Really looking for help here; hopefully from someone w/ a good amount of personal experience with this particular amp. From the above video: "Nice to have the direct out... I've this [on the Fishman]. I like to use it as a monitor on stage because then I can set the sound I'm familiar with with the reverbs that I like. And I can send the dry signal, pre-effects, to the house P.A." My issue is that I keep finding conflicting info on whether the XLR DI out from the Loudbox Mini carries the reverb & chorus effects sound out to the house PA or not. This guy in the vid seems to be saying that it does not. Earlier today I spoke w/ an amp guy at Sweetwater (not just a regular sales person, but someone who specialized in amps) and he assured me that the Loudbox DID carry effects settings from the amp through the XLR DI out to house PA, etc... I actually pulled the trigger on it today and am excited, but now I see another seemingly knowledgable person saying the opposite of what i was told earlier today about this. WTF is happening? It really seems like it should be a straightforward spec to understand. Anyone?
Hi, to be honest, you made me a bit unsure. I may have gotten this wrong, and I also tried to find info online now. It seems that this has a different function on the mini, artist and performer series. I will test this tonight on my mini with recording the output from the DI and I will come back to you with the result. Cheers, Thor
OK, I tested it now, and sorry to say, the FXs are coming through from the DI output. I am sure I had read that the opposite was the case when I made this video, but I have obviously gotten it wrong. So there you go; never trust a guy on youtube. I will pin your comment to the top here so others may take notice. Thank you for making me aware.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS You are absolutely da' man for taking my comment/question seriously and testing it yourself to see. HUGE thanks for doing that and for replying to me. But don't stop trusting anyone on TH-cam! There's plenty of super knowledgable/helpful people on here (I know you know that); and you are one of 'em. Just always cross reference :) And while it's good news for me that it looks like you got it wrong about the effects coming through the DI (I want them to come through), I understand why you say you're "sorry to say" it. However, I also have a channel here (a total hobbyist one), and while I'm pretty sure you cannot replace an entire vid, I think TH-cam may have an online editor tool that allows you to make little changes to existing uploads (cutting little bit; possibly adding text overlays; etc...). Could be useful for issues like this that come up. Maybe an easy fix. One last detail, and possible thing/issue: There's the built in effects/tone of the Loudbox (reverb, chorus, treble, etc...) that it seems we've determined DO come through the XLR DI out. But there's a related issue that maybe was what you'd read (and I'd be interested in this as well, though it's less important): If a player has an additional pedal board OUT FRONT of the Loudbox, possibly those effects don't go through the DI out to a PA/house system? Only the built-ins do? Ha! I'm getting kinda silly, but maybe that's actually a thing. Either way, for me the important thing is that the built in verb/chorus from the Loudbox go through the DI. Many thanks again, guitar&gizmos. Have a great day!!!
@@ForcesInMotion I checked now, and I can't add a note to the existing video (used to be able to do so earlier), but I can cut specific parts out, so will probably take that part out. I find it very strange that I've been so specific on how I noted the text on screen at 4:46 in the video. I'm 100% I didn't make that up myself - I just wonder where I found that info. However, I located a user manual from Fishman, although to a newer version that has bluetooth, and you can see from the schematics on page 13 where the DI output is placed (www.fishman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/513-300-170_r4-User-Guide-Loudbox-Mini-WEB.pdf). That tells me that anything placed before the input, like your question about using a pedal board, will also be sent via the DI output. I hope that is helpful, and again, thanks for your heads up on this. Cheers, Thor 😊
In America, the AER is 3.5 times greater the price of the mini. And upon listening to your demos...the mini sounds better to me. (And that's why I have a mini.)
The Loudbox Mini is simply AWESOME value for money! I use it as a piano amp (even for outdoor live gigs), and a colleague of mine even plays double bass over it with great results (acoustic jazz). No brainer purchase!!
Agree completely- only wish the effects were a little more compelling. Wish the newer battery version used a lithium battery instead of the lead acid one. I could always change it. I like to play when camping- use a THR10 now which is mostly fine- and uses batteries. At home, I could run the two Fishmans in stereo using my Radial Engineering buffered AB/Y switch which is another piece of gear you should explore. Specifically that one.
I agree. For a amazon selling price of just over 1300.00 bucks, I would hope it sounds better. I traded into the fishman amp so no cash out to get it and I love how it sounds acoustically, using a Beta 58 on the mic side it needs a midrange control. So for the difference in money, the fishman is a great deal but again the AER is a great sounding amp!
Very good demo. I had the Fishman mini and let it go when I purchased a Bose S1 Pro. I love the Bose but also wish I would have kept the Fishman Mini. It held up well against the AER which is more than double the money. I actually found the AER vocal a little too saturated. But that could simply be a dialing in issue with a amp you're not accustomed with. Both sound great musically. I believe the AER may have the slight edge if it was paired with a Jazz style guitar. But simple economics for the price difference brings me back to the Fishman. Both are great and your playing and vocals exemplary.
You will never go wrong with the tone out of the Fishman. Least of my priorities but it matters is the Fishman looks like a million bucks vs. nasty black, hard plastic on the AER. AER is quality but there is nothing premium looking about it.
Great video! Helped me decide on the Mini. Also like your choice of guitars. I use Gibson and Epiphone acoustics. Thanks again for your well thought out comparison!
Thanks for the reviews. I love the Gibson and Martin guitar's. I feel the best quality guitar's are made with either dovetail construction or Spanish Heel Construction for steel string guitars. The AER amplifiers are designed, sound are very well. I currently own the 100 amp Fender acoustic junior.
Thanks for that .Best review on you tube and great guitar playing . Started Looking for an acoustic amp to use D.I. with current PA and based on this I think the Fishman will be best . Thanks again
Nice review. Actually the AER has a "pan" button for the effects. So you can pan / mix the effect on the two channels (so it's not true that if you dial an effect in, it will equally be on both channels). The AER also has a AUX in, on the back, and phantom power. (but maybe you have an older model, because on yours I cannot see it?)
Thanks, great comparison, very helpful! I prefer the Fishman's warmth in these samples. The sound has more body and sounds like it better represents the guitars' natural sound (if that can even be determined with accuracy, etc); the AER sounds almost subtractive and thinner, like it removes the guitars' low mids or something (in the name of transparency?). Anyway, I suppose it could be argued that the Fishman circuit accentuates the lower mids, although, having compared the Loudbox Mini to it's bigger brother the Loudbox Artist in person, I always have preferred the mini, because it sounds like my guitar, only louder and the Artist sounds boxier, more mid-heavy. P.D. The vocal sounds clearer through the AER🙂
I'm not sure if it's just how you have them set, but the Fishman sounds more like what I imagine your guitar sounding like unplugged. Both sound great, but I'd go with the fishman
I had both, bought $300 fishman loudbox mini charge displayed model, so big discounted, and $1200 Aer 60/4 newer version. If I have to buy one of them, I will choose Fishman loudbox and pedal( comp and nice pre amp). Aer sounds better as you know but also needs more pedals. under $1k, you can make high end acoustic sounds with fishman and pedals.
What pedals? I heard good things about El Capistan Reverb but I went all in and got a FM9. It is big and bulky but the tone...oh the tone and effects in stereo cannot be beat.
I have the fishman loudbox performer, and a friend has an AER 60 slant. Theyre both good amps, the AER seems surprisingly loud for a 60watt vs my fishman at 180watts. I think the tone difference is like that between Taylor vs Martin. One is brigher/tinny, while the other is more mellow. In their natural state/zeroed setting.
From your great video the Fishman sounds much better to me, but everyone seems to say the AER is next level. I have a Fishman Performance and really like it.
