VHX longevity?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rsm
  • Start date Start date
rsm

rsm

Well-known member
We all know there are amps from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, etc., that are still working, and have been maintained. I have a '76 Super Twin that works and sounds great, even though it needs a recap. If I buy a new amp, I expect it to work for decades, even after I'm long gone.

It's also well known that some '80s rack gear, and '70s effect pedals, can't be easily repaired or made again, because parts are no longer made.

So for VHX owners, what happens in 10+, 20+ years into the future, to your VHX if the DSP / digital components need to be replaced for some reason?

I'm sure the VHX tube amp with proper maintenance will last decades, I'm not so sure about the digital DSP components. And if these DSP components fail and can't be repaired or replaced, what happens to the tube amp?

At nearly US $5K with tax, I'm going to want at least 20 years of usable life, though for a tube amp 50+ years is not uncommon if well cared for and maintained.

Thoughts?
 
I guess we'll find out in 20 years.

I bought my VHX in 2022 because I wanted my VH4 live tone and FX in one unit, where the amp knob settings were saved per song.
It was also easier to carry, and I can even use it cab-less with an IR direct to PA.

It's worked out great as an all-in-one unit.
I just run it with a midi foot controller and an expression pedal.
It fits all my current needs, so I'm happy with the purchase.

I play around with my other amps most of the time, but when it's time for the band, the VHX is ready to go and never fails.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
Diezel amps are built pretty good.
With regular maintenance and care at least 150 years. I'm sure a robot could fix it by then.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
I found a VHX at a good price in mint condition, delivered yesterday. Only had time to set it up and make sure it works, plan to spend more time with it this weekend.

@FLUXX are you using a non-Diezel MIDI floor controller or the Columbus?
 
XxEL-34xX said:
Diezel amps are built pretty good.
With regular maintenance and care at least 150 years. I'm sure a robot could fix it by then.
Click to expand...

I'm not worried about the amp; it's more the DSP components. Many electronic components made today will be obsolete, and may not be easy to replace. Some gear can no longer be made or repaired today because the parts are no longer made, and modern replacement parts are not made.

For example, I have my old ADA MP-2 (sold all my other ADA gear from back in the day). Even 10 years ago, owners who had a screen fail had two options, either find an used OEM screen that worked, or one other screen from something else which I forget (not ADA) that used the screen, and even then it was tough to find...if the screen dies, good luck adjusting parameters or programming it. It's been a few years, but last time I used my MP-2 the screen still worked.
 
rsm said:
I found a VHX at a good price in mint condition, delivered yesterday. Only had time to set it up and make sure it works, plan to spend more time with it this weekend.

@FLUXX are you using a non-Diezel MIDI floor controller or the Columbus?
Click to expand...
Happy NAD ??
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
rsm said:
I'm not worried about the amp; it's more the DSP components. Many electronic components made today will be obsolete, and may not be easy to replace. Some gear can no longer be made or repaired today because the parts are no longer made, and modern replacement parts are not made.

For example, I have my old ADA MP-2 (sold all my other ADA gear from back in the day). Even 10 years ago, owners who had a screen fail had two options, either find an used OEM screen that worked, or one other screen from something else which I forget (not ADA) that used the screen, and even then it was tough to find...if the screen dies, good luck adjusting parameters or programming it. It's been a few years, but last time I used my MP-2 the screen still worked.
Click to expand...
I Bet the DSP parts last a long time.
But if the screen did stop working in 20 years I'm sure a robot will slap a new screen, a better screen. and write a brand new software update code for you with all new features like mid cut intensity and level.

If the DSP part did fail you still have an amazing Tube Power Amp that will outlive us all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
XxEL-34xX said:
I Bet the DSP parts last a long time.
But if the screen did stop working in 20 years I'm sure a robot will slap a new screen, a better screen. and write a brand new software update code for you with all new features like mid cut intensity and level.

If the DSP part did fail you still have an amazing Tube Power Amp that will outlive us all.
Click to expand...

That's why I got a VHX. :yes: It should last longer than me.

Cheers!
 
rsm said:
@FLUXX are you using a non-Diezel MIDI floor controller or the Columbus?
Click to expand...
Do yourself a favor and save the money... Columbus is not the right controller for the VHX as it can only send PC Changes, so you basically get not more than a foot switch... Look for a controller that can also sent CC Changes
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
rsm said:
I found a VHX at a good price in mint condition, delivered yesterday. Only had time to set it up and make sure it works, plan to spend more time with it this weekend.

@FLUXX are you using a non-Diezel MIDI floor controller or the Columbus?
Click to expand...

I'm using the Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro with a Mission expression pedal to control my VHX.
Works great.

I just got a Paint Audio Midi Captain to try Bluetooth with the VHX

Congrats on the new VHX!
I was playing mine tonight at my studio.....Blue Channel (CH3) Early (Blueface), 1 (Herbert)
It's fun to get lost in a new tone combination
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsm
FLUXX said:
Way cool! Any combinations standing out to you? (EX: Red CH, Modern, 2)
Click to expand...
actually haven't gone into the settings. I'll be traveling for work the next few days, so will probably be this weekend before I get back to it.
 
Even though it feels like the VHX was released yesterday (thanks pandemic time compression) it's creeping up to 5 years on the market. Given that the last DOS update was in 2023 as far as I can tell is the VHX 'feature complete' now or do you think there could be surprise updates at any point? Also has anyone noticed any issues with the VHX beyond "normal", like tubes needing to be replaced earlier, issues with all the internal relays, etc?
 
J_Rocket said:
Even though it feels like the VHX was released yesterday (thanks pandemic time compression) it's creeping up to 5 years on the market. Given that the last DOS update was in 2023 as far as I can tell is the VHX 'feature complete' now or do you think there could be surprise updates at any point? Also has anyone noticed any issues with the VHX beyond "normal", like tubes needing to be replaced earlier, issues with all the internal relays, etc?
Click to expand...
Nothing beyond normal. I’ve had mine since February 2023. I swapped to 6L6s last year. Don’t think it made much of a difference if I’m being honest except maybe needing to up the gain a notch or two on my presets to reach parity with my audio memory.

All I want out of their next update is some new mic options for the cab simulation, like an e906. Maybe a couple different speakers, as well (Creamback/Redback?!). It’s nice not having to mess with channel plugins for IRs, etc. when recording.
 
JustinCorrigible said:
Nothing beyond normal. I’ve had mine since February 2023. I swapped to 6L6s last year. Don’t think it made much of a difference if I’m being honest except maybe needing to up the gain a notch or two on my presets to reach parity with my audio memory.

All I want out of their next update is some new mic options for the cab simulation, like an e906. Maybe a couple different speakers, as well (Creamback/Redback?!). It’s nice not having to mess with channel plugins for IRs, etc. when recording.
Click to expand...
Interesting about needing more gain with 6L6s, especially since all the distortion is preamp. Do you think that is because the 6L6s have more headroom or 'take' the preamp distortion in a different way? FWIW I was going to consider putting in 6L6s because I have seen a lot of people say they prefer them in the VH4.
 
J_Rocket said:
Interesting about needing more gain with 6L6s, especially since all the distortion is preamp. Do you think that is because the 6L6s have more headroom or 'take' the preamp distortion in a different way? FWIW I was going to consider putting in 6L6s because I have seen a lot of people say they prefer them in the VH4.
Click to expand...
I’m by no means an expert but I would assume it’s from the dissipation being higher on 6L6 (35 watts?) vs EL34. Or could be false audio memory. Either way the differences are minimal to me, not enough that I’d swear by one or the other.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top