nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

NUX Mighty Lite BT MkII Review: vs Mighty Air, FLY3, Spark GO

  • Mini Size
  • Multi-Function
  • Price
  • Sound Quality
  • Effects
4.7/5Overall Score

A cheap, go-anywhere desktop amp for under $100, the Nux Mighty Lite BT MK II is a multifunctional mini guitar amp with enhanced features from the previous model. It can be used for both guitar and bass, has multiple built-in amps and effects, and supports Bluetooth connectivity. It has all the features you need to practice in one unit. Compare the cheaper Blackstar FLY3 or the more expensive but multifunctional Spark GO.

Pros
  • Ultra-small amp compatible with guitar and bass
  • All necessary functions for practice in one unit
  • 17 types of guitar and 4 types of bass amp modeling
  • 34 types of IR, also loadable
  • 41 built-in effects
  • USB audio interface
  • Bluetooth audio and a dedicated app
  • [App] Drum patterns, jam tracks
  • [App] Tuner function
Cons
  • No built-in rechargeable battery
  • Limitations of sound due to size and housing material

Hello, this is Yosh (@Yosh_Guitars), an ex-music store clerk in Japan. The NUX Mighty Lite BT, which was popular as a cost-effective mini amp, has made a comeback with enhanced features! In this article, I will compare the features of the new model, the differences from the old model, and the NUX Mighty Air, Blackstar FLY3, and Positive Grid Spark GO, which have similar functions and prices.

Pros

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii
Images by NUX
  1. Ultra-small amp compatible with guitar and bass
  2. All necessary functions for practice in one unit
  3. 17 types of guitar and 4 types of bass amp modeling
  4. 34 types of IR, also loadable
  5. 41 built-in effects
  6. USB audio interface
  7. Bluetooth audio and a dedicated app
  8. [App] Drum patterns, jam tracks
  9. [App] Tuner function

Ultra-small amp compatible with guitar and bass

The biggest feature is that it is a mini amp that can be used for both guitar and bass. It is a size that can be easily carried in a gig bag, and it is convenient because it can be used for practice at home, warm-up before performance, and practice in the dressing room.

All necessary functions for practice in one unit

It is a unit that has all the necessary functions for practice such as amp modeling, IR, effects, drum patterns, backing tracks, tuner, and audio interface. It is also possible to practice while playing music on a mobile device.

17 types of guitar and 4 types of bass amp modeling

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

The amp modeling includes 17 types of guitar amps and 4 types of bass amp modeling. The list of amp modeling is as follows. It can handle various genres.

Amp (* is for bass)

Display NameBase Model
Jazz CleanRoland JC-120
Dluxe Rvb64 Fender Deluxe Reverb
Bass Mate59 Fender Bassman
Tweedy57 Fender Tweed Deluxe
Hiwire1969 HIWATT
Cali Crunch1978 Mesa Boogie MK1
Class A30VOX AC30
Plexi 10068 Marshall Plexi 100W
Plexi 4567 Marshall Plexi 45W
Brit 8001977 Marshall JCM800
1987 X 501989 Marshall 1987X 50W
Slo 1001980Soldano SLO 100
Fireman HBE2005 Friedman HBE
Dual Rect1985 Mesa Dual Rectifier
Die VH41999 Diezel VH4
Mr. Z382001 FR Z MAZ 38
Super Rvb2008 Fender Supersonic
AGL*AGL AMP
MLD*MLD AMP
Optima Air*OPTIMA AIR
Stageman*STAGEMAN ACOUSTIC

34 types of IR, also loadable

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

34 types of IR (Impulse Response) are built-in. These IRs are data for digitally reproducing the acoustic characteristics of specific amps and cabinets. It also allows you to add the sound of cabinet speakers, so even when listening with headphones, it reproduces a familiar amp sound. In addition, it is equipped with 3 types of acoustic guitar IR that can produce an acoustic-like sound even with an electric guitar. It is good to use the front pickup single coil. In addition to the 36 models matched to the amp modeling, there are also 20 slots available for loading third-party IRs using dedicated software when connected to a PC.