The Fishman is sweeter and more musical. They're both very nice but both have different characters. The AER seems to be more streamlined, more focused, more compressed.
Both fantastic amps, for me the AEG is a much more natural sounding amp giving a better and truer acoustic sound. With the vocals I thought the AEG needed a touch more reverb and therein lies an issue not having a separate reverb channel control.
On the AER 60 IV there is actually a "pan" pod for the effects, so you can actually pan the effects between the two channels. (but an individual effect on both channels could be nicer)
I prefer the Fishman for accurate acoustic representation/reproduction. AER sounds very similar to Bose technology where it seems they attempt to shape sound so much that it thins out and becomes unnatural- again, just my opinion.
The amps are so close. I've had the Loudbox mini for a couple years. Been checking demos on the AER but I now think the change is not worth it. I actually prefer the sound of the Ibanez over the Gibsons. Just my opinion. Thanks for posting this well done comparison.
Hey, I really enjoy your channel and your playing! Do you think loudbox mini is also loud enough to serve as PA (for vocals only) for a 4-piece band (blue, rock mostly)? For example, in the gigs that you’ve uploaded from the blues/jazz club, do you think you could have used the loud box mini for your vocals? I’m looking for an amp that I can use for solo gigs (just me and guitar) but it would be helpful if I can use it as a PA for gigs too, when the venue doesn’t have a PA. I like the portability of loudbox mini but am looking at loudbox performer too. Thanks a lot!
Hi, thanks 😊I haven't tried it live for vocals, just the guitar part and that worked pretty well in a small venue (30-40 people). I think the mini could be a bit small to use as a PA system for vocals, especially if you play with a drummer and bassist. I'm afraid having that little amp on stage would just drown in the mix. I have tried the Performer and also the Artist, but I didn't like them as much as the mini because of their somewhat different speaker config, but again that was just for the guitar part, so I can't say anything about how good they are for vocals. They just didn't sound as good to me. I think you may wanna look at system like the Bose L1 and similar for convenient portable PA systems.
Hard to make comparisons on TH-cam. As you said it is hard to get the settings to match. Blindly, I prefer the AER, seems smoother and less shrill. I have the AER Compact Mobile 2, so that is a huge plus.
Are both units mic'd up to a bigger speaker? I have the Fishman but recently 'upgraded' to an EV speaker - but now I have no effects (reverb...) and thought I need to buy a mixer. Now I think I can use a mic in front of the Fishman and get the power/volume of the EV, is that right? Thanks for the demo. Enjoyed your playing.
Hi, thanks. I'm not quite sure what you are asking regarding mic'ing to get the power of the EV? Do you mean that you have an external extra speaker cabinet? In this video the microphones are going directly to the soundcard and into Logic Pro for the recording. So there's no additional amplification going on in the room, just the Fishman and the AER as they are. However I have used the Fishman on a live venue several times, but I prefer to just have it as a monitor on stage and have a DI signal going from the amp to the house PA. I have even used the Fishman with no other amplification or PA in a venue with around 30 people. It was, to my surprise, loud enough. Hope that was helpful. All the best, Thor
Good review Thor! I might steal a couple of those lovely chord voicings of yours..... Sweet! As regards the amps...... I’m gonna give it to the Fishmen. It just has a fuller sound for me and just sounded warmer. Cheers Thor, keep posting 🤘
Hi Paul, thanks for your support, very much appreciated :-) I might also have a weak spot for the Fishman, but I am a bit afraid to be too consistent about it as I know that amp so well, and the AER is a new acquaintance. If you find any chord voicing that tickles your fancy, it's probably stolen goods already, so I'm happy to pass it on 😀
Hi, wanting to record vocals and my acoustic guitar in my lounge (small room 4 metres by 4 metres). Thinking of getting AER 60 compact. What microphone would you recommend for vocals? I have camcorder with Rode stereo x microphone so wasn't sure if worth buying a microphone for such a small room? Thanks
Hi, I think any of these two amps will prove a good choice. Regarding a mic for vocals, I've been happy with my Sennheiser e945 that I use in this video at 20:38. It's a good alternative to the industry standard Shure SM58, which is a great choice also.If you are asking about mic for close up recording of the amp's output, I would suggest a Shure SM57 or a Sennheiser e906 or e609. If you are going to record your performance with the Rode stereo x, it might be good, but I suspect you might get too much of the room acoustics. If the room reverb is sounding good, you could very well be lucky and end up with a good recording with what you already have. All the best, and good luck with your project. Thor
To my ears, and I'm not a professional (although I do have qualifications in music technology, and have also been a DJ for over 30 years), I liked the Fishman sound better, but I think that was because of the EQ settings you had chosen. The AER sounded like you had the mid frequencies cut a little more, which gave it a slightly muddier sound compared to the Fishman. I think the AER bottom end sounded a lot more controlled yet also extended, and less drone than the Fishman. If you had used the EQ better, I'm sure the mids and top end of the AER would have also sounded much nicer. I use a Fishman loudbox artist myself, they are great amps for the money, but AER has a better quality sound.
Haha...tuned in for the amp demo's then forget about that and instead found myself listening to your excellent guitar playing and singing !!..😂.....I'd say for domestic home use which amp someone chooses might depend on the acoustics of the room they normally play in.....the Fishman for acoustically absorbant rooms...the AER for brighter rooms...eg...hard floors and reflective surfaces.
Good review. Nice setup- only thing you were missing was a nice hot cup of coffee and some gentle rain or snow falling outside a moonlit window. Both amps are great. I give the slight nod to the Fishman. I found it to be slightly warmer. I think the Fishman enclosure is more acoustic and 10x's more attractive. AER is quality but too industrial looking with that ugly molded plastic. Looks like roadie gear- nothing special about the way it looks. The AER is a terrible value relative to the equally good, if not better Fishman. I cannot say enough good things about my Fishman. I am not biased either- I could have bought any amp. After much research I landed on the Mini Loudbox and have zero regrets. I smile literally every time I play it- years later. Even my friend recently heard the first strummed note and his jaw dropped. He is a bright guy- former VP. He looked truly dumbfounded and said- how does that little thing sound so good? I smiled and said, it's a Fishman. He did not look any less confused! He then played it...and smiled. If I had to nitpick it would simply be that the effects could be better but I just got my Fractal FM9 so we are all good now. Your playing was outstanding! By chance *do you have the tab for that first thing you played on the Fishman?* It was very nice. I also owned the mini Loudbox and love it. AER sounds great too but it's pretty ugly. I would double down and buy a 2nd Fishman- one with battery power so I can take it camping. I would also use my active Radial Engineering AB/Y box at home and have true sound separation and/or stereo out of my Fractal FM9. With all this amazing gear, it is a great time to be a fiddler! Shout out to LR Baggs too- all very high quality gear...and playing! Cheers!
Thanks for your kind words. I totally agree about the Fishman, I have two of them, and really impressed with the sound quality. I have another video on my channel where I use that amp also with electric guitar. Very versatile amp. I'm afraid I don't have tabs available for the song you are asking about, but it is a song I have published on streaming services, and it is called "All that we might be" (Thor Oliversen). There's a music video on my other channel for that song: th-cam.com/video/R8GjbzlhmUw/w-d-xo.html All the best, Thor
I find no fault in either amp. The fishman certainly shines in this application and is highly popular for value vs cost. I would have to personally hear both together to decide. I own the Roland AC 60, Shertler Jam 100, and Crate 125, Fender Acoustasonic junior. So why am I looking? Because the sound is not as satisfyingly as I expected.
