Amplification Options w/ Full Electric Band

[viscousfusion]

Originally Posted by Dakedi

Another amp to consider is the AER Compact XL.

Don't be fooled by the smallish dimensions and 200W rating. AER specialises in quality tone produced loudly from very small amps at what most consider to be low power ratings ... but AER has shown time again that it is not just down to power and size.

Even our bass player now uses an AER Bass One prefering to leave his Ampeg head / 4x12 at home.

Of course it's all down to personal preferences ... but I would really suggest going out and at least giving one a listen. On this forum, with the sort of question you have asked, you will inevitably get lots of fans of their equipment just suggesting what they use/like ... me included ... so it's wise to hold tight, collect the info, make a shortlist (or long), and try the stuff out and make your decision.

I wasn't going to post at first, just waiting for all the suggestions to role in but it was appearing to go in just one direction which I thought was a shame. There is just too much good equipment out there to be sidetracked into only one direction (even if it as excellent direction)

Happy hunting.

Thanks for the reply! I'd love to try these amps but the music stores around me have so little available in the realm of acoustic guitar amplifiers, so I'm proceeding with caution before I buy one on good faith. These AER amplifiers look awesome but just a bit pricy, though I'm sure in this case you get what you pay for.

[Aaron Smith]

For live performance with a rock band-

Any band I play in, first priority is to make sure the singers can deliver the best result possible. This means keeping stage volume under control, and having them properly mixed in the mains and monitors. All other instruments play a subservient/complimentary role to the vocals.

Best-case scenario is a good quality PA system, and a sound man that knows how to use it and whom you can trust. Under these circumstances, best solution is to put all instruments through the main mix for the audience, and through the stage monitors for the performers. Ideally, separate monitor mixes for the vocals and the instruments. The drum volume on stage can be controlled with a plexiglas shield. Additional amps on stage just lead to unnecessary stage volume, and make it harder for everyone to hear and perform- which always leads to volume wars, where everyone is constantly turning their own amp up to hear themselves. At some point it's dangerous for everyone... read up about tinnitus, it's no joke. I'm a big believer in low stage volumes when practical; it leads to a better, safer performance.

That said, best-case scenario is not typical. Many gigging bands are playing through inadequate PA systems, and many sound men don't know what they're doing... or don't want to put in the work with the band to get a satisfactory monitor mix. Many people mix their own shows, and it's impossible to do sound properly and perform at the same time. Under these situations, the players have no choice but to take matters into their own hands and use amps on stage. Under these circumstances, the suggestions above are all great. Get more power than you need, it's better than overworking a small amp.

Just realize that the results using an amp on stage will never be as good as doing it properly with the PA.

[janmulder]

Originally Posted by viscousfusion

Thanks for the reply! I'd love to try these amps but the music stores around me have so little available in the realm of acoustic guitar amplifiers, so I'm proceeding with caution before I buy one on good faith. These AER amplifiers look awesome but just a bit pricy, though I'm sure in this case you get what you pay for.

I used to think AER were pricey till I became a customer. The saying "you get what you pay for" is so true ... actually, considering what you get, I think they are real bargains.

But never buy on faith ... nothing is universally for everybody ... regardless of price or value.

[moosedog]

I would also recommend an Ultrasound amp. I have a DSX-50 that is 2 channel and 50W with a separate "X Driver" 50w amp that can be used to drive another passive speaker. I have used this as a p.a. system for smaller venues with very good success. While subjective, it also offers the best natural sound for an acoustic guitar as opposed to a "processed" sound I found in other acoustic amps. It also has onboard digital effects.

Of course you can always use a powered speaker but if you want reverb or other effects you will need a mixer or pedal of some sort. You also have the option of daisy chaining additional powered speakers as needed.

Good luck and have fun and tell the other players to turn down so they can hear your sweet acoustic sounds!!