Vox AC15X Hand Wired Guitar Amp Combo

The AC15HWR1X brings the legendary Vox sound in a compact 15W combo amp. Equipped with ECC83/12AX7, ECC81/12AT7, EL84, and GZ34 tubes, and a single 12” Celestion Alnico Blue speaker, this amp offers a rich and intimate sound experience. It's ideal for studio work and smaller venues, providing the classic Vox tonal quality with a touch of modern versatility.

The new Vox AC Hand-Wired Series is a triumph of craftsmanship. A homage to our legendary 60s legacy, the series was meticulously developed after studying vintage models in remarkably original condition, capturing the retro Vox sound with unparalleled authenticity. Custom transformers, reengineered power circuits, and historically inspired cabinets ensure each amp resonates with the depth and character of the originals, while enhancements such as high-quality spring reverb and FX loops add contemporary versatility. These new Hand-Wired models are not just amps – they are a bridge from the golden age of rock to the forefront of contemporary sound.

A Journey of Discovery

The story of the new Hand-Wired series begins with a quest to truly understand the iconic sound of our 1960s Vox AC15 and AC30 amplifiers. These legendary amps, renowned for their distinctive tone, have long captivated musicians and engineers alike. Our team embarked on an exhaustive study of these vintage models. We meticulously analysed mint-condition amplifiers, dissecting every component, every circuit, and every design nuance to understand the core of their legendary sound.

This journey led us to a profound appreciation of the intricate craftsmanship that defined the original Vox amps. It became clear that replicating this sound required more than just technical expertise; it demanded a blend of artistry and engineering. This renewed understanding guided every step in the development of the new AC HandWired Series. We sought to recreate not just the sound but the soul of the vintage amps, infusing each model with
the essence of the 1960s while incorporating advancements for the modern musician.

Revolution in Power Supply Circuitry

In the realm of amplifier design, balancing stability with the dynamic character of vintage sound is an art. Modern power supplies prioritize steadiness, reducing voltage fluctuations to ensure reliability. Yet the charm of vintage amps lies in their power supplies' unique fluctuations, which interact with speaker movements to create the signature "compression" and "sag" effects so cherished in historic models. Our journey into the heart of vintage Vox amps led us to meticulously analyse and measure the power supply circuits of numerous classic AC30s. These insights paved the way for us to engineer a completely new power supply circuit, specifically crafted to replicate these revered tonal qualities.

Addressing the challenge of "ghost notes" – those unexpected, extraneous pitches at high volumes – was crucial. In our latest Vox Hand-Wired amplifiers, we've redesigned the power supply circuit to eliminate ghost notes while maintaining the amplifier's rich sound quality and dynamic response, this ensures that each note played is both authentic and impeccably clear.

Transformative Sound With Custom Output Transformers

At the heart of recreating the classic vintage Vox sound lies the pivotal role of the output transformer. It's not just about matching specifications; the true essence of vintage amplifiers is often found in the subtle nuances of saturation distortion within the transformer. This type of distortion enriches the sound with harmonious components that define the much-sought-after vintage character. However, capturing this essence goes beyond mere technical specs. It's an elusive quality that isn't readily captured by standard measurements.

We set out to craft custom transformers that embody the quintessential characteristics of vintage Vox sound. This process involved a series of meticulous prototyping, where each iteration brought us closer to that perfect blend of warmth and clarity. The result is a set of transformers that not only meet but exceed the expectations of vintage sound enthusiasts. They are the beating heart of our amplifiers, meticulously engineered to bring the rich, harmonious essence of the past into the present.

Cabinet Construction: a Nod to the Classics

In our quest to authentically recreate the revered sound of vintage ACs, we delved into the very fabric of the amplifier's construction, particularly the cabinet materials. Our research revealed that the slightly thinner materials used in the vintage AC cabinets were instrumental in producing its rich and expansive midrange – a key characteristic of their legendary sound profiles.

We meticulously replicated the thickness of these materials in our new cabinet design. This careful attention to detail ensures that each cabinet in our series not only looks the part but also resonates with the authentic tonal quality of their legendary predecessors. It's a marriage of form and function, where every aspect of the cabinet's construction contributes to delivering a sound that's as faithful to the original as possible.

Specifications

• Tube Configuration: ECC83/12AX7 x 4、ECC81/12AT7 x 1、EL84 x 2、GZ34 （rectifier) x 1
• Speakers: 12” 16Ω Celestion Alnico Blue x 1
• Dimension & Weight: (WxD x H): 610 x 260 x 550 mm / 22.8 kg & 22.7 kg / 50.04lb
• Included items: Power cable, Owner’s Manual, VFS1 footswitch