VOX AV15

The British company VOX, the leader among manufacturers of guitar amplifiers, has existed since the middle of the last century. One of its best compact AV15 models is a tube one, for which you will have to pay almost $350.

Vintage all over

The design of the combo is somewhat reminiscent of an old Soviet suitcase. Fortunately, the similarity is only external, and the sound quality has not been affected in any way. On the top of the black case there is a recess in which the controls are "hidden". The 8" speaker is covered by a shaped fabric screen, and the silver metal logo serves as a stylish decoration for the device.

Tube, but digitized

The 15-watt amp is equipped with a 12AX7 tube, but the preamp is digital. It models 8 different virtual amps: 2 clean sounds, 2 crunches, 2 distortions and 2 overdrives. Another feature is the three lamp modes, which give the sound different shades. And here you can look for "your" sound forever, but quickly get bored. And, of course, not without digital effects, among which there are delay, chorus and reverb so beloved by everyone.

Of the switching capabilities, I was pleased with the presence of a connector for a pedal, otherwise, everything is standard — aux in, headphone output.

To be frank, the attempt to make two in one, combining old technologies with new ones, did not work out well for Vox. Yes, and the lamp here is more of a marketing ploy, in the literal sense — a bright toy that poorly meets expectations for such a price. It's better to add some money and get a real "lamp" Marshall DSL5C.