The Ultimate Busking Amp Challenge! - Roland Cube Street EX Vs The Bose S1 Pro

[@BillVincent]

I used the Roland Cube Street EX for about a year, with keyboard/vocal/tracks. I just bought the Bose S1 a couple of weeks ago. Here's my analysis. First, the Cube. For most of last year I used the Cube running a full mix into the aux input. No EQ or effects from the Cube being used. It sounded pretty good, and then I added a real mixer (before I just ran my mic into my keyboard's input and both of those went out to the Cube). There was a substantial difference in quality - much clearer and more defined overall. As for the Cube and battery life, I noticed the Cube would start distorting after around two hours of play. Very annoying. Volume was only ad midpoint, on Max setting. Even worse on normal setting. Eco was a joke. It wasn't typical distortion, but more like a clamping/compression that slowly got worse over time that makes everything start to sound like loud mush. Once I used an outboard power source that problem did clear up. Once I got the Bose, I noticed a few things. The Bose handles bass much better. Overall it is a much richer sound than the Cube. However the Bose is not stereo, and sums the stereo signal to mono. This changes the sound and the tracks I use considerably. I like the sound of the Bose but feel like I have to get another one just to really get a good stereo sound and avoid the mono summing. I also felt like the Bose wasn't as bright overall as the Cube. EQ would probably take care of this, and I haven't yet applied an EQ to my mixer output, which would most likely really help. Overall, these two speakers couldn't be more different. The Cube is bright sounding but lacks in the bass, and the Bose is just the opposite. The Bose really does mess with my stereo feed, and not in a good way. I'm thinking of either getting another S1 to solve the problem - not a cheap solution. One other thing I am going to try first is to use the Cube for the audience facing speaker, and use the Bose for my personal monitoring. Or vice versa. Overall, neither speaker is perfect.

[@BillVincent]

@@timetheory84 I don't normally run the Bose off the internal charge, so I don't have a specific answer for you - but I think it can go for at least 4-6 hours easily.

[@BillVincent]

@@timetheory84 no, I have a portable power unit, Jackery 240

[@johnthompson2249]

Why don't you run the Cube and the Bose as a stereo pair with L in one and R in the other? Any differences in speaker tone can be managed with the mixer/EQ. Panning can put bass tracks on Bose and bright tracks on the Cube.

[@mgauthi3]

I have the Bose S1 Pro and use it for a wedge for my keyboard rig with my 5 piece band, and on a stand for my acoustic guitar rig. I also put a kick pedal through it as well. Never had a problem with pushing sound and always get compliments on the sound. Love my Bose

[@RickyZenInLivingFocus]

Michael, Would you recommend the S1 over the L1 & the EV 30m?

[@slipslider9048]

Will you be able to get a replacement battery in 5-10 years though?

[@TroyNaumu808]

I love my Bose S1 too.

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is a great demo of the Bose S1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vTgn1qf5Zsas0

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is another good demo of Bose S1-Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHKxYWaGn9eVfqM

[@DarekLachowski]

Daaaaamn, Jack! A man of many talents!

[@godisbollocks]

Definitely a more polished sound out of the Bose, very noticeable on the vocals outside.

[@markaprill6501]

Jack is a good singer. Not a surprise.

[@nowthenad3286]

Mate! Not only are you gifted with your musical instruments but you have a great voice.....but you are also really funny. It must be hard to be so cool.

[@camcook7241]

I have a roland. I like it. But if you really want to clean up the vocal get a TC Helicon harmony singer pedal that has the tone button. Really helps the vocal tone!! Great little P.A

[@darrylday30]

I used to plug and tweek. Now I plug and play. I use the S1 for keys in a band and solo on a stand for more clarity and volume. Piezo guitars sound great on tone match. My passive K&K equipped Ibanez sounds especially nice although I do have to roll off ALL of the low. I find that I have to decrease low eq on both channel 1 and 2 but the aux input is fine as is. I use the keyboard headphone out to aux in on the S1 and vocal/guitar to tone match on 1&2 for band practice and solo gigs. Band gigs require keyboard and guitar DI to the mixer and the S1 serves as my monitor. I traded in my huge Traynor K1 keyboard monitor for the S1 and I would never go back. The mid clarity is just fantastic. It’s light weight and the battery power has been very handy. If the battery dies I’ll buy another, rebuild it or use an external pack.

