OX Amp Top Box
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Get Legendary Studio Tones from your Tube Amp — Anywhere, at Any Volume.
OX is a premium reactive load box and guitar recording system, giving you perfectly studio-miked amp sounds from your favorite tube amp. OX lets you play and record your amp in its sweet spots — from huge clean tones and edge-of-breakup to fully cranked — at any volume level, and with mic, room, and speaker cabinet emulations at the turn of a knob.
Featuring Universal Audio’s breakthrough Dynamic Speaker Modeling, OX is the first system to accurately emulate speaker drive, breakup, and cone cry — making it the world’s finest speaker attenuator and guitar amp recording solution.Now You Can:
Play and record your tube amp in its tonal sweet spot — anywhere, at any volume, with full dynamics
Get stunning mic and guitar cabinet combinations at the turn of a RIG knob — no miking required
Audition, tweak, and save more than 100 jaw-dropping custom Rigs from compatible iPad, or Mac/Windows computers.
Get authentic “edge of destruction” sounds, complete with UA Dynamic Room Modeling, speaker breakup, and cone cry
The World’s Best Reactive Load Box
With decades of analog hardware engineering expertise, Universal Audio’s dream team of engineers set out to design a reactive load box that retains the tone, dynamics, and feel of your tube amp — no matter how much it’s attenuated. The goal was for your tube amp to “see” OX as an actual speaker — with continuously variable impedance and response — so you don’t lose a drop of tone or playing dynamics.
A Complete Guitar Recording System
OX’s front-panel, six-position RIG control allows you to quickly choose from complete setups — including emulated speaker cabinets, close mics, ambient room mics, and up to four simultaneous studio effects. OX is also the only guitar recording system to offer a complete selection of expertly placed room mics, giving you the authentic experience of pushing air while recording your cranked amp in a world-class tracking room.
Dynamic Speaker Modeling
UA’s groundbreaking Dynamic Speaker Modeling faithfully emulates speaker breakup, drive, and cone cry — an essential ingredient to authentic tube amp tones. Using the Speaker Breakup knob in the OX app, you can control the harmonics and sonic complexity that occurs only at certain frequencies and volume levels on various speakers — far beyond a static Impulse Response system — giving you the same sonic phenomenon that occurs with a real speaker cabinet.
All The Right Connections
Not only does OX Amp Top Box feature a front-panel headphone jack for silent practice with your cranked tube amp, it also sports a bevy of connections for all kinds of recording and live workflows. Stereo S/PDIF digital outputs via RCA and optical TOSLINK, as well as balanced TRS stereo line outputs with front panel level control, give you the necessary connections for studio monitors, DAW, or live mixing console inputs. Plus, you can connect any one, two, or three-button footswitch and toggle OX's studio-quality effects on and off.
A Beautiful Software App
Most guitar products do digital awkwardly. They’re ugly and hard to understand. The OX software app, on the other hand, offers slick, intuitive control over all of OX’s RIG settings via Wi-Fi — letting you tweak, store and recall hundreds of presets from your iPad, Mac, or Windows 10 computer. You can then save your six favorite tones onto OX’s front-panel RIG knob for instant recall in the studio or at a gig.
“OX does not disappoint. The room mics give your recorded tones character and realism, and the delays and the plate reverb sound expensive. It's easy to use, yet deep, and most importantly, fun. UA has hit it out of the park with OX!”
– Pete Thorn (Don Henley, Melissa Etheridge)
“OX is a true game changer. New uses for it literally pop into my head every day. It’s head-and-shoulders above any product of its kind. For any guitarist who records his own tracks, OX is essential!”
– Josh Smith (Taylor Hicks, Raphael Saadiq)
“I can use OX on the most critical piece of music and be 100% happy. The UA team knocked it out of the park with this genius piece of gear. It’s perfect for the hobbyist in a bedroom, to the highest professional environment, be it studio or stage. Yes, OX is that good!”
– Lyle Workman (Beck, Sting)Customer Reviews
R. Park
April 13, 2021
Two years in, and it's still the magic box for guitar!
By way of full disclosure, I originally intended to order the Ox just to see what all the talk was about, play with it, and send it back. No way was I keeping a $1300 glorified direct box....
Read Moret. edwards
December 8, 2020
Awesome for recording
I had to wait until the firmware supported Windows, but have never had connection issues. So much different (better) than other load boxes I've used, and IR's are outstanding. Add in...
Read MoreM. Harvey
September 18, 2020
The Ox amp top box rocks
Wow! I can't believe what a difference this has made for my recorded guitar tones. Being able to have my tube amp in its sweet spot playing through whatever cabinet and mic combo I'm...
