The AD-5's innovative Acoustic Sound Shaping function allows for the creation of acoustic ambience, turning the sterile, flat sound of a piezo pickup into the rich, "airy" sound of a mic'd acoustic guitar. BODY controls the character of the body resonance and MIC DISTANCE controls the effect of mic distance from the guitar and its associated room ambience.

Dedicated 2X2 CHORUS effects for high and low frequencies create a rich, surprisingly natural chorus. Plate-type REVERB has been optimized for acoustic guitar. Both chorus and reverb are independently switchable via an external footswitch.

The PREAMP section is equipped with a practical 4-band EQ and preamp level control, allowing the sound to be tailored to suit any playing style or environment. Moreover, the AD-5 provides two inputs—one for piezo pickup and the other for magnetic pickup (magnetic input offers phase switching). Separate level control allow for mixing the two inputs.

Built-in anti-feedback control features separate DEPTH and FREQ controls for eliminating annoying feedback noise instantly.

Stereo outputs are provided with both unbalanced 1/4" and balanced XLR type connectors. A built-in BALANCED OUTPUT stereo/mono switch is also included, allowing flexibility in connection. An insert jack is provided for further external processing.