Hey music lovers! Ever wondered which portable amp from Roland is the ultimate street performer's dream? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving headfirst into a showdown between two of Roland's most popular portable amps: the Cube Street EX and the Cube Street II. We'll break down everything from audio quality and features to battery life and ease of use, so you can decide which amp best suits your needs, whether you're a busking guitar hero, a keyboard virtuoso, or a vocal powerhouse. Ready to find out which Roland amp reigns supreme for your musical adventures? Let's get started!

Understanding the Contenders: Cube Street EX and Cube Street II

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's get acquainted with our contenders. Both the Cube Street EX and Cube Street II are designed for portability and versatility, making them ideal for musicians on the go. They're both battery-powered, allowing for unplugged performances in various locations. Both are really popular among street performers, singer-songwriters, and anyone needing a reliable, compact amp for practice or small gigs. However, while sharing a common goal, they bring different strengths to the table, making each a unique proposition for different musicians.

The Cube Street EX is the older sibling, a powerhouse known for its impressive output and robust feature set. It boasts a larger speaker configuration and a higher wattage, making it suitable for larger crowds or outdoor settings where you need more volume. This amp has been a stalwart of the portable amp world for a while, earning a reputation for its reliability and versatility. The Cube Street EX has built-in effects that allow players to create sounds and customize the audio they want.

The Cube Street II, on the other hand, is the newer kid on the block. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Cube Street II brings a fresh set of features, improved audio quality, and a more streamlined design. It's designed to be more efficient and offer better performance in a lighter, more compact package. The Cube Street II focuses on user-friendliness and offers modern features, like Bluetooth connectivity, making it a strong contender in today's market. Its more compact design and updated features make it a great option, especially for musicians seeking a more portable and modern solution. Both are great options, and the right pick depends on what you want in an amp.

Audio Quality Showdown: Which Amp Sounds Best?

Alright, let's get down to the most critical aspect: audio quality. Both the Cube Street EX and Cube Street II are designed to deliver clear and present sound, but they approach this goal with different philosophies. The Cube Street EX, with its larger speaker configuration and higher wattage, has a wider soundstage and can project sound further. This means it can fill a larger space with your music, making it a good choice for outdoor performances or venues where you need to reach a bigger audience. The Cube Street EX also tends to have a fuller, more robust sound, particularly in the lower frequencies, which is great for instruments like bass and keyboard. The bigger speakers are a big bonus.

The Cube Street II, while slightly less powerful, focuses on refined audio quality. Roland has upgraded the speaker and internal components to deliver a cleaner, more articulate sound. This means that your vocals and instruments will cut through the mix with greater clarity. The Cube Street II also includes a new vocal harmony feature, adding harmonies to your voice that can enhance your performance. The design of the Cube Street II creates a more focused sound, that is great for intimate settings. This means that the sound that comes from the amp can be targeted directly towards the crowd. So, whether you are looking for a loud amp to project the sound or an amp that delivers crisp, clear sounds, the Cube Street EX and Cube Street II can handle the needs of all music lovers.

Ultimately, the better-sounding amp depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need maximum volume and a wider soundstage, the Cube Street EX is the way to go. If you prioritize clarity, vocal harmonies, and a more focused sound, the Cube Street II is the better choice. Both amps deliver quality sound. It just depends on what is right for you.

Features Face-Off: What Can Each Amp Do?

Both Cube Street EX and Cube Street II are packed with features designed to enhance your performances. However, they approach features in slightly different ways. The Cube Street EX offers a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect multiple instruments, microphones, and even an external mixer. It has built-in effects, including reverb, chorus, and delay, which let you add depth and dimension to your sound. The Cube Street EX also includes an i-CUBE LINK jack, which allows you to connect your iOS device for recording or playing backing tracks. It is a very versatile amp. The Cube Street EX also features a convenient power mode switch that allows you to optimize battery life or maximize volume. This adds to the flexibility of the amp. It is really meant for musicians looking for total control. The Cube Street EX is an excellent choice for a variety of performance needs.

The Cube Street II streamlines its feature set, focusing on ease of use and modern convenience. It has two channels, each with independent EQ and effects controls. It has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet wirelessly. The Cube Street II also includes a vocal harmony feature, which can add harmonies to your vocals in real-time. It includes a built-in looper, allowing you to create layers of sound during your performance. The Cube Street II is designed to be easier to use, focusing on the core essentials for a great performance. This amp is designed for performers looking for a simple setup with modern features. Both are great choices, but depending on the performer, the features may vary.

So, which amp has the best features? It depends on your needs! The Cube Street EX offers more inputs, outputs, and effects, making it ideal for complex setups. The Cube Street II prioritizes simplicity and modern features like Bluetooth and vocal harmonies, making it perfect for the modern musician.

Power and Portability: Battery Life and Size Comparison

When it comes to portable amps, battery life and size are major considerations. Let's see how the Cube Street EX and Cube Street II stack up in these areas.

The Cube Street EX can run on either eight AA batteries or the included AC adapter. With batteries, you can expect around 20 hours of operation at lower power settings or up to 10 hours at full power. It's a bit heavier and larger than the Cube Street II, but still reasonably portable. It has a rugged build, making it well-suited for the rigors of street performances. The Cube Street EX also has a power mode switch to preserve battery life, which is a great feature. If you want a battery-powered amp that can deliver a lot of power for a long time, the Cube Street EX might be your choice.

The Cube Street II also runs on either AA batteries or the included AC adapter. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours at maximum power and 12 hours at eco mode. The Cube Street II is significantly smaller and lighter than the Cube Street EX, making it even easier to carry around. It's a fantastic option if portability is your top priority. The size and weight make it super easy to take anywhere. The Cube Street II is designed with portability in mind without compromising on sound quality or features. This helps make it a great option for buskers.

In terms of battery life, the Cube Street II generally offers a slightly better performance. If you need longer battery life for gigs, the Cube Street II might be a better option. When considering size and weight, the Cube Street II is the clear winner. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal priorities and what you value most in a portable amp.

Who Should Choose Which Amp?

Alright, time for the million-dollar question: which amp should you choose? Let's break it down based on different user profiles:

Choose the Cube Street EX if:

• You need maximum volume and a wider soundstage for larger audiences or outdoor performances. This amp's sound will reach more people.
• You require a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs for connecting multiple instruments and microphones.
• You want a rugged, reliable amp with a proven track record. The Cube Street EX is a durable amp.
• You value the ability to optimize battery life and volume with a power mode switch. This allows you to conserve energy.

Choose the Cube Street II if:

• Portability is your top priority. This is a very easy amp to carry.
• You want a cleaner, more articulate sound with vocal harmonies. The Cube Street II delivers crystal-clear sound.
• You value modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in looper. The amp is great for modern music.
• You prefer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience. The Cube Street II is easy to use.

Final Verdict: Is There a Clear Winner?

So, after all this, is there a definitive winner in the Cube Street EX vs. Cube Street II showdown? Not necessarily! Both amps are excellent and offer unique strengths. The Cube Street EX is a powerhouse, delivering superior volume, and a wide range of inputs and outputs. The Cube Street II is a more modern amp that is streamlined and offers great battery life. The best amp for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize volume, and a comprehensive feature set, the Cube Street EX is a great choice. If you prioritize portability, modern features, and vocal clarity, the Cube Street II is the better option. Consider your budget, musical style, and performance environments to make the best decision. Consider the pros and cons of each amp, and you'll find the perfect match for your musical journey. Happy playing, and rock on! Which will you choose?