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Post by Tone on May 16, 2015 10:50:02 GMT
Hi all
In the thread covering feedback on the H&C Echo there were a couple of very positive comments about the Vox mini amps. I've never taken much notice of this type of amp because I've regarded them more or less as toys and not to be taken seriously but those comments indicate that I was wrong. So much so that I'm inclined to try one, especially at the price they are.
As I play primarily Shads stuff I'm leaning towards the Vox Mini 3 (I believe the current model is the G2 which is an upgraded version) but my attention has also been drawn to the Blackstar ID Core series which have similar plus additional features. There may be others but I haven't researched them.
I would welcome reviews and recommendations from anyone who has a mini amp.
Many thanks.
Tony
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 16, 2015 10:57:57 GMT
Hi Tony, Not so long ago I wouldn't have given this kind of product the time of day but after using the Vox AC1 on the Happy Birthday recording and hearing the Mini amps on recordings posted here I have to say I've changed my thinking, especially at the prices they are. The AC4 (real valve amp) is also well liked so I'm thinking about that one too. Would anyone like to buy a Fender Twin Reverb reissue?   Regards, Charlie |
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Post by dakwah on May 16, 2015 11:06:49 GMT
funny enough I was thinking along the same lines
looking at the mini 3 and well as the ac4 c1. as mentioned in previous post my AC30 H2l is completely wasted as a home amp, never getting is past 1 on the volume dial(not 1 o'clock).
from the various clips (local hero) it seems the small speaker of the mini 3 does not distract from the great tone either. For me the AC4 may also be too much for my needs as a I never play out of the conservatory.
Stan
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Post by timryland on May 16, 2015 11:39:31 GMT
Tony,
I've got a Vox DA5, which I think is the predecessor to the Mini3. It's a great little amp, I use it all the time when I can't be bothered with my main setup.
The 11 amp types are very good, as are the effects.
Perhaps not for the purists on here, but then again I play a lot of classic rock/blues and it's got some good Marshall tones.
If they still made the DA5, I would heartily recommend it, so I don't reckon you'll go far wrong with the Mini3.
Tim.
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Post by bernie on May 16, 2015 17:35:34 GMT
Hi Tony,
I bought my Vox Mini 3 two years ago as a practise amp. I was more than surprised how good and rich the sound is. I mostly use the AC15 amp modeling and I like the sound very much. The volume to practise is completely enough for my needs - usually I just use it half way. The best features - in my opinion for practise - is the aux in jack that allows you to plug a mp3 source with backing tracks and the phones jack for absolutely silent practise with headphones. I can recommend it to you.
Cheers,
Bernie
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Post by bor64 on May 16, 2015 17:44:08 GMT
Tony, I've got a Mini3 a few years ago and it's a useful little amp! Every amp emulating setting has his merits and comparing these with the originals...well let me say, your knickers doesn't get twisted...  Cheers Rob |
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Post by Steve Reynolds on May 16, 2015 17:53:01 GMT
Brilliant little amps. I got a vox mini 3 g2 off the well known auction site for £60 a few weeks back and its perfect for practicing indoors or at my caravan. Mp3 input is great and the amp enulations works really well.
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Post by localhero on May 16, 2015 18:45:14 GMT
I wholeheartedly agree with everything said here about the Vox Mini 3. I originally ordered it for my grandson to match a little Strat I bought him and wanted something that couldn't give him an electric shock i.e. batteries/ PSU. When I tested it I immediately ordered a second one for myself. It's plenty loud enough for home use and the tone is there. I did buy a Vox DA-5 back in 2007 and that too was exceptional, though a little bit bigger. I gave it to a friend as a gift, not realising how much I liked it, thus treating myself later to the AC-4. Only this week I picked up an AC-1 after hearing of Charlie's experience and they too are great for the money, though tiny.
