VOX VX50 GTV / VX15 GT Guitar Amplifier Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the VOX VX50 GTV / VX15 GT modeling guitar amplifier. Please read this owner's manual carefully to get the most out of your new instrument.

Brand: VOX Amplification Ltd.

Address: 1 Harrison Close, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PA, UK

Website: www.voxamps.com

Publication Date: 01/2019

Printed in: Vietnam

© 2019 VOX AMPLIFICATION LTD.

Precautions

Installation Location

The product may not operate normally in the following locations:

• Direct sunlight
• Locations with extreme temperature or humidity
• Dusty or dirty places
• Places with strong vibration
• Near devices with strong magnetic fields

Power

Connect to an AC outlet that matches the voltage of your country using the specified AC adapter. Do not connect the product to an outlet with a voltage other than that for which it was designed.

Interference with Other Electronic Devices

Noise may occur on nearby radios or TVs. Use the amplifier at an appropriate distance from radios and TVs.

Handling

Do not apply excessive force to switches or controls, as this may cause damage.

Care

If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid detergents such as benzine or thinner, abrasive cleaners, or flammable polishes.

Manual Storage

After reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

Preventing Foreign Matter Entry

Do not place containers filled with liquid near the unit. If liquid enters the unit, it may cause malfunction, fire, or electric shock. Also, be careful not to let metal objects enter the unit. If foreign matter enters, immediately disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet and contact your nearest VOX dealer or place of purchase.

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.

If items such as cables are included with this equipment, you must use those included items. Unauthorized changes or modifications 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.

Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (for USA)

Responsible Party: KORG USA INC.

Address: 316 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, MELVILLE, NY

Telephone: 1-631-390-6500

Equipment Type: MODELING GUITAR AMPLIFIER

Model: VX50 GTV / VX15 GT

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Panel Description and Functions

The amplifier features a control panel with various knobs, buttons, and jacks. Below is a description of each component:

1. PROGRAM Button & PROGRAM/TUNER LED: Use this button to select programs. Pressing the button cycles through PRESET → USER A → USER B → OFF → PRESET... programs. The LED also indicates tuning status when the tuner function is active.
2. INPUT Jack: Connect your guitar here.
3. AMP Selector: Selects the amplifier model. The gain and tone control circuits change according to the selected amp model. When "PRESET" is selected via the PROGRAM button, preset programs with optimized sound and effect settings for each amp model are recalled.
4. GAIN Knob: Adjusts the preamp gain for the selected amp model.
5. TREBLE, BASS Knobs: Adjusts the treble and bass frequencies. The response varies depending on the selected amp model.
6. VOLUME Knob: Adjusts the volume output from the preamp to the power amp. Note: At high volume levels, unnatural distortion may occur in the audio output from the headphones jack or USB port.
7. MODULATION Knob: Selects modulation effects and adjusts their speed. Turning the knob fully counter-clockwise turns off all modulation effects.
8. DELAY/REVERB Knob: Selects delay or reverb effects and adjusts their depth. Turning the knob fully counter-clockwise turns off all effects.
9. TAP Button & LED: Sets the tempo for delay/reverb. The interval between two button presses sets the tempo, and the LED blinks accordingly. Tip: Press multiple times to match the tempo of a song for accurate delay timing.
10. POWER LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the output level of the power amp while maintaining the power amp's distortion characteristics. The POWER LEVEL setting is not saved with programs. Tip: This knob can be used to adjust the output level when using headphones.
11. Power Button: Press and hold this button to turn the VX15 GT or VX50 GTV on or off.
12. AUX IN Jack: Connect the analog output of an audio device here. You can play along with your favorite music by connecting an audio player.
13. Headphones Jack: Connect for direct output to a mixer or recording device, or for headphone use. The output level is controlled by the POWER LEVEL knob. Note: When a device is connected to this jack, sound will not be output from the internal speaker. Note: Always use a stereo plug.
14. Ground Screw (VX15 GT Only): Used for grounding the unit. Loosen the screw and connect the ground wire. Tip: If you feel a slight electric shock from a weak current when the metal parts of the guitar or the unit touch soft parts of your skin while connected to other equipment, this is due to a very weak current that is harmless to the human body. If you experience discomfort, connect to an external ground via this screw.
15. Cable Hook: Secures the AC adapter cable to prevent accidental disconnection.
16. DC Power Jacks (DC12V for VX15 GT, DC19V for VX50 GTV): Connect the included AC adapter to this jack.
17. USB Port (VX50 GTV Only): Connect to a computer or iOS device. Refer to the "Connecting to a Computer via USB (VX50 GTV Only)" section for details.
18. FOOT SW Jack: Connect an optional VOX VFS2 or VFS5 footswitch. Refer to the "Using the Footswitch" section for usage instructions.

Setup Guide

1. Turn the amplifier's POWER LEVEL knob to the minimum position.
2. Connect the included AC adapter to the DC12V jack (DC19V jack for VX50 GTV) and plug the adapter into an AC outlet. Note: Use only the specified AC adapter. Using a different adapter may cause damage.
3. Connect the cable from your guitar to the INPUT jack. If using an audio player, connect it to the AUX IN jack.
4. Press and hold the Power Button. The LED on the top panel will light up, turning the amplifier on. Tip: To turn off the power, press and hold the Power Button until the LED turns off.
5. Slowly turn the POWER LEVEL knob to adjust the volume to your desired level.

