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Amplifiers & Speakers:
Combo Amps
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Coda R Combo Amplifier - Series III |
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Manufactured by:
Acoustic Image
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ALL Acoustic Image heads, cabs and combos are in stock. We will beat any price from any authorized dealer with stock. |
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 The Acoustic Image combos are some of the most exciting and innovative products for the Double Bass and acoustic instrument world in recent memory. The Series III update to the unique Coda R amplification system continues to combine a state-of-the-art power amp and an acoustic instrument-optimized preamp section, with a subwoofer style ten-inch speaker, five-inch midrange, and switchable tweeter. The effect and benefits are amazing!
What you get is flat frequency response across the spectrum, extended, tight, well-controlled natural bass sound, and omnidirectional output below 800 Hz (so you're heard, without monitors, all over the bandstand) — all in a package that's about foot tall and around 20 pounds in weight! In fact, the amp virtually disappears on stage leaving behind the natural sound of the bass - it's like having another double bass on stage along with you! The high efficiency electrical output of the Coda's 400-watt switching amplifier will provide enough SPL for a noisy club or big band setting.
I prefer the Acoustic Image gear due to their natural, uncolored response. I also like the down-firing woofer and how it affects sound distribution. I use Acoustic Image gear for most all of my URB and EUB gigs — what wins me over is, when teamed with a good pickup or mic, the amp tends to make my bass sound bigger rather than giving it a separate electric voice. I have been gigging Contras and Codas for almost ten years now, I actually owned one before I became a dealer. They have consistently improved with each new generation. — Bob
How loud is it? In order to have a compact enclosure while maintaining accurate reproduction across a broad spectrum of frequencies, a compromise was made in the absolute volume at which the Coda can play at the lowest frequencies. Even so, the high-efficiency output of the Coda's switching amplifier provides more than enough sound pressure level for reproducing instruments in a noisy club or a big band. Reaching the SPL required in a high volume rock club may require an extension cabinet or augmentation by a larger house system. Given that the Coda's first and foremost design goal is the accurate reproduction of bass, guitar and keyboard instruments, we believe this is a reasonable compromise.
Features have been designed into the newest Coda R to add flexibility for various playing situations. These include a parallel effects loop with a return level control, a selectable notch or high pass filter for feedback or “boominess” elimination and a balanced direct out with ground lift to allow connection to a mixing board for PA augmentation or recording. A redesigned built-in mechanism allows the cabinet to be tilted to better direct sound to the player’s listening position. A switch for dual voltage operation (115/230V, 50/60 Hz), a detachable power cord, and the cover with shoulder strap (included!) make the unit convenient for the traveling musician. Heavier duty all-encompassing carry bags and hard cases are also available. For larger venues, the Contra EX (Series III) extension cabinet is an ideal match. An 6-preset digital effects section and second channel is also built right in.
NEW: Included with the Contra, Contra EX, Corus and Coda R is a new dust cover with shoulder strap and accessory pocket.   This vinyl unit covers the top and sides of the cabinet, with strategically placed holes on the upper sides to allow access to the handles. The novel carry strap includes two pieces of material that loop around each handle so a pair of eyelets meet, connecting to the padded shoulder strap.
The photo at left shows it ready to be transported. A zippered pouch is provided to carry the power cable and other small items, shown in the photo to the right (without the carry strap). This light-duty cover will not shield the units from rain, and it does not cover the bottom of the cabinet; if you want a higher level of protection, see the hard and soft cases that are available below.
 The Acoustic Image Coda R bass amplification system was designed to accurately reproduce the sound of upright and electric bass, as well as a long list of other instruments, using one small, easy-to-carry enclosure.
The image to the right shows the speaker array, which shows the clever, compact design of this small, potent amp.
Features:
- Three-way Sealed Speaker System
- 10" Long-throw Low-frequency Woofer
- 5" High-frequency Driver
- 1" Tweeter (with On/Off Switch)
- 500-Watt "Digital" Power Amplifier, 500w @2 ohms, 400w @4 ohms (internal speaker is 4 ohms)
 higher power!
- Two identical channels for any mix of instruments and microphones using 1/4" or XLR inputs
- Input and Master Level Controls for each channel
- Mute Switch
- Three Band EQ (each channel):
- Bass Control: Shelving type, ±15 dB @ 60 Hz
- Mid Control: ±15 dB @ 650 kHz
- Treble Control: Shelving type, ±15 dB @ 10 kHz
- Switchable Notch/High Pass Filter
- Notch Filter: -12 dB sweepable from 30 to 700 Hz
Notch Control lets you reduce the volume of a single frequency to help fight a feedback or resonance problem
- High Pass Filter: -12 dB/octave sweepable from 30 to 700 Hz
The High Pass filter lets you reduce the response below a frequency of your choice, to fight the mud on boomy stages and in similar situations
- Six Digital Effects including three reverbs, one delay, one chorus, and one flanger using technology licensed from Alesis; Acoustic Image cherry-picked the best of the bunch and included them in the Series III models
- Separate Digital Effects in/out buttons for each channel
- Combination Jacks allow the use of a 1/4" or XLR input; input impedances are 1 megohm or 600 ohms based on jack chosen, separately buffered
- Separate Effects Loops via 1/4" phone jacks with Return Level Control for each channel
- Balanced XLR Line Output with Ground Lift
- PRE- or POST-effects switch XLR output
- Stereo Option: Channel 2 button allows you remove the second channel from this amp, to route it to second amplifier, for stereo use.
