Sing it Loud With the Best Amp for Vocals
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best amp for vocals for your budget and situation, along with our Top 4 recommendations!
Using an amp for vocals can be a great way to increase the volume, clarity, and richness of one's voice. It can also help to accentuate the unique sonic characteristics of a singer's voice.
What exactly is a vocal amp?
A vocal amp is an electronic device that increases the volume of an audio signal from a microphone or other instrument, allowing it to be heard more clearly.
Vocal amps generally consist of a preamplifier and a power amplifier, both of which boost the signal level.
Vocal Amp Buyer's Guide
When it comes to choosing a vocal amp, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind...
First, the power output of an amplifier should be sufficient enough for your needs and the size of the venue you plan to use it in.
If you're looking for an amp for small-scale performances, then something with lower wattage is usually best.
However, if you are playing larger venues or open-air events, then look for something with higher wattage.
It's also important to factor in portability when shopping around as this will determine how easy it is to transport the vocal amplifier from venue to venue.
If portability is a concern, then some models offer lighter frames and other features that make them easier to carry such as handles or wheels on the bottom.
Finally, pay attention to additional features such as preamp outputs, speaker jacks, multiple guitar channels, EQ controls, or built-in effects that could give you more flexibility when using multiple speakers or recording setups.
Many of the best vocal amps come with these kinds of extras that you might not find on cheaper amps, and can provide better sound control and greater versatility overall.
When all is said and done, whatever amp you choose should suit your requirements both sonically and functionally, so make sure you evaluate your options carefully before committing.
In this article, we've covered the best vocal amps available today to get you started on your search.
Pignose 7-100TW Special Edition, Tweed Cover
Why it Rocks
The Pignose 7-100TW is a special edition portable guitar amplifier that pays homage to five distinguished decades of the innovative and legendary Pignose brand.
This model offers an exceptionally distinctive and versatile tonal palette for vocalists and guitarists, with the ability to produce everything from pristine cleans to raucous grind using the single, user-friendly volume control knob.
Weighing in at a mere 6 pounds, the Pignose 7-100TW is the epitome of portability, thanks to its compact design and guitar strap buttons.
Players can effortlessly attach a standard guitar strap and sling the amplifier over their shoulder, ensuring unparalleled ease of transport for impromptu jam sessions, busking excursions, and beyond.
The amplifier is dual-powered, offering the flexibility of running on 6 AA batteries or utilizing AC power (note: AC adapter is not included).
This design decision further enhances the on-the-go versatility that has become synonymous with the Pignose brand.
In regard to audio output, users have a plethora of options. Primarily, they can take full advantage of the built-in 5-inch speaker for practicing or small performances.
Alternatively, the preamp output allows users to connect the Pignose 7-100TW to a larger amplifier, front of house, or recording console - in essence, utilizing the Pignose as a powerful and unique distortion box.
This versatility makes the unit a perfect companion for both bedroom practice and studio recording sessions.
The Pignose 7-100TW's hinged case is not only designed for effortless storage and transport but also serves a crucial function in shaping the amplifier's tonal characteristics.
By varying the opening angle of the case, users can experiment with differing levels of openness, resulting in a wide range of tonal possibilities that can cater to the most discerning of ears.
What Else
Aesthetically, the Pignose 7-100TW graciously embraces its heritage, adorned in the classic tweed material that has been a staple of the brand since its inception.
This nod to tradition not only carries historical significance but also ensures that the amplifier will remain a stunning visual centerpiece amidst any guitarist's gear collection.
The Pignose 7-100TW is an extraordinary portable amp that seamlessly bridges the gap between past and present, providing exceptional tonal capabilities and versatility in a compact, ingenious design, and is the best vocal amplifier for those on a budget.
Roland CUBE Street EX 4-Channel 50-Watt Battery Powered Amplifier
Why it Rocks
The Roland CUBE Street EX is a highly versatile and portable amplification system designed for both musicians and performers in various applications, such as live stage performances, busking, and rehearsal sessions.
Featuring 50 watts of power and a stereo speaker system with dual woofers and tweeters, the CUBE Street EX is engineered to deliver clean and punchy sound that can entertain larger crowds with ease.
One of the key features of the CUBE Street EX is its angled back design, which allows it to be used as a stage monitor.
Additionally, the mounting hole is compatible with the optional ST-A95 speaker stand, providing various setup options for performers. In both AC and battery-powered modes, the CUBE Street EX ensures consistent performance, making it ideal for musicians on the go.
