A small, powerful, clean amplifier with an Italian design. Acus Sound Engineering of Recanati has focused on a line of quality all-in-one amplifiers, identifying an excellent value for money for musically versatile products that emphasize the amplified instrument.
The Acus one Forstrings line consists of four models (5-6-8-10) plus an extension, 200W to add to any amp in the series.
We tested the smallest of the series, Acus one Forstrings 5.
The chassis
We were immediately struck by its consistency.
Circa 7kg, plywood color wood (also available in black), well finished, rounded corners and edges. The handle is an aluminum tube which increases the feeling of solidity.
Very compact size, a cube of about 25cm per side (29 × 24,5 × 24,5cm).
Let's also say that Acus is a similar and improved version of the SR and Schertler models on the market. It is no coincidence ... They are both projects of the Canale family, founder of Acus. Compared to the two models mentioned, the front protection grille has been redesigned with a recess that makes it more resistant. The upper handle, which in Scheltler was soft and in SR consisted of two side holes, has become solid aluminum. The upper knobs have been redesigned.
The amplification
Box with 2-way bass reflex, 5 ”40W Woofer, 10W Tweeter.
Final result 50W RMS with SPL 108db
Regardless of the numbers we tested the amplifier with an acoustic guitar and immediately noticed a great cleanliness of the sound and a remarkable depth of the bass. Minimum trigger even at close range and high volume (with reverb off), no distortion.
To put a little stress on it, we connected a theremin and tested the woofer resistance at very low and very high frequencies. More than satisfactory result I would say.
The feeling is that it is not just a “for-strings” but a product capable of doing justice to any connected instrument without altering its timbre or modifying its sonority.
The preamps are equipped with class A stages.
The front amplification section is protected by a metal grille.
An anti-vibration system makes it stable at all frequencies.
Inputs / outputs
It is possible to connect at the same time a mono 1/4 input, an XLR microphone, an aux 1/8 input.
Microphone and guitar have a single volume, they could have added an independent one. There is no phantom for the microphone.
The 1/8 aux input is useful for connecting an Ipod / mp3 for a backing track or even an instrument that already has its own equalization. It has its own separate volume and does not go through the EQ / effects chain.
There is a balanced output to go to a mixer or the Acus Extension add-on module, an external 200W amp.
Control Panel
On the panel are present in addition to the entrances and exits there are:
- one button for input sensitivity
- 3 equalization controls on high, medium and low
- the master volume
- the control volume of the aux input
- controlling the effect
On the back the power button and a switch ground lift and it is necessary to reduce any hums generated by the electricity grid.
The integrated effect
The amplifier features a unique DSP Hall reverb effect with adjustable send. This too is very clean and discreet with a tendency to metallic sound only with maximum send.
The effect only affects the guitar / mic inputs, not the aux inputs.
PRO
Excellent value for money. Made in Italy. Compact product ideal for instruments requiring cleaning or backing track singers. Nice design. Transport bag included in the price.
AGAINST
I would have liked a separate volume for the mic attack and maybe a phantom. However, it must be said that the superior models offer these features so it is probably a market choice.
Data Sheet
| Frequency Response Max Power Out
System format Woofer Power Tweeters / Horn Power Sensitivity 1W 1m MAX SPL Crossover Woofer High Freq drivers Box Construction Weight Dimensions: |
50Hz – 20kHz 50W RMS
2 way biamp. 40W RMS 10W RMS 90dB 108dB Electronic 5" Compression tweeters 2-way bass reflex Multilayer 7kg height: 29cm width: 24.5cm depth: 25cm |
Producer: Acus Sound Engineering
Price: € 460,00
see you next time
Fabio PesceA compact, clean and powerful amplifier. Made in Italy! Acus Sound Engineering chose to produce good quality amplifiers with a great quality/price rate and classy looking.
Four models (5-6-8-10) plus one extension module to add extra 200W.
We tested the little one of the series, Acus one Forstrings 5.
the box
Touching it I had a feeling of the of solidity. Almost 7kg in a plywood chassis. Well refined, rounded edges, wood color (available in black too).
Metal carry handle. Very compact size 29×24,5×24,5cm
Let's note that Acus is similar to SR and Schertler models, better made. It's not a house that family Canale, Acus' founder, made the projects of both products. For the Forstrings the redesigned the control panel. The front grid has a special curve in the middle and is much stronger than the previous flat versions. Instead of the Schertler soft handle and the SR double side hole, the handle is solid and metal made.
The amplifier
2 way bass reflex box, 5” Woofer 40W, 10W Tweeter with 50W RMS max power output with 108db SPL.
Beyond the numbers we tested the amp with an acoustic guitar having a very good feeling of cleaning and deep basses, without any distortion.
Just to stress a little the woofer we played a theremin on the low and high frequencies at high volume. Great sound!
It's not only a for-strings but it's more a good amplifier to connect any instrument without affecting the original sound and the timber.
The preamps are all A class
A metal grid protects the woofer and the tweeter. It seems to have a good anti-vibration system at any frequency.
IN / OUT
You can connect at the same time one mono 1/4 jack, one XLR microphone and one aux 1/8.
The microphone and the guitar share the same volume. No phantom 48v for the mic.
