The Vox sparkle, reshaped
Vox’s Hand-Wired AC4 and AC10 amps may share heritage and DNA with the legendary AC30, but these two compact combos are very much their own beasts – purpose-built for different players, spaces, and goals.
At the heart of both amps is the iconic Top Boost circuit, delivering that unmistakable Vox sparkle and drive. But unlike the higher-gain AC30, both the AC4 Hand-Wired and AC10 Hand-Wired are voiced for greater clean headroom, smoother breakup, and a more rounded overall tone.
Two circuits, two characters
Inside, the AC10 Hand-Wired runs a pair of EL84 tubes in a push-pull configuration, offering more headroom and refined overdrive with tight response. It delivers fuller low-end and a balanced tone that’s right at home on stage or in rehearsal.
The AC4 Hand-Wired, on the other hand, uses a single EL84 in a single-ended design – and it’s gloriously gritty. With fewer components in the signal path and natural asymmetrical clipping, it creates harmonically rich overdrive at lower volumes – perfect for home recording and saturated lead tones without waking the neighbours.
Find your perfect fit
The decision, then, comes down to purpose and feel. Want chewy overdrive, tons of character, and juicy saturation in a compact, recording-friendly format? The AC4 Hand-Wired is the one. Need chimey clean tones, smoother drive, and a fuller low end for gigging and louder playing? The AC10 Hand-Wired delivers that in spades.
Of course, for those chasing both flavours of the classic Vox tone – from tight and sparkly to raw and saturated – there’s no harm in having both on your rig. Explore the Vox Hand-Wired Series and hear the difference for yourself.
Still torn for choice? Watch as Kenny breaks down the key differences and who each amp is best suited for.
