The AC10 was one of the first amplifiers to sport the name VOX in the early 60s, and has been known ever since for delivering a rich tube sound at a modest volume. This is exactly what the new edition, the Vox AC10C1 Custom, offers. It's a 10-watt, single-channel amp with an all-tube setup and 10'' Celestion VX10 speaker that reproduces the classic Vox sound most people will recognise from the legendary AC30 and its Top Boost channel. Unlike the AC30, however, the AC10's compact exterior and the use of a digital rather than spring reverb unit means that with its weight of just 12.3kg, it's always easy on the back. Operating it is quite simple, which is typical for a single-channel amp. With the AC10C1 Custom, you can start rocking right away, and not only at home: The 10-watt all-tube output can also produce a decent volume level for smaller gigs.
The single-channel model is based on the well-known, Top Boost channel of the Vox AC30, both in terms of sound and layout. The gain control determines the saturation of the preamp. Depending on the position, the sound ranges from pearlescent clean tones to a very dynamic vintage distortion, which can be adjusted via the guitar's volume control. The two-band EQ allows for bass and treble interaction - this means that higher or lower midrange frequencies are boosted when the treble or bass control is lowered. The built-in digital reverb effect has been designed specifically for the AC10 and can be added seamlessly as you see fit. Finally, the master volume control really makes this 10-watt combo roar. On the rear side of the amp, you'll notice the closed design and the "Eco" switch. If this is activated, the amp is automatically switched off after two hours of inactivity.
Boasting the plug-and-play attitude of a simple single-channel amp and the signature Vox sound, the Vox AC10C1 Custom is perfect for Rock & Roll purists looking for an all-tube amp to practice with at home, or a lightweight alternative to a heavy AC30 that they won'd have to lug around. With its 10-watt output, the AC10 is louder than you might think, and even more so when a large external speaker is connected. In this case, the small internal 10'' speaker is muted and the AC10 is put in the spotlight as an amp head. The AC10 is thus a compact and lightweight combo amplifier for at home and on small stages where space is tight, as well as a top unit for a somewhat larger set-up.
VOX Amplification is a world-renowned manufacturer of music equipment. The company was founded in 1957 in the British town of Dartford by Thomas Walter Jennings. Probably the most famous product of this long-standing name is the VOX AC30 guitar amplifier, an enhancement of the earlier and smaller AC15. The AC30 can be heard on countless classic albums that made Rock history. The Beatles, for example, had an exclusive contract with VOX and used their amplifiers throughout their career. Countless offshoots of the AC30 followed over the years, and other amp models, effects units, organs, and even electric guitars and drums were added. Today, VOX's product range includes almost everything you need to make music, and the company also offers a lot of useful digital tools for the original VOX sound, including a range of virtual amps, multi-effects, and software.
The Vox AC10C1 Custom is suitable for all styles that require an authentic clean sound from an all-tube amp or rely on dynamic distortion - vintage style. If you add boost or distortion/overdrive pedals to the amp, you get even more tonal flexibility. In general, the AC10 harmonises with the vast majority of pedals and can also be used perfectly as a pedal test platform or practice amp at home, at a low volume. It also makes it easier to cope with intentional power amp distortion for studio recordings. If your band doesn't play that loud, chances are you'll still have enough volume left to play in the rehearsal room or on stage. If you still want to generate a little more power, you can also connect an external 16-ohm speaker.