The Vox Power Burst (VE-PB) is a boost pedal from Vox, part of the second series of the company's Valvenergy line announced in January 2024, the week before NAMM1. It is built around a Nutube, the next-generation vacuum tube component Vox fits in all Valvenergy models2. Where a typical clean boost just makes the signal louder, the Power Burst is voiced to bring what Vox describes as "tube-like" compression and saturation while maintaining a natural tone, with rich sustain suited to blues techniques2.
The pedal is deliberately simple: one Boost knob and a three-way voicing switch. GuitarPlayer's reviewer Dave Hunter called it "a versatile booster pedal with an appealing character," landing somewhere toward the middle of the neutral-to-colored spectrum3.
A Nutube booster with tube-style compression
The Power Burst is part of Vox's Valvenergy series, and all models in the line are equipped with the next-generation Nutube, a compact vacuum tube device that gives these pedals their tube character2. Vox positions the Power Burst as a simple booster with one knob and three modes, providing a natural sense of compression and saturation2.
By turning the Boost knob, the Power Burst brings forth tube-style compression and saturation rather than a flat volume increase. Vox says this maintains a natural tone with rich sustain, which suits blues techniques where notes need to hold and bloom2. The top panel of the chassis carries an etched design inspired by the sound of each pedal in the range2.
A useful side effect of the Nutube: when the effect is deactivated, the tube functions as a buffered bypass, which Vox says provides a natural response and a light feel2. That makes the pedal a buffer as well as a boost, but it also means it is not true bypass.
The controls: Boost knob and voicing switch
The control set is minimal by design: a single rotary Boost control and a three-way toggle that chooses between Treble, Middle or Natural voices45.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| BOOST knob | Adjusts the amount of boost; turning it to the right adds the distinctive saturation and compression typical of a tube2 |
| Mini switch (toggle) | Offers three voicing modes based on personal preference2 |
The three voicing modes shape where the boost sits:
- NATURAL: the natural tube sound mode, serving as the standard mode2
- TREBLE: emphasizes the high frequencies, for situations where you want to highlight the treble2
- MIDDLE: emphasizes the mid-range frequencies, ideal for a thick sound or solo performances2
Guitar World's reviewer found the Power Burst offers a little more sonic versatility than a typical "clean" boost pedal thanks to its Treble and Middle settings, and described it as best suited to giving extra push to a tone you already love6.
What happens at high Boost settings
The Power Burst can cross into drive territory. GuitarPlayer's Dave Hunter found that pushing the Boost knob up much beyond noon tips the pedal into low-gain overdrive territory, but with excellent articulation and less color than most drive pedals3. His one caution on voicing: the pedal is not entirely neutral if that is what you are seeking, and the Middle position can sound a little choked with some guitars and amp settings3.
"KUDOS A versatile booster pedal with an appealing character."
Power and connections
The Power Burst runs on a DC 9V AC adapter or a 9V alkaline battery (6LF22/6LR62), both sold separately. Vox recommends the AC adapter because of the pedal's relatively high power consumption, so plan on a power supply for regular use. The recommended adapter is the Vox KA181 (9V)2.
Because of its relatively high power consumption, Vox recommends running the Power Burst on an AC adapter rather than a battery2.
Connections are straightforward: an INPUT terminal and an OUTPUT terminal, both monaural phone jacks, with a DC 9V power terminal on the side2.
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Questions
Does the Vox Power Burst have a real tube?
Yes. It uses a Nutube, a next-generation vacuum tube component that Vox fits across the Valvenergy line. The Nutube also serves as a buffered bypass when the effect is switched off, so the tube stays in the signal path and keeps a natural response.
Can the Vox Power Burst run on a battery?
Yes, it takes 9V alkaline batteries (6LF22/6LR62), sold separately, or a DC 9V AC adapter. Vox recommends the AC adapter because of the pedal's relatively high power consumption, so a battery is a backup rather than the everyday option.
Is the Vox Power Burst true bypass?
No. When the effect is deactivated, the Nutube functions as a buffered bypass, which Vox says provides a natural response and a light feel. Players who specifically want true-bypass switching should look elsewhere.
Does the Vox Power Burst overdrive at high settings?
It can. GuitarPlayer's reviewer found that turning the Boost knob up much beyond noon tips the pedal into low-gain overdrive territory, though with excellent articulation and less color than most drive pedals.
What do the Treble, Natural and Middle modes do?
Natural is the standard mode and gives the pedal's natural tube sound. Treble emphasizes the high frequencies when you want to highlight the treble, and Middle emphasizes mid-range frequencies for a thick sound or solo performances.
Sources (6)
- Vox Valvenergy Series 2 pedals, gearnews.com, 2024-01-19
- POWER BURST, Vox Amps, 2025-04-16
- Vox Valvenergy pedals reviewed, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2024-11-11
- Vox issues Valvenergy Power Burst, Tone Sculptor, Fuel Injector & Smooth Impact pedals, Guitar World, 2024-01-19
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-01-25
- Vox Valvenergy 2nd Series pedals review, Guitar World, 2025-01-02
