What's The Best Practice Amp? Boss Dual Cube LX Overview and Demo

[@StormJH1]

I was an early adopter of the Dual Cube LX (at the time, there were essentially no demo videos targeting the US market, but a few overseas). My initial impressions of it were a little lukewarm, but my appreciation of it has grown considerably over time. Because it's an amp that can be used in so many different ways, there's naturally things it is and isn't good at. Some of the built-in amp models do make is sound thin and/or unconvincing (though the JC Clean is pretty solid). However, as a battery-powered small amp in STEREO mode for use with HX Stomp or Tonex Pedal, it sounds unbelievable. For near-field monitoring at bedroom practice levels, I don't even both reaching for my QSC CP8 because the Dual Cube LX sounds that good. It can also be used to add reverb, delay, and other effects to a preamp/cab sim pedal that doesn't have them. Battery life is amazing (easily around 10 hours?), and unlike the original THR10, I did not feel like battery use compromised the sound in any noticeable way. As with most things BOSS, it isn't sexy, but the engineering is rock solid and it's an incredibly useful companion for your music toys around the house.

[@markdouglas8073]

This is my new bedroom amp, which I use with the Boss GX-100. I use the Katana Artist as my main amp in my office studio. Rather than the FS-6 foot switch I am using the new Boss FS-1-WL wireless foot switch using Bluetooth and the editor app on my iPad to tweak tone & effects.

[@spawn302]

Had a Roland Cube in middle school (2011ish) and loved it to death. It was my first decent amp after the Line 6 Spider IV, and was where I fed the start of my pedalboard through. I still use my Fulltone Full Drive 2 till this day. Glad to see they have continued to leave it mostly the same and just refined it!

[@bobboitt3126]

I have a Spark 40 that's pretty amazing. Effects, backing tracks, models you can download, chord charts, It does everything you could ever want in a practice amp. The 40 needs to be plugged in, although I have seen people buy external rechargeable battery packs and velcro it to the back.

[@bry8500]

I have the THR 30 and the spark mini. Kind of opposing approaches. The THR 30 it’s basically a really good amp in a smaller package that’s battery powered. The controls all interact like you would expect on your regular amp. You can get a foot switch to turn on and off basic effects like delay. But no, Drive, pedals. Which seems like a very glaring omission. in contrast, the spark gives you all kinds of different effects, and you can turn on and off effects from a foot pedal. to me, the killer app for the Spark is that it will act as an iOS interface which means you can use Bluetooth control with a foot switch Looper apps and auv3 plugins from the iPad. If the THR 30 had that feature, it would be the hands-down winner. So it all comes down to what you value as a practice amp. Is it just basic sound that you’re gonna plug-in or do you want to try and practice with loops and more full orchestration. That’s the fork in the road.

[@tunnel7]

That intro was brilliant loved it. You must have played since you were 3

[@NedJeffery]

The dream product that I really want is an FRFR about this size, preferably in a wedge shape, and bonus points if it has stereo XLR through. FRFR cabs are usually too big, too expensive, or studio monitors that are not suitable for stage use. I just want a small personal foldback monitor for practicing.

[@Double_0_7_Strings]

Personally I’m a huge fan of the Spark amps. I have the big one for bedroom jamming and as a sound bar for movies, the mini for most of my traveling playing, and the Go for lessons cause it fits in my bag. I think the mini works the best, since the Go lacks a lot of bass response, and you don’t have to plug it in like the 40. Just being able to play along to songs with the Bluetooth is so handy. Honestly, I play them so much more than my big league modeler and amps, cause it’s just so simple and sounds great.

[@paoloschiano9900]

The Jazz chorus amps also have stereo inputs, I’d like to try one of the smaller ones with my hx stomp…

[@jimmcdougall9973]

I have the Blackstar ID BEAM, which, in my opinion, is purely a practise amp. It can take Bass, Electric and Acoustic guitars, plus has bluetooth connectivity for Music and backing tracks etc. A great stereo widener option that really spreads and surrounds the music. I’m happy with it as a sitting room, bookshelf amp. I also have the Yamaha THR, but feel it lacks the sound quality of the Blackstar. That outro is very much like Tangerine Dream on guitars (Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack etc).

[@Phoboss32]

Have you tested it against the Yamaha THR series? Which sounded better?