Display NameBase Model
1×12 DLX Rvb64 Fender Deluxe Reverb
1×12 Tweedy57 Fender Tweed Deluxe
1×12 Class A30VOX AC30
1×12 Plexi 4567 Marshall Plexi 45W
1×12 Brit 8001977 Marshall JCM800
1×12 1987 X 501989 Marshall 1987X 50W
1×12 Slo 1001980 Soldano SLO 100
1×12 Fireman HBE2005 Friedman HBE
1×12 Dual Rect1985 Mesa Dual Rectifier
1×12 Die VH41999 Diezel VH4
1×12 Mr. Z382001 FR Z MAZ 38
1×12 Super Rvb2008 Fender Supersonic
1×12 AGL*AGL AMP
1×12 MLD*MLD AMP
1×12 Optima Air*OPTIMA AIR
1×12 Stageman*STAGEMAN ACOUSTIC
2×12 Jazz CleanRoland JC-120
2×12 Dluxe Rvb64 Fender Deluxe Reverb
2×12 Bass Mate59 Fender Bassman
2×12 Tweedy57 Fender Tweed Deluxe
2×12 Hiwire1969 HIWATT
2×12 Cali Crunch1978 Mesa Boogie MK1
2×12 Class A30VOX AC30
2×12 Plexi 10068 Marshall Plexi 100W
2×12 Plexi 4567 Marshall Plexi 45W
2×12 Brit 8001977 Marshall JCM800
2×12 1987 X 501989 Marshall 1987X 50W
2×12 Slo 1001980 Soldano SLO 100
2×12 Fireman HBE2005 Friedman HBE
2×12 Dual Rect1985 Mesa Dual Rectifier
2×12 Die VH41999 Diezel VH4
2×12 Mr. Z382001 FR Z MAZ 38
2×12 Super Rvb2008 Fender Supersonic
2×12 AGL*AGL AMP
2×12 MLD*MLD AMP
2×12 Optima Air*OPTIMA AIR
2×12 Stageman*STAGEMAN ACOUSTIC
4×12 Hiwire1969 HIWATT
4×12 Cali Crunch1978 Mesa Boogie MK1
4×12 Plexi 10068 Marshall Plexi 100W
4×12 Plexi 4567 Marshall Plexi 45W
4×12 Brit 8001977 Marshall JCM800
4×12 1987 X 501989 Marshall 1987X 50W
4×12 Slo 1001980 Soldano SLO 100
4×12 Fireman HBE2005 Friedman HBE
4×12 Dual Rect1985 Mesa Dual Rectifier
4×12 Die VH41999 Diezel VH4
4×12 Mr. Z382001 FR Z MAZ 38
4×12 Super Rvb2008 Fender Supersonic
4×12 AGL*AGL AMP
4×12 MLD*MLD AMP
4×12 Optima Air*OPTIMA AIR
4×12 Stageman*STAGEMAN ACOUSTIC

41 built-in effects

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

It covers basic effects such as noise gate, compressor, distortion, EQ, modulation, delay, and reverb. With content like a multi-effects unit, you can create a wide range of tones by combining multiple effects, or it’s good for researching new tones.

