vintage multi amp setups.
But it's nice to say I have an amp that looks vintage, sounds vintage, with modern technology.

Fashion the sounds to replicate 16 amp models. Switching is achieved in Manual mode (set as you see 'em mode)
or with the option VC12 foot controller I bought. The VC4 was the original sell and works similarly apparently. The VC12 utilizes more features especially the dedicated Volume pedal and the 2nd programmable effects pedal, Wah, modulation rates, etc.
The AD120VT is pretty much like buying a car without a steering wheel. So I popped 200 Vox bucks for a VC12.

Since channel switching is really changing Banks/Channels, this style is pretty much the norm for a modelling amp. Footswitch necessary if you're on a stage!

The valve reactor circuitry is the secret weapon. This is the Power amp stage. This a communication from the output speaker impedance to the secondary output of the Transformer. It getsback to the tubes through the output transistors back to the speakers. Very old school sound warm and even.

Basically a couple of 12AX7's tubes with a transformer to create a good old fashion reactive sound with the combo speaker impedance curves and sound levels.
The front end (preamp) is completely microprocessed with Chicken head knobs to act as start/stop encoders. A great concept and it really works great when I plug my GT8 in to the effect RETURN just to use the Power Amp stage.

I do have a beef with pressed steel basket speakers. Cheap like a Datsun car Fender. Look at the back of a Mesa Boogie EV style cast spiders are what holds the fort at louder levels. Celestion pressed baskets are acceptable enough for most I'm not a fan. The R&R dept utilises this classic design well nonetheless. Stock amp manufacturers have their corners to cut. This is one of them. The average joe doesn't realise that there are better speaker designs than 40's technology. I've plugged into my Marsall cabinet with EV12's and ther is a lovely differnce in articulation.

I could use some more wattage as the amp is quite loud, but doesn't have the spank and stability as a Fender Twin or Boogie.
The cabinetry is soooo cool Tee nuts and Tolex. And that VOX Grill cloth!!! The log is plastic and cheap looking. What happened to pot metal cast logos?
The output Transitors are well heat sinked so I wonder if the cost was just to high to produce a more powerful output with heavier duty speakers.

The amp sounds great for studio work but comes up a little short in a drum audible live stage.

Great Stereo field with the modulation Chorus, Phasor, Flanger, Rotary.

This amp certainly meets that requirement of guitar sound bliss. Again it could be have a little more girth to match the level of a Fender Twin in clean Mode.
Adding the comp circuit helps, but it takes away the use of any other effects features.
The Overdrive modelling UK/FAT OD is really sweet and certianly enough gain even though it feels like the thing is going shake apart at High RPM's!!

I can best describe the overall tone as throaty and Disctictly Vox.
It's not a Twin it's not a Boogie it's not a Marshall!
It's Vox with a chameleon of Vox history

I really haven't had any issues with it. I have read many have pops, farts and cut outs. I've their solutions so points all taken if it goes south.

I have some people that can whack it back into submission if necessary.

I haven't had to deal with Vox folks. My local Music peeps do that.
Warranty has long expired Thirty day return policy

Since I was 12 I'm 47 not good at math:-)
I've own a Marshall Trem 20/2x12 Cab, Mesa Boogie MARK IIB Roland JC120, Fender Twin
But I've owned and discarded other amps looking for boutique utopia.
I like the modelling stuff as it covers it all.

The AD120VT are discontinued I might buy a Vox Tonelab or something from the Vox team with as much versatility for replacement. The Valve Reactor technology really sounds great! This makes Amp Modelling very believable. The "Brown Sound" goes green. Seems like Manufacturers are getting past the renaissance stage and into highly creative products.

Vox/Korg came up with a very functional Combo amp package.

Eventually Guitarist will learn to accept the newer breed of amp.

For those who can't use anything that was made after your birthday, well that's your thing. But try this one!
I'm happy with people trying to make new technology sound musical
The AD120VT has acheived this honour.

