Which CUBE Amp is Right for You? 

Which CUBE Amp is Right for You? 

With over three million sold since 1978, there's a CUBE amplifier for every type of musician. Find out which CUBE is the right one for you.

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With over three million sold since 1978, there’s a CUBE amplifier for every type of musician. For more than four decades, the CUBE series has been synonymous with exceptional value, great sounds, and versatile features—all in a portable, robust form factor. If you want to learn more about the long and storied history of the CUBE amps, check out this article. But first, let’s move on to the task at hand⁠—figuring out which CUBE is the right one for you. 

Desktops and Beyond

Need something to noodle on between Zoom calls? Want to capture that killer riff idea on your lunch break? Maybe you want to get creative at low volumes without pulling out your main gigging rig. If any of these scenarios fit the bill, a desktop practice amp could be just what you’ve been looking for. 

DUAL CUBE LX and DUAL CUBE BASS LX

The new DUAL CUBE LX and DUAL CUBE BASS LX are pound-for-pound the most feature-packed CUBE amps ever made. Both amps share a few key features:  

  • Immersive stereo sound with a pair of custom-designed drivers  
  • Onboard 90-second phrase looper (with optional footswitch like a BOSS FS-7)  
  • Versatile range of Amp Types covers every genre (nine for DUAL CUBE LX, five for DUAL CUBE BASS LX)  
  • 3x Memory settings per Amp Type  
  • Suite of classic BOSS effects, including bass effects on DUAL CUBE BASS LX  
  • Dedicated editor software for deep-editing and fine-tuning  
  • Class-compliant USB for easy streaming and recording 
  • Bluetooth-ready⁠⁠: Optional BOSS BT-DUAL module unlocks mobile app editing, wireless foot control with BOSS EV-1-WL expression pedal, and more  

Pop some AA batteries in and go mobile for a quick jam with friends or a singalong at the beach. And with stereo line outs on both models, you can use these at a gig as a personal monitor while going direct to the mixer.  

"If you want to get creative at low volumes without your main rig, a desktop practice amp could be just what you’re looking for."

DUAL CUBE LX: Full Stereo In and Out 

Have you got a stereo pedalboard full of lush, ambient delays and modulations you’re not enjoying at home? Probably because it’s too much of a hassle to set up two full-sized amplifiers? Well, wait no longer to experience stereo bliss. DUAL CUBE LX features a special Stereo In amp type for connecting stereo devices.  

This feature comes with advanced spatial processing, making it sound like you’re playing through a much larger cabinet. By default, it provides a rich, full-range sound that is great for amp modeling units. Or use the editor to select the perfect pedal platform amp tone inspired by the iconic Roland JC-120. This works beautifully with pedalboards.

DUAL CUBE BASS LX: Groove Companion 

The first desktop amp designed specifically for bass players, DUAL CUBE BASS LX has got the groove. The powerful onboard Rhythm Guide is your pathway to more fun, engaging, and productive practice sessions. All from the convenience of your desktop.  

Out of the box, you’ve got nine rhythm patterns with three pattern variations each. These range from a basic metronome to funk, R&B, jazz, blues, and more. Using the DUAL CUBE BASS LX Editor, explore 91 rhythm variations, and save your favorites in the amp.  

Playing a gig where space is at a premium and the stage is primarily taken up by the drum kit? Use either DUAL CUBE LX or DUAL CUBE BASS LX as your personal monitor and go direct to the board.

THE BUSKING ICON

Since 2007, CUBE Street has been virtually synonymous with street performance and busking. There are two amps in the CUBE Street range: CUBE Street and CUBE Street EX. Which one you choose depends on your needs. Are you a solo performer running backing tracks from your phone? Do you use just a single guitar, or have you got multiple instruments to plug in? Or do you have several band members performing together? Let’s find out which one works best for your needs.  

"Since 2007, CUBE Street has been virtually synonymous with street performance and busking."

CUBE Street II: The Original Upgraded 

CUBE Street II is almost 1.5kg lighter than its predecessor. However, it sports twice the power, with two high-performance 6.5-inch speakers pumping out 5W in stereo for 10W total. The built-in 90-second looper is a significant first for CUBE Street amps. All you need to do is connect an additional footswitch like an FS-6 or FS-7 and get looping straight away.  

