Vox Mini Go 3 Portable Modeling Amp

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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Vox Mini Go 3 Review: Warning! This Portable Package Packs a Punch!..

Mini Go 3 Overview

While Orange and Marshall have defined the high gain “British Invasion” sounds that we know and love, Vox Amplification is arguably the king of English tone.

Known for their distinct “chime” and treble-rich sounds, Vox is the go-to amp for many guitar legends. Brian May, The Edge, and even punk icon Tom DeLonge have all used Vox amps throughout their career.

Providing a distinct guitar tone that has been copied by many, Vox now distills their legacy into an affordable practice amp.

However, this is more than just a Vox mini amp, with several classic amp voicings to choose from. It’s an impressive spec sheet for a battery powered, 3 watt amplifier! Let’s dig a deeper into the Vox Mini Go 3.

Vox Mini Go 3 Finer Points

Vox has taken a 3 watt, battery powered amp and essentially loaded it with options. Built-in amp voicings to choose from, limited EQ controls, and even some modulation and reverb effects to top it off.

The latest take on a modeling amp for the long time tube amp icon, Vox has quickly made a lasting impression.

Loaded with some of the latest creative must-haves such as a looper and no less than 33 built-in rhythm tracks, this Mini Go 3 is built to be a versatile, budget friendly practice amp for the modern player.

Perfect for playing at your desk during the day, or late into the night, the Mini Go 3 is an all-in-one amplifier solution.

Who Is This Amp Best Suited For?

Vox’s Mini Go 3 is a great amplifier option for very specific players. Whether you are a beginner or pro, it is a practice amplifier through and through.

If you want to practice in a small space, be it a desk or dorm room, this is the amp for you. With headphone outs, auxiliary in, and low wattage it is great for jamming along to your favorite songs.

Vox Mini Go 3 Watt Portable Modeling Amp

Likewise, it is ultra portable thanks to the small frame and battery powered construction. It isn’t a gig ready amp, and probably won’t suit your studio needs either.

It may not feel the same as some of the better small tube amps, but for pure practicing purposes, the Vox Mini Go 3 is hard to beat.

What’s In The Box?

Contrary to the loaded spec sheet of amp features, the unboxing process is fairly straightforward.

There aren’t a lot of extra cables, cabs, or accessories needed or added in the box. It comes with an included DC power supply cable to let you plug into a wall power supply.

When you want to take it on the road, you will simply need to grab some batters (that aren’t included) and you can get playing your new amp!

Vox MINI Go 3 Features

Vox’s MINI Go 3 can be powered by 6 AA batteries or by the included power supply.

This supplies 3 watts of guitar amp output that can be played through headphones or the built-in speaker.

You can choose between 9 amp voicings ranging from Vox AC15 chime to US-inspired high gain from the 1980s. Plus there’s 8 studio quality VET model effects including a vocoder for extra sonic fun.

You can then tweak each voice with gain, tone, and master volume EQ controls. A built-in tuner adds a beginner-friendly feature to the spec sheet as well.

Next, there are 8 studio quality VET model effects banks which can be used simultaneously – one for reverb/delay, one for modulation such as chorus etc.

Among the classic effects are tremolo, spring reverb, chorus, and many other classic tone shaping effects.

Auxiliary-in ports let you jam along to your favorite tracks, and a headphone in helps you play at low volumes into ear buds.

Lastly, a “mic in” port lets you add a vocal mic and use the amplifier as a small PA system for singing or speaking.

Highlights:

• 3 watts of power through a 1×5” speaker
• 9 built-in amplifier voicings to choose from
• Modulation, reverb, and delay effects built-in
• 40 second Looper
• Can connect microphone for vocal use

Getting The Most Out Of Your MINI Go 3

The Vox Mini Go 3 is incredibly user friendly, with such a wide variety of tones for you to mess around with. To get the most out of it, simply use it as a versatile practice tool.

Take it on the go to practice, play late at night through headphones, that’s what this amp wants you to do with it!

You don’t need any accessories to get playing, just plug it in or grab some batteries, and you are off.

Check out this demo below for more on how to use the Mini Go 3 from Vox.

Vox Mini Go 3 Review: Key Points

Check Out Some Alternatives

Final Thoughts On The Vox Mini Go 3

The Vox Mini Go 3 may have put together the most feature laden battery powered amplifier we have ever seen. However, it does come at a bit of a cost increase compared to other battery powered amps.

