Acoustic Amp Live Performance Buying Guide
This guide will help you take the guesswork out of choosing an acoustic combo amplifier for live stage performance. High wattage isn’t the only thing you need on stage, and these amplifiers have all the necessities to handle any live performance situation.
Acoustic Amps for Stage Performance FAQs
What makes an acoustic combo amp good for stage performance?
Your ideal acoustic combo for stage performance will offer plenty of wattage (at least 50 watts) for clean acoustic tone at stage volume. It will also include a DI output to connect directly to the sound system. Bluetooth is a smart option to look for if you want to stream backing tracks wirelessly through your amp.
Can an acoustic combo amp accurately reproduce my natural acoustic tone?
Yes, acoustic combo amps are equipped with full-range speaker systems to reproduce the wider frequency response and dynamic range of acoustic instruments. Keep in mind that your guitar’s electronics also play a huge role in how “natural” your plugged-in acoustic tone sounds.
How many watts do I need for live performance?
You’ll want at least 30 to 50 watts as a good starting point to hear yourself clearly on stage. Small-format performances like coffee shops and small clubs may only require 30–50 watts, while larger venues and festival stages will benefit from 100 watts or more if you want to hear your amp. You can always turn a loud amp down, but turning up a low-wattage amp can introduce distortion and ruin your acoustic tone.
What is a "DI" or direct output? Do I need it for stage performance?
An acoustic amp’s DI output allows you to plug into a sound system or recording device for reinforcement without needing to use a microphone. If you’re performing solo without a sound system, you won’t need a DI, but it’s a highly useful feature in pretty much every other performance situation.
Why do some acoustic combo amps have Bluetooth? Who needs that?
If your amp has Bluetooth, you can stream music and backing tracks wirelessly through your amp. It’s a simple and easy way to stream backing tracks as part of your performance, and can also be used to play music during intermissions and set breaks.
Can I plug in a microphone and a guitar at the same time?
Yes, many of these acoustic combo amps feature a 2-channel configuration with separate inputs for guitar and microphone. If you plan to use a condenser vocal mic, look for an amplifier that can provide +48V phantom power for such microphones.
How do acoustic combo amps control feedback?
Some amps have dedicated anti-feedback processing to detect feedback and clamp it down before it occurs. Dial this in during sound check and you should have no worries: check the amp’s manual for the best way to set it up. Acoustic amps may have a notch filter that you can "tune" to the most offending frequencies. Pressing the "Phase" switch on your amp can also help prevent feedback before it occurs.
Do acoustic combo amps with built-in FX sound good?
Yes, by incorporating effects like reverb, delay and chorus into the amp you eliminate the issues associated with using external effects processors or pedals. Some acoustic combos also feature an effects loop to help you add your external effects without altering your core acoustic tone.
Do any acoustic combo amps have a built-in looper?
Yes, some acoustic combos have a built-in looper and often also offer footswitch functionality for it. We’ve noted which amps have a looper below, but make sure to check the amp’s user manual to make sure it has all the functionality you’re looking for.
Best Acoustic Amps for Live Stage Performance
A great acoustic combo amp for live performance will deliver natural-sounding tone at high volume levels and give you flexible options for connecting to the sound system. These acoustic combo amps are our top picks for live stage performance, no matter what style of music you play.
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 150W | 180W | 250W | 120W |
| Speakers | 1 x 10-in | 1 x 8-in, 1 x 5-in | 1 x 8-in | 1 x 8-in |
| Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Looper | No | No | No | Yes |
| Feedback Control | No | Yes | — | Yes |
| FX Loop | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 24 lbs | 29.4 lbs | 21.7 lbs | 31.9 lbs |
| Feedback | — | — | Yes | — |
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 120W | 200W | 100W | 60W |
| Speakers | 1 x 8-in | 1 x 8-in, 1 x 6.5-in | 1 x 10-in | 1 x 6.5-in |
| Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Looper | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Feedback Control | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| FX Loop | Yes | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 25.5 lbs | 22 lbs | 29.3 lbs | 23.2 lbs |
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Yes | No | No | No |
| Watts | 120W | 100W | 100W | 60W |
| Speakers | 1 x 8-in | 1 x 8-in | 1 x 8-in | 1 x 6.5-in |
| Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Looper | No | No | Yes | No |
| Feedback Control | Yes | No | No | No |
| FX Loop | Yes | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | 25.3 lbs | 17.6 lbs | 15 lbs | 16.9 lbs |
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Phantom Power | No | Yes | No | No |
| Watts | 60W | 50W | 150W | 30W |
| Speakers | 1 x 6.5-in | 1 x 8-in | 2 x 6.5-in | 2 x 5-in |
| Effects | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Looper | No | No | No | No |
| Feedback Control | No | No | No | No |
| FX Loop | No | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Weight | 21 lbs | 9 lbs | 26.5 lbs | 16 lbs |
Higher-wattage acoustic combo amps like these allow you to hear yourself on stage even along with drums and other instruments, without distorting your natural acoustic tone. If you’re using your amp as the main sound system, look for high wattage and as many inputs as you need. If you want to use a condenser microphone for vocals, look for an amp with phantom power for condenser mics. Built-in effects can eliminate the need to carry extra gear, as will a built-in looper. Considering weight is important too if you’re going to be moving your amp up and down stairs frequently.
Check out our complete acoustic amp buying guide for even more info on top acoustic amplifiers!
- Introduction
- Acoustic Amps for Stage Performance FAQs
- What makes an acoustic combo amp good for stage performance?
- Can an acoustic combo amp accurately reproduce my natural acoustic tone?
- How many watts do I need for live performance?
- What is a "DI" or direct output? Do I need it for stage performance?
- Why do some acoustic combo amps have Bluetooth? Who needs that?
- Can I plug in a microphone and a guitar at the same time?
- How do acoustic combo amps control feedback?
- Do acoustic combo amps with built-in FX sound good?
- Do any acoustic combo amps have a built-in looper?
- Best Acoustic Amps for Live Stage Performance
