Roland MicroCube Combo

You already know the features: very small SS guitar amp that's powerable for a long time on 6AA batteries. Makes quite a bit of noise for as small a speaker and power. For what it is, not too bad for features, though the effects are understandably under-developed. Hey, for what you pay, you can't be too nit picky here. Not a perfect amp--by a long shot, but ok for a starter.

Using it with a Washburn WI something with DiMarzio Steve Morse special bridge pickup and EJ Custom neck pickup. For such a small amp, I think it does a commendable job of putting out sound (read "noise") for jamming by itself--it's what it was designed for; and using it far from outlets for a long time. It's a tiny little speaker--obviously you're not going to get big cab sound from it. I don't think they did a good job with the distortion settings. Just a touch of chorus on the clean channel is ok. Tuner isn't worth too much.

He're where I dock this toy. The volume fritzed out on me after a couple months. I took it in to have it fixed and it came back with the same control (by the loose feel of the pot). Worked again for a little while and as started cutting out on me again. I know the pots are pc board mounted toys but I"m going to try to figure out how to hard-wire in a real volume control to bypass what Roland gave it. It's a cheap amp, cheaply made and could have used some better parts in construction, but then they would charge what bigger amps cost. So you do get what you pay for. Haven't had much else that I can gripe about for now, but opening it up and looking in, I'm sorry for the cheap quality of components.

Roland? Customer Service? I don't think it's their bag. I'll find out more as I get further into this thing. The band-aid repair just got me out of warranty service, so I'm on my own. I don't want to trash it if I don't have to, but I'm not going to spend a lot fixing it.

I'll give it an average recommendation. It's not high dollar, and it doesn't sound like it. It's not heavy duty. I'm glad for those who have not had problems with theirs--and I wish mine was like that too. I'm beyond going for another one of these just because I would rather stick close to an outlet and have better sound. Need a battery operated amp and not a whole lot of sound? It's pretty good if the pots don't shell out on you. It's got a lot going for it. I'd push the rating up to maybe a 7 if I had no problems.

The feature is simplistic. The amp model is enough for may kind of music. Very portable (I think it's the first one at this class, only later VOX and Line6 followed with their small amps DA5 and Microspider). What I have seen so far Roland/BOSS has always been the leader for innovation in this field.

The good thing about this amp is the 2 dedicated AUX-IN jack with different size 1/4" and 1/8". The audio sound reproduction from the AUX-IN is the best in its class, I presume because of the full range speaker. This has always been my companion for jamming (for playing MP3 or sequencer as backing track). The response is really flat. If you pair in stereo it can be a good PA for small room. My Cube 30X AUX IN is not this good. Maybe because it does not have a full range speaker.

Good enough for a quick practice, just grab the guitar and MP3 and play. But for better sound I like to put other multieffect in front of it and set the amp to JC120, tone and gain mid way, effect and delay are off. I normally use Korg AX5G or ZOOM G1X in front of it to make it sound better.

It damn quiet. The AUX IN mix well with the guitar but you have to control the volume in the audio playing device not to make it too loud.

The overall guitar sound is sterile, it's like there is no life in it. But adding other effect in front of it, you are set.

Never broke. Good and sturdy. I used to have two of these and I sold one at the same price I bought. Yes, because after years of abuse (take it to travel overseas in a carrying back, dropped it sometimes) it still works and look like new (just wipe with clean cloth).

never had to use them.

A very good product for overall value. This is a very successful product from Roland. A friend suggested this through internet after seeing my review on MicroBR. I was so happy with my first purchase and bought another one (but I sold the older one with red colour to buy VOX DA5 for different flavor, but I still keep the black colour one).

For more and better amp sound and effect tweakability, you can buy VOX DA5, it's a bit louder and has better guitar sound in my opinion. But the AUX-IN sound is worse than Roland, I guess because it does not have a full range speaker. But the DA5 has additional channel for Mic, so you can also sig while you play. Good for street musician.

But I'm still happy and I'm keeping one. Good value, especially when the price is this cheap. Way to go Roland!

