You have an acoustic guitar and you want to plug it into a PA system.
There are several ways to do it and the most optimal method will certainly depend on your own rig, the type of acoustic guitar you have, and several other variable factors that should be considered.
In this article, we'll cover the most likely scenarios and tell you how to plug your acoustic guitar into a PA system.
These are the questions you should be asking yourself.
Let's get started.
Need an acoustic? Checkout our list of best acoustic guitars.
Does your acoustic guitar have an onboard preamp?
Most acoustic guitars are what's called acoustic-electric guitars, meaning they have electronics built into the exterior of the guitar's body, with an interior pickup. This means you can plug an instrument cable into your acoustic guitar, just like you would an electric guitar.
These small preamps usually sit on top of the guitar's body, right above the soundhole, as in the picture below:
An onboard preamp on an acoustic guitar.
From there, you have an unbalanced TS cable (a typical guitar cable) that can be connected to an external preamp - like an acoustic preamp pedal - or an actual acoustic amplifier.
However, those are not necessary for getting into a PA system.
In most cases, you can simply use a DI box.
With a DI Box
To get to your PA system from an onboard acoustic preamp, plug the instrument cable coming from the guitar into the DI box, then plug an XLR cable from the DI box into the desired channel on your mixer.
Here's how the sequence breaks down:
- Acoustic preamp out
- Instrument cable to DI in
- DI out via XLR cable
- Mixer channel in from XLR cable
Assuming an onboard preamp, run an instrument cable to a DI box, then an XLR cable (balanced output) from the DI box to your preferred mixer channel.
Here are a couple DI boxes I've used for this setup:
If your acoustic guitar has no onboard preamp
In the unfortunate event that your acoustic guitar doesn't have an onboard preamp, getting your signal to a mixer is significantly trickier, with only a couple options:
- Buy/install a sound-hole pickup
- Mic your acoustic guitar and run the signal to your mixer via an XLR mic cable
Both of these tasks are beyond the scope of this article, and we wouldn't recommend the mic route for a live acoustic performance.
Here are some sound hole pickups we recommend: Best acoustic guitar pickups
Do you have an acoustic pedal preamp?
Perhaps you have an acoustic guitar preamp, like the LR Baggs Venue DI, pictured here:
The Venue DI by LR Baggs is one of the nicest acoustic preamp pedals on the market.
From the back panel, you can see the XLR output on the back.
Here's a link to the Venue DI on Sweetwater:
If you look at the above pictures, you can see that this acoustic preamp has an input for your instrument cable - coming from your onboard preamp - an unbalanced output, and a balanced XLR output. A device like this one allows you to bypass the DI box since the XLR output is already included in the pedal preamp.
In this scenario, the pedal preamp basically replaces the DI box, accepting your unbalanced signal and then sending it out balanced through an XLR cable.
Does this negate the need for the onboard acoustic preamp?
No.
Because acoustic preamp pedals like the Venue DI still need a source signal, which is where the onboard preamp comes in. Moreover, most acoustic preamp pedals are far more flexible and versatile than onboard preamps. They just give you a lot more control over your acoustic's tone.
Balanced Output
On preamps like the Venue DI, the balanced XLR output saves you from needing a separate DI box to get to the PA system.
Unbalanced Output
You can use an unbalanced output in your pedal preamp if you want, but then you'll still need a DI box to get to your PA system. This might be used if you're sending your signal to an acoustic preamp.
Can't I just plug my acoustic guitar directly into the mixer's channel?
Technically you can do this, but even with an onboard preamp, this would be an unbalanced signal. It's better to send a balanced signal through XLR, which means we'd at least recommend a basic DI box. Having the DI/preamp combo is an even better option if you want to send an acoustic signal to your PA system.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have the right gear for the job. Don't cut corners by simply running an instrument cable from your acoustic preamp to your mixer.
What about acoustic amps?
Almost all acoustic combo amps will have a balanced XLR output, allowing you to send your signal directly to a mixer.
For example, here's the DI out on the back of the Fishman Loudbox:
An XLR output for sending a balanced acoustic signal to a PA system, found on the back panel of the Fishman Loudbox acoustic amp.
This would essentially take the place of a preamp pedal like the Venue DI or another DI box. If you want something that includes a speaker, allowing you to practice and connect to a mixing board, the acoustic combo amp might be a more ideal option for you.