[@jimmcdougall9973]

@@Phoboss32 I have a Yamaha THR in front of me at the moment. In my opinion, the BEAM sounds fuller/fatter and definitely sounds better for bass and acoustic guitar. That said, the Yamaha takes effects pedals far better, but this seems to defeat the purpose of an all round “desktop” amp. I also prefer the BEAM’s Bluetooth for streaming music, with its spatial sound.

[@Phoboss32]

@@jimmcdougall9973 Thanks! Which THR do you have exactly? I got the THR10C and its low-Gain sounds are awesome.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

@@Phoboss32 I have the same one and can’t really say whether the BEAMs low gain is any better or worse. It’s all adjustable to taste.

[@jonalexander8935]

J Cordy you are killing it man! Think you are one of the best players today. Would love to see you with a drummer and bass player (3 piece). I would buy or pay to see that sir. Bless you and yours..

[@paularobinson4688]

I just got this and love it. I mostly play through JC amps and having a tiny one is great.

[@Michel-r6m]

Got a DSL-1cr and Origin 5c and think of selling them. Got a Dual Cube and for the money of both little tube amps maybe buy one slightly bigger one or keep money in pocket. The Dual Cube via line outs sounds really good 🤠

[@joecolgan1068]

I predict the intro to this video being particularly popular JC. Nice.

[@RyanMcQuen]

JNC though, we all know JC stands for Jacob Collier. 🤣

[@r0bophonic]

Heathens

[@RyanMcQuen]

Jazz Chorus too though.

[@everythingisopen]

Thanks John. I'm only a few days into the same round, on spec sheets only. Nux Mighty Air so far seems the most capable. However the stereo input, sort-of-mic-pre and MIDI expression pedal option sets this one apart. You may want to break down practice amp usage a bit more. All of us have various dealbreakers, say with/without app dependance, BT built-in, battery power, line-out, tuner/metronome/drum machine/looper, USB audio, FRFR for regular audio playback. I agree that JBL stereo speakers probably makes more sense for a lot of reasons and not only related to guitar but portability is a killer feature in some setups. Also, I've been using a pretty basic ID:Core in a wet/dry rig where it somehow shines when blended.

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

I have the Yamaha THR. Sounds Great.

[@slawsonscot]

Just bought one of these to use live in a stripped back travel rig. Have been using the Katana Go which has performed admirably but this seems like a better option with instant tweakability on the fly. Absolutely going to get a couple of basic tones set up using the tone studio tho as that was a game changer for my Katana 50.

[@jaymax3201]

This category is a hotly contested area, but I chose the Pocket GT headphone amplifier. High-quality sound and functions are condensed in the palm size.I also use it as a stompbox.

[@IsaacLausell]

Boss needs to put a stereo out on their katanas alongside with an actual dual delay hub like in the gt1000 with options of delay types

[@KeithMilner]

The main issue I have with the Pocket GT is the form factor. It could really do with a belt or strap clip, otherwise it sort of dangles around or gets dragged off the desk by the weight of the cable. I got a Nux MP-3 which doesn't have as much on it as the Pocket GT but, IMO, the amps sound better and the form factor is so much more convenient. So I'm now considering selling the Pocket GT.

[@StratsRUs]

I really love my Marshall CODE 25.Since its Firmware and App updates it rocks ! I never thought it could improve as much as it has. I was really cheesed off with it ar first.

[@spudsmcspudsie4726]

Absolutely hypnotic intro!!! FULL TRACK AVAILABLE?

[@MachtDoob]

You always seem to have nice drum backing tracks on hand. Can you do a video on how you incorporate drums/percussion so easily?

[@dylannolan7454]

I'd appreciate this. I don't know the first thing about drum programming but I'd like to make tracks like this to mess around with musical ideas.

[@ToneDeth.]

Nu-X Mighty Air is my choice. I thought you had one? It is what I play the most out of anything. Just convenient. Wireless. Battery powered. Easiest when you jsut want to pick up and play without any setup and noodle in front of tv. I suppose there is the mighty space too with the looper and footswitch, but its double the price.

[@johnnathancordy]

I do yeh, but that doesn't have a flat stereo input for this sort of thing?

[@ToneDeth.]

@@johnnathancordy oh no. But I have a dual ts 1/4 inch to trs 1/8 inch cable so plug in to mighty air aux for stereo stuff. So stereo out pedals in to the aux. No inbuilt looper though. And you could just do my poor man's stereo with any dual speaker Bluetooth with such in I guess. think the boss is only one with proper stereo ins and outs plus looper. You are correct.

