Roland Microcube vs. VOX DA5

studio1087 · December 29th, 2007, 08:50 AM

Opinions??

I'm considering buying a Microcube.

I'm going to sound like a goof here....I recently bought a Boss FDR-1 Pedal at GC for $129. The pedal is fine. I like the pedal. I have a Marshall Reflector Reverb and a Marshall Vibratrem and an OD Pedal on my board. I'm asking my self why I spent $129 on a pedal that I already sort of have. I may return it and the $129 credit may go elsewhere.

I've been listening to Microcube demos on the internet and the Blackface on a Microcube combined with the onboard reverb and trem really nails the FDR-1. The Microcube may be a more versatile toy that the FDR-1. I could us a very quiet practice amp. My mildest practice amp is a Champ. The Microcube could be a great recording toy to put in my basement with the home studio mess.

Microcubes are $125
VOX DA5's are $139

Price is close enough that it's irrelevant.
I want clean and dirty/clean tones with reverb or delay. Classic tones...nothing metal or odd.

Microcube vs. DA5????

Am I a goof for doubting the FDR-1 purchase already?

Thanks,

John

johnnytronics · December 29th, 2007, 08:53 AM

I have both! My daughter uses one and I use the other, then we swap!
Both good, but a little different. I find the Microcube a little easier to use but both are very cool amps.

johnnytronics · December 29th, 2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnytronics

I have both! My daughter uses one and I use the other, then we swap!
Both good, but a little different. I find the Microcube a little easier to use but both are very cool amps.

ps. If the reverb plus delay effect is important to you, be advised that neither amp has this feature. Both CAN use reverb plus tremelo. The new Fender VibroChamp DX and SuperChamp DX both have reverb plus delay.

BrianF · December 29th, 2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnytronics

ps. If the reverb plus delay effect is important to you, be advised that neither amp has this feature. Both CAN use reverb plus tremelo. The new Fender VibroChamp DX and SuperChamp DX both have reverb plus delay.

Thats the main thing that bugs me about the Vox DA5 (and the whole newer Valvetronix series for that matter) is that the effect selection/combination is very limited. You cannot use COMP with anything except itself, phaser, chorus. the same goes for Reverb...only itself, and delay, rotary, flanger, trem, chorus. Why on earth they did not allow using reverb with comp is beyond LAME! a serious oversight. I normally do not use COMP on real tube amps but on these small digital amps it really helps them.

studio1087 · December 29th, 2007, 10:57 AM

I have to have a compressor. I have a Marshall ED-1 on the pedal board and a DOD Milkbox floating around the house to use with my Champ or whatever amp I'm noodling with. I would park the Milkbox in front of the Microcube.

I like my Tele squeezy.

BrianF · December 29th, 2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

I have to have a compressor. I have a Marshall ED-1 on the pedal board and a DOD Milkbox floating around the house to use with my Champ or whatever amp I'm noodling with. I would park the Milkbox in front of the Microcube.

I like my Tele squeezy.

Well if thats the case..I would vote for the DA5. It has more power available (selectable 0.5. 1.5 and 5W) and a larger speaker than the MicroCube

studio1087 · December 29th, 2007, 11:56 AM

Dumb question......

Is variable output power really useful on a solid state amp?
I love a power attenuator with tubes but what good is it on a transistor amp?

If you want a solid state amp to be less loud, can't you just turn it down?

I always thought that an attenuator allowed the tubes to run red hot while limiting the output volume. If you can click a solid state amp down from 5 watts to 1 watt, how does the tone change?

Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question.

BrianF · December 29th, 2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

Dumb question......

Is variable output power really useful on a solid state amp?
I love a power attenuator with tubes but what good is it on a transistor amp?

If you want a solid state amp to be less loud, can't you just turn it down?

I always thought that an attenuator allowed the tubes to run red hot while limiting the output volume. If you can click a solid state amp down from 5 watts to 1 watt, how does the tone change?

Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question.

Well...I havent done an in depth A/B to what your talking about but I can say is that flipping the switch on the power selector is very effective on this amp. It preserves the tone that you hear while adjusting the overall volume. It's a useful feature. You should go and try/demo the amps in question..see for yourself what you like. Or buy one with a return policy...

studio1087 · December 29th, 2007, 05:21 PM

Well Brian.......

I bought the VOX.

I read many internet comparisons and reviews that said that the Roland had very limited volume in clean modes. I turned the Jazz Chorus model up to 10 on the Microcube and the volume was about speaking volume. I was really shocked. If you use a distortion mode and crank the gain, the volume comes up a little louder. I want a true practice amp but the Microcube was way too quiet.

