Vox VXII/VX50GTV/Cambridge 50 -Portable ,USB Audio, 8 channel foot switch

Started by Elantric, July 25, 2015, 09:07:45 PM

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Elantric


#define __PIC12F1822
#include<htc.h>
//FILE: VSF5.C 
//
__CONFIG(0x0FE4);               //CONFIG1 PWRT Off
//__CONFIG(0x0FC4);               //CONFIG1
__CONFIG(0x1EFF);               //CONFIG2 debug disabled
//__CONFIG(0x0EFF);               //CONFIG2 debug enabled

#define PGD  RA0                //Programming pins
#define PGC  RA1
#define MCLRE_ON

//----------------------------Functions Protoypes----------------------------

void ISR_writeEEPROM(char data);   //EEPROM write from ISR
void writeEEPROM(char data);       //set EEADDR before calling this
void checkLED (void);
void masterReset(void);
void delay1 (void);
void delay2 (void);
void TurnOnLED (char data);

//--------------------------Global Variables --------------------------------

char A;
//char B;
char timer02;                   //-- 31.25ms used for debouncing
char eeRearm;               //-- 31.25ms used for Rearm timer (EEWRITE)
char MidiIn[5] = {0x00,0x00,0x00,0x00,0x00};
char MidiNew = 0;            //Set when New MIDI data is available
char PatchTest = 0;
char WhatTnthFlag = 0;  //May be 16th counter dont know yet!
char AtoDcounter;            //Number of AtoD samples taken
unsigned long  int AtoDtotal = 0;   //Running total of AtoD readings
unsigned short int Avrg = 64000;
char AtoDFLAG = 0;
char LED1Ctr = 0;
char LED2Ctr = 0;
char LED3Ctr = 0;
char LED4Ctr = 0;
char LEDOn = 8;

/*I/O pin assignments
Pin  8 Vss
Pin  7 RA0/ICSPDAT
Pin  6 RA1/ICSPCLK
Pin  5 RA2
Pin  4 RA3/Vpp/*MCLR
Pin  3 RA4
Pin  2 RA5
Pin  1 Vdd

*/

//-----------------------------EEPROM MEMORY MAP------------------------------
/*ADDRESS      D1 - D7 in BCD format
0x00           DH7/DM7 tenths for both hourmeters
*/
//#define         D7Addr  0x00    //start always at 0x00


//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
main()
{
    char Loop = 0;
   AtoDFLAG = 0;
   CLRWDT();
   OSCCON = 0x68;  //4HMZ clock (set to internal by FOSC in OPTION1)

   //Set up AtoD
   ANSELA = 0x01;  //Turn off all ananlog inputs except AN0 (Pin 7 RA0)
   ADFM = 1;      //Select data format for 10 bit AtoD data (000000## ########)
   ADPREF1 = 0;   //Set Reference to Vdd
   ADPREF0 = 0;
   CHS0 = 0;      //Select AN0 as AtoD input
   CHS1 = 0;
   CHS2 = 0;
   CHS3 = 0;
   CHS4 = 0;
   ADCS2 = 1;      //AtoD clock = Fosc/64
   ADCS1 = 1;
   ADCS0 = 0;


   TRISA = 0xFF;   //Set everything to inputs for now
   RA1 = 0;         //Turn off all LED's
   RA2 = 0;
   RA4 = 0;
   RA5 = 0;
   INTCON = 0x00;  //No interrupts turned on yet
   A = 0x02;

   TRISA = 0xC9;  //Set RA5,RA4, RA2, RA1 to outputs for LED's
      WPUA = 0x08;  //Weak Pull up's only used on RA3 (*MCLR) input.
    TMR0 = 61;         //TMR0 0.0 - 31.125mS
      T0CS = 0;
   TurnOnLED(0);
      TMR0IE = 1;     //enable timer 0 interrupt
     PEIE = 1;      //Enable peripheral interrups
      GIE  = 1;       //global interrupt enable
   ADON = 1;      //Turn on AtoD

