to owners of vox ac4 - lacking in bass definition?

[iwantdigimon]

Hello! I've got my AC4 for quite awhile, but I can't help noticing that it lacks bass definition, or a little too much treble in this case. Are Voxes generally less bassy?

 

[naviros]

Really...? Mine booms... sometimes to the point where my cabinet shakes... Thats my opinion of it out of the box. I use a stock RG btw, which I don't really think matters that much in terms of boom...

Play around with the tone switch? Get an EQ pedal? I've been wanting to change the tubes though to rectify too loose bass... Which is sort of the problem with my AC4TVH... But I generally don't find it lacking in the bass section, just that its too loose, and lack definition...

 

[subversion]

bass deficiency is inevitable with amps sporting small drivers

 

[naviros]

Ooooh... maybe cos mine is the Head Cab Version... lolz...

 

[iwantdigimon]

Really...? Mine booms... sometimes to the point where my cabinet shakes... Thats my opinion of it out of the box. I use a stock RG btw, which I don't really think matters that much in terms of boom...

Play around with the tone switch? Get an EQ pedal? I've been wanting to change the tubes though to rectify too loose bass... Which is sort of the problem with my AC4TVH... But I generally don't find it lacking in the bass section, just that its too loose, and lack definition...

i'm confused.. so does yours lack definition or not? Mine does. It's the combo version. I'm suspecting foul play in the cheap cables I use, but it shouldn't affect bass response to this extent. I don't want boomz. boomz is scary. I just want the bass to be more pronounced and less thin

 

[faizal_rocks]

I'll be getting my ac4tv soon by next mth and I'm already thinking of what mods to do already..

Changing the tubes might be ur best bet..if that doesn't work, consider upgrading the stock speaker or connect to at least a 1X12 cab..

 

[iwantdigimon]

Thanks Faizal!! you mean the line out on my amp can be paired with a 1x12 cab? Also on the tubes - I've heard of people changing the stock ones. How does this improve the definition on the bass side? I tried playing around with the tone knob with pretty much the same result.. it is just slightly more pronounced at 12 o clock

 

[Whitestrat]

No bass? The last time I played an AC4TV combo (I think it belonged to Ized) it was great! I brought the tone knob all the way to the bright side, and there was no loss of bass. The amp was quite thumpy...

Oh, I think I had it relatively loud too. It was meant to match Goose's Mesa in volume.:twisted:

 

[junkiemanxl]

if all else fails...
try this.

 

[Jay_Clones]

Hi,

I got a Vox Ac4TV combo too. No problem on the lacking of bass . I'm using a Gibson studio with Wampler pinnacle II (very 80s sounding)...though with my current setup. u can't dial Metallica/ kinda chugging.
But I did had some treble issue with the brand new one they took out for me to bring home. Dat one sounded quite weak with a bit more treble. As in my earlier post, I took home the display set. Maybe your speaker has'nt break in it yet?
What's lacking of bass or too much treble is different from one's taste to another. So far, I loved mine. Looks and sound.

My 2cents

 

[iwantdigimon]

well.. dont know how long it takes to break! got it since aug! It is lacking that bass thump, I don't know why. It wasn't like that when I got it, it is only a 2 weeks or so ago there seems to be a discernable drop in bass definition, with the tone sounding very trebly

 

[tubescreamer]

well.. dont know how long it takes to break! got it since aug! It is lacking that bass thump, I don't know why. It wasn't like that when I got it, it is only a 2 weeks or so ago there seems to be a discernable drop in bass definition, with the tone sounding very trebly

I have an AC4TV combo. I use 2 Evidence Audio Melody cables in my signal chain and have no issues with what you mentioned, in light of the knowledge that 10" speakers will never sound like 4 x 12 cabinets. But I know that my room cannot accommodate these 4 x 12's, so it's something I live with.

Since you have identified your cables as a potential source of the problem, just change them and see if it makes a difference!

 

[iwantdigimon]

yes, bullet cables on the way here! I was just worried that I would need to spend more money on changing tubes etc etc with the never-ending spending cycle haha

 

[Breen]

I tried erm, ok I forgot but I tried the AC4TV combo and head-cab at City, and I loved the combo more.

What speaker's you got in it? Size? and upgrading of tubes definitely would shape your sound more.

And yes, historically, Voxes are more brilliant (heh) sounding. But I wouldn't put a AC4TV into the same ballpark as the 30s and 15s that are made in England and made decades ago.

However, all things being equal, a Vox bass end should still have some boomness. Doubt you got a real bad iffy one, just needs some upgrades. Pickups perhaps?

 

[faizal_rocks]

Thanks Faizal!! you mean the line out on my amp can be paired with a 1x12 cab? Also on the tubes - I've heard of people changing the stock ones. How does this improve the definition on the bass side? I tried playing around with the tone knob with pretty much the same result.. it is just slightly more pronounced at 12 o clock

Yes, it can be connected to a cab, thats the advantage of this amp

 

[iwantdigimon]

WAH!! GOOD NEWS! haha okay! I doubt its the pickups bro Breen. Ran with VH1s from a 70's Burny SG and 80's Ibanez lawsuit strat. Both sounded bass deficient.

I played it through my gf's dad's ibanez acoustic amp fingers crossed and the bass response well pronounced. Almost too frighteningly well. However I really do suspect it's the cables. I hope the Bullet coils coming in soon would solve this prob.. Retubing will cost me..

 

[naviros]

Retubing will cost you more than bullet coils? You kidding me?!

Anyway, sorry if I sounded confusing. If you mean lacking bass definition as in it has a loose bass, then yes, I agree thats a problem. If you're talking about the lack of a bassy response, no I disagree, its boomy.

I'm retubing now as I type, will post results of that.

I'm using Vox Vintage Coils, but I'll get back to you on the tubes...

 

[faizal_rocks]

Perhaps Ized can share his insights on the amp, I believe he did mods to it

Hope to get mine soon asap, once I get the necessary funds..

 

[naviros]

Perhaps Ized can share his insights on the amp, I believe he did mods to it

Hope to get mine soon asap, once I get the necessary funds..

Hahaha... back with report... Apparently my problem was with the tubes... Hahaha... Base definition cleaned up, tighter now with the new tubes. Also amazing clarity, well rounded smooth tone, much better than the sterile, slightly sizzly top end.

Oh btw, the tubes I replaced with are Tungsol 12AX7, and JJ EL84s.

 

[faizal_rocks]

naviros: Gd to hear of ur positive results after retubing ..may I ask what brand/model stock tubes were used in the ac4? I have a spare JJ 12AX7 and a Ei EL84 in my drawer waiting to be used..