3 watts of output with incredibly tonal versatility from the built-in amp voicings, guitar effects, looper and rhythm sections is a pretty good value at the end of the day.

In fact, both beginners and pros should be interested in how many sounds are in this little box.

It remains one of the best options on the battery powered market if you’re willing to invest a bit more than the competition charges.

Check Today’s Vox Mini Go 3 Price! >>

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Blackstar FLY 3 Review: Is it the Best Battery Powered Practice Amp On The Market?

Blackstar FLY3 Mini Amplifier

Blackstar FLY3 Mini Amp ratings at a glance:

Meet The Blackstar Mini Amp FLY3

Not long ago, the only practice amps available were low quality and strictly marketed towards beginners. Recently, players and builders have embraced the idea of low wattage amps, but high function practice amps.

Whether you are warming up backstage before a show, or playing quietly in a bed room at night, there have never been more options.

The Blackstar company is well known for its loud, tube driven combo amps and half stacks. Favored for their full, overdriven tones at high volumes, they have distilled those sounds down to just 3 watts.

Featuring a plethora of amp voicings, a portable construction, and diverse listening options, the FLY3 Mini Amp is well worth a look.

Digging Deeper Into the FLY3 Amp

Blackstar’s FLY3 is a 3 watt modelling amplifier meant for practicing and jamming along to your favorite songs. Modern specs like a MP3-in line and Infinite Shape Featuring give it a distinctly advanced feel for such a small, practice amp.

Even better, you get all that in a portable package that is battery powered. If you want to take your guitar practicing on the go, the FLY3 may be your best bet. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than half as much as some competitors?

The Good and The Bad

Who Is The Blackstar FLY3 For?

Blackstar’s FLY3 mini amp is purely a practice amplifier through and through.

That makes it a great option for both beginners and veteran players, based on what you are looking for.

If you want to play your guitar late into the night, this is the amp for you.

With the emulated output jack, you can play your amp into headphones, without waking any neighbors or roommates.

If you’re a beginner, this is certainly a very budget friendly option for you to learn on, but it will surely never be a gig-able amp for you. So if live gigging is in your future, perhaps look elsewhere.

What’s In The FLY3 Box?

One of the coolest features of the compact Blackstar FLY3 amplifier is one of the included accessories.

With your 3 watt practice amp you get an additional 3” speaker that perfectly matches your amp in size and finish.

This lets you get the full stereo sound experience whether you are playing MP3 music through the amp or jamming on your guitar.

Along with the necessary wire to connect the amp to the speaker, those are pretty much the only accessories you’ll unbox with your new Blackstar FLY3!

Blackstar Mini Amplifier Features

Blackstar’s FLY3 has quite a few features packed into its small enclosure. This 3 watt amplifier is paired to a 3” speaker, giving you a decent amount of sound compared to the size.

Built-in digital tape delay lets you add some thickness to your sound while experimenting with a classic guitar effect.

This 3-watt amp also has two channels, clean and overdrive, providing even more tonal flexibility. The amplifier can be powered via an included power cable or by batteries.

What Do Blackstar FLY3 Mini Amp Owners Think? >>

The Infinite Shape Function, or ISF, gives you incredible versatility when it comes to guitar tone as well. Even better, you can plug in MP3 devices to play along with your favorite music.

For those late night practices, there is also an emulated output headphone jack so you can crank your amp without waking anyone around you!

Highlights

• Emulated output jack for playing through headphones
• Infinite Shaping Function to dial in various amp voicings
• Battery powered
• Built-in tape delay effect
• Available with an external speaker option

How To Get The Most Out Of Your FLY3 Mini Amp

For such a small amp, you can get so many big sounds if you use the FLY3 correctly! Fortunately, there is a simple user interface designed to get you playing within minutes of unboxing your new amp.

Plug your guitar in, connect the external speaker via one wire, and dial in your favorite tone! It’s that simple, just see the helpful demo below and you’ll be convinced.

Mini Amp Alternatives

Final Thoughts On The Blackstar Mini Amp

For the price, the Blackstar FLY3 may be the most versatile practice amplifier on the market. With an ultra-portable build that is lightweight and powered by batteries, it packs a ton of big amp sound into a tiny package.

Most battery powered amps don’t pack this much tone, it’s really quite an impressive feat. If live gigging or starting a band are not on your radar, this may be one of the best ways to start playing and practicing fast.