Auto Power Off Function

This amplifier has a built-in Auto Power Off function. If this function is activated, the amplifier will automatically turn off after approximately one hour of inactivity (no operation or input signal). After the amplifier turns off, it cannot be turned back on by operating the knobs or selectors. In this case, you must press the Power Button again to turn the amplifier on.

Note: The Auto Power Off function may also activate if the input is only connected to the AUX IN jack, or if the input level at the INPUT jack is very low.

Note: For the VX50 GTV, this function does not operate when connected to a computer via USB.

Tip: The Auto Power Off function is enabled by default from the factory.

Enabling/Disabling Auto Power Off

1. Press and hold the TAP button, then press the Power Button to turn on the amplifier. The PROGRAM/TUNER LED will indicate the current setting.
2. You can switch between enabling and disabling the function by pressing the TAP button.
3. If no operation is performed for a few seconds, the setting will be saved, and the amplifier will return to normal operation.

Preset Programs and User Programs

To recall preset programs, turn the AMP selector while the PRESET LED below the PROGRAM button is lit. Regardless of the knob's current position, the preset sound with optimized settings for the selected amp model will be recalled.

You can also adjust the amplifier and effect settings to create your desired sound and save it to User Program A or B. Saved programs can be recalled by pressing the PROGRAM button.

Note: Regardless of which program is selected, the final output level is determined by the current position of the POWER LEVEL knob.

Manual Mode

Press the PROGRAM button until the PROGRAM LED turns off to enter Manual Mode, where all knob positions on the top panel directly affect the sound.

How to Save Programs

After adjusting the various knobs and buttons on the top panel to create your desired sound, you can save it as a user program.

Tip: Saved sounds can be recalled at any time using the PROGRAM button.

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button for more than 0.5 seconds. The LED for either USER A or USER B will blink, indicating the save destination.
2. Press the PROGRAM button to select the save destination. Tip: Press the TAP button to cancel the save operation.
3. Press and hold the PROGRAM button for more than 2 seconds. When the LED changes from blinking to solid, saving is complete. The sound will be saved to the selected location, and that program will be immediately selected.

Note: If a program is already saved in the same location, it will be overwritten.

Note: If you do not save before switching to another program or turning off the amplifier, all adjusted settings will be lost.

Factory Reset

To reset all settings of the VX50 GTV/VX15 GT to their factory default state:

Note: This operation will reset all user programs, delay times in manual mode, auto power-off setting, and all other user settings to their factory default values.

1. Turn off the power.
2. Press and hold the PROGRAM button, then press the Power Button to turn on the amplifier. The USER A and B LEDs will blink; release the buttons you pressed. Tip: Press the TAP button at this point to cancel the reset.
3. Press and hold the PROGRAM button for more than 2 seconds (until the LED changes from blinking to solid). The reset will be complete, and the amplifier will return to normal operation.

Note: Never turn off the power while the reset is in progress.

Tuner Usage

The tuner function allows you to easily tune your guitar connected to the INPUT jack. This function measures the pitch of the input sound and displays the difference from the reference note (E) using the PROGRAM/TUNER LED.

1. Press and hold the TAP button for more than 1 second to turn on the tuner mode. All effects will be bypassed, and the tuner function will be activated.
2. Play the 6th string (thickest string) of your guitar open. Note: Be careful not to play other strings simultaneously.
3. Tune the string until only the center green LED is lit among the three LEDs. Tip: This tuner can also recognize E notes in other octaves. Tuning of harmonics or bass guitars is also possible.
4. Press the TAP button to exit tuner mode and release the bypass.

Tuning Indicators:

• Low: Left LED lit
• Slightly Low: Left and Center LEDs lit
• In Tune: Center LED lit
• Slightly High: Center and Right LEDs lit
• High: Right LED lit

Tip: After tuning the 6th string to the reference pitch, tuning the remaining strings relative to the 6th string will provide more accurate tuning.

Using the Footswitch

By connecting an optional footswitch (sold separately) to the FOOT SW jack on the rear of the amplifier, you can switch programs with your foot.

Note: Connect or disconnect the footswitch only when the power is off. Connecting or disconnecting while the power is on may cause malfunction or damage.

Note: Do not connect footswitches other than VOX VFS2 or VFS5. Connecting incompatible footswitches may cause malfunction or product damage.

Note: Do not press two or more footswitches simultaneously. This can also cause malfunction.

VFS2

When the VFS2 is connected, you can switch between User Programs USER A and USER B.

VFS5

When the VFS5 is connected, you can use up to four variations (A1-A4 and B1-B4) for each of User Programs A and B (USER A and B), allowing for a total of eight programs.

Delay/Reverb Time Setting (TAP Function): Pressing the CH1-CH4 switches twice for the currently selected program sets the delay/reverb effect time to that interval (a form of footswitch tap tempo function).

