VOX AC-15C2 Twin Amplifier Review
VOX AC-15C2 Twin Amplifier Review
The VOX AC-15C2 is a new addition to the vox series of amplifiers. While the AC-15C1 is nothing new to the vox lineup, this two speaker version of the same modern classic adds more cabinet size, an additional speaker and a richer, more detailed sound.
Tone
I’ve had a chance to play test the AC-15C2 and I have to say it’s up there with the rest of their AC Style amps. To me, it sounds pretty much the same as the VOX AC-30 without quite as much cleaner headroom. so it will break up earlier but because it has 2×12″ speakers you’ll get a lot more volume from it than a regular AC-15C1 with the 1×12″ speaker. The more air that is moving the louder it will sound, so two speakers is louder than one.
The Weight Issue
I’ve been lucky enough to own both the VOX AC-30C2 and the AC-15C1, both amps are amazing in terms of tone but there’s one thing that had always let the AC-30 down, it’s weight. The AC-15C1 is quite heavy for it’s size but it’s nothing compared to the AC-30. The reason I sold the AC-30 was because it was way too heavy and it was heavier than my old Fender Twin Reverb. You’d think, because the tone is so good, that it’s something you could deal with..but after a while I had to offload it because it was too heavy – even though the tone was epic. This brings me to my point – as much as I love the Vox AC-15C2’s tone, the weight of the amp is too much for someone with any lower back issues or people who enjoy being able to walk with their amp without having to use a dolly/trolley.
Final Thoughts
If you’re digging the tones of the Vox amplifiers, you’ll really love this amp, but if you’ve had an AC30 before and you found it too heavy, this is not a lighter solution at all. I did the “lift test” and thought to myself “no way!”.
Official Blurb from the Vox Website:
The addition of a second speaker enhances the classic VOX tone.
Introducing the new AC15C2 “TWIN.”
The Custom Series AC15 amplifier is now available with two 12”Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers. This new AC15C2 “TWIN” (as it was affectionately referred to in the 60’s) enhances the full, “chimey” sound of the traditional AC15C1; and also features the larger spring reverb tank found in the AC30C2.
Based on the classic AC15, the AC15C2 “TWIN” is part of the VOX Custom Series line. These amps have been updated to include dual channel sound, tremolo circuitry, and footswitching capabilities. True to its past, the AC15C2 “TWIN” relies on 3 x 12AX7 dual triode vacuum tubes in the pre-amp stage, and 2 x EL84 pentode tubes in the power stage.
Two channels are provided on the AC15C2: Normal and Top Boost. Each channel is equipped with its own Volume control, and the Top Boost channel offers highly interactive Treble and Bass tone controls. This powerful channel pairing provides an abundance of tone-crafting control. Both channels rely on the Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section. The Tone Cut control operates in the power stage rather than the preamp stage, allowing an additional degree of tone-shaping. The Master Volume control works in conjunction with the individual volumes of each channel to create just the right degree of gain-staging. By balancing the individual and Master volumes, the AC15C2 “TWIN” can deliver the coveted clean VOX “chimey” sound or a powerful overdriven tone – and everything in between.
The AC15C2 “TWIN” provides the VOX Classic Tremolo effect, with adjustable controls for both the speed and the depth. A warm Spring Reverb is also included on all Custom Series amps, adding spaciousness to the sound. Thanks to the AC15C2 “TWIN”’s two-speaker cabinet size, the AC15C2 “TWIN” uses the larger reverb tank found on the Custom Series AC30 models
The optional VFS2 footswitch provides a hands-free method for turning the Reverb and Tremolo effects on and off while performing.
[usr 3.9]
My overall score for the VOX AC15C2 is a 3.9/5. It loses just over a point for the weight mixed with it being pretty much like it’s bigger brother the AC-30. I don’t see much value in losing power for an amp this huge. I am a huge Vox fan and have used them over the years. This is a great idea for an amp but I would of much preferred to see a 1×12 AC30!
Hi there intheblues! Ive read your article and its interesting and helpful all in all. Having a Vox AC15C1 myself, I was thinking of this 2×12 thingy on a 15watt amp and why did they haven't done this before? I was craving for an AC30 before but the weight issue is going to be a problem since I carry all the gear I have and its probably a big headache and its going to be painful. In the back! Anyways the AC15C1 has a extension cab output on the back though and I was wondering are there any differences between the AC15C2 and a AC15C1 with an added extension cab? Just curious and have you tried it? Thanks!
All the best
-James
I'd say the extra cabinet would not only be a lighter option, it probably wouldn't sound too different. I doubt it would sound worse, it just might have a different voicing because the speakers are separated more, it would be interesting to find out. I always wanted a 30 watt AC-30 with 1×12 speaker, I reckon Vox should try that again and maaaaaybe they could make the box out of lighter material too 🙂
Hi there intheblues! Ive read your article and its interesting and helpful all in all. Having a Vox AC15C1 myself, I was thinking of this 2×12 thingy on a 15watt amp and why did they haven’t done this before? I was craving for an AC30 before but the weight issue is going to be a problem since I carry all the gear I have and its probably a big headache and its going to be painful. In the back! Anyways the AC15C1 has a extension cab output on the back though and I was wondering are there any differences between the AC15C2 and a AC15C1 with an added extension cab? Just curious and have you tried it? Thanks!
All the best
-James