• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Portable battery powered combo

#2
The Roland Street EX is not a bass amp, so one wouldn't expect it do that function very well. They do offer a Micro-Cube Bass RX that is intended for bass use, if the name is to be believed, but I don't have any direct experience with it. If you already have an small AC-powered amp that would fill the bill, there are battery/inverter combinations available that will power that well enough to jam. There are a couple of threads addressing this issue if you search this board about it. "Busking amp" and "Inverters" should turn up some relevant results.
 
#3
Anything that's small and battery powered wont be "great" for bass. That said, For your needs, campfire etc..(no drums) I thnk the roland will be fine. Still better than an acoustic bass. If you AER to do acoustic go the acg/ electric route and use the Cube as a supplement to the acoustic bass.

I've used a Cube for bass round the fire, and it was good enough. its better than nothing at least.



YMMV
T$
 
#4
B
HPIM4650.JPG
 
#5
I agree the Cube Street EX is not a bass amp, but it's about the best thing currently on the market for a reasonable price. If the specs are to be believed it has 10 times the power of the Bass Cube RX. I played a Bass Cube in Guitar Center and I thought it was pathetic (YMMV). Also The Bass Cube has the same power as the regular Cube Street.

A few years back I asked my organization to buy a pair of Cube Street EX's and they wound up buying the regular version, which is IMHO pathetic just like the Bass Cube. One standard Cube Street is barely louder than my Tacoma Thunderchief.

@brianrost has experience with the EX version and I believe he recommends using a compressor and HPF to get maximum headroom.

Here is a recent review of the Cube Street EX by someone who upgraded from a Bass Cube RX NAD: Roland Cube Street EX-upgraded my Micro Cube Bass RX

If you are willing to spend >grand you might consider this beast. https://www.soundboks.com/
 
#6
Another, though pricey, option could be the Bose S1 Pro. I went in to our local mom and pop looking for the Roland which was not in stock, and was asked to plug into the S1 Pro. Honestly, I didn’t like the price and was prepared to skip the whole thing when I looked over at my wife...she was going buy it! Coming from a Crate Taxi, the Bose was a revelation. It didn’t break up on the low notes, and the overall sound suited me well. It works well with my GS mini as well as all of my main basses. Just another possibility...just pricey.

Kim
 
#9
How about using a car's jump starter->12v amp->box ?

I had the Street Cube EX for some years. It's ok to jam in the park but can't compete with the noisy city in a busking situation with your mates. No low extension, compressor kicks in quite quickly.
Tried the JBL Eon-One Compact and was disappointed, the limiter kicks in quickly and sounds just like a distorted digital fart. Returned immediately. Difficult to operate under day light.
Should give a try to the Bose unit.
Anyway, my experience says- never trust specs.
 
#10
Tried the Pignose but felt there was too much distortion. Took it back the next day and got the Roland Micro Cube RX Bass. Great for back porch settings with 2 acoustic guitars and my Fender acoustic bass (Fender then, Guild now). I'm sure it would work on camping trips as well.
 
#11
Adam Harzuf said:
How about using a car's jump starter->12v amp->box ?

I had the Street Cube EX for some years. It's ok to jam in the park but can't compete with the noisy city in a busking situation with your mates. No low extension, compressor kicks in quite quickly.
Tried the JBL Eon-One Compact and was disappointed, the limiter kicks in quickly and sounds just like a distorted digital fart. Returned immediately. Difficult to operate under day light.
Should give a try to the Bose unit.
Anyway, my experience says- never trust specs.
Click to expand...

I believe the Roland BA330 is bit louder than the Cube Street EX although it makes less power. It's also approximately twice as big and twice as heavy. This video shows a guy using two; I think this would be a decent busking rig except if you need/want to walk around. Each BA330 weighs 30lbs.


A power station of some sort would work with an existing amp. I would prefer one with a pure sine output. Jackery is a company I am interested in. The 240 is their smallest pure sine power station. Explorer 240 Portable Power Station

Another company I have looked at is Goal Zero. The Yeti 400 Lithium is their smallest pure sine power station. Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station / Solar Generator | Goal Zero
 
#13
For me, a setup that weights more than 9kg is unacceptable. I want it to fit my bicycle's back basket.

Yesterday I compared the Bose S1 to the JBL Compact One and they both distort at about the same level, yet the Bose has a bit more mid-range clarity. But for busking bassists, both are practically useless, and the Roland Street Cube EX remains the king of size/weight/loudness. Well, the king ain't perfect either...

I have another plan at work already and will keep you guys posted ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wasnex

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back