Hi, yes a youtube demonstration can lead you on the way, but as you say, it's best to test it for yourself if possible. I have had the other Fishman versions also (Artist and Performer) as I wanted to have a louder alternative available. But they have a totally different tone, and it probably comes down to a different speaker configuration. It's quite difficult to select a good amp for acoustic guitars, as there are so many variables in the guitars and pickup configurations. Cheers, Thor
Try the Fender Acoustic Junior Go with a battery and built in looper , and Fender Acoustic SFX2 without a battery option. The Bose S1 Pro is also good, as is the Boss Acoustic Singer Pro, also with a looper.
I acquired Fender acoustic junior 100 watt and for the price it has a very good full tone with decent eq. Lots of features too. I sometimes use the Fishman Aura Spectrum preamp or the Baggs Venue, both are high quality and help sweeten my tone. I have never played it outside of my music room so I can't say how it sounds live. The DI out gives you ability to send to the PA.
Nice review Thor, as always ....two very good amps for gig, but the price tag amply justifies the Fishman, I think. I have also used the Fishman for recording, with one mic in front and the line out to get another separate track, with good results. Any experience/ideas on that?
Thanks Marcello :-) For the purpose of a good acoustic guitar recording, I have never done a recording through an amp. I would think that you'd want the sound of the acoustic to shine in such a recording, and the amp will color it. But if it is the sound of the guitar through the amp you'd prefer, or for a Live concert recording, I think your approach sounds wise. Then you can blend the mic signal with the DI signal. But this is also relying on the microphone system in your guitar. if it is to catch the optimal sound of your guitar, I would think that two good quality mics in front of the guitar will give an optimal recording. I would go with a close up dynamic mic (SM57 type) and use a Condenser mic to catch a bit more of the ambience. The acoustic quality of the room you are in will also play a big part. Cheers :-)
Hi Thor, like your channel ! We are musically on the same wavelenght. I sold my aer 60 years ago because I had not many acoustic gigs. After your review I dont regret my decision. The aer sounded a tiny bit more cultivated for the steelstrings. But for the nylonstring (piezo?) I found the fishman better , but both not really good comparing with a microphone. Pricewise the fishman beats the aer ! The aer costs a thousand bucks , the Fishman not more than 300. So when in need for an acoustic gig I would consider rather the Fishman than buying the aer again.
Thanks Inam, happy to hear you like my channel and that we might have a musical connection. I'd give my vote for using the Fishman to gig with any day. I have used it on gigs many times, and it is a steady work horse.
Hi I think he meant that in a part of my video I use a microphone to capture the nylon string guitar - and that is not an optimal way of using the microphone input. Used for vocals they both do great.
Have been looking for an AMP for months now...my budget goes to about EU1500. Problem is nobody is telling me what is the best for Vocals and (!) Acoustic (Martin D18 with K&K western mini) Thank you. Note: mostly bars with 10/15 people.
Hi, have you looked into systems like the Bose L1 Compact PA? That might suit you better if you perform on smaller venues. But the Fishman Loudbox Mini will go a long way if it is only like 10-15 people. I have used it live, and if there was a house PA I would have it as my monitor on stage, sending a DI signal from the amp to the house PA.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS I understand... I was told the Bose is better for singing... and so the sort continues.... I wrote a personal mail to the founder of AER
So, first off, amazing playing, and singing, Thor, you have a beautiful sensitivity and technique. I listened to this both with a portable JBL speaker (which over-emphasizes the bass) and JBL studio monitors (those are incredibly good, and neutral, as you know). My conclusions? * The AER seemed to me clearly more articulate and crisp. Basically, it probably has higher quality components, particularly the speaker(s). * However, the Fishman sounded overall better, particularly in vocals. It seemed to me very c lear, when I used the monitors, that the AER had a lot less low end (bass and lower mids) in the EQ. Monitors are almost perfectly flat and let you hear this kind of thing. Is it possible that because you you own the Fishman you are use to setting it up optimally for each of your axes? * Kudos for testing at loud volumes and pushing air/simulating a gig. It seems like the AER has more headroom? Also, it seems to me that it colors the guitar sound less than the Fishman (a good thing in an acoustic amp). Is the AER worth a 4 times higher price? (assuming money is not an issue). Maybe. It would be nice to hear them side by side with a more comparable EQ so the AER doesn't sound so thin. BTW, I know many bebop/harbop guitar players use the AER 60 with their archtops because of how clean it sounds. I was actually kicking me as I saw the 335 style guitar in the background, I was hoping you would play it in the demo. Thank you for taking the time! - Leo
Hi Leo, thank you so much for your kind words and such an in depth evaluation of my video. Highly appreciated feedback. I think you are correct about how versatile these amps are, and that they are also good for electric guitars. You are also probably correct about me dialing in the Fishman more easily than the AER based on my experience with the two, but I think I worked hard to get them as similar sounding as I possible could. The AER has a noticeable "lighter" audible footprint than the Fishman's as default to my ears, so I'm not quite sure it would be possible to tweak the EQ to be more similar. Of course it could be done in post, but that wouldn't be fair. Not sure if I would say the AER has more headroom either, as both will play equally loud without any breakup IMO. I haven't experienced playing an electric guitar through the AER but the Fishman Loudbox Mini will absolutely handle it. I'm sure the AER will too. I have done a video with just the Fishman and there I'm letting the ES-335 have a go at it 😀. If you're interested, here is the link to that: th-cam.com/video/gqsqe0ka9iw/w-d-xo.html
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Thank you, Thor, for taking the time! The way they sound in the comparison, even though they both sound great, I would get the Fishman, even if they cost the same, let alone a factor 4. I watched the 335 video too. Lovely! I'll post there to keep your channel tidy 😅. Thanks for sharing the link to it. 🙏
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Gary's right. The Compact 60 costs much more than the Fishman. In short: All AER's are made in Germany with highest quality control and high-end components. It's one reason. Btw: you can blend the effect to both channels. And the colour switch isn't a phase switcher, it' for fingerstyle techniques. Mid-Cut-treble boost.
Interesting, In your comparison I preferred the AER on the steel string guitars and the Fishman for the nylon. My experience with AER vs Loudbox: I've owned the slightly more expensive and feature packed AER classic pro for 12 years, using it occasionally for a Lavalier miked Ramirez 1a concert classical. Since outlaying the money for it I've had the opportunity to try the loudbox series a few times and definitely prefer the Fishman over the AER for classical guitar. Fishman are under half the price of the AER as well. The AER to my ears have much too much transparent hi-fi presence, which nullifies the inherent warmth of a classical guitar. I've had to employ extra EQ into send/return loop to knock out both the high freq sibilance and bass cut in order to combat "proximity effect" caused by close miking a cardiod mic. The AER's eq just wasn't beefy enough. I didn't expect to have to engage in that extra hassle after paying top dollar for the amp. To my surprise I find in your demo that the AER is having the opposite effect on the steel strings. To me it seemed to warm them up and add more body to their tone. The Fishman gave better definition or focus to the steel strings but less warmth. To my ear the opposite seems to occur for the nylon instruments. The caveat to my observations lies in the unknown factor your use of a dynamic mic may have introduced to the comparisions, as I've only used goose neck mounted lavalier condenser mics in my personal experience. So I strongly suggest people use their ears to select an amp and don't allow pricing to unduly influence their perception of the sonic quality they seek.
Thank you. Great demo. When I started gigging solo I bought the Roland AC60 because it was stereo, and it has a lot more ins/outs, sub, mute etc. it is good, but it’s also heavy and doesn’t sound anywhere near as good as my new LoudBox mini. The LoudBox is light and really makes my Martin DC-Aura GT sing. Because I play in a lot of worship settings, I do miss the mute function. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
Generally with this type of comparison I am making comments about the cheaper product being good value for the money. However, I simply like the tone of the Mini better. I mean, it's definitely not a massive difference.