Perfect for dorm rooms, shared bedrooms, or guitar players on the go, you get a lot of amplifier for not a lot of money with the FLY3.

Check Blackstar FLY3 Mini Amplifier Availability >>

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The Best Small Tube Amps!

Great Small Practice Tube Amps at a Glance:

#1 Overall Best Value! BUGERA V5 5-Watt Class Amplifier Combo	(4.6)	Relative Price $$$
#2 Best Budget Pick! Monoprice 5-Watt 1×8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier	(4.4)	Relative Price $$
#3 Best Classic Head BUGERA T5 Head	(4.2)	Relative Price $$$
#4 Best Modern Tones Blackstar HT1R MKII Guitar Combo Amplifier with Reverb	(4.1)	Relative Price $$$
#5 Best Lunchbox Head Orange Micro Terror	(4.5)	Relative Price $$
#6 Best EL84 Combo Vox AC4C1	(4.5)	Relative Price $$$$
#7 Best Full Featured Combo Fender Super Champ	(4.1)	Relative Price $$$$

There are lots of amplifiers available, and each can be used for different reasons. For those who intend to find a low wattage guitar tube amp that they can use for practice, a low watt guitar amplifier is a great choice. These produce good tones in low volumes.

Top 7 Low Watt Amps Reviewed

1. Best Low Watt Tube Amp: Bugera V5 Infinium Combo

BUGERA V5 5-Watt Infinium Combo

The Bugera V5 5-Watt Infinium comes from Behringer’s line of more affordable, high-quality amplifiers. The knobs or controllers are all found on the front side of the amp and it features a very nice color that complements the 8” speaker.

The controls are for gain, tone, volume, and reverb. It has an attenuator too, but the 5 watts itself is enough to produce a sound loud enough, but which won’t disturb your neighbors.

The headphone jack found at the back of the amp enables you to practice all you want, even in the middle of the night. You won’t be disturbing people who live with you or near your house – that’s a good thing.

It has a 12AX7 preamp tube and EL84 power tube with an 8” speaker to produce a clean and warm tone. It is small and portable, which makes it easy to transport or store.

This Bugera unit the best low-watt tube amp for those who intend to use a headset with it or those who are looking for an amp with an attenuator.

Bugera V5 Key Features

• 5-watt tube amplifier
• Preamp design is from the 60’s and it includes a 12AX7 valve
• Has an excellent sounding custom designed “Turbosound” 8” speaker
• Has a vintage equalizer
• Has a 2-way power attenuator

What Do Bugera V5 Owners Think?

BUGERA V5 5-Watt Infinium Amplifier in Review

What are Bugera V5 Owners Saying? >>

2. Best Budget Amp: Monoprice 611705 5-Watt, 1 x 8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier with Celestion Speaker

Monoprice 611705 5Watt 1 x 8 Guitar Combo Tube Amp

The Monoprice 611705 5Watt Combo Tube Amp is a well-built amp that allows players to have control over volume and tone.

Although it may seem that there is not much control, these two are enough, especially for beginners. You can always alter the sound through the different controls found on your electric guitar.

This amp has a small and compact size and it produces rich, harmonic and clean tones. It is not loud enough for stage performances but it is surely large enough for practice.

It’s the best low-watt tube amp for those who are looking for an affordable and small amp that has Celestion speakers, or those who want to play the blues.

Monoprice 5-Watt Tube Amp Key Features

• It has a ECC83/12AX7 preamp as well as a 6v6GT power tube
• Made from synthetic leather exterior with cloth grill for the speaker
• Capable of handling frequencies that are within 80Hz to 10kHz
• Has controls for volume and tone
• Has a Celestion speaker

Read What Monoprice Customers are Saying >>

Monoprice 5-Watt 1×8 Combo Tube Amp in Review

What Do Monoprice Amp Owners Think? >>

3. Best Classic Amp Head: Bugera T5 5 Watt Cage Style Head

Bugers T5 Cage Style Head

Bugera’s T5 is a 5 watt amplifier head that packs plenty of punch within its small cage. Perfect for bedroom players or small live shows when paired with a quality cabinet, the T5 features a mix of modern and vintage features.

Like many other amps in this roundup, the size makes it incredibly portable for players on the go. Considered one of the best 5 watt tube amps on the market, the Bugera T5’s tones can be easily shaped using the gain, equalizer, reverb, and “phat” controls. However, remember any amp head will require the purchase of a cabinet alongside itself.

