The BOSS AC-22LX 10 Watt Acoustic and Vocal Amplifier is a specific type of amp. It is unique in a number of increasingly interesting ways. The amp itself functions as any other amp does, but beneath the hood, there are new and exciting things going on. But first, who is this amp for? It’s no performer amp. At only 10 watts there is not enough power to fill even a slightly busy coffee house. So then, this amp is for passion players. Players who tinker and play for their heart at home, or people with home studios where the quality and texture of the sound always takes priority over the volume. If you love to play acoustic guitar, love to rehearse at home and want to throw some analogue feeling onto your playing, then the BOSS is the way to do it.
One new feature that the AC-22LX brings to the party is an Air Feel dial. Air Feel relates to the flavour of the sound coming out of the amp. Switching it up can highlight different parts of your instrument's sound. The workings behind it are beyond my comprehension, but what they are emulating is differing mic positions. Want a more direct sound? Switch to A B. Want a sound that piques some interest, try for a weirder one like ORTF. The amp also allows you to do modern amp things. Knock up the reverb and kick on some chorus, connect a foot switch for on board looping. There’s a beat backing feature that will play beat loops in different styles for you to practice to. Of course, you can also record directly from the amp into a computer and monitor the amp directly with headphones if that suits your fancy.
The AC 22-LX is £359.00 on Andertons and Gear 4 Music, which is around the price that many other premium acoustic amps sit at. The question you have to ask yourself with this one is why are you getting an acoustic guitar amp? If you want one to further appreciate your guitars and their sound, to work on your playing and to have a tonne of fun — then there’s simply no beating the little BOSS. But if you’re looking to gig and push your playing into the wider world, then I’d suggest something with some more power to fill the room and raise the roof.