Great review of the amps. I wish you could have used a nicer guitar like a Martin or Taylor to get the best sound. Gibson just makes lousy acoustics. Granted the J45 is their best guitar I’m just not a fan of Gibson. I’d love to hear a Martin like the HD28 etc. Maybe a higher end Taylor.
I have a Taylor 814ce and the original ES1 system was crap. They replaced it and I never bonded with the tone. I installed my own K&K pickup and big improvement. My Martin D18v is still better with a simple Fishman under saddle Martin Thinline piezo.
@@larrydering1598 yea Martin sound is much better to me now than Taylor. The 814 sure is nice though and the 414 sounds great but Martin reigns supreme to Me now having 2. I sold my Taylor’s and just kept a mini.
One thing that seldom (never?) gets tested is how an amp performs under live conditions in heavy-duty use. For example, I have owned a Fishman Loudbox mini charge for several years. It's a great amp BUT for one of my uses - street performing in a large open area at the volume I need - it won't even manage one hour of battery life (with a brand new battery). In fact, it starts distorting at around 30 minutes and is completely dead in an hour. OTOH, in a private party at a house - 30-40 people, it will perform perfectly for longer than I need it to. OTOH, AER only states their Compact Mobile will manage 3-4 hours, which doesn't sound good compared to Fishman's claim of 8-10+ hours. BUT, the AER can produce the necessary volume in the setting I mentioned, above, and do it for the 3-4 hours they claim. SO...when someone says the AER is not a good value, I'd say that it depends on what you need from the amp. In my case, the AER is a much better value than the Fishman because the Fishman simply cannot do what I need it to do - play for 2-3 hours at fairly high volume. SO...be sure you know what you NEED of an amp and then research to find out if it can deliver. Relying on opinions/tests of amps in a small room and evaluating performance is only useful if that's the way you plan to use it.
Good points here. Thanks for your comment, I think you put light on something that is important to consider. Just to mention it for others reading, the amps I tested in this video is older versions and not the "charge" version able to run on battery. Cheers, Thor
Have you considered replacing the terrible lead acid battery with a heavier duty Lithium battery? That will make a huge improvement. Also, if you are on the street, many will use the plug and a converter using a big old marine battery- just ground it correctly and do not even think about getting it wet or bad things will happen. If you threw together a simple wooden open box, you would get more projection from your mini. The power is there but it bleeds out into the universe too quick. I would basically build a simple 3 or 4-sided folding box that extends out maybe 12"-16" or whatever length the wood comes in so you don't have to glue pieces to it. It will help with projecting the tone. Wood should be at least 1/2" thick and solid. It should fit tight against the amp as well. Ideally, it would be 4-sided with a back cover and all sealed up except for the front but then it starts to get bulky and heavy and less practical. Start with 3 sides and go from there. For what it's worth (not much), I studied Electrical Engineering. Ultimately, you have to experiment and see what works- that is what engineers do too only they call it something technical and fancy like destructive and non-destructive testing. In medicine, they call it "clinical trials." It's just trial and error really. Many innovations came from non engineers anyway. People who just stumbled onto new things that just simply worked.
I just now heard this as I am looking for a good acoustic amp. I'm not a professional audiophile, but been told I have a good ear what I can say is beautiful sounds just came through, both Gibson's and the amps with the Aer lower end a little brighter cleaner on the the Ibanez seemed like they reversed the low and bright with the fishman still slightly cleaner. That 84 I think Ibanez was so beautiful sounding I was almost in tears. So what ever I think everyone hears different things and thanks nature for us All being different. Thank you for the best comparison I've ever heard and seen.
Thank you so much! That Ibanez guitar is really something else. You've inspired me to do a dedicated video on that guitar and give it some well deserved love. Cheers, Thor 😊
@@GUITARSGIZMOS I Will definitely look forward to seeing and hearing that video. Take care and have many more years that matter. And music makes every day better.
Fishman is amazing and a far better value- and better to look at in your home as well. Just nicer. Pair it with a FM3 or FM9 for some effects and it is unbeatable. I use it with a studio monitor(s) for true stereo sound.
Hi Thore thank you very very much for a great test and playing!!! Can I also say than you very very much for saying which amp you where using each time you switched. I am non sighted and so many people do not say which product they are using so if you can not see the screen you have no idea they just switch or they say this one, this one, this one, and point thank you very very much!!!!!! Joe
So happy to hear it was helpful. Your comment about saying out loud what amp I'm using makes totally sense and I will keep your comment about mentioning what amp or gizmo I'm using in mind if I'm doing comparison in the future. All the best, Thor
The AER has a better truer acoustic sound, more rounded. The Fishman stills sounds good. Since AER is four times more expensive ... unless you have the money ... go with the Fishman.
AER is made in Germany; Fishman made in China. I have the loud box artist - not happy with the quality especially the knobs. And the tolex started peeling and crumbling!
Ho provato entrambi proprio dopo aver visto questo video …. Se fosse così non ci sarebbe alcun motivo per spendere oltre il doppio dei soldi … Purtroppo , durante la mia prova in negozio ho deciso di spendere il doppio Del denaro perchè volevo portare a casa il miglior amplificatore possibile… La prova è stata attenta ma la decisione è stata molto veloce a favore di AER compact 60 . Provate con le vostre mani i prodotti da comprare … Le variabili su you tube sono moltissime…. Non capisco il perché ma dal vivo il suono è nettamente migliore.. Ricordo a tutti che questo amplificatore ( AER 60 ) viene utilizzato dai migliori professionisti In tutto il mondo
Yes, you are absolutely right. This youtube thing is really a learning process, and what you comment on is something I really keep a focus on nowadays. Hopefully I manage to get more to the point of what I want to convey these days. Thanks, Thor
Really looking for help here; hopefully from someone w/ a good amount of personal experience with this particular amp. From the above video: "Nice to have the direct out... I've this [on the Fishman]. I like to use it as a monitor on stage because then I can set the sound I'm familiar with with the reverbs that I like. And I can send the dry signal, pre-effects, to the house P.A." My issue is that I keep finding conflicting info on whether the XLR DI out from the Loudbox Mini carries the reverb & chorus effects sound out to the house PA or not. This guy in the vid seems to be saying that it does not. Earlier today I spoke w/ an amp guy at Sweetwater (not just a regular sales person, but someone who specialized in amps) and he assured me that the Loudbox DID carry effects settings from the amp through the XLR DI out to house PA, etc... I actually pulled the trigger on it today and am excited, but now I see another seemingly knowledgable person saying the opposite of what i was told earlier today about this. WTF is happening? It really seems like it should be a straightforward spec to understand. Anyone?
Hi, to be honest, you made me a bit unsure. I may have gotten this wrong, and I also tried to find info online now. It seems that this has a different function on the mini, artist and performer series. I will test this tonight on my mini with recording the output from the DI and I will come back to you with the result. Cheers, Thor
OK, I tested it now, and sorry to say, the FXs are coming through from the DI output. I am sure I had read that the opposite was the case when I made this video, but I have obviously gotten it wrong. So there you go; never trust a guy on youtube. I will pin your comment to the top here so others may take notice. Thank you for making me aware.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS You are absolutely da' man for taking my comment/question seriously and testing it yourself to see. HUGE thanks for doing that and for replying to me. But don't stop trusting anyone on TH-cam! There's plenty of super knowledgable/helpful people on here (I know you know that); and you are one of 'em. Just always cross reference :) And while it's good news for me that it looks like you got it wrong about the effects coming through the DI (I want them to come through), I understand why you say you're "sorry to say" it. However, I also have a channel here (a total hobbyist one), and while I'm pretty sure you cannot replace an entire vid, I think TH-cam may have an online editor tool that allows you to make little changes to existing uploads (cutting little bit; possibly adding text overlays; etc...). Could be useful for issues like this that come up. Maybe an easy fix. One last detail, and possible thing/issue: There's the built in effects/tone of the Loudbox (reverb, chorus, treble, etc...) that it seems we've determined DO come through the XLR DI out. But there's a related issue that maybe was what you'd read (and I'd be interested in this as well, though it's less important): If a player has an additional pedal board OUT FRONT of the Loudbox, possibly those effects don't go through the DI out to a PA/house system? Only the built-ins do? Ha! I'm getting kinda silly, but maybe that's actually a thing. Either way, for me the important thing is that the built in verb/chorus from the Loudbox go through the DI. Many thanks again, guitar&gizmos. Have a great day!!!
