Vox VT80+, VT20+, VT40+, VT120+ User Manual

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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
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 grounding-type
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 USA 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.
•Turning off the power switch does not completely isolate this product
from the power line so remove the plug from the socket if not using it
for extended periods of time.
Install this product near the wall socket and keep the power plug
easily accessible.
•WARNING—This apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
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.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can
cause hearing loss.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by
the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a car t 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.
THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Notice regarding disposal (EU only)
When this “crossed-out wheeled bin” symbol is
displayed on the product, owner’s manual,
battery, or battery package, it signifies that
when you wish to dispose of this product,
manual, package or battery you must do so in
an approved manner. Do not discard this
product, manual, package or battery along with
ordinary household waste. Disposing in the correct
manner will prevent harm to human health and potential
damage to the environment. Since the correct method of
disposal will depend on the applicable laws and
regulations in your locality, please contact your local
administrative body for details. If the battery contains
heavy metals in excess of the regulated amount, a
chemical symbol is displayed below the “crossed-out
wheeled bin” symbol on the battery or battery package.
*All product names and company names are the trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
3

Table of Contents

Introduction...................................................................................... 4
Welcome! ........................................................................................................ 4
Main features .................................................................................................. 4
Quick start .......................................................................................5
Setup .............................................................................................................. 5
Checking out the preset programs.................................................................. 5
Switching between the user programs............................................................ 6
Top and rear panels.......................................................................... 7
Top panel ........................................................................................................ 7
Rear panel .................................................................................................... 11
About the three operating modes .................................................... 12
Preset mode (recalling preset programs) ..................................................... 12
Manual mode ................................................................................................ 12
Channel Select mode (recalling user programs) .......................................... 13
Creating and saving sounds ............................................................ 14
Creating a sound .......................................................................................... 14
Adjusting the noise reduction ....................................................................... 15
Saving a program ......................................................................................... 15
Checking the original values saved in a program ......................................... 16
Restoring the factory settings ....................................................................... 16
Using the tuner ............................................................................... 18
Using a foot switch (VOX VFS5)....................................................... 19
Foot switch operations in Channel Select mode........................................... 19
Foot switch operations in Preset or Manual modes ...................................... 19
Signal path .................................................................................... 21
What is Valve Reactor technology? .................................................. 21
About the amp models and effect types ...........................................22
Amp models .................................................................................................. 22
Pedal effects ................................................................................................. 26
Modulation and delay effects ........................................................................ 28
Reverb effects ............................................................................................... 31
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................32
Specifications .................................................................................34
Song preset program ...................................................................... 35
Program sheet ................................................................................ 36
4

Introduction

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the VOX Valvetronix VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/
VT120+ modeling guitar amplifier.
To help you get the most out of your new amplifire, please read this manual
carefully.
Get ready to enjoy the VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ amazing guitar sounds!

Main features

The VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ uses Valve Reactor technology, and
features a power amp circuit containing a 12AX7 (ECC83) dual triode valve
(“vacuum tube”) that would normally be used in a preamp. This allows the
amp to produce the true sound and feel of a bona fide all valve (tube) amp.
Sophisticated modeling technology is used to provide thirty-three different
amps.
•Twenty-five high-quality effects are built-in. You can use up to four effects
including noise reduction simultaneously (or up to five effects if you use
“multiple effects”).
•You can create a sound using the desired amp and effect, and save it in the
memory as one of eight programs (two banks x four channels). Programs can
be switched while you perform, either from the top panel or from a foot switch
connected to the rear panel (Channel Select mode). For each amp model, three
preset programs – Basic, Effect and Song – are provided, giving you a total of
99 programs (Preset mode). The song programs reproduce the tones of classic
hits played by famous guitarists.
Manual mode lets you use the VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ as a conven-
tional guitar amp. The physical positions of the actual knobs will be reflected
by the sound.
An optional VOX VFS5 foot switch (sold separately) can be connected, allow-
ing you to switch programs or turn effects on/off with your feet.
The power level control lets you adjust the output wattage of the power amp.
The built-in auto tuner lets you tune a guitar connected to the INPUT jack.
The AUX IN jack lets you connect a CD/MP3 player, enabling you to play the
guitar along with recorded music.
5

