Vox Amplification and Audio-Technica have worked together to create a pair of headphones built for guitarists. Called Amphones, the headsets can be used conventionally, but also contain a built-in guitar or bass amplifier. The included amp allows a guitar to be played and listened to by the musician at times where noise is an issue, such as when others are sleeping.
Four varieties of Amphones will be produced, each amplifying the guitar with different results. The Twin gives a clean sound found in a classic US-made amp, the Lead offers a heavy British crunch, the AC30 is a faithful reproduction of the Vox AC30, and the Bass simulates the resonance of a speaker cabinet and floor using a bassilator circuit.
Extra effects including chorus, delay, reverb, and for the bass version, a compressor, are all individually controllable, and can be connected to an electric guitar through a standard quarter-inch connector. When unpowered, the 40mm drivers work as normal headphones, complete with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Vox Amphones will be made available in the US from October, for an expected price of $100.
