Vox - AP2AC amPlug 2 Guitar Headphone Amplifier - AC30

This is for the amplug3 AC-30 version. I have a bunch of amp sims on the laptop and a few multi effect/distortion guitar pedals (zoom, digitech, Line 6 Behringer etc) I have accumulated over the years but still found myself picking up the guitar and playing unplugged most of the time. This little thing has changed that, I can leave it plugged into the guitar permanently with a cheap pair of wired earbuds attached. so getting an amplified sound is so quick and doesn't make the place look untidy with extra boxes cables kicking around the floor. Glad I got this it really does sound better than I anticipated.The AC-30 model sounds great, I have never owned a Vox AC-30 but have played through some in the past and this does remind me of those days. Even if it may not be 100% accurate emulation to those with Golden Ears, IT SOUNDS GREAT! so far it has made me play more and I have caught myself thinking that it is me that sounds better not just the guitar :-) The onboard rhythms are a good practice aid. The reverb effect sounds very good, the tremolo sounds authentic but I never liked that anyway and not going to start now.If you want to nitpick1) The controls are identified by raised black writing on textured black plastic. I am in my 60s and can only guess at what it says unless I have my glasses on and the light source directly behind me. Strangely the numbers on the actual controls are recessed and in bright white and so easily readable. Once you get used to what the controls are it is not an issue but this was annoying the first few times I used it.2) There is some noise in the signal as others have said but this is low compared to he overall volume and lets be honest the AC-30 was not known as a quiet amp! I don't imagine too many people will plug this practice aid into a DAW and if you do then just put a noise gate across that channel. You're a big boy now!3) I laughed at myself but was disappointed when I found the speaker cabinet 'fabric' was just smooth plastic :-) . Actual fabric of course would be an expensive complication to the manufacturing process but it would be nice to have a textured plastic cover over the speaker area.These are little things and do not detract from how pleased I am with the device or how often I use it. Its a cool toy that sounds better than it has any right to and will make a perfect gift (to yourself or to a guitarist friend). Knock yourself out....

I've just taken delivery of my Vox amPlug2 Blues headphone guitar amp.Described in the documentation as a 'Clean Blues' Lead headphone guitar amplifier.Overnighted to my letterbox in under 12hours, imo Impressively quick.Manufactured by Korg of Japan for Vox Amplification it looks like, judging from the paperwork in the packaging.After reading some mixed reviews on Amazon I feel that I can dispel two negative points immediately:One) It does come with full instructions included.Easy to miss, secreted as it is in the fold of the cardboard package stiffener.It takes 2xAAA batteries.Comes supplied with a pair of batteries(Chinese 'SuperHeavyDuty' manganese!)Rated for 4hours @ FX On - 9hours @ FX Off.With alkaline batteries this is promised to rise to 11hours and 17hours respectively.There is no facility to be able to employ an exterior power supply, to save on batteries.Two) it is made of the same type of plastic as my Sony headphones, and most of my other electronic gadgets.Maybe not gig proof, but imo absolutely robust enough for home use.The controls are quite small and fiddly, commensurate with the size of the amp, but imo adequate for the task.I'd guess most users will find the setting that suits them, then leave things at that.The On/Off button on the left side doubles as the Mode button. It has an led indicator beside it that cycles through the three modes:Mode1 green CleanMode2 orange CrunchMode3 red Lead.The FX button on top cycles through the 4 conditionsOff - Chorus - Delay - Reverb .The level of each effectLow - Medium - High is obtained by holding down the FX button and cycling the On/Off button,Indicated by the number of beeps.These settings I'm sure will come down to matters of personal taste.Find a setup that you're happy with, the amp will reboot to the same settings you were last using.There is a 30minute auto-off.This will initiate if the amp is not detecting a strong enough input signal.On top of the unit are also:A 1/8th" Aux output socket.Thumb Dials for 'Gain' 'Tone' & 'Volume'.Each marked 1 to 10.On the right end is the 1/8th" signal out/headphone socket.On the back is a standard 1/4" jackplug. Rotatable through 180° in 45° increments.Ideal configuration for a front facing jack, strat-type guitar.Output, I am happy to be able to say, is clean and free of hum or hisses. Another point I was concerned about, after reading some of the reviews on here.Power is adequate for practicing, without blowing the doors off anything, which is what I wanted and expected.I have ordered myself an extra 1/8" to 1/4" guitar lead, so that I can plug the amp output through a footpedal etc to my headphones.All in all, a pleasant no-fuss little headphone amp, that for not much money does what it is supposed to, ie lets you practice in peace without troubling anyone around you.