[@PeterGarofalo]

Thanks Andertons , Jack always manages to convince me, whatever I'm looking for, helpful reviews , laughs & good music. He's got a good voice too. An entertainer & there are too few of them .

[@geoffvalenti]

Hmmm, I was just thinking how unimpressed I was with the sound of the Bose, typical Bose scooped and slightly muddy sound, but then I heard the Street Cube EX. Oh dear, clearer sound, but no depth! Surely there must be something that sounds better than this for busking. Maybe a comparison with the JBL EON one compact.

[@geoffwebber8272]

The world’s narrowest street! Hosting Jack the worlds greatest KZbin presenter who can sing, play keys and a geetar!

[@kamrynzahir9836]

sorry to be so offtopic but does anyone know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.

[@elishaking4919]

@Kamryn Zahir instablaster =)

[@kamrynzahir9836]

@Elisha King I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@sixtynineelephants]

The Bose in the alley did it for me. The Cube sounded like it was in a paper bag with all those mids.

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

I heard the same thing.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

To my ears, listening to mic’d cabinets through KZbin , the Roland sounds good for guitar but the Bose a significantly better overall PA

[@homeslice1479]

The Cube sounds....ok for guitar. Boss is still pretty far behind in proper amp modeling, and the Cube Street EX has been around for a while. My preference for modeling at the moment is the Strymon Iridium. So easy to use, small, sounds just as good as Kempers, costs nowhere near what they cost.

[@Tecom38415]

The Roland is good for acoustic not electric guitar especially rock and metal

[@BaktaBak3]

It's been awhile . Having extensively researched these units........ personally, depending on the application...I would be happy with either one or both. For Jazz, Classical , keys, bass, violin, horns/voice I'd go with Bose. For Rock/Country, Guitar, fiddle, Mandolin, drums /voice ,....Boss/ Roland. With either unit, I like the convenience of the (battery operated units. Bose has the extra battery pack and Roland/Boss has the 8 AA's which is great . Batteries die , you can easily get AA's at most stores within busking area's

[@WoodomainJeremyBroun]

I couldnt make out whether you said the Bose lacks clarity? Why have you not tested the amps in a buy busking environment which is the acid test? A crowded street is where projection counts and not always related to wattage.

[@macheted01]

I currently have the Bose S1 with an extra battery. I have been looking at this Street Cube Ex. I was kind of looking at it, as using the Roland Street Cube Ex as a personal monitor and the S1 out front. Realistically the S1 is awesome for me, but like the idea of the built in guitar modeling on the EX.

[@kissapeles]

what's better for you?

[@macheted01]

I ended up getting the Boss Cube Street II which is smaller then the EX, so I can’t really give you a good side by side review. The S1 is hard to beat in its class of all others. I use them as mentioned. The Cube Street II as a personal monitor and the S1 out front.

[@kissapeles]

@@macheted01 Do you ever end up before just using the street ii only?

[@jamesewanchook2276]

very good review by a talented performer, thanks from Vancouver!

[@crosbycofod5052]

So which would you recommend if you could only pick one for violin, guitar, and vocals?

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Jacks got pipes !! Nicely done

[@johnp3298]

Im like "he sings too!". Im must too new to the channel or skipped around those parts.

[@TroyNaumu808]

I use the Bose S1-Pro. The auto EQ adjusts depending on its position. With a vocal processor pedal or portable mixer it will help boost the vocals too. I run mine thru a battery powered Samson mixer for more inputs and eq. I run my electric guitar and ukulele thru my pedalboard. Clear tones.

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is a great demo of the Bose S1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vTgn1qf5Zsas0

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is another good demo of Bose S1-Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHKxYWaGn9eVfqM

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is a great demo of the Bose S1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4e5kqesZtGWgbc

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is a great demo of the Bose S1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHzFYYGFe9tnf5o

[@TroyNaumu808]

This is a great demo of the Bose S1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHzFYYGFe9tnf5o

[@TrainedZombie]

For me the Bose battery is a negative. Proprietary battery. Roland you can can keep extra batteries and I use rechargeable AAs

[@jimmy5634]

So what, it lasts for years.

[@TrainedZombie]

@@jimmy5634 being able to keep spare batteries in my bag or purchase more at any local store is important to me. With this system, if your battery goes dead, you go home.