The 1/8 aux is helpful to connect a backing track, Ipod, Iphone… it has a separate volume and it doesn't pass through the eq/effect section
A balanced line out leads the signal to an external mixer or to the Acus Extension.
control panel
On the panel you find all the in/out ports and:
- one button to choose the sensitivity of the input
- 3 controls to equalize high, medium, low frequencies
- master volumes
- aux in volume
- effect volume
On the back you find the power button and the ground lift switch to reduce the ground noise if present.
Effect
The Forstrings has an integrated DSP Hall Reverb with a separate volume. Good quality, warm and clean. A little metallic around its maximum. The effect does not affect the aux input.
PROS
Great quality/price rate. Made in Italy. Compact and ready to play with or without a backing track. Transport bag included.
CONS
I'd liked a separate volume for the mic and a phantom power. The higher models have both and more.
Technical data
| Frequency ResponseMax Power Out
System format Woofer Power Tweeters / Horn Power Sensitivity 1W 1m MAX SPL Crossover Woofer size High Freq drivers Box Construction Sector Weight Size |
50Hz – 20kHz 50W RMS
2 way biamp. 40W RMS 10W RMS 90dB 108dB Electronic 5" Compression tweeters 2-way bass reflex Plywood 7kg Height: 29cm Width: 24.5cm Depth: 25cm |
Producer: Acus Sound Engineering
Price: 460,00 euros
stay tuned
Fabio PesceA small, powerful, clean amplifier of Italian design. Acus Sound Engineering from Recanati is centered on a line of all-in-one quality amplifiers, linking to a great quality-price relationship for musically versatile products that emphasize the amplified instrument.
The Acus one Forstrings line consists of four models (5-6-8-10), and a 200W extension that can be added to any amplifier from the series.
Let's check out the smallest of the series, Acus one Forstrings 5.
The chassis
Immediately we know what its consistency is.
Roughly 7 kg, Madeira colored multi-head (also available in black), well made, embroidered and rounded edges. The handle is an aluminum tube which increases the feeling of solidity.
Very compact dimensions, one cube of 25 cm on each side (29 × 24,5 × 24,5 cm).
Also tenth that Acus is a similar and better version of models on the SR and Schertler market. No it's a coincidence... Both are projects from Canale, founder of Acus. In comparison with the two models mentioned above, the front protection strip has been redesigned with a backing that makes it last longer. The upper handle, which in Schelterer was soft and in SR was made up of two lateral orifices, has been converted into solid aluminium. The upper mandos have been redesigned.
The amplification
Box with 2-way bass reflex, 5 “40W woofer, 10W tweeter.
Final result: 50W RMS with 108dB SPL
Regardless of the numbers, we tested the amplifier with an acoustic guitar and we immediately noticed a great clarity of sound and depth of the bass. Minimum sound return, even at short distance and high volume (with reverberación apagada), without distortion.
To put it a little “lower” we connected a theremin to test the resistance of the woofer at very low and very high frequencies. More satisfying result.
The sensation is that it is not just a "for-strings", but a product that will do justice to any connected device, without altering the tone or changing the sound.
The preamplifiers are equipped in Class A stadiums.
The front amplification section is protected by a metal plug.
An anti-vibration system ensures that it is stable at all times.
Inputs / Outputs
It is possible to simultaneously connect a 1/4 mono input, XLR microphone, a 1/8 auxiliary input.
Microphone and guitar have only one volume, but can be added independently. There is no “phantom” (ghost power) for the microphone.
The 1/8 auxiliary input is useful for connecting an iPod/MP3 to an accompaniment track or an instrument that has its own tuning. It keeps its own separate volume and does not pass through the tuning or the effects of the amplifier.
There is also a balanced salt to go to a mixer or to the Acus extension extension module, a 200W external amplifier.
Control panel
On the panel are present, including entrances and exits:
• an entrance sensitivity plate
• 3 educational controls on the sharp, medium and grave
• el volumen principal
• the aux input volume control
• el control del efecto
On the back there is a fire button and a “ground lift” interruptor which is used to reduce the shock generated by the power source.
El efecto integrado
The amplifier is equipped with a unique DSP Hall reverb effect with flow control. This is also very clean and discreet, with a tendency towards metallic sound only at the highest level.
The effect only affects the guitar / microphone input, not the aux.
PRO
Excellent quality-price relationship. Hecho in Italy. Compact product ideal for householders who require cleaning or singers with accompanying tracks. Pleasant design. Shipping insert included in the price.
VS
I enjoyed having an independent volume for the microphone and sometimes a phantom. I must say, without a doubt, that the superior models offer these characteristics, so it is probable that it is a market option.
DATA SHEET
Frequency response 50Hz – 20kHz
Max Power Out 50W RMS
System format 2 way biamp.
Woofer Power 40W RMS
Tweeter / Horn Power 10W RMS
Sensibilidad 1W 1m 90dB
SPL MAX 108dB
Electronic Crossover
5” woofer
High Freq driver Compression tweeter
2-way bass reflex box
Multi-layer construction
Peso 7Kg
Size Height: 29 cm
Width: 24.5 cm
Profundidad: 25cm
Producer: Acus Sound Engineering
Price: 460,00 euros
