The Vox Mystic Edge is a valve distortion pedal from Vox that puts the chime and midrange of the VOX AC30 into a compact pedal format1. It sits in the Valvenergy 1st Series, Vox's first range of Nutube pedals, and is described by the maker as an AC30-inspired overdrive: Delicious Audio's product page calls it "the Mystic Edge Overdrive (based on the AC30)"2, and MusicRadar's reviewer Phil Barker notes it is "the only one of the pedals that can be quite specific about its inspiration... based on an AC30"3.
The pedal uses an all-analog signal path with a Nutube, which Vox says allows "genuine overdrive and distortion tones with the feel of a real tube amp"1. Premier Guitar describes it as "an AC30-in-a-box from Vox powered by Korg's NuTube vacuum fluorescent display technology"4. It was listed at $179 in Delicious Audio's December 2024 buying guide5.
The controls, switch and modes
Vox's product page lists the control set as GAIN, VOLUME, TONE CUT, TREBLE and BASS knobs, plus a BRIGHT switch and a MODE switch1. Guitar World's review lists the same layout with a Middle control in place of Tone Cut, and adds the bypass footswitch6.
| Control | What it is |
|---|---|
| GAIN | Sets the amount of overdrive/distortion1 |
| VOLUME | Sets the output level1 |
| TONE CUT | Rolls off top end, AC30-style1 |
| TREBLE / BASS | High and low EQ1 |
| BRIGHT switch | Adds brightness1 |
| MODE switch | Selects the output mode1 |
| Bypass footswitch | Engages and bypasses the pedal6 |
The MODE switch selects three output modes, which Vox describes as letting you use the pedal "as a standard pedal, a line-level preamp, and a direct amp-sim using the built-" in cabinet simulation1. Guitar World confirms the switch positions as STD/PRE/CAB and lists "onboard cab sims" among the pedal's features6. In practice that means:
- STANDARD: normal pedal use into the front of an amp.
- PREAMP: line-level preamp output.
- CAB-SIM: direct recording or live use into a mixer or interface, using the built-in cabinet simulation16.
Power and connections
The Mystic Edge runs on a 9V center negative AC adaptor or a single 9V alkaline battery, drawing 95 mA1. Guitar World's spec box matches this: "9V battery or 9V DC adaptor (not supplied) 95mA"6.
Vox rates the alkaline battery at approximately 2 hours, and notes "This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use"1. With a 95 mA draw, a battery is a short-term option; a power supply is the practical choice for regular playing.
Connections are an INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, DC9V jack and a LINK jack1. The Link jack is what connects Valvenergy pedals to each other; Guitar World lists it alongside the standard input and output6.
Where it came from
The Mystic Edge is one of Vox's Valvenergy pedals, a range built around Korg's Nutube, a compact vacuum tube. Vox describes it as a valve distortion pedal that offers the chime and midrange of the Vox AC30 in a compact pedal format, with an all-analog signal path1. It is listed as the Mystic Edge Overdrive, based on the AC302.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's Phil Barker found the pedal responsive and true to its inspiration:
"It's nicely responsive to playing dynamics and, with a combination of grit and chime, some familiar Vox tones are here to be explored"3
A reviewer found the pedal nicely responsive to playing dynamics, with a combination of grit and chime and familiar Vox tones to explore3. The pedal's AC30 basis is reflected in Vox's own positioning, which describes it as offering the chime and midrange of the AC30 in a compact pedal format1, and in its listing as the Mystic Edge Overdrive, based on the AC3012.
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Questions
Does the Vox Mystic Edge run on a battery?
Yes. It runs on a single 9V alkaline battery or a 9V center negative AC adaptor, which is not supplied. Current draw is 95 mA, so most players will prefer a power supply for regular use.
How long does a battery last in the Mystic Edge?
Vox states approximately 2 hours from a 9V alkaline battery, and notes the figure varies with actual conditions of use. At 95 mA draw, a battery is best kept as a backup rather than the main power source.
What are the Standard, Preamp and Cab-Sim modes?
The MODE switch offers three output settings: STANDARD works like a normal pedal into an amp, PREAMP runs at line level, and CAB-SIM uses the built-in cabinet simulation so you can go straight to a mixer or interface.
What is the Nutube in the Vox Mystic Edge?
The Nutube is Korg's vacuum fluorescent display technology, used in the pedal as a miniature vacuum tube. Vox says it, with the all-analog signal path, gives overdrive and distortion tones with the feel of a real tube amp.
What does the Link jack do on the Mystic Edge?
The Link jack lets Valvenergy pedals connect together, alongside the standard input, output and DC9V jacks. Vox lists it among the pedal's connections on the product page.
Which Valvenergy series is the Mystic Edge part of?
The Mystic Edge is part of the Vox Valvenergy 1st Series, the original four-pedal Nutube range announced at Winter NAMM 2020 alongside the Copperhead Drive, Silk Drive and Cutting Edge.
Sources (6)
- MYSTIC EDGE, Vox Amps, 2026-06-25
- Vox Nu-Tube ValvEnergy Series, Delicious Audio, 2021-03-12
- Vox Valvenergy pedals review, MusicRadar, 2021-04-29
- Tubesteader Roy Review, Premier Guitar, 2025-04-08
- The 20 Best Vox-Style Pedals & Vox-In-a-Box Overdrives In 2024, Delicious Audio, 2024-12-02
- Vox Valvenergy Mystic Edge, Silk Drive & Copperhead Drive review, Guitar World, 2021-03-23
