Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Amplifier, a favorite among acoustic guitarists and singer-songwriters. If you're hunting for an amp that delivers pristine sound, portability, and a bunch of handy features, you've landed in the right spot. This review will dissect everything you need to know about the AC-60, from its sound quality and build to its pros, cons, and overall value. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started!

First Impressions: Unboxing and Build Quality

Alright, let's kick things off with the unboxing experience and the initial impressions of the amp's build quality. Right out of the box, the Roland AC-60 exudes a sense of quality and thoughtful design. The amp is surprisingly compact and lightweight, which immediately scores points for portability. This is a huge advantage for gigging musicians who need to transport their gear frequently. The dimensions are roughly 11.8 inches wide, 9.3 inches deep, and 8.9 inches high, making it easy to fit into tight spaces on stage or in a car.

The amp's build feels solid and durable. The cabinet is constructed from high-quality materials that seem capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use. The controls are clearly labeled and intuitively laid out, which is a big plus for musicians who need to make quick adjustments on the fly. The knobs have a smooth, responsive feel, and the buttons are sturdy and provide a satisfying click when pressed. The overall aesthetic is clean and professional, with a classic Roland design that looks great in any setting.

One of the standout features is the amp's dual-channel configuration, which allows you to plug in both a guitar and a microphone simultaneously. This is particularly useful for solo performers who want to amplify their vocals and guitar through a single unit. Each channel has its own independent volume and EQ controls, giving you precise control over your sound. The inclusion of built-in digital effects, such as chorus and reverb, further enhances the amp's versatility and allows you to add depth and dimension to your tone without the need for external effects pedals.

In terms of connectivity, the AC-60 offers a range of options to suit different needs. It includes a standard 1/4-inch input for your guitar, as well as an XLR input for your microphone. There's also an auxiliary input for connecting external devices such as smartphones or MP3 players, which is great for practicing along with backing tracks or playing music during breaks. The amp also features a line output for connecting to a PA system or recording interface, as well as a headphone jack for silent practice. Overall, the build quality and design of the Roland AC-60 are top-notch, making it a reliable and versatile amplifier for acoustic musicians.

Sound Quality: How Does It Perform?

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the sound quality. After all, what's the point of having a well-built amp if it doesn't sound great? Fortunately, the Roland AC-60 truly shines in this department. The amp is designed to deliver a clean, natural, and transparent sound that accurately reproduces the nuances of your acoustic guitar. Whether you're strumming gentle chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, the AC-60 captures every detail with remarkable clarity and precision.

The AC-60's dual-channel configuration is a game-changer for solo performers. The guitar channel provides a warm and balanced tone that enhances the natural characteristics of your instrument. The EQ controls allow you to fine-tune the sound to your liking, whether you prefer a bright and articulate tone or a more mellow and rounded sound. The microphone channel is equally impressive, delivering clear and natural vocal reproduction. This makes it easy to achieve a polished and professional sound without the need for a separate vocal amplifier.

One of the standout features of the AC-60 is its built-in digital effects. The chorus effect is particularly lush and spacious, adding depth and dimension to your guitar tone. The reverb effect is equally impressive, providing a natural and realistic ambience that enhances the overall sound. Both effects are highly customizable, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of each effect to suit your playing style. In addition to chorus and reverb, the AC-60 also includes a delay effect, which can be used to create interesting textures and soundscapes.

The amp's 60-watt power rating is more than enough for small to medium-sized venues. It provides plenty of headroom, allowing you to crank up the volume without sacrificing sound quality. The AC-60 also performs well at lower volumes, making it suitable for practicing at home or in quiet environments. The amp's anti-feedback control is a useful feature that helps to prevent unwanted feedback, particularly when playing at higher volumes. This allows you to focus on your performance without having to worry about distracting noises.

In terms of overall sound quality, the Roland AC-60 is a top performer. It delivers a clean, natural, and transparent sound that accurately reproduces the nuances of your acoustic guitar and vocals. The built-in digital effects add depth and dimension to your tone, while the amp's 60-watt power rating provides plenty of headroom for live performances.

Features and Functionality: What Can It Do?

Let's break down the features and functionality that make the Roland AC-60 such a versatile amplifier. Beyond its stellar sound quality, the AC-60 is packed with features designed to enhance your performance and make your life as a musician easier. First and foremost, the amp's dual-channel design is a major selling point. As mentioned earlier, this allows you to plug in both a guitar and a microphone simultaneously, making it ideal for solo performers.

