r Owne ’s Manual
Manuel d’utilisation
Bedienungsanleitung
Manual de Usuario
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
•Do not use this apparatus near water.
•Mains powered apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
•Clean only with dry cloth.
•Do not block any ventilation openings, install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. (for U.S.A. and Canada)
•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
•Do not install this equipment on the far position from wall outlet and/or convenience receptacle.
•Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a box for the conveyance or similar unit.
•Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CE mark for European Harmonized Standards
CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC). And, CE mark which is attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), CE mark Directive (93/ 68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).
Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of Battery operated apparatus means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS
This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside. WARNING: Use of this product in any country other than that for which it is intended could be dangerous and could invalidate the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty.
Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty.
* Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of an AC30 Custom Classic. This amp is the culmination of over 45 years of manufacturing expertise and high quality, guitar amplifier design. We have taken the best AC30 designs and added a number of useful and interesting features to give you the most tonally flexible AC30 to date!
We’re confident you will find these improvements extremely useful and that your new amplifier will give you many hours of tonal pleasure.Your AC30 is equipped with a number of modern features and conveniences like blend-able channels, a true bypass FX loop and master volume, to name a few. Please read this manual carefully so that you can familiarize yourself with them.
In order to ensure that this new AC30 meets exacting standards for tone, quality and reliability, it has been built entirely in our vertically-integrated manufacturing facility, a facility capable of many processes not usually found in guitar amplifier factories. We design and manufacture our own transformers, speakers (except for the venerable Vox “Blue” made in the UK by Celestion), cabinets (all birch construction) and electronics. What this means to you is that the sound of your new AC30 is second to none.
The birth of an amp…
The AC30 is one of the most quintessential guitar amplifiers of all time. The legendary combo amp made its debut in 1959 and its unique tone has helped define the sound of modern guitar for more than 45 years. Although the VOX brand has been owned by numerous companies, and even though each of them has made some changes to the AC30, the amp itself has remained basically unchanged since 1965. This in itself is a glowing tribute to the original product designed by Dick Denny when VOX was part of Jennings Musical Industries.
There are very few guitar amplifiers still selling today that have not undergone massive changes in their basic design format. In fact, most vintage style amplifiers available today disappeared from sale for many years and have only just been re-released in a re-issue format; the basic AC30 has always been available.
As stated, every new owner of the brand made minor changes to the construction or electronic design. While some were arguably good changes, some were not so good, but the basic format of the amp remained the same.
What makes the AC30 so revered? Its unique and warm tone, its player friendly “feel” and its very simplistic circuit design. Even with the simple “what you see is what you get” control format, the AC30 found favor with artists since its inception. VOX basically owned the “British invasion” of the 1960s and the AC30 continues to be used by a diverse group of artists that span a wide range of musical styles.
The one drawback to this wonderful amp is that, though it has features and facilities that were well founded and useful for bands in the late ‘50s, in this day and age these same features are regarded as “quirky,” at best! For instance: there are three channels with two inputs each. Namely TOP BOOST, NORMAL, and VIB/TREM. By far the most commonly used is the TOP BOOST channel, as this has the most pleasing and varied tonal spectrum, especially for today’s players. Coming second in use (but a long, long way behind) is the NORMAL channel. Although this channel only features a volume control and nothing else, when coupled with a certain treble boost pedal, this setup is an integral part of Brian May’s killer tone. Thirdly the VIB/TREM channel finds very, very little use these days, except for accessing the VIB/TREM circuit itself. The VIB/TREM channel, tonally, is very poor in relation to the other channels and rarely gets used for its sonic performance – yet it has more electronic circuitry than the rest of the amp put together!
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When the AC30 was originally designed, the above features were of great benefit for that time. It fitted in with the music styles of the day, and, probably more importantly, only one amplifier was needed for guitar (or two), bass and vocals; they could all be plugged into a single AC30. In those days money for equipment was very scarce, particularly in the UK, and high volume levels certainly weren’t allowed in the popular venues.
