Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP Forest Green

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

A great amp. I run my acoustic guitar and vocals through it. At over 50 pounds, it is currently the heaviest piece of equipment I own and you realize that at the end of a long night. There are lower powered, lighter models in this same line and they also seem to be of good value. But I preferred the richer tone of the CA120DG Durango with its 120 watts and larger speaker.
Seperate channel EQs are nice. Would have preferred a little more flexibility with effects and more control over external speaker signal, e.g. a way to adjust volume and EQ. (There is a line out so you can run another powered speaker at least). Also, I'm constantly worried about busting off the "Line Out" knob on the back when carrying or transporting the speaker because it is somewhat exposed. A lower profile on that would help.
Used it for 2 months and it has worked very well. Seems solidly built with good, clean circuitry. Need to use it for another year or so to give it a higher score.
I don't have a whole lot of experience with acoustic amps, but have been pretty happy with the price I paid in regards to the quality of this one.

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

The built-in effects are good and I recommend using the effects loop with your favorite effects pedal(s). The effects dial can be cumbersome in live settings as it is positioned in an awkward place. I would have preferred that the on-board effects were laid out for easier viewing and selection.

The product features I like the most are the sound reproduction quality combined with the ground lift and feedback elimination circuitry. For me, second to none.

When I plug in my acoutic guitar or bass and set the levels, there is no hiss and the sound is just there with the punch and clarity unsurpassed by any other amplifier in its class.

I highly recommend this amplifier if you want the very best amplified sound for you acoustic instruments.


I would highly recommend this amplifier for studio and home musicians too but the real value for me is in live performance where the CA120DG stands out.
The amp features twin channel, 4-input (low-Z & XLR each channel with ground lift and independent gain on all 4 inputs!) together with built in effects (Reverb/Chorus) and DSP. The effects (on/off) are controlled with a 3-button footswitch or manually.

Driving everything is a 12 woofer and a piezo tweeter and this amp delivers great frequency reproduction across the frequency spectrum, ideally suited for acoustic instruments.

The CA120DG also sports feedback elimination filters (notch) that effectively controls feedback. I can play my acoustic guitar with the amp facing the guitar, at high volume levels without feeling as if the guitar will explode.

Finally, Crate added a tweeter cut-off that allows you to set how much high frequency is added to the overall sound. This is different than the high-frequency EQ (which has a broader frequency range) and affects only those signals generated by the peizo tweeter.
Generally, the quality of this amplifier is awesome. However, the first unit delivered was faulty and was sent back to the distributor for replacement without hassle. All following comments are in context to the replacement unit.

Everything is screwed, glued and housed in a well engineered cabinet. The unit feels sturdy and tight. There are no rattles or loose components inside and the sound it produces is very CLEAN.

The weight of the CA120DG couples well with any surface it stands on helping with the projection of the bass signals and giving the highs the firm foundation needed to reproduce acoustic instrument sound.
I consider the CA120DG the best amplifier I've ever played through and it represents (for me) excellent value for money.

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

I recently purchased a ?Crate CA120DG Durango,? and when it arrived, I immediately compared it to my other acoustic amps: a Marshall AS50D and a Roland AC 60. Honestly, I have not been very content with the sound of my Marshall AS50D and Roland AC 60 and mind you I have played many quality guitars through them such as my Taylor 714ce and Taylor 614ce.The Crate CA120DG does a better job faithfully reproducing the sound of my Taylor guitars such as my 2007 Taylor 410ce SL (Hawaiian Koa Back & Sides). It also does a splendid job producing quality sound with less expensive acoustic-electric guitars. The EQ is responsive and does a very good job shaping the tone, and feedback is kept at a minimal if not completely eliminated. The amp itself feels very quality and well-built, unlike my Roland AC 60 with its cheap feeling plastic knobs and pads. The 12 inch woofer produces a smoother bass frequency and the separate tweeter gives the sound a nice bright sound. Overall, the sound, the quality craftsmanship, and the simple control layout of the Crate CA120DG far exceed my expectation and it unequivocally surpasses my other acoustic amplifiers. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a beginning to intermediate acoustic-electric guitar amplifier.

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

This amp sounds amazing. In this price range, it blows away the competition with its natural sound and power. Effects are ok. Nice to have a A/B switch for fx patches. Feedback filter is #1. Tweeter can be attenuated for classic electric sound. For a small venue, can be used as the only source of sound (bass and all!); CD input can be used for mixer's tape out. Have even used it as the sound system for an outdoor party! Bass is amazing. Made our bassist jealous! Had some problems with electronics, but Crate was quick to replace; no hassle.

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

This thing is amazing; I am shocked at the clarity and bass response I am getting with it! No other amp I have ever used does this with acoustic guitars! The 2 channel design is nice for hooking up a mic and playing along if you want, or just jamming with another guitar player. I was very pleased with the DSP on this too - who would have expected that on an acoustic amp?!? The sounds it produces are great and any real acoustical player is going to love it!! If acoustic guitar/music is your thing you got to get this amp!!

Comments about Crate CA120DG Durango 120W Acoustic Amp with DSP:

It is everything that I had dreamed of and more. The sound is very versitle for my mandolin, 12 string and my 6 strings. For smaller venues it shines with a vocal mic, and for larger venues it has a DI to plug into the board with output control. The DSP is top notch for creating that special sound. I am still experimenting with it, what a gas! The feedback eliminator system does it's job very well. I would highly recommend this amp to any acoustic instrumentalist that is looking for a hard working amp on a workingman's budget. Jerry Douglas is currently using them on the road with Alison Krauss. Need I say more?