Small but good sound systems for folk...

Subject: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 07:37 PM

There seem to be some great little sound systems out now for acoustic performers to either use for home practice or for performances in smaller venues.

What I have at this point is a Fender Acoustasonic Junior acoustic guitar amp, and it's quite good. It provides one channel for the instrument, another for a vocal mic. Both guitar and vocals sound lovely through this amp with some reverb added to sweeten the sound.

Acoustasonic Junior

I've also seen this one at a couple of stores...the "Jam 150 Plus"...and it looks really good. 5 channels and great sound. But it's a lot pricier than the Acoustasonic.

Jam 150 Plus

On the other hand, it's surprisingly small and portable, mounts easily on a single tripod stand, and his all those channels.

Does anyone else have opinions to offer on the best acoustic amps out there right now for a single player or maybe a duo?

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:07 PM

Yamaha Stagepas 300 - Gives you four channels and 160 watts and takes up VERY little space ! IF I was getting another small P A , I would be VERY tempted ! http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar06/articles/live_stagepas.htm

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Zen
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:27 PM

I use a Yamaha StagePas 300 as described by Terry... a very convenient and compact little system. The mixer packs in the back of one speaker and the leads in the back of the other.

When I don't need that much I also use an Ashdown Engineering Acoustic Radiator 1 (100W) combo... very compact with a good sound and separate instrument and mike inputs, and a lot cheaper than the otherwise excellent AER combo.

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 12:03 AM

..as I've already mentioned in a previous thread,
I'm very keen to try out either the AH100 or AH200
from the Laney AUDIOHUB range of multi-purpose utility speaker-amps.

http://www.laney.co.uk/show_type.php?tid=4

Only problem for me is I've yet to find any in stock anywhere,
or meet anyone who actually owns and uses them.

Hoping sooner or later to find one or two cheap 2nd hand.
So far I've only seen them autioned on ebay from the remotest corners of the UK
on a collection only basis...
Some lucky buggers with big cars or vans have had some amazing bargains in the last few months..

I can see so such much potential in these units,
one would be ideal for effectively solving many practical on-stage
multi instrument preamp routing permutations;
two could be the basis for a very portable back-line / small venue PA
for an entire band.

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: The Barden of England
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 06:51 AM

Thought I'd do a link for you Terry:-
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar06/articles/live_stagepas.htm

Personally I use a Peavey Escort 3000 which is excellent. Here it is at UK prices: http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/product.php?product_id=108130&source=froogle

John Barden

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 09:59 AM

one that has a volume knob that goes down to zero. And a willingness to use any lower part of the range.

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Little Hawk
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 10:05 AM

You're not a Spinal Tap fan, are you? ;-)

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Hamish
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:16 AM

I've seen a coupe of folkies use the Bose L1 system which is an integrated bass bin with a tower and clever software. Bob Fox, for one. Great sound, very portable. Not cheap, mind! See Bose L1. Fishman do a similar one, too. Both have been very favourably reviewed in Acoustic magazine.

I still use a couple of AER Compact 60s. They're great. Only two channels, but easy enough to splice on a mini mixer if you need a couple more.

Subject: RE: Small but good sound systems for folk...
From: Little Hawk
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:58 AM

Yes, I'm curious about the Bose system. There's a small folk club in this area that apparently has this system in use, so I'm going to go and check it out.