With all these tones alongside a master volume, it’s easy to go from clean to modern, high gain sounds and all the vintage crunch in between.

Despite the built in diversity, Bugera is best known for its modern, high gain sounds. This makes the T5 amp head a great option for a more modern guitarist looking for a low wattage tube amp.

The INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier system allows the tubes to not only last longer but compensate for the sound of aging tubes and light up an LED above each tube that needs to be replaced when the time comes.

Bugera T5 Low Watt Head Key Features:

• 1x 12AX7 tube and 1x EL84 tube
• Headphone accessibility
• Built in reverb and 2 band EQ
• 5-Watt amp with 3 attenuation options
• “Phat” switch acts as signal boost
• INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier System

Read the Latest Bugers T5 Reviews! >>

Bugera T5 Amp Head in Review

Are Bugera T5 Head Users Happy? >>

4. Best Amp for Modern Tones: Blackstar HT1R Series Guitar Combo Amplifier with Reverb

Blackstar HT1R MKII Guitar Combo

The Blackstar HT1R Series Guitar Combo is capable of producing a great tone at low volume levels. It is meant as a practicing amp that you can also use for recording.

It comes in a very small size that you can easily take with you when you need to practice someplace else. It allows players to take control over the gain, volume, ISF and reverb.

An overdrive button is also present for a more warm and dirty sound. This Blackstar amp versatile, and can go from a clean sound to dirtier, which is well suited for classic rock music.

This is the best low-watt tube amp for those who are looking for an amp that is capable of producing great quality tone at a low volume.

It’s versatile and can go from a low volume to a louder one when you choose to connect it with an external speaker. It is small, compact and has a simple logo design on the front.

Blackstar HT1R Key Features

• 1-watt amp
• Tube components include a ECC83 (12Ax7) and a ECC82 (12AU7) power tube
• Provides control over volume, gain, and tone
• It has an overdrive switch
• It also has a headphone output and an 8-ohm speaker output
• There is a MP3 line input
• Has a reverb control

Check Blackstar HT1R Availability >>

Blackstar HT1R Series Guitar Combo Amp in Review

Check Today’s Blackstar HT1R MKII Price! >>

5. Best Lunchbox Amp Head: Orange Micro Terror 20W Amp Head

Orange Micro Terror Head

The Orange Micro Terror is one of the most popular “lunchbox” best low watt tube amp heads of all time. Packing a powerful 20 watts of sound into its small and light body, the micro terror has far more live gig applications than most amps on this list.

With only three controllable parameters, including volume, tone, and gain, the Micro Terror is pretty easy to use but limited in tone shaping.

Despite these limitations, the Orange Micro Terror, considered one of the best mini valve amps, does a great job reproducing the beloved Orange distortion tone popular in modern hard rock and heavy metal.

Remember that you’ll have to own or purchase a cabinet to pair with this amp head. Orange does sell some packages that pair the Micro Terror 20W with a great cabinet, giving you everything you need.

The Micro Terror does have headphone and aux input jacks on the front panel, enabling you to play against a backing track or into headphones if volume is an issue.

Considering this is 20 watts and a bit louder than many other amps here, you’re going to need that headphone jack at some point.

For more in-depth info, check out our full Orange Micro Terror review!

Orange Micro Terror Key Features:

• 1x 12AX7 tube preamp and solid state power amp
• Headphone and auxiliary cord accessibility
• Gain and Tone controls
• 20 watt amplifier head

Check Orange Micro Terror Availability >>

Orange Micro Terror Amp Head in Review

What Do Orange Micro Terror Owners Think? >>

Find Great Tube Amp Deals at Reverb.com >>

6. Best EL84 Combo: Vox AC4C1-12 1×12 Combo Amp

Vox AC4C1 Combo

Vox’s AC line of amplifiers has been the driving force behind some of the most legendary guitar tones of all time. The AC4C1 is no different, just in a smaller, more portable package.

The Vox AC4C1 is an all tube, mini combo amplifier that features Vox’s popular “top boost” channel. The extra chime and top end clarity is what has made the AC series is one of the best small tube amp combos for players such as Brian May and Jimmy Page.

Bass and treble controls give you tone shaping possibilities alongside a gain and master volume knob, letting you go from sparkle to sizzle with ease. While it doesn’t possess the full EQ found on other amps, it faithfully reproduces the classic tones may players are searching for.

