Vox Launches Valvetronix Modeling Amplifiers

VOX announces the introduction of Valvetronix, a series of digital modeling amplifiers. Unlike early digital modeling amplifiers that were typically created by companies possessing either high-tech skills or tube amplification experience, Valvetronix is the result of a collaborative effort. That collaboration brought together VOX, a company with over four decades of tone-filled tube amplifier history, and Korg’s ToneWorks division. Korg is the first company to patent "digital distortion with oversampling," a breakthrough that made high-quality digital re-creations of guitar effects and amplifiers.

Valvetronix employs a number of unique technological advances starting with Korg’s REMS, short for Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System. The preamp sections of the Valvetronix combos rely on Korg’s proprietary REMS technology to reproduce the complex circuitry in each of the modeled amplifiers’ signal paths.

The power amp section features VOX’s new, patented Valve Reactor technology consisting of a tube power amp with an output transformer electronically coupled to a solid-state power circuit in such a way that the relationship between the output tubes, output transformer and speakers is unaltered. The Valvetronix’ power amps are actually capable of changing to model each and every one of the 16 different amplifiers they model.

Two models comprise the new VOX Valvetronix Series of amplifiers: the AD60VT (60 Watts, 1 x 12") and the AD120VT (2 x 60 Watts, 2 x 12"). Both feature the ability to replicate 16 of the most sought after amplifiers such as a Tweed 1 x 12, Tweed 4 x 12, AC15, AC30TB, US High Gain, Boutique OD/Clean as well as a host of other popular UK amplifier models. The AD60VT and AD120VT also feature 32 programs (4 channels x 8 banks), 21 effect types (10 Pedal Types, 5 Modulation, 3 Delay, 3 Reverb) plus noise reduction, an FX loop, external speaker out, plus a power select switch. In addition, both amplifiers have a built-in Korg Auto-chromatic tuner and come with custom-designed Celestion 12" speakers (1x12" on the AD60VT, 2 x 12" on the AD120VT).

The front control panels feature: two input jacks (high & low); a Pedal selection Section — 10-stompbox types, added to the guitar’s signal before the amplifier; Amp Selector Switch — 16 amplifier choices; Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence and Master Volume controls; Modulation Section with Speed and Depth Controls (22 effects including Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Rotary Speaker); Delay Section with Delay, Tape Echo, Multi-Head, Feedback and Depth controls; Reverb — Spring, Room and Plate with Depth control; Bypass mode; and a Bank/Manual/Write/Tuner/Channel Section-to access the 32 presets and Korg Auto-chromatic tuner. Each section can be controlled independently, and in the case of Modulation, additional control can be provided by an optional foot controller (VC-4).

The Valvetronix amps feature a sturdy, roadworthy cabinet design with deep blue grillcloth and gold piping for a distinctive rich look. In true VOX tradition, controls are the classic "chicken-head" style knobs.

Larry DeMarco, Korg USA Marketing Director, commented: "Typical digital modeling amps provide the player with an assortment of sounds that allude to the different amps they’re supposed to be modeling. But, because of the inherent limitations in the technology they employ, they’re only capable of suggesting or implying. These new Valvetronix amps aren’t burdened by the same kind of technological limitations, and when you play one, the line between the model they create and the amp being modeled is largely non-existent."

The new VOX Valvetronix Series amplifiers are available October 2001 with suggested retail pricing as follows:

AD60VT $899.00
AD120VT $1199.00

For more information, visit their web site at www.voxamps.co.uk