Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $430

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Vox AC30VR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 4, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of legendary sound with the Vox AC30VR, where classic British tones meet modern versatility. Crafted for guitarists who crave both vintage warmth and contemporary edge, this combo amp is a powerhouse of sonic possibilities. The Valve Reactor (VR) technology is the secret sauce, delivering the dynamic range and responsive feel of a tube amp without the heft or expense. It's the perfect blend of innovation and tradition, drawing from Vox's rich heritage to give you a soundscape that's both familiar and fresh.

With its 2-channel design, the AC30VR accommodates a wide array of styles, from the jangly cleans that defined an era to the rich overdriven tones of modern rock. The normal channel offers straightforward tone shaping with bass and treble controls, while the overdrive channel ups the ante with additional gain and mid controls for crafting your ideal sound. The master section features a unique tone cut circuit, allowing you to tailor the high-end frequencies to taste, ensuring your sound is always polished and performance-ready.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the AC30VR's reverb and master volume controls let you dial in the perfect ambiance. Plus, with an external speaker jack, you can connect an 8-ohm extension cabinet for even greater projection, muting the internal speakers for a seamless transition. The Vox AC30VR is not just an amplifier; it's your ticket to iconic tones at an unbeatable value.

Key Features:

  • 30-watt, 2x12" combo amplifier with Valve Reactor technology
  • 2-channel design: normal and overdrive
  • Tone controls: bass, treble on normal; gain, middle, bass, treble on overdrive
  • Master section with tone cut circuit and reverb
  • External 8-ohm speaker jack for use with an extension cabinet
  • Includes 2x12" VX12 Celestion custom speakers

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model AC30VR Valve Reactor 2-Channel 2x12" Hybrid Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Hybrid
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 30
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What type of amplifier is the Vox AC30VR?

The Vox AC30VR is a hybrid guitar combo amplifier, combining a tube-driven preamp with a solid-state power amp for a blend of classic and modern tones.

How many channels does the Vox AC30VR have?

The Vox AC30VR features two channels, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones for versatile sound options.

What speakers are used in the Vox AC30VR?

The Vox AC30VR is equipped with two 12" Celestion VX12 custom speakers, which deliver the amp's signature chime and robust sound.

Does the Vox AC30VR have built-in effects?

Yes, the Vox AC30VR includes built-in digital reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your sound without needing external effects.

Is the Vox AC30VR suitable for live performances?

With its 30-watt output and dual 12" speakers, the Vox AC30VR is powerful enough for small to medium-sized venues, making it a good choice for live performances.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Vox AC30VR Demo

Video thumbnail for Vox AC30VR Demo by Sweetwater

Vox AC30VR Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for VOX AC15VR & AC30VR Amplifier Demo - PMTVUK by PMTVUK

VOX AC15VR & AC30VR Amplifier Demo - PMTVUK

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Vox AC30VR Valve Reactor Guitar Combo Amp Demo | Full Compass by Full Compass

Vox AC30VR Valve Reactor Guitar Combo Amp Demo | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Vox AC30VR Demo by DawsonsAltrincham

Vox AC30VR Demo

DawsonsAltrincham

DawsonsAltrincham

Video thumbnail for VOX AC30VR by Nazzareno Zacconi

VOX AC30VR

Nazzareno Zacconi

Nazzareno Zacconi

Video thumbnail for VOX AC30VR video sound samples by Nazzareno Zacconi

VOX AC30VR video sound samples

Nazzareno Zacconi

Nazzareno Zacconi

Video thumbnail for FINALLY Revisiting The Vox AC30 VR - Its only been 5 years by Dave Simpson

FINALLY Revisiting The Vox AC30 VR - Its only been 5 years

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for Vox AC 30-VR - hybrid amp review by Gavin Lazarus by Gavin Lazarus

Vox AC 30-VR - hybrid amp review by Gavin Lazarus

Gavin Lazarus

Gavin Lazarus

Video thumbnail for the power of vox ac30vr by Marco Gorla

the power of vox ac30vr

Marco Gorla

Marco Gorla

Video thumbnail for Vox AC30vr Demo by Karl Sheridan

Vox AC30vr Demo

Karl Sheridan

Karl Sheridan

Reviews

PROS

  • More tone controls than AC15, offering better sound customization

  • Lighter than the original AC30, easier to transport

  • Hybrid tube amp with solid state for versatile sound

  • Offers both classic and modern rock sounds, used by famous artists

  • Built-in distortion and reverb enhance tone without extra pedals

  • Celestion Greenback speakers provide incredible tones

  • Top Boost Channel offers full VOX tone in a lighter package

  • Durable, with users reporting great performance over many years

CONS

  • Tubes may wear out quickly, raising maintenance costs

  • Lack of tremolo feature for those seeking that specific effect

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC30VR.