while(1)
   {
   CLRWDT();
   if(AtoDFLAG) //A new averaged AtoD reading is ready
      {
      AtoDFLAG = 0;
      CLRWDT();

      if (Avrg > 3412) //No Buttons
         {
         LED1Ctr = 0;
         LED2Ctr = 0;
         LED3Ctr = 0;
         LED4Ctr = 0;
         }   
      else if (Avrg > 2788)  //CH1? was 697
         {      
         if (Avrg < 3292)  //was 823
            {
            ++LED1Ctr;
            //--LED2Ctr;
            //--LED3Ctr;
            //--LED4Ctr;
            }
         }
      else if (Avrg > 2232)  //CH2? was 558
         {      
         if (Avrg < 2736)  //was 684
            {
            //--LED1Ctr;
            ++LED2Ctr;
            //--LED3Ctr;
            //--LED4Ctr;
            }
         }
      else if (Avrg > 1484)  //CH3? was 371
         {      
         if (Avrg < 1988) //was 497
            {
            //--LED1Ctr;
            //--LED2Ctr;
            ++LED3Ctr;
            //--LED4Ctr;
            }
         }
      else if (Avrg > 988)  //CH4?  was 200
         {      
         if (Avrg < 1120)  //was 320
            {
            //--LED1Ctr;
            //--LED2Ctr;
            //--LED3Ctr;
            ++LED4Ctr;
            }
         }

      if (LED1Ctr >= LEDOn)  //CH1?
         {      
         TurnOnLED(1);
         LED1Ctr = 0;
         LED2Ctr = 0;
         LED3Ctr = 0;
         LED4Ctr = 0;
         }
      else if (LED2Ctr >= LEDOn)  //CH2?
         {      
         TurnOnLED(2);
         LED1Ctr = 0;
         LED2Ctr = 0;
         LED3Ctr = 0;
         LED4Ctr = 0;
         }
      else if (LED3Ctr >= LEDOn)  //CH3?
         {      
         TurnOnLED(3);
         LED1Ctr = 0;
         LED2Ctr = 0;
         LED3Ctr = 0;
         LED4Ctr = 0;
         }
      else if (LED4Ctr >= LEDOn)  //CH4?
         {      
         TurnOnLED(4);
         LED1Ctr = 0;
         LED2Ctr = 0;
         LED3Ctr = 0;
         LED4Ctr = 0;
         }
      
      }
    }
}



//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
static void interrupt
isr(void)
{
   if(T0IF && T0IE)         //Timer0 overflow?
      {                 //used to set AtoD sample rate
      TMR0 = 61;         //Preset
      T0IF = 0;
      AtoDtotal = AtoDtotal + (ADRESH<<8) + ADRESL;
      if(AtoDcounter > 3)
         {
         //Avrg = AtoDtotal >> 2;
         Avrg = AtoDtotal;
         AtoDtotal = 0;
         AtoDFLAG = 1;
         AtoDcounter = 0;
         }
      ++AtoDcounter;
      GO_nDONE = 1;      //Start an AtoD conversion
      }      
}



//-----------------------------------------------------------
void TurnOnLED(char LEDNum)
{
   RA5 = 0;   //Turn off all LED's
   RA4 = 0;
   RA2 = 0;
   RA1 = 0;
   switch (LEDNum)    //Turn on correct LED
      {
      case 4:   //CHANNEL 4
            RA1= 1;
            break;
      case 3:   //CHANNEL 3
            RA2= 1;
            break;
      case 2:   //CHANNEL 2
            RA4= 1;
            break;      
      case 1:   //CHANNEL 1
            RA5 = 1;
            break;
      default://Should not happen?
            return;
      }
}


//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
void delay1()
{
char i;
char j;
     for (i=0;i<22; i++) //Delay was 25, FBV did not like 18 or lower!!
        {
       for (j=0;j<2; j++) //Delay
         {
          CLRWDT();
         }
        }
}

//--------------------------------------------------------------------------
void delay2()
{
char i;
char j;
     for (i=0;i<240; i++) //Delay
        {
       for (j=0;j<240; j++) //Delay
         {
          CLRWDT();
         }
        }
}



Thanks!

