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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Mains powered apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................................... 4 Welcome! ........................................................................................................ 4 Main features .................................................................................................. 4 Quick start ....................................................................................... 5 Setup ....................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the VOX Valvetronix VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/ VT120+ modeling guitar amplifier. To help you get the most out of your new amplifire, please read this manual carefully. Get ready to enjoy the VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ amazing guitar sounds! Main features • The VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ uses Valve Reactor technology, and features a power amp circuit containing a 12AX7 (ECC83) dual triode valve (“vacuum tube”) that would normally be used in a preamp.
Quick start This Quick Start section is for those of you who would like to start using your new amp right away. This manual contains information that will help you take full advantage of your Valvetronix amp, so be sure to read the rest of it after you’ve read the Quick Start section. HINT: Illustrations of the top panel and rear panel are provided in “Top and rear panels” (p. 7), so refer to them as you try out your amp. Setup 1. Turn the MASTER volume (p. 8) control on the amp all the way down. 2.
HINT: The amp models are organized into three banks, each bank containing eleven models (a total of thirty-three). Press the AMP switch to change banks. Each time you press this, the AMP LED will switch to green, orange, or red, and you’ll switch to amp banks STD, SPL, and CST. Each of the thirty-three amp models has three preset programs (a total of ninety-nine programs).
Top and rear panels In this chapter we're going to take a look at the top and rear panels of your Valvetronix amp. Top panel The illustration shows the VT20+. 3 2 1 4 5 8 6 9 7 1. INPUT section INPUT jack This is where you plug in your guitar. 2. PRESETS/MANUAL section PRESET switch and LED, MANUAL LED Use this to switch to Preset mode or Manual mode, PRESET LED and to select preset programs (basic, effect, song).
3. AMP section Here you can adjust the settings for the amp using the traditional VOX “chicken head” knobs. AMP selector AMP LED AMP switch and selector, LED Here you can select the amp mode. Each time you press the AMP switch, the bank and AMP LED color will change as follows: AMP switch • STD (Standard): green • SPL (Special): orange • CST (Custom): red Use the AMP selector to choose a model within the selected amp bank.
4. CHANNEL/TUNER section BANK and CHANNEL switches, LEDs Use the BANK switch to TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs CHANNEL LED BANK LED select the channel bank. In Channel Select mode, the BANK LED will be lit green or red. Use the CHANNEL BANK switch CHANNEL switch TUNER (BYPASS) switch switches to select channels. The LED of the selected channel will be lit up. To save a new program, hold down the desired CHANNEL switch for two seconds or longer.
MOD/DELAY selector This selects the modulation type, delay type, or other effect type. When you switch the effect type, the parameter settings of the effect will be initialized. DEPTH knob This adjusts the parameter of each effect, such as the depth of the effect. You can also adjust the modulation speed and other parameters by holding down the TAP switch and rotating the DEPTH knob. To turn the modulation/delay effect off, rotate this knob all the way to the left.
9. AUX IN/PHONES section AUX IN jack Connect the analog output of an audio device to this jack. You can connect a CD or MP3 player here, and play along on the guitar while listening to your favorite songs. AUX IN jack PHONES jack Use this jack if you want to output directly to a mixer or recording device, or when you want to use headphones. The signal that PHONES jack is output from this jack is taken from directly before the power amp, and the cabinet response of the guitar amp will be applied to it.
About the three operating modes Preset mode (recalling preset programs) In Preset mode you can use the AMP switch/selector to recall programs for each amp model: “basic” programs containing typical sounds for that amp model, “effect” preset programs, and “song” preset programs that replicate tones from hit songs. Each program will automatically switch the settings for GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, and effects.
Channel Select mode (recalling user programs) In Channel Select mode you can use the BANK switch and CHANNEL switches to recall the programs that are saved in each channel of the bank; all of the amp and effect parameters will switch automatically. Switching to Channel Select mode If the BANK and CHANNEL LEDs are dark, you’re not in Channel Select mode. Press the BANK switch or a CHANNEL switch; the BANK and CHANNEL LEDs will light up, and you’ll be in Channel Select mode.
Creating and saving sounds You can create a sound either by starting with an existing program that’s close to what you have in mind and then editing it, or by creating the sound “from scratch” (i.e., from an initialized state). Creating a sound Here’s how to create a sound from scratch. 1. Enter Manual mode. 2. Use the TUNER (BYPASS) switch to bypass the effect (the TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs will be lit up). If you want to use an effect, you’ll add it last. 3.
