Another small guitar/singer alternative?

[Woody Sound]

Looks interesting, but might be underpowered.

Positive Grid Spark EDGE Portable 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA Black | Guitar Center

[AllanAllen]

The reviews are not promising.

I'd really love something like this though. A guitar/vocal combo amp. If I could find something as loud as a BAM/Toob that can also run vocals. I'd cut my load in by 50%.

[Gitterbug]

A mini mixer with effects, like Yamaha MG06X or Soundcraft Notepad-8FX, is all you need ahead of the BAM-Metro combination. I use a pair of my Metro 6.5FR II full-range speakers hooked to an old Yamaha Stagepas mixer amp for a PA rig that weighs a fraction of the original and is actually louder.

[Ukena]

AA: I agree with Gitterbug – a small mixer is the answer. I am very happy with my Mackie MobileMix. It's not cheap, but it works with a small rechargeable USB battery that powers it for hours. I was in the market for a mixer that didn't need to be plugged in, and this fits the bill quite nicely. And the effects aren't bad. Plus, it has combo XLR inputs and phantom power.

It's so small and light it won't affect your load-in at all.

[GuyBoden]

I use the Allen & Heath Zed6 mixer. It has a great sound for the low cost. Very light, but robust.

ZED-6
Compact 6 Input Analogue Mixer


2 Mic/Line Inputs with XLR and TRS jack sockets
2 Stereo Inputs with TRS jack sockets
2 Hi-Z Instrument Inputs
2-band EQ and Low Cut Filter
XLR main outputs
48V Phantom Power for condenser mics

(The alternative Allen & Heath Zed6FX has reverb and effects.)
ZED Compact • Allen & Heath

[Woody Sound]

The reviews are not promising.

I'd really love something like this though. A guitar/vocal combo amp. If I could find something as loud as a BAM/Toob that can also run vocals. I'd cut my load in by 50%.

Here's their more robust version. "Spark LIVE" 150w. Would love to test one out.

Spark LIVE | 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA System | Positive Grid

[AllanAllen]

Here's their more robust version. "Spark LIVE" 150w. Would love to test one out.

Spark LIVE | 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA System | Positive Grid

Positive Grid Spark LIVE 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA System | Guitar Center

Reviews look a like better. Though, I’m in the same camp as the 1 star guy. I don’t want to need my phone to use my amp. YMMV.

[John A.]

If you’re looking for a small guitar/singer I really think Paul Simon can’t be beat.

[Woody Sound]

Positive Grid Spark LIVE 4-Channel Smart Amp & PA System | Guitar Center

Reviews look a like better. Though, I’m in the same camp as the 1 star guy. I don’t want to need my phone to use my amp. YMMV.

Yeah, I agree. I like the option of using the phone for some things, but not if it's a necessity.

[jads57]

How About Used?

Carvin Used Carvin AG1000 Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp | Musician's Friend

[rpjazzguitar]

The reviews are not promising.

I'd really love something like this though. A guitar/vocal combo amp. If I could find something as loud as a BAM/Toob that can also run vocals. I'd cut my load in by 50%.

I'm currently doing it with the JBL Compact One. 17 lbs.

Recently played a good sized restaurant. Maybe 100 people. I brought the JBL to be my guitar amp, but a problem with the PA resulted in the JBL being pressed into service for both guitar and vocals. It was loud enough, but without much volume to spare.

It contains a full featured 4 channel mixer which is controlled by a phone or Ipad. 6 band parametric EQ on each channel and 8 band on the Master. Reverb, chorus and delay with adjustable parameters. I agree with the poster who doesn't want to have to use his phone on a gig and I usually bring an actual mixer if I know the JBL will be used for vocals and guitar. I don't have to, but I like things to be very quick and easy to adjust on a gig.

Works great for Big Band.

There must be a reason more people don't do it. One guess is that people's prior experience with PA type gear with more limited EQ was not great. Another is that people can't get the sound they want, but, that depends on what you want. I get my sound, but mileage will vary.

One last point. The speakers face front and the back is closed. So, the dispersion is less than a Bose S1 which has speakers angled inside the box. And, if you put it in front of yourself you may need a monitor. My guitar won't feedback, but vocals will if you're not careful. No worries if it's just being a guitar amp, but if it's also amplifying vocals you need to consider the geometry of the bandstand. I have a regular gig with a cramped bandstand, which required some thought.

[Woody Sound]

How About Used?

Carvin Used Carvin AG1000 Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp | Musician's Friend

Those are nice, I had one, but pretty big and heavy.

[alltunes]

Guitar/Vocal Combo?

Bose S1Pro

The most used piece of gear I ever bought.

[Mick-7]

If you’re looking for a small guitar/singer I really think Paul Simon can’t be beat.

Those are nice, I had one, but pretty big and heavy.

I agree, not portable at all.

[SierraTango]

For many years I gigged with my Shertler Unico I bought new around 2004. Four channels-Mic, Piezo, Magnetic pickup and Line in. Around 28 lbs. 150W/30W biamped. It's a real workhorse. For larger or outdoor venues I used the Direct out to either the FOH or powered speakers. Mine's for sale in the FS section for $500. It's a great amp for the money.
I went with the EV Evolve 30 for larger venues and do enjoy being able to control the mix on my phone. However I still use the Schertler for smaller venues.