[@gushutchinson8758]

@@TrainedZombie I have been convinced Roland weedy batteries are a major flaw.. People are trying to fit their cordless drill battery because the battery size matters ..a few bass notes and the little energy they hold drains away like vaccinated footballer.. The bigger the battery the longer they hold their charge and the more power they supply..and the longer they last. That's my understanding.. Perhaps we need the benefit of an independent expert in the field..car batteries are of size...submarine batteries are big. My Quimgo went 50 miles on a charge of it's large battery. Maybe different types of batteries have their optimal size? My guess is generally that those little ones in the Roland, are below optimal. I could be wrong ..little watch batteries,? They don't have to do much though. I would be very happy to know. . Don't ask Roland just yet?! haha ;I'm too old to turn to Google, for every little thing...more gurgling than googling!! No offence intended!!

[@Okay-time]

No, you can buy extra batteries for a Roland that you can simply swap on the go

[@elliotserruys]

Or you can buy an extra lithium-ion battery for £99 but where are you doing a performance that outlasts the battery?

[@ceecampbell537]

Wow…great comparison vid, Cornball!! Thanks so much!!

[@artamuslongfellow9920]

You sound a lot like the dude who is the singer for Stings band? I had not heard your vocal chops until now, good stuff mate! I always flick it manually too, mostly as I am a solo artist and usually end up wanking by myself! Take Care Brother and Thanks for the lessons that you have been doing, they are very helpful! Cheers!

[@homeslice1479]

WOW there was absolutely no comparison on the keyboard and vocals outdoors test; the Bose a million times better!

[@jonathansanchezcruzado7111]

The bose a millón times better

[@Aniki82]

Yes it's so good to have some real audio sample !

[@DaraM73]

Gotta mention, there’s no parking on those crazy double yellow lines in the alley.

[@realboltfan]

This is lo key hilarious and impressive. Oddly fun vid

[@paulotarso2928]

what was strange was placing the box behind the legs in the open air, as this holds the sound, I am used to playing at night and it only takes one person to stand in front of the box which already muffles the sound of those in front, I would have to put on top of that wall next to the leg.

[@JaneLaws]

Thanks, great review. Just started thinking of buying a battery busking amp. Playing acoustic guitar and vocal, folk finger picking style. Should I be looking at a PA or acoustic guitar amp?

[@bogdanswierczek4288]

So after a bunch of street performances and rehearsals at my studio i find cube to have some kind of limiter, compression, which does not work at all with a looper. You want some drums on your Roland Street Ex? forget it, it is absoluteltly ok for guitars and vocals, but only this. There is no way you can you this amp for anything else like a monitor, because there is too much limiter, compression and it distorts as hell. Also tried to plug in my td-17kvx, Roland cant do it, the drums sounds like shiet, distorted, compressed and so on. So the great option, for someone who just plays and sings. Best regards and thank you for the video.

[@kentaccordionist]

Roland all the way. Been using one for years for my Roland accordions. Sounds great.

[@kissapeles]

Have you tried the Bose S1 though?

[@kentaccordionist]

@@kissapeles no I haven’t tried the Bose. But I hear from a few people that they sound good.

[@Grindstaff09]

My strat sounded unforgettably good thru the ex when i borrowed one. Bose may try it

[@etrivard]

You are witty and funny as hell :) No need to call your singing cheesy though, it's beautiful ❤👏

[@ImRichardShepherd]

GREAT VIDEO, GUYS!

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Great video. Love the review style.. 😂🤣👍🇦🇺

[@TomGillardMusic]

Someone had fun with the editing on this one 🤣

[@RobbietheMann1]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sonsofthetribe]

Which one has the best bass sound? S1 Im thinking?

[@paulmccormick3282]

I’ve just sent back the Bose because it wasn’t very loud at all

[@juanacosta8593]

Will a single s1 keep up with a drumset?

[@Alenyx_Balzano]

Bose WINS for me especially outdoors, especially on vocals. 😉

[@rickthebas]

Great video! really entertaining and you keep it lighthearted, even on such a potentially boring (however informative) topic. As far as the Roland is concerned I'd just like to add that it's almost never feasible to use in the "max" power mode because it distorts pretty heavily on mics even at half volume. I've had excellent results with it in the "normal" power mode, where I can push the mic and guitar as far up as I want and it's very audible even in big Italian plazas. Also even though the batteries last about 6 hours with the Roland, in reality after about an hour the volume dies down terribly. That's why I use an external 12V battery for the Roland, and it does wonders for me

[@stvwcioihbd9764]

Sir can I ask which brand/model of preference you use for the 12 v battery?