Turn the DEPTH knob (without holding down a switch). DELAY TIME: Press the TAP switch twice (at the desired timing interval). DELAY FEEDBACK: Turn the DEPTH knob while holding down the TAP switch. DELAY LEVEL: HINT: For details on the effect types, refer to “About the amp models and effect types” (p. 22). Adjusting the noise reduction Here’s how to adjust the way that noise is suppressed. NOTE: Noise reduction is specified individually for each program.
3. For two seconds or longer, hold down the CHANNEL switch of the channel in which you want to save the sound. The program will be saved in that channel, and that bank and channel will be selected. NOTE: The program that was previously in that location will be overwritten; i.e., the program that had been in the channel you selected in step 3 will be lost. NOTE: The setting of the TUNER (BYPASS) switch is not saved in the program.
2. While holding down the CH1 and CH4 switches, turn on the power. When the BANK and CHANNEL LEDs start blinking, release the two switches you had been holding down. HINT: If you decide to cancel initialization at this point, press the TUNER (BYPASS) switch. 3. Press the TAP switch. The BANK and CHANNEL LEDs will change from blinking to lit, and initialization will begin. In one or two seconds, initialization will be completed, and the unit will enter Preset mode.
Using the tuner The tuner function lets you tune a guitar that’s connected to the INPUT jack. 1. Press the TUNER (BYPASS) switch. All effects will be bypassed and the tuner function will be turned on. Bypass indicator (No valid signal is input.) HINT: If you want to tune your guitar with the amp output muted, hold down the TUNER (BYPASS) switch for one second or longer. When the amp is muted, the TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs will blink. 2. Play any open string.
Using a foot switch (VOX VFS5) If you connect an optional foot switch (VOX VFS5: sold separately) to the rear panel FOOT SW jack, you’ll be able to switch banks/channels and turn effect bypass on/off using your foot. NOTE: You must connect or disconnect the foot switch while the power is off. Malfunctions or damage may occur if you connect or disconnect the foot switch while the power is on. NOTE: Do not press two or more foot switches simultaneously. Doing so may cause malfunctions.
Effect on/off (CH1, 2, 4 switches) In Preset or Manual mode, you can press the VFS5’s CH1, 2 or CH4 switches to turn PEDAL, MOD/DELAY, and REVERB effects on/off respectively. NOTE: If the effect is turned off because you used the VALUE, DEPTH, or REVERB knob, the CHANNEL switches will have no effect. NOTE: The effect on/off status set by the VFS5’s operation is not saved in the program.
Signal path Your guitar sound passes through the following sections. Refer to “Top and rear panels” (p. 7) in conjunction with this illustration. GAIN MASTER VOLUME POWER LEVEL VALVE REACTOR EFFECT PRE AMP PEDAL Select one of 33 EFFECT MOD/DELAY REVERB VALVE ECC83 (12AX7) What is Valve Reactor technology? The Valve Reactor circuit used in the power amp of this VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/ VT120+ amp is based on new technology.
About the amp models and effect types This section provides details about the amp models and effect types, such as pedal effect, modulation and delay effects and reverb effect Amp models 1. CLEAN STD (Standard) This models the clean channel of a high-quality amp that was produced only on special order, and was known as the overdrive special. With a beautifully rounded low range, a sharp midrange attack, and a sweet treble register, this is ideal for single coil pickups.
SPL (Special) This models the 22W Bruno Cowtipper Pro II 22 which owes its existence to a special friend of VOX, the custom amp designer Tony Bruno. It responds with extreme sensitivity to your playing touch, and its silky-sweet clean tone becomes a crunch sound rich in overtones when you turn up the volume. CST (Custom) This models a wood-finished 30W boutique amp head that costs more than $25,000. It delivers sparkling glassy clean tones.
6. VOX AC30 STD (Standard) This models an AC30 amp with a “top boost” circuit that was included as standard beginning in 1964. It delivers a smooth and refined top end, a majestically deep overdrive, and a rich, brilliant clean sound. SPL (Special) Designed after our VOX Hand-wired Heritage AC30H2 this model provides the sparkle that is synonymous with the pairing of a classic VOX amplifier and the famed Celestion Alnico Blue.
9. US HIGH GAIN STD (Standard) This models a 100W boutique amp head manufactured in North Hollywood. This amp can be switched between power tube class AB or class A modes; the class AB mode used on the VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ produces rich overtones and features a highly musical response. SPL (Special) This models the overdrive channel of a snakeskin-covered 100W amp head built in 1991.
Pedal effects The VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ provides eleven of the most popular types of pedal effect. You can use the VALUE knob to adjust the major parameters. NOTE: In order to edit the pedal effect parameter settings, effect bypass must be off (the BYPASS LED must be dark). If bypass is on (BYPASS LED lit), turning the VALUE knob will adjust the noise reduction sensitivity instead of an effect parameter. NOTE: To turn the pedal effect off, rotate the VALUE knob all the way to the left. 1.
