Vox gear on the Anagram

Vox is the British brand behind the AC30, a 30-watt valve combo first made in the late 1950s. It was the amp of the British beat boom, and it has stayed in use with guitarists who want a bright, chiming clean that breaks up into a raspy drive. The Top Boost circuit added extra treble and bass controls and became part of the classic sound.

Nembrini Audio says VOICE DC30 is modelled on a vintage AC30 Top Boost, with its Brilliant, Top Boost and Vib-Trem channels. That is confirmed by the developer.

Darkglass's built-in Topper 2x12 combo is likely the AC30's own 2x12 speaker setup. Darkglass does not name it, so that is inferred from the name and the sound.

The AC30 runs its power valves without negative feedback, which gives it a loose, lively feel and early break-up. The upper mids sparkle and the top end jangles. It cleans up well when you turn your guitar down, so many players set it on the edge of break-up and play the volume knob.

The Vib-Trem channel adds a pulsing tremolo or a pitch-wobbling vibrato. On a clean part, it gives an instant 1960s colour.

For bass this family is less obvious, but it can work. An AC30 voice in a parallel path adds a bright, edgy top above a clean low end, which can help a pick bass cut through.

Try VOICE DC30 into Topper 2x12 combo first. Start on the Top Boost channel with the gain just past where it begins to crunch.