TEST: Roland Microcube RX

 What hasn't happened in the practice amplifier sector recently. I can still remember when practice amplifiers were more of a waste product of product development and were only exhibited behind closed doors at the respective music fairs.

The sound characteristics of the amplifiers were also mostly similar. If something was developed in a rush alongside the company's own fixation on the next full stack, it shouldn't be surprised if its basic sound, especially in the distorted range, was more like a razor than a guitar amplifier.

This has changed fundamentally in recent years. Due to the triumph of digital technology and the associated compression of various sound-forming elements in the smallest of spaces, miniature amplifiers were created that made a fusion of a practice amplifier and a small workstation a reality.

One representative of this series is the Roland Micro Cube RX. For the purpose of testing, I have both a guitar and a bass version of the device. Roland offers us an all-in-one version, which, in addition to amplifying the actual instrument, also includes additional features such as a tuner, metronome and rhythm computer, all garnished with the most important effects that a guitarist or bassist sometimes likes to have at their disposal.

Construction:

First of all, the similarities between the guitar and bass versions.

The Micro Cube has very compact dimensions. Just 30 centimeters wide, 30 centimeters high and 21 centimeters deep allow the device to disappear into any footwell, even that of a small car. It is all the more astonishing that the amplifier is relatively heavy at 6.4 kilograms. Not that you have to say it's heavy, but I personally would have preferred a medium-sized handle to the shoulder strap provided.

The housing is covered in a textured paint that imitates a synthetic leather cover. Four continuous plastic rails secure the corners of the device during transport. The amplifier and loudspeakers are in a closed housing, the power rating is 2 x 2.5 watts.

The amplifier's loudspeaker configuration is a special feature. While most amplifier manufacturers rely on a single 8 or 10 inch loudspeaker, Roland increased the radiation area by installing four 4 inch loudspeakers in the device. The radiation area gained in this way is offset by a different response and sound behavior of the smaller loudspeakers. I am excited to see how Roland will tackle this sound challenge.

The amp can be operated either via the included power supply, or you can run the device using six AA batteries with an operating voltage of 9 volts. The operating time with alkaline batteries stated by the manufacturer is 13 hours. When operating with the power supply, an angled plug is inserted using an attached strain relief on the back of the device. Small detail, but I always like to note it.

The slot for locking with a Kensington lock, which is now almost standard, has also been installed on the back. Additional connection sockets include a footswitch for controlling the built-in drum computer, as well as a headphone connection socket and an aux-in, optionally in stereo (mini jack) or mono jack for connecting external peripherals.

The cubes have a built-in tuner, which provides information about the tuning via three LEDs. The strings to be tuned must be set individually using the amp modeling control; there is no automatic string detection.

The rhythm computer is accessible from the top of the device on the right-hand side, and provides access to the basic rhythm and the volume of the drums via two rotary controls. The user can use a total of ten different basic rhythms in two variations each, plus metronome functions.

Unfortunately, the speed can only be set using a tab function. Even though intuitive control can be ensured using the push button, which can also be controlled using a foot switch, I would prefer a number-based speed setting in the form of a rotary control or, ideally, a small digital display. A clear tempo setting is necessary, especially for metronome exercises.

Both devices have three-band equalizers (bass, middle, treble), a modulation effect section (chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo - BASS cube: chorus, flanger, T-wah) and a room effect partition with delay and reverb. Both cubes have 7 amp models:

Guitar cube: (Roland JC-120, Fender Twin, Vox AC-30, Marshall Stack, Peavey 5150, Mesa Boogie Rectifier, acoustic guitar simulator

Bass cube: (linear flat amp, Ampeg B-15 combo, Fender Bassman, Trace Elliot stack, Acoustic 360, Ampeg stack, amp plus octaver)

plus a microphone preamp to connect a dynamic microphone asymmetrically.

Using a boost switch next to the input socket, you have the option of modifying the predefined presets in terms of drive, which is also reflected in a changed basic sound, so you can speak of 14 different sounds each.

