Reddit reviews VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier

For Christmas, my girlfriend got me a Vox AC30 amplug 2 headphone amp, which is a digital modeler of the classic Vox AC30 tube amp. Now she can watch Dancing With the Stars or whatever and I can still be on the couch practicing.

My initial impression is that this thing is bad ass. I really couldn't be much happier. I use a pair of Audio-Technica M50 headphones and the sound quality on this device is crystal clear. It can get loud too! When you crank the volume and gain to 10, it fucking roars in your headphones.

There are three knobs, volume, tone, and gain, which in and of themselves are incredibly versatile, offering a full range of tones from clean to incredibly overdriven.

It also has an effects button that cycles through clean, chorus, delay, and reverb. You can also put the whole device through three different modes by cycling the power button once it's on (mid boost, low and hi gain). Those boosts really give you new timbres and flavors to play with.

It's entirely possible to run this through a bunch of pedals too; it's an amp after all. It also has an aux in for jam tracks, metronome , etc. ALSO, you can definitely run this directly into a digital outboard recording system or your computer and record with it! The audio output is just a headphone jack, so there are a myriad of ways to record or listen to it. Even computer speakers!

Caveat to that: I've read that it the sound quality is directly related to the quality of your headphones/speakers though. Like I said, I have a decent set to play this thing through, but if you try to use some crappy earbuds your experience will much worse. Solid sounding, over the ear headphones are the way to go with this. Or again, speakers are totally an option.

I got the AC30 model, but there are also a classic rock, metal, and bass variants. It might sound like those are the way to go, but believe me, the AC30 can get just as filthy as the metal one. I've played an SSS strat, an epiphone sg tuned to C, and my Ibanez bass guitar through it, and even the bass sounded good through it. I like stoner rock and doom metal, really mid-heavy, low tuned stuff, and this can give me a lot of the sounds I'm looking for, while still retaining the sweetness and versatility required by famous Vox AC30 users like the Beatles, Kurt Cobain and Tom Petty.

And for $40, it's right there in your price range. Look up a couple demos on youtube and I think you'll be impressed. Just be careful not to buy the original model as it's the same price but without the effects and boosts.

If you have any questions let me know!

For those of you playing late at night this is what you need.

It sucks to hear but there isn't much you can do. I just got a Marshal DSL40C 100w where I'm having a similar problem.

I found a "quiet enough" spot with the gain super low and the volume even lower. Doesn't sound great but it's good enough for practicing.

Headphones are really your best option unfortunately. I don't like practicing with them either, but sometimes I have no choice. Plus I got something similar to this. New amp I got is heavy and I'm lazy so it's great for when I want to practice somewhere else besides my room.

You could also get an interface to plug your guitar to your PC and then use some sort of digital amp. It's not nearly as good but it's just for practice and at least you can play at whatever volume you want.

Another option would be to get a new practice amp.

I wouldn't get any pedals or anything. You'd be better off somehow cutting the volume after it hits the amp.

https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480983646&sr=8-1&keywords=ac30+headphone+amp

I have this. It works well. Nothing beats a proper amp though.

I got this little plug-in amp thingy that my headphones plug directly into when I want to play on my electric on the couch while my wife watches tv. It's nothing special or fancy, yet highly portable and discrete.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NAUHX1G/

Worth the 45 bucks, also sounds pretty damn good for what it is:

Vox AC30 Headphone Amp

Marshall 1 Watt mini stack

Orange Crush mini 3w amp

Here you go:

https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G

Vox makes adapters that plug into your guitar, then you can plug headphones into them. My girlfriend uses the Bass version as to not disturb her roommates and loves it. No amp needed .

VOX AP2AC amPlug AC30 G2 Guitar Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F43dBbGRT3KT7

Well depends how crazy or simple you wanna get. You have a ton of options.

You can do decent practice amp with headphones out

Multi effects pedal with amp and cab sim

Audio interface but then you need software, mess with plug ins, drivers and output. Like you mentioned before PC speakers should be ok for practice.

And if you want super simple, they sell this little adapters that connect to your guitar that have built in effects and are for headphone use.
VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yvH5Cb2SHFAB0

My younger brother got one and it’s not amazing sounding but pretty decent for what it is. They have various models. But this would be more of something extra for quick and easy practice and not really for a main or serious practice. Unless someone has more experience with them. I only played with one briefly.

I have the VOX headphone amp that I use with my Traveler Electric. Headphones, amp and tuner fit right into the guitar bag. The setup is great for travel. I can play on trains, in airports, in cars, anywhere. The guitar is loud enough that I can't play in, say, a library or on a plane, but anywhere with a little background noise no one gets bothered.