FWIW - I learned to cross my 0 and  7 's too

HAMERMAN409

Seeing the code reminds me that I did this on the quick and dirty over a few lunch breaks, that's why there are comments that say FBV (which is from a whole different project) and I cheesed out and used nested for loops for delay rather than taking the time to set up an interrupt. Despite the crudeness it all works.

Portions of the same basic circuit can be added to a real VFS5 to add the bicolor LED's on each switch. I did that for the other guitarist in my band.

Arakula

Hi HAMERMAN409,

I'm aware of the fact that this thread is 1.5 years old now, but, well ... I'd like to upgrade my VFS5 with LEDs now  8)

I'm trying to wrap my head around the drawing above and the "original" VFS5 schematic from here (the original seems to be gone by now). I'm not familiar with the symbol you're using for Q1..Q3 in your drawing above. Am I right in assuming that it's a NPN transistor?

If so, could you please have a look at the circuit I drew - that should combine the original circuit with your LED add-on. Does that look correct to you?

[Edit:] Transistors changed to N-MOSFET

admin

Q1-Q3 = BS170 (Small Signal MOSFET 500 mA, 60 Volts) - not NPN transistors
https://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/BS170-D.PDF


LEDS are MT6224-AHRG-A   = Bi-Color LEDS
https://marktechopto.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/products/datasheet/MT6224-AHRG-A.pdf

3.3VDC Regulator = LF33CV  500 mA 3.3 V Fixed VLDO Voltage Regulator with Inhibit - TO-220
https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/cd00000546.pdf

Microcontroller = PIC12F1822
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/40001413e.pdf



Arakula

Thank you! OK, I could have seen the BS170 myself, shame on me...

But what about the original VFS5 circuit drawing from www.whitelamp.com? This one says "Any small npn transistor should do eg. BC109" - since I'm trying to create an add-on for my existing VFS5, the upper part of my circuit should reflect the "original". So, is the Q1 in my drawing (which should be the one already in the VFS5)  NPN or is that also a N-MOSFET (and the whitelamp circuit is wrong)?

And please bear with me, I'm a programmer, not an EE - if I open my VFS5 and look at the physical thing, (how) can I tell what kind of transistor this is?

admin

Quote from: Arakula on February 05, 2019, 09:03:07 AM
Thank you! OK, I could have seen the BS170 myself, shame on me...

But what about the original VFS5 circuit drawing from www.whitelamp.com? This one says "Any small npn transistor should do eg. BC109" - since I'm trying to create an add-on for my existing VFS5, the upper part of my circuit should reflect the "original". So, is the Q1 in my drawing (which should be the one already in the VFS5)  NPN or is that also a N-MOSFET (and the whitelamp circuit is wrong)?

And please bear with me, I'm a programmer, not an EE - if I open my VFS5 and look at the physical thing, (how) can I tell what kind of transistor this is?


Webwayback archive of original VFS5 circuit drawing from www.whitelamp.com


remember below is a different approach designed to use a PIC12F1822 Microcontroller for dual color LEDS on each Foot Switch


Arakula

Quote from: admin on February 05, 2019, 09:12:34 AM
Webwayback archive of original VFS5 circuit drawing from www.whitelamp.com

https://web.archive.org/web/20180423095552/http://www.whitelamp.com/public/vox_vfs5.html
... which I already referenced above ...

Quote from: adminremember below is a different approach designed to use a PIC12F1822 Microcontroller for dual color LEDS

I know. I want to create an add-on board to the existing VFS5 that uses the PIC approach, based on this:

Quote from: HAMERMAN409 on August 23, 2017, 10:04:19 AMPortions of the same basic circuit can be added to a real VFS5 to add the bicolor LED's on each switch. I did that for the other guitarist in my band.

... so I'm trying to marry the two approaches. First step: understanding them 8) ...