Basically the VOX amps, and most others, were intended as general-purpose amps. Ironically they also sounded fantastic when used purely as guitar amps, which is why they have endured to this day.
Another drawback, although by happenstance a very nice drawback (!), is the use in the AC30 of two Celestion Alnico loudspeakers. They are some of the nicest sounding speakers that have ever been made, even though they date back to the early ‘60s. These speakers are also, without a doubt, some of the loudest and most efficient ever made. This, coupled with the unique VOX circuit, makes the AC30 a very, very loud amplifier, especially when “cranked” to produce the overdrive levels used today. When fully cranked, the AC30’s “loudness” makes this non-master-volume amp simply too much for many guitar players to use practically.
In 1992, a new version of the AC30 Top Boost was born. This was to be as close sonically as the original, but for many good reasons built to more modern day standards. This amplifier has been more than successful in re-establishing VOX as a premier amplifier manufacturer again. In 2004, because of a number of factors, we decided that the best way of taking VOX forward into the 21st century was to look at how we could make the AC30 more suitable for both present day and future amplifier purchasers; not an easy job considering its long standing history!
Over the last few years, market research by many guitar amp companies has always come back with the market requirements of “Vintage Tone & Modern Features.” Well, we certainly had the Vintage Tone, but not the Modern Features!
So, what Modern Features could be added to the AC30 without any sacrifice to the vintage tone? The basic list came down to reverb, FX loop and a suitable way of adding an output volume control that worked well with the tone of the amp, namely, a master volume. The last bit was easy; we had already done it on the AC15TB amp that came out in the mid ‘90s. The rest was a bit harder. Anything that was added had to definitely add great benefit to the amp, BUT not take anything away from it or affect the AC30’s signature sound and feel.
By chance we had already tested the water for new features when we introduced the above mentioned AC15TB equipped with reverb, global tremolo and master volume. The broad acceptance of those additional features in the AC15TB led to the limited-edition AC30HW.The overwhelming success of the AC30HW (even with die hard vintage AC30 users) gave us the indication that we were on the right track for the redesign of regular production AC30 amps.
After much head scratching, VOX R&D UK came up with the design of the new amplifier which you have in front of you. This not only included the required Top Boost channel with reverb, FX loop, global tremolo and master volume, but a whole host of “boutique” features as well.
When the first prototype was presented to a panel of guitar players and market specialists, the prototype was acclaimed as possibly being the most perfect AC30 ever. Our new AC30 has the tone and feel of a vintage AC30 with a host of features that make it more practical for today’s guitarists, plus a number of subtle new boutique features that have never been incorporated into a production amplifier! Thusly, we have named this series as AC30 Custom Classic.
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In order to satisfy the demands of a variety of playing situations, we decided to offer the Custom Classic in a number of different configurations.While the amplifier chassis specifications are identical, different speaker options are available as follows:
AC30CC1: 1x12" combo with a custom voiced VOX NeoDog speaker
AC30CC2: 2x12" combo with a pair of custom designed GSH12-30 speakers which add a top end mellowness and smooth bass response
AC30CC2X: 2x12" combo with the world revered Celestion “Blue” 15 watt AlNiCo speakers as used in the original AC30 combo
AC30CCH: Head
Three speaker cabinets are available for use with the AC30CCH or as extension cabinets for the combos. They are:
V212BN: 2x12" cabinet with two GSH 12-30 speakers V212BNX: 2x12" cabinet with Celestion “Blue” AlNiCo speakers V412BN/BL: 4x12" cabinet with two GSH 12-30 speakers
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FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
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1)Inputs
Top Boost: Plugging your guitar into this input will route your signal through the Top Boost channel.
Normal: Plugging your guitar into this input will route your signal through the Normal channel.
