Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
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Price
Average Price: $1,357
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Vox AC30H". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the Power of the Vox AC30H
The Vox AC30H is not just an amplifier; it's a piece of music history. Known for powering the British Invasion, it's an iconic sound machine that's trusted by the world's most accomplished artists. The AC30H doubles the wattage of its predecessor, employing a quartet of EL84 power tubes to pump out 30 watts of remarkable tone.
Whether you're looking for enchanting clean sounds or raucous overdriven tones, the AC30H's signature chime adjusts seamlessly to your playing style, creating a sound that is uniquely yours. The VOX Reactive Attenuator is a newly designed feature that optimizes the interaction between the speaker and the amp at any volume. Whether you're on stage or in your bedroom, this feature ensures a powerful tone that conventional attenuators can't match.
A nod to its historical lineage, the AC30H continues to define the British sound with its complex grind and classic chime. This 30-watt design is versatile enough for both stage and studio, delivering a full, driven sound that cuts through the mix without overpowering other instruments.
Key Features:
- 30-watt, all-tube amplifier head
- Quartet of EL84 power tubes
- Reactive Attenuator for optimized speaker-amp interaction
- 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- 4 Inputs: Normal (Hi / Lo), Top Boost (Hi / Lo)
- Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone Cut, Tremolo Depth, Tremolo Speed, Reverb Level, Top Boost Bass, Top Boost Treble, Top Boost Volume & Normal Volume
- FX loop for added versatility
- Compatible with Vox VFS2 footswitch (not included)
Product specs
| Available since | February 2016 |
| Powerrate in W | 30 W |
| Power Amplifier Tubes | EL84 |
| Channels | 2 |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Footswitch | Yes |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Vox AC30H amplifier head?
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The Vox AC30H is known for its bright, chimey tone with a pronounced midrange and sparkling high-end frequencies. It excels at cutting through mixes, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.
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Is the Vox AC30H suitable for gigging with a band?
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Yes, the Vox AC30H's 30-watt output and robust build make it suitable for gigging. It offers enough volume to stay clean at higher levels, which is beneficial in live band settings.
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What type of tubes does the Vox AC30H use?
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The Vox AC30H utilizes EL84 power amplifier tubes, which contribute to its distinct British tone and dynamic response.
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Does the Vox AC30H amplifier head include built-in reverb?
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Yes, the Vox AC30H comes with built-in reverb, allowing you to add depth and space to your guitar sound without needing an external pedal.
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Can I use a footswitch with the Vox AC30H?
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Yes, the Vox AC30H is compatible with a footswitch, enabling you to switch channels or activate effects hands-free during performances.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Vox AC30 Handwired Heritage, Fender Telecaster
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound, works well with various guitars
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Built-in attenuator allows for great tones at lower volumes
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Offers iconic "Vox chime" and heavy tones
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Compatible with a range of cabinets for diverse soundscapes
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Modern features like reverb, tremolo, and effects loop enhance playability
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Less heavy than the combo version, easier to transport
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Reactive attenuator preserves tone at bedroom levels
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Can bridge input channels for more sound options
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Massive spring reverb tank provides rich reverb
CONS
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Some cabinets may not match well, affecting tone quality
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Hard to achieve a pure clean sound at high volumes
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Effects loop usage can alter amp tone
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Normal channel can sound dark and muddy with some cabinets
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Heavy and bulky, despite being lighter than the combo
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Design lacks some original AC30 features like tube rectifier
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Requires a speaker cabinet, adding to the setup cost and complexity
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30H.
Features and functionality
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The Vox AC30H can operate in EF86 mode and has a triode mode that allows it to function similarly to an AC15.
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The Vox AC30’s reverb and tremolo are praised, with one owner noting the amp's ability to shake the whole block when cranked.
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The AC30's heat output can be significant, potentially affecting comfort in small, enclosed spaces.
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Setup and maintenance
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An attenuator like the Two Notes Captor X is recommended for managing volume levels in smaller spaces, as the amp can be extremely loud even at low settings.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Users note the Vox AC30H's volume punches above its wattage, being louder than a 40W Marshall, making it challenging for use in small venues or apartments.
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The AC30 is frequently compared to the AC15, with owners suggesting the latter for smaller venues due to its lower volume and similar tone.
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The Night Train 15 head is recommended for accessing Vox tones at lower volumes, offering a more practical option for home use.
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Mods and upgrades
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Running a pedal board in front of the amp, including a Marshall Guv'Nor II and Boss RV-5, achieves good sounds at low volume without needing amp overdrive.
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One user highlights the use of multi RAT pedals with a circuit switcher to diversify tonal options.
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Swapping the stock tubes for Tung Sol tubes is noted to enhance the Vox AC30's performance, though it increases the weight.
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Value and pricing
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The Vox AC30H's original retail was comparable to current hardwired editions, around $2,000, suggesting a potential 20-30% depreciation from original value.
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User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Noel Gallagher owned this Vox AC30H, a workhorse amplifier known for its robust performance despite lacking a case and its front badge. This particular amp, from the Rose Morris era of the 1990s, has a storied history, similar to the ones used by other British legends like Paul McCartney. Its history and usage are documented on Reverb.com.
J Mascis's AC30 head can be seen in a photo of his live pedal board from September 2014 on Other Bands' Stuff
In the studio he blends amps: “I use a Vox AC30, a Hiwatt and a Marshall, and hook them all togtether. This is old-school, using all the tones from each different amp and using them [in] different combinations. Pro Tools plugins don’t sound the same.”
You can see in this video that there are 2 Vox AC30 heads in the rack. The reason for this is probably because it's easier for them to take on tour and use it in big stadiums and arena's
This Vox Head and Cabinet is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41
Used heavily on Screaming Bloody Murder, 13 Voices and Order In Decline records. The Amp in the external cabinet is the original head that goes with the speaker cabinet. I had the head cabinet made so I can have the head inside the control room and the speakers out in the studio." - Deryck
This is a cabinet loaded with a Vox Silverbell and a Weber Blue Dog speakers. This is a 1962 Vox AC30 combo that was refitted inside of a head. There are 6 inputs but the top three are capped. Each input corresponds to 1 of the volume knobs. Each one of those is affected by a single tone knob.
Album Usage
The Vox AC30H has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vox AC30H, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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