[@rickthebas]

@@stvwcioihbd9764 I believe the brand is called SKB, but I really only needed a 12V battery with more than 4 AH. The street cube uses from 0.7 to 1 A of current, so with more than 4 AH you should last at least 4 hours on one charge. My battery is a 12V SKB with 12 AH and it cost me 20 euros (plus 20 more for an adequate charger and the alligator clamps to attach it to the Roland).

[@Jonathan-L]

Roland for the win, just for the JC120 sound.

[@danielcolfer4671]

Great singing voice braugh.

[@clintwhite3021]

Would the Bose hold up volume wise in a rock band as a vocal only monitor?

[@darrylday30]

Works fine for me but I put it on a stand to increase clarity and volume. At practice, I plug my vocal, keys and guitar and I don’t even bother with a P.A. Live on stage it works great as a monitor. However, if your band is stupid loud, it just won’t work. Get musician ear plugs or in ear monitors.

[@notdeluded6235]

Jack's awesome! That's Pete's 335, no?

[@ob1quixote]

Please give us a run down on that chart for “Little Wing” because that's a cool arrangement.

[@Mounta1nKing]

I'd like to see Roland Cube Street EX vs Yamaha THR30ii. Both same price and both operate on battery-power, so good comparison.

[@josephjohn4769]

Those are the two amps I’m deciding between... I was gonna go for the 30ii, but now I’m leaning toward the cube

[@mikelerario4911]

I would like to hear the amps with the guitars hit a little harder. You were pretty much finger picking. I wonder what it sounds like with heavier strumming.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

That's what I was hoping for too, I mostly sing and play cowboy chords, the rest doesn't matter to me.

[@elyora7]

00:19:00 Bose S1 00:20:35 Roland Street Cube EX

[@idomeneaskadianakis6802]

Thank you!!

[@BaktaBak3]

Roland Cube Street sounds much better (to my ears) for voice and guitar . Keys sound nice also. I'd go for the Roland Ex myself. Have the original Roland Cube now for vocals & guitar . used it for years and has not let me down . Waiting for reviews on the new Boss (Roland) Cubestreet 2 with harmonizer & looper. Hope it's as good as the original cubestreet & Ex model.

[@tomblaze2]

Thanks for the book my red test

[@hangingbyamoment2396]

bose wins this demo for clarity even in a far distance or probably roland just set in a low reverb not properly setup

[@Eddie303]

The book of love song did it for me. Sold 💰

[@shivamoon108]

I had a Street EX and a Bose S1 Now I just have the Bose, 'Nuf said! BTW: You lost me when you used the "ToneMatch" unit, thereby adding a grand or so to the price! Apples and oranges!

[@jackduxburymusic]

Hi Michael, good on you for getting the S1...sorry for not being clear but we didn't use a Tonematch, I wanted to say that the the little switches for Guitar and Mic select between two presets that came from the the Tonematch mixer. Either way the S1 is an awesome bit of kit, hope it serves you well Sir and thanks for stopping by. JACK x

[@shivamoon108]

@@jackduxburymusic Hi Jack, Yeah, sorry I misunderstood you. I never use the Tonematch switches on my S1 so I kinda forget they're even there!

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

What is a busking amp?

[@gcleffusion]

Busking; the activity of playing music in the street or another public place for voluntary donations.

[@strongchord4384]

An electronic device that enables guitarists to sing songs such as ‘A Team’ and ‘Wonderwall’ repeatedly until many of the public simply give up all hope.

[@jackduxburymusic]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jackduxburymusic]

Thanks for chiming in G Clef X

[@homeslice1479]

Lol dude don't worry; it wasn't but a few years ago that I learned that there was another verb for "to street perform". Pretty sure it was Andertons that made me look it up too lol. Very much a British term, I think. Here in South Carolina folks have to have a Street Performer's Permit, at least in my city.

[@stephenhopkins5106]

That is a Bose S1 Pro Compare a JBL eon 1 compact

[@akshaykumarbs613]

Review should be like this❤

[@jasper_north]

In your opinion is this the best affordable amp for singing (Guitar also ofcoure...)

[@PeterBradshaws]

With the Bose, did you run the mic thru a preamp/mixer or directly into the speaker?

[@giovannicaloro6675]

i know it's a 2 years old video, but would you suggest to plug voice and a bass in one of those beauties? thanks!

