Gear article

Vox Rock Guitar Headphones

The Vox Rock Guitar Headphones are an integrated personal amplification system designed to provide guitarists with a portable, high-fidelity practice solution. Utilising Audio-Technica closed-air driver units and Valve Reactor technology, they function as both a dedicated guitar amplifier and a standard pair of headphones.

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Overview

The Vox Rock Guitar Headphones represent a fusion of high-quality audio reproduction and instrument amplification. Designed for guitarists who require the ability to practice silently without sacrificing the dynamic response of a traditional amplifier, the unit combines a headphone amplifier circuit directly into a set of full-sized headphones. The hardware is built upon Audio-Technica's closed-air headphone units, ensuring both durability and isolation from external noise.

Core Technology and Features

At the heart of the device is a headphone amplifier circuit based on Vox’s proprietary Valve Reactor technology. This circuitry is engineered to emulate the characteristics of a vacuum tube amplifier, focusing on dynamic versatility and harmonic definition.

The physical design prioritises ergonomics for the performing musician. Key features include: * Rotating Ear Pads: Allows for flat storage and easy transport in gig bags. * Integrated Cable: A long, sturdy cable extends from the right ear pad, providing enough length for the player to stand and move comfortably while playing. * On-board Controls: Users can sculpt their tone using dedicated controls for volume and effects.

Sound Character and Effects

The 'Rock' variant of these headphones is voiced to provide a sound described as sparkling with clarity, aiming to get as close as possible to the original character of a driven guitar amp. To add spatial depth and texture to the dry signal, the unit includes built-in effects, specifically reverb and chorus. These allow players to move beyond a completely dry DI (Direct Input) sound to a more polished, studio-like monitoring experience.

Dual-Purpose Functionality

A significant design advantage of the Vox Rock Guitar Headphones is their versatility. When the internal headphone amplifier power is switched off, the internal circuitry is bypassed, allowing the device to function as a pair of standard headphones. This makes them suitable for general music listening or monitoring from external sources when not being used for guitar practice.

Target Audience and Comparisons

These headphones are primarily suited for guitarists who need a compact, all-in-one practice solution that eliminates the need for external amp heads or pedals.

While traditional setups might involve a dedicated head like the Orange Micro Dark or the Bugera 333XL Infinium, the Vox Rock Headphones offer a much higher degree of portability. Unlike the Gear4Music Guitar Headphone Amp, which is a separate dongle that plugs into a guitar, the Vox solution integrates the electronics directly into the headset, reducing the number of components the player needs to manage.

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Frequently asked questions

What brand manufactures the Vox Rock Guitar Headphones?
These headphones are manufactured by Vox, a brand well-known for their historic role in guitar amplification.
What type of headphone drivers are used in this model?
The units feature durable and reliable closed-air headphone units sourced from Audio-Technica.
What is the typical price for these headphones?
The Vox Rock Guitar Headphones typically retail within the price range of approximately £85.
What specific amplifier technology does Vox use in these headphones?
They utilise a headphone amplifier circuit based on Vox's Valve Reactor technology to provide a more authentic tube-like response.
Can these headphones be used for regular music listening?
Yes, the headphone power can be turned off, allowing them to function as a standard pair of headphones for general audio use.
What built-in effects are available on the device?
The headphones include integrated reverb and chorus effects to help sculpt and enhance the guitar tone.
How is the cable designed for guitarists?
The unit features a long and sturdy cable that pulls out of the right ear pad, designed to give the player freedom to stand and move while playing.
Are the headphones portable for travel?
Yes, the ear pads are designed to rotate, which allows them to be folded flat for more convenient storage in bags or cases.
What is the sonic character of the 'Rock' version?
The sound is designed to be sparkling with clarity and highly responsive to playing dynamics, mimicking a real amplifier.
How do these compare to a standard guitar amp head like the Orange Micro Dark?
While the Orange Micro Dark is a hybrid valve head requiring a speaker or separate headphones, the Vox Rock Headphones are an all-in-one wearable solution that requires no external speakers.
Can I adjust the tone directly on the headphones?
Yes, the device features easy-to-use controls located on the unit itself for sculpting the sound to the player's preference.
How do they differ from a Gear4Music Guitar Headphone Amp?
The Gear4Music version is typically a small external device that requires separate headphones, whereas the Vox unit integrates the amp and effects directly into the Audio-Technica headphones.