The complement of features on this amp is excellent considering what you're going to be using it for. For such a tiny box the volume it projects is huge. Perfect for bedroom jamming with none of that annoying hiss and hum of larger amps. The battery life is respectable too! All you need is the little amp, a guitar, pick and a lead and away you go. Sweet!

The tuning fork has to be the weakest link; would a tiny digital tuner really have cost that much more?

A separate mic input would make this the ultimate busker's amp ever.

A footswitch would also be handy.

Any guitar I use with this amp sounds as awesome as I can play. I've used countless cheap combos over the years and this sounds far better than all of them. It's just plug and play for a great sound. I can't vouch for how closely the models resemble the originals, all I know is that EVERY option sounds great. I tend to use the JC setting the most - I love a clean sound - it responds beautifully to my touch. I often use an Aphex Punch Factory Compressor for those hidden harmonics and the right attack. The Micro Cube has a similar feel.

I've spent hundreds of hours over twenty years trying to get the right sounds with numerous modellers, valve preamps, eqs, compressors etc etc. The Micro Cube pretty much nails it right out of the box. Don't tell the wife, otherwise she'll be wondering why I haven't got rid of the other stuff!

Just a disclaimer, I've found the Micro Cube fairly susceptible to single coil buzz (not unlike most amps) - just be mindful of where you are. Also, not suprisingly, the Micro Cube does not handle electric bass very well, apparently there's a new model for that.

So far so good - bought second hand six months ago. It feels really well built.

Roland does try really hard with marketting, so you'd expect good customer support. I've always felt Roland products were overpriced but this one is actually worth it.

Every guitarist should have one of these. It should be your first and last amp. It is undoubtedly the best practise amp I have ever had the pleasure of playing, and would probably do OK plugged into a PA with a band.

This is so much more convenient than my valve head stack and sounds good instantly in anywhere(or with headphones). It records well and is ridiculously easy to use.

I can't believe I've played so long without one.

What I like about the amp is that the amp models and fx are cool and
FUN to toy with, set the tone around 11 oclock for a less mid tone
and put in some delay and tonal bliss can be heard.

The sound of this amp is somewhere on the borderline of digital and analogue.

using batteries gives a brighter, clearer, more dynamic tone than with its packaged ac/dc adaptor.

Later found out that the packaged adaptor is non-regulated one. It gives out a 12v-no-load rating on the voltmeter, no wonder it sounded badly, compared when running it on batteries.

I later use a 9v regulated ac/dc adaptor and VIOLA! the sound becomes, clearer and picking nuance/dynamics comes to live!

looks sturdy nice thick baffles

I gave this a try out test first before purchasing this on the local store, noticing the sales man I wondered, why wouldn't he test the ac/dc adaptor that comes along with the package, and would rather use a different one...???(something fishy).

It was too late that I came to notice that the packaged adaptor suck tone bigtime! and found out that it is a non-regulated one.
.
It sound well at the shop when I first tried it and as I came home and played with it, it sounded entirely different. MUFFLED AND DARK!

Then again I recommend using a regulated adaptor to get that clearer tone.

I sold my Marshall MS-2R just to get this baby, now I feel like I regret and missed that dynamic amp, none the less just use a regulated 9v ac/dc adaptor or atmost batteries to get the crystal clear sound we always want in a tube amp.

Single channel 2 watt amp. Useable & essential guitar effects - chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay and reverb. Also included is a tone reference tuner. The effects aren't extreme, all sit on the more subtle end of the spectrum, but can be pronounced depending on where you set the dial. COSM amp selections - acoustic, JC Clean, Black Panel, Brit Combo, Classic Stack, Rectifier $ Mic. Gain and Volume controls. Can run with power adapter or batteries. Well made - tough exterior and strap, silver metal grill. I use this amp as a practice tool, or a convenient carry along to play with a couple of friends. I like the features, the effects are sensible and can emulate pretty much any guitar type genre believably (save maybe very heavy metal or any music at one extreme or another).

