Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Roland AC-60 acoustic amplifier. If you're an acoustic guitar player looking for a reliable, versatile, and great-sounding amp, you’ve probably heard about this little beast. It's been a favorite among gigging musicians, singer-songwriters, and even home recording enthusiasts for years. But is it really worth the hype? Let's break it down.

Overview of the Roland AC-60

The Roland AC-60 is a compact, 30-watt stereo acoustic amplifier designed specifically for acoustic instruments. Don't let its small size fool you; this amp packs a punch. It features two 6.5-inch speakers, built-in digital effects, and versatile connectivity options, making it suitable for a variety of playing situations. Whether you're playing a small coffee shop gig, practicing at home, or recording in your bedroom studio, the AC-60 aims to deliver clear, natural, and powerful acoustic tones.

Key Features

• Stereo Sound: The AC-60 offers a true stereo experience, enhancing the spatial dimension of your acoustic guitar's sound, especially when using chorus or other stereo effects.
• Dual Channels: It comes with two input channels, one for your acoustic guitar and another for a microphone, each with independent volume and EQ controls. This is super handy for singer-songwriters who want to plug in their guitar and mic simultaneously.
• Built-in Effects: The amp includes Roland's renowned digital effects, such as chorus, reverb, and delay, allowing you to add depth and dimension to your sound without the need for external pedals.
• Anti-Feedback Control: Feedback can be a real pain, especially in live settings. The AC-60 has a built-in anti-feedback function that automatically detects and eliminates unwanted feedback, ensuring a clean and clear performance.
• Versatile Connectivity: It offers a range of connectivity options, including an auxiliary input for playing backing tracks, a line output for connecting to a PA system, and a headphone output for silent practice.

Sound Quality

When it comes to acoustic amps, sound quality is king. The Roland AC-60 truly shines in this department. Its ability to reproduce the natural tones of an acoustic guitar is remarkable, providing clarity and detail that many other amps struggle to match. The stereo sound adds a beautiful spaciousness, making your guitar sound bigger and more immersive. The built-in effects are high-quality and easy to use, allowing you to dial in a wide range of tones without having to rely on external pedals. The chorus is lush and warm, the reverb adds a nice sense of space, and the delay is perfect for adding subtle echoes or creating more complex soundscapes.

Natural Tone Reproduction

The AC-60 excels at reproducing the natural sound of your acoustic guitar. Unlike some amps that can sound harsh or artificial, the AC-60 delivers a warm, balanced tone that enhances the unique characteristics of your instrument. Whether you're playing fingerstyle, strumming chords, or playing lead lines, the AC-60 accurately captures the nuances of your playing, allowing your guitar to sound its best.

Stereo Imaging

The stereo sound of the AC-60 is a game-changer. It creates a wide, immersive soundstage that makes your guitar sound bigger and more three-dimensional. This is especially noticeable when using stereo effects like chorus or delay, which can add a sense of depth and movement to your sound. The stereo imaging also helps to separate the guitar and vocal signals, making it easier to hear each instrument clearly.

Built-in Effects

The built-in effects in the AC-60 are top-notch. Roland is known for its high-quality digital effects, and the AC-60 is no exception. The chorus is lush and warm, the reverb adds a nice sense of space, and the delay is perfect for adding subtle echoes or creating more complex soundscapes. The effects are easy to use and can be adjusted to suit your individual taste. Whether you're looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic effect, the AC-60 has you covered.

Features and Connectivity

The Roland AC-60 is packed with features that make it a versatile and practical amp for a variety of playing situations. Its dual channels, anti-feedback control, and versatile connectivity options make it a great choice for gigging musicians, singer-songwriters, and home recording enthusiasts alike.

Dual Channels

The AC-60 features two input channels, one for your acoustic guitar and another for a microphone. Each channel has its own independent volume and EQ controls, allowing you to dial in the perfect sound for each instrument. This is especially useful for singer-songwriters who want to plug in their guitar and mic simultaneously. The microphone channel also has phantom power, so you can use condenser microphones without the need for an external power supply.

Anti-Feedback Control

Feedback can be a real problem, especially in live settings. The AC-60 has a built-in anti-feedback function that automatically detects and eliminates unwanted feedback. This feature is a lifesaver, as it allows you to play at higher volumes without having to worry about annoying squeals and howls. The anti-feedback control is easy to use and can be adjusted to suit your specific playing environment.

Connectivity Options

The AC-60 offers a range of connectivity options, including an auxiliary input for playing backing tracks, a line output for connecting to a PA system, and a headphone output for silent practice. The auxiliary input is great for practicing along with your favorite songs or for playing backing tracks during a performance. The line output allows you to connect the AC-60 to a PA system for larger venues, ensuring that your sound reaches the entire audience. The headphone output is perfect for practicing silently at home, without disturbing your neighbors or family members.

Portability and Build Quality

Another area where the Roland AC-60 excels is its portability. This amp is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport to gigs, rehearsals, or recording sessions. Despite its small size, the AC-60 is built to last. Its rugged construction and high-quality components ensure that it can withstand the rigors of the road.

Compact and Lightweight Design

The AC-60's compact and lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry around. It weighs just under 10 pounds and is small enough to fit in a backpack or gig bag. This is a huge plus for gigging musicians who have to lug their gear around on a regular basis. You won't have to break your back carrying this amp, and it won't take up too much space in your car or storage room.

Rugged Construction

Despite its small size and light weight, the AC-60 is built to last. It features a rugged construction that can withstand the bumps and bruises of the road. The amp's cabinet is made of durable materials, and its components are of high quality. You can rest assured that the AC-60 will hold up to the demands of regular use.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's look at the pros and cons of the Roland AC-60.

Pros

• Excellent Sound Quality: The AC-60 delivers clear, natural, and powerful acoustic tones.
• Stereo Sound: The stereo sound enhances the spatial dimension of your guitar's sound.
• Dual Channels: The two input channels are great for singer-songwriters.
• Built-in Effects: The high-quality digital effects add depth and dimension to your sound.
• Anti-Feedback Control: The anti-feedback function eliminates unwanted feedback.
• Versatile Connectivity: The range of connectivity options makes it suitable for a variety of playing situations.
• Portability: The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport.
• Build Quality: The rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the road.

Cons

• Price: The AC-60 is more expensive than some other acoustic amps in its class.
• Power: 30 watts may not be enough for larger venues or loud bands.
• Limited EQ: The EQ controls are basic and may not provide enough flexibility for some players.

Alternatives to the Roland AC-60

If the Roland AC-60 doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternative acoustic amps to consider:

• Fishman Loudbox Mini: A popular choice for its portability and sound quality.
• Fender Acoustic Junior: Offers a range of features and effects at a more affordable price.
• Yamaha THR30IIA Wireless: A versatile amp with built-in effects and wireless connectivity.

Final Verdict

So, is the Roland AC-60 acoustic amp worth it? Absolutely! If you're serious about your acoustic sound and want an amp that delivers clear, natural tones, versatile features, and reliable performance, the AC-60 is an excellent choice. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other options, the quality and features it offers make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you're a gigging musician, singer-songwriter, or home recording enthusiast, the Roland AC-60 will help you take your acoustic sound to the next level.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a top-tier acoustic amplifier that's portable, feature-rich, and sounds incredible, the Roland AC-60 should definitely be on your radar. It's a fantastic piece of gear that will serve you well for years to come.