Closeup: Feature Plate Affixed to Lower Right Corner of Grill
The Cambridge50 was a popular 50 watt amp offered by Vox from 2000-2004. Housed in a compact wood cabinet, it was powered by the company's innovative VET amp modeling and Nutube vacuum tube technologies. It also included eight types of digital effects, USB connectivity, a 12" VX12 Celestion speaker and the ability to store and instantly recall up to eight individual programs when used in conjunction with the optional VFS5 foot switch. The circuitry and control panel layout of the Cambridge50 came from the Vox VX50GTV guitar amp with a few modifications to accommodate for the effects of a larger speaker and a wooden cabinet.
Amp Modeling Using Virtual Element Technology The Cambridge50 featured a digital amplifier modeling engine called VET, or Virtual Element Technology. VET didn't just aim to just get the "essence" of the tone of the worlds most iconic guitar amplifiers, it modeled how the electronic components and circuit designs interract in these classic amps.
Ten VET amp models were included: Deluxe, Boutique Classic, Boutique Overdrive, Vox AC30, Vox AC30TB, Brit 1959, Brit 800, Brit VM, SL-OD and Double Rectifier. An eleventh position on the rotary amp model selector offered a line input with flat response suited for acoustic guitar.
To further increase tonal flexibility, the "Program" button provided storage for three tonal variations of each VET amplifier model. The first selection was labeled "Preset" and was designed by Vox to complement the tone of the amp model. The other presets were labeled "User A" and "User B." These presets could be adjusted and stored to personal taste. A series of three LED lamps indicated which preset was selected.
Nutube The preamp section of most tube guitar amplifiers will include at least one 12AX7 tube. The 12AX7 was designed as a "dual triode," meaning that it includes two separate circuits for amplification. Each of these triodes has three elements: a cathode, control grid and an anode. Amplification occurs when a flow of electrons from the cathode passes through the control grid to the anode. A filament wire located near the base of the tube heats the cathode to start this flow of electrons.
Korg has been a leading manufacturer of portable keyboards since the early seventies. Most modern Korg keyboards incorporate a vacuum fluorescent display (or VFD) that offers a visual indication of the sound that is loaded and ready to play.
Korg discovered that a vacuum fluorescent display could be configured as a triode, complete with cathode, control grid and anode, to create amplification. After years of research, Korg developed the dual triode Nutube 6P1 vacuum tube (seen at right). It utilized new technologies derived from vacuum fluorescent displays that would allow the Nutube 6P1 to perform the same functions as a traditional 12AX7 tube.
The Nutube 6P1 offered a number of advantages over the 12AX7. The Nutube 6P1 is significantly smaller than a 12AX7. As it did not require a traditional filament heater, the Nutube 6P1 required a fraction of the current required to power a 12AX7. Unlike the 12AX7, the Nutube 6P1 remained relatively cool to the touch while in operation. Finally, the Nutube 6P1 offered a significantly longer service life than the 12AX7, perhaps never needing replacement.
The preamp of the Vox Cambridge50 utilized a Korg Nutube 6P1. The Nutube offered the rich overtones of a traditional vacuum tube without the need for periodic replacement. The turquoise glow of the Nutube in operation can be seen through a series of small holes on the control panel.
Vox 6P1 Nutube Dual Triode Vacuum Tube
Cambridge 50 Rear View Including Celestion VX12 12" Speaker
Optional VFS2 Foot Switch
Optional VFS5 Foot Switch
Modulation Effects The Cambridge50 included four modulation effects: Chorus, Flanger, Org Phase and Tremolo. The "Modulation Effects" control knob was divided into four sectors. One modulation effect was assigned to each sector of the control. Rotating the "Modulation Effects" control clockwise from "Off" advanced through the four modulation effects. While the rotary control adjusted the depth of the modulation effects, the "Tap" button adjusted modulation speed.
Delay/Reverb The Cambridge50 also included four delay effects: Analog Delay, Tape Delay, Spring Reverb and Hall Reverb. The "Delay/Reverb" control knob was also divided into four sectors. One delay effect was assigned to each sector of the control. Rotating the "Delay/Reverb" control clockwise from "Off" advanced through the four delay/reverb effects.
JAM Vox Software The Cambridge50 included a complementary download of the Vox JAM software application for PC or Mac. Using this software required that the amp be connected to a computer or mobile device via a USB port found on the rear panel.
Optional Foot Switches Vox offered two optional foot switches for the Cambridge50. The two button VFS2A foot switch allowed the remote selection of two presets. The five button Vox VFS5 foot switch expanded program selection to two banks of four programs, or a total of eight.
VOX Cambridge50 Amp Specs Output Power: 50 Watts RMS Speaker: Celestion VX12 12" 4 ohms Inputs: ¼" Guitar Input, Aux In, Power Supply, Foot Switch Outputs: Headphone/Line Out Controls: Gain, Bass, Treble, Volume, Power Level Amp Models: Deluxe, Boutique Classic, Boutique Overdrive, Vox AC30, Vox AC30TB, Brit 1959, Brit 800, Brit VM, SL-OD, Double Rectifier Modulation Effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phase, Tremolo Delay Effects: A Delay, Tape Delay, Spring & Hall Reverb Power Consumption: 3.42 A Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.80″ x 9.45″ x 16.14″ Weight: ~19.62 lbs Included Accessories: Power cord, External Power Supply, Jamvox III download card Manufacturer's Suggested Retail : $549.99 Street Price: $399.99 Country of Origin: Vietnam
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