Grace Design Alix Black

A "concentrate" of Grace Design's DNA, in the lineage of the FELiX

Grace Design designed the ALiX as a compact mono-channel version, adopting the brand's "pro audio" approach: prioritizing dynamics, headroom, and truly usable EQ in real-world conditions. It carries the spirit of the FELiX (its big brother): a rugged chassis built to withstand touring, clear controls, and an EQ section powerful enough to transform a good acoustic guitar sound (or violin, mandolin, etc.) into a sound ready to go into a mixing console.

Who it's for and what for: from mobile studio to resonant stage

The ALiX is aimed at musicians who want a faithful and controlled acoustic sound without relying on an amp's preamp or a "generic" DI. It is particularly comfortable with acoustic guitars equipped with pickups (piezo, magnetic, active/passive systems), but also with low-spectrum sensitive instruments (violin, mandolin, banjo, double bass) whenever the context requires managing feedback and resonances.

On stage, it becomes the centerpiece of the pedalboard: you output DI to the front of house, keep a dedicated output to a personal amp/monitor, and can insert your effects (reverb, delay, modulation) exactly where you want. In studio or home studio, the DI and preamp allow for a clean direct input, with precise EQ before conversion.

Features: immediate control, surgical precision if needed

The interface is intentionally straightforward: gain with signal/clip LED, then a filter/EQ section designed for quick and effective adjustment. The filter can operate as a high-pass (ideal for cleaning up low end and limiting body vibrations) or as a notch (perfect for hunting a feedback frequency). The parametric mids offer full control (gain, frequency, Q), with two selectable frequency ranges to switch from "body" work (low mids) to finer correction (high mids/presence).

On the floor, two essential controls: Mute/Tune cuts all outputs except the tuner, and Boost activates an adjustable boost (up to +10 dB) for lead parts, solos, or instrument changes. For adaptation, the three-position input impedance switch helps you get the best from your pickup, and the DI output offers mic or line level mode, with ground lift and phase inversion to quickly solve hum and phase issues on stage.

The Sound

The ALiX's signature is a very open, clean, and nuanced reproduction, with a dynamic reserve that avoids the "unintentional compression" effect often encountered with simpler solutions. The lows remain tight and clear, attacks come through without harshness, and the EQ allows adjustment without the impression of "breaking" the original sound: it corrects, sculpts, and stabilizes.

This type of sound has won over musicians known for their demanding live rigs: the ALiX is notably found in documented rigs (for example Steve Stevens, Robin Pecknold, or Adam Miller), where it serves as a reliable base to send a stage- and console-ready signal.

Technical specifications

Category	acoustic preamp	EQ	Parametric
Format	Pedal	Headphone output	No
Effects loop	Yes	Color	Black
Number of channels	1	Power output	10 W

Boost	0 dB to +10 dB	Effects insert	6.35mm TRS jack (send/return via insert cable)
Filter	high-pass or notch, sweep 20 Hz to 1 kHz, slope -12 dB per octave	DI level selector	mic or line
Notch	20 Hz to 1 kHz, attenuation greater than 35 dB, Q greater than 1.0	Instrument input impedance (selectable)	10 MOhm / 1 MOhm / 330 kOhm
Low shelf	125 Hz (internal option 250 Hz)	Gain range (instrument input to DI, line level)	-2 dB to 36 dB
Parametric mid	LO range 70 Hz to 880 Hz / HI range 670 Hz to 8 kHz	Gain range (amp output)	0 dB to 39 dB
Mid Q	0.5 to 5	Max input level	+20 dBu (instrument input)
High shelf	2 kHz	Max output level	DI (line) +19 dBu; DI (mic) -7 dBu; amp/tuner/insert outputs +21 dBu
Signal/clip LED	green threshold -16 dBu, red threshold +8 dBu	Frequency response	20 Hz to 65 kHz (-3 dB)
Instrument input	6.35mm unbalanced jack	THD+N (22 Hz-22 kHz)	less than 0.0070% (1 kHz, 0 dB gain, +10 dBu out)
DI output	balanced XLR	Dynamic range (DI, minimum gain)	118 dB
Amp/monitor output	6.35mm unbalanced jack (adjustable level)	Output noise (DI, minimum gain)	-99 dBu
Tuner output	6.35mm jack (remains active in mute mode)