An all-in-one amp solution for singer-songwriters that makes a neat recording tool, the Live LT will cover you for open-mic night and beyond.
Pros
+
Bi-amp design makes for very impressive performance.
+
Tilt-back cabinet.
+
Quality effects.
+
Mic channel is natural and pro sounding.
Cons
-
Nothing here.
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Never before have I seen so many buskers burst into view than this past year. Social distancing and a lack of indoor venues have forced many a talented musician to literally take it to the streets, or perform at outdoor dining places.
If that’s your new normal, then portability and power should be your best friends when it comes to amplifying yourself.
The good news is the Boss Acoustic Singer Live LT meets the criteria for both, as well as being the most streamlined and affordable professional acoustic amplifier in Boss’s Acoustic Singer series.
With all the basic essentials and more, the Acoustic Singer Live LT will have you up and running in minutes. The Boss Acoustic Singer Live LT is rated at 60 watts and arrives in a compact tilt-back cabinet built for clarity and punch.
The amp’s highlight is its powerful bi-amp design, which means the custom-designed 6.5–inch woofer and dome tweeter are driven by two independent power amps for a far more optimized sound and efficient full-range response.
The guitar and mic channels come with discrete analog input circuitry and independent three-band EQs, an Acoustic Resonance switch on the guitar channel (for three types of acoustic tone sculpting), an Enhance effect on the mic channel (for fuller, well-defined vocal tones), phase switch and anti-feedback notch filter.
Onboard effects include delay/chorus on guitar channel, delay/echo on mic channel and independent reverb on both channels.
The loaded rear panel features an Aux input with level control for backing music, XLR DI jack and phones/recording output, USB audio interface for computer recording/playback and two input jacks to control guitar and mic effects (using optional footswitches).
I auditioned the Acoustic Singer Live LT at an intimate outdoor gig and found myself pleasantly surprised at how capable the amp handled the alfresco setting.
Setup was easy, and using my Taylor 12-string and Martin OM-28 I was able to quickly dial in a robust acoustic sound. I found the green setting on the Acoustic Resonance switch to have the smoothest voicing.
The chorus and delay have Boss’s top-notch quality tones and add great dimension if needed, but injecting reverb for colorful ambience is what I prefer.
Activating the Enhance function provides a wonderful silky sheen for vocals, and adding a splash of reverb gave it real depth. I had quite a few people compliment on the range and natural sound that the Acoustic Singer LT delivered.
One last thing to spotlight is the very handy USB out, where I could connect my computer (or compatible smart device) to real-time record my performance. Having that connectivity really elevates the Acoustic Singer LT from just a mere acoustic amp.
PRICE: $399 / £299
TYPE: Acoustic amp w/effects and mic channel
OUTPUT: 60W
DIMENSIONS: 300 (h) x 364 (w) x 271 (d)
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 10.2 / 22 lbs 8 oz
CABINET: Tilted
LOUDSPEAKERS: 1x Custom-designed 6.5-inch woofer and dome tweeter
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Delay/chorus effect on guitar channel, delay/echo effect on mic channel; Aux input with level control for backing music XLR DI jack and phones/recording output USB audio interface for computer recording/playback
Paul Riario has been the tech/gear editor and online video presence for Guitar World for over 25 years. Paul is one of the few gear editors who has actually played and owned nearly all the original gear that most guitarists wax poetically about, and has survived this long by knowing every useless musical tidbit of classic rock, new wave, hair metal, grunge, and alternative genres. When Paul is not riding his road bike at any given moment, he remains a working musician, playing in two bands called SuperTrans Am and Radio Nashville.