[@donaldfewell8908]

Roland's KC-220 is a battery-option stereo amp that's light weight and not monstrously large, good for busking.

[@sorinoprea5365]

I play a kc 220 and I confirm is the best keyboard amp in the range, I saw a lot of bad reviews but I just don't know where coming from is simply the best.

[@donaldfewell8908]

@@sorinoprea5365 Thanks!

[@quelibrum9364]

I busk with this amp (I'm a pianist ) and I can assure you that it's not loud enough to play in big squares or noisy environments, in any other circumstances it sounds fenomenal.

[@donaldfewell8908]

@@quelibrum9364 Thanks!

[@amanshrestha2147]

Is that as loud as bose ? I will be using with a keyboard with vocals so it's an keyboard amp so the keyboard would sound good my problem is with the mic How good does a microphone sound in kc 220 ?

[@MattyRouter]

The alleyway was funneling the sound...

[@anttikero1158]

Bose hands down, based on this test. I have the Street and hate it. Lacks bass and overall fullness. Like a cardboard box.

[@hwi62]

Omg..I thought I had made a decision for the Bose S1pro ..but now I m back at squre one. The outdoor test favoured the Bose, the indoor test favored the Roland. Im confused ..now at an existential level..

[@hansfranz8795]

I mean, since you're watching a video about busking amps, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say you should get the one whose outdoor sound you prefer. ;D

[@6Oko6Demona6]

I'm still confused. I'm looking for something to amplify my vocal that would sound at least fine with an acoustic guitar. It would be great if it could double as a vocal monitor for my practice sessions and music player. I didn't enjoy the sound of the cube street (small version) at all, I want clarity and nice warm vocal, that's the most important thing. Now with bose on sale for about 400 pounds I'm in the heat :) though I'm not sure

[@6Oko6Demona6]

For those who still wonder. I've bought JBL eon one compact and I'm satisfied with this purchase. Bang for a buck, especially for acoustic guitar and singing. It also works great with harmonica. Everything I dreamed of and more. You can make a system with two of those and play in stereo so there's also a room for improvement once you save up enough money.

[@darrylday30]

I use the S1 for both and it works great. S1 makes vocals sound great. Piezo guitars benefit from the tone match processing too.

[@6Oko6Demona6]

@@darrylday30 I've bought s1 and eon one compact over internet to try them both but there was some problem with s1 deal, so I've decided that if jbl is good enough I'm just gonna stay with it. It was good enough

[@darrylday30]

@@6Oko6Demona6 To bad about the problem with the S1 deal but I’ve heard the Eon is great too. The eon has much more flexible eq and effects and a bigger speaker. A little bit of fiddling with the controls might get an even better sound. It’s sounds like great fun.

[@6Oko6Demona6]

@@darrylday30 yes, I've decided it's definitely good enough and it's time to play and have fun instead of wondering what is the best choice here. I'm contended. Bose definitely makes good products too, .

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Very good and "funny' review. :)

[@MaximeBaptiste]

Is the cube good for singers with backing tracks ? Or is it better the Bose one? 🙏💕

[@chuckvicious]

Great, great review. Thank you for your thoroughness and hilarity.

[@jonathansanchezcruzado7111]

In your opinion, which one sounds harder, of the two amplifier

[@thirdgearband]

If go from the line out to another source like a Cube Street EX or the to Bose S1-Pro inputs can I still hear the Cube Street II as well? Is the harmonizer a good one for vocals? Please advise

[@newaccount3743]

Any of these work with a bass?

[@ramtvvlog2740]

Is that 220v. I'm talking about the cube Roland street

[@MrTones1979]

“Niche Lorraine” 🤣

[@wolfhlm]

Yes, at 16.40. But what´s that?? Please gimme a hint. Wolf, Freiburg, in the Lorraine neighbourhood.

[@alhanmusik8951]

Quiche* 😌

[@VOTrainer]

I didn't get a ticket to the raffle...

[@miguelteixeira1979]

Why not just use a Bluetooth speaker, through the aux in ?

[@tobiassanden]

Miguel Teixeira _usually, in my opinion, they got a weird Eq for ”modern” (shitty) music and live music doesnt really ”work” in them. Some parts of the range get lost Ive found.

[@basicbluesjones]

those yellow parking lines behind you are MAD,do you think they're for the little people?