This amp is very versatile and eliminates packing extra gear. Its an all inclusive package. Top of the line built in effects. Second to none models of all the great amps of yesterday and today. Line 6 has nothing on these things. Korg/vox got it right.

Sound quality is excelent. Models are spot on and effects are top notch. This thing sounds as good as any all tube amp set up right.

I understand their are issues with reliability. Mine however has been solid as a rock. DO NOT CHANGE POWER SETTING ON BACK OF AMP WITHOUT THE POWER BEING TURNED OFF! This is what is causing so many problems. Also if you can find a good tech or a do it your selfer. Get inside amp amp hot solder all the cold solder conections. This will get rid of the noise. These are great amps and I have no idea why vox discontinued these and replaced them with the new chrome grilled ones. They should have kept them both in production. Do regular cleaning and maintenence on amp and it will serve you well.

Vox customer support is good if you get the right person. That is the trick.

Mine is worth every penny. If it were stolen I would hunt down and hurt the person. I love this amp. I own many ultra high end all tube hand wired beauties but the vox gets played the most. I wish the pedal section of the effects was split up so you could use more than one setting at a time. I added the matching ad212 cab so I basically have a half stack and it is loud as any 100 watt tube amp half stack. Just a great amp. Too bad the dummies at vox discontinued the best modeling amp in the world.

I have never had a problem with my AD120VT. I got it at Guitar Center. It was a floor model.

This amp has all the features you could want. Effects, amp models etc... You all have read the reviews.

Wide variety of sounds. Excelent quality of sound. All you tube heads out their get used to modeling amps they are the future.

I use my amp everyday. At all power settings. DO NOT SWITCH THE POWER SELECTOR WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE AMP! THAT IS WHAT IS CAUSING A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS OUT THEIR. Do regular cleaning of jacks and potentiometers. It will work just fine.

VOX does not have very good support but what company does nowadays. It does not matter you always get some dam person from India that you can not understand anyway. If you are firm though you will get to the right person.

26 years guitar expirience. Have owned countless amps. HIwatt, Marshall, Orange, Sound city, Ampeg, Crate etc. Countless guitars Pauls, Jacksons, Samicks, Raven west....Etc.... I love this amps versatility. I hate the speakers. I put a set of vintage 30's in it and wow what a difference. The stock speakers suck ass and are part of the reliability problems.

I've looked at considering a top-end tube amp to replace it, but since this amp has been so solid, it's been great for all the shows and remains the one in use with no bugs whatsoever. Switching amps now would mean getting pedals/a tuner all over and more potential for problems. Learning the amp/pedal features was all was a bit tricky but now it's paid off. The footswitch allows for instant access to perfect preset or stomped-tempo delay. The other settings provide great chorus or flange. It eliminates the need for additional pedals in this dept.

Very quiet. I use a Tone Pump pedal only with this amp, as distortion. All other sounds come from the amp. I use a Parker Fly Deluxe and a Custom Warmoth Tele.

The amp is a few years old and has worked great from day one.

Overall 10. It's not the amp modeling that I love or even use. It's the clean flexible tone base along with the great foot-pedal-eliminating-effects and reliability.

The world has now switched to digital. Digital cameras now beat film. Digital consoles have replaced most analogue. Digital TVs have replaced tube. I love tube amps but I'm just not convinced people can tell the difference with this setup, and it's a work of engineering to have all this complexity simplified at your fingertips.

loads of stuff to play around with. I own a vox ad15, so this new amp is pretty amazing compared with my other one. I like being able to use the modulation/delay/reverb simultaniously plus, u get the pedal to go with it aswel! Well designed amp, simple to use and some unbelievably good sounds!

I play a lot of queen songs, so using the ac30 setting with the treble booster and my red special( not forgetting the sixpence plectrum!) its about as close as I'll get to Brian May's sound. Also great for the van halen sound.. or pretty much any type of music!! The only problem I found, is the amp hums slightly (very quietly though), this is probably nothing to worry about though.

