Coming in Fall of 2008...the new Vox Black Diamond Professional Modeling Amp

The new Black Diamond modeling combo is the diamond of VOX’s tube modeling amplifier technology. The Black Diamond is the culmination of VOX’s 50-plus-year legacy of fine amplifier design combined with the latest next-generation modeling technologies. The boasts 200W of power (100W + 100W stereo), making it the top of the Valvetronix series in every way --- sound, power, playability, modeling precision and accuracy.

• The flagship model of the Valvetronix series --- the perfect union of real tube power and cutting-edge modeling technology.
• VOX Valve Reactor circuit with a 12AX7 vacuum tube delivers the distinctive sound, playability and feel of real tube power.
• 32 different amp models use sophisticated modeling technology to simulate some of the most sought after amps in the world, including vintage amps of yester-year to expensive high-end tube amps.
• 25 types (76 models) of effects, boasting quality comparable to stand-alone and studio effects processors.
• Two pedal effects can be placed before the amp model. Pedal Effect 1 lets you choose from three types (nine models): comp, wah, and pickup simulator. Pedal Effect 2 gives you a selection of eleven types (29 models) of distortion and spatial effects.
• Modulation (5 types, 20 models), delay (3 types, 12 models), reverb (3 types, 6 models), and noise reduction are provided in the last stage of the preamp.
• You can create and store up to 128 programs using the amp models and up to six effect models simultaneously. 64 preset programs are provided to get you started.
• A digital power amp is used for its excellent energy conversion ratio. In a first for its class, the amp boasts a 200W output.
• Newly designed original Neo Dog 150W speakers made by the Celestion Corporation are used to handle the high output power.
• VariAmp circuit provides a power level control that adjusts the volume without impairing the sound. The power level can be set independently for each program.
• An external speaker out jack lets you connect your favorite speaker cabinet (8 ohms).
• Effect send/return jacks let you program an external effect loop.
• Manual mode makes the settings of the amp section reflect the physical position of the knobs.
• Auto Chromatic Tuner with strobe-type operation.
• MIDI IN/OUT connector allows an external MIDI device or computer to be connected for bi-directional control.
• Front panel boasts a VOX logo that is illuminated in various ways according to the input signal level and the program settings. This illuminated logo mode may also be set to work as a highly visible LED tuner.
• Dedicated editor/librarian software "BLACK DIAMOND Sound Editor" is provided, letting you edit parameters and save programs quickly and easility on your PC.
• An optional VC-12SV foot controller lets you control the BLACK DIAMOND's versatile functionality with your feet.

The Valvetronix series, with its "VOX Valve Reactor" circuit that delivers real tube sound fused with cutting-edge modeling technology, has attained acclaim among guitarists of all levels around the world. The lineup provides a rich variety of models including combo amps, stack amps, mini-combo amps, as well as floor type multi-effect units, and is a familiar presence on stage as well as in the recording studio. The BLACK DIAMOND is the latest model, boasting a wide range of amps and effects in addition to the highest level of playability and power in the Valvetronix series.

"VOX Valve Reactor" circuit delivers real tube power sound One of the key elements in the Valvetronix series is the "VOX Valve Reactor" circuit. In this circuit, the 12AX7 vacuum tube typically used in a preamp is operated as the power amp. Since the 12AX7 is a dual triode tube, it allows the push-pull circuit seen in many guitar amps to be created using just one vacuum tube. However even if this small vacuum tube is operated as a power amp, it will naturally produce only a very small output. Thus, it is connected to the VariAmp power circuit which merely increases the output power in a very clean way, and a special circuit that applies the varying impedance of the driven speaker to the vacuum tube. The result is that using just a small 12AX7 vacuum tube that can be easily obtained anywhere, we can obtain the same response and playing feel of an all-tube amp.

A wide range of realistic amps and effects produced by modeling technology Sophisticated modeling is used to precisely model a variety of amps and effects. The synergistic relation between this modeling and the VOX Valve Reactor circuit means that the Valvetronix series delivers a uniquely realistic and wide-ranging variety of high-quality sounds. With a simple panel design, it's easy to access this staggering range of amp/effect models.

32 amp models ranging from vintage to modern Ranging from vintage amps of the past to high-end tube amps and today's ultra-high gain amps, the sonic characteristics of the world's best-loved guitar amps have been exhaustively analyzed. Even the operation of the power amps, whether class A or class AB, has been faithfully simulated in order to perfectly reproduce the same sound quality and feel of the original amp. A wide selection of VOX amps is also included, starting with the vintage AC30 and AC15, and including the Heritage Collection of hand-wired amps that commemorated VOX's fiftieth anniversary as well as the latest models such as the high-gain AC50CP2 Classic Plus amp. From the distinctive fat, warm sound of tubes, to the powerful distortion of a large amp stack, and even sparkling clean tones, all of the amp sounds you need are in this one amplifier.

Numerous effect models boasting quality that rivals dedicated processors The BLACK DIAMOND contains 25 types of effect (including stereo effects) with 76 different models. There are two pedal effects located at the initial stage of the amp models. Pedal 1 gives you compressor, wah, pickup simulator, and tone control modeling (three types, nine models). Pedal 2 provides eleven types (29 models) that include distortion-type and spatial effects. These include vintage processors sought-after by guitarists as well as standard effect units, all perfectly modeled. The latter stage of the effects provides modulation (five types, 20 models), delay (three types, 12 models), and reverb (three types, six models), each boasting quality that rivals dedicated processing units.

Create and store 128 programs An amp model and effect models can be combined to the users’ taste as a "program" and saved in one of 128 locations. 64 preset programs are provided for immediate use. With two " pedal effects" located before the amp model, and modulation, delay, reverb, and noise reduction following the preamp, you can use six different effect models in a single program. In particular, having two pedal effects means that you have a dramatically broader range of sonic variation. The output power level of each amp model is also stored in memory for each program, allowing you to recall every detail and nuance of your programs in a variety of situations.

A full complement of input/output jacks and support functionality With a programmable effects loop (send/return), a convenient line out for direct recording, and an external speaker out, the BLACK DIAMOND is designed with plenty of potential for flexibility and expansion. There's even a Manual mode that makes the settings of the amp section reflect the physical positions of the actual knobs, allowing you to operate the system just like a conventional guitar amp.

High impact visuals for high impact stage presence In addition to its sound, the BLACK DIAMOND 's design emphasizes its visual impact. The VOX logo on the front has an illumination function that varies its color according to the sound, enhancing your guitar performance with distinctive brilliance. This illuminated logo can also be set to operate as a highly visible and accurate stage tuner where the colors of the logo indicate if you are sharp, flat or in-tune. LEDs are also located around the knobs of the top panel, so quick adjustments are easy even on a dark stage. The convenient auto chromatic tuner also has a strobe-type indication on the top panel.

Optional VC-12SV foot controller with expression pedal lets you control countless amp and effects functions of the BLACK DIAMOND with your feet. Program changes, effect on/off, and tap-tempo setting for delay time and modulation speed are also controllable with the VC-12SV. The expression pedal can be used not only for volume or wah, but also to control the parameters of each effect, opening up numerous possibilities for live performance.

Dedicated " BLACK DIAMOND Sound Editor" editor/librarian software is provided The "" BLACK DIAMOND Sound Editor Sound Editor" editor/librarian software lets you visually edit the BLACK DIAMOND 's many parameters with a simple on-screen PC interface via MIDI, and store and manage its programs on your computer. Editing is easy, since all parameters are shown in a single screen, and you'll be able to create and save an unlimited number of programs. You can download this software from VOX’s Web site at no charge.

* Operating system requirements: Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X v10.xx or later