Quick start

This Quick Start section is for those of you who would like to start using your
new amp right away.
This manual contains information that will help you take full advantage of
your Valvetronix amp, so be sure to read the rest of it after you’ve read the
Quick Start section.
HINT: Illustrations of the top panel and rear panel are provided in “Top
and rear panels” (p. 7), so refer to them as you try out your amp.

Setup

1. Turn the MASTER volume (p. 8) control on the amp all the way down.
2. Connect the included power cable to the AC power connector on the rear
panel, and plug the other end into an AC outlet.
3. Plug the cable connected to your guitar into the top panel INPUT jack.
4. Turn on the POWER switch.
5. Slowly raise the MASTER volume to adjust the volume.
HINT: The POWER LEVEL control adjusts the output level of the power
amp.
NOTE: There may be no sound for several seconds until the vacuum tube
warms up. This is not a malfunction.

Checking out the preset programs

1. Press the top Panel PRESET switch.
The PRESET LED will light up (Preset mode).
2. Turn the AMP selector to choose an amp model.
A preset program for a sound that is typical of each amp model will be re-
called, and the GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, and effect settings
will switch automatically.
6
HINT: The amp models are organized into three banks, each bank containing
eleven models (a total of thirty-three). Press the AMP switch to change banks.
Each time you press this, the AMP LED will switch to green, orange, or red,
and you’ll switch to amp banks STD, SPL, and CST. Each of the thirty-three
amp models has three preset programs (a total of ninety-nine programs). In
Preset mode, pressing the PRESET switch will cycle the PRESET LED among
green, orange, and red, switching among preset programs 1 (basic), 2 (effect),
and 3 (song).
Each song program reproduces the tone of a hit played by a famous guitarist.
See the chart on page 35 for a list of the songs presets included with your
amplifier.

Switching between the user programs

1. Press one of the top panel CHANNEL switches (CH1, CH2, CH3, or CH4).
The LED for the CHANNEL switch you pressed will light up, and the user
program specified for that channel will be recalled (Channel Select mode).
HINT: The user programs are organized into two banks, each bank con-
taining four channels (a total of eight programs). Press the CHANNEL
BANK switch to switch banks. Each time you press it, the BANK LED will
change between green and red, switching between channel banks 1 and 2.
HINT: You can store your own favorite sounds in a program. For details,
please refer to “Saving a program” (p. 15).
7
PRESET LED
PRESET switch
MANUAL LED

Top and rear panels

In this chapter we're going to take a look at the top and rear panels of your
Va lvetronix amp.

