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Guitar Amp Freedom: How to Power a Guitar Amp Outdoors

22/05/2023

As a musician, one of the greatest joys is sharing your music with others. Outdoor performances offer a unique experience that can resonate with people in a special way. However, the question remains: how do you power your guitar amplifier for an outdoor gig? In this article, we’ll explore the various solutions available to ensure your music can be heard outdoors, including the best portable battery for guitar amp setups.

Table of Contents

Before Choosing the Battery- Count How Much Power You Need

Here’s a question from Reddit that provides a great example.

question of battery for busking

To choose the right battery and inverter for 50W and 60W guitar amps, you first need to calculate the power you need.

For example, if you want to power both amps at the same time, you'll need a total power output of 50W + 60W = 110W. However, it's important to note that guitar amps often draw more power during peak performance or when using certain effects, so it's a good idea to choose an inverter with a wattage capacity that is higher than your estimated power output.

Next, you'll need to choose a battery that can supply the required power for your inverter. You need a battery with enough capacity to power the inverter for the amount of time you require. The capacity of the battery is measured in ampere-hours (Ah). You can use this formula to calculate how many ampere-hours you need:

(C) capacity (in Ah) = (P) power (in W) x (T) time (in hours) / (V) voltage (in V)

For example, if you want to power your amps for three hours using an inverter with a power output of 110W and a battery voltage of 12V, the required battery capacity would be:

(C) = (P) x (T) / (V) = 110W x 3h / 12V = 27.5Ah

So, you would need a battery with a minimum capacity of 27.5Ah to power your amps for three hours. However, as with the inverter, it's a good idea to choose a battery with a higher capacity to ensure you have plenty of power and to avoid draining the battery too quickly.

Keep in mind that you need to choose a battery that is designed for deep-cycle use, as this type of battery is designed to withstand repeated deep discharge and recharge cycles, which is common when using batteries to power inverters.

2 Simple Ways to Power the Guitar Amplifier Outdoor

Way 1: Use a Car Battery with an Inverter[Not Recommended]

If you're looking to jam on the go or perform outdoors, using a car battery to power your guitar amplifier is a feasible and cost-effective solution. Since car batteries provide DC power, you’ll need an inverter to convert it into AC power for your amp.

Most car batteries can run 50-100W amplifiers, but frequent draining can shorten battery lifespan. A pure sine wave inverter is recommended to avoid noise interference and potential damage to your amp. However, car batteries aren’t designed for deep discharges, so prolonged use may require a more suitable alternative.

Way 2: Use a Deep Cycle Battery with an Inverter

A better option than a car battery is to invest in a deep cycle battery, which is designed for repeated deep discharges and extended use.

When selecting a portable battery for a guitar amp, the two most common options are:

1. Lead-Acid Battery

Lead-acid batteries have long been used for deep cycle applications, but they come with drawbacks:

  • Heavy weight (not ideal for portable setups)
  • Limited lifespan (300-500 cycles, lasting around 3 years)
  • Slow charging time
  • High self-discharge rate
  • Environmental concerns due to lead and sulfuric acid
“After lugging around a lead acid battery for an hour’s worth of juice, it becomes a pain. You can get 5 hours out of a battery that weighs less and sounds better.”

2. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

LiFePO4 batteries are becoming the best portable battery for guitar amps due to their numerous advantages:

  • High energy density – Compact and lightweight (e.g., a LiTime 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 battery weighs only 11.57 lbs, while a lead-acid battery of the same capacity weighs 63.9 lbs).
  • Long lifespan – Up to 4000-15000 cycles (lasting 10+ years).
  • Fast charging – Quickly recharge between performances.
  • High discharge rate – Delivers stable power for amplifiers.
  • No maintenance required.

A 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 battery is ideal for powering 50W-60W guitar amps, offering a lightweight, long-lasting power solution for busking and outdoor gigs.

For longer durations, a LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery provides double the runtime while still being more manageable than lead-acid options.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to power a guitar amp outdoors, here’s the summary:

  • A car battery with an inverter can work but isn’t ideal for long-term use.
  • A deep cycle battery (especially LiFePO4) offers a reliable and efficient power source for outdoor performances.
  • LiFePO4 batteries are the best option for powering guitar amps due to their lightweight design, long lifespan, and high discharge rates.

By choosing the right portable battery for a guitar amp, you can ensure your outdoor performances are smooth, uninterrupted, and powered efficiently.

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