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
