Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.05: Highest Rated Acoustic Amp from $500 to $1000
• 2019.01: Highest Rated Acoustic Amp up to 50 Watts
• 2017.11: Highest Rated Acoustic Amp up to 50 Watts
• 2016.07: Highest Rated Acoustic Amp up to 50 Watts

Overview

Marshall is known as the backline of many rock guitarists, but they are in no way limited to that, as evidenced by the popularity and high ratings of the AS50D, a 50 watt 2-channel amp that serves both as an acoustic amp and a small PA system.

At 50W and with two 8" Celestion speakers, this amp is more than enough for smaller venues. You can still use it in larger venues as your stage monitor, and send either the line out, or preferably the balanced DI signal, directly to your mixer.

Being an older release, it lacks quality of life improvements that are found in more modern amps. But being a classic also has its perks, with the AS50D, you know what you're getting - good build quality, reliable performance and good tone - all of which help make it a consistent market favorite many years after its initial release back in 2007.

Compared to modern amps, the AS50D has a fuller voicing, with clearly defined bass frequencies. And this is what makes it appealing especially among experienced acoustic guitar players. More importantly, you don't even need to do much tweaking to get good sounds. Well, there aren't many controls to tweak anyway, with just volume and 2-band EQ. The warmer voicing for this amp also makes it great for deep sounding vocals and nylon string guitars.

The inclusion of phantom power on the XLR mic input means you can use condenser microphones in addition to dynamic mics. It also comes with acoustic guitar friendly effects that include chorus, reverb and anti-feedback controls.

The second channel is a bit of a mess as it awkwardly combines the second Mic input with the RCA auxiliary input using a single volume control. Others have had issues with not being able to make the aux loud enough compared to the other inputs. Note that for a 50W amp, it is a bit on the heavy side, so it may not be a good pick for those who want something portable.

With its big brand backing, impressive specs, and years worth of great user feedback, the Marshall AS50D is definitely well worth checking out - especially if you are into warm acoustic voicings.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 50 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 2 guitar inputs + XLR & Aux
• Outputs: Line out + Balanced DI
• Controls: Input volume, Master volume, Bass & Treble (both channels), Speed, Depth, Balance, Reverb Level, Anti feedback frequency
• Speakers: 2 x 8" Celestion 25W, 1 x Tweeter
• Weight: 35.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 21.65" x 16.34" x 10.04"

Demo