Comparisons

  • The AC15C1, though pricier than the AC30VR, offers superior sound quality and pedal compatibility, widely favored by users over the hybrid AC30VR.

    Source
  • The Peavey Classic 30, an all-tube combo with EL84 power tubes, is recommended as a close tonal match to the AC30 but with better pedal integration.

    Source
  • The AC30VR's hybrid design with a single 12AX7 in the preamp contrasts sharply with full tube amps, affecting user satisfaction.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AC30VR's solid state preamp limits volume/headroom, with minimal volume increase past noon on gain pedals, making it less suitable for band practice.

    Source
  • The AC30VR incorporates a solid state power amp with a single 12AX7 tube in the preamp, leading to misconceptions about its tube authenticity.

    Source
  • The AC30VR's channel switching may cut the signal momentarily, affecting seamless transitions during performance.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the AC30VR struggles with dirt pedals, affecting the tonal clarity and dynamics, especially when used in conjunction with a drummer.

    Source
  • Owners frequently express disappointment in the AC30VR's sound quality, especially when compared to full tube amps like the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.

    Source
  • Some users report that the AC30VR's distortion channel provides "Radiohead vibes" when fully cranked, appealing to fans of that sound.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for being "mad loud" with an ice-picky quality at full volume, which some equate to impressive loudness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The AC30VR lacks the tonal depth of a vintage AC30, but users suggest adding a 2x12 cabinet to improve bass response and overall sound presence.

    Source
  • Owners suggest swapping the stock speakers for Celestion Blue Alnico to enhance tonal quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While the AC30VR can serve as an adequate practice amp, it's not favored for live performances or settings requiring high headroom and volume.

    Source
  • Despite being labeled as quieter, the AC30VR has been successfully used at unmic'd gigs, indicating it can handle small to medium venues.

    Source
  • The AC30VR is considered versatile, having been used effectively in a range of genres from folk to doom metal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The AC30VR is often valued between $300-$400 in the used market, reflecting its hybrid design compared to all-tube models.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 18 Reviews and 59 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
G

Pretty damn good

At first I was dissapointed of the sound at low volume. But with time I've learned to tweak the knobs and got myself a really nice tone. It is true that it is a little bassier compared to its brother the ac30cc2 but it is still a great amp for a great price. The overdrive channel is unnecesary, if I want to play metal i wouldn't go with a vox amp, but still sounds good. Whereas the saturation on the clean channel is pristine and the best thing is that is easy to control it and get a great tube saturation sound. It also goes well with most of my pedals, except for my big muff which for some reason turns out to sound too middy. I recommend this amp to everyone out there looking for the vox sound on a budget and even some marshall fans as it can be pushed to these lands. Of course there are better amps than this one, but it is a great amp, specially if you are looking to go "pro" on the first levels.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

-Master: 12 - 1 o'clock -Reverb: 7 o'clock -Tone cut: 8 o clock -Treble: 2 o clock -Bass: 3 o clock -PA volume: 8-9 o clock

hyakutake

A LIGHT AC30 WHAT AN INVENTION!!!

Hey AC30 lovers! Sick of breaking your back when you attempt to lift your AC30? LOOK NO FURTHER. Here, we have an AC30 that instead of being HEAVY HEAVY, is just HEAVY! And it sounds pretty slick too! And (was) cheaper when it came out! (I don't even know if they make them anymore!) If you can handle a teeny bit of solid state in your mess of a setup and you crave classic rock and roll vibes, this one's for you!

thomas_redmond

Classic sound- good for everything!

I started out with a Vox VT15 modeling amp in the 6th grade and eventually upgraded to one of these babies. It's an amp ready to hit the stage and can get very loud very fast. It's a Tube Amp infused with a pre-amp mp so it's a definite hybrid. The controls are divided into 3 sections: Master, Overdrive, and Normal. The Master section has three knobs that control the overall volume, amount of reverb, and tone cut. The Overdrive section has a full treble, middle, and bass EQ along with Gain and Volume. When activated, the Overdrive function offers a gritty and almost metal distortion sound. You can adjust as you please and get many sounds out of the pre-amp overdrive. Finally, there is a "normal" section that controls treble, bass, and volume. This amp has classic/boutique features and is known to be associated with the Beatles. However, this can deliver some high quality modern rock sounds. In fact, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) uses this exact amp! These now sell for $550 online but I'm sure you can find some used once for cheap. Hope this helps!

daniel_kreger

Ehhhh

Honestly wouldn’t recommend it, better save up a bit and buy yourself a valve amp. In case you did decide to get yourself one of these- you could crank the valve power amp to the max, and use the preamp to control volume.

angeltown

KICK ASS!!

