Carvin AG100D Acoustic Guitar Amp as FRFR + power amp?

  • I'm looking for an affordable amp for live use. I'd like to place it behind me like you'd do with regular guitar amp. It's 100 watts into its 8 ohm speaker. It has an effects loop, so I could bypass everything. Although, it has three inputs, two of which can be used with line level signals. It also can be used as a bass amp, acoustic amp, and mono keyboard amp. It's also pretty affordable at $400.


    Here are my needs: While I will be playing my Kemper direct in most instances, as I play about 100 church services a year, modern music. I would sometimes use the Carvin (or something else) to give me some stage volume, though we have an aviom system. However, one of our services is located in a different location for an audience of about 75. I currently use my amp un-miked. The drummer plays with hot rods on a fusion kit, bass guitar through a bass amp, and the only thing run through small portable PA is vocals and sometimes the Worship Pastors acoustic guitar. For this reason I wouldn't need a ridiculous amount of volume.


    However, I also play with a band that plays shows about once a month. Were a standard 5 piece: drums, bass, to elec guitars, vocals. We have our own PA so I can supplement my volume with our small PA. We also play some bars and other events where our amps are miked through the house PA. Some gigs we have had to not mic our cabs, and this is my only concern. Currently, my 50-watt Carvin Tube amp into a 2x12 cab has a ridiculous amount of volume, way more than I need. This is because our drummer isn't an animal and has a softer touch than most drummers. We make an effort to keep our volumes at a reasonable level, loud enough to sound full and powerful, but no more, as we often play in small bars whose patrons like the ability to talk. Would this amp give me an acceptable amount of volume and head room in these instances? I could also supplement my volume needs in these minority of occasions running a guitar amp (through the effects return). Also, I might buy a second AG100 down the road if I like the sound, but could use a touch more volume in these other gigs.


    So, I'm on a budget, not looking to spend much more than $400. I would also like the benefit of being able to sit the lunchbox kemper on top of the Carvin. Their color scheme matches as well. Seems like most FRFR powered monitors wouldn't be very suited to sit the Kemper on top, thus requiring me to bring along an amp-stand, which wouldn't be the end of the world. I've read some reviews that the AG100 used to have some quality control issues years ago, but have been ironed out. Otherwise the reviews for being a small PA, acoustic guitar amp, and useful bass amp have all been glowing. However, I find no reviews on how this thing would serve as a power amp+FRFR speaker for modelers like Kemper, Axefx, pod, and others.



    Any thoughts?

  • Oh it also has a horn tweeter and is a ported bass tuned enclosure, not a guitar speaker. also has 5 band eq, and the tweeter can be attenuated.
    Carvin's description:


    The AG100D 100 watt combo amp delivers full, pristine sound through a tuned-port full-range speaker enclosure. The 3 input channels are individually designed: one for guitar, one for bass, second guitar or other electric instrument, and one for mic, keyboards or other devices. Each channel has a separate volume and EQ (3-band active on Channel 1; 2-band active on Channel 2 & 3), while Channel 1 also features a MID sweep control. A 5 band master graphic EQ allows you to further tailor your sound. Channels 1's voicing is designed for standard electric or acoustic guitars while Channel 2 is suitable for bass guitar, a second guitar or similar instruments such as an electric mandolin, electric violin, etc. You can play bass and guitar simultaneously without degrading the guitar signal, and the bass tuned enclosure and high frequency tweeter, combined with 100 watts RMS of power, is ideal for acoustic or electric basses. Channel 3 will also accommodate line level signals from keyboards, tape decks, drum machines or a balanced microphone, and provides phantom power for condenser mics. Channel 1 & 2 have standard 1/4" phone jacks for electric instruments, and Channel 3 has a 1/4" phone jack for tape/CD players, drum machines, etc., as well as a balanced XLR mic input with phantom power, which makes the AG100D well suited for a "One-Man-Band" stage set-up.


    The AG100D also features 24-bit digital effects, allowing you to add echo, reverb, chorus and flange to each channel. Each channel has its own effect send level that will adjust the amount of signal sent to the effects processor. An external effects loop (1/4" in, 1/4" out) allows you to connect external effects.


    The rear panel features a jack for the optional FS22 footswitch, which allows you to remotely turn off or on the two assigned effects. A post-EQ stereo line out jack can be used for recording, as a direct feed to a mixer, or as a headphone jack. A 1/4" speaker extension jack allows you to connect an additional speaker such as the 112AG speaker enclosure. The tweeter L-Pad control allows you to reduce the tweeter level if distortion is heard at excessive volumes.


    Carvin's AG100D is the ideal solution for performers who don't always need a full PA system or multiple amplifiers, but want professional features and lots of power. Ideal for small clubs & coffee shops, rehearsal spaces and other areas where quick and easy setup and a small footprint are an advantage.
    - Power amp: 100 watts at 8 ohms— THD less than .03% @ 90% output
    - Freq. Response: 20 - 20 kHz
    - Speaker components: heavy duty 300 watt PS12 with horn tweeter and rear L-pad
    - Tuned bass reflex enclosure response: 48 Hz to 16 kHz designed for bass guitar
    - 3 Channels for acoustic guitar, bass and PA
    - Channel 1 for acoustic/electric guitar with Bass, Mid-Sweep, Treble, Effects controls & Acoustic/Electric EQ switch
    - Channel 2 for instr. or tape with Bass, Treble & Effects control
    - Channel 3 with XLR & 1/4" inputs for Mic & instr. with Bass, Treble & Effects controls
    - Phantom power on Channel 3 for use with condenser mics
    - Effects Loop (send & receive jacks)
    - DUAL Digital Effects Selectors and Parameters
    - Master Level control
    - Master 5 Band Graphic EQ @ 100, 250, 800, 6k & 12 kHz
    - Built-in insert for speaker stand
    - Forest Green covering
    - 90-260VAC 50-60Hz
    - Dimensions: 17" wide x 12" deep x 22" high
    - Weight: 35 lbs
    - Made in San Diego, California

  • I ran the KPA through my Schertler Unico yesterday. It sounded pretty good. Much more full than through my studio monitors.


    But, Schertler recommends not sending a distorted signal into it.


    It took some work to get the levels set correctly.