The amPlug2 series by VOX and Blackstar are compact, portable headphone amplifiers that allow guitarists to practice anytime, anywhere. Each model offers different sound characteristics, catering to various music genres from clean jazz to heavy metal. The devices are user-friendly and affordable, making them popular among both beginners and advanced players. I help you how to pick them.
Are you unable to play your amp at home? Do you want to practice anytime, anywhere? Are you confused by the many types of amPlug2 and don’t know which one to choose? This article introduces the features, selection methods, and recommended models of all VOX amPlug2 and Blackstar amPlug models for guitars. I’m Yosh, an ex-musical instrument store clerk (@Yosh_Guitar).
What is amPlug?
amPlug is a small headphone amplifier. By connecting it to the jack of an electric guitar and connecting earphones or headphones to the amPlug, you can get an amp sound. Normally, you would connect the guitar and amp with a shield, then insert headphones into the amp, which can be messy and time-consuming. But with amPlug, it’s simple and neat. Each model has a different sound, but each can switch between three types of sound. It also has built-in spatial effects. Moreover, it has an AUX INPUT, so if you connect a stereo mini cable and a smart device, you can play the guitar while playing sound sources from YouTube, etc. It’s lightweight at 40g without batteries and compact in size, making it convenient to carry around. It’s also useful for practicing at night even if you usually practice with an amp. You can also connect it to the output of a pedal allowing you to use your pedalboard. The price is very affordable making it popular among students who can’t afford an amp and even advanced players who want to practice easily. amPlug is available in six types for guitars under the VOX brand and one type under the Blackstar brand.
Pros
Ready to Go in No Time
One of the biggest advantages of the amPlug series is its simplicity and ease of use. You can plug it directly into your guitar, connect your headphones, and start practicing right away. There’s no need for a complex setup or a bunch of cables. This makes it perfect for those impromptu practice sessions when inspiration strikes. It’s also great for late-night practice when you don’t want to disturb others.
Low Cost
Another significant benefit of the amPlug series is its affordability. With prices ranging from around $50, these headphone amps are accessible to almost everyone. This makes them an excellent choice for students or anyone on a tight budget. They’re also a cost-effective way to practice without investing in a full-sized amp, especially if you’re just starting out or if you need a portable solution for practicing on the go.
Cons
Durability Issues
The amPlug series is made of plastic, which can feel a bit cheap. They are not particularly resistant to impact, and there’s a risk of damage if you accidentally knock them against something while in use.
Sound Quality Depends on the Headphones
The sound quality of these devices largely depends on the headphones or earphones you use. If you use very cheap earphones, you may not get the sound quality you expect. Therefore, it’s recommended to use headphones rather than earphones for a better sound experience.
Common Specifications for All Models
- Connection Terminals: Headphone Out (Stereo Mini), Aux In (Stereo Mini)
- Controls: Gain, Volume, Tone (Blackstar: ISF)
- Power: Two AAA batteries
- Battery Life: Alkaline Battery – Effect off: 17 hours, Effect on: 11 hours; Manganese Battery – Effect off: 9 hours, Effect on: 4 hours
- Size: 86 x 38 x 31 mm (when plug is stored)
- Weight: 40g (excluding batteries)
- If no sound is made for 30 minutes, the power will automatically turn off. There is also an auto power off, but the battery life is quite poor when using manganese batteries, so we recommend using alkaline batteries or rechargeable AAA batteries.
Connection Terminals/How to Use
The input plug rotates 180 degrees, so it is compatible with various guitars from the general side jack to the Strat’s ship-shaped jack. Connect your headphones or earphones to this side. Since it is a stereo mini terminal, you can use the same ones as for a general smartphone. By the way, the sound quality depends on the headphones or earphones you use, so we do not recommend cheap ones. The quality of the sound greatly affects the quality of your practice. The external input, Aux In, is also a mini stereo terminal.
Controls
The controls are Gain, Tone, and Volume from left to right. You can adjust the distortion with the gain control, but the range varies depending on the model, so choosing the model is important for getting the sound you like. (How to choose is described later.) Also, the sound adjustment is only with the tone control, so you cannot make detailed adjustments like an amp. The Blackstar version adopts the patented ISF control for tone control. Easy to create your sound.
Built-in Effects
You can choose one of the effects: Chorus, Delay, or Reverb. You can’t set it in detail like a compact effector, but you can choose from 3 types, each with different depths of effect, i.e., a total of 9 types. The FX button is the button on the side of the control. (The right button in the above image)
FX Button: Selects the effect. Each press switches between Chorus → Delay → Reverb → Effect Off → Chorus → … etc. Also, by pressing and holding the FX button and pressing the STANDBY/ON/MODE button, you can select one of the three variations of the selected effect. The type of variation is indicated by the number of beep sounds when you press the button.
