Description

 

Product Review: Vox AP3 amPlug3 AC30 Pocket Guitar Headphone Amplifier

The Vox AP3 amPlug3 AC30 is the latest iteration of Vox’s ultra-portable headphone amp series, offering the classic chime and character of the iconic AC30 in a compact, plug-and-play format. Designed for quiet practice without sacrificing tone, this small unit delivers surprising versatility and sound quality for its size.

Design and Build Quality – 9/10

The AP3 AC30 maintains the familiar compact form factor of previous amPlug models, but with a few welcome upgrades. It features a rotating 1/4″ jack to accommodate different guitar body styles, a rugged plastic housing, and clearly labeled controls. It fits easily in a gig bag or even a pocket, making it ideal for on-the-go practice or silent rehearsal situations.

Tone and Performance – 8.5/10

Modeled after the legendary Vox AC30 amplifier, the AP3 captures the essence of that bright, jangly British tone with impressive accuracy. The updated analog circuitry offers more responsive dynamics and a more natural feel than previous versions.

The amp includes three amp modes, letting you switch between clean, crunch, and high-gain variations of the AC30 tone. It also features three onboard effects: chorus, delay, and reverb, which are selectable and adjustable via a simple interface.

For a headphone amp, the sound is surprisingly rich, with enough clarity and depth to inspire actual playing — not just practicing.

Usability and Features – 9/10

The AP3 includes dedicated gain, tone, and volume controls, as well as an aux input for jamming along with tracks from your phone or audio device. It runs on two AAA batteries, delivering up to 17 hours of play time — more than enough for extended use between battery changes.

The headphone output is clean and sufficiently loud, and the effects, while basic, are more than usable for adding depth and ambiance.

Value – 9/10

At its price point, the AP3 AC30 offers exceptional value. It’s ideal for late-night practice, travel, warm-ups backstage, or just keeping a compact setup for spontaneous playing. Given the tone quality and feature set, it outperforms many other mini headphone amps on the market.

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Pros:

• Authentic AC30-style tone in a compact format
• Clean, crunch, and high-gain amp modes
• Built-in chorus, delay, and reverb effects
• Long battery life and aux input for backing tracks

Cons:

• Effects have limited control (on/off with preset depth)
• Not suitable for gig-level volume or external speaker use

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Final Verdict:

The Vox AP3 amPlug3 AC30 is an excellent tool for guitarists who want authentic tone in a portable, silent-practice setup. With upgraded circuitry, useful effects, and solid build quality, it’s a top-tier headphone amp that packs surprising punch for its size.

Rating: 9/10