[@sadman11able]

I was very interested in the Bad Cat The Paw but i don't think it ever properly came to market

[@johnnathancordy]

That does look cool...I hadn't heard of it but now I wish they still made it ha

[@theprogguitarist]

How do you think this one stands in terms of sound quality compared to something like the Yamaha thr or the Katana air?

[@orfeasch6945]

Could this monitor a multi effects unit (Nux MG-30 in my case) decently? Given the pros and cons of each choice, would you go for the KATANA 50 or the DUAL CUBE LX for -mostly- plugging in a multi effects unit?

[@c3rm4k]

I tried this at shop for few minutes. I like how it looks (cute little tank) and reverb. I don't like hi gain tones at all, it's just thin (even on headphones). IMHO Katana is much better (included the smallest one - Katana Mini has great brown sound (yeah it has very limited funkcionality, no reverb etc.)).

[@markdoolan3424]

My old Peavey Rage from the 90's not sure it still works thou ha! Use my Katana mini as a main little praccy amp!

[@tonray9395]

Great rundown...I think I'm gonna grab one

[@ChristopherOrth]

I think the killer feature on a practice amp today would be a built-in looper, and a big touch plate on the top that you could use with your foot. Tone, effects, and all that stuff is largely irrelevant compared to the ability to jam with yourself using a built-in looper. And putting a pedal on the floor and a whole bunch of extra cables just makes the whole thing less accessible and totally not portable.

[@quiqueberro-garcia2445]

Hi John,..Hope you're well ! I would like to ask you something..I've been thinking about getting some kind of "cabs" to use for live situations,for the HELIX or POD GO. any suggestions ??... It's not an easy subject,cause I would like to have 2 cabs (Stereo) but not as heavy as those ones you find in Thomann etc. They weight a lot... Something portable but with enough power to play with a drummer and be able to listen to yourself. Thanks !

[@StratsRUs]

Good question for a topic.

[@bielartur]

Thanks for the review as always! I wish you tried Positive Grid stuff. I would love to know your opinion.

[@RyanMcQuen]

Another interesting choice in this space, which is likely overlooked, is the Boss Katana-Head MkII, which has a built-in speaker and a 'Power Amp In'. Plus you can use it live with a cabinet.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yes! Only thing it would be missing is stereo I guess? But definitely an overlooked option...Might look into that

[@RyanMcQuen]

@@johnnathancordy indeed, stereo is neat and rare, the JC22 has that but it's too big to probably be considered a desktop amp.

[@chrishyde1216]

I've thought about getting one of those, but would be tempted to use it with a small - say 8 inch - speaker for low volume use at home. Despite what everybody says, I think small speakers are better at very low volumes.

[@RyanMcQuen]

@@chrishyde1216 I love small speakers! They have their own sound.

[@alexdoyleguitar]

I need some small and portable for guitar lessons. I was thinking the Katana 50 would be cool but this looks very useful too. Be good to have a comparison sound wise.

[@johnnathancordy]

The thing is that a Katana doesn't have the "smaller" sound in the room that you get with the desktop amps - I think that might be something to think about?

[@alexdoyleguitar]

@@johnnathancordy For sure. It's a tricky trade....maybe less boxy and more amp with the katana but some very convenient features with the desktop amp like bluetooth, looper, being able to play backing tracks. They need to make a in between for guitar educators! lol

[@chrishyde1216]

​@johnnathancordy Would you mind expanding on that please, as it seems like an important point. I have a Katana 100 and play very low volume at home. The amp just seems too big for this situation, despite the 0.25 W setting. I'm convinced that 12 inch (or 10 inch) speakers are ineffective at very low volumes. Is that what you mean?

[@andersnordskaug4917]

Nux Mighty Space works for me😊

[@LordBransty]

The best I've seen in practice amps is Kfir Ochaion using a NUX Mighty Space to play Knocking on Heaven's Door. That was amazing. If I could see someone recreate that, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[@nostalgia-for-infinity]

I think you should try out a Bose S1 Pro... battery powered, relatively compact, and would work well with something like an HX stomp or plugins.

[@jackprice7828]

JNC that sounds pretty decent.

[@elinaolefirenko5807]

could you plug in a cabinet for extra loud? like an orange cab 4ohms?

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

Ok. This thing is awesome.