[Edit:] I opened up my VFS5 to check; the original uses a C2874, which is a NPN transistor.

admin

QuoteI can play guitar using the Vox VXII's excellent built in DSP Amp models and FX ( they appear to be Mono Only) , and with the Ipad still connected via USB, I can us the VXII as a 24 bit stereo USB DAC, and feed backing tracks from my iPhone/iPad , play IOS Synths, and hear everything in either the VXII's full range 8" speaker at 30 watts mono, or I can connect stereo headphones, and hear everything in clean 24 bit stereo audio with equivalent performance of my other top 24 bit IOS audio interfaces.


Look at the Vox VTX50 GTV


VOX VX50 GTV 50W Hybrid Modeling Combo Amplifier

Expected availability: Apr 16, 2019
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1451172-REG/vox_vx50g_vx50_50w_digital_modeling.html
https://www.voxamps.com/uploads/SupportPage_Downloads/VX50GTV_VX15GT_OM_EFGSJ1.pdf



vs

Vox VXII


VTX50 GTV Removes the VXII's "TWEED 4 x 10" setting, but adds a clean uncolored "LINE" setting  - for use with third party DSP Amp Modelers Left MONO Output   


Requires External 19VDC Power brick - instead of the VXII's 15 V Power Brick)




sonnyv

excellent! nutube, 20 more watts than the 30 and the new direct line-in option is a valued inclusion.

but i hate the metallic blue front. i'd have to paint it black or remove it.

my concern is that the VXii vid review by Anderton's was not good

i have the Adio Air GT and i love that. The question is how does the VXii compare (besides for the stereo)?
if it doesn't compare well, i'd have to assume the new VX50 won't either.


sonnyv

the main drawback of the VXII and  VX50 is they don't have the wide 3D stereo effect of the Adio GT (and Blackstar ID). I've got to have that.

admin

Quote from: sonnyv on February 16, 2019, 02:29:50 PM
the main drawback of the VXII and  VX50 is they don't have the wide 3D stereo effect of the Adio GT (and Blackstar ID). I've got to have that.

Feed Adio GT headphone Out into a TRS Insert cable that feeds the stereo L/R inputs on a Roland JC-40

But my big remaing complaint is no remote foot switch on Adio GT, but VXII does support a 5 button footswitch  - with access to 8 stored presets

sonnyv

i'm wondering about using a pair of the keyboard version (Vox VX50KB) as a modeling amp for Headrush Gigboard, instead of the Headrush 8" or Alto 10" powered speaker

with it's coaxial speaker and 3 inputs, including mic input, the VX50KB seems like it might be the best of the Vox nu-tube amps for a stereo setup.  unfortunately, a couple of reviews were not kind.


Elantric



I recently received a scratch & dent Vox VX50GTV

I once owned its prior version - the Vox VXII
Appearance - IMHO the VX50GTV looks nicer than the old VXII, with real grill cloth, and the front blue silver frame is much subdued color in person
   
The VX50GTV upon initial power on suffers from more hiss and white noise  - even with all controls on "0"

But once you accept the hiss, and begin playing the amp along with the optional Vox  VFS5 5 button footswitch, it yields a wide array of Acceptable tones  - I used my Gibson SG with P90 PU's and found I could easily go from clean to mean with just my guitars volume knob, and program 8 separate patches and access them remotely with the VFS5 footswitch. This Same VFS5 Footwitch also allows remote tap tempo

Vox VX50GTV OM
https://voxamps.com/uploads/SupportPage_Downloads/VX50GTV_VX15GT_OM_EFGSJ1.pdf

     


They have refined this product category, the VX50GTV with its Korg / Noritake NuTube  delivered tones which could easily work for most low volume practice sessions and grab & go jam sessions - Compared to the old VXII, the VX50GTV has better touch response, and I could easily achieve low volume sustain.