Top panel

1
2
4
3
5 6
7
8 9
The illustration shows the VT20+.
1. INPUT section
INPUT jack
This is where you plug in your guitar.
2. PRESETS/MANUAL section
PRESET switch and LED, MANUAL LED
Use this to switch to Preset mode or Manual mode,
and to select preset programs (basic, effect, song).
Pressing the PRESET switch repeatedly will cycle
the program among basic, effect, and song. Press the
PRESET switch for more than one second to engage
Manual mode.
In Preset mode you can use the AMP switch/selector to select typical sounds
(preset programs) for each amp model. The PRESET LED will be lit green
(basic), orange (effect), or red (song) when you’re in Preset mode.
In Manual mode, the sound will reflect the physical position of all knobs
except the VALUE and DEPTH knobs. This lets you use the VT20+/VT40+/
VT80+/VT120+ just as if it was a conventional guitar amp. The MANUAL LED
will be lit when you’re in Manual mode.
8
AMP LED
AMP selector
AMP switch
3. AMP section
Here you can adjust the settings for the amp using
the traditional VOX “chicken head” knobs.
AMP switch and selector, LED
Here you can select the amp mode.
Each time you press the AMP switch, the bank and
AMP LED color will change as follows:
• STD (Standard): green
• SPL (Special): orange
• CST (Custom): red
Use the AMP selector to choose a model within the selected amp bank.
The operation of the gain circuit, and the response of the tone controls and
their location within the circuit are all switched according to the amp model
you select here.
In Preset mode (i.e., when the PRESET LED is lit), you can recall preset pro-
grams that contain sounds and effect settings that are typical of each amp
model.
GAIN control
This adjusts the pre-amp gain of the selected amp model.
VOLUME control
This adjusts the volume of the selected amp model.
TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS controls
These adjust the tone for the high, mid, and low-frequency ranges. The change
produced by each control will differ depending on the amp model that you’ve
selected.
MASTER volume
This adjusts the volume that is output from the pre-amp to the Valve Reactor
power amp. This setting will change the amount of the Valve Reactor’s distor-
tion.
NOTE: The MASTER volume setting is not programmed.
NOTE: The amount of Valve Reactor distortion is also affected by the
GAIN control and VOLUME control. For some settings, there will be
almost no distortion.
9
PEDAL selector
VALUE knob
MOD/DELAY selector
TAP LED
TAP switch
DEPTH knob
TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs
BANK switch
BANK LED
TUNER (BYPASS) switch
CHANNEL LED
CHANNEL switch
4. CHANNEL/TUNER section
BANK and CHANNEL switches, LEDs
Use the BANK switch to
select the channel bank.
In Channel Select mode,
the BANK LED will be
lit green or red.
Use the CHANNEL
switches to select
channels. The LED of the selected channel will be lit up. To save a new pro-
gram, hold down the desired CHANNEL switch for two seconds or longer.
If you want to save a new program in a different bank, hold down the BANK
switch for 0.5 seconds or longer (until the BANK LED starts blinking) and
select the desired writing-destination bank (p. 15 “Saving a program”).
When the tuner function is turned on, the BANK and CH 1–4 LEDs will indicate
the string number (a pitch note closest to the input sound) (p. 18 “Using the
tuner”).
TUNER (BYPASS) switch and LED
Pressing the TUNER (BYPASS) switch will turn all effects off (bypass), and
engage the tuner function. If you want to tune your instrument with the amp
output muted, press the TUNER (BYPASS) switch for one second or longer.
When the tuner function is turned on, the TUNER (BYPASS) LEDs will display
the tuning status (p. 18 “Using the tuner”).
5. PEDAL section
Here you can adjust the settings for pedal
effects.
For details on each effect, refer to “Pedal
effects” (p. 26).
PEDAL selector
This selects the effect type. When you switch the effect type, the parameter
settings of the effect will be initialized.
VALUE knob
This adjusts the parameters of each effect.
To turn the pedal effect off, rotate this knob all the way to the left.
6. MODULATION/DELAY section
Here you can adjust the settings for
modulation effects, delay effects, and
other effects, such as pitch shift.
For details on each effect, refer to “Modu-
lation and delay effects” (p. 28).
10
REVERB knob
POWER LEVEL control
MOD/DELAY selector
This selects the modulation type, delay type, or other effect type. When you
switch the effect type, the parameter settings of the effect will be initialized.
DEPTH knob
This adjusts the parameter of each effect, such as the depth of the effect.
You can also adjust the modulation speed and other parameters by holding
down the TAP switch and rotating the DEPTH knob.
To turn the modulation/delay effect off, rotate this knob all the way to the left.
TAP switch, LED
This sets the speed of modulation-type effects, or the delay time of delay
effects. The interval between two presses of the switch will be set as the speed
or time.
The LED will blink at intervals of the specified speed or time.
HINT: To set a precise speed or time that matches the tempo of a song,
press the TAP switch several times in rhythm with the song.
If you selected PITCH SHIFT, pressing the TAP switch repeatedly will change
the pitch setting.
If you selected FILTRON, pressing the TAP switch repeatedly will toggle
between UP and DOWN for the envelope. When UP is selected, the TAP LED
will light up.
You can also adjust the speed, pitch, or other parameters by holding down the
TAP switch and rotating the DEPTH knob.
For details, please refer to “Modulation and delay effects” (p. 28).
7. REVERB section
Here you can adjust the settings for reverb effects.
For details on each effect, refer to “Reverb effects” (p. 31).
REVERB knob
Depending on the position of the knob, this selects the reverb
type (ROOM, SPRING, or HALL) or adjusts the mix amount
of the reverb sound.
If you turn the control all the way to the left, the reverb effect will turn off.
8. POWER LEVEL control
This adjusts the output wattage of the power amp.
VT20+: 0W–30W
VT40+: 0W–60W
VT80+: 0W–120W
VT120+: 0W–150W
NOTE: The power level setting is not saved in the
program.
11
PHONES jack
AUX IN jack
9. AUX IN/PHONES section
AUX IN jack
Connect the analog output of an audio device to this jack. You
can connect a CD or MP3 player here, and play along on the
guitar while listening to your favorite songs.
PHONES jack
Use this jack if you want to output directly to a mixer or record-
ing device, or when you want to use headphones. The signal that
is output from this jack is taken from directly before the power
amp, and the cabinet response of the guitar amp will be applied to it.
NOTE: If you connect this jack, no sound will be output from the internal
speaker.
NOTE: Be sure to connect the headphones to this jack in stereo. If you
connect them in monaural, the sound will not be output through the
headphones.