The headphone amp does its job well. Doesn't sound anything like my home setup, but it delivers some good sustain and even reverb and makes practicing on the go useful.

It seems like the fear of "performing" in public is really going to be a stumbling block for you to do what's most important, and that's to concentrate on feeling the guitar in your hands while playing. As others have said, the difference in pickups will be minimal in your price range, and at your level. So, get a portable headphone amplifier. Vox makes a range of them for about $40 each. Or, you could get a similar knockoff at Monoprice for as little as $8. Or, for that same $40, you could get yourself an iRig2, use your phone as a portable stompbox, and almost certainly get better quality than either of the above, with multiple amp models and effects in software. The advantages are several, as you can now feel comfortable jamming away at full volume (to you), while no one more than 6 feet away has a clue what you're playing. Bring your own short patch cable and picks, and there's no waiting for a salesman to plugin to an amp for you, then hover nearby whilst you noodle, making you nervous. You can now feel confident in saying "I've got a portable rig I'm going to plug into, thanks". Even pro-level musicians might have a phone or tablet rig they use to sketch up ideas, or when traveling. Feel free to look annoyed if you have to remove your headphones/earbuds, and/or ask for time to yourself. Then, go off into your own little world, play the heck out of those girls, and fall in love. You'll know the right one when you meet her. Or feel her up for the first time. Getting creepy now - better stop.

I bought one of these Vox Amplug AC30 units. It's actually pretty nice, and effective at keeping the noise down.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1463535705&sr=1&keywords=vox+amplug

You can get a number of headphone amps for guitar for like $30-$40. Vox makes a good one, IMO.

Using your 3.5mm adapter and microphone input on PC with an amp sim will sound like garbage. A proper interface will cost nearly as much as the amp, and free amp sim software is decent but sometimes difficult to get working properly...and leaves you tethered to your PC.

Find either a battery powered amp or headphone amp like the one I linked below. That way you can play on headphones anywhere you like.

Do not just get a regular old headphone amp, those are meant for hifi not guitar. They'll give you flat, lifeless sound. The natural harmonic distortion of even a "clean" amp is part of a guitars sound. The amplifier is part of the instrument, without it you aren't playing electric guitar. So whatever you get, make sure it's actually acting as a guitar amp.


VOX AP2AC amPlug AC30 G2 Guitar Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uHSRzbGQ9P2V9

Hello all. I'm new here.

this probably comes up all the time, but here goes:

I want to get a nice practice amp that sounds good on headphones. I currently use a VOX AC30 amplug with headphones and I plug my line in to it so I can play along with tracks on the iPhone. https://www.amazon.ca/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G

I also have a Vox AD15VT, which I think is probably too much amp for me and sounds pretty bad on headphones.

What are your suggestions?

Vox Amplug - $40

Or go find a Fender Mustang I on Craigslist for $40

Or buy a usb interface and play through your computer

You can get a headphone amp for 40 dollars (or less). VOX AP2AC amPlug AC30 G2 Guitar Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SuK.ybR9VS9VJ

Also as far as the ukulele. If you can swing it, the risa stick is good. I've got one

Why not just buy one of those little amp plug things like this vox one

$40ish USD

If you want to save for the Yamaha or a Boss Katana then try one of these for headphones. $40 and I love mine. I got the AC30 and it’s just a blast. Then when you’ve got the money for something good, get something good. I have a cheap amp that I can’t stand. It’s just not worth it

https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=vox+headphone+amp&qid=1565598503&s=gateway&sprefix=vox+headp&sr=8-1

Hey, I`d totally recommend this https://www.amazon.ca/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=pocket+amp&qid=1563342201&s=gateway&sr=8-5

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They make ones that play different styles like metal or hard rock etc. and they have 4 or 5 different effect types you can switch between. I`ve had amps, solid state, tube, even pocket amps and I think the value of this thing is pretty much unparalleled! Good luck in your search my brother

OP this is what you want:
https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G

Or even smaller.... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NAUHX1G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464316714&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=vox+mini+amp&dpPl=1&dpID=51kw0dw%2BVQL&ref=plSrch

Get you a headphone amp like the vox: https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=vox+headphone+amp&qid=1554753084&s=gateway&sr=8-3

That vox ac30 is pretty fantastic, and you could plug the line out into whatever home stereo you have.
Edit: sorry I meant the ac30 amplug
https://www.amazon.ca/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=asc_df_B00NAUHX1G/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292952677886&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18162557576820212959&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001332&hvtargid=pla-404767231119&psc=1
I've had one of these for years and didn't realize that was the name of the amp it was modeled after, it was just the name on the front of the device.

