AC30 Hand-Wired Amplifier Head 

At the heart of the AC30’s signature sound is its EL84 power section, but its character also comes from the phase inverter stage, which distorts when pushed—adding complex harmonics and an open, musical texture that pedals can’t replicate. The AC30 Hand-Wired Head doesn’t just copy the schematic; it recreates these critical behaviors to deliver the same depth and responsiveness as the original ’60s amps.

To achieve this, VOX sourced and analyzed an original 1963 “copper panel” AC30, measuring its exact electrical behavior and performance nuances. This led to a newly designed power circuit that authentically reproduces vintage voltage “sag,” creating natural compression, sustain, and a more expressive feel under heavy playing. Unlike old units prone to noise and ghost notes, the Hand-Wired Head captures the classic response while remaining quiet and reliable.

Modern players demand flexibility, and the AC30 Hand-Wired Head delivers with a FET-buffered effects loop designed for maximum clarity. Unlike effect loops that color your tone, the FET circuitry provides transparency – keeping your modulation and time-based effects pristine, even when the amp is pushed into overdrive. And for purists, it’s fully bypass-able.