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ULTRASOUND AG100 & AG30 Acoustic
Amplifiers |
You hear it all the time, whether it’s an internationally acclaimed band playing a stadium, or the corner pub covers duo... poor acoustic guitar reproduction. In fact, abysmal is usually a better choice of words for describing amplified acoustic guitar no matter how expensive or how good the pre-amp or pickup maybe. The reasons for poor acoustic reproduction when amplified are many, harsh frequencies not associated with the original warmth of an instrument seem to dominate, feedback, muddy bottom end. Short of using a good condenser mike on stage and all the problems associated, how can you capture the original sound of an instrument in all it’s acoustic glory? A good start would be an Ultrasound amplifier.
There have been many amps designed specifically for acoustic guitars, big claims, big price tags, big brand names and all with appaling sound. I used one of these amps extensively with much disappointment and ended up finding a better sound just plugging direct into a Jazz Chorus. Ultrasound have really changed my negative opinion of acoustic guitar amplifiers over the time I had to review these brilliant amps.
Two amplifiers were provided for review, the AG30 (30 watts), the AG100(100 watts) and the AG100E 100 watt extension. Cosmetically, the Ultra Series amps are very unassuming with a brown vinyl cover and cloth grill front. The Ultrasound AG100 did not weigh a ton while the AG 30 is a breeze to carry around. Both amps had clear and basic feature layout’s and were immediately usable out of the box. Once plugged in the amps really began to shine and the wolf in sheep's clothing syndrome kicked in.
AG-30 - This small amp features 30 watts RMS output through a single 8" coaxial speaker and a 2" tweeter, sweepable notch filter, an effects loop and line and direct outs. This amp is small enough to throw on the front seat of a mini minor but looks are deceiving. The sound of the amp is as pure and clean as you can get. The Ultrasound does not colour the sound of the original source, the acoustic guitar retained it’s original tonality. I loved this little amp, the bass response was remarkable for such a little package and the volume is adequate for most small to mid-sized venues. The direct out feature is great and provided a powerful solution for controlling EQ and tonality when recording. We miked the acoustic with a $6000 microphone and A/B ‘d the amp direct out and compared the two sources with positive results. When the signals were combined the end result was superb. The line out is used to connect to a slave amp. With a recommended retail price of $859.00 this amp is a great solution for muso’s on a budget (and mini minor owners.)
AG-100 - This Ultrasound amp is 100 watts RMS output through four 8" speakers and four 2" tweeters. 22"H x 18"W x 11"D. 38 lbs. Its size makes it portable but it has plenty of power to drive a small to mid-sized venue. The AG-100 also adds both a balanced and a direct line out for patching into a soundboard or extension cabinet. It has the same features as the AG-30 but includes a built-in digital stereo reverb that uses the same Alesis chip found in the Alesis Nanoverb. Among its 16 settings are room, hall, and plate reverbs, as well as chorus and flange effects. The effects were all very usable and a welcome addition on an already outstanding amplifier.
The AG100DS2 models also include a separate mic input channel with its own 2-band EQ. This channel again is true to the original source and provides a flat clear response for vocals or miked instruments. As on the AG 30 there is a switchable notch filter and shape on and off for fine tuning your sound. The shape switch cuts mid range and boosts high and low frequencies. The notch filter performed flawlessly without a hint of resonant feedback. This amp again produced the original tonality of the guitar without any colouration of the sound and when coupled with the AG100E 100 watt extension the depth of sound was inspirational. With a “Y” cable a true stereo spread is achieved with stunning results. The line out’s provide unbalanced stereo/mono out that is post eq and post effects. Also provided is a headphone jack. The EQ section provides extremely usable control of the acoustic guitar signal and combined with the Notch Filter/shape switch enables you to get exactly the right balance for all kinds of attack and styles without unwanted nastiness. The Transparency of this amp was a dream and I could highly recommend it as the holy grail of acoustic guitar amps. With on board digital effects, a variety of line outs and in’s the $1899.00 price tag is a surprise and makes the AG100E 100 watt powered extension cabinet at $1375.00 even more affordable for the ultimate in acoustic amplification set-up’s.
What I liked: AG30 : The size compared to sound and professional features make this little gem a true winner. The versatility of stereo/mono/direct line outs. The “sounds like my acoustic only louder” philosophy of the amps. The amps are super quiet.
Did not like: Front cloth grill seems fragile.
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PLAYABILITY:
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