I've had a Loudbox Artist for a couple of years. I chose it over the Mini after reading a previous thread like this one ....
I have not really used it to play out , apart from back yard. I have two K&K equipped guitars, one B-Band and a couple of no-name magnetic p/u guitars.
I don't have any pre amps, (well, the B-Band is an active p/u, with on board eq).
I find that some tweaking of the gain/e.q. controls on the Artist can get a very good sound out of any of 'em.
One issue a lot of people have with both these amps is that the flimsy vinyl covering can tear too easily, probably not built for the rigours of the road.
There is a thread somewhere here where some people have re-covered them and one guy re-built them into lovely lacquered wooden cabinets, of same dimensions.
The aux socket is a great way to play backing tracks and live recordings (eg You Tube content). Very punchy, and loud, oh yes, very LOUD.