The thing is, I've found out myself that the AC-30 and AC-15 are too loud as well as being too big to have in the house, you can't reach the 'sweet spot' sound-wise because the amp needs to drive somewhat to produce the tone. These little amps drive and reach the desired tone without blowing the windows out, thus if you want to have a session, you won't annoy the neighbours, not that I have any but most do. I tried the Hall & Collins in my studio yesterday using my AC-30/4 and it sounds terrific, but these little amps capture the tone at very low levels. Lately I have tried several Vox amps out of curiosity and all of them deliver THAT SOUND, the Pathfinder, VT series, Mini 3 and Mini 5 and the old DA5 - I even tested the brand new Vox Sound Box out our local store - all recommended for Shadows sounds.
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Post by sixchannel on May 16, 2015 20:18:47 GMT
Hi Tony, Not so long ago I wouldn't have given this kind of product the time of day but after using the Vox AC1 on the Happy Birthday recording - - I have to say I've changed my thinking, Regards, Charlie Surely you don't mean this little fella?  Bought it as a bit of Fun years ago but I dont think it sounds anything like right - just an OD fuzzbox if you turn the Volume up to any decent level. Ian |
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Post by bernie on May 16, 2015 20:28:46 GMT
Hi Tony,
Just a little objection about the Vox pathfinder 10 - don't ponder about it regarding to Shadows stuff! I have one and I feel certain that it is very inappropriate. I think this amp isn't suitable for single coils at all. I tried it with my strat and with my burns marvin - with the HCSE in between as well - no way!
Cheers,
Bernie
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colljaw
Member
The Controller
Posts: 426
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Post by colljaw on May 16, 2015 20:52:12 GMT
Hi Bernie, I think he means the Pathfinder 15 which is a great wee amp!
Regards,
Jim
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Post by localhero on May 16, 2015 21:09:28 GMT
The Pathfinder I tried was a used one, square shaped like an AC-15 but smaller. As for the AC -1 you only have to listen to Charlie's recording of Happy Birthday, it's spot on and mine sounds the same, I can only tell what I'm hearing.
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Post by bernie on May 16, 2015 21:09:54 GMT
Hi Jim,
In that case it's another matter - pertinently the Pathfinder 15 has good reviews. I just talked about the Pathfinder 10.
Cheers,
Bernie
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 16, 2015 21:12:05 GMT
Hi Ian,
Yes, that's the one. You do not want a decent level with this amp, the gain must be at less than halfway. I can play it without annoying the neigbours, even record with it through the night!
Regards,
Charlie
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Post by bernie on May 16, 2015 21:29:28 GMT
... or at my caravan. Mp3 input is great and the amp enulations works really well. Yes, it's not irrelevant to mention that the Vox Mini 3 can be powered - without power supply - by 6 x AA batteries while playing about 10 hours! Important matter of fact! Regards, Bernie |
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Post by dragonman on May 16, 2015 21:45:30 GMT
Hi Tony
I have a Vox AC4 TV which is not really a mini amp, but it has a great sound being all valve, and there are quite a few available at bargain prices on the Internet. You will be surprised at the volume available, and I only use it at 1 watt setting at about one third volume to fill the room with sound. I reckon you could easily gig a small venue with this amazing little amp.
Cheers
Richard
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Post by sandra on May 17, 2015 2:10:04 GMT
Are you a giant Ian  With hands that big you can probably span from the first fret to the 21st without moving down the neck, no wonder you can play so well, it must be effortless for you  |
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Post by singtag on May 17, 2015 4:55:24 GMT
I have a Pathfinder 15R which I quite like (& it looks great) but it does not achieve anything like the AC15 tone. I have TX special p/ups and if I add a little gain and turn up the treble I can get close on the 4th - 6th strings but the 1st - 3rd strings sound way to glassy. It also does not have an Aux-in so I have a problem to play BTs now that my stereo is defunct.
I was thinking about getting a Joyo pedal (turning down the gain on the Pathfinder) and a small stereo but am now thinking of selling the Pathfinder (I only play at home and I have never used it at more than 1/3rd volume)and getting a Mini 3. Any thoughts or suggestions as to other possibilities would be welcome. Thanks.
