VOX | Discussion Forums » VOX Amplifiers » Valvetronix AD60/120VT
I purchased a AD60VT back "in the day" when they first came out. I thought it was a lot of fun BUT the unit started popping, fizzing, and eventually coughed hard and ... nothing.
My fiance is an electrical engineer and swears that she can fix it. This obviously is not a "gigger" but would be fun to play with around the house.
I know that this was a common issue for the first generation of these modelling amps. Is there ANYONE who can shed some light on fixing this amp? Maybe the issue is a small one (?).
No reason it shouldn't be a gigger - my AD120VTX is my main gigging amp & still going strong, with the VC12 and AD212, nearly 6 yrs on!
Likely to be a very simple dry solder issue. Read the FAQ section, maintenance thread (its the first one) on Valvetronix.net
Whilst your fiance is checking for dry solders, ask her to install good quality jack sockets throughout. Once fixed, put an EQ in your FX loop with a Y cable (all in the FAQ section - have a read - tons of info on these great amps in there) (and a BBE Sonic Stomp Maximiser added after the external EQ in the FX loop is even better!) - and stand back - your V'x will turn into a tone monster and the blanket over the amp you never knew you had will vanish!! See my you-tube vids for demo's with/without EQ - links on Valvetronix.net (media section) or search for 'voxman5' on you-tube - I've got live gig clips, demo's, solo stuff on there - nearly all with my AD120VTX (2 are demoing the new VT30). Amateur quality but hopefully still worth a view.
Best
Rich
Rich, he won't need the Y-cable as he's got an AD60VT. Other than that, Rich is right on target. I also use my AD60VTX as a gigging amp...works VERY well!!!
Have fun,
Bob
Doh! Thanks Bob - so used to reminding 120 users of that, I missed this is the mono 60!
Great news guys! My AD60VTX is cured! I closed the effects loop in/out with a guitar cable and shazam - problem solved! Now I need to get the loop resoldered or something.
Rich, I have been educating myself on your method of use of external EQ + Maximizer. I looked on the valvetronix.net for SPECIFIC settings.
1) Can you give specific settings for a starting point. I'm assuming a "U" shape for the EQ but I'm not sure at all about the onboard EQ for the ad60.
2) If I used an external speaker cab alongside my ad60, would the modulation effects be in stereo like the ad120?
Just a few thoughts - I love this vault of knowledge you all are!!
sorry - not a VTX but a VT.
BBE Sonic Stomp Maximiser - both Lo Contour & Process at 7.
EQ: Try starting off with these, L to R: -
+2.5
+7.5
0
-5* (800Hz)
0
+7.5
+2.5
level 0
* Moving the 800Hz 'mids' makes a huge difference - great one to play with first to get a feel!
AD60 signal is mono with or without a cab
Rich
you are THE MAN! Any suggestion for onboard eq settings? I really want to emulate your tone - very nice!
The external EQ should work in harmony with the onboard EQ to enhance your tone - The onboard EQ works differently for different amp models so set to whatever sounds good to your ears. There really is no magic secret, it's just about experimentation, learning about the amp models and EQ. You'll find that minor internal & external EQ changes can make a huge tonal difference!
Behringer EQ700 on order!!
