1. Introduction
The VOX AC10C1 is a 10-watt tube amplifier designed to deliver the classic VOX Top Boost tone. Equipped with EL84 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes, it offers authentic tube tone through its custom 10-inch Celestion VX10 speaker. This amplifier features a single channel with intuitive controls for gain, bass, treble, reverb, and master volume, making it suitable for various musical settings.
Figure 1: Front view of the VOX AC10C1 Guitar Tube Combo Amplifier, showcasing its classic black and brown diamond-patterned grille cloth with the gold VOX logo.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions thoroughly before operating the amplifier.
- Keep these instructions for future reference.
- Heed all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
- Follow all instructions for safe operation.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a 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.
- 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.
3. Package Contents
Ensure all items are present upon unpacking:
- VOX AC10C1 Guitar Tube Combo Amplifier
- Power Cord
- Instruction Manual
4. Setup
4.1 Power Connection
Connect the supplied power cord to the MAINS INPUT on the rear panel of the amplifier and then to a suitable AC power outlet. Ensure the power switch is in the 'OFF' position before connecting.
4.2 Guitar Connection
Plug your guitar into one of the INPUT jacks on the front panel. The AC10C1 features two input channels: 'NORMAL' and 'TOP BOOST'. Experiment with both to find the tone that best suits your playing style.
4.3 External Speaker Connections
The rear panel includes 'EXTERNAL SP' and 'EXTENSION SP' jacks for connecting additional speaker cabinets. The 'EXTERNAL SP' jack disconnects the internal speaker when used, while the 'EXTENSION SP' jack runs in parallel with the internal speaker. Always ensure the impedance selector switch (8 Ohms or 16 Ohms) matches the impedance of your connected speaker(s).
Figure 2: Rear panel of the VOX AC10C1, showing the power input, foot switch jack, and external/extension speaker outputs with impedance selector.
5. Operating Controls
5.1 Front Panel Controls
- POWER Switch: Turns the amplifier's main power ON or OFF.
- STANDBY Switch: Engages or disengages the standby mode. For tube longevity, turn the POWER switch ON first, wait approximately one minute for the tubes to warm up, then switch the STANDBY to ON.
- MASTER VOLUME: Controls the overall output volume of the amplifier.
- TONE CUT: This control is counter-intuitive. Turning it clockwise (up) reduces higher frequencies, resulting in a warmer, darker tone with more prominent mids and lows. Turning it counter-clockwise (down) reduces lower frequencies, making the tone brighter.
- TREMOLO (DEPTH & SPEED): Adjusts the intensity (Depth) and rate (Speed) of the built-in tremolo effect.
- REVERB LEVEL: Controls the amount of the built-in digital reverb effect. Use sparingly, as higher settings can produce a long decay tail.
- TOP BOOST (BASS & TREBLE): These controls adjust the low and high frequencies specifically for the Top Boost channel, allowing for precise tonal shaping.
- TOP BOOST VOLUME: Controls the volume of the Top Boost channel. When combined with the MASTER VOLUME, this acts as a preamp gain control for the Top Boost channel.
- NORMAL VOLUME: Controls the volume of the Normal channel. Similar to the Top Boost Volume, this acts as a preamp gain control for the Normal channel when used with the MASTER VOLUME.
Video 1: A detailed demonstration of the controls and features found on VOX AC15 and AC30 amplifiers, which share similar functionalities with the AC10C1.
5.2 Rear Panel Connections
- FOOT SWITCH: Connect an optional footswitch (not included) to remotely switch the tremolo and reverb effects ON/OFF.
- EXTERNAL SP: Connects an external speaker cabinet. The internal speaker will be disconnected.
- EXTENSION SP: Connects an extension speaker cabinet. This will operate in parallel with the internal speaker.
- IMPEDANCE SELECT: Switch to match the impedance (8 Ohms or 16 Ohms) of your connected speaker cabinet(s).
6. Maintenance
- Keep the amplifier clean by wiping it with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Avoid exposing the amplifier to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or high humidity.
- When transporting the amplifier, ensure it is properly secured to prevent physical damage. The tolex covering is not overly thick, so be mindful of bumps.
- Periodically check the tubes for signs of wear or damage. Tube replacement should be performed by qualified service personnel.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your AC10C1 amplifier, consult the following table for common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound output | Power not connected, STANDBY switch OFF, guitar cable faulty, volume controls too low, speaker impedance mismatch. | Check power and standby switches, test guitar cable, increase volume, verify speaker impedance. |
| Weak or distorted sound | Faulty tubes, incorrect input jack used, damaged speaker. | Allow tubes to warm up, try different input jacks, consult service personnel for tube/speaker issues. |
| Excessive hum or noise | Ground loop, faulty guitar cable, proximity to other electronic devices. | Ensure proper grounding, try different cables, move amplifier away from other electronics. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Output Wattage | 10 Watts |
| Speaker | Custom 10" Celestion VX10 |
| Tubes | EL84 power tubes, 12AX7 preamp tubes |
| Channels | Normal, Top Boost |
| Controls | Gain, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Master Volume, Tone Cut, Tremolo Depth, Tremolo Speed |
| Effects | Reverb, Tremolo |
| Inputs | Guitar Input (Normal, Top Boost) |
| Outputs | External Speaker, Extension Speaker |
| Impedance Select | 8 Ohms, 16 Ohms |
| Product Dimensions | 23.75 x 12.08 x 18.63 inches |
| Item Weight | 27.1 pounds |
| Material | Vinyl |
9. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official VOX Amplification website or the warranty card included with your product. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
