New Vox Amplug 3 series

Vox amplug 3: how do we feel?

  • Total voters
    5
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SeaBassLover5

Apr 4, 2024
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31
#1
Long time lurker here. I couldn't find any threads on these things so I made an account to start one. So hi.

Earlier this year Vox released a new generation of Amplug headphone amps, with more intuitive controls, drum tracks with adjustable tempo, clean and drive channels, and revised sounds. More importantly for us bassists, there are now two bass-specific devices with different tones, for a more classic or more modern sound:

Bass
Standard bass amp sound. CH1 has a wide range, CH2 has a fat, punchy overdrive sound. Ideal for pop, Rock or Jazz.

Modern Bass
Modern bass amp sound with clear and bright CH1 and high-gain distortion sound with an edge on CH2. A more modern, aggressive bass sound.

This YouTube video goes into more depth.

So what do people think? Is anyone thinking of buying either (or both)? If anyone has first-hand experience already, how do they feel and sound? Are there any features you'd like to see Vox add in a potential fourth generation?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts!
 
#3
I bought a 3 last week. I've never used a prior generation, so I can't compare to those. I went with the normal bass one instead of the modern bass version.

I bought it specifically for sitting on the couch noodling around while watching NHL playoff games. Thought I'd benefit from some multitasking.

I've not messed with any of the tones. Getting to them is a bit annoying with the button sequences you have to use. I'm just using the clean tone.

But I have used the different drum tracks. They're fun. A nice way to be able to have something to play along to.

There's something about a tap tempo I haven't figured out yet because the instructions are a giant foldout of tiny print much like you get with prescription medication. If I have any complaint, it is the terrible instruction manual.

PXL_20240426_191457243.MP.jpg
 
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#5
I had no Vox experience prior to buying this unit (Vox Bass, not Modern Bass) so I can’t compare it to others. Here’s my experience after using this unit about two hours a day for 9 days straight:

  • Pros: Very nice vintage tone with no tweaking, much better than expected. Unit is small, weighs nothing, easy to carry anywhere. No need for cables. Drum tracks are cool for practicing. Relatively cheap price.
  • Negatives: No way to store music. This thing eats batteries quickly! Have to adjust the unit input several times per practice, it fits a little loosely. The writing next to the knobs is difficult to read when unplugged, impossible to read when plugged. The instructions are completely useless, the aforementioned video is a must. There is a learning curve to discover all the ways to tweak the sounds, find the drum machine, etc. Not Bluetooth compatible.


In order to use with my iPad, I used one earbud with music from the iPad in one ear and one headphone from the Vox in the other ear. With this system, I was able to mix the bass and music to taste. It works for me, but I can see where this system would be a big negative for some people.

Basically, even with all the negatives, I’m happy with this unit. It suits my needs. No doubt there are better units for more money. But the great tone, small size and eventual ease of use are big pluses for me. I wish there was a way to store music on it, but I guess it’s just too much at this price point.
 
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#6
jfh2424 said:
Negatives: No way to store music....
Click to expand...

I think your post mentioned some clunky controls on the Vox already, so that may be why they skipped it, but I can't imagine a microSD card slot and ability to play back music tracks would be THAT hard for them to pack in. Or even some built-in storage on the actual unit.

Without the ability to do that, this is gonna be a hard pass for me :sour:
 
#7
Yeah I agree, it should be doable. However they didn’t.

There is an aux in, so I guess they figure that you pump in what you want through there. But that does mean that you have to hook it up to another device while your playing.

Probably the best way to get input is the way I noted above, in one ear with a Bluetooth.

But maybe someone else will figure another way. I’m open to learning!
 
#8
jfh2424 said:
Probably the best way to get input is the way I noted above, in one ear with a Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
I'm surprised by this- I only have the Amplug 2 and that one has an aux in for playing along to music, it would be really weird if they removed that in the newest generation. It does mean you need your phone or laptop within a couple feet of your bass' output jack, but I just sit or stand next to a table and it works fine.

I can't imagine a microSD card slot and ability to play back music tracks would be THAT hard for them to pack in.
Click to expand...

Given the tiny size of the device, I think this is only possible via an external app for added controls, not to mention a computer with a microSD card slot for writing files to the microSD card. At that point it might be easier to forgo the amplug entirely, in favor of an interface to send the signal straight into a phone or tablet- if this exists, does anyone have experience with it?
 
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