Now with a 50 watt power amp, (vs the old VXII's 30 watts)  the VX50GTV delivered more non flubby tones than the internal 8" speaker implies. It also features better range control of the built in effects using its one FX knob interface reminiscent of older Cube 40X amps   


And after the drummer hits the ride cymbal once , I no longer notice the VX50GTV's background hiss ;)



It does require the supplied 19VDC  @ 3.42Amp Power brick

admin

I got to play with the Vox  VX50 GTV Amp on Headphones

Ironically the high hiss apparent from the built Class D 50 watt amplifier feeding the built in 8" speaker is not apparent on Headphones directly connected to the the  VX50 GTV headphone jack


and all built in signal processing is Mono only  - no stereo effects here

But the USB port supports Class compliant USB Stereo Audio Input and very cleanly

Also the  VX50 GTV's  USB connection supports Android smartphone running Vox ToneRoom to edit  VX50 GTV patches

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voxamps.toneroom&hl=en_US


Also at a live gig, the  VX50 GTV's hiss is not as bad given how loud the amp is  - it plays MUCH louder and cleaner compared to the older Vox VXII

admin

Quote from: sonnyv on February 15, 2019, 01:32:48 PM
excellent! nutube, 20 more watts than the 30 and the new direct line-in option is a valued inclusion.

but i hate the metallic blue front. i'd have to paint it black or remove it.

my concern is that the VXii vid review by Anderton's was not good

i have the Adio Air GT and i love that. The question is how does the VXii compare (besides for the stereo)?
if it doesn't compare well, i'd have to assume the new VX50 won't either.






New Vox Cambridge 50 - basically the VX50 GTV in a Wood cab with 12" speaker



Output: Max 50W RMS

Number of amp models: 11 (10 + LINE)

Number of effects: 8

Number of preset programs: 11

Number of user programs: 2 (8 when using VFS5)

Input / output terminals: INPUT, AUX IN, Headphones (with cabinet simulator), FOOT SW.

USB port: Type B (Audio, Tone Room)

Speaker: Celestion VX12 4Ω 12 inch

Vacuum tube: Nutube 6P1

Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz

Power supply: 19V

Power consumption: 3.42A

External dimensions (W x D x H): 452 mm x 240 mm x 410 mm

Mass: 8.9 kg

Accessories: AC adapter (19 V), JamVOX download code

Optional accessories: VFS2 foot switch, VFS5 foot switch

* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

* The color of the product may differ slightly from the actual color.


Larsson

I've been keeping an eye on the various Nutube offerings by Vox and that Cambridge50 is actually an interesting product. Strangely there is hardly any info available yet. Vox amps Japan has it listed:
https://voxamps.com/ja/product/cambridge50/
and there is also a manual available:
https://voxamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/VOX_Cambridge50_OM_EFGSJ1.pdf
Couple of videos on Vox amps Japan site, and some Japanese resellers has it listed, but that's about it at this point.

admin

Quote from: Larsson on November 22, 2019, 10:09:11 AM
I've been keeping an eye on the various Nutube offerings by Vox and that Cambridge50 is actually an interesting product. Strangely there is hardly any info available yet. Vox amps Japan has it listed:
https://voxamps.com/ja/product/cambridge50/
and there is also a manual available:
https://voxamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/VOX_Cambridge50_OM_EFGSJ1.pdf
Couple of videos on Vox amps Japan site, and some Japanese resellers has it listed, but that's about it at this point.

IMHO the new Vox Cambridge 50 is basically the same guts as the Vox VX50GTV  - but placed in a wood cabinet with a 12" speaker
With Luck - Korg/Vox made a fix to the Power Amp  - the "Achilles Heel" of last years Vox VX50GTV is the relative high hiss noise at low volume 

But in many cases for grab & go or USB recording with STEREO HEADPHONE OUT -  I prefer the Vox over the Katana!

Cant believe the new Katana MKII and Katana Artist still only support Mono Headphone Audio  - makes Katana  useless for my mobile recording  /practice /  songwriting needs.


hsuru4u

Hard pass on this...vox really has lost its edge in modeling in last 8 yrs or so.They seem to release toyish cheap stuff now.Too bad.

admin

Quote from: hsuru4u on January 09, 2020, 12:41:16 PM
Hard pass on this...vox really has lost its edge in modeling in last 8 yrs or so.They seem to release toyish cheap stuff now.Too bad.