Differences and Tone List for Each Model
amPlug has three built-in modes, and you can switch the gain and tone. It reproduces the original vacuum tube sound with a completely analog circuit. The sound changes depending on the guitar and pickup, and it responds to the volume operation on the guitar side, which is an amazing design for this price. Lee, the current Lee Custom Amplifier and legendary amp builder, is involved in the development.
The STANDBY/ON/MODE button turns the power on/off when pressed for about 1 second. When the button is pressed in the power on state, the mode switches and the lamp color changes. The differences in modes for all models are as follows:
| Mode 1 (Green) | Mode 2 (Orange) | Mode 3 (Red) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC30 | Tremolo Off | Tremolo 1 (Small) | Tremolo 2 (Large) |
| Classic Rock | Mid Boost Off | Mid Boost 1 (Small) | Mid Boost (Large) |
| Metal | Mid Cut Off | Mid Cut 1 (Small) | Mid Cut (Large) |
| Clean | Pure Clean | Twin Clean | Boutique Overdrive |
| Blues | Clean | Crunch | Lead |
| Lead | Boost 1 | Boost 2 | Boost 3 |
| FLY Guitar | Clean | Crunch | Lead |
You can compare the sounds of the six VOX brand models from this video. The sound of Blackstar is linked in the individual item below.
amPlug2 AC30 Review
This model reproduces the well-known VOX AC30. Even with the gain at its minimum, it distorts slightly. It’s suitable for the Beatles or Red Hot Chili Peppers etc., but the distortion amount may feel a bit insufficient for a rock solo. The downside is that the sound range is narrow because two of the modes are allocated to tremolo. On the other hand, it can be said that it is the only tremolo-equipped amPlug, so if you want tremolo, this is the only choice.
amPlug2 Classic Rock Review
Classic Rock is a
Marshall-style sound. It’s well suited for hard rock like Deep Purple to BON JOVI with its thick and slightly coarse distortion. The mid-boost mode is perfect for solos. On the other hand, it doesn’t produce clean sound.
amPlug2 Metal Review
This model, which reproduces the Mesa Boogie Rectifier, is a US-made metal high-gain sound. The Classic Rock is contrasted with a fine-grained metal sound with a comfortable low range, and the riff the bridge mute like Metallica and recent metalcore is the best. You can also enjoy a modern heavy sound like PANTERA with mode switching. Even with high gain, the contour of the sound is clear, and the solo with spatial effects is also pleasant. If you want to do metal, this is the only choice.
amPlug2 Clean Review
“Clean” and “Blues” models are the only ones that can produce a completely clean tone, but if you want a clear, hi-fi clean, “Clean” is better. With mode switching, you can enjoy a wide range of sounds, from a sound with warmth added to a hi-fi clean sound, to a boutique overdrive that distorts moderately while remaining hi-fi. If you like Jazz, R&B, or Neo Soul, this is the one.
amPlug2 Blues Review
Blues has a wide gain range with three modes, just like Clean. The clean mode has a sweeter sound than the Clean model. When it becomes crunch or lead, it produces a sound with contours, so it can be used for rock as well. Although it’s named Blues, it has a wide range that can be used for American rock like Foo Fighters.
amPlug2 Lead Review
This model is characterized by a high-gain distortion sound that distorts well. It seems to be enough for solos like Van Halen. So it’s good for practicing shred playing. If you raise the gain with Boost 3 mode, it becomes a sound that can play metallic riffs, although it doesn’t have a heavy bass.
Blackstar amPlug2 FLY Guitar Review
The most recent model, Blackstar’s FLY Guitar, has the widest gain range. The clean mode is hi-fi like Clean, and can be used from Neo Soul to funk cutting. The crunch mode distorts firmly like Blues and can be used from blues to rock. The lead mode is a high gain like Lead, and can be used from hard rock fast playing to metal riffs.
So far, I have summarized the characteristics of each, but if you don’t have a clear favorite genre, or if you don’t know which one you like, Blackstar, which can produce the widest range of sounds, is definitely recommended.
Higher-end Models of amPlug
Following the hit of amPlug, other companies have introduced models that can be said to be higher-end versions with increased functions. VOX has a type of amp that was per model in one. However NUX Mighty Plug and Pro are headphone amp with all-in-one functions such as Bluetooth audio that connects wirelessly with a smartphone, USB audio interface, etc. These are around 10,000 yen, but if your budget allows, you should check them out.
