[NAMM] Crate Profiler 5

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 Profiler 5 is how affordable it is given its attractive street price of only $159.99 ($209.99 US retail).