RE: [Harp-L] Boss Micro Cube first impressions

["Smith, Richard" <rismith@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Richard.  I enjoy hearing these reviews. The question
that comes to my mind is - - how does this unit compare to 
something like a Pignose Hog 20 or Hog 30, tonewise as well
as pricewise?  Can you put it into perspective.  
Thanks,

Richard Smith
Wormleysburg, PA


-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx]On
Behalf Of Richard Hunter
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 4:01 PM
To: Harp-L; Harptalk
Subject: [Harp-L] Boss Micro Cube first impressions


I was given a Boss MicroCube for Christmas, and just took delivery today
(yes, it's well after Christmas; these things happen).  The following
are first impressions.

The unit includes several amp models, one of which is a dedicated mic
preamp setup.  Effects include delay, reverb, chorus, flange, and
tremolo.  It's a very small amp, with 5 watts of power and a 6 inch
speaker.  It's powered either by a wall wart or flashlight batteries,
the latter intended for completely portable use.  Input is via 1/4"
jack; output can be sent to another amp or console via line-out. I was
astounded at the amp's general quietness when plugged in; there is no
audible hiss, even when all volume and tone controls are set to the
maximum.

The mic preamp sounds best by far for blues, much better than any of the
amp models.  My Astatic JT-30 mic put out plenty of sound through this
unit, with a lot of bite. I'm sure many players would find this sound
perfectly acceptable for blues jams, if not for studio work. My Labtec
AM-22 computer mic, which is preferred for use with my Digitech RP200,
sounded very bassy and less distorted through the mic setup,
understandable given the 600 ohm output from the Labtec and its
generally steep high-end rolloff.  (The Labtec sounds killer with some
amps, and absolutely dead with others.) I'd rate the mic setup at about
B+ for basic tone quality.  

The effects are usable, but nothing like flexible enough for serious
work.  For Chorus and flange, one can set the effect level only, not
speed, depth, or other useful parameters.  Delay time (time between
repeats) can be set, but regeneration appears to be fixed -- you get a
fixed number of repeats no matter what the delay time is.  Setting the
delay time to something near the minimum gives a slapback effect that's
certainly usable. Reverb level is adjustable, but the basic quality of
the reverb is not tops.  Setting this control to a low level adds a
pleasing quality to the tone. Tremolo time is adjustable, but not depth.
The effect sounds good in any case.  I'd rate the effects section a C-
overall -- passing, but not by much.  Only one effect can be used at a
time.

Overall, this amp is a good practice and jamming tool, and the
portability is unbeatable.  It's worth consideration by harp players as
a standalone amp with some usable effects. In no way is it suitable as a
replacement for dedicated (and more flexible) delay, chorus, flange, and
reverb units. 

Thanks, Richard Hunter
hunterharp.com

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