Small portable battery powered acoustic amp ?

[Raf702]

Hey all, my main acoustic amp that I currently use is the Fishman Loudbox Mini with various acoustic electric guitars. And I have zero complaints with it.

But now I'm looking for a smaller form factor as mentioned in the title. I'd be using it in very small setups like a living room sized area. Something I can easily fit into my backpack and fairly lightweight to carry around. Here are some options I've looked at so far. Would like to keep it under $125 USD range whether new or used. It would be used with either of my GS-Mini w/passive pickup(ES-Go), Yamaha FG830 w/transducer pickup(passive) or Martin DRS2 factory Fishman pickup.

Roland Mobile AC: Released in 2012, specs, features seem to fit my criteria. Very small form factor! Not many YouTube video reviews. Price used, hovers around $90+/-
Roland Micro Cube: Small form, but larger than the Roland Mobile AC. Recently saw a review of it used with an acoustic guitar, and sounded good. But that was the only example available. Used market I can find well under $100
BlackStar Fly-3 Acoustic: Just recently announced, and shipping early March 2020. Much smaller form than the Roland Mobile AC, and cheaper price at $79.99. I've had the regular version Fly-3 a few years back, but didn't sound too great with an acoustic guitar at that time. Hopefully this acoustic version does it justice.

Any other options to look at? I appreciate anyone's input!

Thanks!,
Ralf

[jonfields45]

I am getting good results with a Boss Katana Mini (set for clean). It handles my passive HFN plugged directly (enough gain and sufficiently high input impedance). I power it with an old Volto2, but rechargeable NiMH AAs would be another good choice. Even the delay is useful as an ambience effect. It is louder than you might anticipate. Better tone than the Mobile AC in my experience with the two. I think the Mobile AC is based on two of their older two watt designs and has an inherent problem reproducing close bass notes (like the two low notes of an open G chord).

[MikeBmusic]

I bought one of these about 2 years ago, there's a thread here if you search for it: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Ampl.../dp/B07T83ZL9F

I bought it on sale for $90, some people got them even cheaper.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

I am getting good results with a Boss Katana Mini (set for clean). It handles my passive HFN plugged directly (enough gain and sufficiently high input impedance). I power it with an old Volto2, but rechargeable NiMH AAs would be another good choice. Even the delay is useful as an ambience effect.

I'll have to check that out as well, thanks for the info!

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

I bought one of these about 2 years ago, there's a thread here if you search for it: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Ampl.../dp/B07T83ZL9F

I bought it on sale for $90, some people got them even cheaper.

I appreciate the info, but unfortunately this one is fairly big, similarly to the Loudbox Mini size.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

I am getting good results with a Boss Katana Mini (set for clean). It handles my passive HFN plugged directly (enough gain and sufficiently high input impedance). I power it with an old Volto2, but rechargeable NiMH AAs would be another good choice. Even the delay is useful as an ambience effect. It is louder than you might anticipate. Better tone than the Mobile AC in my experience with the two. I think the Mobile AC is based on two of their older two watt designs and has an inherent problem reproducing close bass notes (like the two low notes of an open G chord).

Since it lacks reverb, which is a priority for me. What are your adjustments on the Delay time/level?

[roylor4]

Roland Micro Cube all the way.

Mobile AC isn't even in the same class in the tone department - small and boxy sounding.

Vox has a couple of good Mini amps and the Fender Passport mini (used) is another good option.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Roland Micro Cube all the way.

Mobile AC isn't even in the same class in the tone department - small and boxy sounding.

Vox has a couple of good Mini amps and the Fender Passport mini (used) is another good option.

I appreciate the info, do you much experience in the Micro or Mobile AC?

[mr. beaumont]

I used a microcube for teaching for years, it's just a great little box, and more than enough volume for a living room.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I used a microcube for teaching for years, it's just a great little box, and more than enough volume for a living room.

Great, I'm actually looking at a few on the used market. Are you using with and acoustic electric guitar, or various instruments?

My only concern is the size, I like the size of the Mobile AC. Seems like it can easily fit in a backpack. While the Micro is a bit larger, maybe i need to see it in person.

I really like the size of the BlackStar Fly-3, it's super small and compact. Which to me is the most ideal size to easily pack up and carry with ease.

[jonfields45]

Originally Posted by Raf702

Since it lacks reverb, which is a priority for me. What are your adjustments on the Delay time/level?

Check out the yellow marker dots. Not nearly as good as real reverb.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Check out the yellow marker dots. Not nearly as good as real reverb.

Yellow marker dots?

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by Raf702

Great, I'm actually looking at a few on the used market. Are you using with and acoustic electric guitar, or various instruments?

My only concern is the size, I like the size of the Mobile AC. Seems like it can easily fit in a backpack. While the Micro is a bit larger, maybe i need to see it in person.

I really like the size of the BlackStar Fly-3, it's super small and compact. Which to me is the most ideal size to easily pack up and carry with ease.

I did carry it around in a backpack...it's about a 9" cube overall, I think. I used it mostly with electric guitars, but I'd often plug in my Ovation as well and it sounded great.

I have kind of retired it from duty in my house, since I bought a Yamaha THR. The Yamaaha is a much "bigger" sounding amp, but it's not as portable...the more expensive models have a rechargable battery, and you get the ability to basically use it as a bluetooth device, full range speakers, great bass response...it's a VERY cool amp, but a lot more expensive than the Cube.

But for throwing in the car and taking anywhere, the Cube cannot be beat.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I did carry it around in a backpack...it's about a 9" cube overall, I think. I used it mostly with electric guitars, but I'd often plug in my Ovation as well and it sounded great.

I have kind of retired it from duty in my house, since I bought a Yamaha THR. The Yamaaha is a much "bigger" sounding amp, but it's not as portable...the more expensive models have a rechargable battery, and you get the ability to basically use it as a bluetooth device, full range speakers, great bass response...it's a VERY cool amp, but a lot more expensive than the Cube.

But for throwing in the car and taking anywhere, the Cube cannot be beat.

I actually just seen the Yamaha THR, looks pretty good. But way out of budget, the Micro Cube is on my radar.

I'm also keeping an eye on the newly released BlackStar Fly-3 Acoustic version. That seems like a very viable option, especially due to it's size.

[CASD57]

The Mugig is lightweight, I paid $79 for mine new... Not sure if it would be loud enough,= tho

I used it maxed out and use my guitar as the volume knob

I need to get out in the open to really hear it, right now it's in my office.

So you don't need vocals?