Here is my review of the Vox DA5 digital mini amp. I bought this one over the Roland Cube. It has similar, but perhaps slightly more, features: 11 amp models; numerous effects; runs on 6 C cells or included adapter; line out; aux in; additional clean mic input with separate volume control.
It has a variable output power switch: 0.5 W, 1.5 W and 5W. I really like this feature. At home, I use the 0.5 W setting. It is still plenty loud, and because it is a modeling amp it does not have to be over-driven to produce the desired sound. This helps to keep the volume down and my ears happy.
I substituted the C cells for rechargeable AA cells (using plastic converter sleeves I bought separately). I have accumulated hours of use and have still not had to recharge the batteries yet.
I'm very happy with the amp. I think there are several models that sound good with harmonica, depending on what I'm looking for. My favourite models so far are Clean2, Blues1, Blues3, Crunch1 and Drive. I also like a little reverb with those.
I have not played too much with the effects, except reverb, delay and chorus, and I have not played much with the effects editing. But the manual describes the editing procedures well. I like that my settings are saved, e.g. the reverb timing setting, when I turn off the amp.
I recommend this amp as a small practice or battery-powered busking amp.
Here is a video demo of what some of the models sound like with a relatively clean mic (a vintage Sonotone "Voice of Music" with ceramic element). I apologize for the rather sloppy and repetitive playing.
Thanks for that! The DA-5 is on my short list of battery amps. I just sold my little pignose, (and bought a Valve Junior with the proceeds) so i'm in need of a good battery amp for busking. I'm basically down to the DA-5 and the Roland Mobile Cube. The Mobile cube is stereo, has more inputs and has that nifty center pan cancel so you can take out the lyrics of songs from your Ipod, but the DA-5 has more fx and has the amp models and the variable power switch. You've also confirmed for me that the DA-5 sounds really quite good and has a nice range of tones!
Gotta agree with you Mr. So&So. I bought one a couple years ago over the Roland cube and love the variable wattage, and the long lasting batteries and on-board effects. It's a great amp for a close price to the Roland, or if you have any bargaining skills, the same price, as long as Guitar Center makes a sale... ;)
The Roland cube I tried also was impressive, but this one beat it by a few notches.
If you like the DA-5 you'll likely love the DA-20, twin 8" speakers, battery powered, 5, 10 and 20 watts. Oh yeah, I bought one to busk with, didn't, it's for sale.
