Gearank Recommendation
The AC-3 was on our recommended list for Acoustic Preamps from April 2022 until September 2022 when it was out-ranked by other preamps.
Overview
More than just a regular acoustic preamp, the Zoom AC-3 expands your sonic options by letting you morph your sound into a wide variety of acoustic models.
It lets you pick from 15 iconic acoustic guitars, including D-18, OM28, Hummingbird, 00-21, J-45, Super Jumbo and more. And to do this, you first have to set the “Source Guitar” that matches what you actually use, then set the “Target Guitar” to your preferred acoustic models.
These presets gives you a sound that’s similar to how these popular guitars sound when miked, essentially giving you various miked sounds without having to actually use a mic.
Other tone shaping options that you can use include 3-band Acoustic Guitar EQ, compressor and a selection of chorus, reverb and delay effects.
Performance friendly features include anti-feedback control, 9dB boost, onboard tuner, DI out functionality, and stereo output.
Specifications
- Profile: Multi-Switch Pedal
- Controls: Target Guitar, 3-Band EQ, Source Guitar, Volume, Reverb (Mix, Tone), Effect (Type, Time, Tone, Level), Compressor, Pickup Type, Boost Level, 3 x Footswitches (Tuner, Effect, Boost)
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Output: 2 x 1/4″, 2 x XLR (DI Out), 1 x 1/4″ (Anti-Feedback Footswitch)
- Powered By: 9V Power Supply (Included), 2 x AA Batteries (Up to 3 Hours)
- Dimensions: 2″ x 6.2″ x 4.2″
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
