Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,411
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Vox AC30CH 30W Head w/ Attenuator". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash the power and heritage of British rock with the Vox AC30CH 30W Head w/ Attenuator. Revered by musicians since the British Invasion, this amplifier head delivers the distinct chime and complex grind that define the Vox sound. With its EL84-driven power amp and Top Boost preamp, the AC30CH ensures your guitar tones are both rich and articulate. This formidable 30-watt marvel is built to handle everything from crystal-clear cleans to gritty overdrives, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist's arsenal.
What sets the AC30CH apart is its innovative Reactive Attenuator. This feature allows you to achieve the same dynamic sound at lower volumes, perfect for both stage performances and at-home practice. Whether you're cranking it up for a live gig or dialing it down for a quiet session, the AC30CH maintains its signature sound and responsiveness. Its robust construction and classic design make it not just an amplifier, but a piece of musical history and a testament to Vox's enduring legacy.
Key Features:
- 30W all-tube head with EL84 power tubes
- Two channels: Normal and Top Boost
- Built-in tremolo and spring reverb
- Reactive Attenuator for flexible volume control
- 2-band EQ, volume, reverb tone, reverb level, tremolo speed, tremolo depth, and tone cut controls
- FX loop for seamless integration with pedals
- Multiple impedance options: 8 and 16 ohms
- Includes speaker cable
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 30W/3W/0.3W |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 4 x EL84 |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Effects | Tremolo |
| EQ | 2-band EQ |
| Inputs | 4 x 1/4" (high/low normal, high/low top boost) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (reverb, tremolo) |
| Footswitch Included | No |
| Bias Type | Cathode Biased |
| Construction Material | Birch Plywood with Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 11.18" |
| Width | 27.76" |
| Depth | 10.47" |
| Weight | 41.48 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Vox AC30CH 30W Head?
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The Vox AC30CH is known for its classic British chime and jangle, offering rich, harmonic overtones. It provides a versatile sound with a warm, clean tone at lower volumes and a natural overdrive when cranked, making it ideal for rock, blues, and indie music.
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Can the Vox AC30CH be used for home practice?
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Yes, the Vox AC30CH features an attenuator that allows you to switch between 30W, 3W, and 0.3W, making it suitable for both gigging and home practice without sacrificing tone.
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Does the Vox AC30CH come with a footswitch?
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No, the Vox AC30CH does not include a footswitch. However, it has a 1/4" footswitch input for controlling reverb and tremolo, allowing you to use a compatible footswitch for hands-free operation.
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What type of tubes does the Vox AC30CH use?
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The Vox AC30CH is equipped with 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x EL84 power tubes, contributing to its signature sound and dynamic response.
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Is the Vox AC30CH suitable for use with effects pedals?
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Yes, the Vox AC30CH features an effects loop, making it compatible with a wide range of effects pedals. Its clean channel provides an excellent platform for pedal-based tone shaping.
Videos
That Pedal Show
That Pedal Show – Amps: How Many Watts Do You Need?
That Pedal Show – Amps: How Many Watts Do You Need?
That Pedal Show
VOX Custom Series Head & Cabinet Overview – AC30CH, AC15CH & V212C
Vox Amps
Guitar Paradiso - Vox AC30CH & AC15CH Heads
Andertons Music Co
Vox AC15CH Custom Guitar Amplifier Head Demo with Freddy DeMarco
Kraft Music
Vox AC30CH (2016 Head Version) - Attenuator Demo
thejay (Big Battle Bear)
VOX Custom Series AC30CH & AC15CH Heads, V212C Cab
VoxShowroom
Soon at the MCI stores - VOX AC30CH, AC15CH, V212C!
MusicCenterIkonomov
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic Vox AC30 sound with modern features
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Built-in attenuator maintains tone at lower volumes
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Versatile two-channel design with channel jumping capability
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Excellent pedal platform with effects loop
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Includes onboard reverb and tremolo
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Suitable for both home and studio use
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Allows for significant tonal variation depending on cabinet choice
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Great clean and gritty tones on top boost channel
CONS
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Does not come with a footswitch
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Heavy and bulky, requires a separate speaker cabinet
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Difficult to achieve pure clean sound at high volume
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Tone varies significantly with different cabinets, requiring experimentation
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30CH 30W Head w/ Attenuator.
Features and functionality
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The AC30CH's attenuator only functions with a 16ohm impedance setting; it is bypassed when set to 8ohms.
Source -
The AC30CH head version includes an attenuator for reduced wattage settings (30W, 3W, 1/3W) which is absent in the combo version, enhancing versatility for home use.
Source -
The Vox AC30CH head allows channel jumping, enabling players to connect the top boost and normal channels with a patch cable for diverse tonal options.
Source -
The master volume on the AC30CH is effective for achieving desired tones at lower volumes, even though the amp is known for its loudness.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Owners find the master volume highly sensitive between 1 to 10 when the attenuator is not used, requiring careful handling to manage volume.
Source
User experience
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Users have observed that the amp reaches maximum volume halfway on the master volume dial, compressing more beyond that point without increasing loudness.
Source -
Owners have successfully used the 3-watt setting on the attenuator for home practice, finding it maintains sound quality at lower volumes.
Source -
Owners report that the AC30CH is particularly finicky to dial in compared to Orange amps, with smaller sweet spots requiring time to perfect.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Owners report that using a treble booster and increasing the volume significantly enhances the amp's tonal qualities, making it especially suitable for classic rock tones.
Source -
It's suggested that a boost pedal in the effects loop can achieve more phase inverter distortion while keeping the master volume low.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the Celestion Alnico Blues over Greenbacks for a more authentic Vox tone, although Greenbacks remain popular for their classic British sound.
Source -
A Vox AC30 is noted for having more headroom and a fuller sound compared to the AC15, which is described as snarlier and more midrange-focused.
Source
Build quality
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It's noted that the Vox AC30CH is heavy, with some users adding casters for easier transportation, reflecting its robust but cumbersome nature.
Source
Value and pricing
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The market for used AC30CH heads with Greenbacks typically ranges from $650 to $850, with $700 considered a fair price if in good condition.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
111
Get AC30 sound without lawsuits from the neighbours.
Be in no doubt, this is a full fat AC30. Hook it up to a cab with Greenbacks or Alnico Blues and you have the whole deal. The added benefit with the AC30 head is the attenuator. I don't know how they did it, but it doesn't suck tone like so many attenuators do - it works. Plus, you get an effects loop, in case you need such a thing!
Artist usage
Add artist
Joe Walsh's awesome rig backstage includes his AC30 head & cab
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 AC30CH 30W Head w/ Attenuator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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