The 5" speaker on the Roland scared me when I looked at it. It looked like a polypropylene woofer on a bookshelf speaker.

The VOX was louder, the sound was full, and it had more modes.

VOX wins. I'm going to play myself silly later this evening.

Thanks for the help.

Either of these amps are nice toys considering that they cost the price of a good stomp box.

Thanks,

John

eddiewagner · December 29th, 2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

I read many internet comparisons and reviews that said that the Roland had very limited volume in clean modes.

that is a case where the internet did not lie!

imwjl · December 29th, 2007, 06:55 PM

This may or may not help, but my Micro Cube works surprisingly well in acoustic mode with the pre-amp and pickup of my acoustic. That was sort of a selling point because I know nothing else when I got it with my first electric. I get surprisingly long battery life with it, it has held up well, and has doubled as a rugged iPod speaker when I am doing cabling at sites.

Over time I find I play my Tele front or both pickups with its Blackface and slight reverb more than any other way so my tastes may differ.

markinlondon · December 29th, 2007, 07:20 PM

I tend to hate "all in" type devices but I have to say that the DA5 is the best £90-odd I ever spent on a practice amp and/or effects unit. As was stated above, I find the lack of a compressor/reverb combination the only thing I don't like about it. Oh, apart from the high gain models, that is. I've no use for those. The power switch is very useful, it's easy to forget how loud 5 watts can get.

BrianF · December 29th, 2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

Well Brian.......

I bought the VOX.

Cool! I bought mine on a whim and wasn't that enamoured with as a Tele amp but then I gave it to my son who plays it with humbuckers and he's happy as heck with it. Now when he's not using it I borrow it back and play it with my P90 Casino... It sounds pretty good using it at a direct recording amp using the line out into my laptop...

BoB/335 · December 31st, 2007, 08:29 AM

I read a lot of reviews a few weeks back. They go both ways. Some found the Microcube to be a warmer sound and easier to manipulate the effects. Others were concerned about the smaller speaker and opted for the Vox. There is also a little larger Vox with 2 speakers but couldn't find one in stock anywhere to try out.

GC had a sale and I got a White Microcube for $99. I love this amp. 2 watts is plenty for the bedroom. It's a little smaller and lighter than the Vox and the batteries are suppose to last longer than the Vox. (Battery life was not a major concern for me) The clean sound is a bit low on the volume.

btw I never did get a chance to A/B them

f69tele · December 31st, 2007, 06:14 PM

I went to the GC in San Bernardino today. Tried out the Micro Cube and the Vox DA5. I was a little distracted by the Tele with the crappy strings on it they gave me to audition with. However, I plugged into the Roland and was very impressed with the volume coming out of that little 5" speaker. The delay was very nice. But, no compressor. The "crunch" sounds were pretty good also.

I plugged into the Vox and thought it equally performed as well. Then I noticed the power switch was on the lowest setting. Flipped it to 5w and it really cranked up the volume. Long story short, with more amps and more effects to choose from PLUS the compressor on the VOX, is chose the Vox.

I thought it "looked" more like an amp than the Roland and I got it for a buck twenty-five. Truth be known, I would have probably been happy with either one, not considering the compressor. I believe they are both really good little practice amps. I just think the features on the Vox out-do the Roland.

I'll really put it through the "motions" later.

December 29th, 2007, 08:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,168 33 Photos	Roland Microcube vs. VOX DA5 Opinions?? I'm considering buying a Microcube. I'm going to sound like a goof here....I recently bought a Boss FDR-1 Pedal at GC for $129. The pedal is fine. I like the pedal. I have a Marshall Reflector Reverb and a Marshall Vibratrem and an OD Pedal on my board. I'm asking my self why I spent $129 on a pedal that I already sort of have. I may return it and the $129 credit may go elsewhere. I've been listening to Microcube demos on the internet and the Blackface on a Microcube combined with the onboard reverb and trem really nails the FDR-1. The Microcube may be a more versatile toy that the FDR-1. I could us a very quiet practice amp. My mildest practice amp is a Champ. The Microcube could be a great recording toy to put in my basement with the home studio mess. Microcubes are $125 VOX DA5's are $139 Price is close enough that it's irrelevant. I want clean and dirty/clean tones with reverb or delay. Classic tones...nothing metal or odd. Microcube vs. DA5???? Am I a goof for doubting the FDR-1 purchase already? Thanks, John __________________ JLG Carry On

