Fishman Loudbox MINI Vs Marshall AS50D (Comparison)
Our pick: The Fishman Loudbox Mini
These two acoustic amps trade off features, but provide largely the same base of control and for a similar price point. Since Marshall isn't traditionally thought of as an "acoustic-first" company, we'll go with Fishman, which has made a name for itself out of amplifying acoustic guitars. It's also a bit cheaper.
You have two acoustic amps with two channels, at roughly the same price: What could go wrong?
In short, nothing really. Both these amps are excellent, pro-level options for acoustic players in need of amplification. Some small complaints? The Marshall has no effects loop, but no one really cares about that. Both sound decent and are priced similarly, though with the Marshall about 40 bucks higher.
In this puzzling scenario, having liked the tone of both amps, we fall back on brand loyalty.
Fishman is an acoustic-first brand, especially before their venture into the Fluence humbucker series. But I digress.
Given the choice between a cheaper Fishman acoustic amp and marginally more expensive Marshall, I'll take Fishman for $360.
Fishman Loudbox Mini VS Marshall AS50D Comparison Tool
In this section we've built a simple comparison tool that shows you pricing and basic specs for each amp. You can also browse more thorough product descriptions via the orange Sweetwater buttons below. Consider using those as they help support our work at no extra cost to you.
Amp | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishman Loudbox Mini | n/a | |
 | Marshall AS50D | n/a |
We actually found the Fishman to be a bit warmer and more crisp, good for a Martin Dreadnought or perhaps a cedar top acoustic. The Marshall was just a little brighter but still sounded equally good. While there are small preference considerations here, we didn't see any major differences in tone quality.
Acoustic Amp Specs
Even down to the EQ arrangement on both channels, these acoustic amps are the same. Don't look for significant differences in the spec sheet, because you won't find them, unless you're concerned about 10W worth of difference. We're not.
Header | Mini | AS50D |
|---|---|---|
Circuit Type | Solid State | Solid State |
Number of channels | 2 channels | 2 channels |
Total power | 60W | 50W |
Speaker Size | 1 x 6.5" LF woofer, 1 x 1" HF tweeter | 2 x 8", Tweeter |
Effects | Chorus and Reverb | Chorus and reverb |
EQ | 3-band EQ (instrument), 2-band EQ (mic) | Ch. 1: 2-band, Ch. 2: 3-band |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/8" (aux), 1 x 1/4" (aux) | 2 x 1/4", 1 x XLR, 2 x RCA |
Outputs | 1 x XLR (mix DI out) | 1 x XLR (DI out), 1 x 1/4" |
Feedback Control | Yes | Yes |
Effects Loop | No | Yes |
We'll go with brand loyalty in this case and stick with the Fishman Loudbox.
Which would we recommend?
As mentioned, the fallback here is brand loyalty, which goes to Fishman. But you can't really go wrong with either one of these acoustic amplifiers. Tone, features, and uses all match up pretty well, so if you like Marshall and you prefer their brand, go with the AS50D.
For our "official" recommendation, we'll say stick to Fishman because they've been so solid over the years when it comes to acoustic guitar amplification.
The Loudbox has also been one of the most popular such amps over the past few decades.
But again, both are high value.
Both are fine.
Don't stress about it.
Questions and Comments
What's your take on our Fishman Loudbox Mini VS Marshall AS50D comparison? Does it come down to brand loyalty for you? Or maybe you just have questions about these amps.
If so, let us hear it in the comments section below.
We'll jump in and chat about it.
See you there.
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