Multi-functional amps are released from various brands, but the unique features of BOSS DUAL CUBE LX are looper and loopback function convenient for live streaming. It offers 8 types of amp modeling and 22 types of effects, providing a wide range of sound options. However, its Bluetooth functionality requires a separate adapter, and it operates on AA batteries rather than a built-in rechargeable one. When compared to YAMAHA THR10II and Positive Grid Spark, it stands out for its unique features, but the sound preference and specific needs of the user will determine the best choice.
If you are:
● Looking for a multi-functional all-in-one amp.
● Want to practice improvisation with a looper?
● Want to easily do Instagram or YouTube live?
● Want to enjoy a wide stereo sound at home with a multi-effects processor?
● Interested in popular YAMAHA THR10II or Positive Grid Spark.
Then, this review of BOSS DUAL CUBE LX by an ex-music store clerk yosh (@Yosh_Guitar) is for you. I will also compare it with the two major desktop multi-functional amps, YAMAHA THR10II and Positive Grid Spark. For a review of the guitar version of BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX, click here.
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX Pros
Pro 1: Desktop Size, Yet Wide-Sounding Stereo Speaker Amp
This is a multi-functional guitar amp of desktop size (341mm x 162mm x 215mm, 3.3kg). With a total output of 10W, it can be said to be the perfect volume and size for home performance. Like the conventional CUBE series, it has a sturdy body, so it will surely sound stable even at full volume.
Pro 2: 8 Types of Amp Types +1 That Can Play Any Genre
It has 8 types of modeling amps that can handle any genre. In addition, it also supports stereo input. You can save 3 tones on the main unit.
Here are the AMP TYPE modeling models:
| AMP TYPE | Modeling Model |
|---|---|
| ACOUSTIC SIM | Acoustic simulator. The sound of an electric guitar becomes an acoustic guitar sound. |
| JC CLEAN | Roland JC-120 |
| US COMBO | Fender Deluxe Reverb |
| BRIT COMBO | VOX AC-30TB |
| HI-GAIN STACK | Marshall 1959 |
| METAL STACK | Peavey EVH5150 |
| EXTREME | Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier |
| MIC | For microphone connection |
| STEREO IN | Stereo input that can handle stereo output from multi-effectors, etc. |
Pro 3: 22 Types of Effects in 7 Categories for Diverse Sound Creation
One of the features of the CUBE series is that it has effects directly from BOSS. The types of built-in effects are as follows. You can switch types with a smartphone app.
Here are the effect types:
| Effect | Type |
|---|---|
| CHORUS | 4 types: MONO, STEREO 1, STEREO 2, 2×2 CHORUS |
| FLANGER | 1 type |
| PHASER | 4 types: 4STAGE, 8STAGE, 12STAGE, BiPHASE |
| TREMOLO | 1 type |
| HEAVY OCTAVE | 1 type |
| DELAY | 6 types: DIGITAL, ANALOG, TAPE ECHO, REVERSE, MODULATE, SDE-3000 |
| REVERB | 5 types: PLATE, ROOM, HALL, SPRING, MODULATE |
With the use of the app, you can also use a parametric EQ and noise suppressor. If you use the wireless MIDI expression pedal EV-1-WL, you can also use wah (6 types) and foot volume. There are no terminals, so you cannot use a general wired expression pedal.
Pro 4: Built-in Looper Convenient for Performance and Practice
A looper is built in. The use of a separately sold foot switch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) is essential for use. It is one of the few multi-functional amps with a built-in looper. At the time of factory shipment, it is up to 45 seconds (stereo), and if you use a dedicated app, you can select up to 90 seconds (monaural).
Pro 5: Live Streaming Compatible USB Audio Interface
If you connect a PC or iPhone/iPad with a USB cable, you can play/record. It is probably the first USB audio interface equipped on a guitar amp that also has a loopback function. If you turn on the LOOPBACK switch, you can return the BGM playing on the PC to the PC. The top of the main unit also supports headphones with a microphone, so you can easily do live streaming. The loopback switch can also be used on the i-CUBE LINK (AUX IN) terminal on the back of the main unit.
Pro 6: Adapter or AA Battery Powered
The power supply is either the included AC adapter or 8 AA batteries. It operates for about 8 hours with alkaline batteries and about 10 hours with rechargeable nickel-hydrogen batteries.
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX Cons
Con 1: Few Types of Effectors
I also use the BOSS WAZA-AIR, which has a few types of amps, and it won’t be that there is no usable sound, but it might not be enough for those who want to explore sound creation with this one unit. There is room for sound making if you use the app, but if you want to do it easily with Bluetooth wireless connection, you need a Bluetooth adapter BT-DUAL for $59.99, and it will be troublesome to connect to the PC every time. It may be within the acceptable range for sound-making with the app if you always connect it as a PC speaker.