- AC Power On/Off switch with LED Indicator
- External Speaker Output (Neutrik Speakon), internal speaker is wired directly to the amplifier
- Detachable AC Input Connector with Built-in Fuse
- Dual voltage operation (115v/230v, 50/60 Hz) via external switch (comes with USA Cable; to use in other countries, you can source an IEC-C13 AC Cable, also commonly used for computer power supplies.)
- Lightweight- less than 20 lbs! with new Durable Molded Enclosure
- Molded Carry Handles
- Dust cover with cable pocket and shoulder strap included
- FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
Construction: The Series III combo models are lighter (weighing less than 20 lbs.!) and easier to handle due to the new injection molded cabinets with integrated handles. The Contra and Coda R combos now feature an internal speaker connection and a spring-loaded tilt leg mechanism, and include a cover with a power cord storage compartment and shoulder strap. These are the CAD drawings, photos are now shown on each page.
Power: The Contra, Coda, and Clarus models increased from 200w to 400w at 4 ohms. The Focus models went up from 600w to 800w at 4 ohms.
Features: There were some changes to heads and combos, they all now have: three-band EQ, mute switch, dual-purpose quarter-inch/XLR inputs, and pre and post EQ on the direct out. The two channel amps have separate notch/high pass filters, reverb plus other effects (chorus, flange, delay), and stereo capability (with satellite amp
14 Day Trial Period on Acoustic Image Clarus, Focus, Contra, Coda R, & Corus amps!
New owners have a fourteen day trial period during which they may return the amp in new condition for a full refund less my outgoing shipping cost. Returns must be preauthorized; restocking fee applies if unit is not returned in new condition. /R not included in offer.
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$1,289.00
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Additional Photos of this Product
Simply "mouse over" the small thumbnail image to see the full-sized version.
FAQs Associated With This Product
SPEAKON SPEAKER CONNECTORS: what are they and why are they used?
ACOUSTIC IMAGE COMBOS/SPEAKERS: What's the difference between the Contra, Coda, and Corus?
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Contra Bass Amp Combo Bass Amplifier - Series III
This latest update to the unique Acoustic Image Contra upright bass and other instrument amplification system continues to combine a state-of-the-art power amp and an acoustic instrument-optimized preamp section, with a subwoofer style ten-inch speaker, five-inch midrange, and switchable tweeter...
• 400w • 11.5Hx15W (round) • less than 20 lbs.
$1,049.00
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Contra EX Series III Speaker Cabinet (also for use with Coda R)
The Acoustic Image Contra EX is the same 3-way cabinet that is used for the Contra and Coda combo amps. It can be used as an extension cabinet for either, or as a compact cabinet...
• rated at 250w • 11.5Hx15W (round) • less than 20 lbs.
$459.00
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Corus III Guitar Combo Amplifier (and other instruments)
The new Corus amp, based on the Coda R, substitutes a woofer that is optimized for higher-pitched instruments. Two channels with effects...
• 400w • 11.5Hx15W (round) • less than 20 lbs.
$1,289.00
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Corus EX Series III Speaker Cabinet
The Acoustic Image Corus EX is the same 3-way cabinet that is used for the Corus combo amp. This compact speaker is optimized for guitar and other "non-bass" instruments......
• rated at 250w • 11.5Hx15W (round) • less than 20 lbs.
$459.00
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Hard Case for Series III Contra/Coda/Corus
The new Hard Case for the series III CodaR and Contra Combos. The solid, double-thick rotomolded case protects your investment and helps to keep it looking new...
$109.00
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Focus 2R amplifier - Acoustic Image Series III
The powerful Acoustic Image Focus 2R two-channel integrated amplifier can deliver the accurately sound of all acoustic and electric instruments as well as contribute a variety of effects...
• 400w/8ohms; 800w/4ohms; 1000w/2ohms; • 10Wx8Dx3.5H • less than 5 lbs.
$1,399.00
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Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
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Thanks Bob for the prompt delivery of the Coda III amp. Just as you said it was going to be. Have not stopped using it from day it arrived. All the new features are just great. I can not believe what a
good P A system It has become. I really like using the extra speaker and Coda III at the same time, really moves the air. Oh, my back likes it too!!! Thanks again for all your help over the years.
—Talmadge
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Just want you to know that I love the Coda. In combination with my new
Fishman Full Circle I get a really true sound. And the light weight is nice
on my bad back. So if you need any testimonials, here is one happy bassist.