@@ForcesInMotion I checked now, and I can't add a note to the existing video (used to be able to do so earlier), but I can cut specific parts out, so will probably take that part out. I find it very strange that I've been so specific on how I noted the text on screen at 4:46 in the video. I'm 100% I didn't make that up myself - I just wonder where I found that info. However, I located a user manual from Fishman, although to a newer version that has bluetooth, and you can see from the schematics on page 13 where the DI output is placed (www.fishman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/513-300-170_r4-User-Guide-Loudbox-Mini-WEB.pdf). That tells me that anything placed before the input, like your question about using a pedal board, will also be sent via the DI output. I hope that is helpful, and again, thanks for your heads up on this. Cheers, Thor 😊
In America, the AER is 3.5 times greater the price of the mini. And upon listening to your demos...the mini sounds better to me. (And that's why I have a mini.)
Agreed!
Really well done video. Thank you for digging in.
Nice chords . . . and I appreciate your using the various guitars .
Forgot to mention, simply an outstanding review and comparison. Thanks!!
Thank you 😀
Came for amps stayed for lovely performance !🙌
I like the Fishmann. Nice bite and clarity.
The Loudbox Mini is simply AWESOME value for money! I use it as a piano amp (even for outdoor live gigs), and a colleague of mine even plays double bass over it with great results (acoustic jazz). No brainer purchase!!
Agree completely- only wish the effects were a little more compelling. Wish the newer battery version used a lithium battery instead of the lead acid one. I could always change it. I like to play when camping- use a THR10 now which is mostly fine- and uses batteries. At home, I could run the two Fishmans in stereo using my Radial Engineering buffered AB/Y switch which is another piece of gear you should explore. Specifically that one.
This video is so perfectly what we need. A pre-purchase must.
outstanding review and fabulous playing
Great review, thnak you for your work.
The AER sounds more natural to my ear -- and the separation on the highs is insane. Great review -- thanks!
I agree. For a amazon selling price of just over 1300.00 bucks, I would hope it sounds better. I traded into the fishman amp so no cash out to get it and I love how it sounds acoustically, using a Beta 58 on the mic side it needs a midrange control. So for the difference in money, the fishman is a great deal but again the AER is a great sounding amp!
Very good demo. I had the Fishman mini and let it go when I purchased a Bose S1 Pro. I love the Bose but also wish I would have kept the Fishman Mini. It held up well against the AER which is more than double the money. I actually found the AER vocal a little too saturated. But that could simply be a dialing in issue with a amp you're not accustomed with. Both sound great musically. I believe the AER may have the slight edge if it was paired with a Jazz style guitar. But simple economics for the price difference brings me back to the Fishman. Both are great and your playing and vocals exemplary.
You will never go wrong with the tone out of the Fishman. Least of my priorities but it matters is the Fishman looks like a million bucks vs. nasty black, hard plastic on the AER. AER is quality but there is nothing premium looking about it.
Great video! Helped me decide on the Mini. Also like your choice of guitars. I use Gibson and Epiphone acoustics. Thanks again for your well thought out comparison!
Thanks for the reviews. I love the Gibson and Martin guitar's. I feel the best quality guitar's are made with either dovetail construction or Spanish Heel Construction for steel string guitars. The AER amplifiers are designed, sound are very well. I currently own the 100 amp Fender acoustic junior.
Thanks for that .Best review on you tube and great guitar playing . Started Looking for an acoustic amp to use D.I. with current PA and based on this I think the Fishman will be best . Thanks again
Thanks. This is the comparison I wanted. Had not across it anywhere else.
Excellent review. Really enjoyed your wonderful playing! Thanks.
Thank you 😊
Question to all: does AER sounds $1100 better?
I love the AER! I will buy one this week! Salute! That Fishman sounds great with the Shure
Great review. I have an AER 60/2 and your video made feel i made the right choice for my personal sound ✌️
Really liked your review! Thank you! For me the Fishman sounded better.. Love your playin! Greetings from Cologne
Nice review. Actually the AER has a "pan" button for the effects. So you can pan / mix the effect on the two channels (so it's not true that if you dial an effect in, it will equally be on both channels). The AER also has a AUX in, on the back, and phantom power. (but maybe you have an older model, because on yours I cannot see it?)
Both sounded very good - for me, the AER probably just scored that little bit higher - the vocal was better through the AER. Great playing, too! 👍
Thanks, great comparison, very helpful! I prefer the Fishman's warmth in these samples. The sound has more body and sounds like it better represents the guitars' natural sound (if that can even be determined with accuracy, etc); the AER sounds almost subtractive and thinner, like it removes the guitars' low mids or something (in the name of transparency?). Anyway, I suppose it could be argued that the Fishman circuit accentuates the lower mids, although, having compared the Loudbox Mini to it's bigger brother the Loudbox Artist in person, I always have preferred the mini, because it sounds like my guitar, only louder and the Artist sounds boxier, more mid-heavy.
P.D. The vocal sounds clearer through the AER🙂
I'm not sure if it's just how you have them set, but the Fishman sounds more like what I imagine your guitar sounding like unplugged. Both sound great, but I'd go with the fishman
Nice review, excellent player . AER for J45. Fish man for the others.
I thought j45 sounded huge on fishmann. Everyone hears differently.
I'm not a guitar player or professional producer but to me the clear winner is the "Fishman"!! Hands down.😊
I had both, bought $300 fishman loudbox mini charge displayed model, so big discounted, and $1200 Aer 60/4 newer version. If I have to buy one of them, I will choose Fishman loudbox and pedal( comp and nice pre amp). Aer sounds better as you know but also needs more pedals. under $1k, you can make high end acoustic sounds with fishman and pedals.
What pedals? I heard good things about El Capistan Reverb but I went all in and got a FM9. It is big and bulky but the tone...oh the tone and effects in stereo cannot be beat.
I have the fishman loudbox performer, and a friend has an AER 60 slant. Theyre both good amps, the AER seems surprisingly loud for a 60watt vs my fishman at 180watts. I think the tone difference is like that between Taylor vs Martin. One is brigher/tinny, while the other is more mellow. In their natural state/zeroed setting.
From your great video the Fishman sounds much better to me, but everyone seems to say the AER is next level. I have a Fishman Performance and really like it.
The Fishman is sweeter and more musical. They're both very nice but both have different characters. The AER seems to be more streamlined, more focused, more compressed.
Both fantastic amps, for me the AEG is a much more natural sounding amp giving a better and truer acoustic sound. With the vocals I thought the AEG needed a touch more reverb and therein lies an issue not having a separate reverb channel control.
On the AER 60 IV there is actually a "pan" pod for the effects, so you can actually pan the effects between the two channels. (but an individual effect on both channels could be nicer)
AER. not AEG
I prefer the Fishman for accurate acoustic representation/reproduction. AER sounds very similar to Bose technology where it seems they attempt to shape sound so much that it thins out and becomes unnatural- again, just my opinion.