Con 2: Battery Operation is Not Built-in Rechargeable
You can use it without a power supply, but you need 8 AA batteries for that power. Nowadays, when built-in rechargeable batteries are not uncommon, such as YAMAHA THR, NuX, and Spark MINI, the use of batteries is inconvenient.
Con 3: Bluetooth Connection Adapter is Sold Separately
It is now a common feature in multi-functional amps to be able to play music via Bluetooth connection and set the amp with a dedicated app. However, to use the Bluetooth connection function, you need a separately sold BT-DUAL (market price: $59.99).
Comparison with Positive Grid Spark MINI
| Specification | BOSS DUAL CUBE LX | YAMAHA THR10II | Positive Grid Spark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $299.99 | $329.99 | $299 |
| Output | 10W | 20W | 40W |
| Speaker | 4 inch (10cm) x2 | 8cm full-range x 2 | 4 inch (10cm) x2 |
| Amp | 8 types | 24 types (Electric 15 + Bass 3 + Acoustic 3 + Flat 3) | 33 types (Electric 25 + Bass 4 + Acoustic 4) |
| Effects | 22 types | 12 types | 43 types |
| Input/Output | Input L/R, PHONES/REC OUT terminal: Stereo mini, i-CUBE LINK/AUX IN terminal: Stereo mini, LINE OUT L/R, FOOT SW terminal, USB | Input, Headphones: Stereo mini, AUX IN: Stereo mini, USB | Input, Headphones/Line out: Stereo mini, Aux in: Stereo mini, USB |
| Bluetooth | Separate adapter $59.99 | Equipped | Equipped |
| App | Sound make | Sound make | Sound make, Automatic accompaniment, Chord automatic analysis |
| Looper | Yes | No | No |
| USB Audio Interface | Yes: Loopback possible | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 8 AA batteries | None (Built-in rechargeable battery for THR10II Wireless) | None |
| Size | 341 x 162 x 215 mm | 368 x 183 x 140 mm | 350 x 180 x 190 mm |
| Weight | 3.3kg | 3.0kg | 5.2kg |
Sound Quality
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX has the least variety, with only guitar amp modeling. There is a DUAL CUBE BASS LX in the lineup for bass. Although there is a difference in variety, all models can handle all genres with a wide gain range. It’s a matter of preference, but it’s a fact that the more types, the easier it is to get closer to your preferred sound.
If we briefly summarize the character of each:
- BOSS DUAL CUBE LX… Overwhelming JC sound including the texture of the cabinet. The distorted sound is that of BOSS.
- YAMAHA THR10II… Clear and modern sound. Some people may feel that the sound with a core is a habit in the midrange.
- Positive Grid Spark… The character of the guitar is alive, and it has the most common guitar amp-like feeling, such as volume tracking and box ringing.
Input/Output
All models have guitar input, wired external sound source (AUX IN), headphone output, and USB. Only BOSS DUAL CUBE LX has stereo input and output, a foot switch for the looper, and a wireless expression pedal. Only BOSS has a loopback function for the USB audio interface.
Battery
DUAL CUBE LX operates with eight AA batteries. If you use it often, rechargeable batteries would be practical. THR10II does not have a battery, but if it is THR10II Wireless, a rechargeable battery is built-in. The price jumps to $469.99, but it also has a guitar wireless reception function. Spark always requires an AC adapter.
Bluetooth/App
All models support Bluetooth, but only the DUAL CUBE LX requires a separate Bluetooth adapter BT-DUAL ($59.99). In addition to playing music, the content of the app is basically for sound-making. The Positive Grid Spark app is feature-rich, with features such as automatic chord analysis and display of songs on YouTube, and automatic accompaniment generation.
Looper
Although an external foot switch sold separately is required, only DUAL CUBE LX has a built-in looper.
Amplifier with Unique Features of Built-in Looper and Loopback
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX is recommended for those who:
- Want to live streaming with one amp
- Want to use a looper without connecting a looper pedal
- Want JC sound easy, such as for checking effects
- Want to play multi-effects in stereo input beautifully
- Want to use it as a simple PC monitor speaker
On the other hand, Spark and THR10II are recommended for those who fall under the following. It is a matter of preference, but it is easier to handle if no BOSS is feeling in the sound of the amp itself.
- Don’t do live streaming, already have a distribution audio interface
- Don’t use a looper, just use a handheld looper pedal
- There is resistance to paying additional fees for Bluetooth functions
- Want to complete sound making with just an amp without compromising on a rich amp, effects
Because it is a product of BOSS’s favorite late-out marketing (sorry w), it has uniqueness in the built-in looper and loopback function, but it is not a function that everyone wants, and it is still a BOSS sound that divides preferences. Therefore, it seems that it will not be a game-changer for the desktop amp. I personally didn’t get my desires aroused. That’s because I just bought the Positive Grid Spark MINI, which is small in size but has an excellent sound and a built-in rechargeable battery, so I could say that I was relieved, lol.
