From Rick Jones, Acoustic Image:
What is Corus? What’s different about it?
Corus is, essentially, a Series III Coda 2 combo with a different crossover and woofer selected to trade off bass extension below 60 Hz for greater volume and mid-range projection. The fundamental AI sound is unchanged, but Corus is optimized to achieve a sound many guitar players like — and have achieved until now by marrying a Clarus or Focus to a non-AI speaker cabinet. With Corus, these same players have the sound they want, the on-the-gig convenience of a combo, and the ability to be heard more forcefully out-front as well as all over the bandstand.
What has been the reaction from players who have tried Corus?
Corus has been received very positively by prominent guitarists who have tested prototypes. We are just now getting combos into the hands of top players who have requested one. To cite one, well known guitar maker John Buscarino already has his and loves it and is recommending it to all of his customers.
Aren’t Contra and Coda a good fit with guitar? What about Clarus and Focus?
Contra and Coda are true full-range combos and we have many customers who love their sound with guitar. Also, we anticipate that many guitarists will continue to purchase our heads for use with other cabs. In both cases, it’s a matter of individual taste. However, we think Corus will be the best overall solution — in sound and portability — for most guitar players.
If Corus is louder, is there a need for an extension cab?
At 400W into 4 ohms, Corus will play surprisingly loud without distortion and is more than adequate for the vast majority of rooms. And, of course, it offers a direct out to tie into the PA for large venues. But there are times when truly big volume is needed from the amp, in which case, the Corus EX increases both power and coverage dramatically.
Guitarists have also reported that addition of an extension cab takes the Corus sound from transparent to truly holographic (it has to be heard to be believed). In addition, guitarist/vocalists who also use the Corus as a PA may want an extension cab for mid-size venues.
Is Corus designed to work with other instruments?
Yes, while we are calling Corus a guitar amp, it is ideally suited to violin, viola and other strings, as well as wind instruments. Cello and piano are a judgment call. Many will prefer Corus. Others looking for a slightly more laid back presentation and greater low bass response will make Contra or Coda the combo of choice.
Different crossover, woofer deliver more forward sound, slightly less bass response than Coda. Otherwise, offers the same features.
Designed for guitar, keyboards and other higher-voiced instruments but preferred by some bassists
Three-way speaker system
10” downfiring woofer
5” midrange driver
1” tweeter (with on/off switch)
Lightweight (20 lbs) molded polymer enclosure
Three-band EQ preamp section per channel
Combo jack inputs (either 1/4 in or XLR)
Phantom power on XLR inputs
Input and master level controls
Effects loop with return level control per channel
Digital effects with 6 presets and level control
Switchable Notch/Low Cut filter per channel
Balanced direct out with ground lift
Mute switch and Pre/Post EQ for direct out
Stereo capable with external power amp
Headphone output
400 watt switch mode power amplifier
Switchable dual voltage operation (115/230V)
Comes with a fitted slip cover with cord storage pocket and shoulder strap