I got a Deal on the VX50GTV - mostly to explore the NuTube

But the VX50GTV Power Amp ( which is identical as the new Cambridge 50) is really noisy and has lots of Hisss thru its Speaker

the VX50GTV Headphone Output has lower noise, and the VX50GTV USB supports Stereo Audio from the connected Computer   

But To be Honest  - I MUCH prefer the sounds, dynamics of my old 2006 Vox Tonelab LE which has an optical SPDIF Output!


hsuru4u

Quote from: admin on January 09, 2020, 01:12:27 PM
I got a Deal on the VX50GTV - mostly to explore the NuTube

But the VX50GTV Power Amp ( which is identical as the new Cambridge 50) is really noisy and has lots of Hisss thru its Speaker

the VX50GTV Headphone Output has lower noise, and the VX50GTV USB supports Stereo Audio from the connected Computer   

But To be Honest  - I MUCH prefer the sounds, dynamics of my old 2006 Vox Tonelab LE which has an optical SPDIF Output!



as i do my tonelab se.

Larsson

I've been pretty disappointed with all the demos so far. This one is at least a little bit better.


admin



Vox VX50 GTV test
Electric Guitar Combo
Nutube modeling specialist
by Bassel Hallak05/31/201952(5/5)

For today's test, the Vox VX50 GTV combo from the British traditional brand is in the starting blocks, an inexpensive combo amplifier with an 8 "speaker that generates its sound from a new Nutube tube and has also been equipped with eight effects.

With its 50-watt output, a total of 10 amp simulations and a so-called line model for connecting other instruments, it is at least armed on paper for a wide variety of applications and tastes.


details
The most striking feature in addition to the successful look is certainly the extremely low weight of the combo. With dimensions of 354 x 208 x 313 mm (W x D x H), it weighs just 4.1 kg and is therefore a real lightweight.
This is due, among other things, to the sealed ABS housing with a bass reflex design, which ensures a full sound while avoiding unwanted background noise and vibrations.

The new Vox VX50 GTV guitar combo presents itself with a successful look as a modern modeling amp.


It weighs 4.1 kg and is 354 x 208 x 313 mm (W x D x H).



Behind the big name is a 50 watt combo with eleven official amp models and effects.


The sound is generated from a new Nutube tube that Korg and Noritake Itron Corporation developed.


A generous handle supports the guitarist when transporting the combo.

A Nutube 6P1 tube works inside the flyweight. It is an electron tube developed by Korg and the Noritake Itron Corporation, which uses the technology of vacuum fluorescent displays, such as those known from microwave devices or video recorders. The Nutube is basically constructed exactly like conventional tubes and should also ensure typical distortion, compression and response in our case, which I was able to convince myself of in other tests. This innovative technology also ensures a drastic reduction in weight, since the components used for conventional tube operation are simply eliminated. The whole thing is amplified by a Class-D amplifier to a maximum of 50 watts, which are output to the outside world via an 8 "loudspeaker,

Structure and technology
Let's take a closer look at the control panel of the combo.

The input socket is on the left, with a section labeled PROGRAM directly above it. Here you can save and recall presets. As an option, Vox also offers a double foot switch under the name VFS2, with which two presets can be called up. If that's not enough, you should use the VFS5, which manages up to eight presets.

The VX50GTV can be operated in two modes:

1) Preset program mode:
To call up a preset, the AMP selector switch is turned when the PRESET diode under PROGRAM lights up. Regardless of the control settings, a preset is called up that provides a sound that is typical for the selected amplifier model.
With amplifier and effects settings you can also create your own sound and save it under A or B. A stored sound is called up by pressing the PROGRAM button. The volume depends on the POWER LEVEL control setting, regardless of the selected sound.

2) Manual mode:
In this mode, the VX50GTV behaves like a conventional guitar amplifier, with the positions of all controls and selector switches having an immediate effect on the sound.

Also in the PROGRAM section is a tuner that is activated with the TAP button, which is located in the middle on the top.


The control surface on the top is equipped with an input socket, AMP selector, tone control, effects section and much more.

In the following section, I would like to go into the amplifier models that are called up with the amp selector switch. The lettering clearly shows which amp served as a model.

