Home Page
BROWSE PRODUCTS
Accessories
Amplifiers
Basses:
Upright
Electric Upright
Bows, Rosin
Bridges
Audio Cables
Cases/Bags
Instructional Material
Parts for Repairs/Upgrades
Pickups/Mics For:
Upright Bass
Acoustic Guitar
Other Instruments
Preamps & Processors
Stands
Strings
Package Deals
609-624-1470
10am-6pm Eastern Time
or mail check/MO
INFO
Ordering FAQs
Contact Us
Product Manuals
Warranty Info
Who's Bob?
RESOURCES
Upright Bass FAQs
Double Bass Links
Luthier (repair) Directory
Join Our Mailing List
Bass Classified Ads
|
|
Amplifiers & Speakers:
Combo Amps
|
|
Acoustic Image Corus III Combo Amplifier - Guitar and Other Instruments |
 |
|
Manufactured by:
Acoustic Image
|
|
|
|
|
 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.
|
When first introduced, the Acoustic Image Contra Amplifier became one of the most exciting and innovative products for the acoustic instrument world in recent memory. The Coda R added a complete second channel and sophisticated digital effects processor. This brand-new model to the Acoustic Image line, the Corus, is specially tailored to the needs of guitarists and other instrumentalists who don't need the extended low range of the Contra and Coda R. It also works wonderfully with keyboards - check out this review (Dec 2008) from Keyboard Magazine!
  The Acoustic Image Corus bass amplification system was designed to accurately reproduce the sound of guitars and other stringed instruments like cello, violin/viola, harp, etc., as well as a long list of other instruments - using one small, easy-to-carry enclosure. Instruments with a stronger bass fundamental (acoustic-electric and upright bass, keyboards, electric piano, larger harps) would be better served by the lower-reaching sonic abilities of the Contra or Coda R.
The image to the right shows the speaker array, which shows the clever, compact design of this small, potent amp.
Like the popular Coda R, this unique amplification system continues to combine a state-of-the-art power amp and an acoustic instrument-optimized two-channel preamp section, with a downfiring ten-inch speaker, five-inch midrange, and switchable tweeter. Also like the Coda R, the Corus includes a digital effects processor with reverbs, delay, chorus, flange... All very useful effects for guitar, cello, mandolin, and more.
 The difference is the special design woofer, which replaces the standard subwoofer-style speaker in the Coda R. The Coda's woofer has been replaced with a more efficient one, and the crossover network is changed to accommodate the new woofer. The other speakers in the cabinet remain the same. The Corus sounds louder than the Coda R at a given level setting and it sounds more forward. The trade-off is slightly less bass response. It is designed to better match the needs for guitar and other instruments that occupy the sonic space above basses. Many keyboard/piano/organ players have found that they prefer the voice of the Corus to the Coda or Contra as well, despite the extended range of most keyboards. Frequency response: 60-16kHz (+/- 3 dB) versus 40-16kHz for the Coda R, and Efficiency: 93 dB/m versus 90 dB/m for the Coda R.
Ultimately, what you get -- as with all Acoustic Image combos -- is flat frequency response across the spectrum, with extended, tight, well-controlled natural low-range sound. But the Corus has a more "forward" and "direct" sound than the Contra and Coda R — all in a package that's about a foot tall and less than 20 pounds in weight! The high efficiency electrical output of the Acoustic Image 400-watt switching amplifier will provide enough SPL for a noisy club or big band setting. Add a second, matching Corus EX cabinet and the amp puts out 500w! And you can put them next to each other or spread your sound across the stage by setting them further apart.
 Acoustic Image was on my personal Bass Radar in the late 90's, when I first saw some buzz about this new down-firing 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 Contra was -- and still 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 instrument 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 4x12 half stack! Yes, it can get quite loud, but the wattage is there to ensure smooth, clean response. The wattage is there so the energy is available to cleanly handle those peaks and percussive attacks, rather than that "squashed" sort of attack many amps often deliver when they hit the wall.
And if the combo isn't quite what you're looking for, check out the Clarus and Focus Heads, which are the same preamp with two different power amplifiers - 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.
Features have been designed into the Corus 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 Corus EX 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, special design
- 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)
- Input and Master Level Controls
- 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
- Speaker switch to disconnect the internal speaker
- Two identical channels for any mix of instruments and microphones
- 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
- 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
- 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
|
$1,159.00
|
Additional Photos of this Product
Simply "mouse over" the small thumbnail image to see the full-sized version.
FAQs Associated With This Product
ACOUSTIC IMAGE COMBOS/SPEAKERS: What's the difference between the Contra, Coda, Corus and TEN²?
|
|
Acoustic Image Ten2 (2x10) Combo Amplifier
 The BRAND NEW Ten2 Combo is an amazingly compact 2x10 with 800 watts and a classic AI preamp...
