Amplifiers & Speakers:  Combo Amps

Contra Bass Amp Combo Bass Amplifier - Series III

Manufactured by: Acoustic Image

The Acoustic Image Contra bass amplifier was one of the most exciting and innovative products for the Double Bass and acoustic instrument world in recent memory. This latest update to the unique 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!

Coda 2R shown in the photo, the Contra is identical except for control panel, shown in detail below. 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 less than 27 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 Contra's 450-watt switching amplifier will provide enough SPL for a noisy club or big band setting.

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 Contra and Coda can play at the lowest frequencies. Even so, the high-efficiency output of the Contra and 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 Contra and 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 Contra 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 a free cover with shoulder strap make the unit convenient for the traveling musician. Heavier duty all-encompassing carry bags and hard cases are available below. For larger venues, the Contra EX (Series III) extension cabinet is an ideal match. An 6-preset digital effects section and second channel is optional (Coda R).

NEW: Included with the Contra, Contra EX, 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 Contra 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!
• Input and Master Level Controls
• Mute Switch
• Three Band EQ:
  • 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
• 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
• Effects Loop via 1/4" phone jacks, with Return Level Control
• Balanced XLR Line Output with Ground Lift
• PRE- or POST-effects switch XLR output
• 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

Contra EX Speaker Cabinet (also for use with Coda R) Series III

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.

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.

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...

Focus 1 amplifier - Acoustic Image Series III

Hard to imagine, 1000 watts from a small box weighing less than five pounds! No, it's not magic, but it sure makes you wonder......
• 400w/8ohms; 500w/4ohms; 1000w/2ohms; • 10Wx8Dx3.5H • less than 5 lbs.

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; 500w/4ohms; 1000w/2ohms; • 10Wx8Dx3.5H • less than 5 lbs.