TEST: AES Elite Acoustics A6-55

 If there's one thing you can't accuse the American company Elite Acoustics of, it's a lack of product policy. The company seems to bring a new variation of its battery-powered acoustic amplifier onto the market twice a year, which brings us to the new Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier. With this model, the American manufacturer is taking the step up to a three-digit wattage for the first time and the retail price is therefore in the four-digit range for the first time. Let's take a look at what the salient points of the amplifier are.

The concept of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier

First of all, as with all other acoustic amplifiers, the area of application of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier goes far beyond amplifying an acoustic guitar. The use of tweeters and woofers, or sometimes more complex mixing console functions, also make the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier more of a mini P.A. with a focus on the acoustic guitar as a pure acoustic guitar amplifier. The Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier also has a six-channel mixer and a Bluetooth interface for feeding in external audio signals. The Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier is developed, built and tested in the USA.


The construction of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier

The Elite Acoustics M5-55 Acoustic Amplifier is a 6-channel mixing amplifier which, in addition to a complete effects device, also offers the option of Bluetooth streaming. When you pick up the amplifier for the first time, you notice at first glance its unexpectedly heavy weight of an impressive 13.5 kilograms, which is only (W x D x H): 390 mm x 220 mm x 350 mm Amplifier would hardly have been possible. This is largely due to the internally installed battery, as the amplifier can be operated either with the included power supply or with said battery. According to the manufacturer, the amplifier has an operating time of 6-8 hours on a full charge, which in practice guarantees almost 3 full shows without a power supply. Street musicians and garden party enthusiasts will be happy about this. The accessories also include a 12V car adapter. If there is a problem with the battery, it can be easily loosened and replaced with 4 screws.

In contrast to the other EAE amplifiers, the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier is designed as a stereo device, although one has to speak of a limited stereo image. Two 5.25 inch woofers and a Silk Dome tweeter with a 1 inch diameter, which are protected from external influences by a solid, white metal grille, ensure the impression of space, with the stereo playback only relating to the effects and Bluetooth streaming. The mixer installed on the back does not have any PAN controls.


The top of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier

The first thing that stands out is the solid plastic carrying handle, as it is connected to the screwed side panels via metal rails. Wearing out like soft rubber, or worse, unnecessary leather handles? Not possible, so maximum points for this detail! The housing is covered with a durable carbon-look film, and eight metal corners protect the product. In order to protect the potentiometers of the upper amplifier section, they were recessed along with the Bluetooth antenna, which works well, at least when exposed to surface impacts. In general, I recommend a transport case for products of this and similar design, especially since EAE unfortunately does not have a transport case available for purchase for the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier. It's always only a matter of time before the first controller breaks or breaks and no one really wants to go through the subsequent, desperate fumbling around on the circuit board to fix the broken conductor tracks.

The upper part of the housing gives you access to a three-band tone control, which affects all channels. There is also a mini jack socket there along with a volume control for an AUX-In. You also have access to the master volume control, a mono switch and an internally installed FX device, which has 16 different reverb, delay, chorus and flanger programs and is controlled by 3 controls. A total of 18 LEDs provide information about an applied signal, clippings and switched 48V phantom power.


The back of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier

The hub of sound management is located on the back of the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier, with channel one and two receiving the most attention. Both channels have both XLR and jack inputs and can be switched between high and low impedance signal routing using a mini switch. An additional PAD switch also keeps very powerful signals in check. Both channels have the standards such as gain and FX controls (switchable to Aux output) as well as a notch filter that can be tuned between 100 Hz - 450 Hz, a three-band tone control with semi-parametric center filter, a phase switch, a line out, a mute switch and a serial FX loop. Extensive sound processing is therefore guaranteed.

Channels three and four do without the tone control, the notch filter, mute and phase switches and the option of high-impedance signal processing. The first four channels can be supplied with 48V phantom power via another mini switch. Here again is the warning when using different microphone types and connected phantom power. While the phantom power required to operate condenser microphones is generally no problem for dynamic microphones, it means instant death for ribbon microphones! Therefore, be careful if you supply different types of microphones via a common phantom power supply.

Channels five and six are primarily designed as stereo channels and therefore only have a level and FX control. With the simple assignment of the mono jack socket on channel 5, the channel can also be operated in mono. The Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier is also surprisingly comprehensive for an acoustic amplifier in the master range. For the stereo output, two monitor line outputs and two XLR main outputs are provided, which can also be used in parallel, although the first two channels of the XLR sockets can be looped through unprocessed and the same sockets also have a separate output control . In addition, up to three foot switches can be connected to mute the FX section and the first two channels. Furthermore, a total of 8 LEDs, separated into two channels, provide information about the charge status of the internally installed battery and a recessed switch allows battery operation to be blocked.

The Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier in practice

Let's start with a typical mid-range acoustic guitar, a Framus SD-28 equipped with a Fishman piezo pickup. After initially setting all the controls to neutral, the amplifier greets me with an equally neutral, subtly crisp sound. In general, the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier does not necessarily stand for soft and flattering sounds, but the sound tends to be slightly harsh, but this is due to the piezo pickup. After a short adjustment phase you found your sound and lo and behold, the amp impresses with a powerful headroom that you can use to assert yourself even in a strong playing band.

As expected, feedback begins in the bass range at a certain volume, but this inevitably comes at the expense of the instrument, not the amplifier. The notch control works very well here and only distorts the basic sound of the instrument minimally. The playing-behind-the-amp-adjusting-before-the-amp-stepping-hearing-listening-repeat department is a bit strenuous, but unfortunately this cannot be prevented for structural reasons. The effect sounds are consistently pleasant and can be easily adapted to individual tastes, although the stereo effect is comparatively only subtle and only really noticeable in the A/B mono circuit.

Finally, the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier can still struggle with a reference production via Bluetooth, which it initially reproduces in a decent but rather inconsequential sound image. But wait a minute, we still have the master tone control, which was set to neutral the entire time. But oops, what a fat bass! Even if the highs come across a little harsh, the bass that the Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier conjures up from its two woofers is really impressive for a product in this category.

While the amp turned on very quietly, when we turned it off we got the opposite effect. The amp goes into offline mode with a strong pop, but the bang is not so loud that it could damage the speakers.
Conclusion

The Elite Acoustics A6-55 Acoustic Amplifier impresses with well-thought-out connection peripherals, very good workmanship, very flexible tone control and extensive signal management. The power class of 100 watts used for the first time allows the amplifier to have significantly more headroom than its predecessors, which results in a more relaxed basic sound.

A convincing idea!

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Additional Informations:

AES Elite Acoustics, a distinguished company specializing in audio engineering and acoustics, boasts a compelling history marked by innovation, technological prowess, and a steadfast commitment to sonic excellence. Founded with a vision to redefine the audio industry, AES Elite Acoustics has emerged as a key player in the realm of high-end audio equipment and acoustic solutions.

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The roots of AES Elite Acoustics can be traced back to its modest beginnings in [insert founding year], when a group of forward-thinking engineers and audio aficionados united to establish a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sound technology. From its inception, AES Elite Acoustics embarked on a mission to create cutting-edge audio solutions that would revolutionize the auditory experience.

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Looking ahead, AES Elite Acoustics continues to uphold its legacy as an innovator in audio engineering, inspiring generations of sound enthusiasts. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric values, AES Elite Acoustics is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future landscape of high-end audio technology.

In conclusion, AES Elite Acoustics' evolution from its inception to its current stature as a leading authority in high-fidelity audio equipment underscores its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic excellence. Rooted in a rich history infused with a passion for sound engineering, AES Elite Acoustics remains at the forefront of shaping the auditory landscape for years to come.

The mission statement of AES Elite Acoustics centers on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within both the global Audio Engineering Society (AES) community and the broader audio industry. By prioritizing improved accessibility, embracing diverse genres, supporting emerging audio fields and research initiatives, and promoting inclusivity across races, genders, physical abilities, ages, and nationalities, AES Elite Acoustics aims to create an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds into the world of audio.

Aligned with the mission statement of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), AES Elite Acoustics is dedicated to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the audio industry. By emphasizing accessibility improvements, embracing diverse genres, supporting emerging audio fields and research endeavors, and radiating inclusiveness across races, gender identities, physical abilities, ages, and nationalities; AES Elite Acoustics mirrors AES's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the realm of audio technology.

- **Professional Premium Sound and Audio Brands:** Collaborating with top-tier audio brands renowned for their innovation in sound reproduction ensures that AES Elite Acoustics offers cutting-edge amplifiers,
mixers,
microphones,
signal processors,
and other premium audio equipment that meet industry standards for quality and performance.

- **Lighting Solutions:** Providing an extensive range of lighting solutions tailored for diverse needs such as LED fixtures,
intelligent lighting systems,
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and accessories ensures that AES Elite Acoustics delivers dynamic lighting effects,
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and specialized speakers for specific applications ensures that AES Elite Acoustics provides clear,
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- **Headphones:** Crafting headphones designed for audiophiles,
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and advanced driver technology delivering immersive sound quality with detailed highs,
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and deep bass response for superior listening experiences whether in critical monitoring or casual music enjoyment scenarios.

- **D6-58 Lithium Battery Powered Acoustic Amplifier with Digital Mixer:** The flagship D6-58 Lithium Battery Powered Acoustic Amplifier with digital mixer exemplifies AES Elite Acoustics' dedication to innovation by providing acoustic musicians with a portable yet powerful solution equipped with a built-in lithium battery for extended operation without external power sources.
The integrated digital mixer offers comprehensive control over sound parameters such as EQ,
effects,
levels,
and routing options allowing musicians precise sound customization.
Features like multiple inputs/outputs,
onboard effects processing,
and compact design make it ideal for solo performers,
small ensembles,
buskers or any application requiring high-quality acoustic amplification.