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 v entilation 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.
•Turning off the power switch does not completely isolate this
product from the power line so remove the plug from the soc ket if
not using it for extended periods of time.
• Install this product near the wall socket and k eep the po w er 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 f allen into the appar atus , the appar atus
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 appar atus . 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 A C 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).
* Company names, product names, and names of f ormats etc. are
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
AALWAYS use the supplied mains lead, if a replacement is
required please contact your authorized Vox Dealer.
B DO NOT switch the amplifier on without a loudspeaker
connected.
C ENSURE that any extension cabinets used are of the correct
impedance.
D NEVER attempt to bypass the fuses or fit ones of the
incorrect values.
E DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis, there are
no user serviceable parts.
F Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel including
replacement of fuses and valves. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when
the 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.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance may void the users
authority to operate the equipment.
Note: It is recommended that all audio cables, with the exception
of the speaker lead, used to connect to the AC30BM 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.
WARNING: Do not obstruct ventilation grilles and always ensure
free movement of air around the amplifier!
2
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Congratulations on your purchase of the AC30 BRIAN MAY CUSTOM LIMITED EDITION.
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
1
Front panel features:
To say this front panel is minimalist is a gross understatement!
1. VOLUME control This sets the overall volume of the amp. At low settings the amp is clean
with glass-like note articulation (especially with the Boost engaged), while
at high settings the amp opens up and roars with violin-like sustain. Oh,
and it’s very loud too.
Needless to say Brian’s favourite setting of this control is MAXIMUM.
2. 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.
Tu rn 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.
2
3
3. Power Switch: This is the ON/OFF switch for the power to the amplifier. Down (towards
the rear of the amp) the mains power is connected to the amp and it’s on.
Up (towards the front of the amp) is off.
Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and unplugged before being
moved.
3
REAR PANEL LAYOUT
54 106 11 127 8 9
Rear panel features:
4. LOUDSPEAKER jack (mounted underneath the chassis)
16 ohm connection to the internal Celestion G12 Alnico loudspeakers (Two
8 ohm speakers connected in series). If required these can be disconnected by removing the speaker jack plug and connecting the amp output
into an extension cabinet of your choice, provided that the cabinet is rated
for a total impedance of 16 ohms and has a power rating of at least 40
watts RMS.
5. OUTPUT POWER CONTROL switch
This switch converts the output stage of the AC30 BRIAN MAY CUSTOM
LIMITED EDITION from the full power rating of 30 watts (33 watts actual
clipping) to that of an AC15, which is 15 watts.
The AC30 BRIAN MAY CUSTOM LIMITED EDITION amp has a unique
VOX circuit that does a TRUE & PROPER power reduction, in that it disconnects 2 of 4 the output power tubes (or valves). It also adjusts the bias
circuit (as this is a cathode biased amp, it changes the cathode bias resistor), and last, but most importantly, it adjusts the output transformer impedance to the correct value for running only 2 output tubes.
6. BOOST GAIN switch This gives two gain settings for the built-in Brian May boost circuit, namely
High and Low. The High setting, obviously, gives the maximum gain boost
and is the same as Brian’s boost pedal.
The Low setting, which Brian’s pedal does not have, but we wanted to add
more flexibility, gives the same treble/mid voicing but has a lower amount
of boost gain.
7. GUITAR INPUT jack Although in a rather unconventional position for an input jack, this, as they
say, is where you plug your guitar in!
As always, please use high quality shielded guitar leads for all connections. NEVER use an un-shielded speaker lead.
8. BOOST LINK OUTPUT jack
This jack allows you to daisy chain the signal from the output of the booster
stage into other amplifiers, delays, or other effects, etc. If using another
AC30 BRIAN MAY CUSTOM LIMITED EDITION, the other end of the link
lead would feed the Guitar Input jack, but do not use the Booster circuit in
the second or further amps. The safest way would be to isolate the boost
circuit by using the Boost ON/OFF switch (9).
4
9. BOOST ON/OFF switch
ON enables the use of the BOOST circuit (and allows for footswitch control
(10)). OFF (BYPASS) disables the use of the BOOST circuit (and footswitch)
completely.
10. BOOSTER FOOTSWITCH jack
This jack provides connection to use the supplied VOX VF001 single
footswitch (VOX VF001). The LED indicator glows RED when the BOOST
circuit is active, and is OFF when the BOOST circuit is bypassed.
11. 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.
12. 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.
Specifications
Power Output: 30 Watts RMS into an 16 ohm loudspeaker load.
Internal speaker: 2x 8 ohm 12", 15 Watt VOX/Celestion AlniCo Blue.
Power supply: GZ34/5AR4 rectifier, modified AC30 power supply circuit.
Power amplifier: 12AX7/ECC83 Phase Splitter (inverter), 4x EL84/6BQ5 push-pull cathode
biased, producing a minimum of 30 Watts RMS into a 16 ohm loudspeaker
load, switchable to 15 Watts RMS.
Pre-amplifier: 12AX7/ECC83 modified AC30 “Normal” channel circuit.
Input Boost Circuit: High Mid/Treble (boost approx 46dB)—discrete transistor circuit – remote
footswitch operation.
Mains input: preset 100V or 120V or 230V or 240 V ~ 50 or 60 Hz depending on country
of sale. Please see Rating Plate on rear of amplifier for exact specification.
Dimensions: 705 x 540 x 265 mm / 24" x 21.25" x 10.4" (W x H x D)
Weight: 33.5 kg / 73.85 lbs.
Included items: Power cable, VF001 footswitch, dust cover.
Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
URL = http://www.voxamps.co.uk
5