So you want to scale down the size of your rig but still have some decent volume? The Crate PowerBlock may be the way to go.

Clocking in at 4.6 lbs., the PowerBlock is definitely lightweight. External dimensions are 3.2" H x 10" W x 5.6" D making it easy to carry anywhere, especially considering that it includes a gig bag with a shoulder strap. But, at this size does it have the power you need for a gig?

Through out amplifier history smaller usually has meant quieter, only within the last decade have small size amp heads been able to offer decent power. Crate's foray into, for lack of a better word, "Micro Amps" has produced the PowerBlock. The amp offers 150w RMS mono at 8ohms, or 75w RMS stereo at 4 ohms; so enough wattage to power your cabinet needs in most cases.

A plethora of inputs are offered on the PowerBlock: line in/stereo effects loop, RCA inputs and an XLR Line Out with level control. The front panel offers a ¼" input, a ¼" headphone jack along with Gain, High, Mid, Treble and Level controls.

Crate used their FlexWave preamp that offers warm tube-like tones and lets the unit be distorted like a tube amp. This is a great amp for rock and blues playing, the grit that can be added to the sound is very useable. Jazz players will find the amp lacks the headroom they want when the amp is pushed, but the rock crowd will love it.

One great use for the Crate PowerBlock, with its stereo inputs, is to use it with your favorite modeling preamp/processor. I have used this with the Digitech RP50 and it sound great, much easier than hauling a rackmount power amp with no EQ controls to power a processor with.

The amp has good tones form clean to mean, but it is a single channel amp, there is no switching from clean to dirty. If you have a pedalboard that you absolutely love and it creates most of your tones, the PowerBlock is a great way to go. Dial in your basic clean tone and stomp away on your favorite pedals.

Overall the Crate PowerBlock is a good amp with good tones in a teeny-tiny package, and at a list price of $299, with a common street price these days of $99 it is a great back up amp, or good for what ever you need. I have seen guys run 4x12 cabinets with this amp and it sounds good. Give it a shot, you might like it.

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