2)Input Link switch: This is where you can link or “blend” the Normal and Top Boost channels. This switch works in conjunction with, and is dependent on which of the inputs is used. Here are the options you have:
When you plug into the upper Top Boost input and the switch is in the “up” position, you will only access the Top Boost channel.
When you plug into the lower Normal input and the switch is in the “up” position, you will only access the Normal channel.
To blend the channels, simply plug into the upper Top Boost input and move the switch to the “down” position and you can now blend the Top Boost and Normal channels.
3)Normal Volume: This determines the sensitivity of the preamp section in the Normal channel. Depending on where this is set, you can either blend in more gain by turning it clockwise or you can set it lower for a cleaner sound. This works in conjunction with the Master Volume meaning that if you keep this volume lower and the Master higher, you will get a cleaner sound and conversely, if you keep this higher and the Master lower you will get more gain and distortion.
4)Brilliance switch: This switch engages the Brilliance function on the Normal channel and will add more top end brightness. Engaging the Brilliance switch will make the Normal channel into one from a vintage “Treble” AC30.
5)Top Boost Volume: This determines the sensitivity of the preamp section in the Top Boost channel. Depending on where this is set, you can either blend in more gain by turning it clockwise or you can set it lower for a cleaner, “chimey” sound. This works directly with the Master Volume meaning that if you keep this volume lower and the Master higher, you will get a cleaner sound and conversely, if you keep this higher and the Master lower you will get more gain.
6)Treble: This controls the treble (high) frequencies in your sound — from soft and round when turned down (counterclockwise) to bright and cutting when cranked (clockwise) and all points in-between.
7)Standard/Custom Switch
Standard: When this is selected the EQ (Treble and Bass) becomes very interactive and acts like a standard AC30. As you increase the Treble or Bass, the mids are decreased and conversely, as you decrease Treble or Bass, mids are increased.
Custom: When this is selected the EQ becomes less interactive like an AC30 Hand Wired or an AC15TB.
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8)Bass: This controls the bass (low) frequencies in your sound — from warm and light when turned down (counterclockwise) to dark and heavy when turned up full (clockwise) and all points in-between.
9)Reverb Section: This section allows you to control the Reverb for both channels by adjusting the Tone and Mix controls as well as the Dwell switch. You can remotely switch the reverb On or Off with the supplied footswitch.
Tone: This controls the high and low frequencies of the reverb. You can add brightness to the reverb by turning it clockwise or add darkness by turning it counterclockwise. Experiment with this control to see which setting(s) work best for you.
Dwell mini toggle: This controls the amount of drive that’s going to into the reverb.
Low Drive: Use this when you are using a higher gain sound
High Drive: Use this when you are using a lower gain, “cleaner” sound.
Mix: This controls the mix (amount) of reverb in your sound. Turning this knob fully clockwise will give you a wet, saturated sound while counterclockwise will give you a drier sound.
10)Tremolo Section: This section allows you to control the Tremolo for both channels on this amplifier by adjusting the Speed and Depth.You can remotely switch the reverb On or Off with the supplied footswitch.
Speed: As you might have guessed, this controls the speed of the built-in Tremolo.
Depth: This controls the depth (intensity) of the built-in tremolo.
11)Cut: This circuit is placed in the power amp as opposed to the preamp section like the Treble and
Bass controls. What this does is the opposite of what you may think. Turning it clockwise will decrease the higher frequencies and turning it counterclockwise adds higher frequencies.
12)Master Volume: This controls the overall (Master) volume of your amplifier. Cleaner sounds can be achieved by lowering the Normal or Top Boost volumes and raising the Master. Setting the Master lower and the Normal and Top Boost volumes higher will give you a fatter, more distorted tone.
As with all the controls of this amplifier, please experiment with different configurations to find the tones that fit your playing style.
13)Standby Switch: This switch allows the amplifier to attain the correct working temperature before applying the H.T. supply. Before connecting the amplifier to the Mains supply, ensure the Power and Standby switches are in the off position. Turn on the Power switch first and then wait 2–3 minutes before turning on the Standby switch. Doing this each time you play helps prolong tube life. The Standby switch is also very useful for playing live as it allows you to keep the valves at a functional temperature between sets.