AER is much more natural sounding? Completely false.
Excellent song my friend !
Which one has the less hiss? I need the quietest amp, i hate background noise.
Thanks
The amps are so close. I've had the Loudbox mini for a couple years. Been checking demos on the AER but I now think the change is not worth it. I actually prefer the sound of the Ibanez over the Gibsons. Just my opinion. Thanks for posting this well done comparison.
Hey, I really enjoy your channel and your playing!
Do you think loudbox mini is also loud enough to serve as PA (for vocals only) for a 4-piece band (blue, rock mostly)?
For example, in the gigs that you’ve uploaded from the blues/jazz club, do you think you could have used the loud box mini for your vocals?
I’m looking for an amp that I can use for solo gigs (just me and guitar) but it would be helpful if I can use it as a PA for gigs too, when the venue doesn’t have a PA. I like the portability of loudbox mini but am looking at loudbox performer too.
Thanks a lot!
Hi, thanks 😊I haven't tried it live for vocals, just the guitar part and that worked pretty well in a small venue (30-40 people). I think the mini could be a bit small to use as a PA system for vocals, especially if you play with a drummer and bassist. I'm afraid having that little amp on stage would just drown in the mix. I have tried the Performer and also the Artist, but I didn't like them as much as the mini because of their somewhat different speaker config, but again that was just for the guitar part, so I can't say anything about how good they are for vocals. They just didn't sound as good to me. I think you may wanna look at system like the Bose L1 and similar for convenient portable PA systems.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Thanks a lot for the quick reply! May have to try out both of them.
Hard to make comparisons on TH-cam. As you said it is hard to get the settings to match. Blindly, I prefer the AER, seems smoother and less shrill. I have the AER Compact Mobile 2, so that is a huge plus.
Are both units mic'd up to a bigger speaker? I have the Fishman but recently 'upgraded' to an EV speaker - but now I have no effects (reverb...) and thought I need to buy a mixer. Now I think I can use a mic in front of the Fishman and get the power/volume of the EV, is that right? Thanks for the demo. Enjoyed your playing.
Hi, thanks. I'm not quite sure what you are asking regarding mic'ing to get the power of the EV? Do you mean that you have an external extra speaker cabinet? In this video the microphones are going directly to the soundcard and into Logic Pro for the recording. So there's no additional amplification going on in the room, just the Fishman and the AER as they are. However I have used the Fishman on a live venue several times, but I prefer to just have it as a monitor on stage and have a DI signal going from the amp to the house PA. I have even used the Fishman with no other amplification or PA in a venue with around 30 people. It was, to my surprise, loud enough. Hope that was helpful. All the best, Thor
Good review Thor! I might steal a couple of those lovely chord voicings of yours..... Sweet! As regards the amps...... I’m gonna give it to the Fishmen. It just has a fuller sound for me and just sounded warmer. Cheers Thor, keep posting 🤘
Hi Paul, thanks for your support, very much appreciated :-) I might also have a weak spot for the Fishman, but I am a bit afraid to be too consistent about it as I know that amp so well, and the AER is a new acquaintance. If you find any chord voicing that tickles your fancy, it's probably stolen goods already, so I'm happy to pass it on 😀
Hi, wanting to record vocals and my acoustic guitar in my lounge (small room 4 metres by 4 metres). Thinking of getting AER 60 compact. What microphone would you recommend for vocals? I have camcorder with Rode stereo x microphone so wasn't sure if worth buying a microphone for such a small room? Thanks
Hi, I think any of these two amps will prove a good choice. Regarding a mic for vocals, I've been happy with my Sennheiser e945 that I use in this video at 20:38. It's a good alternative to the industry standard Shure SM58, which is a great choice also.If you are asking about mic for close up recording of the amp's output, I would suggest a Shure SM57 or a Sennheiser e906 or e609. If you are going to record your performance with the Rode stereo x, it might be good, but I suspect you might get too much of the room acoustics. If the room reverb is sounding good, you could very well be lucky and end up with a good recording with what you already have. All the best, and good luck with your project. Thor
Thanks very much for advice!
To my ears, and I'm not a professional (although I do have qualifications in music technology, and have also been a DJ for over 30 years), I liked the Fishman sound better, but I think that was because of the EQ settings you had chosen.
The AER sounded like you had the mid frequencies cut a little more, which gave it a slightly muddier sound compared to the Fishman.
I think the AER bottom end sounded a lot more controlled yet also extended, and less drone than the Fishman. If you had used the EQ better, I'm sure the mids and top end of the AER would have also sounded much nicer.
I use a Fishman loudbox artist myself, they are great amps for the money, but AER has a better quality sound.
Hello there...what cables do you use for the mic and what cables for the guitar? Thank you so much again...
Haha...tuned in for the amp demo's then forget about that and instead found myself listening to your excellent guitar playing and singing !!..😂.....I'd say for domestic home use which amp someone chooses might depend on the acoustics of the room they normally play in.....the Fishman for acoustically absorbant rooms...the AER for brighter rooms...eg...hard floors and reflective surfaces.
Good review. Nice setup- only thing you were missing was a nice hot cup of coffee and some gentle rain or snow falling outside a moonlit window.
Both amps are great. I give the slight nod to the Fishman. I found it to be slightly warmer. I think the Fishman enclosure is more acoustic and 10x's more attractive. AER is quality but too industrial looking with that ugly molded plastic. Looks like roadie gear- nothing special about the way it looks. The AER is a terrible value relative to the equally good, if not better Fishman. I cannot say enough good things about my Fishman. I am not biased either- I could have bought any amp. After much research I landed on the Mini Loudbox and have zero regrets. I smile literally every time I play it- years later. Even my friend recently heard the first strummed note and his jaw dropped. He is a bright guy- former VP. He looked truly dumbfounded and said- how does that little thing sound so good? I smiled and said, it's a Fishman. He did not look any less confused! He then played it...and smiled. If I had to nitpick it would simply be that the effects could be better but I just got my Fractal FM9 so we are all good now.
Your playing was outstanding! By chance *do you have the tab for that first thing you played on the Fishman?* It was very nice. I also owned the mini Loudbox and love it. AER sounds great too but it's pretty ugly. I would double down and buy a 2nd Fishman- one with battery power so I can take it camping. I would also use my active Radial Engineering AB/Y box at home and have true sound separation and/or stereo out of my Fractal FM9. With all this amazing gear, it is a great time to be a fiddler! Shout out to LR Baggs too- all very high quality gear...and playing!
Cheers!
Thanks for your kind words. I totally agree about the Fishman, I have two of them, and really impressed with the sound quality. I have another video on my channel where I use that amp also with electric guitar. Very versatile amp. I'm afraid I don't have tabs available for the song you are asking about, but it is a song I have published on streaming services, and it is called "All that we might be" (Thor Oliversen). There's a music video on my other channel for that song: th-cam.com/video/R8GjbzlhmUw/w-d-xo.html
All the best, Thor
I find no fault in either amp. The fishman certainly shines in this application and is highly popular for value vs cost. I would have to personally hear both together to decide. I own the Roland AC 60, Shertler Jam 100, and Crate 125, Fender Acoustasonic junior. So why am I looking? Because the sound is not as satisfyingly as I expected.
Hi, yes a youtube demonstration can lead you on the way, but as you say, it's best to test it for yourself if possible. I have had the other Fishman versions also (Artist and Performer) as I wanted to have a louder alternative available. But they have a totally different tone, and it probably comes down to a different speaker configuration. It's quite difficult to select a good amp for acoustic guitars, as there are so many variables in the guitars and pickup configurations. Cheers, Thor
Try the Fender Acoustic Junior Go with a battery and built in looper , and Fender Acoustic SFX2 without a battery option. The Bose S1 Pro is also good, as is the Boss Acoustic Singer Pro, also with a looper.
