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Vox: Da5
VOX DA5
List: $270
Let us welcome another practice amp killer to the fold; VOX’s DA5. At a single glance, this amp is as tranny as other practice units; why should we deem it a ‘killer’ of other small built, lower wattage units?
Build/ features
VOX means business with the upholstery & overall built of the DA5. There aren’t any production line oversights to render it a lower-class amp. The only gripe here would be the battery access (yes, the DA5 runs on 6 C-size units) cover; the wooden panel is removable via a ribbon strap, the quality of which would not see through countless handlings. This is further distressed by the tight fit of the panel itself.
In line with its preservation of that vintage VOX impression, all the DA5’s controls are top & rear located. The manufacturer went as far as the inclusion of that unmistakable diamond grilled front; so in terms of looks, the DA5 is simply desirable.
Features-wise, the top panel offers a 3 group selection- the power unit, an amp section & FX section. The amp section is undeniably the voice of the DA5. On board are 11 clean/ drive type options, the parameter & levels are controlled by the gain & volume neighbouring knobs. In the name of simplicity, this amp features a single tone-shaping knob. The FX section has a rotary selection knob for the modulation offerings. This allocation also features a digital edit module which isn’t self-explanatory but comprehensively covered by the owner’s manual. Suffice to say, the tap, EDIT (knob) & bypass buttons give the player access to he selected effects’ parameter, speed & status (ON/ OFF).
Over at the rear, the amp allows for line out/ phone, aux & microphone access. Despite being a 5W device, the DA5 further allows power reduction to 1.5/ 0.5W.
Tone
Effectively, the DA5 offers 3 voicing types- clean, mild drive & high gain. The cleans in this amp are simply impressive, especially with single coil equipped guitars in the works & that’s before the suitable modulation is dialed in. Bringing the delay, chorus & reverb settings into play, the DA5 is all music.
Mild drive fans will not be disappointed with the blues/ crunch modules. Things get very addictive with a Tubescreamer pedal plugged in. Similarly, the high gain modules offer a differentiated amp voicing rather than giving the player a variant of the same drive type. If you wish to plug in your favourite drive type pedal but prefers a slightly driven amp response, the ‘Drive’ patch is there simply for that delegation.
Moving on to the modulation selection, it is rather unfortunate that a particular requirement isn’t available as an isolated offering (e.g.: flanger), nevertheless, VOX ensures the predetermined pairing remains sensible & useful (e.g.: Chorus + Reverb/ Chorus/ Delay, etc.). The depth of the FX on offer is simply commendable as it makes the overall output seems to be coming out from a bigger amp, especially at higher volume settings. Touching on the volume subject, the wattage selector is a gem feature here. If you wish for volume saturation but do not intend to exceed a certain threshold, lower the wattage operation & there’s no loss in character; applause for the thoughtful consideration.
Last say
The DA5 does fine in isolated use but plugging in your preferred pedals makes it more personal. Upon hearing it in use, you would understand why it is capable of eliminating challenges from other practice units & smaller wattage combos for that matter. The inclusion of a noise gate is another praise-worthy feature in the package. This amplifier is more forthcoming (drive-wise) on PSU operation & with that in mind, the amp will generate tolerable background humming only to be amplified by a poorly insulated guitar cable. All in all, the DA5 is a winner with starters & players looking for a portable unit for outdoor/ back up use. Outstanding tone, features & asking price- a winner in every category.
Rating: 9/10 (highly recommended) 8)
Likes
• Outstanding tone relative to size
• Adequate modulation patches on board
• Overall bulit/ features
• Price
Dislikes
• Dodgy battery access panel
• Modulation adjustments require 2-handed operation
PS: Amp on SALE (24 Nov- 30 Dec), going for $185
Thanks brother Saiful for the review invitation!
VOX DA5
List: $270
Let us welcome another practice amp killer to the fold; VOX’s DA5. At a single glance, this amp is as tranny as other practice units; why should we deem it a ‘killer’ of other small built, lower wattage units?
Build/ features
VOX means business with the upholstery & overall built of the DA5. There aren’t any production line oversights to render it a lower-class amp. The only gripe here would be the battery access (yes, the DA5 runs on 6 C-size units) cover; the wooden panel is removable via a ribbon strap, the quality of which would not see through countless handlings. This is further distressed by the tight fit of the panel itself.
In line with its preservation of that vintage VOX impression, all the DA5’s controls are top & rear located. The manufacturer went as far as the inclusion of that unmistakable diamond grilled front; so in terms of looks, the DA5 is simply desirable.
Features-wise, the top panel offers a 3 group selection- the power unit, an amp section & FX section. The amp section is undeniably the voice of the DA5. On board are 11 clean/ drive type options, the parameter & levels are controlled by the gain & volume neighbouring knobs. In the name of simplicity, this amp features a single tone-shaping knob. The FX section has a rotary selection knob for the modulation offerings. This allocation also features a digital edit module which isn’t self-explanatory but comprehensively covered by the owner’s manual. Suffice to say, the tap, EDIT (knob) & bypass buttons give the player access to he selected effects’ parameter, speed & status (ON/ OFF).
Over at the rear, the amp allows for line out/ phone, aux & microphone access. Despite being a 5W device, the DA5 further allows power reduction to 1.5/ 0.5W.
Tone
Effectively, the DA5 offers 3 voicing types- clean, mild drive & high gain. The cleans in this amp are simply impressive, especially with single coil equipped guitars in the works & that’s before the suitable modulation is dialed in. Bringing the delay, chorus & reverb settings into play, the DA5 is all music.
Mild drive fans will not be disappointed with the blues/ crunch modules. Things get very addictive with a Tubescreamer pedal plugged in. Similarly, the high gain modules offer a differentiated amp voicing rather than giving the player a variant of the same drive type. If you wish to plug in your favourite drive type pedal but prefers a slightly driven amp response, the ‘Drive’ patch is there simply for that delegation.
Moving on to the modulation selection, it is rather unfortunate that a particular requirement isn’t available as an isolated offering (e.g.: flanger), nevertheless, VOX ensures the predetermined pairing remains sensible & useful (e.g.: Chorus + Reverb/ Chorus/ Delay, etc.). The depth of the FX on offer is simply commendable as it makes the overall output seems to be coming out from a bigger amp, especially at higher volume settings. Touching on the volume subject, the wattage selector is a gem feature here. If you wish for volume saturation but do not intend to exceed a certain threshold, lower the wattage operation & there’s no loss in character; applause for the thoughtful consideration.
Last say
The DA5 does fine in isolated use but plugging in your preferred pedals makes it more personal. Upon hearing it in use, you would understand why it is capable of eliminating challenges from other practice units & smaller wattage combos for that matter. The inclusion of a noise gate is another praise-worthy feature in the package. This amplifier is more forthcoming (drive-wise) on PSU operation & with that in mind, the amp will generate tolerable background humming only to be amplified by a poorly insulated guitar cable. All in all, the DA5 is a winner with starters & players looking for a portable unit for outdoor/ back up use. Outstanding tone, features & asking price- a winner in every category.
Rating: 9/10 (highly recommended) 8)
Likes
• Outstanding tone relative to size
• Adequate modulation patches on board
• Overall bulit/ features
• Price
Dislikes
• Dodgy battery access panel
• Modulation adjustments require 2-handed operation
PS: Amp on SALE (24 Nov- 30 Dec), going for $185
Thanks brother Saiful for the review invitation!
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