Gate

EffectModel
GateNoise Gate

EFX

EffectModel
Distortion+MXR Distortion+
RC BoostXotic RC Booster
AC BoostXotic AC Booster
Dist OneBOSS DS-1 Distortion
T ScreamerIbanez Tube Screamer
Blues DryBOSS BD-2 Blues Driver
Morning DrvJHS Morning Glory
Eat DistPro Co RAT
Red DirtKeeley Red Dirt
CrunchJHS Angry Charlie
Muff FuzzElectro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
KatanaKeeley Katana Clean Boost
ST SingerDumble Steel String Singer
Rose CompROSS
K CompKeeley Compressor
Touch WahTouch Wah
TremoloBOSS TR-3 Tremolo
U-VibeDunlop Uni-Vibe
PH100MXR Phase 100

Mod

EffectModel
CE-1Roland CE-1 Chorus
CE-2BOSS CE-2 Chorus
ST ChorusMXR Stereo Chorus
VibratoBOSS VB-2
FlangerBOSS BF-2 Flanger
Phase 90MXR Phase 90
Phase 100MXR Phase 100
S.C.F.TC Chorus
U-VibeDunlop Uni-Vibe
TremoloBOSS TR-3 Tremolo
SCH-1MXR Harmonizer

Delay

EffectModel
AnalogBOSS DM-2 Analog Delay
DigitalBOSS DD-2 Digital Delay
Mod DelayIbanez DML Modulation Delay
Tape EchoMaestro EchoPlex EP-4
Phi DelayPhi Delay

Reverb

EffectModel
RoomT-Rex Room Mate Reverb
HallLexicon 224 Hall Reverb
PlateEMT 140 Plate Reverb
SpringVintage Spring Reverb
DampNUX Damp Reverb

USB audio interface

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

It also functions as an audio interface when connected to a PC via USB. Since it also has built-in IR, you can expect a sound like playing an amp even in line recording.

Bluetooth audio and a dedicated app

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

By connecting to a mobile device via Bluetooth, you can play music played on the device such as YouTube while playing the guitar or bass at the same time. You can also use the dedicated app “MightyAmp”. In this app, you can remotely control the settings of the amp and edit and save presets.

[App] Drum patterns, jam tracks

The app includes backing tracks that can be used for practice such as improvisation. Drum patterns with only rhythm are also available. You can adjust the tempo and volume of the backing track and drum pattern.

[App] Tuner function

The app also includes a tuner function. It is convenient because you can tune in while looking at the mobile device screen.

Cons

  1. No built-in rechargeable battery
  2. Limitations of sound due to size and housing material

No built-in rechargeable battery

The biggest disadvantage is that it does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. It operates on 6 AA batteries or an AC adapter. If you want to use it outdoors, you need to prepare batteries separately.

Limitations of sound due to size and housing material

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii

Due to its small size and plastic housing, there are limitations to the sound. It is not suitable for those who are particular about the sound, but it is enough for practice and warm-up before live performances.

Comparison of specification differences with the old model

NUX Mighty Lite BTNUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
Price$99$99
Output3W3W
Speaker3 inch3 inch
BluetoothYesYes
Amp Modeling9 types21 types: Guitar 17, Bass 4
IR (Impulse Response)No34 types
Effects9 types41 types: Noise Gate1, EFX19, Modulation11, Delay5, Reverb*5
App FeaturesDrum, Jam Track, TunerDrum, Jam Track, Tuner, Patch Share
Presets37
USB Audio InterfaceNoYes
Power SupplyPower Adapter, 6 AAA BatteriesPower Adapter, 6 AAA Batteries, USB Type-C
Dimensions190 x 135 x 85 mm166 x 98 x 124 mm
Weight1000 g720 g

The new model has been significantly upgraded from the old model. The number of amp modeling has increased from 3 types to 21 types, and the number of IR has increased from 0 to 34 types. In addition, it has been equipped with a USB audio interface function and a dedicated app. There is no reason to buy old-model now.

