Vox: AC4C1-12

Vox amps enthusiasts will know that the more compelling Vox amps to date are the AC15 & AC30 screamers, just like how Brian Moore likes them. The AC4 model had its origins in 1962 but the contemporary version features an updated circuitry plus a 10” Celestion driver. Today, in addressing the popular request for a more balanced voicing, Vox has this 12” driver version still under Celestion’s supervision & much of its very forthcoming nature is largely based on this make-over.

Construction/ fit/ finish

The AC4C1-12 sports the Vox design heritage; a very briefcase looking outline (the handle especially), that golden Vox emblem & the absolutely vintage diamond grille cloth but here’s the sublime ‘upgrade’- there’s a 3-D effect with the green/yellow strands used for the diamond pattern. Controls are on the top panel with other extras at the rear. This amp is indeed a value-for-money consideration if you are in the market for a sturdy, well-built player with no compromise in finish, the AC4C1-12 is a winner.

Features/ tone

We need to understand the fact that a Vox AC in its pure essence, is a single channel unit. One has to subtract a significant amount of gain from the amplifier itself to hear an unadulterated clean tone. However, there is no guarantee this will happen because your pickup’s output will spur some drive to happen. If you turn the gain way down to near zero, it will affect a certain fatness heard only when the gain is somewhere in its 30% application or more. So that’s the compromise there. In terms of tone sculpting, one has treble & bass to work with. The midrange specific chaps will find this disturbing but the glorious Vox tone you hear out there are based on this EQ specification, anything more & you’re tempering with the Vox heritage. To put it nicely, you can look for something else if this is repulsive. With this in mind, be mindful of you gain adjustments as any changes will yield a tempered volume, drive & treble manifestation; that’s how complex a single control is in this amp.

In use, the Vox clean is a distinguished affair. If you think Marshall & Fender don’t give you that richness in ring, I urge you to consider a Vox. With a vintage output pickup in use, the cleans here is a wonderful experience, bordering on a Klone tone with all the gain knocked off, that’s how it is. Also, thanks largely to the 12” driver, there’s a more balanced resonance heard, unlike the 10” driver equipped AC models. I personally prefer this manifestation but if you are a Vox purist who insist on that venerable 10” driver output, at least, give this a listen. It may be something ‘different’ you might appreciate.

Since there is no drive channel per se, the gain control maxed out is the only way to go. What you’ll hear is nothing intense but the drive presence is undeniable. For a fat, fuzz-like affair, do max out both the bass & treble controls. The other alternative is to simply hook up one’s pedals into the AC4C1-12 & I bought this amp for this application in mind. The amp has a good capacity to accept all manner of drive, distortion & fuzz units especially. It seems that there is a certain kind of chemistry when those tubes (12AX7/ EL84) are put to use with external slaves so to speak. Do keep in mind that this amp is a single end tube unit which is largely responsible for whatever drive goodness you inject into it because it aims to preserve the tube tone while working in tandem with an external influence.

Conclusion

We need to understand the Vox heritage before we embrace what it has in store for us. If you are looking for a modern drive voicing with a multiple channel application then clearly, you are asking a Rolls Royce to wise up against a Ferrari. The AC4C1-12 is a more appealing amp in its entirety as opposed to its 10” driver counterpart when it comes to a contemporary appeal. I have personally waited for this version because I know the 10” driver will invite more discomfort when it comes to hearing a good bottom end leverage if drive/ distortion is a primary consideration. I have this disclosure to share before you head to the stores for one; the AC4C1-12’s single end performance generates heat very quickly. If you look at the amp’s ventilation feature, the slots adjacent to the handle are inadequate in addressing heat dissipation. There should be more at the rear so that things don’t get too hot to handle (no pun intended) over at the control panel. I have a small table fan aimed at this amp every time it’s in use so that’s a way to address the matter.

All in all, the AC4C1-12 is an awesome clean amp for the working man. Do not expect too much in terms of versatility especially when drive is the order of the day. I’d say, volume-wise, it’ll struggle in a band context unless you have extended speaker cabs at your disposal. Recommended but not for the fussy.

Rating: 85%

Vox: AC4C1-12 (all tube combo)

Availability: City Music

Price: $445.50