TEST: Elite Acoustics A4 BR8-8

 Well, the extent to which the sound quality of combo amplifiers has improved or deteriorated in the last few decades is the perfect starting point for a never-ending discussion at all levels of knowledge and taste. However, the extent to which the flexibility of some combo amplifiers has improved or deteriorated is not discussed for a very simple reason. She has improved almost without exception.

There are now mini and micro P.A.s on the market in the sound reinforcement sector, which would never have existed in this form without the introduction of Class D power amplifier technology. In addition to the fact that these types of amplifiers enable all types of microphones and aux signals, i.e. frequent broadband transmission, they are also very suitable for the transmission of acoustic guitars that have a pickup system. Or the other way around, an acoustic guitar amplifier that can also handle microphone signals.

The Elite Acoustics A4-8 is just such a system, which also has a lithium-ion battery, which makes it independent of the power grid. What does it say on the back, “Designed, assembled and tested in California, USA”? That's what I call a surprise.

construction

The Elite Acoustics A4-8 is a four-channel, portable mini PA that also has Bluetooth and a built-in 16-way MultiFX device. The system has an 8 inch woofer and a 1 inch driver with a total output of 40 watts, with the housing being designed as a bass reflex system.

With dimensions (W x D x H): 260 mm x 277 mm x 417 mm and a weight of 12.7 kilograms, the product can only be described as very handy. A 35 mm flange is also installed on the underside of the housing for high stand operation. As a special feature, the Elite Acoustics A4-8 has a lithium-ion battery, which, according to the manufacturer, guarantees an operating time of 6-8 hours and informs the user about the charging status using a four-digit display on the back of the housing.

To charge the system, the amplifier comes with a 12V DC power supply, a power cable and a DC cable for the car adapter. From a technical point of view, everything is very clean and the colors are tasteful.

Conception

If the term wasn't as absurd as a local politician trying to get votes, the amplifier would clearly have to be given to the target group "sole entertainer", although this does not mean the greasy keyboard uncle with a built-in MP3 player in order to disguise the lack of technical skills. Rather, this is a system in which several signals can be managed in parallel, with a latent singer/songwriter bias.

For example, you can easily connect an acoustic guitar, a vocal microphone and a stereo keyboard or a drum machine. In order to play along with a finished playback, there is also an AUX-In in the form of a 3.5 mm mini jack socket and the aforementioned Bluetooth player, which has been equipped with a bendable antenna to improve its reception performance. A USB charging plug for the respective player or smartphone was also installed.

Channel 1 immediately reveals itself as the “guitar channel” as it has a three-band tone control and a tunable notch filter (100 - 450 Hz, +/- 10 dB) with which you can tackle persistently rising drone frequencies. An XLR and a jack input are available as inputs, a gain control manages the catch-up amplifier, as well as an FX control and three pressure switches (PAD, mute and phase). Channel 2 is designed identically except for the notch control. Channel 3 only has a gain control, an FX control and 2 TRS inputs.

In order to loop the signals through to a larger system, the Elite Acoustics A4-8 has a total of 3 outputs, and 3 foot switches can also be connected. Finally, there is a three-band sum EQ, master volume, switchable 48V phantom power and the 16-way FX with the most important reverb, delay, flanger and chorus functions.
Practice

First, get a Bluetooth player. To pair, you should use the manual, after which everything works automatically. The basic sound of the Elite Acoustics A4-8 is pleasantly balanced, not too sharp and not too dull. Fortunately, Elite Acoustics has not copied the mistake of many competitors who try to get a high bass response out of a small cabinet. It usually sounds borderline and would be counterproductive on an acoustic guitar anyway.

The sound of an acoustic guitar is also transmitted very well, especially since you have several options to influence the sound of the instrument. The same applies to the microphone transmission, good voice transmission and a balanced vocal sound.

As expected, the 40 watts provided cannot provide sound for a club, but are definitely enough to create a strong accent in the pedestrian zone or pub.


Conclusion

The Elite Acoustics A4-8 is a very good tool for the self-sufficient singer/songwriter. Equipped with a powerful battery, the portable amplifier transmits up to 4 independent sound sources in very good quality.

The product, manufactured in the USA, impresses with a coherent concept and has the right input for a wide range of uses.

We recommend!

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Additional Informations:

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