Read Morem. nelson
February 17, 2020
Updated Review: UA finally got it right
about a year or so, I left a review of the OX, and I definitely shared my pros and cons. However, After a recent firmware update that brought more cabinets, and an overall better sound, I...
Read MoreD. Williams
February 16, 2020
Innovative & Dynamic
Unparalleled build quality, a plethora of more-than-realistic cab and mic options, results in lush tube amp tones to die for. Great product. My only complaint is the limited either/or wifi...
Read MoreJ. Leyton
January 25, 2020
Guitarist/Producer
Love the OX and have had one since it came out. Rabear, you just get better and better. You are a real accomplished player now. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
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Features
Premium, no-compromise analog reactive load box and guitar recording system for tube guitar amps
Instant album-quality mic and speaker cabinet tones via front-panel RIG control
Get record-ready sounds quickly with expertly-placed virtual mics and cabs — no amp miking required
Five finely-tuned guitar amp attenuation levels, from completely silent to whisper quiet to full band volume
UA Dynamic Speaker Modeling emulates speaker drive, breakup and cone cry
World-class Universal Audio EQ, compression, delay, and reverb effects built-in
Selectable 4, 8, and 16-ohm operation
Front-panel Headphone out for silent practice with cranked tones
Balanced TRS line outs and S/PDIF digital outs for stereo recording
Pair with the OX mobile or desktop app over Wi-Fi for editing and saving RIG presets
Footswitchable control of OX's studio-quality effects
OX App Requirements
OX Amp Top Box
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with internet connection to register (once only)
(iPad) iOS 12 or iPadOS 13
(Mac) macOS Mojave or Catalina
(Win) Windows 10 64-Bit Edition
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Customer Reviews
OX Amp Top Box
R. Park
Two years in, and it's still the magic box for guitar!
By way of full disclosure, I originally intended to order the Ox just to see what all the talk was about, play with it, and send it back. No way was I keeping a $1300 glorified direct box. It arrived in impressive packaging, very well protected for the trip. Call me shallow if you'd like, but packaging is the first clue to quality. You can tell if THEY think something is important in the box by what sort of box they put it in. Good start.
I connected it to a few amps that I have never been able to run in their sweet spot live: a Carol Ann Tucana 3 and a PRS HX/DA, each directly into a 2x12 cabinet. Turning the attenuation down and the amp up, I was impressed to note that the sound wasn't compressed and lifeless, as many attenuators tend to do when pushed hard. I wish there were twice as many attenuation points, but what is there is serviceable in the real world. It has since been tested on a variety of other amps: a black face Deluxe Reverb, a vintage AC30TB, and on every amp, the result is the same... set it where it sounds good, control it with the OX, done. Test #1: Success!
I downloaded the app to my iMac/DAW, followed the quick start connection guide and I was up and running in short order. As an aside, I totally do not get the comments on connection difficulty... following the instructions, it was a snap. The app is good, and has a lot of control. Getting around and assigning rigs is a bit tedious, but that's likely more my unfamiliarity than the app... most of the time I just use the box. Graphics are useful, and needless to say for UA, the effects are gorgeous and incredibly well implemented. The ability to add room mics really opens the sound and produces that "good studio" vibe into your sound. Test #2: Success!
Then I put the two together, and was shocked at how good it can sound mixed. With a direct tone coming from the cab and an effected tone coming from the monitors, the sound is immersive. It gives you that great live guitar tone from the comfort of your favorite studio chair. This was not something I had really purchased the Ox to do, but it immediately became my favorite sound combination. (Unanticipated) Test #3: Smashing Success!
So, I guess you could say the test drive very positive 3 for 3 sweep, and I would be happy to have found out what I wanted before sending it back. Well, that was two years ago, and the OX is still with me in regular use! Far from the fancy direct box I thought it was, the Ox Amp Top Box is an instrument unto itself, and you just need to open your mind to what it can be used for to see many possibilities beyond the obvious. I could take away stars for things I would like to see there, but this review is about what IS there, and that justifies the 5 Star rating. It is the best I have found for a guitar amp interface/attenuator/effector/expander/etc. It has become as much a part of the setup as anything else, and if you look around on YouTube, you'll find I'm not the only one who always has the orange Ox power light glowing in the background.
I paid the money and didn't return it... there's no better score I can give it than that.t. edwards
Awesome for recording
I had to wait until the firmware supported Windows, but have never had connection issues. So much different (better) than other load boxes I've used, and IR's are outstanding. Add in the "mic locker" , ability to add in room mics and effects, EQ and compression, all in one ap, and it's a game-changer. I have the space and the mics to mic-up cabs, but haven't done that since I got this box.
