Peavey Vypyr X2 Ultimate Review

The Peavey Vypyr VIP X2 is a DSP-based modeling amplifier. It provides electric guitar, bass, and acoustic amp models. The amplifier is a 1 speaker combo with built-in effects and a large range of functions.

It’s light, versatile and super convenient. Plus, Peavey is a brand that has been making great amps for a long time. So if you have any issues with your tone, this amp will help take care of that in a hurry!

Features

Let’s take a look at some key features of the Peavey Vypyr X2.

  • Single channel.
  • One 12″ speaker.
  • 36 different amp models.
  • 26 different onboard effects.
  • Auxiliary and headphone jacks.
  • Use with electric, acoustic and bass guitars.
  • 60 Watts of power.
  • Rugged construction.
Peavey Vypry X2 front.
Peavey Vypyr X2 Front.

Who is This Amp For?

The Peavey Vypyr X2 is a versatile guitar amplifier! It’s suitable for a wide range of players and styles. It would be an excellent choice for guitarists who are looking for a feature-packed amp. Especially one that can produce a variety of sounds and tones.

In terms of musical styles, the Vypyr X2 is particularly well-suited for rock and metal. This is all thanks to its range of high-gain amp models and effects.

The amp can produce thick, saturated tones that are perfect for heavy riffing. If you like rock or metal, then this amp will serve you wonderfully. But it’s capable of much more, as you will see!

Sound Performance

With the first use of the Vypyr X2, you will need to select your instrument and amp model.

Once there, you are sure to quickly realize that this amp sounds pretty good for the money! Peavey calls it TransTube which is an analog circuit emulation technology.

We found that most of the models were quite good, it is a very versatile amp! There are a ton of options on this amp and so you will need to spend some time with it. But as you tweak, you are sure to unlock many great sounds for weeks!

The stomp box and effects are a great benefit to an already affordable amplifier. We were happy with the different combinations of sounds we were able to create.

Some of them did sound digital at times, but with some tweaking, they shape up nicely.

This amplifier sounds good for a modeler valued under $500 bucks! It has the ability to take electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. You have a very powerful amplifier that sounds good for the money! Check out this video for sound clips and functionality examples!

PROS

  • Build quality and hardware.
  • Sounds are good.
  • Instrument simulation.
  • Guitar, bass and acoustic capable.
  • Great effects and features.

CONS

  • Some have complained that it is not user-friendly.

Construction

The Vypyr X2 is a 26-pound semi-combo amplifier, measuring in at 19.5″ wide, 17.7″ high, and 10″ deep.

It comes with one 12″ Peavey custom-voiced speaker. All in a sturdy wooden enclosure with black hardware and tolex. The controls are on the top for easier access when adjustments are to be made to your sound.

The controls are very modern. They have a series of LEDs around each control. This is to mark their position for each saved amp model. The input jacks, include the instrument, USB for programming, and auxiliary. All on the front face of the amp for ease of access.

The headphone out jack is also on the front panel to make it easy to use when silent playing is required. On the rear is a control jack to allow for the Sanpera foot switch (sold separately). Also, the power switch and cord receptacle.

The amplifier is well-made and pretty rugged, with a nice black grill cloth and a sleek look!

Peavey Vypyr X2 amp rear.
Vypyr X2 Rear.

Channels and Controls

The Vypyr X2 is a single-channel amplifier. It’s designed to share the controls via the many amp models and effects.

Each LED around the controls will change based on the setting recalled from each of the amp models. The amplifier can be used with electric, bass, and acoustic guitars.

You have the option of selecting the instrument from the series of buttons near the input jack.

The amplifier has a few rotary encoders that control your settings for stomp boxes, EQ, or effects. Each LED changes color to show you what setting you are using. A bit of a learning curve exists here to get used to the many options.

But it’s very easy to get used to with the manual at your side. One of the encoders is the amp model selector, which lets you choose from 36 different models!

A lot of the models are great amps Peavey has made throughout the years. Amps like the 6505 and some classic lower gain versions.

So anyone will find what they need in this amp! There are a ton of effects that can be selected with the effect’s encoder. Anything from chorus to flange, reverb, and delay. It’s all here!

On the rear of the amplifier is a control jack for Peavey’s Sanpera foot switch. When using the Sanpera Footswitch, you have the ability to use 5 different effects at the same time!

Peavey Vypry X2 controls.
Control Panel.

Output Power

The Peavey Vypyr X2 is rated at 60 watts output power and is all kinds of loud! If you need to keep up with a heavy hitting drummer, you will do well. So don’t worry, it cranks up nicely! When using it in my Jam space, I was measuring around 80 dB of loudness. That wasn’t even cranked to the max!

Built-In Effects

The Peavey Vypyr X2 comes with a range of built-in effects that allow players to customize their tone. They will allow you to create a wide variety of sounds! Here’s a list of the effects that are included:

  • Reverb.
  • Delay.
  • Modulation (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Rotary).
  • Wah.
  • Compression.
  • Octaver.
  • Pitch Shifter.
  • Volume Pedal.

These effects can be easily customized using the amp’s intuitive controls. This allowing players to fine-tune their sound and create a truly personalized tone. Additionally, the Vypyr X2 also has a built-in tuner, which makes it easy to keep your guitar in tune!

USB 3.0 Recording Performance

The Vypyr is equipped with a USB 3.0 interface, which is recognized as an audio device when plugged into a computer.

We used Pro Tools and recorded with the Vypyr through the USB port into our interface. The sound quality was good if you are practicing or writing songs you want to capture. But we wouldn’t recommend recording an album.

Peavey Vypry X2 Control layout.
Vypyr Control Knobs.

Conclusion And Final Thoughts

There are many great electric guitar amplifiers on the market, and the Peavey Vypyr is a good choice.

It’s loaded with options that will essentially get you any sound you might desire. The option to use an acoustic or bass guitar puts this amplifier on another level.

Some sounds can be digital-like. So if you are coming from a more expensive amplifier, you might be disappointed. But for an amplifier at this price, there is really something for everyone here.