I the amp is second hand but appears to be in very good condition. The previous owner baught it in 2003. I am slightly worried by some of the other reviews from people, but the amp looks very well buil, and I shall expect it to work for many many years. In the end, if you look after the amp, it will look after you (by not dyingon you in a concert!!)

never spoken to them

super product... would recomend it...especially for queen fans, whoh cant afford a real ac30 !

I play guitar in a very busy "modern country" band, but if you ever saw us live you'd probably think we are more rock than country. Anyway, we play all kinds of stuff, from typical country, to southern rock, to straight up classic rock, and even some early Bon Jovi (just to mix it up). This amp offers a sound for just about any style. It has plenty of presets to get you started, and it is extremely easy use.

I've played several different guitar through this amp, ranging from a Danelectro '56 U-3, Rickenbacker 620, and an Epiphone Les Paul. Each one handles the amp a little differently, due to the difference in pick-ups. For my money, you can't get a better sound that matching a Rickenbacker with a VOX amp! The Les Paul really rocks through this amp as well. I was never really a big Les Paul fan, but I bought one as a tax write-off. When I plugged it in and heard it through my AD120VT... wow! I'm a fan now!

I've had this amp for a couple of years years now... maybe 3? For a while, I had some of the "cut-out" issues I've seen discussed here. I asked some people on the Rickenbacker forums if they have ever had any of those problems, and they gave me something to try. Basically, just keep the earphone jack in the back of the amp clean. Apparently, the amp cuts out because the jack gets dirty, and the amp thinks there are earphones plugged into it. So it cuts the sound to the speakers. Once I cleaned that jack, and continued to keep it clean by simply plugging a cord in and out of the jack a few times every month or so, I have had no problems with it cutting out for over a year.

I play a lot. My band plays about 10+ gigs a month, and usualy covers more than 4,000 miles a year. This amps plays every one of them with me. I take good care of it, and it travels in a great flight case, which I would highly recommend to anyone that it taking this amp on the road. I find the amp to very reliable.

I've been play guitar for about 15 years. I have several guitars... most of my electrics have been mentioned earlier. I also own a Fender Princeton Chorus amp, which has served me well, and now servers as my rehearsal amp. I love the tone of the AD120VT, especially on the AC30TB setting. it's amazing with my Rickenbacker 620, and the Les Paul gives it even more bite. I wish it had a better acoustic model sound. I know that's a bit picky, but when I break a sting on my acoustic during shows, it would be nice to be able to use that sound. Unfortunately, it's far too quiet, and just doesn't cut through the live mix. I did compare this with the Line 6 modeling amps, and I was about to get a Line 6. Mainly becuase the VOX was going for about $1000 and the Line 6 was more like $700. Then I called a local store to see if they had any VOXs, and how much they were. The guy told me they were getting rid of the old stock, as the new model was due out soon. He gave me the sale price of $540 about week before the sale. At that price, I couldn't pass it up!

No complaints at all.

If you play with the amp, you can get some great sounds.

Right... I wrote a review on this amp on 9/5/2005, so this is a follow-up.

Having had it cut out on me a number of times, I tracked down a repair guy who said he knew all about the problem. So, ??180 later, I got the amp back, and put it on Ebay. I explained in my add the problems I had had with it and what I had done. It was sold to a really guy, who I kept in touch with.

Unfortunately, it cut out on him aswell, but as his trade was electronics, he was able to repair it himself, and said it was a cold solder. If that was anyone else, they may well have wanted their money back! And I wouldn't blame them!

The worst ever... I spent hours and hours, day after day, waiting on the phone to talk to a human about the problems I was having, but not once did I ever manage to speak to anyone!

What used to drive me mad, is that you get to 5 o'clock, and the line goes dead. But if you phone again, you get told (by a machine), that there support lines are closed after 5pm! So, that would suggest they are open before 5pm, so why couldn't I speak to anyone?

I emailed them, more than once, but never got a reply.

It seems odd doing a review on their customer support, because as far as I'm concerned, there isn't any!