Equipped with four independent channels, the Roland CUBE Street EX allows for easy connection of various mics, instruments, and audio devices. Its dual XLR inputs make it possible for two vocalists to perform simultaneously.
Furthermore, onboard COSM technology provides a range of tones, including Clean, Crunch, and Lead.
The preamp integrated into the CUBE Street EX ensures a natural and clean sound, showcasing the full potential of both vocals and instruments alike.
Designed with the performer in mind, the CUBE Street EX offers user-friendly controls and features. Separate EQ and reverb controls enable detailed sound adjustment, while the COSM amps allow for the swift dialing-in of ideal guitar tones.
The selectable power mode enables the user to switch between full output and Eco mode with reduced battery consumption, ensuring optimal performance even when battery levels are low. The i-CUBE LINK feature allows users to effortlessly connect an iPhone or iPad, enabling them to play backing music and even record themselves.
What Else
For those requiring even more sound coverage, two CUBE Street EX units can be linked together, effectively doubling the output power and creating a wider sonic spread.
This expandability makes the CUBE Street EX a valuable investment for musicians looking to grow and take full advantage of this amplification system.
The Roland CUBE Street EX is a professional, high-quality amplification solution that caters to a variety of performance needs, boasting impressive power output, versatile connectivity options, and user-friendly controls.
Its portability and expandability make it an ideal choice for musicians and performers seeking an adaptable and reliable system for various gig and practice environments.
BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT Guitar Amp
Why it Rocks
This powerful 60-watt acoustic amplifier combines premium sound quality, advanced features, and excellent performance to create a complete solution for guitarists and vocalists alike. Designed for those who require superior clarity, tone, and versatility, the Live LT is your ideal companion for stage performances, studio sessions, and even home practice.
One of the core innovations of the Live LT is its bi-amp design, which employs a custom-designed 6.5-inch woofer and dome tweeter.
This powerful combination ensures optimal frequency response, delivering rich low-end, crisp highs, and smooth midrange.
The result is a sound reproduction that remains loyal to the natural tones of your instrument and voice, making every performance an exhilarating experience.
The Acoustic Singer features separate channels for guitar and microphone inputs, each with their own discrete analog input electronics and independent three-band EQs, allowing for precise control over the tone and character of both your instrument and your voice, ensuring that your sound remains balanced and complementary on stage or in the studio.
One of the standout features of the guitar channel is the Acoustic Resonance function, which offers three different types to choose from.
This innovative enhancement restores the natural warmth and resonance often lost when using piezo pickup-equipped guitars, resulting in a more authentic acoustic sound that stands out in the mix.
For vocalists, the mic channel features an Enhance effect, which adds depth and definition to your vocal tones, making them fuller and more vibrant. This is especially beneficial during live performances, where clarity and presence are crucial.
In addition to the tone shaping capabilities, the Acoustic Singer also includes onboard effects for both guitar and microphone channels.
The guitar channel features a delay/chorus effect for creating lush, textured soundscapes, while the mic channel allows for delay/echo effects for enhancing vocal performances.
Independent reverb is available on both channels, adding a sense of depth and space to your sound.
Fast feedback suppression is achieved through an intuitive phase switch and notch filter, allowing you to quickly and easily combat undesirable frequencies, making it an indispensable tool for live performers.
The tilt-back cabinet design of the Acoustic Singer ensures maximum sound projection, allowing your music to reach every corner of the room. This makes it perfect for intimate stage performances and larger venues alike.
What Else
For added convenience, the Live LT is equipped with an Aux input with level control for connecting backing tracks from external music sources, such as an MP3 player or a sequencer.
An XLR DI jack is available for connecting directly to a PA system or mixing console, while the dedicated phones/recording output provides an effortless solution for silent practice or recording your performances at home or in the studio.
The Live LT represents the epitome of leading-edge acoustic amplification technology, offering unparalleled performance, sound quality, and versatility for guitarists and vocalists.
Samson Expedition XP106w Rechargeable Portable PA System
Why it Rocks
The Samson Expedition XP106w is an all-in-one, battery powered portable PA system designed to provide a big, dynamic sound. It features a 100-watt onboard amplifier and comes with a 6" woofer and 1" high frequency driver for superior audio quality.
With its four-channel mixer, users have the flexibility to connect a microphone, musical instrument (such as a guitar or keyboard), aux line level device (like an mp3 player or mobile phone), and wireless mic.
The Samson XPD1 USB Digital Wireless System is included with the XP106w, providing users the freedom to move around up to 100' away during their performance without any cords.