14)Power Switch: This is the ON/OFF switch for the power to the amplifier.
Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and unplugged before being moved.
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REAR PANEL LAYOUT
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1) Loudspeaker Output Jacks: This is where you can hook up an extension or external speaker cabinet(s) if desired.
Note! Hooking up a cabinet through the External jack will mute (disconnect) the internal speakers!
Extension: This speaker jack runs parallel with the internal speakers which are wired for 16 Ohms. The extension cabinet must be 16 Ohms.
External: This speaker jack will mute (disconnect) the internal speakers and you can hook up either a 16 Ohm or 8 Ohm cabinet. Be sure to set the Output Select switch accordingly.
NOTE! AC30CCH: You’ll notice the rear panel speaker jacks are labeled the same as the combos even though the head does not have internal speakers! Both jacks (External and Extension) are parallel so run cabinets as you normally would. One 16 ohm cabinet into either jack, two 16 ohm cabinets into both jacks or one 8 ohm cabinet into either jack with the impedance select switch set accordingly. See below for hook up options.
WARNING! To ensure that your system works correctly, you must observe the following points.
a)Don’t use an external speaker whose impedance is other than 8 ohms.
b)Don’t connect a speaker whose rated input capacity is less than 30 watts. The speaker may be destroyed if you ignore this caution — not recommended!
c)You must use a speaker cable to connect an external speaker. Don’t use a shielded cable like the one you use to connect a guitar to an amp.
d)You must turn off the power before connecting the cable. Connecting the cable while the power is turned on may damage your amp.
Note! It is recommended that all audio cables, with the exception of the speaker lead, used to connect to the AC30 Custom Classic are of a high quality, screened type. These should not exceed 10 metres in length. Always use a non-screened Vox approved speaker lead with the AC30 Amplifier and extension cabinets.
2) Output (O/P) Select
COMBOS
16 Ohm: Combos allow for the following configurations:
1)Set it to this if you use the internal speakers only.
2)Set it to this if you connect a cabinet through the External jack and the impedance is 16 ohms.
HEAD
16 Ohm: Head allows for the following configuration:
1)Set it to this if you use one 16 ohm cabinet. Either jack can be used.
COMBOS
8 Ohm: Combos allow for the following configurations:
1)Set it to this if you connect an extension cabinet through the Extension jack. You’ll be running the internal and external speakers in parallel. The impedance of the extension cabinet must be 16 Ohms.
2)Set it to this if you connect an external 8 ohm cabinet through the External jack.
HEAD
8 Ohm: Head allows for the following configurations:
1)Set it to this if you connect two 16 ohm cabinets.
2)Set it to this if you connect one 8 ohm cabinet.
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3)Output Bias: This allows for specific biasing of your amplifier.
82 Warm: This setting will run your amplifier at about 22 watts clean (before clipping) which is similar to an early 4 input AC30. What this means to you is that you’ll have less clean headroom and get a warmer sound at lower volume levels plus your tube life will be prolonged.
50 Hot: This setting will run your amplifier at about 33 watts clean (before clipping) which is similar to a standard 6 input AC30. The tubes will be running hotter but you will have more clean headroom.
4)Smoothing: This changes the values of the filter caps within your amplifier.
22µf Vintage: This setting is similar to vintage AC30s where your sound will be more open and loose. You may experience slightly more “hum” when the amp is idling.
44µf Modern: As the name would suggest, this is going to act more closely to a modern AC30 such as the hand wired AC30HW. Your sound will be tighter and the amp will run quieter.
5)FX Loop: This is where you can hook up external processors such as rack or stompbox effects.
Level -10/+4 dB: If you run a rack processor through the FX Loop set the Level switch to +4. If
you run a stomp box effect set the level to -10.