I acquired Fender acoustic junior 100 watt and for the price it has a very good full tone with decent eq. Lots of features too. I sometimes use the Fishman Aura Spectrum preamp or the Baggs Venue, both are high quality and help sweeten my tone. I have never played it outside of my music room so I can't say how it sounds live. The DI out gives you ability to send to the PA.
Nice review Thor, as always ....two very good amps for gig, but the price tag amply justifies the Fishman, I think. I have also used the Fishman for recording, with one mic in front and the line out to get another separate track, with good results. Any experience/ideas on that?
Thanks Marcello :-) For the purpose of a good acoustic guitar recording, I have never done a recording through an amp. I would think that you'd want the sound of the acoustic to shine in such a recording, and the amp will color it. But if it is the sound of the guitar through the amp you'd prefer, or for a Live concert recording, I think your approach sounds wise. Then you can blend the mic signal with the DI signal. But this is also relying on the microphone system in your guitar. if it is to catch the optimal sound of your guitar, I would think that two good quality mics in front of the guitar will give an optimal recording. I would go with a close up dynamic mic (SM57 type) and use a Condenser mic to catch a bit more of the ambience. The acoustic quality of the room you are in will also play a big part. Cheers :-)
Hi, very good job. Thx, next pls :D
How much gain did you set on the Fishman..wish it has a light indicator..
Hi Thor,
like your channel ! We are musically on the same wavelenght. I sold my aer 60 years ago because I had not many acoustic gigs. After your review I dont regret my decision. The aer sounded a tiny bit more cultivated for the steelstrings. But for the nylonstring (piezo?) I found the fishman better , but both not really good comparing with a microphone. Pricewise the fishman beats the aer ! The aer costs a thousand bucks , the Fishman not more than 300. So when in need for an acoustic gig I would consider rather the Fishman than buying the aer again.
Thanks Inam, happy to hear you like my channel and that we might have a musical connection. I'd give my vote for using the Fishman to gig with any day. I have used it on gigs many times, and it is a steady work horse.
Hi. you mentioned that both are not good with microphone. So i wonder why Fishman even bothered to include a Vocal input?
Hi I think he meant that in a part of my video I use a microphone to capture the nylon string guitar - and that is not an optimal way of using the microphone input. Used for vocals they both do great.
@@zapantalambda my fishman mini has super vocal sound. The mini is just an awesome amp.
Have been looking for an AMP for months now...my budget goes to about EU1500. Problem is nobody is telling me what is the best for Vocals and (!) Acoustic (Martin D18 with K&K western mini) Thank you. Note: mostly bars with 10/15 people.
Hi, have you looked into systems like the Bose L1 Compact PA? That might suit you better if you perform on smaller venues. But the Fishman Loudbox Mini will go a long way if it is only like 10-15 people. I have used it live, and if there was a house PA I would have it as my monitor on stage, sending a DI signal from the amp to the house PA.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS I understand... I was told the Bose is better for singing... and so the sort continues.... I wrote a personal mail to the founder of AER
AER much more focused to me..very clean/clear…Fishman sounds big/ warm & very nice…like them both but AER is much more money so hard to decide.
Its wrong what you are telling, the effects are adjustable by the Pan-Potentiometer to divide effects between 1st ans 2nd channel
So, first off, amazing playing, and singing, Thor, you have a beautiful sensitivity and technique. I listened to this both with a portable JBL speaker (which over-emphasizes the bass) and JBL studio monitors (those are incredibly good, and neutral, as you know). My conclusions?
* The AER seemed to me clearly more articulate and crisp. Basically, it probably has higher quality components, particularly the speaker(s).
* However, the Fishman sounded overall better, particularly in vocals. It seemed to me very c lear, when I used the monitors, that the AER had a lot less low end (bass and lower mids) in the EQ. Monitors are almost perfectly flat and let you hear this kind of thing. Is it possible that because you you own the Fishman you are use to setting it up optimally for each of your axes?
* Kudos for testing at loud volumes and pushing air/simulating a gig. It seems like the AER has more headroom? Also, it seems to me that it colors the guitar sound less than the Fishman (a good thing in an acoustic amp).
Is the AER worth a 4 times higher price? (assuming money is not an issue). Maybe. It would be nice to hear them side by side with a more comparable EQ so the AER doesn't sound so thin.
BTW, I know many bebop/harbop guitar players use the AER 60 with their archtops because of how clean it sounds. I was actually kicking me as I saw the 335 style guitar in the background, I was hoping you would play it in the demo.
Thank you for taking the time!
- Leo
Hi Leo, thank you so much for your kind words and such an in depth evaluation of my video. Highly appreciated feedback. I think you are correct about how versatile these amps are, and that they are also good for electric guitars. You are also probably correct about me dialing in the Fishman more easily than the AER based on my experience with the two, but I think I worked hard to get them as similar sounding as I possible could. The AER has a noticeable "lighter" audible footprint than the Fishman's as default to my ears, so I'm not quite sure it would be possible to tweak the EQ to be more similar. Of course it could be done in post, but that wouldn't be fair. Not sure if I would say the AER has more headroom either, as both will play equally loud without any breakup IMO. I haven't experienced playing an electric guitar through the AER but the Fishman Loudbox Mini will absolutely handle it. I'm sure the AER will too. I have done a video with just the Fishman and there I'm letting the ES-335 have a go at it 😀. If you're interested, here is the link to that: th-cam.com/video/gqsqe0ka9iw/w-d-xo.html
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Thank you, Thor, for taking the time! The way they sound in the comparison, even though they both sound great, I would get the Fishman, even if they cost the same, let alone a factor 4.
I watched the 335 video too. Lovely! I'll post there to keep your channel tidy 😅. Thanks for sharing the link to it. 🙏
Very good, but could be better if showing up the EQ adjustment…
I don't understand why you didn't mention the AER cost 4 times as much...?
I’m afraid I have to put that on less good research. I borrowed the AER and really didn’t think of that they had such a different cost.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Gary's right. The Compact 60 costs much more than the Fishman. In short: All AER's are made in Germany with highest quality control and high-end components. It's one reason.
Btw: you can blend the effect to both channels. And the colour switch isn't a phase switcher, it' for fingerstyle techniques. Mid-Cut-treble boost.
@@aer-theacousticpeople1330 Thanks for the heads-up! I have put your explanation into the captions to correct that. :-)
Interesting, In your comparison I preferred the AER on the steel string guitars and the Fishman for the nylon.
My experience with AER vs Loudbox:
I've owned the slightly more expensive and feature packed AER classic pro for 12 years, using it occasionally for a Lavalier miked Ramirez 1a concert classical. Since outlaying the money for it I've had the opportunity to try the loudbox series a few times and definitely prefer the Fishman over the AER for classical guitar. Fishman are under half the price of the AER as well.
The AER to my ears have much too much transparent hi-fi presence, which nullifies the inherent warmth of a classical guitar. I've had to employ extra EQ into send/return loop to knock out both the high freq sibilance and bass cut in order to combat "proximity effect" caused by close miking a cardiod mic.
The AER's eq just wasn't beefy enough.
I didn't expect to have to engage in that extra hassle after paying top dollar for the amp.
To my surprise I find in your demo that the AER is having the opposite effect on the steel strings. To me it seemed to warm them up and add more body to their tone. The Fishman gave better definition or focus to the steel strings but less warmth. To my ear the opposite seems to occur for the nylon instruments. The caveat to my observations lies in the unknown factor your use of a dynamic mic may have introduced to the comparisions, as I've only used goose neck mounted lavalier condenser mics in my personal experience.
