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I got to try out the AC30-CC last week (loaded with RI Blues). It is by far the most vintage, 'JMI-sounding' of all the post-60's AC30's I have tried to date. Even with the master volume in the mix. The most familiar aspect may be in the tone and character of the break-up. It just has that similarity to the 60's models that the TBX doesn't get. Now I'd say the TBX has a nice overdrive tone of it's own, but this one is simply truer to the originals. The nature and definition of the crunch, particualrly in the midrange... that is where they have nailed it.
It had a bunch of options too, all of which I unfortunately didn't have time to explore. Like you can link the Normal and Brilliant channels together via a small switch, located directly next to the input jacks. Very nice blend! Now you can give your little patch cable back to your pedalboard.
It has reverb, with an emphasis switch that drives the reverb with a bass or treble push. The 'verb sounds really good too. It's a little odd hearing reverb in an AC30 circuit, but once you got used to it, it's a great option to have. Maybe the 'tail' is a little long, but you can dial in the level to taste anyway.
The drive sounds suprisingly well with the Master Volume in most positions, even down pretty low. OK, it does sound best cranked, but I was surprised at how useful the range was.
Didn't get to try the effects loop. It'd be real nice to throw some time-based effects in there. The Tremolo sounded very authentic. I find that the Trem circuits in the JMI's sound a bit different from amp-to-amp anyway. This one would fit somewhere into the middle. Comes with a full rotary knob, not a three-way. I don't recall that it did Vibrato.
As to the question of: how much does it sound like an AC30HW? There are some obvious similarities, but I'd say that the HW once again, sounds a lot like itself. I never thought the WH was super-close to a JMI anyway and there are great resons alone to have bought the HW.
Oh yeah, I also got to try the "new speakers" too, but they were in a new closed-back 4x12 Vox cab (SOoooo cool looking!). They weren't as chimey or defined as the Blues, but IMHO they are well worth the lower cost and will make a viable option for the player on a budget.
I'm definitely going to get one this Chrsitmas, and I'll be leaving my JMI in the studio!