Connecting to a Computer via USB (VX50 GTV Only)

The VX50 GTV can be connected to computers, tablets, and smartphones using a commercially available USB cable. Once connected, the amplifier can be used as a USB audio interface, and you can manage and customize amplifier and effect settings using VOX's Tone Room editor/library software.

Note: To connect to iOS devices (iPad or iPhone), an adapter such as the Apple Lightning-USB Camera Adapter (sold separately) is required.

Note: To connect to Android devices, a USB OTG (On-The-Go) connector is required. Additionally, Tone Room can only be used on devices with Android 6.0 or later installed.

Note: Signals input into the AUX IN jack are not output via the USB port.

Tone Room Software

Tip: To use Tone Room on Windows or Mac computers, it is recommended to install the VOX USB-MIDI Driver.

Tip: The USB audio function works with the operating system's built-in drivers, but installing the VOX 2-Channel Audio Driver and using ASIO-compatible applications can minimize recording and playback latency.

Tip: Advanced recording functions such as re-amping are also available via four USB audio routing modes (routing modes are set in Tone Room). The default audio path when the power is on (MODE 1) is shown below.

About Nutube (VX50 GTV Only)

Nutube is a new-generation vacuum tube jointly developed by KORG INC. and Noritake Itron Corporation, utilizing the technology of vacuum fluorescent displays (VFD). Like traditional vacuum tubes, Nutube operates in a complete triode (3-element tube) configuration consisting of an anode, grid, and filament. This allows it to reproduce the same responsiveness and rich harmonic characteristics as conventional vacuum tubes.

Amp Models and Effects

Amp Models

1. DEUXE CL: Models a 1960s dual-channel, 22W blackface amp, known for its rich sound even at low output levels, using 6V6 vacuum tubes and tube reverb. Modeled after the Vibrato channel.
2. BOUTIQUE CL: Models the clean channel of a custom-order, high-end amplifier, often known as the "Overdrive Special." Characterized by round, rich lows, sharp mids, and smooth highs, it is particularly suitable for single-coil pickups.
3. BOUTIQUE OD: Models the overdrive channel of the same high-end amplifier. When the GAIN is increased, it produces a smooth, emotive drive tone with excellent sustain.
4. VOX AC30: Models the normal channel of the traditional AC30. Reproduces the captivating clean tone with the transparent highs and rich mids characteristic of Celestion Alnico "Blue" speakers.
5. VOX AC30TB: Based on the 1964 AC30 model equipped with the "Top Boost" circuit. Features smooth, refined highs, deep overdrive, and rich, clear clean tones.
6. BRIT 1959: Models the High Treble channel of a hand-wired amplifier head made in Britain in the early 1960s. When the 100W output is pushed, it delivers the iconic crunch sound of rock and roll.
7. BRIT 800: Models a British 100W single-channel head made in 1983 with master volume. When the GAIN is maximized, it produces the thick sound that dominated 1980s hard rock and heavy metal.
8. BRIT VM: Models the "Overdrive 2" channel of a British 100W 4-channel amp head released in 2007. Offers tight lows and transparent high-gain metal sounds.
9. SL-OD: Models the overdrive channel of a 100W head amplifier covered in snakeskin pattern, made in 1991. Boasts an open low-end and compressed mid/high frequencies, delivering a powerful tone that remains solid even at extreme gain settings.
10. DOUBLE REC: Models channels of modern high-gain amplifiers, characterized by deep, loose lows, sparkling highs, and monstrous gain. Suitable for metal genres using guitars with low tunings or 7-string guitars.
11. LINE: Models a tone control amplifier that outputs only clean tones. The VX50 GTV provides rich harmonics and a clear, compressed sound through Nutube. It is an ideal model for connecting electric acoustic guitars or keyboards.

Effects

MODULATION Knob: Modulation Types

1. CHORUS: Models a standard analog-style chorus, creating a rich, spacious sound. The knob adjusts the modulation speed.
2. FLANGER: Models an analog flanger, producing a unique "whooshing" sound like a jet engine. The knob adjusts the modulation speed.
3. ORG PHASE: Models a popular analog phaser housed in an orange box. The knob adjusts the modulation speed.
4. TWIN TREM: Models the tremolo built into a US-made combo amplifier, creating a periodic volume fluctuation effect. The knob adjusts the tremolo speed.

DELAY/REVERB Knob: Delay/Reverb Types

1. A.DELAY: Models an analog delay using BBD (Bucket Brigade Device), known for its lo-fi but warm sound. The knob adjusts the mix level of the delay sound. The TAP button can be used to set the delay time, with a maximum delay time of approximately 1.1 seconds.
2. TAPE ECHO: Models a highly acclaimed analog tape echo, which originally created echoes using tape heads and set the delay time by adjusting motor speed. The operation method of the knob and button, and the maximum delay time, are the same as A.DELAY.
3. SPRING: Simulates the spring reverb found in many guitar amplifiers. The knob adjusts the mix level of the reverb sound, and the TAP button can be used to set the reverb time.
4. HALL: Models the reverberation of a concert hall with various acoustic elements. The operation method of the knob and button is the same as SPRING.

Specifications

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.