[@dougwebster1813]

Can you add an effects processor pedal into both amps?

I have a question, can I connect my Android smartphone to the cable, or just the iPhone? Please I need help.

[@TheChristafershawn]

Acoustic sim? Isn't it just the acoustic setting for acoustic instruments?

[@zoomzoom3950]

it's a modeler preset to give your electric guitar an acoustic guitar sound

[@ryangilbertraneses3489]

Which one is better for acoustic? Cube or bose?

[@mikevanleeuwen2858]

Roland cube ex much , much better. Fuller , rounder, professinal sounding . Great reverb too

[@amanshrestha2147]

What casio model is that ?

[@happyugbomor7683]

Bose sounds better on acoustic. Roland sounds better on electronic guitar 🎸. But for the vocal efficiency, I can't really compare.

[@obendaperkins5574]

Why testing the Roland with an hollow body guitar?! Please test it with a proper solid bidy electric guitar

[@thelolguy007]

Great comparison, excellent video but I’m probably more confused now than I was before watching it 🤪. I will be primarily using it for electric guitar. The Roland seems better equipped for this. But the Bose has a great advantage of rechargeable battery IMO,built in blu tooth as standard and sounds great in general but is it suited for electric guitar? 🤷‍♂️

[@javiercisternasnajle]

It is suited for electric guitar, I use it on a regular basis, sounds great.

[@darrylday30]

The S1 is fine for electric. Even better, add a stompbox with some amp modelling and guitar effects. I don’t even bother with a guitar amp anymore.

[@havenlane992]

@@darrylday30 amazing, I just started doing that. I'm using the hx stomp and it works incredibly

[@igorzavalnyi5341]

I wouldn’t rely on the built in modeling for electric guitar in the Cube. It is very generic, using a dedicated guitar processor is the way to go. And when you use that, it sounds great through any decent speaker

[@OscarBenben]

sunday morning maroon 5

[@jameskozlowski5496]

Boss hands down had MUCH better refined clear vocal sounds. Not even close.

[@richwood571]

Built in battery is NOT a big win... batteries are the first thing to die, so this means Bose will be chucked on the junk heap much sooner than the Roland

[@big-fella]

it's not built in, it's changeable/removable with just a couple of screws. just wouldn't you to miss out through miss information. its a great speaker.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I've had the Cube Street EX for several years, long before the Bose S1 Pro was released The Cube doesn't work well for bass. My main use for the Cube was for guitar modeler (Line 6 Helix, Boss GT-100) for practice and as my monitor, with the outs to the mains. It's ok for some keys, practice only; I don't use it with keys because of the lack of bottom end. IMO.

[@stofftierparty]

in tge outside test boss sounded bit too harsh for my taste

[@Kuliginvitalik]

Hi there, received my new Roland Cube Street Ex the other day. One of the mic inputs has significant hiss. Tried both mic inputs with same mic and lead - one is ok but the other one (the one without the COSM effects) hisses in the background as soon as it gets input. It's like the noise gate opens up and there's a radio quietly playing white noise behind it. Have used two different mic neumann 105 and shure sm7b. Can reduce it a bit by lowering the treble but I have this feeling that I shouldn't have to diminish brightness in the vocals just to cut out background hiss. Not a power issue as it happens on batteries as well. The other mic input I said was ok also hisses if the treble is turned up. Have tried both unbalanced leads and balanced three pin leads. Does anyone know if this is normal for the Street Ex? Thanks for your help.

[@John_Kealiinohomoku]

Neuman KSM 105 requires phantom power.

[@NeilWall]

@@John_Kealiinohomoku My EX is pretty good unless you really crank the volume. SM7B is a very low output microphone and you will be having to crank up the noise floor quite a bit to hear it at any decent level. This could be why you are hearing the hiss. Perhaps you could buy a device to boost the level of the microphone before it hits the amp. I use an SE Electronics Dynamite and it’s great.

[@BluegillGreg]

"The clarity wasn't there with the Bose." Do you mean"with the Bose the clarity wasn't there?" Or that the clarity of the Roland fell short compared to the Bose?

[@ubellubo]

To my ears, vocals through the Bose S1 Pro sounds more refined than the Cube EX. I think the Bose might be what I am looking for. I am also thinking about a Fishman Loudbox Mini or a Boss Acoustic Singer Live. Or even a Roland AC60. Decisions.