The internal rechargeable battery offers up to 20 hours of non-stop play time and Bluetooth connectivity lets users stream audio wirelessly from any compatible device.
A Music/Speech EQ switch is included for optimizing output for either music or speech, ensuring your audio always sounds its best.
What Else
Weighing only 16lb, the light weight and portability of this system make it perfect for DJs on the go or band practice sessions in small venues.
With its versatile range of inputs and high quality sound output, the Samson Expedition XP106w is an ideal solution for those looking for an all-in-one PA system that can travel with ease.
It's also an excellent value at its current price point, and ultimately is our favorite means to project vocals that we've found.
FAQs About the Best Vocal Amps
How does an amplifier for vocals work?
An amplifier for vocals takes in an audio signal from a microphone or other sound source and uses circuitry to increase its amplitude.
This amplified signal is then sent to speakers or other amplifying devices. The use of specialized components, such as vacuum tubes or transistors, allows the user to adjust the frequency characteristics and tonal qualities of the amplified sound.
What types of amps are available for vocalists?
There are three main types of amps for vocalists: solid-state amplifiers, tube amplifiers and digital modeling amplifiers.
Solid-state amplifiers are usually less expensive than tube and digital models, but may produce less natural-sounding tones.
Tube amplifiers produce warmer sounds due to their internal components and have typically been favored by professional musicians over solid-state models.
Digital modeling amps simulate the sounds produced by different tube amps with more accuracy than those produced by solid-state models.
How do I choose the right amp for my voice?
Choosing the right amp depends on your own personal preference and needs as a vocalist. Consider factors such as cost, portability, audio quality and features when selecting an amp that best suits your needs.
If you’re playing in a live setting or recording in studio often, consider spending more money on higher quality equipment that will provide better quality and reliability over time.
What should I look out for when buying an amp for vocals?
Look out for features such as low noise levels, EQ controls (such as treble/bass/midrange), reverb effects (if desired), phantom power (for condenser microphones) and good headroom (the ability to reproduce loud sounds without distortion).
Additionally, pay attention to input connectors; make sure they will accept all inputs from your microphone or other instruments.
If you're also a guitar player, consider if you'd want two channels, one vocal and one guitar channel.
Do I need special cables when connecting my amp to a mixer?
Yes, you need special cables designed specifically for connecting amps with mixers; these are called balanced XLR cables.
Be sure to use high quality cables with low resistance – this will ensure good signal transfer between devices without any distortion or interference caused by lower quality cable construction materials.
How should I set up my amp if I'm performing on stage?
Assuming you aren't using a wireless system, make sure that all cables are securely connected to both your amp and your mixer before starting up your setup - this will help prevent unwanted hums or buzzing noises during performance.
Place your amplifier in close proximity to any instruments you’re playing alongside it - this will prevent any feedback created by sound waves traveling between them cancelling each other out overly producing certain frequencies within the mix.
You may also want to find space for one or two monitors near you so that you can hear yourself better on stage while singing/performing – these should be pointed towards you but away from any audience members so as not cause too much distraction from their perspective.
Does using multiple microphones increase output volume significantly?
Using multiple microphones can increase output volume slightly but not significantly enough that it would require additional amplification beyond what is already provided by most modern amps designed specifically for singers/vocalists; however doing so can improve overall clarity within mixes containing multiple instruments/voices when used in combination with proper EQ settings/adjustments per microphone.
Are there any tips & tricks I should know about using amps specifically designed for vocals?
Yes – experimenting with different settings is key! Start off with some basic EQing such as adjusting treble & bass levels according to what type of music/style you’re performing – this can help give your vocal lines some extra character & definition when mixed into larger tracks alongside drums, guitars, etc.
Additionally, using subtle amounts of reverb & delay effects can make things sound more natural whilst adding depth & space without making them overly muddy sounding.
Are there any health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high volumes coming from vocal amps?
Prolonged exposure at excessively high volumes (especially in close proximity), even if coming from vocal amplifiers specifically designed for singers/vocalists can potentially damage hearing over time; always make sure that both yourself & anyone nearby is wearing ear protection whenever possible!
Summary of the Best Vocal Amps
Hopefully this article has given you some ideas - just to recap, here are our favorite vocal amps:
Best Budget Option: Pignose 7-100TW Special Edition, Tweed
Best for Busking: Roland CUBE Street EX 4-Channel 50-Watt
Best for Effects: BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT Guitar Amp
Best Overall: Samson Expedition XP106w Portable PA System
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’!
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