[@rocinblues]

Kind of surprised you have tried the Positive Grid offering, it's been around for a while. Good video

[@johnnathancordy]

Well they sort of botched the launch right?

[@rocinblues]

@@johnnathancordy Are you talking about the worldwide supply chain shortages when the world closed down due to the lab created flu from China?

[@praveenbayya7355]

if the line out is connected will the cube still produce sound or will it become mute

[@skipneumann1]

I don’t know if it’s the recording setup, but I wish it sounded better on YT

[@PikPikkabbu]

HI! Please, how do you enter the editor? Dou you have to connect the amplifier to a computer? How ? Thanks

[@christopherjspiteri]

You need the Bluetooth module. It doesn’t give you anything beyond what is available in terms of effects, just a visual interface on app and access to the save slots - only three per amp model.

[@chitaristu88]

Hey John. I'm in the market for a "desktop/living room/coffetable" amp where I can plug my guitar in after I open a beer in the evening after coming from work. I don't like app connectivity and choosing what cabinet I need, nor 10 effects of their order in the chain. I tried a NUX Mighty Air and sent it back because I hated the overall app dependecy and it sounded like a tuna fisch can. Now i tend to look into the Yamaha THRs or Katana Air or Cube LX, or the Vox Adio. Which do you think is the best in terms of simplicity in getting good sound and the quality of the sound? Thanks mate, big fan of yours and enjoyed your Katana presets on Gumroad. Alex

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

My mighty 8 BT sounded dreadful and died after 4 months

[@RafsGearReviews]

Can this be plugged into a cab?

[@shadowminister4090]

The Bass version of this amp has a drum machine, which could be really handy

[@timelwell7002]

As it happens I went a few days ago to look at the Dual Cube LX and was underwhelmed by it. In comparison to my Katana II it has nowhere near the fullness of tone - due mainly to the smaller speakers, I'm sure. Perhaps the Dual Cube sounds good if used in conjunction with a larger speaker cab - but that would rather defeat the object, would it not? For me, fullness of tone is a must - and the Katana delivers on that front, in spades.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think that's the trade-off - generally any of the desktop amp offerings are going to sound small compared to a full 12" speaker - but I think at least the Dual Cube LX does have the outputs that a lot of the others don't so that you could involve some sort of PA speaker/monitor if you wanted?

[@worthmoremusic]

The beauty to using a practice or small amp is that one doesn't have to turn on their computer and go through their DAW, or use plugins, etc....

[@christopherjspiteri]

Two of the great features are disabled until you spend another 200$ on the setup - foot switch and bt-dual module- I would have bought another amp had I known this

[@chrisgmurray3622]

But does it have internal speakers?

[@johnnathancordy]

Yes it does

[@timelmore2]

At this point, I'm basically looking for a set of studio monitors built like guitar amp. All the features are a turnoff for me.

[@NedJeffery]

100% agree. I've been looking for months and can't find anything suitable.

[@rooberry-music]

I'm confused - why not just buy studio monitors then? Presonus eris e5, m-audio bx5 etc would fall into the sub £200 price range.

[@timelmore2]

@rooberry-music haha... That's what I ended up doing.

[@nikolasthethief]

The sound breaks down when you use distortion and strum power chords. Not good at all.

[@10sassafras]

Aren’t “practice” amps just beginner amps; something small for parents to buy? If you have a bigger amp you practice on that.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think some folks have portable small solutions that they like to use for various things - whether that's teaching in a school, practicing around the house, taking away if you're not at home - that sort of thing?

[@10sassafras]

@@johnnathancordy Fair enough.

[@wulf67]

No. They're amps for musicians (of any level of skill or experience) to use when practicing. If I tried to practice on an 85 watt Fender Twin Reverb (at the volume level it would take to get the power tubes hot enough to deliver the compression, sag, and clipping I need in order to practice what I will be performing) then there would be a SWAT team surrounding my house in a few minutes. Practice amps are for practice. Performance amps are for performing. Studio amps are for recording. I have five different performance amps alone; one for each size venue and/or mixing scenario that may apply.

[@Mr.Wu.]

🥱😴

[@jasonoleary9820]

8í

[@joekelly9369]

What sounds unplugged from the net, i wouldnt buy this to do anything other than plug a guitar into , no faffing downloading crap nothing ,

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

A boost knob or option for the app would be GREAT! @BOSSinfoglobal

[@dcharlies]

Really nice seup 😂