2 Channel Acoustic AMP for 1 musician

[skelters]

Looking at starting an Acoustic night for local musicians.

How it'll work is they turn up and play at a local venue and I'll video them for the YouTube. Then pass the hat for "donations" to the musician for their time. Yes I know the musicians should be paid but times are hard along with them getting video from it as payment and use of the gear.

It'll be High Def video with audio recorded onto the camera via the Rode Stereo Videomic. Looking to upgrade the camera mic to the new Rode Stereo Videomic X coming out soon.

Been looking at buying a small amp with enough power to be heard by around 50 people and a PA is not required at the moment.

Been looking at the Fishman Loudbox Artist (120w) or Fishman Loudbox Performer (180w) as they both tick the boxes of having 2 channels and small enough to move about while having a bit of power.

Believe in keeping it as simple to get the cleanest acoustic sound possible.

Fishman Artist
http://www.fishman.com/products/view/loudbox-artis...

Fishman Performer
http://www.fishman.com/products/view/loudbox-perfo...

Anyone used any of these?

Any recommendations?

[davepoth]

IMO that's a poor deal. For the £400 or so you're looking at for that amp you could pick up a 4 channel PA of equivalent powe if you shop around. Having it in a couple of bits will make it easier to carry too - a single big heavy box like that is quite a thing to lift.

As a bonus you can get an output from the PA rather than recording the room that way, which will give you a much better sound, and 4 channels will give you two instruments and two vocals.

[skelters]

Been thinking similar too and not made any decisions yet!

[Tom_C76]

We picked up a Mackie based PA for £500 including cables, stands and mixer from gear4music. That's 400W per side, you can get less well known brands cheaper.

That said, I had a try of one of the Loudbox amps at the weekend, and if space is at a premium it sounded stunning.

[chevy-stu]

I'd highly recommend the HK Nano 300 system.. with active sub, and two tiny satellite top speakers.. loads of plug in options, 3 or 4 channels, phono inputs etc.. really punchy clear hifi quality sound, better than the Mackie or Peavey equivalents... and good for 50+ people.. comes in at around £500

[Tom_C76]

Just to clarify, our PA was bought primarily for our main rock band so has Thump 15 speakers to cope with micing the bass drum and DI from the Bass. We're using it as an acoustic booster as a side project.

[Martyn-123]

Roland AC-60 or AC-90


I have the 60 and a acoustic guitar through this amp sounds lovely with a seperate channel for vocals as well, can be used as a small PA on a stand although i use mine as a monitor on the floor and plug out from this to our PA,


Martyn

[Jazzy Jefferson]

skelters said:

Any recommendations?

Honestly? Forget recording the audio in the way you've suggested. Rode video mics will not be suitable if you want to come across as remotely professional. a 120 or 180w guitar amp is not suitable. Forget the "on paper" specification. It won't be a good solution.

As suggested, get a PA system. And a decent one at that. Then take an audio feed from this onto a separate recorder, then layer the video/audio after.

Given this is your way of "paying an artist" you'll need to do a good job Most musicians will have studios already, and frankly, Don't need a recording of themselves.

I'm in Hertfordshire. If you are local and want a hand, then drop me a line. I am well experienced in these matters

Edited by Jazzy Jefferson on Wednesday 22 October 14:51

Edited by Jazzy Jefferson on Wednesday 22 October 18:13

[Jazzy Jefferson]

chevy-stu said:

I'd highly recommend the HK Nano 300 system.. with active sub, and two tiny satellite top speakers.. loads of plug in options, 3 or 4 channels, phono inputs etc.. really punchy clear hifi quality sound, better than the Mackie or Peavey equivalents... and good for 50+ people.. comes in at around £500

This +1.


Mackie tends to be a bit unreliable these days. I see more of them returned as the days go on. Personally I don't like their sound either.

I'd be looking at Electrovoice stuff. But they don't do "slim" PA systems.

[skelters]

Replies appreciated folks.

A few interesting alternatives to the single amp idea.

I'll have a think about it and will be visiting the local music shop on Friday to see Amps and PA's including Bose L1 that I've used previously.

Also like the idea of a line out recording to another device.



Not local to where you are in Englandshire as I'm in a currently not Independent Scotland but we're working on that! ;-)

Edited by skelters on Wednesday 22 October 22:23

[Jazzy Jefferson]

skelters said:

Replies appreciated folks.

A few interesting alternatives to the single amp idea.

I'll have a think about it and will be visiting the local music shop on Friday to see Amps and PA's including Bose L1 that I've used previously.

Also like the idea of a line out recording to another device.



Not local to where you are in Englandshire as I'm in a currently not Independent Scotland but we're working on that! ;-)

hehe, fair play man, I'll be sure to pop in if I am ever up your way
I think you'll do alright with a Bose L1. If the shop have some stuff to play with then have a listen, see what you reckon.

Keep us posted, I'm always interested to hear the end result