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Roland Micro Cube Bass RX
- Thread starter count_funkula
- Start date
Yes. Don't waste your money. There just isn't anything there.
Lots of tone options but you won't hear it if you're talking
with someone. Aside from low volume practicing in your
room, I just don't seethe reason to get this amp. jmho
And how about powering up lets's say... an acoustic street gig with unplugged steel-stringed g-tar?
It's too bad, but it is only 5 watts through 4 tiny spkrs. I love the idea of a bass amp that runs on AA's, but it won't cut it for even an acoustic gig. (it does sound nice though)
I played it the same day you made this post. It was o.k. The drum machine was o.k. The amp had a low-mid bump that was slightly annoying. Is DEFINITELY A practice amp...
I probably wouldn't gig with it...
I probably wouldn't gig with it...
I've got one and I like it for my purposes.
I got it to give my acoustic bass guitar a boost (and to have fun playing with the modeling). It provides more than enough of a volume increase so that I can play with a piano or other acoustic instruments. I haven't needed to turn mine up more than halfway. But I'm used to acoustic instruments and I don't like loud amplification.
I got it to give my acoustic bass guitar a boost (and to have fun playing with the modeling). It provides more than enough of a volume increase so that I can play with a piano or other acoustic instruments. I haven't needed to turn mine up more than halfway. But I'm used to acoustic instruments and I don't like loud amplification.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I got one last week and have since played the crap out of it. I initially was going to send it back because I too was disappointed with the volume. Then I took a nap and gave it another go...
Since then this is what I think:
It's definitely loud enough for an acoustic jam, it can sound pretty awesome, the effects are completely on the money (tweaked to really sound cool and be fun), and it has lots and lots of tonal options. It's awesome for in the house practicing because it really does sound a lot sweeter at low volumes than any other amp I've ever owned. I doubt it would carry well in the street, for busking or anything like that. I took it to a living room rehearsal last night with 2 amplified acoustic guitars and gave it a go with the batteries. It actually held up a lot better than I thought. Lasted 2 hours with no noticable drain. Hmmm.... what else?
The compression kicks in whether it's on or off. In the "on" position it's just an extra boost of it. Perhaps the amp has limiting that kicks in on it's own and the extra compression if you want. 2 of the amp models are useless for now to me - the octaver (never quite understood that one), and the mic (but I haven't plugged a mic in). The others are all pretty cool sounding and all of my basses act differently with each one.
The tuner leaves a little to be desired... seems a bit jumpy and I haven't found how to use it chromatically yet (need to recheck the manual). It works best turning the amp modeling knob to each note. The beats are kinda cool, you get 3 to each one labeled and while they're not the greatest sounding drums they definitely inspire. Me at least.
The wrap up - I'd like it much more if it were under $200, but I'm going to hold onto it. It's super freaking light and portable, and I really like the idea of having a battery powered amp. I've no intentions of gigging with it, just taking it to beach, park, camping and stuff like that. Definitely does the job.
Last note: Perhaps I'm a bit sensitive but I felt really insulted reading the owners manual. It actually says this in the precautions:
"To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keet the unit's volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially late at night). " - and they don't seem to be saying that jokingly.
Since then this is what I think:
It's definitely loud enough for an acoustic jam, it can sound pretty awesome, the effects are completely on the money (tweaked to really sound cool and be fun), and it has lots and lots of tonal options. It's awesome for in the house practicing because it really does sound a lot sweeter at low volumes than any other amp I've ever owned. I doubt it would carry well in the street, for busking or anything like that. I took it to a living room rehearsal last night with 2 amplified acoustic guitars and gave it a go with the batteries. It actually held up a lot better than I thought. Lasted 2 hours with no noticable drain. Hmmm.... what else?
The compression kicks in whether it's on or off. In the "on" position it's just an extra boost of it. Perhaps the amp has limiting that kicks in on it's own and the extra compression if you want. 2 of the amp models are useless for now to me - the octaver (never quite understood that one), and the mic (but I haven't plugged a mic in). The others are all pretty cool sounding and all of my basses act differently with each one.
The tuner leaves a little to be desired... seems a bit jumpy and I haven't found how to use it chromatically yet (need to recheck the manual). It works best turning the amp modeling knob to each note. The beats are kinda cool, you get 3 to each one labeled and while they're not the greatest sounding drums they definitely inspire. Me at least.
The wrap up - I'd like it much more if it were under $200, but I'm going to hold onto it. It's super freaking light and portable, and I really like the idea of having a battery powered amp. I've no intentions of gigging with it, just taking it to beach, park, camping and stuff like that. Definitely does the job.
Last note: Perhaps I'm a bit sensitive but I felt really insulted reading the owners manual. It actually says this in the precautions:
"To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keet the unit's volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially late at night). " - and they don't seem to be saying that jokingly.
Joe
Thats the kind of answer I was looking for. My bass playing consists of jamming along with a CD player learning new songs. I addition to that I have a laptop setup with FruityLoops and a Line 6 GX for recording. The recording software come with all the Line 6 sounds availaible.
So the Roland would simply be used to work out new ideas, practice, jam with rythmn tracks, etc....
So...at low volumn does the tone have a big sound. I'm a tone freak so a rich bass sound to be happy.
