Sam takes a look at the new Vox Cambridge 50 NuTube Amplifier, a fantastic alternative to the likes of the Boss Katana, Blackstar ID or Fender Mustang.
Check it out here: https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/vox-cambridge-50-modeling-guitar-amp
Shop VOX: https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/brands/vox
New for 2020, the Vox Cambridge 50 is a 50 watt modelling amplifier which offers a wide range of tones, is loud enough to use on stage and at rehearsals, but is also equally as suitable for quiet home practicing.
In terms of electronics and control options, it’s actually very similar to VOX’s existing VT50-GTV combo, which means that it uses their Virtual Element Technology, or VET for short, to create a versatile range of amp models, and the tonal circuit also features Vox’s exclusive NuTube vacuum tube, which helps to add the kind of natural overdrive and compression characteristics that you’d expect from a conventional valve amplifier, but without the reliability issues.
Where the Cambridge differs from the VX50 though is in it’s cabinet and speaker design. Instead of the slightly uncoventional, closed back, ported ABS plastic cabinet and 8” standard speaker which is found on the VT50, the Cambridge 50, whilst still remaining relatively lightweight, reverts back to a traditional open back wooden cabinet design. It’s styled a little more like a classic Vox, but most importantly it houses a larger, upgraded Celestion VX12 speaker, which offers a wider frequency range response and a bit more punch at higher volumes.
Looking at the control panel, it’s pretty simple layout, so if you don’t get on with menu based modelling amps such as the Fender Mustang or Marshall Code, the Cambridge might be a good option for you. There’s 10 amp models to choose from, plus a line option, that’s a super clean channel suitable for an electro acoustic guitar or keyboard but which still utilises the NuTube circuitry. Just like on the VT series, the onboard amp models range from clean to high gain tones, and included recreations of Vox’s classic AC30 and AC30 top boost amps, as well as amp models inspired by classic Fender, Marshall and Mesa amplifiers.
To tweak your tone, there’s a gain knob, treble and bass controls and then a master channel volume, and this works in conjunction with the power level knob, allowing you to crank the channel volume right up to replicate a tube amp being driven really hard, but then turn the power level down, so you can get that kinda valvey feel and response but at low volume levels, ideal for home practice and recording.
On top of the amp models you can add two simultaneous effects, a modulation, so that’s chorus, flanger, phase or tremolo and then a delay or a reverb, and these are controlled by two knobs, making it really simple to dial in an effect.
Once you’ve created a tone, you can save two favourites which can be recalled by pressing the program button, or if you connect the optional VFS5 footswitch, you can expand this to 8 saveable programs, accessed via the footswitch.
Other than that, there’s standard practice amp features such as a headphone output and auxiliary input, and there’s also a USB socket on the back of the amp, allowing you to record your tones through the NuTube circuitry directly into your computer’s recording software.
Take a listen here with PMTVU and check one out at your nearest Professional Music Technology store...
#namm2020 #voxamps #voxcambridge50
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