5. BRN OCTAVE This models a pedal that adds gravity to a sound by generating a sound one octave below, and mixing this with the original (dry) sound. Knob VALUE Parameter LEVEL Adjusts the mix amount of the octave-lower sound. 6. TREBLE BOOST This models the treble booster built into the VOX VBM-1, which was designed for use with the VOX AC30. It adds “crunch” to overdrive sound. Knob VALUE Parameter GAIN Adjusts the gain. 7.
Modulation and delay effects The VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ provides eleven types of modulation effects, delays and other effects. The SPEED parameter of modulation effects and the TIME parameter of delay effects can be easily adjusted by pressing the TAP switch twice. HINT: To set a precise speed or time that matches the tempo of a song, press the TAP switch several times in rhythm with the song. You can use the DEPTH knob to adjust most of the parameters.
4. ORG PHASE This models a popular analog phaser in a banana-colored box. Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH RESONANCE Adjusts the amount of resonance. TAP SPEED Adjusts the modulation speed in a range of 0.1...15 Hz. TAP+DEPTH SPEED Adjusts the speed. 5. TWIN TREM This models the acclaimed tremolo circuit built into a US-made combo amp. Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH DEPTH Adjusts the tremolo depth. TAP SPEED Adjusts the modulation speed in a range of 1.0...15 Hz. TAP+DEPTH SPEED Adjusts the speed. 6.
8. FILTRON This is an envelope-controlled filter (wah) that opens or closes a filter based on input from a guitar. Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH SENS Adjusts the sensitivity to the guitar's volume. TAP TYPE Specifies the direction of movement (up or down). If Up is selected, the TAP switch LED will light. TAP+DEPTH RESONANCE Adjusts the amount of resonance. 9. TAPE ECHO This models an acclaimed analog tape echo.
Reverb effects Three types of reverb are provided. Depending on the position of the REVERB knob, this selects the reverb type (ROOM, SPRING, or HALL) or adjusts the mix amount of the reverb sound. NOTE: To turn the reverb effect off, rotate the REVERB knob all the way to the left. 1. ROOM This reverb type simulates a typical room that contains numerous early reflections. 2. SPRING This simulates the spring reverb that’s built into many guitar amps. 3.
Troubleshooting 1. Power does not turn on when you turn the POWER switch on • • • • Is the power cable connected to the rear panel AC power inlet? Is the power cable connected to an AC outlet? Could the AC outlet be malfunctioning? Could the power cable be damaged? 2.
4. No sound from the PHONES jack • Could the top panel MASTER volume be turned down? • Check whether sound is output from the amp. To do this you must disconnect the PHONES jack, since sound will not be output from the internal speaker if headphones or a cable are connected to the PHONES jack. If no sound is produced from the amp, check the items listed in “No sound from the amp,” above. If there is sound from the amp, check whether your headphones or cable might be broken or malfunctioning. 5.
Specifications Number of amp models: Number of effects Pedal effect types: Modulation/delay types: Reverb types: Noise reduction: Number of programs Preset: User: Input/output jacks Top panel: Rear panel: Power amp output VT20+: VT40+: VT80+: VT120+: Speaker VT20+: VT40+: VT80+: VT120+: Signal processing A/D conversion: D/A conversion: Power supply requirements: Power consumption VT20+: VT40+: VT80+: VT120+: Dimensions (W x D x H) VT20+: VT40+: VT80+: VT120+: Weight VT20+: VT40+: VT80+: VT120+: Included ite
Song preset program Amp Model Name (GREEN) Song Title 01 CLEAN STD (Standard) Gravity 02 CALI CLEAN STD (Standard) Brown Sugar 03 US BLUES STD (Standard) Cocaine 04 US 2x12 STD (Standard) Creep 05 VOX AC15 STD (Standard) I Feel Fine 06 VOX AC30 STD (Standard) Pride 07 UK ROCK STD (Standard) Foxy Lady 08 UK METAL STD (Standard) Enter Sandman 09 US HIGH GAIN STD (Standard) Song 2 10 US METAL STD (Standard) Know Your Enemy 11 BOUTIQUE METAL STD (Standard) Blue Wind
Program sheet When you come up with a sound you like, you can use this sheet to make a note of your settings. We suggest that you make photocopies of this program sheet, and make your notes on the photocopies. Remember to note the NR and SPEED settings.
PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: 37
PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: 38
PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: PROGRAM NAME NOTE: 39
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside.
