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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 ...........................................................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the VOX Valvetronix Pro VTX150 Neodymium modeling guitar amplifier. To help you get the most out of your new amplifier, please read this manual carefully. Get ready to enjoy amazing guitar tones from your new VTX150 Neodymium.
• You can use the effects loop jacks to insert an external effects processor in a loop connection. • The built-in auto tuner lets you tune a guitar that’s connected to the INPUT jack. • The AUX IN jack lets you connect a CD/MP3 player, enabling you to play guitar along with recorded music. Quick start This Quick Start section is for those of you who would like to start using your new amp right away.
2. Turn the AMP selector to choose an amp model. A preset program for a sound that is typical of each amp model will be recalled, and the GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, and effect settings will switch automatically. HINT: The amp models are organized into four banks, each bank containing eleven models (a total of forty-four). Press the AMP switch to change banks. Each time you press this, the AMP LED will switch to green, orange, red, or blue and you’ll switch to amp banks STD, SPL, CST and EXT.
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 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). PRESET switch Pressing the PRESET switch repeatedly will cycle the program among basic, effect, and 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 • EXT (Extra): blue Use the AMP selector to choose a model within the selected amp bank.
4. CHANNEL/TUNER section BANK and CHANNEL switches, LEDs TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs CHANNEL LED BANK LED Use the BANK switch to select the channel bank. In Channel Select mode, the BANK LED will be lit-up 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.
6. MODULATION/DELAY section Here you can adjust the settings for modulation effects, delay effects, and other effects, such as pitch shift. For details on each effect, please refer to “Modulation and delay effects” (p. 32). MOD/DELAY selector MOD/DELAY selector DEPTH knob TAP LED TAP switch 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.
8. POWER LEVEL control This adjusts the output wattage of the power amp. When using only the VTX150 Neodymium itself: 0W–150W When using an extension speaker: 0W–300W NOTE: The power level setting is not saved in the program. POWER LEVEL control 9. AUX IN/PHONES section AUX IN jack AUX IN jack Connect the analog output of an audio device to this jack. You can connect a CD or MP3 player here, and then play along on the guitar while listening to your favorite songs.
3. FX LOOP (Effect loop) jacks These are loop jacks for connecting an external effects processor. Connect the SEND jack to the input of your external effects processor. Connect the RETURN jack to the OUTPUT of your external effects processor. 4. VOX BUS port Connect the optional (separately sold) foot controller here. For details on using the foot controller, please refer to “Using a foot controller (VC-12SV)” (p.20). NOTE: Never connect anything to this port other than the VC-12SV. 5.
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 aren’t lit, 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.
4. Adjust the top panel knobs such as GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, and BASS. 5. Turn the VALUE knob to set the noise reduction. This setting is also saved in the program. For details, please refer to “Adjusting the noise reduction” (p. 15). HINT: Adjust the noise reduction so that there’s no unwanted noise when you’re not playing your guitar. 6. Press the TUNER (BYPASS) switch once again to defeat bypass (the TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs will be dark). 7. Set the effect.
NOTE: Depending on the guitar you’re using, raising the noise reduction too high may cause notes to be cut off. 3. Press the TUNER (BYPASS) switch to make the TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs go dark. Saving a program When you’ve created a sound that you like, here’s how to save (write) it. HINT: If you’re saving to a channel in the same bank, proceed from step 3. 1. Hold down the BANK switch for 0.5 seconds or longer. The BANK LED will blink. 2. Press the BANK switch to select the save-destination bank.
HINT: When you’ve found a program that you like, and are interested in knowing the actual settings, you can use this original value indication to find out. NOTE: The MASTER volume and POWER LEVEL controls are not programmable, so the original value indication is not available for these controls. The original value indication will not appear when the tuner function is turned on in Channel Select mode, nor when the unit is in Manual mode.
Using the tuner The tuner function lets you tune a guitar that’s connected to the INPUT jack. HINT: If an optional (separately sold) VC-12SV foot controller is connected, you can use your foot to use the tuner function. For details, please refer to the VC-12SV owner's manual. 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.
Using a foot switch (VOX VFS5) If you connect an optional VOX VFS5 foot switch (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.
NOTE: The effect on/off setting is independent for each program. In Preset mode or Channel Select mode, any changes you make will be lost if you don’t save the edited program before switching to another program or to Manual mode, or before turning off the power.
For each program, you can specify the parameter that will be controlled by the expression pedal, and save the assignment. When you save a program, the position (angle) of the expression pedal at that moment is also saved as a value in the program. When you select that program, the saved value will be recalled. However, the following values are not saved.
Assigning the delay effect input level 1. Use the MOD/DELAY selector to select “TAPE ECHO,” “A.DELAY,” or “CHORUS+DELAY,” and then use the DEPTH knob. 2. Press the pedal switch while the pedal LED is blinking. Assigning the PITCH parameter of PITCH SHIFT 1. Use the MOD/DELAY selector to select “PITCH,” and then press the TAP switch (alternatively, hold down the TAP switch and use the DEPTH knob). 2. Press the pedal switch while the pedal LED is blinking.
If you’ve assigned the PITCH parameter of the PITCH SHIFT effect, the minimum value will be “0” (no pitch shift) and the maximum value will be the current value. NOTE: If you’ve assigned the input level of the delay or reverb effect to the expression pedal, you won’t be able to change the minimum and maximum values. To change the minimum and maximum values, proceed as follows. 1. Use the knob or switch of the parameter that’s already assigned.
