Modern but classic - the new Vox MV50 compact guitar amp heads

Vox, as a brand of guitar amps, hardly needs an introduction. The Vox AC30 is as legendary as guitar amps come and are used by countless big name bands. However, Vox has a bit of a reputation as being a ‘one trick pony’ (even if they do it really rather well). We are really looking forward to getting our hands on Vox’s new line of amp heads later this month, which promises to expand their range and reputation. The new line of amps comprises of 3 50 Watt heads, each having a distinct voicing. The ‘Clean’, ‘Rock’ and classic Vox sounding ‘AC’ models will help mark the company’s 60th anniversary by using Vox’s trademark sophisticated appearance but with a hint of modern technology with the introduction of the Nutube preamp.

The Vox MV50 is a neat and compact amp head that weighs around 500 grams (1.1lbs), but don’t let that fool you...there’s a lot going on in that small box. At the back there is the usual output socket, a flat/deep EQ switch (allowing you to add or cut low-end for pairing with a variety of cabinets), a switch to choose between 4 / 8 / 16 ohms and a phones/line out socket with speaker cab emulation for headphones or direct recording.

Similar to a conventional vacuum tube, the Nutube has an anode grid filament structure, and operates exactly as a triode vacuum tube. Also similar to a vacuum tube, it creates the same characteristic rich overtones that Vox have become synonymous with over the last 60 years. The engineers at Vox took full advantage of this new tube technology to design a true, low power, low voltage miniature amplifier. Although they have shrunken the size of an amplifier, rest assured that true tube amplifier sound is alive and well in the MV50.

As mentioned above, the new MV50 is available in three different models that aim to serve players of all styles. The “Clean” model provides a natural, undistorted sound with plenty of headroom. The “AC” model serves up the classic chime and distinctive crunch of a VOX AC30, while the “Rock” model delivers more aggressive high gain tones. Style wise, the MV50 is pure Vox, complete with chicken head knobs, mirror-finish front and the trademark grille cloth pattern all present and looking rather beautiful.

The Vox MV50 will be available from late January and is expected to sit just under a £200 price tag, making it a lot of Vox for not a lot of money.

UPDATE:

These MV50 amps are now available and the sets that include the speaker cabinet are strictly limited stock, so get one as soon as you can!