Thanks,
Thats the kind of answer I was looking for. My bass playing consists of jamming along with a CD player learning new songs. I addition to that I have a laptop setup with FruityLoops and a Line 6 GX for recording. The recording software come with all the Line 6 sounds availaible.
So the Roland would simply be used to work out new ideas, practice, jam with rythmn tracks, etc....
So...at low volumn does the tone have a big sound. I'm a tone freak so a rich bass sound to be happy.
Thanks,
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Absolutely. IMO of course.
I think the amp models, 3 band eq, and compression really give you a lot to work with. I've been getting some pretty deep, thick and warm sounds out of it. I must reiterate though - at low volumes. Just enough volume actually to get the neighbors mentioned above to complain.
As I already said, I'm happy to be keeping mine. Will definitely handle the acoustic jams, is the best sounding practice amp I ever had, the lightest, and it runs on batteries. That's all I really wanted it for anyhow.
I haven't tried this little Roland, but own two Cubes (100 for bass, 60 for guitar), and think they're excellent amps. Many musicians would need nothing more than these. I'd say that unless you really need the battery operation, spend a little more and get the Cube 30. You'll get excellent tone, all the modeling and effects, and have enough power for mellow jam sessions, acoustic gigs, etc. (It should have a DI, but oh well...) Better to have more than you need.
And Joe, I think you're right about inherent compression. Roland's "Feed Forward Processing" seems to include compression to tame transients as you crank the volume. I can really hear it in my Cube 100.
And Joe, I think you're right about inherent compression. Roland's "Feed Forward Processing" seems to include compression to tame transients as you crank the volume. I can really hear it in my Cube 100.
I played with one of these today at GC. I was really, really impressed with the tone and all of the models seemed well done. I would buy one for practice and acoustic jams and I could see myself being quite pleased with it.
Sorry, I have one and don't agree. I can get plenty of volume out of this. I could easily use it at church and mic it through the PA. I have the 30 watt cube too.
I bought this so I don't need AC. It runs on 6 AA batteries and will be perfect for the Rock Bass Summit I will attend in June. Roland cubes rock!
I need to give that amp another try. Was in GC and played one using a Fender Jazz Deluxe and all it did was fart at me. Spent about 5 minutes with it and could not get a decent sound. Probably need to try one with my own bass
Good idea! I use my Bongo and my PJ's and Jazz basses through it. It rocks! IMHO of course.
I tried the RX the other day at a store with my active pbass. the volume was o.k. probably good for acoustic or quiet solo practice. effects were good. weight was very light. tuner was non chromatic, turn a knob to each note you desire to tune. drum machine was ok, tap tempo and about 10 preset patterns including metronome. (think kimball organ)
dissappointment was general tone. not horrible, but definitely boxy. similar to other roland cube tone,but maybe a bit worse?? this affected the "amp models" they seemed to blur together, i.e. could not hear much difference in model settings.
pros: battery operated, light, lower price about $230 USD.
Cons: tone... I guess I didn't expect a miracle.
Thats my opinion
dissappointment was general tone. not horrible, but definitely boxy. similar to other roland cube tone,but maybe a bit worse?? this affected the "amp models" they seemed to blur together, i.e. could not hear much difference in model settings.
pros: battery operated, light, lower price about $230 USD.
Cons: tone... I guess I didn't expect a miracle.
Thats my opinion
Actually, the tuner can be chromatic if you hold the tuner button in for a couple of seconds.
To check out all the features you can go on Roland's site.
It is a cool little amp that does exactly what it was designed to do.
To check out all the features you can go on Roland's site.
It is a cool little amp that does exactly what it was designed to do.
I went down town today looking for a small amp to use in my apartment and for small acoustic gigs I play at my mates coffee shop. I really wanted the Micro Mark Bass but though it sounded great the price was making me wince a little.
I tried the Roland which was a 3rd of the price of the MB and I have to say I was surprised at how good it sounded, not great but good. You can't expect too much from these things after all.
The FX seemed usable and the amp models did a good job at shaping the tone. It also seemed plenty loud in the shop.
I didn't end up buying anything today. I wanted to sleep on it. I love the MB but...hmmm....don't know...might just go for one of these.
I tried the Roland which was a 3rd of the price of the MB and I have to say I was surprised at how good it sounded, not great but good. You can't expect too much from these things after all.
The FX seemed usable and the amp models did a good job at shaping the tone. It also seemed plenty loud in the shop.
I didn't end up buying anything today. I wanted to sleep on it. I love the MB but...hmmm....don't know...might just go for one of these.
I've played the MicroMark and the RX and did not care for the RX but the MicroMark blew me away. Just a little pricey.
I was looking for a smaller alternative for my Workingman 10 and thought the RX would do it but after playing it decided to keep the Workingman 10. There was no comparison in trying to get a big amp sound. I picked up the Workingman for $150 and have put in a Deltalite 2510 II in it for $60.00
I was looking for a smaller alternative for my Workingman 10 and thought the RX would do it but after playing it decided to keep the Workingman 10. There was no comparison in trying to get a big amp sound. I picked up the Workingman for $150 and have put in a Deltalite 2510 II in it for $60.00
Yeah, SWR make nice little amps. I use the LA12 in the house. It makes more then enough noise to bug the people upstairs. I'm gonna keep it for sure but I need something I can throw in a bag and carry to small gigs and jams. Thinking the Mark could be the way to go.
