Disclaimer: NUX Amp Academy was sent to me by NUX, and I get to keep it as compensation for my work. However, the company has no say in the things I mention in the video/post.
Features
- Pro-Level Amp Modeling with Bias Tweaking
- 7 Independent moveable signal blocks with Send/Return effect loop
- Intuitive operation and editor software
- 1024-sample IR resolution and 3rd-party IR loader slot with auto format editor
- Versatile application scenes with independent 1/4” & XLR IR outs
- Ultra-low system latency (1.2ms) and premium powerful NXP RT DSP (1GHz)
- Comes with Insert Y-cable for send/return effect loop
- USB recording interface, firmware updates, AmpAcademy™ editor software
- Ultra-wide dynamic range: 110dB
Specifications
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: 1kΩ
- Dynamic Range: 110dB
- Sampling Rate: 48kHz / 32-bit
- Power: 9V DC (Negative tip, optional ACD-006A adapter)
- Current Draw: Less than 300mA
- Dimensions: 105mm (L) x 115mm (W) x 58mm (H)
First Impressions
As with most NUX products, unboxing the Amp Academy has a premium feel to it. Everything is laid out smartly to save space and make the package more eco-friendly. The Amp Academy has an effects loop, and to use it, NUX ships you a breakout cable as well.
The pedal feels well-built and road-worthy. Every knob and footswitch seems designed to last and be trustworthy for years to come. There is no power supply included, but with power requirements of 9V 300mA DC, you should have no trouble powering the Amp Academy with a pedalboard power supply or a 1Spot, for example.
How Does It Sound?
I have played almost every modeler NUX has released over the past 5+ years, and for some reason, I find the Amp Academy the most impressive from their product range so far. Perhaps NUX’s collaboration with impulse response masters from Choptones is to thank here, but these amp tones are the best I remember hearing from any NUX modeler I’ve ever tried.
The dynamics and touch sensitivity are more apparent, and the unit feels more ‘real’ to play. Every single preset sounds great right out of the box, to the point where I abandoned my plans to try 3rd-party IRs with the Amp Academy.
I would even go so far as to say that this is the best-sounding NUX modeler I’ve ever tried.
Other Highlight Features
The Amp Academy has clever design choices for live use, giving you a total of 6 different signal chain combinations to access while playing live. The left footswitch lets you select between 2 different channels, and each of these channels can have 3 different scenes. These scenes can have different amps, pedals, and effects combinations, which you can access quickly with a press of the footswitch.
The Amp Academy’s desktop editor allows for even more tweaking and tone shaping, and there’s also a drum machine and looper included.
Is the NUX Amp Academy Good?
I have played dozens of modelers in my career, and somehow Amp Academy manages to stand out from the crowd. To me, it strikes a perfect balance between size, price, features, and (most importantly) tones.
As I mentioned earlier, the Amp Academy feels great to play, the tones I got were recording-ready right out of the box, and the pedal impresses with its build quality as well. If you’re looking for a great amp solution on your pedalboard that won’t break the bank, the Amp Academy is a fantastic choice.
Interested in getting the NUX Amp Academy? Check out the affiliate link here:
►►Get NUX Amp Academy At Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/541331?offid=1&affid=394
►►Get NUX Amp Academy On Reverb: https://tidd.ly/4e1lGWa
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