CUBE Street II also features an intelligent harmony function. Singing and playing your instrument at the same time? The amp will analyze the chords and automatically generate a harmony at the desired interval. The class-compliant USB port allows you to play backing tracks from your compatible PC, Mac, or iOS device straight to your CUBE Street II. You can also record the performance straight to your laptop. No audio interface or drivers are necessary. 

Last but certainly not least, CUBE Street II is Bluetooth-ready. Just add the optional BT-Dual module to stream audio directly to the amp. Plus, unlock a whole new world of tones and features using the CUBE Street II Editor app.  

CUBE Street EX: Bigger, Faster, Stronger 

CUBE Street EX takes things up a notch, with up to four inputs and 50W of power. Perfect if you’re a multi-instrumentalist or performing with bigger groups. Here are a few ways that you can put the four inputs to good use:  

  • Keys + vocals + electric guitar  
  • Acoustic guitar + electric guitar + vocals  
  • Electronic drums (in stereo) + electric guitar + vocals  
  • Two vocals + synth (in stereo)  

Here, the sound quality gets upgraded with a stereo pair of 8-inch woofers and dedicated 2-inch tweeters. This allows for full-range sound reproduction of tracks, electronic drums, and synthesizers. There is also a core selection of COSM amps onboard. They include acoustic guitar preamp and acoustic simulation to clean, crunch, and lead options. Plus, there is a trusty trio of effects: reverb, delay, and chorus.  

The innovative power optimization technology allows 8x AA batteries to power the EX for up to 20 hours on ECO mode (10W), 10 hours on NORM mode (25W), and 5 hours on MAX mode (50W).  

If 50W of power isn’t enough, you can even stereo link another CUBE Street EX to form a mini-but-mighty portable PA. Mount them on speaker stands for maximum sound dispersion. Also, there’s no need to shell out for a separate mixing desk. In this configuration, you can run up to eight simultaneous inputs.

Maximum Flexibility, Micro Size  

Mobile CUBE

Mobile CUBE is essentially a pint-sized portable PA. It’s great for educators and multi-instrumentalists who are constantly on the go. Small, battery-powered, and able to handle any electronic instrument or audio device, use Mobile CUBE anywhere. There’s a variety of inputs available for microphones, acoustic guitars, and electric guitars. In addition, there are Aux In and stereo inputs for keyboards/line-level instruments. 

"Mobile CUBE is essentially a pint-sized portable PA. It’s great for educators and multi-instrumentalists who are constantly on the go."

Try it as a micro-PA or personal monitoring device. Alternatively, use Center Cancel to minimize vocals/lead guitar in pre-recorded tracks. This is great for teaching, jamming, or just doing karaoke like no one’s watching.  

Your First Guitar Amp

CUBE-10GX 

If you’re a beginner starting your guitar-playing journey, CUBE-10GX has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Three core amp tones (CLEAN, CRUNCH, and LEAD) cover all the basics. At the same time, the full three-band EQ allows you to fine-tune your sound using the Treble, Middle, and Bass controls. You can also dial in lush ambience and space with a choice of onboard Chorus, Delay, or Reverb effects.  

Add an Aux In jack for jamming along with your phone and Recording Out/Headphones jack for silent practice and recording, and you’re all set.

"If you’re a beginner starting your guitar-playing journey, CUBE-10GX has everything you need and nothing you don’t."

But that’s not all. With the CUBE Kit app, you’ve got a selection of ten more amp tones from which to choose. Pick any three of these additional models to load onto your CUBE-10GX. They range from heavy American-style high gain (R-fier Stack) and chiming British edge-of-breakup (Brit Combo) to iconic Jazz Chorus cleans (JC clean) and all points in between.

Which CUBE Will You Choose? 

With over four decades of heritage, innovation, and great sounds, CUBE amps have helped millions of musicians keep doing what they love. There is a CUBE for every type of musician, so check out the full range of CUBE amplifiers and start making music today. 

Ed Lim

A self-proclaimed "guitar nerd," Ed is Product Head of Product Management at Roland Australia. He’s also a cat petter, picture taker, and occasional aerospace engineer.