—Donald M
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I've had 3 seasoned guitar players try the Coda R. They were very impressed with the tone and its small size. One plays a Les Paul Standard, another a Gibson - Country Gentleman and the 3rd a 1940's Kalamazoo Arch top. Two of them are seriously considering buying a Corus. The music shops in town didn't know about Acoustic image until I asked them for the amp about 4 months ago.
We vintage musicians tend to look more for ease of transport and the quality of sound. The fellow with the Les Paul uses a very heavy old Twin Reverb. He said that the Coda R's tone far surpasses the Fender amp.
My 4 string Precision and Samick 5 string electric fretless played through the Coda R sounds cleaner with richer under tones than with my Sunn tube Bass Amp with a 15' speaker bottom. I bought the Sunn during my high school days in the later 60's. It will continue to be an important part of my arsenal. I've used the Coda for all my gigs so far. The audiences numbered up to 100 people. Love it when I'm asked, "Where's your amp?" It sure sparked a lot of interest.
—Ray L
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BTW, I want to let you know I'm still extremely pleased with the AI Coda-R (sIII) and Contra EX I purchased from you. They have exceeded all expectations in both electric and acoustic applications. Other players that have shared a platform with me seem perplexed that my little AI rig sounds bigger than their 4x10 cabs! The omnidirectional output is almost mysterious--the bass is present everywhere, but not too loud anywhere!!! I can stand right next to my rig without earplugs.
I haven't had any difficulties re acoustics associated with the down-firing woofer. In fact, though the speaker response starts rolling off a little in the low 40s, the cab has much better, more solid response on the a low B string than my slave rig, which consists of a Crest Audio power amp and high quality reference quality speakers that are rated 5 db stronger at 31 HZ! Perhaps this is attributable to documented low frequency response improovements associated with the downfiring woofer configuration. The sound is also very well defined, never mushy. It seems this might be attributable to the sealed cab providing superior damping (???).
Anyway, tastes and preferences vary and other gear may be better for other people As for me, I am extremely grateful that after twenty years of buying and selling gear--always feeling a bit discouraged about the sound--I've finally found a rig that works in electric and acoustic applications, including slap bass. I'm also using it with mandolin, guitar and violin with good results. Please make sure to tell Rick that he's got some real fans out there!
As for you and your dad, bass players are lucky to have you guys! Thanks very much.
—Steve L
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Mark, Thank you so much for your kind and knowledgeable answers to all of my questions about the Acoustic Image amps. As a B3 and Rhodes player, I admit to being skeptical that the AI units could replace my Motion-Sound rig; I was wrong. I A-B'd both amps all weekend with all of my gear, and I'm keeping the Coda-R (btw, thank you for your generous try-return policy). The sonic clarity of the AI makes such a difference, I don't even miss the stereo spread of the MS amp. And, of course, you can't ignore the fun of gigging with an amp that looks like a portable radio, but knocks everybody's socks off when you turn it on. In a world of computer-voice phone menus, virtual marketplaces, and automated check-out, a merchant that actually talks to their customers - and clearly enjoys it -- earns my loyalty and word-of-mouth. Thank you for an exceptional buying experience.
—Brad K
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Hello Mark & Bob -
I wanted to take a second to thank you for the SPEEDY arrival
of my new amp. I was rehearsing with it in my studio ~24 hours later after ordering.
Talk about instant gratification! <g>
The amp is exactly as it was described on your site and other reviews.
"Acoustic Image" is a perfect name for it. My sound is natural but bigger -
much bigger if needed - and after 25+ years of wrestling with getting a good
sound from my Underwood, I have found it.
The Coda's arrival coincided with two upright gigs within a week or so: a jazz duo
in a small coffeehouse and a jazz concert in an auditorium.
I've experienced nothing in performance like the confidence I had
with the sound emanating from that impossibly tiny amp.
A friend who walked in late to the coffeehouse wondered if I was using an amp at all!
I filled the auditorium just fine. When the band got loud my sound was still
solid, and it mixed acoustically, once again, as if there were no amp.
I am a professional recording engineer as well, and I understand the technical
difficulties in using a high impedance pickup with the front end of most amps.
Not only is the sound smooth, but the bowed sound is even as well; I frequently solo
with the bow. I can now hear how full-range and sensitive the Underwood really is. In fact,
I had to reconfigure my bow quiver because the small squeaky noise it made
was now being amplified. The (small) midrange emphasis that is inherent with the Underwood
is now a good thing, keeping me audible when there is sonic competition.
(I use a custom Spirocore set; I have always liked the buzzy sustain.)
I have been keeping the tone controls flat, and use the high pass filter to trim just a hair of bottom end
depending on the resonance of the room. (Why don't these "hi-fi" amps have a tone
defeat like my stereo?)
A quick test with my Sadowsky Jazz showed it to be perfectly useable for low-volume
work. Great sound!
I intend to use the Coda - we are calling it "Wall-E" - to do some folkie
coffeehouse gigs in the future. My acoustic guitars - 6, 12 and classical - sound gorgeous
through the amp, and it handles vocals well.
I'm currently very excited about playing. Thanks again!
—Paul M
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