[@gustavoloebel]

I'm the same boat, please check also the Helicon Harmony V100, amazing acoustic amp with vocal effects. I'm waiting for black friday to choose! GUYS please help us with your thoughts! :)

[@gustavoloebel]

Update: At the end I got Bose S1 + Play Acoustic by Helicon to use voice harmonies and pitch correction. I have the Hx Stomp XL for the guitar it has beautiful acoustic sound.

[@ubellubo]

@@gustavoloebel I bought the Bose S1 Pro myself last week. It's awesome.

[@JaneLaws]

@@ubellubo Are you still happy with the S1? I looking for just acoustic guitar & vocal.

[@ubellubo]

@@JaneLaws Yes it's a great little PA speaker. I use it with guitar, vocals and a drum machine. It sounds great.

[@Mandofour]

Another great review, Jack and as ever, so so entertaining. Love watching you everytime. Always put other reviewers to shame. IMO I thought the Cube was a bit harsher but louder. Liked the tone of the S1 but not the tonematch setting for guitar and voice. Can the equaliser knobs still work when tonematch is on? Will be considering the S1 with my Dexibell Combo J7 for home practice and pairing it with my LD system Maui at Church. Looking forward to your next showtime! Take care for now.👋😁

[@DNYS8N]

I use the Roland street cube ex in the real world streets. It is disappointing for the price. Although the vocals are super with my 58, the guitar channels are sub par. I was too hasty to get out there and wish I would have gotten the Bose. And I just can’t afford the AA batteries!

[@davidelaura]

Hey Jarvis! I have the same amp and I use only rechargeable AA batteries. It works wonders and it’ll save you quite a lot of money over time

[@DNYS8N]

@@davidelaura I’ll do that Any particular ones, I’ve had trouble with previous rechargeables

[@davidelaura]

@@DNYS8N i’ve been using Duracell for 3 years, the green ones

[@DNYS8N]

@@davidelaura yes it’s been a while since I used okay years so I’ll retry.

[@6Oko6Demona6]

@@DNYS8N yeah, aa means rechargeables are gonna be NiMh units. And those are not good in the long term, the have lower voltage than the regular AA too. Li-ion and 18650 units are so much better.

[@ariesbajenting9822]

Bose is a lot better. Alley test, the cube sounded very unclear and distorted.

[@ChayoSaldarriaga]

The TEST hahahahaha !!!!

[@antisystemicparadise1202]

Cube is literally uncomperable, even the smaller versions of the EX perform louder than most amplifiers out there. Also if you want more power and clarity buy a bigger external battery and a converter cable for the dc-in power supply to be able to connect the battery with its supply port and then you'll hear the difference. The Cube isn't just an amplifier, is THE AMPLIFIER OF THE AMPLIFIERS, and I have enough of them to tell you just go for it if you can afford it, and even if you can't wait for a couple of months, save some f@cking money and go get it.

[@Grindstaff09]

Is dc to dc possible with a jackary-type battery with the right non-ac plug connection?

[@antisystemicparadise1202]

@@Grindstaff09 Hey friend, no it's not, it needs a set of 8 double AA Alkaline batteries, or a Single 12v brick type battery, or its own back Roland power pack battery which is expensive and it's not recommended if you want my opinion. My own personal choice is the brick 12v 17ah which lasts the most out of all the rest. All you need is a modified cable with a compatible Roland Cube Ex plug and you're fine.

[@Grindstaff09]

@@antisystemicparadise1202 love your enthsiasm for this amp

[@antisystemicparadise1202]

@@Grindstaff09 Yeah it's worth it, that's why. If you set it properly you can literally perform anywhere. It's the best value for money option that exists at the moment. It's affordable, reliable and very easy to make a decent sound out of it compared to other way more expensive and complicated amps.

[@m600blu]

used the roland cube at a party and it could handle 2 guitarists one in stereo a stereo backing track and a singer at the same time and has plenty of b#$ls and true stereo. this guy sounds like he's scared of the sound his un-miked voice is much louder.

[@rainpark9846]

I could very well do without that laughter at the beginning!

[@RosieRoserules]

Or get a solar battery

[@nathanjonbobis3617]

Based on what i hear in this video roland has less clarity on keyboards and vocals but better on guitars than bose.

[@ryangilbertraneses3489]

I have roland and i figure this out too for vocals.. Is there anything i can do to add more reverb for vocals using other gadget to connect from cube roland? Tnx