It was somewhat arduous to think about that the small field the UPS driver plunked down on my entrance stoop might comprise an amplifier. And unboxed, after all, the factor was even littler: across the measurement of a four-slice toaster.

The amp in query is a Loudbox Micro, the most recent addition to Fishman’s Loudbox line—the Micro’s siblings vary from the 60-watt Mini and Mini Cost to the 120-watt Artist and 180-watt Performer. Loudbox amps have turn out to be ubiquitous by delivering clear, full-range amplification of acoustic devices and vocals alike, and the 40-watt Micro is designed to do the identical, with the smallest footprint and price ticket but ($299 road).

Ins and Outs

Whereas the Micro is diminutive (9.5 by 10.4 by 8.1 inches) and light-weight (simply over 9 kilos), Fishman packs a lot into this amp. 

Like the opposite Loudboxes, the Micro affords instrument and mic channels. On the instrument facet, you’ve obtained acquire, low/mid/excessive EQ, reverb, refrain (with delicate and heavy presets), and a part change to assist tame suggestions. The mic channel affords simply acquire, high and low EQ, and reverb. All of the controls are straightforward to grasp and use, although at occasions I discovered them a bit arduous to see, as a result of the amp’s prime is angled again and the management panel is recessed on the rear. When the amp was by a wall, for example, I discovered myself tipping it ahead to verify I used to be tweaking the precise knob.

On the again are merely a connector for the facility adapter, aux enter (for, say, enjoying a monitor out of your cellphone); a headphone out that permits you to zone out privately to your amplified sound; and an XLR output that may ship your combine (put up EQ and results) to a mixer, PA, or recording interface.

Sound Test

I do know the amplified sound of my guitars very nicely from performing and dwell recording, and after I plugged into the Loudbox Micro, I used to be greeted by acquainted tones proper off the bat. My important guitars, a Manzer and a Taylor 712c, are geared up with Fishman Uncommon Earth Mic Mix methods, and the amp did a effective job representing the combo of inside mic and magnetic pickup. The Uncommon Earth’s mic may be delicate for suggestions, however even enjoying near the amp at a good quantity, I didn’t run into suggestions points until the soundhole instantly confronted the speaker.

Whether or not I fingerpicked, performed bluesy lead traces, or dug into percussive strumming, the Micro delivered a clear and detailed sound. Once I tuned right down to dropped D, or went as little as C on the sixth string, the bass notes remained wealthy and full. The amp’s hall-type reverb introduced interesting spaciousness to the guitar. Whereas I don’t sometimes use refrain, I discovered a light contact of this impact added a pleasant shimmer.

I plugged in a Taylor GS Mini as nicely, once more with good outcomes and minimal tweaking wanted, and my Strumstick—a three-string dulcimer-type instrument—sounded implausible. The Micro appears able to deal with no matter pickup-equipped acoustic instrument you may need to ship its manner.

On the mic facet, I arrange a Shure SM58 and rapidly dialed in a satisfying vocal and guitar combine. Tone controls on the mic channel are restricted however do the job. It’s value noting that you should use a balanced sign from an outboard preamp within the mic channel—to plug in a second instrument, for example. I attempted guitar within the mic channel through a passive Radial ProDI and a Fishman Platinum ProEQ DI, and each labored nicely. 

As for quantity, the Micro is a lot loud sufficient to fill a small room (and to ship my canine fleeing to the opposite finish of the home), although you’d possible need extra energy for bigger and noisier areas. 

I in contrast the Micro’s output to that of my Roland AC-60, an amp with significantly extra wattage and capabilities, and only for primary tone, the Micro held its personal—regardless of being roughly half the scale, weight, and worth.

In Follow

Fishman labels the Micro a follow amp, and little question it will be nice for the woodshed—permitting you to hone your plugged-in sound and vocal/guitar steadiness, or to listen to your self higher when rehearsing with a band. Utilizing the aux in, you may also follow together with a monitor. 

The amp has many different potential makes use of, although. It might function a tiny PA for a solo home live performance or small gig, particularly elevated for higher dispersion. For a much bigger house, you might use the Micro as a private mixer/monitor and ship the road out to the home PA. I examined this functionality by feeding the amp combine to a QSC K8.2 powered speaker—that’s an excellent small combo with numerous energy. I additionally checked out recording the amp output by way of my UAD Apollo interface, which might be helpful for rapidly capturing your dwell combine.

The Micro lacks options it’s your decision in an amp, comparable to phantom energy for a condenser mic, Bluetooth, battery operation, and an results loop. And naturally it’s possible you’ll want extra watts. Different Loudbox fashions provide these capabilities, as do many acoustic amps from different firms. However in case you’re searching for good amplified sound in an especially compact and budget-friendly package deal, the Loudbox Micro might offer you simply what you want.

This text initially appeared within the Could/June 2024 concern of Acoustic Guitar journal.