Crate Introduces The Profiler 5 Electric Guitar Amplifier

Jul 26, 2007

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Further underscoring the adage that good things come in small packages, Crate's new Profiler 5 is a mini five-watt, stereo guitar amplifier combo boasting an impressive feature set that truly belies its diminutive size.

One of the Profiler 5's most unique amenities is its rear-panel USB connector (a guitar amplifier first!) that allows musicians to interface directly with a Mac or PC and record using Mackie's award-winning Tracktion 2 music production software, which comes bundled with the amplifier as standard.

Less than eight inches tall and six pounds in weight, the rugged little Profiler 5 is loaded with two four-inch speakers and sports an integral carrying handle. Power options include both AC and battery (six AA) operation, making it ideal for bedroom jammers and subway station buskers alike. A mini-jack audio input conveniently enables CD players and iPods to be plugged in and played along with, while a headphone jack lets aspiring rock gods and goddesses wail well into the night without aggravating their housemates or neighbors.

The Profiler 5 uses microprocessor-controlled analog tone shaping to accurately emulate 11 vintage and modern amplifiers, which are selectable via a rotary pot on the top panel. Another knob provides a choice of onboard stereo DSP effects--including custom modulations like chorus, flange, auto-wah, tremolo, phaser, octave, and rotary speaker simulator--while delay, reverb and tone controls are each available on their own dedicated pots. Gain and master volume knobs, a 440Hz (A string) tone generator, on/off switch with power LED, and 1/4-inch input jack further round out the amplifier's top-panel features.

But perhaps the most startling thing about Crate's Profile 5 is how affordable it is given its attractive street price of only $159.99 ($209.99 US retail).

"The Profiler 5 represents a unique combination of portability, USB connectivity and stereo operation," says Crate Product Manager Paul Meisenzahl. "For the first time, there is an affordable stereo amplifier capable of going anywhere and allowing players to connect via USB to their laptops to capture audio. With stereo DSP and 11 onboard profiles of classic and modern amps, the Profiler 5 is a very exciting product that we're pleased to now be shipping to our dealers around the globe."

For more information, visit their web site at www.crateamps.com.