December 29th, 2007, 08:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnnytronics Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 442	I have both! My daughter uses one and I use the other, then we swap! Both good, but a little different. I find the Microcube a little easier to use but both are very cool amps. __________________ Support our Troops

December 29th, 2007, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,168 33 Photos	I have to have a compressor. I have a Marshall ED-1 on the pedal board and a DOD Milkbox floating around the house to use with my Champ or whatever amp I'm noodling with. I would park the Milkbox in front of the Microcube. I like my Tele squeezy. __________________ JLG Carry On

December 29th, 2007, 11:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,168 33 Photos	Dumb question...... Is variable output power really useful on a solid state amp? I love a power attenuator with tubes but what good is it on a transistor amp? If you want a solid state amp to be less loud, can't you just turn it down? I always thought that an attenuator allowed the tubes to run red hot while limiting the output volume. If you can click a solid state amp down from 5 watts to 1 watt, how does the tone change? Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question. __________________ JLG Carry On

December 29th, 2007, 05:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,168 33 Photos	Well Brian....... I bought the VOX. I read many internet comparisons and reviews that said that the Roland had very limited volume in clean modes. I turned the Jazz Chorus model up to 10 on the Microcube and the volume was about speaking volume. I was really shocked. If you use a distortion mode and crank the gain, the volume comes up a little louder. I want a true practice amp but the Microcube was way too quiet. The 5" speaker on the Roland scared me when I looked at it. It looked like a polypropylene woofer on a bookshelf speaker. The VOX was louder, the sound was full, and it had more modes. VOX wins. I'm going to play myself silly later this evening. Thanks for the help. Either of these amps are nice toys considering that they cost the price of a good stomp box. Thanks, John __________________ JLG Carry On

December 29th, 2007, 06:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
imwjl Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 1,115	This may or may not help, but my Micro Cube works surprisingly well in acoustic mode with the pre-amp and pickup of my acoustic. That was sort of a selling point because I know nothing else when I got it with my first electric. I get surprisingly long battery life with it, it has held up well, and has doubled as a rugged iPod speaker when I am doing cabling at sites. Over time I find I play my Tele front or both pickups with its Blackface and slight reverb more than any other way so my tastes may differ.

December 29th, 2007, 07:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
markinlondon Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wellington, NZ Age: 48 Posts: 426	I tend to hate "all in" type devices but I have to say that the DA5 is the best £90-odd I ever spent on a practice amp and/or effects unit. As was stated above, I find the lack of a compressor/reverb combination the only thing I don't like about it. Oh, apart from the high gain models, that is. I've no use for those. The power switch is very useful, it's easy to forget how loud 5 watts can get. __________________ Helping to invent english country dance guitar since 1981.

December 31st, 2007, 08:29 AM	#14 (permalink)
BoB/335 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 469	I read a lot of reviews a few weeks back. They go both ways. Some found the Microcube to be a warmer sound and easier to manipulate the effects. Others were concerned about the smaller speaker and opted for the Vox. There is also a little larger Vox with 2 speakers but couldn't find one in stock anywhere to try out. GC had a sale and I got a White Microcube for $99. I love this amp. 2 watts is plenty for the bedroom. It's a little smaller and lighter than the Vox and the batteries are suppose to last longer than the Vox. (Battery life was not a major concern for me) The clean sound is a bit low on the volume. btw I never did get a chance to A/B them __________________ BoB/335

December 31st, 2007, 06:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
f69tele Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Ulm, TX Age: 40 Posts: 257	Bagged a Vox today... I went to the GC in San Bernardino today. Tried out the Micro Cube and the Vox DA5. I was a little distracted by the Tele with the crappy strings on it they gave me to audition with. However, I plugged into the Roland and was very impressed with the volume coming out of that little 5" speaker. The delay was very nice. But, no compressor. The "crunch" sounds were pretty good also. I plugged into the Vox and thought it equally performed as well. Then I noticed the power switch was on the lowest setting. Flipped it to 5w and it really cranked up the volume. Long story short, with more amps and more effects to choose from PLUS the compressor on the VOX, is chose the Vox. I thought it "looked" more like an amp than the Roland and I got it for a buck twenty-five. Truth be known, I would have probably been happy with either one, not considering the compressor. I believe they are both really good little practice amps. I just think the features on the Vox out-do the Roland. I'll really put it through the "motions" later. __________________ I usually don't do requests, unless somebody asks for them...