Orange Guitar Amps are instantly recognizable. Their vibrant orange Tolex, often described as onomatopoeic in its visual representation of the brand name, makes a bold statement on any stage. While frequently associated with heavier genres, the truth is orange guitar amps are incredibly versatile, capable of delivering exceptional sound across a wide spectrum of musical styles. The Orange Crush Acoustic 30 emphatically proves this point, showcasing the brand’s commitment to sonic quality and striking aesthetics in a compact acoustic amplifier. This amp, only Orange’s second venture into the acoustic realm, packs a surprising punch and offers battery operation for ultimate portability, letting you amplify your acoustic sound wherever you need to play.
Staying true to Orange’s celebrated visual heritage, the Crush Acoustic 30 is a beauty. It sports the signature orange Tolex, complemented by a classic tweed grille cloth and the iconic Orange coat-of-arms badge. For those seeking a more understated look, it’s also available in a black Tolex finish.
Despite its small footprint, the Crush Acoustic 30 feels robust and well-built, yet surprisingly light. While officially listed at 13.5 pounds, it feels even lighter in practice. A practical tilt-back design is integrated right out of the box, ensuring your sound is projected upwards for optimal monitoring and audience projection. The control panel features Orange’s signature hieroglyphic-style icons instead of traditional knob labels. While initially a touch cryptic, the layout becomes intuitive quickly. The amp offers two channels: one specifically tailored for guitar and another for a microphone or an additional instrument. Both channels are equipped with gain and EQ controls, with Channel 1 further offering a semi-parametric midrange control for detailed tonal shaping.
Dialing in the Tone
Testing with a Larrivée acoustic guitar plugged into Channel 1, and with the EQ initially set to neutral, the Crush Acoustic 30 delivered a focused sound that belied its small size. The tilt-back design effectively directs the sound, making it surprisingly present. Experimenting with the bass and treble knobs revealed their extensive range, allowing for significant tonal adjustments.
The “Colour” switch introduces another layer of tonal shaping, boosting both lows and highs while subtly scooping the midrange frequencies. While powerful, the Colour switch requires careful use when the EQ knobs are already boosted. At moderate bass and treble settings, it adds a brilliant sheen to the top end, enhancing the overall clarity. The semi-parametric midrange control is a standout feature, providing precise control over the mid frequencies. It allows for both subtle tweaks and dramatic tonal shifts, and crucially, can be used to effectively notch out problematic feedback frequencies, a common challenge with acoustic amplification.
Orange Crush Acoustic 30 control panel showcasing intuitive layout and signature hieroglyphics.
Built-in Effects and Versatility
The Crush Acoustic 30 includes built-in reverb and chorus effects, selectable independently for each channel or blended across both. While the choice between reverb and chorus is a limitation, both effects are of high quality. The reverb adds a pleasing sense of depth and space, while the chorus ranges from subtle and musical to a faster, Leslie-like swirl. Applying the chorus effect to the microphone channel opens up creative possibilities, such as achieving a cool, Beatles-esque vocal texture alongside a clean acoustic guitar sound.
The question of gigging suitability naturally arises with such a compact and portable amp. The Crush Acoustic 30 is capable for smaller, intimate settings. While Orange amps are renowned for their volume, 30 watts has its limits, particularly when amplifying both acoustic guitar and vocals, especially with backing tracks via the aux input. For quiet coffeehouse gigs or living room performances, it’s more than adequate. Busking on a noisy street might be pushing its limits in terms of sheer volume, though the battery operation is ideal for such scenarios. For larger gigs, the Crush Acoustic 30 excels as a personal monitor, with the XLR DI output allowing you to send a balanced signal to the main PA system.
In conclusion, the Orange Crush Acoustic 30 is a smart and stylish amplifier that delivers impressive sound and features in a small, portable package. While it may not be a powerhouse for large stages, its versatility, battery operation, and quality effects make it an invaluable tool for acoustic guitarists in a variety of playing situations.
SPECS
AMP Two-channel, 30 watts; one combo XLR/1/4″ input; one 1/4″ input; 3.5mm stereo in; 1/4″ l/r stereo in; XLR DI out; 1/4″ line out; effects send and return; Channel 1: Pad and Colour switches; bass, midrange, treble, and gain controls; Channel 2: phantom power and mic/line switches; bass, treble, and gain controls
SPEAKERS One 8″ Voice of the World
OTHER Reverb and chorus select knob with channel blend control; semiparametric Mid control; 12.75″ W x 9″ D x 1″ H; 13.5 lbs.
MADE IN UK
PRICE $399 street
Shop for the Orange Crush Acoustic 30 at these online retailers
Guitar Center logo for purchasing Orange Crush Acoustic 30.
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