Conclusion
We've given you the most common and straightforward methods of connecting your acoustic guitar to a PA system. To recap, we do not recommend mic'ing your acoustic guitar, nor do we recommend sending an unbalanced signal into your mixer.
Instead, invest in a DI box, a soundhole pickup (if you need one), and a pedal preamp to give you plenty of flexibility over your acoustic's tone before it gets to a mixer channel.
Your Questions
Do you have questions about our recommendations or about plugging your acoustic guitar into a mixer, in general?
If so, leave them in the comments section below.
I'll drop in and help out as much as possible.
We'll see you there.
Related Articles
Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics and Info
Written by Bobby on Acoustics and Roundups
Hi
Im about to put a LR baggs anthem or LR baggs hi fi duo into a high end Brook guitar im having built , I have a fishman loudbox mini , shall I run the balanced xlr out of that to an acoustic p.a system im thinking of purchasing or shall I leave ghe amp out , go through let’s say lr baggs venue or session instead , then out with balanced to my acoustic p.a , second I guess my mic xlr for vocals is already balanced, thank-you loads
Jim – using the Fishman Loudbox mini as opposed to the venue or session DI is completely a matter of preference. In all cases, they would be balanced signals. Personally, I like a lower profile setup and would go with (have gone with) the Venue DI. But any of the configs you mentioned will work.
I have an HD28 with the L. R. Baggs electronics. I used to run it through my Fender acoustasonic 15 amp with a chorus pedal. Now I’m trying to use my Ultra Chorus pedal to a T. C. Helicon harmony singer out to a Harbinger MLS900 line array. My problem is I’m not getting any chorus effect through the PA. Any ideas?
Hey Daniel – is it that Behringer Ultra Chorus pedal? Does it work with the Acoustasonic still?
Sound advice. I tried to use pre-amp to boost my passive pickup at an open mic tonight but was unable too due to buzzing. I had to use someone else’s guitar with an active pickup. Can you NOT use a pre-amp petal with a PA system????? I’ve used the pre-amp petal with an acoustic amp and it works great. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks.
There are plenty of variables that could have caused that. I think trying to boost your signal (through whatever means) can always increase the chances of noise and feedback. But with a PA system, an acoustic preamp pedal like an LR Baggs Venue DI or something like that should be an optimal solution. What preamp did you use?
I used Behringer pre-amp, this week I also used in combination with a DI box thinking that would fix the problem. Same issue, buzzing, unable to use my guitar at the open Mic. I brought the guitar center, with pre-amp, DI box and plugged into PA, no buzzing. What is the venues problem?
Yeah it sounds like whatever PA system they’re using is the culprit. If the active pickup is fine, with nothing in between, there’s probably some kind of electrical/grounding issue. Hard to tell without looking at it.
I have a “MOEN Buffalo” acoustic DI with parametric EQ. The balanced out says- “Balanced XLR output and 48v phantom power.” Does it plug straight into my mixer? (meaning, do all mixers accept the 48v?). I’m a bit green but learning and don’t want to see smoke coming from my gear. Thanks, Martin.
Hey Martin – the XLR output is balanced (like you mentioned) so you can connect that straight to the mixer, whatever channel you want. Hope that helps!
Thankyou Sir. You’ve “diminished” my concern.
🤘🏻
Bobby: I have an acoustic with fishman electronics. I’m plugging directly into a Yamaha mixer which is plugged into a Fender PA System. Do I need a DI box…???
Second question….I get a more realistic acoustic sound by NOT plugging in acoustic guitar and using a clip on condenser mic which in turn has an XLR and plugs into my mixer.
Again…do I need a DI box with this set up?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hey, Bob – see answer on your previous comment. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Bobby: I have an acoustic with fishman electronics. I’m plugging directly into a Yamaha mixer which is plugged into a Fender PA System. Do I need a DI box…???
Second question….I get a more realistic acoustic sound by NOT plugging in acoustic guitar and using a clip on condenser mic which in turn has an XLR and plugs into my mixer.
Again…do I need a DI box with this set up?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Bob Wurth
bobwurth@hotmail.com
480-244-6962
Hey Bob – yeah, you should have a DI box, and then use an XLR cable coming out of the box. So instrument cable from acoustic to DI and then an XLR cable from the DI to the mixer.
This will give you a balanced signal, where currently I believe you’re running an unbalanced signal by plugging directly into the mixer. Hope this helps!
Hi there, great article as always. I have a 1988 Ovation 12 string, factory KAMAN EQ built in and pickup I presume under the saddle. There is no battery. I have plugged into a amp and got nothing. So I wonder what my problem is. Most acoustic electric pre amps have batteries. WTH? Please help. Thank you.
