Comparison Orange Crush Mini vs Blackstar Fly 3

The diameter of the woofer or woofer installed in the combo amplifier. The specific value of this parameter may be different, depending on the number of lanes (see above). In three-way systems we are talking about bass dynamics, in two-way systems — about the dynamics responsible for low and medium frequencies; and if the amplifier does not have band separation, this paragraph indicates the diameter of the main radiator.

In general, the larger the radiator, the louder it can sound and the richer the bass from such a speaker is. At the same time, we note that the speaker diameter is selected by the manufacturer based on the power of the built-in amplifier and the expected sound volume. So the main indicator when choosing is still the rated power, and the size of the speaker is more of a reference value.

The number of channels provided in a combo amplifier or a separate “head” (see “Type”).

This parameter is specified only if the device has more than one channel. The channel in this case can be described as a kind of “path” for the audio signal, which has its own specific set of settings. If there are several such “paths,” then each of them can be configured at your discretion and you can switch between sound options with just one click of a button (in extreme cases, by switching the instrument to another input). The most typical example of using this function looks like this: one channel is used for clean sound, and the second is used for “overdrive” using the built-in distortion or overdrive (see “Effects”). Without channel separation, the sound would have to be changed either by reconfiguring the amplifier (setting the parameters again each time, which is simply inconvenient), or by using external “gadgets” (and this is not always the best option for a number of other reasons).

As for the number of channels, in multi-channel models there are most often just two of them - this gives the mentioned additional capabilities and at the same time does not particularly affect the cost of the device. This option is optimal for beginning musicians, but is also found in professional equipment. Increasing the number of channels makes it possible to provide more advanced options for preset settings (for example, “clean ringing”..., “clean warm”, “Crunch” and “Overdrive”), but it significantly complicates and increases the cost of the design. Therefore, the higher this number, the fewer models with such characteristics are presented on the market. The maximum value found in modern guitar amplifiers is 6; a similar amount can be found in individual professional models, mainly with a digital element base (see “Type”).

Built-in effects provided in the combo amplifier. You can also achieve various effects with the help of external “gadgets”, however, such gadgets need to be searched for and connected separately, while built-in effects are available immediately and without unnecessary settings.

— Overdrive. Distortion in the form of a characteristic electric guitar "buzz" at low frequencies and "howl" at high frequencies, a little softer than distortion. Popular, in particular, in hard rock.

— Distortion. Sufficiently hard and sharp distortion, similar in sound to overdrive, but more intense and brighter. It is widely used in various styles of metal, and is also found in rock.

— Reverb. An effect based on simulating multiple decaying echoes from each sound. Depending on the duration and intensity of repetitions, it can give the sound a different colour. Used as an artistic device; among other things, it can create the effect that the guitar sounds in a certain room (concert hall, room with stone walls, an open area in the mountains, etc.). Note that the reverberation can be adjusted both by individual parameters (intensity, echo duration, etc.), and by selecting a preset set of parameters (for example, “sharp sound in the room” or “soft sound in the hall”).

— Tremolo. Tremolo is basically a trembling effect that res...ults from small and quick fluctuations in the volume of each note. Sometimes this term means vibrato (see below) — to the point that the manufacturers of guitar amplifiers themselves mean the effect of vibrato by the tremolo effect, and vice versa. So the specifics of this effect in each case should be clarified separately. Anyway, the tremolo can be "fixed" or adjustable in depth (range of volume change) and speed (jitter frequency).

— Vibrato. Another effect of "jerking" sound, which is often confused with tremolo (see above) — to the point that both these terms are used as identical. However, this is not true; the difference lies in the fact that vibrato is carried out due to the rapid fluctuations of the note not in volume, but in frequency. A similar effect can be achieved on the guitar itself by "pulsating" the strings, but using the amplifier's built-in instrument is much more convenient in most cases.

— Chorus. An effect designed to simulate the choral sound of an instrument. To do this, the amplifier copies the sound of the guitar and plays several copies simultaneously with the original signal, slightly shifting them in time (about 20 – 30 ms with a constant change) and frequency. However it is impossible to achieve a full-fledged choral sound in this way, but the effect is quite original in itself.

— Delay. A specific type of reverb (see "Reverb") that has become widespread as a separate effect. Delay simulates a clear single echo from the sound being played; for this, the original signal is copied and reproduced with a certain time delay (at least 50 ms).

In addition to those described above, other effects can be found in modern guitar combo amplifiers, in particular:

— Flanger. The effect is reminiscent of the whistle of a jet engine; it is often compared to a plane taking off. It is created similarly to the Chorus described above, differs from it in a shorter delay time and the presence of feedback.

— echo. Another kind of reverb, similar to delay (see “Delay”). It differs in that in this case the echo is reproduced repeatedly.

— Octaver. An effect in which a copy of it is added to the signal, shifted by an octave or two.