NOTE: There is no rule set in stone for these levels. Please try both settings and use what works best for you as every playing and effect situation will be different.
FX Send: Think of this as the “output” of the FX loop and will be connected to the input of your effect(s).
FX Return: Think of this as the “input” of the effects loop and will be connected to the output of
your effect(s).
NOTE: Be sure to use shielded guitar cables only! NEVER use unshielded speaker cables.
FX Loop Bypass ON/OFF : This is a true bypass effects loop which means if this is set in the “off” position, absolutely none of your original signal will be running through it until it’s switched “on”.
6)Footswitch jack: This is where you connect the supplied VOX footswitch so you can turn the Reverb and Tremolo on and off.
7)HT Fuse: This fuse protects your amp should a fault occur with the power. The most common reason for this fuse to blow is when an output tube becomes faulty. The correct vale of the HT fuse is located on the rear panel of the amplifier and should only be replaced with one of the same value.
8)Mains Input: This is where the supplied, detachable Mains (power) cord is connected. The specific mains input voltage rating that your amplifier needs to run at is located on the rear panel of your amplifier. Before making any connections or powering up the amplifier, make sure the correct voltage is set. If you have any doubt, refer to your local VOX dealer.
9)Mains Fuse: This fuse provides an overall safety protection in the event your amplifier develops and electrical fault. The correct value of the fuse is located on the rear panel of your amplifier and should only be replaced with one of the same value.
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SPECIFICATION
AC30CC1
30Watt, 1x12 Combo, Celestion Neo-dog speaker
• Dimensions (W x H x D): |
610 x 540 x 265 mm |
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(24 x 21.25 x 10.4 inches) |
• Weight: |
24.5kg (54 lbs.) |
• Output Power: |
30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms |
AC30CC2
30Watt, 2x12 Combo, Wharfdale speakers
• Dimensions (W x H x D): |
705 x 540 x 265 mm |
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(27.75 x 21.25 x 10.4 inches) |
• Weight: |
32kg (70.5 lbs.) |
• Output Power: |
30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms |
AC30CC2X
30Watt, 2x12 Combo, Clesestion Alnico speakers
• Dimensions (W x H x D): |
705 x 540 x 265 mm |
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(27.75 x 21.25 x 10.4 inches) |
• Weight: |
32kg (70.5 lbs.) |
• Output Power: |
30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms |
AC30CCH
30Watt, Amplifer head |
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• Dimensions (W x H x D): |
615 x 275 x 265 mm |
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(24.2 x 10.83 x 10.4 inches) |
• Weight: |
19kg (41.9 lbs.) |
• Output Power: |
30 Watts RMS into 16 Ohms |
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
©2004 VOX AMPLIFICATION LTD.
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INFORMATIONS IMPORTANTES DE SECURITE
•Lisez attentivement ces instructions.
•Veuillez conserver ces instructions.
•Observez tous les avertissements.
•Suivez toutes les consignes à la lettre.
•N’utilisez jamais cet appareil dans un endroit humide ni à proximité d’eau.
•L’appareil alimenté par courant électrique ne peut pas être exposé à des éclaboussures; évite en outre de placer des récipients contenant des liquides, comme un vase (ou un verre de bière), sur l’appareil.
•Nettoyez uniquement l’appareil avec un chiffon doux et sec.
•Ne bloquez jamais les orifices de ventilation de l’appareil et installez-le toujours conformément aux instructions du fabricant.
•N’installez jamais l’appareil à proximité d’une source de chaleur, telle que des radiateurs, poêles ou tout autre dispositif (y compris des amplificateurs) générant de la chaleur.
