| The problem with any dual pickup system
has always been this; as you turn up the mic or contact pickup,
your sound gets better but your feedback rejection goes down dramatically,
especially in a band context. The new Martin on-board Aura
preamp, designed by Larry Fishman, has definitely totally eliminated
this problem and at the same time, taken a remarkable leap forward
in acoustic guitar amplification. This is without a doubt the most
important electronic advancement for acoustic guitarists in a decade.
The whole idea behind this system
is to take a saddle pickup (with great feedback rejection) and then electronically
alter the signal to sound like a microphone. This preamp not only
gives you six "Acoustic Sound Image" algorithms to choose from (emulating
different mics with different placement), but also allows you to
blend with the stock pickup signal, EQ the pickup & algorithm
independently and features an on board tuner and automatic feedback notch
filter!!!
After thirty-five years in the business,
I'm about as skeptical as it gets with regards to new pickup systems for
acoustic guitars, but this one is definitely a significant improvement.
If you get a chance, put an ear on this new Aura and see what you
think.
Do you have to be a cross between
Phil Spector and Albert Einstein to operate this puppy? After a quick
glance through the user's manual you will be dialing in sounds you've only
dreamed about!!! |