Rear panel

1
2
3
1. POWER switch
This switch turns the power on or off.
2. AC power connector
This is where you connect the included power cord.
3. FOOT SW (foot switch) jack
You can connect an optional foot switch (VOX VFS5) here.
For more information on using the foot switch, refer to “Using the foot switch
(VOX VFS5)” (p. 19).
NOTE: You must connect or disconnect the foot switch while the power is
off. Malfunctions or damage may occur if you connect or disconnect the
foot switch while the power is on.
12

About the three operating modes

Preset mode (recalling preset programs)

In Preset mode you can use the AMP switch/selector to recall programs for
each amp model: “basic” programs containing typical sounds for that amp
model, “effect” preset programs, and “song” preset programs that replicate
tones from hit songs. Each program will automatically switch the settings for
GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, and effects. For details on the hit
songs that are programmed for each amp model, refer to the table at end of this
owner’s manual.
Switching to Preset mode
If the PRESET LED is dark, you’re not in Preset mode. Press the PRESET
switch; the PRESET LED will light up, and you’ll be in Preset mode.
Recalling a preset program
Each of the thirty-three amp models contains three preset programs: “basic,”
“effect,” and “song” (a total of ninety-nine programs).
With the PRESET LED lit, use the AMP switch/selector. The preset program
specified for each amp model will be selected, regardless of the position of the
top panel control knobs or EFFECTS selector. If you recall a preset program
while the effect bypass is enabled, the bypass will be cancelled.
In preset mode, pressing the PRESET switch will make the PRESET LED cycle
through green, orange, and red, switching among preset programs Basic,
Effect, and Song.

Manual mode

When the VT20+/VT40+/VT80+/VT120+ is in Manual mode, it will behave like
a conventional guitar amp. In other words, the sound will reflect the actual
position of all the top panel selectors and control knobs (except for the VALUE
and DEPTH knobs).
Switching to Manual mode
If the MANUAL LED is dark, the unit is not in Manual mode. Press and hold
down the PRESET switch for one second or longer; the MANUAL LED will
light up, and the unit will enter Manual mode.
NOTE: In Manual mode, if you adjust a parameter setting that is not affected
by a knob position (such as the effect parameter and the noise reduction
settings), the adjusted setting will be saved automatically, and that same
setting will be recalled the next time the unit enters Manual mode. However, if
at that time the PEDAL or MOD/DELAY selector is set to a different position
than previously, the default parameter settings for that effect type will be
loaded.
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