Aer Compact Slope IV

The AER Compact Slope IV is the fourth generation of practical combos for acoustic instruments from the renowned German brand AER. Its qualities will certainly be appreciated by singer/songwriters who demand top-quality sound reproduction of acoustic instruments and vocals, yet don't want to lug around heavy instruments. The Compact IV delivers on all of this. The beveled speaker cabinet provides a beautifully surround sound, so you can completely do without a speaker/combo stand. Despite its compact shape and lighter weight, it has a power and dynamic sound that you'll be hard pressed to match. In this case, the price really does match the performance.

This is a two-channel combo with two instrument inputs (combined XLR/jack and jack). The combined input allows you to plug in a microphone or another acoustic instrument. The sensitivity of the input signal of the instrument input, i.e. the first channel, can be adjusted using the high/low button/attenuator. Each channel is equipped with its own EQ controls; the first channel with three-band, the second with two-band. The colour button is used to further adjust the sound of the acoustic instruments.

The combo includes a built-in digital effects processor. You have a choice of two reverb effects and delay/chorus effects. Of course, you can also connect external pedal effects to the combo via an effects loop. Use the EFX-Pan control to determine which channel to apply specific preset integrated and external effects to, or to combine their sounds. This gives you plenty of options to enhance the sound of an acoustic instrument or vocal and add another sonic dimension.

On the rear panel, the combo offers an effects loop input/output, an Aux In input for connecting external audio/mp3 devices with an Aux Level control for adjusting the volume level, a headphone output (6.3 mm jack), a line output and a jack for connecting a two-channel footswitch (footswitch not included). A symmetrical DI output (with pre fx/post fx signal adjustment) sends the signal from the combo directly to a mixing desk or recording device. The combo also offers the option of phantom power. A EURO power cord is used for standard power supply.

The cabinet of the combo is made of twelve millimeter wide birch plywood. Its body houses an eight-inch double-diaphragm speaker. All AER combos come with a padded case.