Vox Cambridge50 1x12 combo
Vox’s affordable NuTube-loaded modeller combines digital flexibility with valve dynamics for the best of both worlds
Innovation has always been part of the Vox ethos. The brand’s early groundbreaking AC models powered The Beatles and other music legends to fame and continue to provide the tonal foundation for many contemporary artists. Beyond the electron valve, Vox has also set new standards for affordable digital modelling and recently announced another innovation, the 6P1 NuTube – a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) that potentially replaces the industry-standard ECC83 twin triode preamp valve.
VFDs have been around for almost as long as the AC30; most people will have seen their characteristic green digits in microwave ovens and washing machines. They use the same components as an electron valve (anode, cathode and grid) to switch display segments on and off, so it’s no surprise many homebrew amp experimenters have tinkered with them. However, the 6P1 is significant, because it’s the first VFD that has been specifically designed for audio.
Jointly developed by Vox’s parent company Korg and Noritake Itron, the inventors of the VFD, the NuTube has already been used in a variety of Vox products, starting with the jaw-dropping miniature MV50 range from a few years ago. Now, Vox has combined the NuTube with digital modelling in the Cambridge50, a new combo that promises the flexibility of a digital platform with valve dynamics.
The Cambridge50 is a smart, compact combo with a ‘none blacker’ version of Vox’s trademark diamond grille cloth. Lurking behind that grille in a deep cabinet there’s a custom-design Celestion VX 12-inch loudspeaker, while the electronics sit in a steel tray chassis that’s as tough as it needs to be. Power comes courtesy of an external DC brick supply. The NuTube doesn’t need the high voltages of conventional electron valves, so there are no heavy transformers weighing the Cambridge50 down.
Blue LEDs provide tasteful illumination from behind two perforated vents on the control panel, with other LEDs to indicate channel status, tuner and tap tempo speed. The controls are familiar territory for anyone who’s used a Vox modelling amp. There’s a rotary model selector with 11 choices, including a flat-response Line option. Tone shaping is taken care of by gain, bass, treble and master volume controls, with a non-programmable Power Level knob that reduces the Cambridge50’s output down from 50 watts to almost zero for practice or recording.
Effects are handled on two more chickenhead knobs: one for modulations; one for delays and reverbs. There are four choices on each and you can use one from each type simultaneously.
Other useful features include a USB socket, which can be used to record or reamp audio tracks, together with a headphone jack, aux in and a footswitch socket that lets you access two or eight memory slots, depending on which switch you buy. USB also connects the Cambridge50 to Vox’s excellent Tone Room editor/librarian app, which can store and recall presets, as well as accessing all the controls and a few hidden features, including a midrange tone knob, variable noise reduction and a choice of four USB recording modes. There’s even a simple tuner that handles the ‘give us an E’ task.
Sounds
The onboard amp models include Normal Channel and Top Boost AC30 choices alongside other classic British and American designs, digitally recreated using Korg’s Virtual Element Technology, which replicates classic circuits at component level.
Using just a hint of ambient reverb, the Cambridge50’s tonal superiority is immediately obvious, with the NuTube 6P1 adding convincing warmth and dynamic punch that’s difficult to replicate digitally. Turning up the Gain control adds preamp distortion, while turning up the master Volume control past halfway adds virtual
power amp clipping, giving a quite realistic impression of a valve power stage being driven hard. This is especially noticeable with Vox’s own amp models; at lower gain and volume settings the AC30 Normal and TB voices chime with convincing realism, while maxing out both controls will get you close to Rory and Brian’s Class A grind. Robben Ford/John Mayer/SRV fans take note: the Cambridge50’s Boutique OD and Boutique Cl voices are very rewarding to play – there are more expensive and exclusive ODS/SSS-type pedals that can’t easily match its responsive drive tones and airy clarity.
Unlike some modelling products, the Cambridge50 doesn’t mask the guitar’s character, so a Les Paul sounds like a Les Paul and drives the preamp harder than a regular Strat, for example. The effects are equally impressive. Standouts include the warm, spacious chorus, while the twin tremolo scores instant vintage appeal when paired with the Deluxe or Vox models.
With no deep menus to get lost in, the Cambridge50 scores highly by providing almost instant gratification from every amp model, covering a full spectrum from shimmering cleans to gobs of thick, greasy distortion. Dialling down the Power Level control enables you to retain those big amp dynamics at conversation levels, making the Cambridge50 a great tool for home practice and recording – while at full tilt it’s also plenty loud enough for smaller stages and rehearsals.
Verdict
We started off by thinking that the Cambridge50’s relative simplicity and lack of programmability might be a weak point, but ended up deciding this is actually its strength. Everything’s quick and easy to dial in, and as long as you don’t overdo the effects, it’s practically impossible to get a bad sound out of it. Following the current restrictions on live music, internet performances are now a popular way for musicians to connect with audiences around the world, and the
Cambridge50 sounds impressively big even at low volume, making it a perfect tool for amateur and professional web showcases. Crank up the Power Level control and there’s plenty of volume to spare for the average pub gig, too.
The most compelling sales pitch of all, though, has to be the price. With tones that wouldn’t be out of place in an amp costing at least twice as much, the Cambridge50 is an absolute steal.
It scores highly by providing almost instant gratification from every amp model, covering a spectrum from shimmering cleans to thick distortion