H. Schmidt
Tolle Hardware, sehr schlechte software unter Windows
Ein sehr schönes Teil, welches meinen Bogner Atma Amp im Wohnzimmer nutzbar macht. Leider ist es mir bis heute nicht gelungen, die App unter Windows zum laufen zu bringen. Für Windows-Nutzer, vermutlich 70 % aller Computer-Nutzer, ist die Ox-Box nur teilweise nutzbar und nicht empfehlenswert. Warum werden Windows-Nutzer so schlecht von Ihrem Unternehmen behandelt?
M. Harvey
The Ox amp top box rocks
Wow! I can't believe what a difference this has made for my recorded guitar tones. Being able to have my tube amp in its sweet spot playing through whatever cabinet and mic combo I'm looking for at the moment, and to have it feel and sound so awesome like I recorded it in a great space is phenomenal! This is going to bring my productions to pro levels. I'm recording through the spdif connection into my x8 Apollo interface and I couldn't be happier. If I just want to play without disturbing the household it's nice to be able to play through the speaker or headphones at reasonable volume and still feel that sweet tone, minus the cab and mic/room emulations though. As for the wifi connection issues I've seen others have posted, I haven't had any. I love everything this box does and wish I had known about it long ago. In my opinion it is much better than any of the amp plugins I've been using trying to achieve big realistic guitar tones. Thank you UAD! Like the Ox, you guys rock! And I didn't even mention the top notch onboard signal processing.
J. Romanchik
Make it hardwire-able!
Was REALLY looking forward to using this. But have been stuck using only the 6 presets on the front. Will not connect to WiFi. There is ZERO customer service! Dont want to return this but if i cant access the app there is no way it is worth $1300. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS
m. nelson
Updated Review: UA finally got it right
about a year or so, I left a review of the OX, and I definitely shared my pros and cons. However, After a recent firmware update that brought more cabinets, and an overall better sound, I can say that this is the best of its kind.
About 2 years ago, My band "Ornimental" started to record our second record and one of our microphones crapped out right in the middle of guitar tracking. When we heard that UA was making the OX, We got in line to pay for it pretty much immediately. After recording with the OX out of the box, It took us a while to get something we liked, and we weren't 100% on the sound. We ended up with the 4x12 greenback "punch" for guitars, but it wasn't up to our standard.
I mentioned before that the OX was amazing for the old school guys that want that retro sound, but it's not too tone friendly with people desiring more modern sounds. Well, After their 2nd firmware release, I can say that everything sound incredible! Just have the V30 cabs in the library changed everything for us. Even though we can't go back to doing the guitars for the record, we are ready to tackle the next one with better tones!
The OX is the best piece of gear for guitar recording!D. Williams
Innovative & Dynamic
Unparalleled build quality, a plethora of more-than-realistic cab and mic options, results in lush tube amp tones to die for. Great product. My only complaint is the limited either/or wifi or internet connection. Hopefully, you all will develop a direct connection between computer and the ‘Ox’, this would be great. Nonetheless, I am blown away.
J. Leyton
Guitarist/Producer
Love the OX and have had one since it came out. Rabear, you just get better and better. You are a real accomplished player now. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
M. Tuttle
Quite Useful
I bought one when they first came out and I've never had an issue. Updating via my Mac was no issue when following the instructions and having my iPad close by means it is very simple to change parameters at any moment.
S. Lauzon
Lots of issues.
I have the OX. I bought it about 7 months ago and it’s clumsy. Aside from the fact that you have to constantly switch WiFi to OX, then back to your router, even after you’ve set everything up! It’s ridiculous.
There’s been a update, which I was excited about briefly. Here’s why:
1. You need a usb flash drive to do this. It says you can do it over WiFi but not if you update the OX app first. My apps are setup for auto updates. So the firmware is incompatible and the app WILL NOT open because of this issue. I haven’t been able to open the app to change cabs or mics since nov 4th.
2. Customer service is awful. I’ve had a ticket out for 2 days now and no reply... nothing.
3. You may buy the wrong flash drive (as I did 2 times. Why two times? Well. It doesn’t say anywhere on the notes for the update which beans works. I’ve spent $30 and still can’t update firmware. The site says *try different one if not recognized. Yeah - cause I have lots of usb flash drives. They are almost obsolete....
4. If you have the issues I’ve had, it’s a glorified paperweight.
All of this is why I’m going to sell it at a 3-400$$ loss and go back to the easy to operate and use Mesa Cab Clone. I can’t honestly say I hear a 1000$$ difference anyway.