5, as the amp when it worked was very good.

This amp has literally everything I need to get the exact sound I need. It also has tons that I'll never even think about using. I play a lot of hard rock and can get every sound I need out of either the AC30TB, UK Blues, or US Higain. The EQ is critical for all of them though. I'm most impressed with the onboard delay which I use exclusively for thickening up sounds. I play it loud and it's plenty loud enough.

I'm running a Les Paul with Burstbucker Pro's through it and can get everything from "squeaky clean" to "look at me funny and I'll give you feedback" without a problem, at any volume I can play without ear trauma. It will not perfectly recreate any of the amps it's modeled from, but it will get 95% of the way there without much issue (again the EQ is critical). Noise level is very suitable, lower than most amps I've owned.

I absolutely positively never move this amp. Short of an earthquake (or possibly a house fire) I don't think I ever will. This is because every time I do it develops some very nasty static when turned on/off or whenever a preset is changed. This only fix I've been able to find is to whack the top-center of the case so hard that the amp gives an audible pop (at which point it will stop making the static until it moved yet again. Admittedly I do play this thing very loud, so loud in fact that twice I've had to pull the amp chassis and tighten the loose screws. One time the delay quit working, but I turned the amp off and then back on, it resumed and has worked ever since. Due to the aforementioned static issue I would never consider gigging with this amp. This is good for me as I have a rig for gigging and only use this amp for practice and writing.

They were quick to refer me to an authorized repair center, which technically I suppose is what they're supposed to do.

I've been playing seriously for about 7 years and don't go a single day without playing for some length of time. My rig is a PodXT Live run stereo into the aux line-ins of a Crate Powerblock and then out to two Fender 4x12 cabinets (remarkably simple yet remarkably effective). It sounds 98% as good as the Vox, but then again I can move it around freely without fear. If something happened to the Vox, I wouldn't be opposed to getting another one, but it would have to be a good deal. I'd be more likely to buy an 8 ohm 1x12 cabinet and take my Pod and my Block home.

The Vox is fantastic for what I use it for. The complete lack of mobility isn't a terrible issue for me as I have no need of ever moving it. The only thing that I really hate is that even if I were somehow put in a situation where this would be the perfect amp for any particular gig, I don't know that I don't know that I'll ever be able to trust a Valvetronix amp.

This is a second review after nearly three years use.
i must be one of the only people who haven't had a problem with this amp, it's been used and kicked about a fair bit and is still working fine.
a couple of tips you may find useful, when altering the power level selector on the back, turn the amp off first, stops problems with the switch burning and maybe causing some of the intermittent signal problems you may be having.
if you run the amp with the master up full, change the tubes, it is a valve output section after all.
i still think this is the best modelling amp on the market, nothig else comes close.

like i said in my last review, i don't particularly like all the amp or effect settings but i get some great vintage vox, fender and marshall tones from this amp, no, it's not quite as good as my 1974X btu it's a great deal more versatile and reliable, you just need to know how to use the eq section of and amp.

mines been perfectly ok, maybe i got a good one.

never dealt with them

i still think it's the best of it's kind out there, if you play in a covers band it's the mutt's nuts or if you don't actually know what all the amps on the selector sound like this will give a good approximation.
i know this is bound to upset some of the tone snobs out there, vintage amps are so inconsistant in build it's very hard to model a sound on any one with certainty so come on and get a life, i've played old deluxes, twins, marshalls and princetons, yes they're nice but to find a real gem is almost impossible these days and this sounds pretty good, what's the point in A/bing this with your 60's twin or marshall when the next guys twin or marshall sounds different again.
i got and had tons of gear, these days i use mainly a 58 tele and a 59 junior reissue and a strat i built myself thru a 1974X clone i built myself and a princeton clone i built myself, like i said great sounding amps but not so much better and no where near as versatile as the Vox.
tone is very personal don't just buy on other peoples reviews or mine for that matter, find what you like the sound of no matter what it is and just play.