Thanks this was very helpful .
Glad to hear it, Christine.
My question is this. When you have an onboard preamp on an acoustic electric guitar, but have better gear available (for example I have a Boss AD-10) then I’m working with two different preamps. If I plug in to a PA with full mixer/eq capabilities that is a third one. How can I optimize settings in the signal chain to get the most out of the different devices. For example are there settings which would allow me to just bypass the controls on the guitar, and rely on the pedal, or give full control to the sound crew to get everything right from their mixer?
I have a Takamine CD132SC
It uses 2 AAA batteries.
I plug in my chord to the guitar, then to the DI box which is plugged into our church’s sound system. Plugging in the guitar immediately turns on and starts draining the batteries. I have no on/off switch to turn it off. I have to unplug it. It’s a pain AND has drained the battery completely and quickly many times. What’s the fix? I need to be able to leave my guitar plugged in for a few hours every Sunday, but the batteries only last a couple of Sundays!!!!
Hey Barbara – all of these onboard preamps drain battery when plugged in, but it should not happen that fast. This guitar is discontinued, but do you know what brand the preamp is? I think Takamine uses third parties for their preamps.
Most of these use 9V batteries. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen one that uses AAA or even AA batteries. The 9V batteries in my guitar last for a long time. Months.
One thing I do is add a tuner between my acoustic and the preamp/DI on the floor. Then I just engage the tuner and unplug the instrument cable from the guitar.
Let me know what brand the guitar’s preamp is. Definitely an odd situation.
It actually appears to be a Takamine. End it actually takes two AA batteries upon checking. There is an AD-1 on the preamp.
Is it this one? https://reverb.com/item/5315125-takamine-ad-1-dsp-preamp
Yes!
Hey, I have a Martin D28. Someone installed a 1/4″ electric plug in the end of the guitar, it needs a 9 volt battery. Not sure of the brand.
I recently bought an LR Baggs venue. Can I run from the guitar ,to the venvue , to small accoustic amp for personal stage monitor, then to the PA??
Is the LR Bags redundant if I am using a Fishman Loudbox mini or us it worth running the guitar through the LR Baggs and the Fishman before sending to the PA?
Thanks for any feedback!
You can certainly do that. But yes, like you said, that’s a pretty redundant setup. You can go to the PA from the Loudbox or the Venue with essentially the same scope of controls. I go acoustic to Venue than straight to PA when I play. We have in-ear monitors though.
Thanks for the reply!! The Baggs unit I’m talking about is a LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI. Has a 5 band EQ. I was able to use one side of the stereo channel without the DI box. Just wondering if that will give me a good quality input to work with for live sound?
Oh ok, I got you. The only issue I see with what you’re saying is that I don’t think the Para DI has a stereo input, just the single 1/4″. Again, I might be misunderstanding what you’re saying.
I have a D18E Martin with a Frapp pick-up. Want to connect it to Allen & Heath ZED-6FX. Would like to use 2 Audio Mics on M1 & M2 inputs. Can I input my guitar on the stereo inputs? Do I need to use my Baggs unit to accomplish that.
Hey Harvey – if I understand what you’re saying then you should be able to do that. What do you mean “Baggs unit”? Do you have one of their preamps?
I have an Alvarez with a pre amp but it also has an xlr out along with the standard 1/4” jack , can I go straight to PA system with xlr cable ?
Is the preamp you’re talking about on your guitar? Or is it a separate unit, like a pedal preamp?
Would it benefit me at all to buy an LA Braggs if I have an on board preamp already and an effects chain with a compressor – EQ – Delay – sonic stomp pedals I then run to a DI box. I just want the best sound I can get with my Taylor.
I assume it’s the Expression System on the Taylor? Personally, I find that preamp to be pretty underwhelming. The LR Baggs would offer A LOT more control. I think it would be worth it.
I have a small acoustic pedalboard, I use Nux Optima Air, but from it, I go into Boss Rc-30. If I wanted to go from Boss Rc-30 into a mixer would I need a D.I. box?
Actually, since the Nux Optima Air has an XLR out, that should be the last device in your signal chain. I’d say put the RC-30 first in your chain or run it out of the effects loop on the Optima.
If you have ab electro acoustic do you use a passive or active di box
Derek – a passive DI box should be fine. What type of pickup/preamp is in this particular guitar?