The sound quality of this micro amp is excellent all things considered. I use a U.S. Strat Plus, Cort Hiram Bullock Signature II, Hamer Artist. Humbuckers, Lace Sensors, sound very good at the levels the amp was designed for. I like the clean JC and Blackface especially. The higher gain amp models really pick up the 'bucker signals and sound equally good if the gain is turned up or down. If an external compressor is added you can get nice picking dynamics. I've been able to dial up a variety of accurate sounds both clean and overdriven - and I tend not to get near the max settings on anything. The amp is 2 or so watts, and although louder than you might expect, it's not enough to cut it with a drum kit, bass and rhythm instruments, but I don't think that's the point of this little guy. A smaller room, coffee shop, living room with a couple of instruments, practice situations are all ideal in terms of this amp's potential volume. If the volume is pushed, the amp breaks up - but consider... 2 watts, 5 inch speaker, c'mon willya? - what is the intended function design?

Solid state, solid exterior, solid reliability. Never had a problem... never dropped it either...

Haven't dealt with Roland on this particular item, but I have had occasion to contact their U.S.A. offices in CA in the past. Always found them helpful with answers to any questions.

I've been playing since 1990. As mentioned earlier my main instruments are a Strat Plus, Hamer Artist and Cort HBS II. Over the years I've used a number of pedals (stand alone and multi-effects). For volume needs I have a Tech 21 Trademark 60 and a Fender Blues Jr. - both terrific and capable of a wide tonal array. So, there are my reference points. I really enjoy playing this little amp. The luggage and hassle factors are low, fun aspect high. The effects are good quality and add a lot to the amp for practice, playing with friends or teachers. To appreciate this amp consider it's name - "MICRO cube". It's not going to cut through a combo mix volume-wise, it's not going replace anybody's vintage tube combo - if you need/want a tube or gigging amp, spend the 'jack' and get one. The Roland Micro Cube is an entirely decent, portable, cost efficient fun amp for practice or use someplace where you don't need to rise above the din of a couple of hundred folks in various states of sobriety or be heard half a mile away. I would definitely purchase one again if such circumstances arose. It's a versatile practice tool, a lot of fun and for me this counts highly. You can't go wrong buying one new or used.

This is a great little amp for what it is..

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Great at low volumes.

I've only had it a week.

don't know.

I'm an active Musician 20+ yrs......This is a great SUPER portable little PRACTICE amp with some nice features.

You know the deal: solid state, a series of Boss amp emulations, some Boss modulation: all very usable sounds, from clean to overdriven & noisy. Purists will surely find plenty to quibble with (and non-experts too: a three band eq would have been nice), but Roland???s rebuttal is the price tag. It includes an onboard tuning tone (A, Ab, G), which you hit & tune to.

I use it as a practice amp, but have also used it for quiet jams.

Covers most styles well. I play mostly clean or slightly overdriven for jazz, rock & fusion, & it sounds great.

Seems solid enough to me, but remember this is a practice amp!

Not needed it.

I originally bought this as a practice amp for my second home. It's the kind of amp I wish had been around when I started playing (over 30 years ago!), when practice amps were what you used because you couldn???t afford anything better, & budget amp meant a pretty crap sound.

Very portable! I'd definitely replace it if stolen! It really is excellent value for money - you really won???t have this much musical fun for so little money.

I started teaching lessons two years ago and needed a small versital amp that was not to heavy to carry. I play classic rock,some country,blues and rockabilly.O got my hands on the Red one! I think that the 7 COSM amp models cover enough ground to please anyone. One of the most useful tools on this soild state amp is the digital tuning fork. It starts out in standard A and can drop to Ab and G. I think this can not only be useful in tuning up but can assist in ear training.For a practice amp it gets very loud. My favortive feature is the Delay. You can slapback quick for Rockabilly or a little slower for things like Pink Floyd(Run like Hell) Or I Ran (Flock of Seagles. The reverb,Flanger,Phaser and Tremelo all sound great to me. These are Boss sounds and they sound like the real pedals.

I play with a Fender Mexican Telecaster with a maple 50s style neck and standard Fender pickups. I was told the rear pickup was hotwired to be a little hotter than most standard pickups.
The amp covers all my bases for my students. I like all the settings. Everything from country spankin' clean, to hi-watt/marshall and boogie crunch. I don't play really loud because my needs don't call fr it. But I have cranked it on all settings and it does not break up. I think the R-Fier setting can cover Metallica to Slipknot.