Built in distortion kicks the need to buy a DS-1 pedal. Pretty tone in itself. It's a good inbetween amp. In fact, a great first gigging amp. It can get pretty fucking loud and it doesnt clip (unless you hit it at 10 with two fuzz pedals and a delay pedal, like my dumbass does). The installed reverb and tone cut on it are big helpers in shaping my tone. 350 bucks for this aint a bad investment.

jeffsimmons1960

Great Amp

I've been using this a lot lately. It sounds great, and it's much lighter than my Hot Rod DeVille on my 60 year old bad back.

Roles:
vladyslave

nice amplifire

just a wonderful amplifier, I have always used it for about 8 years now and it still pleases my ear

matthewrpollard

Great sound especially clean

Doesn't really need the high-gain channel imo, the clean sound is great, and the overdrive option is fine for a mid-rangey blues type sound. The reverb is adequate and the controls allow tweaking to some degree. Great gigging amp.

samuel_zechariah_goh

The Affordable AC 30

Top Boost Channel is the only channel, no tremolo, lighter cabinet casing, full VOX tone, I say this is good enough to tide one over before upgrading to the real thing.

jimmarchi1

I tried one of these for shits and giggles (I am a long time vintage ac30 owner) and was surprised at how passable its ac30 impersonation is when you are careful with the settings considering how cheap it is. The gainy mode is a fucking joke though.

aaron_fellenbaum

Want One of These

I think they come with Celestion Greenback speakers now; just incredible tones outa this thing. I live in that range between clean and distorted, keeping my neck pickup volume low, so it sounds clean, and then the bridge all the way up so it's nice and crunchy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jerry Cantrell uses Vox AC30VR

Jerry Cantrell

Singer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube Video at 1:16 you can see the Amp.

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Vox AC30VR

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Tumblr

He used Vox AC30s as his dirty sound from 2005 onward for both AVA and Blink This is a picture from the studio where AVA was recording The Dream Walker

See how Shawn Mendes uses Vox AC30VR

Shawn Mendes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

He's using this amp with his fender telecaster guitar.

See how Elliott Smith uses Vox AC30VR

Elliott Smith

Singer, Guitarist

Heatmiser

...
Verified via YouTube

He used Vox AC-30 in some live performances

See how PJ Harvey uses Vox AC30VR

PJ Harvey

Keyboardist, Harpist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, PJ Harvey is playing through a Vox AC 30 combo amp.

See how David Byrne uses Vox AC30VR

David Byrne

Composer, Music Producer

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In an article from Sound on Sound, David Byrne's use of the Vox AC30VR amplifier is mentioned in his gear list.

See how James Murphy uses Vox AC30VR

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via Emusician

This Electronic Musician article states that Murphy owns a Vox AC-30 Guitar Amp.

See how Stewart Copeland uses Vox AC30VR

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:05 of this video, Copeland mentions that he has a Vox AC-30.

See how Joe Langridge-Brown uses Vox AC30VR

Joe Langridge-Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Nothing But Thieves

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Joe playing his les paul and the Vox Ac-30 behind him. I think is the basic Ac-30 valve amp that Dom (other guitarist) uses too

See how Jack Tatum uses Vox AC30VR

Jack Tatum

Singer, Guitarist

Wild Nothing

...
Verified via Photo

This is a photo of Tatum's AC-30cc2 amp.

See how Neil Finn uses Vox AC30VR

Neil Finn

Singer, Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see a Vox at the bottom

See how Juanes uses Vox AC30VR

Juanes

Guitarist

Ekhymosis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 2016 "Rise Up As One Live" performance, Juanes can be seen using a Vox AC30VR amplifier at the 0:13 mark of the video.

Album Usage

The Vox AC30VR 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 AC30VR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster
Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
1
Hohner Clavinet D6
Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
Fender '57 Champ
Fender '57 Champ Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Korg SQ-10
Korg SQ-10 Audio Sequencers
1
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

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1 alternative for Vox AC30VR, curated by the Equipboard community.

Vox AC-15 C1

$673.00 - $1,049.99

high-end alternative

Really couldn’t recommend the solid state vr version

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