Acoustic Amp Buying Guide for Content Creators
We created this guide to help musicians find the best acoustic combo amp for their content creation workflow. If you want to perform on livestream, create Instagram reels, record YouTube shorts, or produce other content, one of these amps will be a great choice.
Acoustic Amps for Content Creators FAQs
What makes an acoustic amp good for content creation?
The amps we’re looking at all have livestreaming capability. Some will have a USB port with loopback functionality, and some have a TRRS port to serve the same function.
Will an acoustic combo amp reproduce the true acoustic tone of my guitar?
Most acoustic combo amplifiers will reproduce the extended frequency range of your instrument. Keep in mind that your guitar’s pickup and electronics play a huge role in your plugged-in tone: these will greatly impact how “natural” your amp tone will sound.
What do I need to create content with an acoustic combo amp?
Besides your guitar and your amp, you’ll need a phone or computer with apps for livestreaming or audio recording, depending on your goals. You’ll need an instrument cable to plug in your guitar, and a USB or TRRS cable to connect your amp for streaming or recording.
Can I connect a vocal mic to an acoustic combo amp? Will it have +48V phantom power for condenser microphones?
You can connect a vocal mic to an acoustic combo amp if it has an XLR or 1/4-inch mic input. That does not guarantee it will offer phantom power for condenser microphones: you’ll want to make sure the amp you’re buying has a button for “48V” or “Phantom” if that’s a priority for you.
How do I prevent feedback while streaming?
The best way to prevent feedback is to aim the amplifier away from your instrument. In addition, some amplifiers have anti-feedback processing to control feedback, or a notch filter to help prevent it before it occurs. Some amplifiers simply have a Phase switch, which can help prevent feedback in some instances.
How do I play along to backing tracks?
These amplifiers let you play backing tracks through the livestream interface, whether from your phone or computer. Some of these amps also feature Bluetooth so that you can stream your backing tracks wirelessly.
How much wattage is appropriate for playing at home?
Acoustic combo amps around 30 watts and under are ideal for home use. If you aren’t going to be performing live on stage, having the right connections and features is more important than how loud the amp can get.
How many watts do I need to perform on stage with an acoustic combo amp?
A good starting point is 50 watts and up if you want your amp to be heard on stage. However, if you plan to connect your amp directly to the PA system via DI output and use a stage monitor to hear yourself, you can use a low-wattage amp just as well.
What is a "DI Output" on an acoustic guitar amplifier?
A "DI" or "Direct" output simply allows you to send your guitar signal directly to a mixing board or recording interface without using a microphone. Many amplifiers allow you to defeat the speaker while using the DI output, allowing for silent recording sessions and lower stage volume.
Best Acoustic Amps for Content Creators
With livestreaming, you always have an audience to share your music with. These acoustic combo amps are our top picks for streamers and content creators, no matter what style of music you play.
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Yes | No | Yes |
| Watts | 100W | 30W | 60W |
| Speakers | 1 x 10-in | 2 x 3.5-in | 1 x 6.5-in |
| Built-in Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes | No |
| Streaming | USB | USB | USB |
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Yes | No | No |
| Watts | 10W | 50W | 30W |
| Speakers | 2 x 5-in | 2 x 4-in | 2 x 5-in |
| Built-in Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes | No |
| Streaming | USB | USB | TRRS |
For simple content creation with your acoustic-electric guitar, look for a single-channel acoustic combo amp with support for livestreaming via USB or TRRS cable. If you want to be able to stream backing tracks wirelessly to your amp, look for an acoustic combo with Bluetooth. If you would also like to perform on stage, choose an acoustic combo amp with at least 50 watts of power.
Check out our Acoustic Amp Quick Picks for in-depth analysis of top acoustic amplifiers!
- Introduction
- Acoustic Amps for Content Creators FAQs
- What makes an acoustic amp good for content creation?
- Will an acoustic combo amp reproduce the true acoustic tone of my guitar?
- What do I need to create content with an acoustic combo amp?
- Can I connect a vocal mic to an acoustic combo amp? Will it have +48V phantom power for condenser microphones?
- How do I prevent feedback while streaming?
- How do I play along to backing tracks?
- How much wattage is appropriate for playing at home?
- How many watts do I need to perform on stage with an acoustic combo amp?
- What is a "DI Output" on an acoustic guitar amplifier?
- Best Acoustic Amps for Content Creators
