Features of Acoustic Amplifiers
Acoustic amplifiers have been developed over time to solve the problems arising from the amplification of an acoustic instrument. Therefore, their design is obviously oriented towards maximum performance for this type of instrument.
Feedback in Acoustic Amplifiers
One of the drawbacks that had to be faced when amplifying an acoustic guitar was the problem of feedback, derived from its resonance box and a high level of volume.
The traditional way to reduce this conflict is to dampen the guitar’s resonance. For example, we can place some towels inside the instrument’s case, or use a cover for the sound hole guitar. However, these methods can sometimes be insufficient.
But today’s modern electronics of this type of device provide us with the solution to this problem at the push of a button. This function is known as Feedback-Killer (Feedback Cancel), very common in acoustic amplifiers.
Acoustic Amplifiers Speakers
The speakers in these types of amplifiers are also specially designed to faithfully reproduce the wide frequency spectrum of the acoustic guitar. Although we love the sound of the electric guitar thanks to the output of high-quality speakers, in reality, its sound would be quite poor by Hi-Fi standards.
On the other hand, acoustic amplifier speakers are designed to reproduce the entire frequency spectrum evenly. For this reason, it is very common to find acoustic amplifiers with a tweeter installed for the high frequencies, just like a high-fidelity studio monitor.
However, high-quality acoustic amplifiers with a single broadband speaker can also be found. These speakers, which faithfully reproduce the entire frequency spectrum by themselves, are built with particularly high-quality components, but have some advantages, such as the reduction of possible interference.
This type of speaker is widely used in AER amplifiers. Although the prices of this brand are practically inaccessible to most amateurs.
Nowadays, acoustic amplifiers also have some built-in digital effects such as Chorus, Reverb or Delay. They also usually have a microphone input and a balanced low-impedance output.
The low impedance output is essential for optimal signal transport to our mixing desk or sound card, without the annoying noise or interference problems caused by a high impedance line output. In other words, these amplifiers incorporate a direct injection box. What more could you ask for?
In addition to all these advantages, acoustic amplifiers are usually small in size, lightweight, sound great and are also quite affordable.
Top 10 Acoustic Amplifiers
Fishman Loudbox Mini
One of the most popular Acoustic Guitar and Vocal Amplifiers is the Fishman Loudbox Mini, with Bluetooth function, built-in Reverb and Chorus effects, and 60W of power. More than enough for playing at home, rehearsal, or playing in a small bar.
The Fishman Loudbox Mini features a 6.5″ speaker, a 1″ tweeter, and a Phase switch to eliminate feedback. It also has an instrument input and a microphone input, and is priced at around $330.
Marshall AS50D
Another well-known acoustic amplifier is the Marshall AS50D, with 50 watts of power, and two 8-inch speakers and a tweeter. It also has the typical digital effects of Chorus and Reverb, an anti-feedback system, and two channels with the possibility of connecting two instruments, or a microphone on the second channel. Its price is around $350.
Blackstar Acoustic:Core 30
If these two amplifiers are a bit expensive for you, you can opt for the Blackstar Acoustic:Core 30 with 30 watts of power, for around $250. This amplifier has two 5-inch stereo speakers, two different types of Chorus and Reverb, headphone output, and USB connection.
Laney A-Solo
For around $270 we have the Laney A-Solo with a power of 60 watts, an 8-inch speaker, and phantom power for the use of condenser microphones. It also has a headphone connection, and has the typical Chorus and Reverb effects.
Nux AC-25
If we need an amplifier with a built-in rechargeable battery, one option is the Nux AC-25 for a very affordable price of around $200. A device that offers very interesting features for its price, such as a 4-hour battery life and Bluetooth function. It has 25 watts of power, a reverb effect, a 6.5-inch speaker, and a headphone connection.
Mooer SD50A
We move on to the Mooer SD50A with a power of 50 watts and an 8-inch speaker, for a price that rises to approximately $350. Although I must add that this is a real machine in terms of performance.
These features include a USB and mini USB port for connecting mobile phones and tablets, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has switchable phantom power, chorus, delay and reverb effects, a drum machine, stackable looper recording of up to 150 seconds indefinitely, an integrated tuner, and an included wireless pedal.
Fender Acoustasonic 40
Among the legendary brands, we have the Fender Acoustasonic 40 with a power of 40 watts and two 6.5-inch speakers for around $260. It also has other standard features such as a reverb effect and a headphone output.
Best Cheap Acoustic Amplifiers
Vox VX50AG
The legendary Vox brand offers the Vox VX50AG with a very compact size and a controlled price of around $280.
This does not mean that it does not have a good power of 50 watts and a good 8-inch speaker. In addition, it has switchable Phantom power, Chorus and Reverb effects, and a headphone output.
Bugera AC60
With 60 watts of power and an 8-inch speaker, we have the Bugera AC60 for an approximate price of around $260. This amplifier has Reverb, Chorus and Delay effects, and switchable Phantom power.
Harley Benton AC PRO 60
Finally, I will show you the Harley Benton AC PRO 60. The price of this amplifier is about $240, and its main features are:
- 8-inch speaker
- 45 watts of power
- Chorus, Reverb and Delay effects
- headphone output
This list is not shown from best to worst, nor from worst to best. It is simply a guide to the 10 amplifiers that I consider most relevant in terms of price and features.