How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar Combo Amplifier?

Acoustic guitar combo is in great demand, this device is designed to amplify the sound of a musical instrument. This unit is divided into several varieties, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. Therefore, before choosing such a technique, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics, as well as learn about the leading manufacturers that are in great demand.

The combo is a guitar amplifier that is used by almost all professional musicians. The unit is able to eliminate noise at the sound output, because a filter is installed inside that suppresses feedback. This acoustic instrument combo provides a wide variety of effects to enrich your musical composition. Guitarists use the device to distort the sound, make it more spacious, create a delay effect, and also idealize the frequency range.

The amplifier consists of the following elements:

• slot;
• switch;
• microphone input and headphone slot;
• scale for setting the frequency and sound strength;
• overload switch.

It should be noted that A combo amplifier behaves differently depending on the type and model of guitar, so experts recommend choosing this device along with the instrument to test the effect. There are models on the market that can work not only from the mains, but also on batteries, which is especially important at outdoor festivals and on hikes, where you want to enjoy professional sound.

There are many combo options on the market, but they all fall into three categories, each with its own distinctive characteristics that you should familiarize yourself with.

This version of the combo amplifier was created in the last century; this type was relevant in broadcasting and television. The musicians of that time appreciated the tube amps, which to this day attract a lot of attention. With such a device, the sound will be unique, warm, and most rock and roll players note that there is no better option. Some even argue that this type of unit is much better than digital ones, but it all depends on personal preference.

The main advantages of a tube device include sound volume, moderate volume and clear sound. If you need a technique for live performances and preliminary rehearsals or sound recording, you can safely consider this option.

It should be noted that there are some inconveniences of the combo, because it is rather bulky, the device must be transported carefully due to the fragility of the lamps, and besides, they will have to be replaced from time to time. To adjust the volume, you need to use an attenuator that connects between the combo and speaker, this will reduce the power, and the sound will be pleasant and quiet.

This type of amplifier was created exclusively for those who needed a universal device. That's why the unit combines the characteristics of the tube and transistor type.

The main advantages of the combo include a pleasant sound, reminiscent of the representatives of tube devices, besides, the price is affordable for almost everyone, and it is much lighter than the previous version. Hybrid amplifiers are preferred for rehearsal and home use.

Perhaps this type of combo has become a real breakthrough in the world of musical technology. This device is quite lightweight due to its compact dimensions, while in operation they are much more reliable than lamp ones. The advantage is the affordable price, material durability, reliable performance and no need to replace any elements.

As for the sound quality, it is somewhat inferior to the effectiveness of tube devices, but such a unit can be safely chosen by beginners who often train and need a good and affordable amplifier for an electric acoustic guitar.

Today there is a rich variety of brands that produce not only musical instruments, but various equipment for them, so it would be useful to get acquainted with the leading manufacturers, whose products have become so popular and are among the best.

You can start the review with the Behringer combo, which has earned the right to be called one of the best. Many are attracted by the affordable price, while the device is equipped with two channels. The peculiarity lies in the cascading sound that the Behringer Acx450 Ultracoustic model gives, it has acoustic precision. The amplifier has several programs, as well as a system that automatically suppresses feedback.

Also in the line is the ACX900 Ultracoustic model, which has a power of 90 watts. This fixture has eight-inch speakers, multiple channels and equalizer bands.Musicians note the main advantage of the amplifier, which is that all processing can be applied on it. Thus, the products of this manufacturer are affordable, the devices are compact and lightweight, external sound elements can be connected to them.

Ibanez is one of the more popular brands for musical equipment. Many people love the Troubadour series, because it gives a transparent and clean sound. The amplifiers are presented in retro style, which is good news, because they look really original.

Roland is also familiar to many, especially fans of the jazz style. The main characteristics of the device include the presence of processors, high-quality effects and amazing sounding of jazz compositions. The first model was Mobile-AC with a compact size, built-in battery, which gives continuous operation for more than 15 hours. If you are looking for something for the road, you can safely consider this amp. It can be used to add a reverb or chorus effect to an instrument for a beautiful sound.

Vox is the creator of small speaker types with microphone slots. To get a power of 50 watts, it is enough to use the Nutube. The device is energy efficient and lightweight, it has a built-in two-way speaker, so the sound will be transparent.

Marshall has become a cult following among musical equipment manufacturers. The comics of this brand are considered one of the best, they give a neat sound, so most of them use them for recording in studios. The As100D model is unique, it has an unusual design and a lot of specific gadgets in the kit.

To find a quality amp that will last long enough, you need to take into account a number of criteria.

• First, you need to analyze the presence of connectors and their purpose. The best choice would be devices that have several of these slots so that you can mix sounds of different timbres, only then the composition will be rich.
• The next characteristic is phantom power. If you are using a condenser microphone, then this figure is an important component.
• As for the dimensions, it all depends on personal preference, but the parameters also affect the sound quality. Small amps don't have good bass, but if you don't need it and you are looking for something for home use, you can opt for such a device.
• When choosing an amplifier, it is important to consider the control of the connection, because the return signal in some cases can harm your musical instrument. During transmission, the signal drowns out the next one, so make sure that the purchased unit is equipped with a system that will suppress this phenomenon.
• It is important to decide where exactly you will use the combo, because when it comes to performances on the street, it is better to choose a device equipped with a battery, but remember that it increases the weight significantly. The battery has a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced over time. With regard to the impact on performance, you do not need to worry about this, and you can also connect to the network at any time.

Since amps are used to get the most out of the instrument and get additional effects, the presence of the latter should be considered. Modern amplifiers have processors that allow you to get amazing results and enrich any musical composition.

So, you have purchased a combo amplifier and are ready to squeeze all the useful out of it.For the result to be positive, it is important to know how to properly connect the device. On the bottom of the guitar there is a connector through which the instrument is connected to the unit by means of a cord. Then turn on the combo and you can start adjusting the volume by adjusting the mids, bass and treble.