Say what you will about amp modeling (and so will we), but the VOX Black Diamond tops off their Valvetronix line like a jug of rubbing alcohol tops off a night of drinking wine coolers and conversing with associates about the stock market. It combines 12AX7 tube power with modeling technology for somewhat of a modeling hybrid with an incapacitating set of features that's sure to flip more lids than an acrobatic bottle opener.

The Black Diamond flexes its muscular wattage with 200W (100W + 100W stereo) while retaining finesse with its VOX Valve Reactor circuit -- the blender of things tube with things modeled. Here's where it gets interesting. That aforementioned 12AX7 tube is operated as the power amp. The VariAmp power circuit boosts up the output power like it's Popeye and he just downed an entire can of spinach. Another circuit applies varying impedance of the driven speaker to the tube, resulting in the most precise response and feel you'll hear in a modeling amp.

Another plus about the Black Diamond is that its very energy efficient. It's able to boast the efficiency of digital models while still housing a vacuum tube, all with no large heat sinks typical to tube amplifiers.

Heat sinks aside, the Black Diamond has 32 different amp models spanning the eras and the tonal spectrum alike. Their modeling detail is so meticulous as to include the characteristics of power amp operation (i.e. class A or class AB) of the original amps they're modeling. And you don't have to do to much guesswork to know that there are going to be models of VOX's own classic amps plentifully and proudly provided.

Next, you have a whole slew of top quality VOX effects to work with -- 25 types in all including stereo effects and 76 different models. From compression, tone control, and what you'd find on most front panels to distortion and spatial effects like modulation effects, delays and reverbs, VOX puts in a lot of effort to keep your options from running out. Combine the amp modeling and effect modeling to create and store 128 programs. 64 presets come ironed into the amp for use right out of the box.

The Black Diamond also provides a wide variety of input and output jacks. It contains a programmable effects loop, a direct recording line out and an external speaker out. In addition, the Black Diamond even visually caters to your play -- an illuminated VOX logo shifts colors dependent upon the settings of your sound. The colors of the logo also double as the display for the on-board tuner, changing color depending on your sharpness or flatness.

If you buy the VOX Black Diamond, you can download the Black Diamond Sound Editor software free from the VOX website that interfaces with your PC via MIDI for computer editing. And if you need a controller, look no further than the optional VC-12SV foot controller to unlock the full potential of this unit on stage.