Had it two years. I've dropped it a couple of times. No problem. Built tough. Don't need a backup. But I teach with this amp,not perform.

Never had to call them...which is a good thing because the Amp gives me no problems.

I've been playing 28 years. I'm two hundred bucks away from owning a Hamer Daytona USA. Had it on layaway forever. I've owned a cube 30 and sold it. I did love it. Roland just makes great stuff!

Built in tuner, tone, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo as well as simultaneous delay or reverb, all from the revered 'Boss' fx stable. 5 different amp 'model' settings inc Rolands's own jazz chorus, 'black pane'- fender valve combo sound, 'brit combo'- AC30 maybe, 'classic stack'- no explanation needed and 'r-fier', mesa rectifier. There are also 'acoustic' and 'mic' models. Gain and Volume knobs,- you know what these are. Rec Out/Phones(mono - I believe) and 2 x Aux in, one standard jack and one mini. Power button, 6 AA Cell battery bay with easy access and 9v AC adaptor. Steel kickproof grill, very sturdy cabinet with hard plastic moulded corners and edging. Beautiful to look at as well. Carrying strap with guitar style strap studs. 5 inch speaker.

I use a G&L Tribute S500 premium,(Strat) which has Fullerton designed magnetic field design pickups. they sound like strong Alnico's almost Texas Specials when you get the height spot on. Acoustic setting is incredible, makes strat sound like Ovation. Other amp models sound great, but only at Volume, although R-Fier sounds insane at any level, but especially loud.. Acoustic and R Fier my favourites, one extreme to the other, I know! R Fier with a touch of delay, half gain on neck pick up, is bang on for David Gilmour style solos. Acoustic doesn't distort at any level and you could sound like Paco De Lucia, brilliant for buskers. This little gem is so, so loud and totally belies the rating of 2.5 watts output. Effects are excellent as you would expect from the makers of Boss. Despite having single coils I haven't noticed any hum, it is only slightly noticeable on 'Acoustic' and much quieter than my 2 Marshall combos. I tried Vox DA5 alongside this. Both amps are great. I bought the Cube because the cleaner sounds were truer to my guitar - I found the Vox slightly muddy, but Vox had excellent heavy sounds, probably better in that repect, but not overall. Also cube is smaller and uses AA batteries, not C batteries like the Vox and Line6 Microspider- Worth bearing in mind if batteries are important to you. I believe you can get over 15 hours out of the cube on AA's! AA's can be recharged in 1 hour- but C's will take around 4 hours minimum. They also make the already bigger amp even heavier, so consider this if you are going DC alot....

I was given a 3 year warranty free of charge by Roland. I think this tells you about confidence in their own product. Only had it a couple of days say can't really comment, but 3 year warranty is a nice thing to have

Not needed to date

Been playing badly for 30 years and would replace this if it was stolen, no doubt about it. It will probably render my smaller Marshall redundant, it is just so versatile and house friendly It looks and sounds great, runs AA batteries and is small enough to fit into a Tesco's carrier bag. It is a cheeky little amp that is an imposter to the domain occupied by bigger AC powered combo's and has no right to sound so good, whether clean or distorted. If you never play clean, buy the Vox or Line6. If you like a bit of Metal, Blues, Jazz or even Flamenco this is your baby...You can sound just like Gilmour, Johnny Marr,Santana, Paco, Slash,SRV, Hendrix and Van Halen all for ??60.00!!

never had one problem

never had to

update time....just to let all would be purchasers know that i have had two of these boxes more or less from the date of issue and they are as good as when i first got them.

the brit amp..vox mode is pretty much what i use as standard and it has that great clean/breakup ratio worked out.

i would now describe this combo as a time proven classic... its selling point being that its so simple ...i have many amps but late at night or prehaps for a recording i just think what the heck and go for the micro.

and thats what its all about ..its just gets used more because it has that balance of convinience and a good sound.

of course there are amps that beat it in various catagories...but at the end of the day this one will get used more ...its a usefull swiss army knife of a little amp that you will love more each day....and use if you are into just picking up a guitar and even a bass and hacking/noodling out some ideas.