• 800w • 17Hx15W (round) • less than 28 lbs.
$1,599.00
|
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
|
Acoustic Image Contra EX Series III Speaker Cabinet
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
|
|
|
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
|
Acoustic Image Coda R Combo Amplifier - Series III
The Acoustic Image Coda R adds a second channel and an effects module to the Contra, 400 watts all in a package that's about foot tall and less than 20 pounds in weight...
• 400w • 11.5Hx15W (round) • less than 20 lbs.
$1,159.00
|
Acoustic Image Deluxe Mooradian Case for Contra, Coda, Corus, EX, Ten2 models
MOORADIAN Custom PADDED CASE for the Series III Contra, Coda R, Corus and Contra EX/Corus EX. And the NEW version for the new Ten2!
From $125.00
|
|
|
H-Clamp Light Acoustic Guitar (and ABG) Microphone Mount
The H-Clamp is a very sophisticated adjustable instrument microphone mount. It places your favorite mic exactly where you want, for use both live and in the studio...
From $119.00
|
Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
|
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
|
|
Mark,
I received my Corus III amp yesterday. Everything was fine and the
amp arrived in good condition. I was able to try it out yesterday and
it seems to be fine... Overall, my
first impression is that I'm very satisfied with the amp and it is
just what I expected and should serve my needs very well. I plan to
do a review of this amp after I've used it for a period of time. I
plan to post my review at Harmony-Central. Sometimes these user
reviews can be helpful. I'll send you a copy of my review whenever I
post it.
Thanks for all your help. I appreciate the care in which you handled
my order, especially with the manufacturers delay. And by the way, I
love your slogan. Life really is too short for bad tone!
—Bryan C
|
|
Mark,
I wanted to email my appreciation of a recent experience with buying an Acoustic Image Corus III from Gollihur.
It’s great to find a highly reliable company, with personalized service and who is easy to work with for getting the most out of my new Corus III amp. After months of researching, evaluating many amps and digging through pages of specifications, think I finally found the perfect guitar/voice amp (or about as close as to perfect as can be). This amazing amp provides a well-beyond-excellent sound, simple-to-use controls and all in an extremely low weight package which makes it a snap to take along to any gig. Another surprising feature is the complete lack of background noise and hum, even when cranked to higher volume! All that plus Acoustic Image customer service responded quickly to my question on how to make a better external connection on their gear.
This amplifier (without a doubt) is the best damn guitar amplifier I’ve ever plugged my classic Guild (1974) twelve string into!! The listening result is a totally incredible experience, a very enjoyable sound and with a voice reproduction that is yet another completely unexpected bonus.
Many kudo’s to you and your company for providing such an excellent amplifier with superior customer service.
Please add me to your list of satisfied customers.
—Rich B
|
|
I had a chance to play the Corus on three public occasions – a solo guitar gig, a duet with a trumpet (muted and unmuted), and a full quintet (drums, bass, trumpet, sax, guitar). In all three situations the Corus more than did the trick. It cut through when it needed to, laid back when I wanted it to, and in all cases the tone was consistent and even. Even when I turned the amp down it still sounded great. When I put the amp up on its feet to allow the downfiring woofer to “breathe” the sound was incredible. I couldn’t believe how round and full the guitar sounded!
All in all, the Corus is a wonderful amplifier. If you are serious about your hobby or profession as a guitarist, this is the amp for you.
—Josh Sager (Jazz Guitarist)
|
|
(My new AI Corus amp) seriously rocks. I use it for keyboards, and the bass from my hammond patch was unreal. It turned the bass player's head.
You have a first class operation there, and I will refer friends to you.
—David B
|
|
Hello Mark and Bob, I received the amp today (Tuesday), so quickly it arrived! It is amazing, within 30 seconds I had it dialed in perfectly, it is the best sounding amp I have ever played through.
Thank you so much for being so helpful and only having the best equipment!
Follow-up, July 2010:
Dear Acoustic Image and Gollihur music,
you probably get tired of people telling you this, so forgive me if I get a little over-excited about my new AI Corus III. It is nothing short of amazing. I have used it now for 2 weeks under a variety of venues, volume levels, different instruments, mic channel, or pick- up, I am blown away each time I plug in, it sounds so natural I have to check if it's actually on, if I don't need a big volume, and then, when I do need the volume, it's there, and still sounds amazing... I don't know how else to say it but I got great service from Gollihur music and Acoustic Image people, you're all GREAT!!
Thank you, I am a happy, happy camper, and I will even go as far as to say, since I can hear every nuance of my instrument, I am actually playing better, more inspired, and as silly as it sounds, I am so proud of my sound that I am unafraid to try anything, in any dynamic range. (I play violin and viola.) What a freeing sensation!
Thanks, Thanks , Thanks, I'll try to contain myself!
—Eddie P (June & July 2010)
|
|