Unlike it’s big brother AC15C1 and AC30C1 models, the AC4C1 doesn’t contain the classic Vox reverb and tremolo controls.

The Vox AC4C1 provides 4 watts of power and output, making it an ideal amp for bedroom or apartment players who don’t want to have to sacrifice tone for volume’s sake.

Vox AC4C1 Combo Key Features:

• Classic Vox Top Boost channel
• 2x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 1x EL84 power tube
• 4 watts of output
• 2 band EQ
• All tube combo amp

What Do Vox AC4C1 Combo Owners Think? >>

Vox AC4C1 Amp in Review

Read the Latest Vox AC4C1 Amp Reviews! >>

7. Best Full Featured Combo: Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt Combo Amp

Fender Super Champ Combo

Fender’s Super Champ combo amp is a nice mix of modern modelling amps with classic tube tone. Coming from a trusted brand like Fender, the Super Champ captures that classic “American” tube amp feel at a far cheaper price than many of Fender’s other offerings.

The Super Champ’s 15 watt combo output also provides plenty of versatility, it’s quiet enough to be played inside a bedroom but also loud enough to hit small stages or jam sessions.

Alongside the tube pre- and power amps is a voicing knob letting you choose from over 16 popular amplifier styles. Even better, the Super Champ comes with 15 built in effects, including a tap tempo control for delay sounds.

Other controls included to shape the Super Champ’s tone include treble and bass, as well as two distinct channels. Channel one serves as more of that classic Fender clean sound, while channel two features a gain, voice, and volume control.

Fender Super Champ Combo Key Features:

• 15 built in effects with dedicated effects control knob
• 16 built in amplifier voicings
• Two channels for clean and dirty sounds
• 15 watt combo amplifier
• 2x 6V6 tubes and 1x 12AX7 tube

Check Fender Super Champ Availability! >>

Fender Super Champ Combo in Review

What are Fender Super Champ Owners Saying? >>

What to look for in a low watt tube amp

When searching for low-watt tube amps, such as the best small amps for home use or for a small stage, there are a few things that should be considered.

Small watt tube amp pricing

One of the first things that is considered when buying any amp would be the price. Low-watt tube amps are much more affordable than the high-powered models, but it is still best to set a budget.

Pricing can also vary quite a bit in low-watt tube amps due to different features offered.

Small tube amp combo style

Another thing that you should consider is your own style in music. You should also consider what style you want to play. Some tube amps are more suitable for rock styles, and some are others best for the blues.

Many brands aim to be good at multiple styles, and a few do it quite successfully.

Small tube amp effects

Adding digital effects to your guitar’s sound is something that can be done to improve it, or just to have fun with a broader sound palette while playing.

Some amps may have digital effects, but others, which are usually more affordable, may not. It’s up to you to decide whether you really want the extra effects built in, which usually come at a premium, or if you’re satisfied with the effects you may already have in external floor pedals.

To find the best small guitar amp, try before you buy

Although technology has made it extremely convenient for us to shop online, it’s still better if you first try the amp you want to buy before purchasing it.

If you have a local music store, you can try a few amps that they have, or even try the amps that your friends have so that you can be sure about your purchase.

If it’s not really possible to try the amp, then next best thing you can do is read about the experiences and reviews of other owners.

Compare Featured Small Low Watt Tube Amps:

BEST LOW WATT TUBE AMP!

Bugera V5 INFINIUM 5-Watt Class-A Tube Amplifier...

BEST LOW WATT BUDGET AMP

Monoprice 5-Watt, 1x8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier...

BEST LUNCHBOX STYLE AMP HEAD

Bugera T5 Infinium 5-watt Class-A Tube Head

Final Verdict: Which is the Best Low Watt Tube Amp for You?

Low-watt tube amps are great because they’re typically more affordable, easy to transport, and don’t use too much energy. Plus they have a low enough volume to let you practice inside your room without disturbing other people in the house or neighborhood.

Out of the three mentioned here, our winner would definitely be the Bugera V5 Infinium Combo. It’s versatile, sports greta modern upgrades, and can produce good tone at low volumes or at louder volumes when connected to another speaker.

It also easily covers various music styles from those that need a brilliant clean sound to more aggressive styles that need tones with more controlled distortion.

EDITOR”S PICK!

Bugera V5 Infinium Combo

Check Today's Bugera V5 Infinium Price! >>

The post 7 Best Low Watt Tube Amps (With Wicked Tones and Killer Price-Points) first appeared on GuitarNiche.