Vox Cambridge 50
TG gets hands-on with Vox’s hybrid of valve and digital tech
When it comes to guitar amplification it’s particularly hard to overstate the longstanding influence of Vox. Found in the rigs of pioneers such as Hank Marvin, Brian May, The Edge and, frankly, countless other icons of guitar, the company’s legendary AC15 and AC30 models have shaped the sound of rock music for more than six decades.
The Cambridge50 continues in the vein of the company’s Valvetronix digital modelling series of the early 2000s, employing a Nutube preamp valve alongside Virtual Element Technology (VET) and a solid-state power amp to deliver “realistic and stage-ready” sounds. Analysing that statement, we’d agree that this is indeed a stage-ready offering - for small gigs at least. For a relatively lightweight amp, this Vox box dishes out impressive volume levels. It really is loud! And realistic? Well, yes, that too!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Cambridge50’s most authentic sounds come from Vox’s own AC30 and AC30TB (Top Boost) models. There’s a warmth and naturalness to these, and the breakup on the grittier TB model is especially pleasing. The three obviously Marshall-inspired Brit models also see the Cambridge50 in its sweet spot. Think classic 70s Led Zep riffing, AC/DC style rock ’n’ roll, Oasis drive tones – you get the idea.
Head into high-gain territory and you’ll find the Vox has a biting top-end. We found ourselves winding the treble right back to tame the highs on the SL-OD and Double Rec models. A touch too much top-end perhaps? We’ll let you be the judge of that, but even if it does sound harsh to your ears, consider that it might be just the ticket to get you heard ina busy mix or over a heavy-hitting drummer.
Eight effects are included on the Cambridge50 – four modulations and four delays/ reverbs – and, though you can’t dial all eight in at once (and, let’s face it, most players wouldn’t do so anyway!), you can save up to 11 presets. That’s probably enough for most gigs and a fair reflection of the amp’s capabilities - this is a product designed for players who want to dial in their tone quickly, and not for those who want to go deep into menu editing. Suffice to say you’ll get the most out of the effects via Vox’s included Tone Room editor app for Mac, Windows, IOS and Android, and there’s also an optional VFS-5 footswitch controller (£60).
These days modelling amp devotees will expect a bit more than just mere amplification, so the Cambridge50’s onboard tuner, audio interface, auxiliary input and preset recall controls are welcome additions. JAMVOX III modelling software is also bundled.
The Nutube valve is the ace up the Cambridge50’s sleeve though, helping to deliver a natural feel and response in those traditional Vox-inspired medium drive tones – and the amp certainly represents great value for money. Well worth a look!
Chris Bird
IT REALLY IS LOUD! AND REALISTIC? YES THAT TOO!