So I strongly suggest people use their ears to select an amp and don't allow pricing to unduly influence their perception of the sonic quality they seek.
Thank you. Great demo. When I started gigging solo I bought the Roland AC60 because it was stereo, and it has a lot more ins/outs, sub, mute etc. it is good, but it’s also heavy and doesn’t sound anywhere near as good as my new LoudBox mini. The LoudBox is light and really makes my Martin DC-Aura GT sing. Because I play in a lot of worship settings, I do miss the mute function. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
Generally with this type of comparison I am making comments about the cheaper product being good value for the money. However, I simply like the tone of the Mini better. I mean, it's definitely not a massive difference.
Thumbs up Fishman!!
Fisman has more top end clarity. Sounded like the AER needed more boost, tweaking to cut thru
Great review of the amps. I wish you could have used a nicer guitar like a Martin or Taylor to get the best sound. Gibson just makes lousy acoustics. Granted the J45 is their best guitar I’m just not a fan of Gibson. I’d love to hear a Martin like the HD28 etc. Maybe a higher end Taylor.
Great review none the less.
I have a Taylor 814ce and the original ES1 system was crap. They replaced it and I never bonded with the tone. I installed my own K&K pickup and big improvement. My Martin D18v is still better with a simple Fishman under saddle Martin Thinline piezo.
@@larrydering1598 yea Martin sound is much better to me now than Taylor. The 814 sure is nice though and the 414 sounds great but Martin reigns supreme to
Me now having 2. I sold my Taylor’s and just kept a mini.
Sounds like there is a compressor on the AER at the beginning of the video.
Thank you very nuch Sir.. ı think Fihman :)
I’d go with Fishman because need individual settings for mic than guitar
One thing that seldom (never?) gets tested is how an amp performs under live conditions in heavy-duty use. For example, I have owned a Fishman Loudbox mini charge for several years. It's a great amp BUT for one of my uses - street performing in a large open area at the volume I need - it won't even manage one hour of battery life (with a brand new battery). In fact, it starts distorting at around 30 minutes and is completely dead in an hour. OTOH, in a private party at a house - 30-40 people, it will perform perfectly for longer than I need it to.
OTOH, AER only states their Compact Mobile will manage 3-4 hours, which doesn't sound good compared to Fishman's claim of 8-10+ hours. BUT, the AER can produce the necessary volume in the setting I mentioned, above, and do it for the 3-4 hours they claim. SO...when someone says the AER is not a good value, I'd say that it depends on what you need from the amp. In my case, the AER is a much better value than the Fishman because the Fishman simply cannot do what I need it to do - play for 2-3 hours at fairly high volume.
SO...be sure you know what you NEED of an amp and then research to find out if it can deliver. Relying on opinions/tests of amps in a small room and evaluating performance is only useful if that's the way you plan to use it.
Good points here. Thanks for your comment, I think you put light on something that is important to consider. Just to mention it for others reading, the amps I tested in this video is older versions and not the "charge" version able to run on battery. Cheers, Thor
Have you considered replacing the terrible lead acid battery with a heavier duty Lithium battery? That will make a huge improvement. Also, if you are on the street, many will use the plug and a converter using a big old marine battery- just ground it correctly and do not even think about getting it wet or bad things will happen.
If you threw together a simple wooden open box, you would get more projection from your mini. The power is there but it bleeds out into the universe too quick. I would basically build a simple 3 or 4-sided folding box that extends out maybe 12"-16" or whatever length the wood comes in so you don't have to glue pieces to it. It will help with projecting the tone. Wood should be at least 1/2" thick and solid. It should fit tight against the amp as well. Ideally, it would be 4-sided with a back cover and all sealed up except for the front but then it starts to get bulky and heavy and less practical. Start with 3 sides and go from there.
For what it's worth (not much), I studied Electrical Engineering. Ultimately, you have to experiment and see what works- that is what engineers do too only they call it something technical and fancy like destructive and non-destructive testing. In medicine, they call it "clinical trials." It's just trial and error really. Many innovations came from non engineers anyway. People who just stumbled onto new things that just simply worked.
But this isn't the AER Compact Mobile, so not sure why you're comparing them. This also isn't the Fishman mini charge.
I just now heard this as I am looking for a good acoustic amp.
I'm not a professional audiophile, but been told I have a good ear what I can say is beautiful sounds just came through, both Gibson's and the amps with the Aer lower end a little brighter cleaner on the the Ibanez seemed like they reversed the low and bright with the fishman still slightly cleaner.
That 84 I think Ibanez was so beautiful sounding I was almost in tears.
So what ever I think everyone hears different things and thanks nature for us All being different.
Thank you for the best comparison I've ever heard and seen.
Thank you so much! That Ibanez guitar is really something else. You've inspired me to do a dedicated video on that guitar and give it some well deserved love. Cheers, Thor 😊
@@GUITARSGIZMOS
I Will definitely look forward to seeing and hearing that video.
Take care and have many more years that matter.
And music makes every day better.
Fishman is amazing and a far better value- and better to look at in your home as well. Just nicer. Pair it with a FM3 or FM9 for some effects and it is unbeatable. I use it with a studio monitor(s) for true stereo sound.
Hi Thore thank you very very much for a great test and playing!!! Can I also say than you very very much for saying which amp you where using each time you switched. I am non sighted and so many people do not say which product they are using so if you can not see the screen you have no idea they just switch or they say this one, this one, this one, and point thank you very very much!!!!!! Joe
So happy to hear it was helpful. Your comment about saying out loud what amp I'm using makes totally sense and I will keep your comment about mentioning what amp or gizmo I'm using in mind if I'm doing comparison in the future. All the best, Thor
Dang, the Fishman wins hands down!
The AER has a better truer acoustic sound, more rounded. The Fishman stills sounds good. Since AER is four times more expensive ... unless you have the money ... go with the Fishman.
Fishman for me
Think of the use of pan.potentiometer, so you can adjust the effects for each of the channels 1 and 2, so what you are telling here is not true
AER is made in Germany; Fishman made in China. I have the loud box artist - not happy with the quality especially the knobs. And the tolex started peeling and crumbling!
Regardless the amp you made each guitar sound like they wanted to sound.
I think the Fishman sounds more natural 🧐
Ho provato entrambi proprio dopo aver visto questo video ….
Se fosse così non ci sarebbe alcun motivo per spendere oltre il doppio dei soldi …
Purtroppo , durante la mia prova in negozio ho deciso di spendere il doppio
Del denaro perchè volevo portare a casa il miglior amplificatore possibile…
La prova è stata attenta ma la decisione è stata molto veloce a favore di AER compact 60 .
Provate con le vostre mani i prodotti da comprare …
Le variabili su you tube sono moltissime….
Non capisco il perché ma dal vivo il suono è nettamente migliore..
Ricordo a tutti che questo amplificatore ( AER 60 ) viene utilizzato dai migliori professionisti
In tutto il mondo
Fishman has better detailed highs.Aer is warmer sounding
Unjustified price difference. Acus Is the winner price and performance wise
AER more natural 👍👍
Fishman
Weird comparison. $500 amp vs $1200 amp.
Weird Is the performance of Fishman..giant killer
Y'en a un qui coute 1500$ pis l'autre 500$
Erm. Err. Errr. Erm. Errrmmm. Errr. Erm.
God so much babbling
Cut film and cut down the chatter
Yes, you are absolutely right. This youtube thing is really a learning process, and what you comment on is something I really keep a focus on nowadays. Hopefully I manage to get more to the point of what I want to convey these days. Thanks, Thor
i didn't perceive it in the same way.. the man made a good comparison imo
Fishman sounds tons better.