Practice:

Guitar cube: It starts with the guitar colleague with the acoustic simulator on the very left of the panel. Here, the person in charge can hear Product manager immediately pulled the plug on the spoon a little. Even if you can see an increasing distortion preset selection from left to right and thus the AS belongs all the way to the left, the acoustic simulation unfortunately turns out to be a classic dud. Not that you can seriously expect to conjure up a high-quality acoustic guitar from the Martin segment from an electric guitar, but even a sometimes rather "whining" piezo pickup does not want to be emulated here. What Roland delivers here is simply a normal, clean sound, nothing more and nothing less.

As you turn it further to the right, however, the sound impression improves increasingly. As expected, Roland tries to emulate its legendary jazz chorus, which it succeeds in doing at an upper mediocre level, but at the latest from the "VOX" range onwards, serious joy begins to arise. The square saw of the small 4" inch speakers that I feared is calculated quite well by the DSP and is quite pleasing if you use the treble control carefully. Roland was well aware of this and designed the amps to have a somewhat "musty" sound, knowing that the high-frequency speakers would respond to any sloppiness with biting attacks above 2 kHz.

High praise for the FX section, where the manufacturer's extensive experience in this segment comes in handy. Chorus and reverb in particular are impressive for an amp of this size.

Bass cube: All presets deliver a good to very good basic sound, and at a volume that you wouldn't expect from the 2x 2.5 watt tiny units. The built-in compressor is also helpful here, as it smooths out hard attacks in a practical way and thus eliminates the deadly peaks that can sometimes kill small amplifiers.

As with the guitar version, the FX section is impressive, even though its parameters have been adapted to the bass range. But I think it's a bit risky to bring an octaver into play here, as the speakers really reach their performance limits here and ultimately this effect is only seriously audible on the D and G strings above the seventh fret.

Conclusion:

The Micro-Cubes offer everything you need for a quick, hearty session. Charge the 6 AA batteries overnight and you can scare cows grazing on Farmer Karl's green meadow or confront careless passers-by with your own genius in pedestrian zones.

Apart from a few subtle limitations, the "cube gang" does a good job and knows how to find and defend its area of ​​operation.

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Additional Informations:

Roland Corporation, a name synonymous with innovation in the music industry, has a rich history marked by groundbreaking technologies and iconic instruments. From its humble beginnings in Japan to becoming a global leader in electronic musical instruments, Roland's journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and creativity. This article delves deeply into the history, key milestones, and evolution of Roland Corporation.

#### Founding and Early Years

The story of Roland begins with its founder, Ikutaro Kakehashi, a visionary engineer with a passion for music and electronics. Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1930, Kakehashi's early years were shaped by his fascination with radios and electronic devices. After surviving World War II, he pursued studies in engineering and started a repair shop for watches and radios.

In 1960, Kakehashi founded Ace Tone, his first foray into the music industry, focusing on electronic organs and rhythm machines. Despite some success, Kakehashi's ambitions extended beyond Ace Tone, leading him to establish Roland Corporation on April 18, 1972, in Osaka.

#### The Birth of Roland Corporation

Kakehashi named his new venture "Roland" because it was easy to pronounce in any language and had a pleasant ring to it. From the outset, Roland's mission was to innovate and create musical instruments that would inspire musicians around the world. The company's first product, the Roland Rhythm 77 (TR-77), was an automatic rhythm machine that set the stage for Roland's future developments in drum machines and sequencers.

#### Breakthrough Products and Technological Innovations

The late 1970s and early 1980s were a period of significant innovation for Roland. In 1978, Roland introduced the CR-78, the first microprocessor-based programmable rhythm machine, which allowed users to create and store their own patterns. This was followed by the release of the TR-808 in 1980, a drum machine that would become legendary for its distinctive sounds, particularly its deep bass drum.

