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Amplifiers & Speakers:
Combo Amps
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Acoustic Image Coda R Combo Amplifier - Series III |
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Manufactured by:
Acoustic Image
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For a clear matrix view of all the changes to the Acoustic Image product line, click here. |
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 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 -- NO QUESTIONS ASKED! -- for a full refund minus our outgoing shipping cost. Returns must be preauthorized; restocking fee applies if unit is not returned in new condition.
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 Acoustic Image was on my personal Bass Radar in the late 90's, when I first saw some buzz about this new down-firing bass amp. My first Contra arrived in 1999, and I took it to the NAMM 2000 show in Los Angeles, to demonstrate K&K Sound upright bass pickups in their booth. At one point guitarists Dieter of K&K and
borrowed it, to see how his acoustic guitar pickups sounded through it.
It took me six hours to wrestle it back from them. The Contra was that good. And now, along with its many siblings, it's even better.
 These combo amps were a real breakthrough when first developed by Dr. Rick Jones, a bass player (check out his CD at right for firm cred) as well as founder, and President of Acoustic Image, and they continue to get better with each generation.
The design and performance of the Acoustic Image Coda is quite revolutionary. The lowest bass frequencies are omnidirectional, and we all know our acoustic instruments do not radiate only in one direction — their sound moves about the room. The ten inch down-firing woofer in the Acoustic Image combos spreads that sound around naturally, as our ears might expect. But that's only one of the differences between it and other amps, and there is still plenty of definition, and it's not as annoyingly directional as so many other amps.
 These combos have a complement of drivers that results in a full range speaker cabinet. In addition to the woofer, you'll find both a five inch cone midrange and a dome tweeter, just as you'd expect to see in today's finest 3-way home stereo speaker systems. Plug your MP3 player in and be amazed at the result! Nice tight bass, real, uncolored sound.
The other key ingredient in Acoustic Image gear is the electronics. They have been designed to deliver the natural sound of your instrument, no artificial flavorings or colors. Please answer this question... do you want to hear your instrument or the amp??
Me, too. My specifications for an ideal sound is for a pickup/mic and amp to simply make my bass sound bigger.
 More Power!! (please insert your own Tim Allen Home Improvement TV show grunts) Yes, it can put out up to 400 watts. That said, the combos are not rock and roll amps — it's not going to compete with your 4x10! Yes, it can get quite loud, but the wattage is there to ensure smooth, clean response. Bass frequencies take a great deal more energy to produce that high frequencies, and the somewhat percussive nature of upright bass can be very demanding. The wattage is there so the energy is available to cleanly handle those peaks and percussive plucks, rather than that "squashed" sort of attack many bass amps often deliver when they hit the wall.
What about electric bass?? I have taken my Contra out with my five string (low B) fretless electric bass on rather enthusiastic gigs with a drummer. It does a wonderful job, but these are at moderate volumes and I'm not competing with a Fender Twin. One can get overexcited when reading "400 watts" — reality has to intervene, as it is a 10" speaker-based combo. However, I've also taken a Focus out on electric bass/classic rock gigs, driving a pair of Euphonic Audio Wizzy 10 cabs. It's a formidible yet very light and portable combination; lots of players gig Acoustic Image Clarus or Focus heads along with a more convenitional and efficient speaker cabinet. The heads are designed for flat and natural response - again, hear your instrument, not the amp.
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 can be heard, without monitors, all over the bandstand) — all in a package that's about foot tall and less than 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! 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. — Bob
Features have been designed into the series III Coda model to add flexibility for various playing situations. These include -- on each channel -- a parallel effects loop with a return level control, a selectable notch or high pass filter for feedback or “boominess” elimination (see explanation in features list below). Both channels have access to the 6-preset digital effects section (on the Coda R and Corus only). You also get 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. For larger venues, the Contra EX (Series III) extension cabinet is an ideal match.
Included with all of the Contra, Corus, Coda and EX models is a lightweight "dust cover" with shoulder strap and accessory pocket.   Made of lightweight vinyl, it covers the top and sides of the cabinet, with openings to allow access to the amplifier's integrated handles. It also comes with a carry strap which loops through the openings and the amp handles, allowing you to "shoulder" the amp. The cover is handy - it even has a small pocket for cables, tuners, and other small gigging accessories. But don't expect it to substitute for a case, as it offers only minimal "protection" from slight bumps and other minor hazards. If your gigging needs require something a little more protective, we have other options available separately. Check out the optional padded Mooradian case and the semi-hard case that may remind you of a heavier version of "clamshell" drum cases you've seen. Links to each case are in the Related Products, below.
The photo at left shows it with the cover on and carry strap ready for transporting. 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 unit from rain, and it does not cover the bottom of the cabinet.
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)
- 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
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$1,159.00
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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, Corus and TEN²?
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Acoustic Image 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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Acoustic Image Corus III Combo Amplifier - Guitar 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.
$1,159.00
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Acoustic Image 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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Acoustic Image Hard Case for Series III and + 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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Acoustic Image Deluxe Mooradian Case for Contra/Coda R/Corus and + Combos and Cabinets
MOORADIAN Custom PADDED CASE for the Series III Contra, Coda R, Corus and Contra EX/Corus EX.
$125.00
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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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Bob, this amp, the coda r is amazing. I am still working on the sound and experimenting with how this unit works. I am excited to take this on our gigs and perform, what a sound! That low cut filter seems to really control the amp at higher volumes along with the bass. Your comments paper is very helpful. Thanks again. Your 14 day trial gave me a piece of mind while I worked with this little monster!
—Chris F.
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