1. DELUXE CL
emulation of a two-channel 22W Blackface from the 1960s. Based on the "Vibrato" channel.

2. BOUTIQUE CL
model of the clean channel of a top-class boutique amplifier, which was called "Overdrive Special".

3. BOUTIQUE OD
Model of the overdrive channel of the "Overdrive Special".

4. VOX AC30
Emulation of the normal channel of an AC30 with Celestion AlNiCo "Blue" speakers.

5. VOX AC30TB
This model is based on an AC30 with "Top Boost" circuit, which was installed as standard from 1964.

6. BRIT 1959
Based on the "High Treble" channel of a hand-soldered amplifier top, which was built in England in the early 1960s.

7. BRIT 800
The model of a 1983 single-channel British 100W top with master volume control.

8. BRIT VM is
based on an English 100W top that was released in 2007 and has four channels.

9. SL-OD
This model is based on the "Overdrive" channel of a 100W full-tube top introduced in 1991, which could also be purchased in a snake skin look.

10. DOUBLE REC
Based on the "Modern High Gain" channel of an American-made amplifier.

11. LINE
Here the Nutube of the VX50 GTV produces rich overtones and a clear, compressed sound. This model is said to be particularly suitable for amplifying semi-acoustic electric guitars or keyboards.


To recall a preset, the AMP selector is turned when the PRESET diode under PROGRAM is lit.

The combo amplifier also offers a selection of effects, which I would now like to discuss in more detail.

The MODULATION control selects a total of four effects and also determines their speed. If this control is turned all the way to the left, the modulation effects are deactivated.

1. CHORUS
Model of a conventional analog chorus effect with a rich and spatial sound

2. FLANGER
model of an analog flanger effect with a characteristic swelling sound similar to that of a jet plane.

3. ORG PHASE
Popular 4-stage phaser in an orange housing.

4. TWIN TREM
Model of a tremolo effect that periodically intensifies the sound and can be found in US combo amps.

The DELAY / REVERB control determines the delay or reverb effects and at the same time their strength or the proportion of the selected effect. The effects are deactivated completely to the left.

1. A.DELAY
model of an analog delay effect with bucket chain connection.

2. TAPE ECHO
model of a legendary analog band echo. This echo was originally generated with an endless belt loop and the delay time was regulated by changing the tape running speed.

3. SPRING
This effect simulates a spring reverb, as is known from numerous guitar amps.

4. HALL
Model of the hall of a concert hall with numerous reflections.


The combo amplifier also offers a practical selection of effects from modulation to reverb to delays.

The TAP button mentioned above is used to determine the tempo of the effects, whereby an LED also provides visual control by blinking. One gain control is just as important as two more for treble and bass, the overall volume of the combo is determined with the volume potentiometer. Below the volume control is a potentiometer labeled POWER LEVEL, which defines the output level of the power amplifier.

All that's missing is an aux in and headphone jack, both 3.5 mm stereo jacks. The Aux-In socket can be fed with the analog output of an audio device, the signal of which is then output via the amplifier. A great option if you want to jam to a piece, for example. The output signal from the headphone jack can also be sent directly to a mixer or to a recording device. The output level of this socket is adjusted with the POWER LEVEL control.


The back of the amplifier is clear.


Here is only the connection for the optional foot switch, a USB type B socket ...


... and to find the power supply connection.

The back of the amplifier is clear and apart from the input socket of the supplied power supply unit, only the optionally available foot switches and a USB Type B socket can be found here.

In addition, the VX50 GTV can be connected to a PC or Mac or to an Android / iOS device and then serves as a USB audio interface. With the Tone Room software available for download on the manufacturer's website, programs can be edited and amplifiers and effects individually adjusted. Installing the software on my Mac Book on OS X Mojave and an iPhone went smoothly.

The first picture shows the operation on a Mac, the second on an iPhone.


VOX TONE ROOM MAC


VOX TONE ROOM iPhone

Changes to the settings made on the computer or smartphone are immediately sent to the amplifier. This greatly simplifies the adjustment of the amplifier.