Comparison of differences in specifications with Nux Mighty Air

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii
NUX Mighty AirNUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
Price$189$99
Output2 x 10W3W
Speaker2 x 2.5 inch3 inch
BluetoothYesYes
Amp Modeling13 types: Guitar 9, Bass 421 types: Guitar 17, Bass 4
IR (Impulse Response)19 types34 types
Effects19 types: Noise Gate1, EFX9, Modulation3, Delay3, Reverb*341 types: Noise Gate1, EFX19, Modulation11, Delay5, Reverb*5
App FeaturesDrum, Jam Track, Tuner, Patch ShareDrum, Jam Track, Tuner, Patch Share
Presets97
USB Audio InterfaceYesYes
Power SupplyPower Adapter, Built-in Rechargeable BatteryPower Adapter, 6 AAA Batteries, USB Type-C
Dimensions180 x 100 x 130 mm166 x 98 x 124 mm
Weight1.2 kg720 g

The Nux Mighty Air is a wireless amp that is one size larger than the Mighty Lite BT MKII. The Mighty Air has a built-in rechargeable battery and a wireless system, but the price is also higher. The Mighty Lite BT MKII is recommended for those who want a compact and cost-effective amp.

Mighty Air is recommended for

  • Want to use wireless together
  • Want a rechargeable battery because replacing AA batteries is stressful.
  • Want a cable-free setting for guitar, power supply, and operation.

NUX Mighty Lite MkII vs Blackstar FLY3 and Positive Grid Spark GO

nux-mighty-lite-bt-mkii-vs-fly3-sparkgo
Blackstar FLY3NUX Mighty Lite BT MKIIPositive Grid Spark GO
Price$74.99$99$129
Output3W3W5W
Speaker3 inch3 inch2 inch x 1 + Passive Radiator
BluetoothNoYesYes
Amp Modeling2 types21 types: Guitar 17, Bass 433 types: Electric 25, Acoustic 4, Bass*4
IR (Impulse Response)No34 typesNo
Effects1 type: Delay41 types: Noise Gate1, EFX19, Modulation11, Delay5, Reverb*543 types: Noise Gate1, Compressor5, Distortion10, Modulation/EQ12, Delay6, Reverb9
App FeaturesNo AppDrum, Jam Track, Tuner, Patch ShareChord Analysis Display in YouTube, Automatic Jam Track Creation, Tuner
PresetsNo77
USB Audio InterfaceNoYesYes
Power SupplySeparate Power Adapter, 6 AAA BatteriesPower Adapter, 6 AAA Batteries, USB Type-CBuilt-in Rechargeable Battery via USB Type-C Terminal
Dimensions170 x 126 x 102 mm166 x 98 x 124 mm125 x 85 x 45 mm
Weight900g720 g346 g

The pioneer in the market for small amps of this size was the Blackstar FLY3. Despite its desktop size, it became instantly popular for its significantly superior sound quality compared to traditional amps of the same size like Marshall or Fender. It doesn’t have effects or digital modeling amps, and its features are very simple. The EQ for tone adjustment is also just one knob. The “FLY3 Bluetooth”, which is the standard model FLY3 with Bluetooth functionality, costs $109.99. The Mighty Lite BT MKII is cheaper and can be said to have a good price-quality ratio.

The Blackstar FLY3 is recommended for people who:

  • Want a mini amp with simple functions
  • Dislike the cheap sound common to mini amps
  • Don’t need effects or Bluetooth apps
  • Prefer simple sound creation

On the other hand, the Positive Grid Spark GO is even more multifunctional. The app automatically generates jam tracks to match the chord progression you played, and it can analyze and display the chords of songs on YouTube. Built-in rechargeable battery, not AAA batteries, and its size is comparable to a compact effect, making it the most casual while offering top-notch sound quality.

The Positive Grid Spark GO is recommended for people who:

  • Want to stick to sound quality as much as possible, even with the smallest size
  • Prefer an amp that is as small and light as possible
  • Want the features of the Spark app, such as chord analysis and jam track creation
  • Are not good at sound creation and want to download and use the tones created by other users

The NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII is recommended for people who:

  • Want a multifunctional mini amp at an affordable price under $100
  • Are dissatisfied with the sound creation range of the FLY3, but don’t need as many features as the Spark GO
Yosh
Yosh

I'm ex-musical instrument shop clerk in Japan.

Articles: 51

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *