Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $463

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

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
jack_kenney

Looking for a better one

This is okay, but the tubes wore out pretty quick, and it's not worth changing them before I get another high-end tube amp, probably another vox.

jimmarchi1

ac30hw, worth every penny.... great mix of vintage voxiness and modern conveniences with no extra BS cluttering the circuit... build quality is at least as good as my vintage 30, though some of the compnents are maybe not quite as nice, but they just don't make electronics to the standard they used to (even if the tolerances are a lot tighter now)....

ac30HW, man... best thing vox has put on the market since..... I dunno when!

liambrightman

Great AC30 at half the price

This is a great AC30 at half the price of a tube AC30. Bit bass-ier than the tube AC30 but makes a great back up.

jack_simpson

Brilliant

This amp is very good for getting a great 60s sound without paying ridiculous prices

jacksimpson

Brilliant

this amp goes amazingly with an Epiphone Casino

jimmarchi1

and is a toy

jacksimpson

Yeah cool story, thanks

sxedusten

Great So Far

I just got this and haven't played it to much. I love the amp so far though.

clarkus978

Great tone

You can't go wrong with this amplifier. I use it daily for the past 7 years and it sounds great everyday.

jimmarchi1

I was curious about this ac30 styled hybrid amp when I saw it at Atomic Music in Baltimore last year so I tried it... not a bad sounding amp especially for being like a mini, 1watt tube guitar amp driving a class D, high efficiency solid state power amp... but neither channel sounds like an ac30. I think vox coulda gotten a lot closer by sticking to the ac30s preamp topology instead of trying to add features. I would like to see someone market a hybrid amp at pros and voice it for grown-ups who are used to playing vintage and boutique tube amps... maybe I should do it myself! More info added to this review please.

N

Great clean sound but you can add as much power as you want !

guitar_moose

Bright, cutting edge

Pretty damn good, great jangly sound

jimmarchi1

I am rolling my eyes because 1) this is not a review and 2) I tried one of these amps out of morbid curiosity and the one thing it had too much of to be a real ac30 was jangle... and it lacked much in the way of bell-like chime (though maybe real speakers would help)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jerry Cantrell uses Vox AC30VR

Jerry Cantrell

Composer, 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

Singer, Guitarist

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

Singer, Guitarist

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.

Harley Benton MR-Modern
Harley Benton MR-Modern Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster
Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Boss DD-6 Digital Delay
Boss DD-6 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
1
Moog Moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator
Moog Moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
piotrwk

piotrwk

Gear IQ 633

piotrwk

piotrwk

Gear IQ 633

xena_schaeken

xena_schaeken

Gear IQ 85

map

map

Gear IQ 399

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

Vox AC-15 C1

$650.00 - $1,049.99

high-end alternative

Really couldn’t recommend the solid state vr version

More Vox Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    anismarch
    anismarch

    Gear IQ 120