So much for our tour of the amplifier made in Vietnam, where I could not find any defects in processing.



https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/einzelansicht/vox-vx50-gtv-test/2.html

PRACTICE
For the following recordings, I positioned an SM57 in front of the speaker and of course did not further process all audio files in terms of sound. A Tom Anderson HSS Strat is used as the guitar.

I leave all sound control options in the middle position, only a small pinch of spring reverb provides a little more space when switching through all amplifier emulations. Exactly which amp is involved can be seen in the audio file.


Deluxe
Boutique CL
Boutique OD
VOX AC30
AC30TB
Brit 59
Brit 800
Brit VM
SL OD
Double REC
LINE
High quality audio


The small amplifier generates a lot of volume for its size, which can be reduced to room volume thanks to the power level potentiometer. Despite the rather small 8 "speaker, the small combo creates a more than decent bass foundation, which gives the sound a certain size overall and puts the amplifier models in the limelight. These can be consistently liked due to their rather authentic emulation. , Vox and Marshall models are particularly positive!

It continues with the effects. I play through this with the deluxe emulation. The effects called up are listed in the audio file and can be heard in the middle position of the control path.



Chorus
Flanger
Phaser
Trem


With eleven successful amp models and eight effects, a whole range of different characteristic sounds is offered.

The Vox VX50 GTV can also score here. Chorus, phaser as well as the flanger give the sound a nice depth, and the tremolo does its job quite well. One should not forget that the amplifier goes completely over the counter for the price of an (!) Average expensive boutique pedal!

Of course, the delay and reverb section should not be missing.



delay
Tape echo
Spring
Hall



The same applies here as in the previous section. The effects deliver exactly the sound you would expect from them, and at an astonishingly high level. With the tape echo, the "sagging" of the repetitions can be heard nicely, but I also like the spring reverb very well, because it gives the sound a nice depth.

Of course, I'm also interested in the sound that is output directly to the computer via USB. To do this, I connect the amplifier to my computer and select the amplifier as input and output in Pro Tools under the audio settings. The appropriate driver can also be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. In this case, the sound is output through the amp.

But even under Logic, recognizing the amplifier as an input device was completely problem-free. Here you can select another output device (unlike Pro Tools).

First you can hear the Deluxe, then the Brit VM emulation.


USB OUT Deluxe
USB OUT Brit VM

Vox has really done a great job here, the amp delivers a very good sounding signal to the DAW. This makes recording child's play even in difficult situations.


Conclusion(5/5)
The Vox VX 50 GTV can convince all along the line, because it is a very good sounding, easy to use and super flexible little combo that cuts a great figure at home, in the studio or on smaller stages. In addition, it is solidly manufactured and with only 4.1 kg a true flyweight. With the optionally available foot switch, several sounds can be called up live, and it's worth it. With a total of 11 successful amplifier models, the sounds of which are generated from a Nutube 6P1 tube and 8 effects, a whole range of different characteristic sounds is offered, which, thanks to the special housing design, sound quite large even with the built-in 8 "speaker. The price-performance ratio is very good.


PER
successful modeling ampsounds
impeccable workmanship
easy handling
CONTRA
no

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Vox
Name: VX50 GTV
Type: electric guitar combo
Country of origin: Vietnam
Tube: Nutube 6P1
Power amplifier: Class D
Output power: 50 watts
Speakers: 8 "at 4 ohms
Signal processing: 24 bit
Preset memory: 11
User memory: 2 (8 when using the optionally available VFS5 foot switch)
Inputs / outputs: input, headphone jack, aux in, foot sw, USB type B
Amplifier models: Deluxe CL, Boutique CL, Boutique OD, Vox AC30, Vox AC30TB, Brit 1959, Brit 800, Brit VM, SL-0D, Double Rec, Line
Effects: Modulation (Chorus, Flanger, Phase, Twin Trem), Delay / Reverb (Analog Delay, Tape Echo, Spring, Hall)
Special features: tuner, tone room editor software Mac / PC, Android / iOS
Dimensions: (W x D x H): 354 x 208 x 313 mm
Weight: 4.1 kg
Shop price: 249.00 Euro (May 2019)