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Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 08/22/2011 : 09:30:19 AM
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Roland AC-33
Street price: $399
The event is New York City’s Annual Hawaii Potluck Picnic in Central Park that draws several hundred island transplants and Hawaiians-at-Heart. The gathering is a long running tradition, started over 25 years ago, and is held on the first Sunday of every June, rain or shine. I have been running sound for the past 5 years. The challenge in 2011 is that we needed to amplify 3-5 musicians without any electricity. In 2010, the Parks Department prohibited us from using the gas powered generator that had worked so well since 2007.
Referencing the photo above, ricdoug correctly identified the Roland AC-33, Crate TX-15, Roland Microcube and Pignose 7-100. It was the first time that I used the Roland AC-33 running on batteries. Here are my impressions after its 4-5 hour battery powered workout.
Good Portable Sound
The Roland AC-33 is attractive because it is specifically designed to amplify the acoustic guitar, offering 30 watts (2 5-inch speakers, 15W + 15W) with two channels (mic or line input), reverb, chorus, anti-feedback and a built in 40-second phrase looper. The unit is very easy to carry at about 10 pounds. To my ear, the Roland sounds better, less harsh, than the Crate TX-15. It may not sound totally natural, but the amp produces a decent guitar sound. This is perhaps even more pronounced since the Roland gives you the flexibility to add reverb while the TX-15 does not have any effects. Please note that reverb is assigned to both channels and cannot be adjusted independently. The Roland’s built-in looper is cool to have for solo gigs. Use a dual foot switch (Boss FS-6), sold separately.
Battery Powered
The advantage of the AC-33 is that it is battery powered allowing you to take your act to the streets, backwoods, or any place without being tethered to an electrical cord. Further, it uses 8 AA batteries! This means that is does not require recharging via a wall outlet like many other battery powered amps or PAs. Using AA batteries (accepts rechargeable NiMH types) allows you to swap batteries in the middle of a gig, if necessary. According to Roland, performing time is approximately 8 hours when using alkaline batteries, and approximately 9 hours when using nickel-metal hydride batteries. I also find that this solution gives me peace of mind because I am not worried about the battery dying out. Crate’s TX-15 uses a 12V sealed lead-acid battery that the company says is rated for 1000 charging cycles. What happens if you are playing somewhere and the battery fails?
Drawbacks
There is not one “magic bullet” amplifier that delivers the perfect solution in every situation. Central Park is a very open space. With a couple hundred people in this open area, I found myself wanting more power from the AC-33. Even though the Roland is rated at 10 W + 10 W (when using the Alkaline batteries), the 15 watt Crate seemed to have more punch and deliver more volume, in this case. The Roland has a kick stand underneath the amp so that it can be tilted, but I wish that it had a pole mount. Lastly, price is a consideration. The Roland costs about 2.3x more than the Crate.
Conclusion
The Roland AC-33 has a lot to offer in a small package. It should be seriously considered for any situation where you need battery powered amplification. The sound is excellent, and it is easy to load in/out. The amp is ideal for a beach wedding or similar venue where electricity is not accessible but you need to amplify an acoustic guitar and vocal. If you need more inputs, perhaps the Roland BA-330 Portable Stereo PA would be more appropriate. I am likely to use the AC-33 for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. The Roland offers me the best battery powered sound while providing effects and a phrase looper. Good sound in a unique package.
More info:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1052
http://www.halawai.org/news/picnic2011
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Andy |
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Roland AC-33: Acoustic Chorus Guitar Amplifier
"How come your slack key sounds crooked?"