Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Absolutely amazing; honestly this pretty much sums up my thoughts on this product. My second favorite piece of gear right behind my best
guitar.
I'll start by giving a brief product overview through my experience with the unit, a little bit more information than is in the description. The VOX jamVox is quite possibly the ultimate computer accessory for guitarists. The contents of the box include an installation manual, an installation CD, two CD's of backing tracks from Hal Leonard, a USB cable, and the JamVOX speaker unit. One bit of minor disappointment was that there was no printed user's manual; however, I found the digital copy on the installation CD. Unfortunately almost no software OEMs include printed manuals of any use any more, so no worse than other software/hardware units. I immediately installed the jamVOX software as directed on the installation CD itself and in the included installation manual. Installation was quick, and I heeded the warning on the disc (disc cover and the software on the screen) not to connect the jamVOX until the software had been installed. After that I connected the unit as directed and proceeded to start the JamVOX software as directed. This is the second, and thankfully, last bit of disappointment I experienced with the unit. The software would not start, stating that the correct driver did not install correctly (I am using 64bit Win Vista). So I searched for this problem online, and saw others had similar issues but I didn't find a consensus fix. I did however find that the official VOX product website had updated software (ver 1.51 versus the ver 1.0 software on the disc). Once I downloaded and installed the updated software, the program started right up.
Once the software started, I was asked if I would like to import my itunes library. I wasn't really sure why I would want to import my itunes library but decided to do it anyways, and I'm glad I did. The software has a vast array of amps, direct models of specific VOX tube amps (such as AC30) and other brand name amps with new "descriptive" names based on what style of music the amp is suited to. Also their is a ton of stomp box models, included an onscreen tuner (how cool), and you can drag and drop the effects anywhere in the signal chain (or out of the signal chain for that matter). I must say, I am quite impressed. But I did expect all of this. What I didn't expect was how great the GXT function worked. No it isn't perfect, but it is quite suitable as a PRACTICE tool once you tweak the edit for the individual song selected. I have had several practice tools/aides in the past; however, none have been as user friendly or worthwhile as the JamVOX GXT function. I have been able to practice solos to different songs with ease, slowing down the tempo without any noticeable change in pitch and as long as the tempo is only dropped or increased slightly, the music still sounds like an actual song instead of some kind of robotic mess. Also, you can record your playing with a song whether you use the GXT feature or not. I have found this excellent so I can go back and hear my mistakes. One thing to remember though is after you record using he GXT feature, make sure to turn off before you play he recording back. Also, note the software allows you to adjust the levels individually for the mic input, the guitar input, and the music track, in case you are having trouble hearing yourself play or sing.
Preloaded with the software is 100 drum tracks in about 12-15 different genres or beats. Some I will most likely never use, but quite a few I already have and they are high quality. Also, there is around 110 different guitar amp and effect setups combinations preloaded. Most are based on either iconic artist's actual rigs, specific song section tones (such as crazy train intro or teen spirit dist riff), or genre's (such as metal lead or UK blues). I have thus far played on almost all of the presets and have done some slight altering to a few, but as of yet have not made my own settings/effect "rig" or as the software refers to them as "programs". Each program, drum track, and song imported has a button you can click which will take you to a guitar learning website (commercial not free) where you can purchase either tabs for the song the program or drum track is based on or related backing tracks. I haven't used this feature, but it is cool if your looking for a specific tab or backing track.
The software also includes a metronome, a pickup selector feature (in case you have single coils and want them to sound like humbuckers or vice versa and some other pickup variations), a pitch and tempo control knobs on music tracks, a mixer feature for levels, panning and echo, and an overall program level. The hardware unit includes inputs for mic, guitar and line, outputs for headphones and line, connection points for an optional footswitch and expression pedal, and controls for input level, output level and monitor level. Also, when the hardware unit is connected to the computer, Windows Vista defaults to it as your play back device (speakers). If you don't want this you can change it back to your speakers or other play back device in the sound control panel. All in all, this is a great product and I can not recommend it enough. If you download the updated software immediately you shouldn't have any problems being up and running immediately.
Pros:
GXT Feature for PRACTICE
Ability to import itunes library
Set levels for each input and backing track
Recording feature
True tempo control without pitch change
Lots of Preloads
Great sounding Amp and Effects models
Cons:
Older version of software on disc may result in problems for some users (*see above in review)
No Printed Instruction Manual
BONUS:
28 free backing tracks from Hal Leonard
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
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