•N’essayez jamais de contourner le dispositif de sécurité d’une prise de type polarisée ou d’une prise de terre. Une prise dite polarisée dispose de deux broches, dont l’une est plus large que l’autre. Une prise de terre comporte trois broches, dont une de mise à la terre. Cette broche plus large ou broche de mise à la terre vise à assurer votre sécurité. Si la fiche du cordon d’alimentation ne correspond pas au type de prise de courant de votre région, faites remplacer la prise obsolète par un électricien qualifié (pour les Etats-Unis et le Canada).
•Placez toujours le cordon d’alimentation de sorte qu’on ne risque pas de marcher dessus ni de le pincer. Cette précaution vise tout spécialement la fiche du cordon et sa sortie de l’appareil.
•Utilisez exclusivement les fixations/accessoires préconisés par le fabricant.
•S’il y a risque d’orage ou que vous ne comptez pas utiliser l’appareil pendant une période prolongée, débranchez-le du secteur.
•Confiez tout travail de réparation uniquement à un S.A.V. qualifié. Faites appel au S.A.V. si l’appareil a subi tout endommagement, comme par exemple si sa fiche secteur ou son cordon d’alimentation sont endommagés, si de l’eau ou des objets ont pénétré à l’intérieur de l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à la moisissure, s’il est tombé ou présente tout signe de dysfonctionnement.
•N’utilisez jamais d’allonge trop longue avec cet appareil et ne l’alimentez jamais via les prises secteur équipant d’autres dispositifs.
•N’installez jamais cet appareil dans un endroit confiné comme une caisse de transport ou tout autre récipient similaire.
•Utilisez l’appareil uniquement avec le chariot, stand, trépied, fixation ou table spécifiés par le fabricant ou fourni avec l’appareil. Si vous avez placé l’appareil sur un chariot, soyez très prudent quand vous déplacez le chariot, afin d’éviter une chute et des blessures.
L’éclair dans le triangle est un symbole destiné à attirer l’attention de l’utilisateur sur la présence de parties non isolées et de “tension dangereuse” à l’intérieur de l’appareil, qui posent des risques d’électrocution pour l’utilisateur.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle est un symbole destiné à attirer l’attention de l’utilisateur sur des sections de ce manuel contenant des informations importantes, liées à l’utilisation et à l’entretien de ce produit.
Marque CE pour les normes européennes harmonisées
La marque CE apposée sur tous les produits de notre firme fonctionnant sur secteur jusqu’au 31 décembre 1996 signifie que ces appareils répondent à la Directive EMC (89/336/CEE) et à la Directive concernant la marque CE (93/68/CEE).
La marque CE apposée après le 1 janvier 1997 signifie que ces appareils sont conformes à la Directive EMC (89/336/CEE), à la Directive concernant la marque CE (93/68/CEE) ainsi qu’à la Directive Basse Tension (73/23/CEE).
La marque CE apposée sur tous les produits de notre firme fonctionnant sur piles signifie que ces appareils répondent à la Directive EMC (89/336/CEE) et à la Directive concernant la marque CE (93/68/CEE).
REMARQUE IMPORTANTE POUR LES CLIENTS
Ce produit a été fabriqué suivant des spécifications sévères et des besoins en tension applicables dans le pays où ce produit doit être utilisé. Si vous avez acheté ce produit via l’internet, par vente par correspondance ou/et vente par téléphone, vous devez vérifier que ce produit est bien utilisable dans le pays où vous résidez. ATTENTION: L’utilisation de ce produit dans un pays autre que celui pour lequel il a été conçu peut être dangereuse et annulera la garantie du fabricant ou du distributeur. Conservez bien votre récépissé qui est la preuve de votre achat, faute de quoi votre produit ne risque de ne plus être couvert par la garantie du fabricant ou du distributeur.
*Les noms de sociétés, noms de produits et noms de formats, etc. dans ce manuel sont des marques de fabrique ou des mar-ques déposées de leurs propriétaires respectifs.