The TR-808's impact on music cannot be overstated. Initially met with mixed reviews, it found a second life in the burgeoning hip-hop and electronic music scenes, where its unique sounds became iconic. Tracks like Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" and Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock" showcased the TR-808's versatility and enduring appeal.

#### The Roland Jupiter-8 and the Rise of Analog Synthesis

Another milestone was the launch of the Jupiter-8 synthesizer in 1981. The Jupiter-8 was an analog polyphonic synthesizer that offered eight voices and a rich, lush sound. It quickly became a favorite among musicians and producers, cementing Roland's reputation for high-quality synthesizers. The Jupiter-8's robust construction, intuitive interface, and powerful sound engine made it a staple in studios and live performances worldwide.

#### MIDI and Digital Synthesis

Roland was also instrumental in the development and adoption of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard. In 1983, Roland, along with other key players in the industry, introduced MIDI, revolutionizing the way electronic musical instruments communicated. MIDI allowed different instruments and devices to connect and interact seamlessly, opening up new possibilities for music creation and performance.

The same year saw the release of another iconic Roland product: the Roland TB-303 Bass Line. Although initially marketed as an accompaniment for solo musicians, the TB-303 found its true calling in the emerging acid house music scene. Its squelchy, resonant sounds became a defining feature of the genre, influencing countless artists and producers.

#### The Digital Revolution: Roland D-50 and Beyond

The late 1980s marked Roland's foray into digital synthesis with the introduction of the D-50 synthesizer in 1987. The D-50 combined sampled attack transients with synthesized waveforms, creating complex and dynamic sounds. Its built-in effects and user-friendly interface made it a favorite among musicians, and it became one of Roland's best-selling synthesizers.

Roland continued to innovate throughout the 1990s and 2000s, releasing a series of influential products. The Roland JD-800, introduced in 1991, brought back hands-on control to digital synthesis, while the Roland JP-8000, released in 1996, introduced the concept of "analog modeling," emulating the characteristics of vintage analog synthesizers using digital technology.

#### Expansion and Diversification

As Roland expanded its product range, it also diversified into other areas of music technology. The company developed high-quality digital pianos, such as the RD series, which became popular with professional musicians for their realistic sound and expressive capabilities. Roland's V-Drums, introduced in 1997, revolutionized electronic percussion with their advanced triggering technology and realistic feel.

The 21st century saw Roland embracing new trends and technologies, such as software synthesizers, computer-based music production, and mobile apps. The Roland AIRA series, launched in 2014, paid homage to classic Roland instruments like the TR-808 and TB-303, reimagined with modern technology for contemporary musicians.

#### Key Figures and Leadership

Ikutaro Kakehashi's leadership was pivotal in shaping Roland's vision and direction. His commitment to innovation and quality was matched by a deep understanding of musicians' needs. Kakehashi's contributions to the music industry were widely recognized, and in 2013, he, along with Dave Smith, received a Technical Grammy Award for their role in developing MIDI.

After Kakehashi retired in 2013, Roland continued to thrive under new leadership. The company's commitment to innovation and excellence remains strong, with a focus on developing new technologies and expanding its global reach.

#### Roland Today and the Future

Today, Roland Corporation is a global leader in electronic musical instruments, with a presence in over 200 countries. The company's product portfolio includes synthesizers, digital pianos, electronic drums, audio interfaces, amplifiers, and more. Roland's ongoing commitment to quality and innovation ensures that it remains at the forefront of the music technology industry.

Looking to the future, Roland is poised to continue its tradition of innovation. The company is exploring new frontiers in music technology, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cloud-based music production. Roland's dedication to empowering musicians and fostering creativity ensures that it will remain a key player in the music industry for years to come.

#### Conclusion

The story of Roland Corporation is a testament to the power of innovation, vision, and dedication. From its humble beginnings in Japan to its status as a global leader in music technology, Roland's journey is marked by groundbreaking products, technological advancements, and a deep commitment to musicians worldwide. As Roland continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in music technology, its legacy of innovation and excellence is sure to endure.