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 44 EFFECT MOD/DELAY REVERB FX LOOP VALVE EL84 (6BQ5) EXTENSION SP What is Valvetronix Pro? The VOX Valve Reactor circuit is featured in the VOX VT series amplifiers and ToneLab serieseffects.
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. HINT: Each amp model’s GAIN (set by the top panel GAIN control) can be assigned to the optional (separately sold) VC-12SV’s expression pedal for control. For details on how to assign the parameter, please refer to “Assigning a function to the expression pedal (Quick Assign)” (p.21). Amp models 1.
With this modification, an already-superb amp gains even greater smoothness and additional warmth. EXT (Extra) This dual channel 22W blackface 60’s design used 6V6 power tubes and a tube driven reverb to produce a big sound at a lower wattage. Our modeling is based on the Vibrato channel. 3. US BLUES STD (Standard) This models a 4x10" combo amp from 1959 that was originally designed for bass guitar.
EXT (Extra) This California designed two channel amplifier utilized five modes and four 5AR4 tubes in a high-voltage design with switchable solid state and tube rectification that gave the amp increased headroom and variable dynamics. When this amp was discontinued it broke many hearts. 5. VOX AC15 STD (Standard) This models the AC15TB, which combines the beautifully sweet tonal character of the AC15’s low output power amp with the sound-creating flexibility of the AC30’s top boost channel.
7. UK ROCK STD (Standard) This 45W amp head was originally manufactured from 1962 to 1966, and was based on a tweed-covered bass amp. Its high-gain design was the beginning of the British amp tone revolution that continues to this day. SPL (Special) This models a UK-manufactured 100W single-channel head with master volume made in 1983. Turn the GAIN control all the way up to get the thick, snarling hard rock and heavy metal sound that dominated the 80’s.
SPL (Special) This models the overdrive channel of a snakeskin-covered 100W amp head built in 1991. With an open low-end and a compressed mid/high range, its powerful, heavy sound delivers a forceful tone that will not break down even with the most extreme gain settings. CST (Custom) Designed to model the sound behind “POWER METAL”, this amp will crank. EXT (Extra) This sparkling blue hand built German 6L6 based design was actually 3 amps in one. Its design was both versatile and original at any setting.
EXT (Extra) This 300W solid state amp covers from punchy metal to vintage rock sound with a 9 band EQ. We set this model up on channel 2 to best match a metal act wielding sevenstring guitars. Pedal effects The VTX150 Neodymium 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).
Knob VALUE Parameter SENS/POL* Adjusts the sensitivity of response to the guitar’s volume. If this parameter is assigned to the expression pedal, wah can be controlled by the expression pedal, and the sensitivity and the direction of operation will not be affected by input from the guitar. (Using the knob will adjust the degree of openness for the wah.) 4. U-VIBE This models a famous phase/vibrato pedal. This effect simulates a rotary speaker, producing a seductive and emotional tone.
9. ORG DIST This is a classic Japanese-made distortion unit in an orange box. Knob VALUE Parameter GAIN* Adjusts the gain. 10. METAL DIST This is a distortion unit that’s ideal for metal. Knob VALUE Parameter GAIN* Adjusts the gain. 11. FUZZ Retro, brazen and rough-edged. Knob VALUE Parameter GAIN* Adjusts the gain. Modulation and delay effects The VTX150 Neodymium provides eleven types of modulation effects, delays and other effects.
2. MULTI CHORUS This is a deep and spacious chorus with three chorus taps. Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH DEPTH* Adjusts the modulation depth. TAP SPEED* Adjusts the modulation speed in a range of 0.1...15 Hz. TAP+DEPTH SPEED* Adjusts the speed. 3. FLANGER This models a truly classic analog flanger that’s associated with a great guitarist of today who is honored by many as “the godfather of two-handed tapping.” Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH RESONANCE* Adjusts the amount of resonance.
7. PITCH SHIFT This is a pitch shifter that allows you to play chords, and has a variable range of one octave upward or downward. Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH BALANCE* Adjusts the balance between direct sound and effect sound. TAP PITCH* Specifies the amount by which the pitch of the effect sound will be shifted; an octave, a 4th, or a 5th. Each time you press the switch, the setting will cycle between -12, -7, -5, DT (Detune), +5, +7, +12, -12.
Knob/Switch Parameter DEPTH LEVEL* Adjusts the mix amount of the delay sound. If this parameter is assigned to the expression pedal, the input level to the delay will be controlled by the expression pedal. TAP TIME Specifies the delay time in a range of 40...1048 ms. TAP+DEPTH FEEDBACK* Adjusts the amount of feedback. 11. CHORUS+DELAY This effect combines a chorus and a delay. The chorus depth is fixed; only the delay parameters can be adjusted.
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: 44 Number of effects Pedal effect types: Modulation/delay types: Reverb types: Noise reduction: 11 11 3 1 Number of programs Preset: User: Input/output jacks Top panel: Rear panel: 132 8 (two banks x four channels) when using the VC-12SV foot controller : 16 (four banks x four channels) INPUT jack, PHONES jack, AUX IN jack FOOT SW jack, VOX BUS jack, EXTENSION SP jack, FX LOOP SEND/RETURN jack Power amp output: maximum 150W RMS @8 ohms (VTX150 Neodymium unit alon
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.
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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.