— Wah wah. An effect that produces a characteristic "croak" sound.

Type of output (outputs) to the cabinet provided in the design of the device.

Let us remember that cabinets are specialized passive acoustics for guitar amplifiers; See "Type" for details. Accordingly, outputs to such acoustics, by definition, are available in almost all “heads” (see ibid.); The only exceptions are a few models that were originally intended for use with headphones and do not have full-fledged power amplifiers. In addition, this type of output is found in many full-fledged “combinations”, as well as some active cabinets. At the same time, the format of its use can be different: in some models, the external cabinet can work in parallel with the built-in speaker, in others you have to choose one thing. Be that as it may, this feature expands the capabilities of the combo amplifier, allowing it to be used not only with built-in acoustics, but also with other cabinets that have suitable characteristics.

In any case, the type of this output must match the type of input on the cabinet itself - otherwise the connection, at best, will require the use of an adapter, and at worst, it will be completely impossible. But here are the main options for such connectors that are relevant today:

— Jack (6.35 mm). One of the most popular connectors in modern audio equipment and the most common type of cabinet output in guitar amplifiers. This is due, in particular, to the fact that this connector is relativel...y small in size, and the cables for it are relatively inexpensive and are available everywhere. True, in a number of characteristics this interface is inferior to other standards described below. Thus, it does not provide a lock for additional fixation of the plug in the socket and is not suitable for high powers and currents (unlike Speakon). And a balanced connection (such as in XLR), although technically possible for Jack, is used extremely rarely in practice - guitar amplifiers and cabinets usually use two-pin connectors with a classic (unbalanced) connection. However, the need for more advanced connection options arises mainly in situations involving increased requirements for quality, power and/or noise immunity - in recording studios, large concert venues, etc. For other cases, the capabilities of this interface are usually more than enough.

- Speakon. A specialized professional connector for connecting passive acoustics, widely used in concert equipment. Provides very high-quality and tight contact, has a lock to prevent accidental disconnections, and is designed for higher currents (and, accordingly, powers) than XLR and especially Jack. In addition, Speakon sockets and plugs are also distinguished by high-quality insulation, which reliably protects live parts from moisture and human touch.
Note that such a connection can use a different number of contacts - 2, 4 or 8 (respectively, for one, two or four audio channels); however, the latter option is practically never found in guitar amplifiers. The connector itself has a round shape, with contacts located around the circumference; however, a 2-pin plug can work with a 4-pin socket, but not vice versa. It wouldn’t hurt to clarify the specific configuration of this output separately. However, in any case, the presence of Speakon is usually a sign of a powerful and advanced amplifier, designed primarily for concert use.

— XLR. A characteristic round connector with 3 contacts and a metal shell around them on the plug; such a shell is often supplemented with a lock, which additionally secures the plug in the socket. However, the main advantage of this interface is that XLR cables and connectors usually operate in the so-called balanced format. This connection format provides not two, but three wires - relatively speaking, two signal and one common “zero”; and the input signal is processed in such a way that noise induced on each wire from external sources is “out of phase” and cancels out each other. Thanks to this, a balanced connection allows you to transmit high-quality and pure analog audio signals even over long cable lengths. On the other hand, the connector itself is quite large in size, its presence inevitably affects the cost, and the real need for a balanced output to the cabinet does not arise very often. Therefore, this connector is not particularly popular.

— Jack/XLR. A combination of the two types of outputs described above in one amplifier. See above for details on each type; Let us note here that most often these are separate connectors, although another option is technically possible - a combined socket that allows the connection of both Jack and XLR. These nuances should be clarified separately. In any case, this combination makes the amplifier more versatile and means it has a balanced output (see “XLR” above); however, such versatility, as well as a balanced connection, are required in practice relatively rarely, which is why this combination has not become widespread.

— Speakon/Jack. Another combined option, which assumes the presence of the two types of outputs described above. It is slightly more popular than the Jack and XLR combination; We also note two more specific points. Firstly, in this case, different types of connectors are made exclusively in the form of separate sockets. Secondly, by the number of Jack outputs, you can determine the type of “speakon”: in this case, each 6.35 mm connector is responsible for one audio channel - accordingly, if there are two such outputs, then the only Speakon will also be two-channel (that is, four-pin).

The presence in the combo amplifier of autonomous power supply.

This feature allows you to use the device regardless of the outlets — for example, for outdoor performances. The source of autonomous power is most often replaceable batteries, for example, 6 AA cells; however, a built-in battery may also be provided. The first option is convenient because dead batteries can be quickly replaced with fresh ones, the second one is that the battery is initially supplied in the kit, and when it is discharged, it is enough to charge it, there is no need to spend money on buying new batteries.

Note that most self-powered models are relatively compact and low-power devices — powerful acoustics would require too expensive and bulky power supplies.