You can buy a small headphone amp. Not the same- but cheaper. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=headphone+guitar+amp&qid=1575041344&sr=8-1

I just ordered this for my paper thin apartment building walls. I guess I'll report back how it is 🤗

VOX AP2AC amPlug AC30 G2 Guitar Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BeGNzb446P6PJ

I just got one of these Vox headphone amps and I love it https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G perfect for late night practice sessions.

first of all, thanks you and that's by no means too much info, I take all I can =)

I guess I'll have to waite for the pedals since I will have to get an amp before. However I live in a small apartement that's why I decided for headphone amp beause I didn't want to disturb people with me learning the guitar. I got this Headphone AMP which seems to have different sound settings but I haven't really played around with them yet.

I've been wondering, is there a reason to go for a standalone amp except for the price ? since I'm going to safe up a bit for one I might go for a slightly more expensive one which I could be using for a longer time. I've only just now noticed with your comment that I could plug my headphoens into an amp and I kinda feel stupid for not knowing this =S

Also do you know if there is a risk in buying a second hand AMP (loss of quality aftera while or short span of life) ?

And if you don't mind answering me questions, do you know what exactly the "tone wheel" on the guitar does ? I just set it to what somewhat sounds good to me but I have no idea what it actually does.

Thanks again for your response

If it were me I'd get the highest quality guitar I could afford and something like this to hold me over until I could afford a decent amp. I own one of these and it actually sounds really good.

Also, in regards to the top comment, $350+ isn't required for an amp when the Boss Katana 50 exists. I know some will disagree but I think this is one of the best amps for <=$200

Apartment conditions make it tricky to go valve because you can't headphone into a valve amp as far as I know. And apartment living will really benefit from being able to use headphones to be able to play at any hour you if you feel inspired to play. I live in a house so it's no big deal to be able to plug into the tube at 2am, that shit would never fly in an apartment without some irate neighbors. So as long as you live in an apartment you basically need something that can let you play into headphones. You could still go valve like a nice used fender reverb deluxe 22 watt for bedroom playing then when it's late plug into something like this during quiet hours and have the best of both worlds. I'm a big fan of clean tube amps and using a pedal for distortion. If you buy a dirty amp, you'll never get as clean as a clean amp, and with a clean amp you can always add dirt with a pedal. For me personally, a strat into a Two rock is my personal heaven sound, but that's just my opinion, you gotta find what you love on your own. If you love gibsons / humbuckers, don't buy a fender-style amp, a marshal style suits it more, if you like single coils, fender style amps work great, actually single coils play well into about anything IMO, but humbuckers are more picky since they tend to have more of a mid-hump built into them.

Here is something that can go right in your jack

Get one of these. Vox amPlug

I'm not sure about that, but here's a headphone amp. There's another thread right now on this, and they said that the Bugsgear Eleukes have headphone jacks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SuK.ybR9VS9VJ

Just for anyone else interested. Not bad at 4.5 star rating.

https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G/

You could get one of these https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00NAUHX1G

Get a headphone-amplifier?

Something like AmPlug, that you plug directly into your guitar for the sole purpose of using headphones.

I own the AC30 model and it's pretty nice. Can get a little noisy if you use the gain in it, which you'd expect from small electronics trying to do so much, but overall you get pretty damn good sound quality considering what you're trying to do.

This would be an ideal solution until you can save up for a proper valve amp.

I'm debating between getting a Vox Amplug or Korg Pandora Mini but wondering if they're a little much starting out.



VOX AP2AC amPlug AC30 G2 Guitar Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAUHX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jYnqxbA8QG510


Korg Pandora Stomp Multi-Effects Pedal - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0GQ4WM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i0nqxbSESV7V1

I used to mess with audacity as well haha. It seems very barebones, not sure how it would handle plugins. Even with a program like that, and audio interface will get you best results. i would say that if you have have an op amp and spare parts, might be worth it to get a small speaker and rig up a DIY mini amp. for the time being. if you have some money to spare as well these may be worth your while.

Your original post and replies aren't super helpful in elucidating what types of things you're looking for. Also, I'm not sure whether you're looking for acoustic or electric. "That thing" will not help your son improve his technique. Since "expensive" is relative and my flair is a PRS logo. Your son should have a PRS SE guitar, which is valuable but also not expensive, by some definitions. I will make a couple of other attempts to answer your question, if an electric guitar is too expensive.

Vox makes pretty affordable mini headphone amps in different flavors depending on what sound your son would like: https://www.amazon.com/AP2AC-amPlug-AC30-Guitar-Headphone/dp/B00NAUHX1G

If he is playing acoustic guitar, buy him some electric guitar catalogues and some rock CD's.