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INTRODUCTION
Félicitation pour votre acquisition d’un AC30 Custom Classic. Cet amplificateur représente la somme de plus de 45 ans de savoir-faire en matière de fabrication d’amplis de guitare de haute qualité. Nous avons choisi les AC30 les mieux conçus et ajouté un certain nombre de caractéristiques aussi utiles qu’intéressantes pour vous offrir l’AC30 aux sonorités les plus polyvalentes à l’heure actuelle!
Nous sommes certains que vous apprécierez ces améliorations d’une utilité indéniable et que votre nouvel amplificateur sera le compagnon d’intenses moments de plaisir. Votre AC30 est doté de caractéristiques actualisées telles que canaux combinables, une véritable boucle d’effet (contournable) ou une commande de volume Master pour n’en citer que quelques unes. Veuillez lire ce mode d’emploi attentivement afin de vous familiariser avec votre ampli.
Pour que ce nouvel AC30 réponde aux normes de qualité, fiabilité et sonorité les plus exigeantes, il a été entièrement fabriqué dans notre usine à intégration verticale, capable d’appliquer des procédés peu courants dans l’industrie des amplificateurs de guitare. Nous concevons et construisons nos propres transformateurs, nos haut-parleurs (à l’exception des vénérables Vox “Blue” fabriqués au Royaume Uni par Celestion), nos enceintes (toutes en bouleau) et notre électronique. Cette approche vous permet de bénéficier d’un AC30 d’une sonorité à nulle autre égale.
Naissance d’un ampli…
L’AC30 est un des plus grands amplis de guitare de tous les temps. Ce légendaire ampli combo a fait ses débuts en 1959 et sa sonorité, unique en son genre, détermine le son de guitare depuis plus de 45 ans. Bien que la marque VOX soit passée entre de nombreuses mains et que l’AC30 ait fait l’objet de plusieurs remaniements, l’ampli est resté fondamentalement le même depuis 1965. C’est un hommage en soi au produit original conçu par Dick Denny quand VOX était détenu par Jennings Musical Industries.
Les amplificateurs de guitare qui n’ont pas été modifiés en profondeur depuis leur arrivée sur le marché sont extrêmement rares. En fait, la plupart des amplis de style vintage disponibles aujourd’hui ont disparu du marché durant des années et viennent seulement d’être réintroduits dans un format réédité; l’AC30 de base a toujours été disponible.
Les détenteurs successifs de la marques n’ont effectué que des changements mineurs à la conception ou à l’électronique.
Certaines de ces modifications étaient meilleures que d’autres mais elles n’ont pas altéré l’essence même de l’ampli.
Qu’est-ce qui explique le succès de l’AC30? Sa sonorité unique et chaleureuse, un “feeling” stimulant et une circuiterie extrêmement simple. En dépit de commandes simples au possible, l’AC30 connaît un succès qui ne se dément pas depuis son apparition. VOX possédait pratiquement la “British invasion” des années 1960 et l’AC30 continue à être utilisé par les artistes les plus divers, couvrant une palette de genre musicaux extrêmement large.
Ce superbe ampli n’avait qu’un seul défaut: certaines caractéristiques, bien utiles à la fin des années ‘50, sont à l’heure actuelle, au mieux, “excentriques”! Par exemple: il y a trois canaux ayant deux entrées chacun, TOP BOOST, NORMAL et VIB/TREM. De loin le plus utilisé, le canal TOP BOOST propose le spectre tonal le plus varié et le plus recherché, particulièrement par les guitaristes actuels. Vient ensuite (mais loin derrière) le canal NORMAL. Bien que ce canal n’ait qu’une commande de volume et rien d’autre, il est, en combinaison avec une certaine pédale accentuant l’aigu, à l’origine du son immortel de Brian May. Le canal VIB/TREM ne fait que très peu d’adeptes si ce n’est pour accéder au circuit VIB/TREM même. Comparé aux autres, le canal VIB/TREM est très pauvre sur le plan tonal et donc rarement utilisé pour sa sonorité, et pourtant, il a plus d’électronique que tout le reste de l’ampli!
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