Sam LG. Herrera
Faithful to this Unit
Having bought this when it first came out, I was really Loving what it did for my recordings, and now with the Update, OMG so Complete! I can get any tone I need Period! The ease of use just makes it fun and Inspiring, this is worth every penny and will never get rid of this Unit. Thanks UA
w. visbeen
No sleep but more than alive.
Bought the ox mainly for attenuator function. Speaker connector combo too short. While waiting for cable dived into the cab emulations and haven't slept since. Can't remember having had so much fun with my amp. Thank you so much!
K. Robinson
Awesome bit of kit!
Thank you for the new update!
I use the OX live all the time and having the footswitchable effects is brilliant now. I can now crank my amp (JTM 45) and get a volume boost for solos using the EQ on the OX. Super useful!A. Walton
Epic bit of kit.
Absolutely love this , candy in my studio. The Nov 19 update is just glorious. Well done UA.
r. stepan
Wow we can use our 30 tube amps in our recording studio direct into Logic
This Ox sounds fantastic and we can dime our JCM 800’s and Silver Jubees Mesa
Orange etc and they sound fantastic. We use our FractalAxe Fx for some effects but
the cabs sims and UA quality is top drawer. Recording our clients without dragging out
a bunch of cabs is over...we do it all on theMac.
Fantastic piece of kit..great job guys....
J. Metzger
Dynamic
I am really impressed just wow ! I was skeptical at first but after using the ox to record some clean guitar i couldn’t believe how dynamic and easy the guitar was to control . This device is ahead of the heard if you ask me . There seems to be some sort of magic going on here , I can now record my guitar without second guessing myself because the ox makes it so easy to get a great tone and record in mono or stereo when I need without having to adjust a bunch of settings . You get the sound you like , hit record and you have professional sounding guitar tracks . Great job uad !! This paired with an Apollo is a match made in heaven .
C. Jérôme
incredible sound !!
j'ai trouvé LE son qu'il me manquait pour mon home studio avec cette machine extraordinaire . Tout les prises de sons guitares les plus efficaces ,avec les cabinets et micros les plus légendaires . La prise en main est d'une très grande simplicité et on va tout de suite a l'essentiel avec une redoutable efficacité !!
L'application sur mon iPad est superbe ,la connection excellente !!O. Harkoma
Great tool for tube amps
I use this with my 87' Marshall 100W Silver Jubilee head, works and sounds great, only missing piece is really the V30 speaker model. Also tried it with small 20W Koch combo and it sounded completely crap with distortion, however pretty ok with clean channel. Seems like no one size fits all and perhaps you want to test with your tube amp before buying. I personally like the control over wifi, no issues using with iPad, Mac and now Windows also.
C. Holmes
Connection Woes
I find it insane that you can't connect the Ox to your computer via a USB or Firewire cord and have to rely on a wireless signal. The disconnections I kept encountering via the WiFi put me off on it entirely. I ended up returning it, which is a shame because I've been having a lot of problems with my Two Notes Torpedo Studio, which is the other loadbox I use, and was very hopeful that the Ox would be a worthwhile alternative. This is really a major design flaw that I'm stunned UAD hasn't done anything to address.
D. Nelson
It's absolutely amazing...for a specific audience
I've own this very well made, and fun to use load box. It's the guitar player's dream top box for studio, practicing, or even live shows if you know how to take care of it. I don't recommend taking it out on gigs because it is very fragile. I've owned this top box for over a year, and I can tell you what I think about it.
So my band "Ornimental" is a Hard Rock/Metal band that used this for our record we recorded and we got pretty great results...for anything besides heavier music. We used different cabs, and used a lot of the UA plug ins this came with. I thought it was really cool that they did that. Unfortunately, When it came to heavier tones, which my band uses most of the time, it just doesn't cut it. It's obvious that this was marketed to players that love tones that are more on the vintage side. There's really no way to get contemporary heavy tones with this box, and it's a little disappointing. I also heard the UA has no plans on adding any kind of V30, or other speakers that are good for the style, so that's a let down too. It's great for Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Funk, and any other style you can think of that doesn't require a lot of dirt. We got great results with other styles, but Harder styles just won't cut it here.
I'm sure that if I ever record with a different band thats a totally different style, this will do great, but the OX is made for vintage lovers and as much as I love vintage gear, I do need tones that are more modern and I feel like this would of blown away any other competitor.
I honestly believe that a V30 cab option would of been the answer to our issues. I'm not sure why the OX didn't come with it especially since it's arguably the most popular 12 inch guitar speaker ever aside from the Greenback. I've also heard that other people have asked if there will ever be an update with a V30 cab. That would be amazing!
It's an awesome piece of gear, but it's definitely not perfect. After some updates on a V30 option, and possibly more microphone options, I think it will be miles ahead of where it is now.
- Danny
