Summer NAMM 2018: Vox’s new, pedal-friendly AC30S1 is the AC30 you’ve been waiting for
1x12 amp features lower price, simplified control layout and effects loop
SUMMER NAMM 2018: Vox has announced a contemporary refresh of the AC30, complete with features players have been requesting for years - meet the AC30S1.
The 1x12 AC30S1 is a single-channel design, based on the Top Boost channel of the original AC30, but ditches the multiple inputs, tone cut and tremolo circuit of the original.
Instead, you get a single input, gain and volume controls, and straightforward treble and bass knobs.
Pedalboard users will be pleased to hear that an effects loop is also included, while a digital reverb handles onboard ambience.
Like the original AC30, the AC30S1 is an all-tube design, with two 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power amp tubes.
With a 1x12 format - utilising a custom Celestion speaker - this new combo weighs in at 24.5kg, as opposed to the original 2x12’s 32.2kg heft. But for players who still long for a multi-speaker sound, there’s an external speaker output around the back, too.
We can’t wait to put this one through its paces - but will it make the grade as one of the best guitar amps available today?
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
The AC30S1 is available now for £735/€849 - head over to Vox Amps for more info, and don't forget the company's other big release at the show, the Superbeetle.
Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
“A commanding new effects pedal that merges aggressive octave fuzz with earth-shaking analogue synth tones”: Third Man Hardware joins forces with Eventide for the Knife Drop – featuring Jack White’s presets, it’s designed for “sonic chaos”
“Ideal for maintaining clarity in extended-range instruments”: Abasi Concepts wants to take your tone to the next level with the Micro-Aggressor – a boost-style compressor voiced for low-end guitar