Tony
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2015 6:57:43 GMT
Are you a giant Ian With hands that big you can probably span from the first fret to the 21st without moving down the neck, no wonder you can play so well, it must be effortless for you Hi Sandra, I can confirm that Ian is indeed a giant...he is actually holding an AC30.....Cheers, Paul.... |
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Post by Tone on May 17, 2015 11:42:30 GMT
Thanks to everyone for their helpful responses. It looks like the Vox Mini 3 has just edged ahead. I see, though, that the Blackstar Core ID hasn't had a mention. Looking at the spec it does have more features than the Vox although I suspect the clean sounds won't be as authentic for Shads stuff. It gets good reviews, though, particularly for its stereo effect. Has anyone here got one and would they care to comment?
Cheers.
Tony
PS. Charlie - with my whimsical sense of humour, I thought I'd put whatever I get on top of my Fender Twin. A case of beauty and the beast or a monkey on the back of an elephant!
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Post by localhero on May 17, 2015 12:12:12 GMT
I did once buy a Blackstar HT-1 valve amp and as nice as it was sold it on as it didn't give me what I expected.
I quickly discovered If you want Shadows sounds the Vox is the way to go - it's the default tone.
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Post by Steve Reynolds on May 17, 2015 12:29:59 GMT
Hi tony
All my recent videos have been done using a Blackstar id60, its a great amp and is very capable of doing a shadows sound.
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Post by didier on May 17, 2015 14:13:13 GMT
Don't forget that in the Vox "Mini" range, you also have the Mini 5 !
Didier
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Post by Cruachan on May 17, 2015 15:35:19 GMT
Don't forget that in the Vox "Mini" range, you also have the Mini 5 ! Didier Yep, and it boasts a larger speaker than the Mini3 and has a 5W max output  Perfect for the Albert Hall!! Regards, Mike |
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Post by Tone on May 17, 2015 17:55:50 GMT
Thanks for the further comments.
Steve - I revisited your videos and that certainly is an authentic Shads sound. I see you used the id 60 which is a lot more powerful than the id 10 I've been looking at but I assume the core sound is the same.
localhero - I guess the Ht-1 is a different animal. It's a valve amp for starters.
Didier/Mike - I did look at the Vox Mini 5 but it's described as a Rhythm amp as it incorporates a drum machine. Also, it's more expensive. As whatever I get will be yet another case of GAS I want to keep cost to a minimum.
Cheers.
Tony
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Post by carlos65 on May 17, 2015 20:41:04 GMT
Hi
I use the Blackstar fly 3 with extension speaker for home use and can honestly say its great for the Shads tunes, it is defo the best mini amp I have tried and at only £79 for the amp and speaker and PSU its a bargain, check one out its awesome.
Carlos
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Post by Tone on May 18, 2015 10:34:08 GMT
Thanks, Carlos. It sounds another one to consider - decisions, decisions!
Cheers.
Tony
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Post by istvan on May 18, 2015 14:37:01 GMT
On the top!  |
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Post by somebodyelseuk on May 21, 2015 9:51:31 GMT
The old man has one of those things like istvan has on the top of his gear and it does a job... being realistic, it sounds like an AC being broadcast on a tranny radio.
IF this is a 'for home use only' amp, you already have some home recording gear and/or you have an effects box with amp modelling, why even bother with an amp?
You can either plug the guitar direct through a HiZ input on your mixer/interface and use the computer - via amp sim & effects plugins/software - or go into the computer via your effects box using a line level output, in the case of the Zoom G3/5 use the XLR out.
If you're already recording on your computer and you own some amp sim software, you already own the best modelling amp available and it almost certainly has a wider usable volume range.
Cheers, Julian
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Post by Tone on May 21, 2015 10:30:34 GMT
I've now bought a Blackstar Core id10. Logic dictated that the Vox was the way to go for Shads stuff but I already have an AC15 so I was attracted by something a little different. I only got it yesterday and haven't had much chance to play with it but, so far, I'm impressed. I can get decent Shads tones and you wouldn't believe that such a rich, spacious sound is coming from such a little box.
Many thanks to all who contributed to this thread.
Julian - you're quite right. I have all the equipment you mention so I don't really need a mini amp but when you suffer from GAS logic doesn't come into it. Besides I can now set myself up in the local shopping precinct!
Cheers.
Tony
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