Players of acoustic instruments don't always need a lot of gear to get the sound they want: Effective EQ controls, a few effects, and most importantly a good connection to the rest of their equipment is all it really takes. The Acoustic Preamp from Harley Benton's Custom Line checks all of those boxes, making it the ideal device for musicians to always have with them. First and foremost, the Acoustic Preamp ensures that the signal from the electrified acoustic instrument reaches the next stage in the chain, whether it's an acoustic amplifier or a mixing desk connected via the XLR output. An effects section with chorus and reverb, controls for bass, treble, and gain, and a "Shape" switch are also on board, allowing musicians to sculpt their sound just how they want it. And Harley Benton has packed all of this into a highly compact package.
The Harley Benton Custom Line Acoustic Preamp is a compact, pedal-format preamplifier for electrified acoustic instruments (e.g. guitars, mandolins, violins, and cellos), which can be connected via the preamp's input jack. The two-band EQ section gives the player plenty of tonal flexibility, while the "Shape" switch provides that classic attenuation of the mids while simultaneously boosting the bass and treble frequencies. The chorus and reverb effects can be activated and deactivated via dedicated footswitches, and the phase switch inverts the signal phase, which is an effective tool for eliminating feedback in many situations. The Harley Benton Custom Line Acoustic Preamp also provides impressive connectivity: Alongside the 6.35mm input and output jacks, a line input and headphone output (both in 3.5mm mini-jack format) are provided in addition to a balanced DI output in XLR format. Power can be supplied by means of a 9V battery or an optional 9V adapter, the input for which is located on the pedal's rear side.
The Harley Benton Custom Line Acoustic Preamp can be used to enhance the sound of any acoustic instrument with a piezo pickup, since it optimises the signal from the instrument for further processing by the devices placed next in the signal chain. The "Shape" switch adds plenty of transparency and shimmer to the sound, which works particularly well when playing chord-based guitar or mandolin parts. When used live on stage, the Acoustic Preamp's effects and phase switch in turn also ensure a full sound and prevent feedback, respectively. The pedal's extreme portability means that players can have their sound with them wherever they go, so all that remains is to amplify the signal to sufficient volume. And as an added bonus, the line input allows MP3 tracks to be integrated, e.g. from a smartphone.
Since 1998, the Harley Benton brand has been catering for the needs of numerous guitarists and bassists. In addition to an extensive range of stringed instruments, Thomann's house brand also offers a wide choice of amplifiers, speakers, effect pedals, and other accessories. In total, the range includes over 1,500 products. Built by established names in the industry, all Harley Benton products combine quality and reliability at attractive and affordable prices. The continuous expansion of the range ensures that Harley Benton always provides new, exciting, and innovative products that keep players perfectly in tune with the musical world, day after day.
As described above, the Harley Benton Custom Line Acoustic Preamp is an excellent choice for live musicians looking for a universal signal processor for their acoustic instruments that provides the right connections to perfectly bridge the gap between instrument and amplifier or instrument and PA system. The Acoustic Preamp also comes into its own when used as a home practise amp, however: Alongside their instrument, the user can connect a pair of headphones and use the line input to play along to their favourite backing tracks while taking full advantage of the onboard effects.