Each channel has its own independent volume and EQ controls, giving you precise control over your sound. The guitar channel features a three-band EQ (bass, middle, and treble), while the microphone channel features a two-band EQ (bass and treble). This allows you to tailor the sound of each channel to your specific needs. The inclusion of built-in digital effects is another major plus. The AC-60 features chorus, reverb, and delay effects, all of which are highly customizable. You can adjust the depth and rate of the chorus effect, the decay time of the reverb effect, and the delay time of the delay effect.

The amp also includes an anti-feedback control, which is a lifesaver in live performance situations. This feature helps to prevent unwanted feedback, allowing you to crank up the volume without having to worry about distracting noises. The AC-60 also features a built-in tuner, which is a convenient tool for tuning your guitar on the fly. The tuner is accurate and easy to use, and it can be accessed with the touch of a button.

In terms of connectivity, the AC-60 offers a range of options to suit different needs. It includes a standard 1/4-inch input for your guitar, as well as an XLR input for your microphone. There's also an auxiliary input for connecting external devices such as smartphones or MP3 players, which is great for practicing along with backing tracks or playing music during breaks. The amp also features a line output for connecting to a PA system or recording interface, as well as a headphone jack for silent practice.

Another useful feature is the amp's battery-powered operation. The AC-60 can be powered by eight AA batteries, making it ideal for busking or performing in locations where there is no access to electricity. The amp's battery life is impressive, providing up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single set of batteries.

Overall, the Roland AC-60 is packed with features and functionality that make it a versatile and user-friendly amplifier for acoustic musicians. From its dual-channel design and built-in digital effects to its anti-feedback control and battery-powered operation, the AC-60 has everything you need to sound your best in any situation.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and weigh the pros and cons of the Roland AC-60. No piece of gear is perfect, so it's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.

Pros:

• Excellent Sound Quality: The AC-60 delivers a clean, natural, and transparent sound that accurately reproduces the nuances of your acoustic guitar and vocals.
• Dual-Channel Design: The amp's dual-channel configuration allows you to plug in both a guitar and a microphone simultaneously, making it ideal for solo performers.
• Built-In Digital Effects: The AC-60 features chorus, reverb, and delay effects, all of which are highly customizable and add depth and dimension to your tone.
• Portability: The amp is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport to gigs and rehearsals.
• Versatility: The AC-60 is suitable for a wide range of applications, from practicing at home to performing in small to medium-sized venues.
• Battery-Powered Operation: The amp can be powered by eight AA batteries, making it ideal for busking or performing in locations where there is no access to electricity.
• User-Friendly: The controls are clearly labeled and intuitively laid out, making it easy to dial in the perfect sound.

Cons:

• Price: The AC-60 is relatively expensive compared to some other acoustic amplifiers on the market.
• Limited Power: While 60 watts is sufficient for many applications, it may not be enough for larger venues or louder bands.
• Plastic Construction: Some users have criticized the amp's plastic construction, which may not be as durable as wood or metal.
• Basic EQ: While the EQ controls are effective, they are relatively basic compared to more advanced amplifiers.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Roland AC-60 isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternative acoustic amplifiers to consider:

1. Fishman Loudbox Mini: The Fishman Loudbox Mini is a popular choice among acoustic guitarists due to its compact size, excellent sound quality, and affordable price. It features two channels (one for guitar and one for microphone), built-in reverb and chorus effects, and 60 watts of power.
2. Fender Acoustic Junior: The Fender Acoustic Junior is another great option for acoustic musicians. It features two channels, each with independent EQ and effects controls, as well as a built-in looper. It delivers 100 watts of power, making it suitable for larger venues.
3. Yamaha THR30IIA Wireless: The Yamaha THR30IIA Wireless is a versatile amplifier that's perfect for practicing, recording, and performing. It features a variety of amp models and effects, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in rechargeable battery.

Final Verdict: Is the Roland AC-60 Worth It?

So, is the Roland AC-60 worth the investment? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. Despite its relatively high price tag, the AC-60 offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and portability. Whether you're a solo performer, singer-songwriter, or acoustic guitarist, the AC-60 is a valuable tool that can help you sound your best in any situation. The Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus Amplifier is highly recommended for anyone looking for a top-quality acoustic amplifier that delivers pristine sound and a range of useful features.