The BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX is a multifunctional bass amp that stands out for its unique features, including a built-in looper and loopback function, which are particularly useful for live streaming and are rare in amps. It offers five types of modeling amps and 40 types of effects across eight categories, providing a wide range of sound options. Despite its slightly larger size, it excels in reproducing low frequencies, making it a great choice for bass players. Compared to the YAMAHA THR10II and Positive Grid Spark, it offers more features and is particularly recommended for those who want to finish live streaming with one amp.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one multifunctional amp,
● Want to practice ad-lib with a looper
● Want to easily do Instagram or YouTube live
● Are interested in popular items like YAMAHA THR10II or Positive Grid Spark
This thorough review of BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX by an ex-music store clerk Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar) is for you. I will also compare it with the two major desktop multifunctional amps, YAMAHA THR10II and Positive Grid Spark. For a review of the guitar version of BOSS DUAL CUBE LX, click here.
Pros of BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX
Desktop Stereo Speaker Bass Amp
It’s a multifunctional bass amp of desktop size (341 x 205 x 261 mm, 4.4kg). It’s a bit larger than the guitar version DUAL CUBE LX, but this is because it’s specialized for bass, with the cabinet size and speaker size optimized to reproduce low frequencies properly. In addition, it is equipped with functions such as a looper and a USB audio interface that can be used as is for live streaming.
Five Types of Amp Types
It has five types of modeling amps that are easy to match with your playing style. You can save three tones on the body.
| AMP TYPE | Modeling Model |
|---|---|
| SUPER FLAT | A flat characteristic, recommended for connection with multi-effects or preamp pedals |
| FLAT | Classic bass sound |
| VINTAGE | Sound with the warmth of a tube |
| MODERN | Tight and clear modern sound |
| ROCK | Overdrive sound |
40 Types of Effects Across Eight Categories
One of the features of the CUBE series is that it has effects directly from the BOSS pedal. The body operation has seven types: comp, drive, chorus, flanger, touch wah, delay, and reverb, but if you use the PC/smart device app, you can switch between all 40 types of built-in effects across eight categories.
| Effect | Type |
|---|---|
| COMP | 7 types: BOSS COMP, HI-BAND, LIGHT, D-COMP, ORANGE, FAT, MILD |
| LIMITER | 3 types: BOSS LIMITER, RACK 160D, VTG RAK U |
| DRIVE | 13 types: BLUES OD, NATURAL, GUV DS, METAL ZONE, MUFF FUZZ, BOOSTER, BASS OD, BASS DS, BASS MT, BASS FUZZ, HIBAND DRV, BASS DRV, BASS DI |
| CHORUS | 4 types: MONO, STEREO 1, STEREO 2, 2×2 CHORUS |
| FLANGER | 1 type |
| T.WAH | 1 type |
| DELAY | 6 types: DIGITAL, ANALOG, TAPE ECHO, REVERSE, MODULATE, SDE-3000 |
| REVERB | 5 types: PLATE, ROOM, HALL, SPRING, MODULATE |
Built-in Looper
A looper is built in. A separate foot switch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) connection is essential for use. It’s one of the few multifunctional amps with a built-in looper.
Built-in Rhythm Machine
It also has a built-in rhythm guide function of 27 types in total, 9 patterns x 3 variations. In addition to the metronome, which is useful for stoic basic practice, you can select rhythm patterns from genres such as jazz, rock, blues, R&B, funk, metal, Latin, and country. You can also start/stop using the foot switch.
Live Streaming Compatible USB Audio Interface
If you connect a PC or iPhone/iPad with a USB cable, you can play/record. Probably the first USB audio interface built into a bass amp, it also has a loopback function. If you turn on the LOOPBACK switch, you can return the BGM playing on the PC to the PC. Since it also supports headphones with a microphone on the top of the body, you can easily live streaming. The loopback switch can also be used on the i-CUBE LINK(AUX IN) on the back of the body for a wired connection.
An Adapter or AA Battery Powered
The power supply is either the included AC adapter or eight AA batteries.
Cons of BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX
Battery Operation is Not Built-in Rechargeable
You can use it without a power outlet, but you need eight AA batteries for that power. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to have a built-in rechargeable battery like YAMAHA THR Wireless, NuX,or Spark MINI, so using dry batteries feels a bit inconvenient.
Bluetooth Connection Requires a Separate Adapter
Being able to play music via Bluetooth while playing and being able to set the amp with a dedicated app is now a common feature of multifunctional amps. However, to use the Bluetooth connection function, you need a separate BT-DUAL (market price: $59.99).
Comparison with YAMAHA THR10II / Positive Grid Spark
Let’s compare it with popular models of the same size. BOSS has the most features.
| Specification | BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX | YAMAHA THR10II | Positive Grid Spark 40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $359.99 | $329.99 | $299 |
| Output | 10W | 20W | 40W |
| Speaker | 5 inch (12cm) x2 | 8cm x 2 | 4 inch (10cm) x2 |
| Amp | 5 types | 24 types (Electric 15 + Bass 3 + Acoustic 3 + Flat 3) | 33 types (Electric 25 + Bass 4 + Acoustic 4) |
| Effects | 40 types | 12 types | 43 types |
| Input/Output Terminals | Input, PHONES/REC OUT terminal: Stereo mini, i-CUBE LINK/AUX IN terminal: Stereo mini, LINE OUT L/R: LXR, 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 |
| Rhythm Machine | Built-in | No | App use |
| USB Audio Interface | Yes: Loopback available | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 8 AA batteries | No (THR10II Wireless has a built-in rechargeable battery) | No |
| Size | 341 x 205 x 261 mm | 368 x 183 x 140 mm | 350 x 180 x 190 mm |
| Weight | 4.4kg | 3.0kg | 5.2kg |
Sound
The BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX is slightly larger, but it also has the largest speaker size and is advantageous for reproducing the bass’s low frequencies. Also, compared to the two models that are also for guitars, it has the most types of amps, five, and the effects are also mostly for bass, so it has the widest range of sound making.
Input/Output
All models have bass input, wired external sound source (AUX IN), headphones out, and USB. Only BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX has XLR output in stereo, a foot switch for the looper, and a wireless expression pedal in addition to these. Only BOSS has a loopback function in the USB audio interface.
Battery
DUAL CUBE BASS LX operates with eight AA batteries. If you use it often, it would be realistic to use rechargeable batteries. THR10II does not have a battery, but if it is THR10II Wireless, it has a built-in rechargeable battery. The price jumps to $469.99, but it also has a guitar wireless reception function.
Bluetooth/App
All models support Bluetooth, but for DUAL CUBE BASS LX, a separate Bluetooth adapter BT-DUAL ($59.99) is required. In addition to playing music, the content of the app is basically for sound-making. The Positive Grid Spark app is feature-rich, automatically analyzing and displaying the chord progression of songs uploaded to YouTube, and automatically generating accompaniment.
Looper/Rhythm Machine
If you want a looper, BOSS DUAL CUBE BASS LX is the only choice. The same goes for the rhythm machine, but Spark has backing tracks in the app. If it’s troublesome to use the app every time, BOSS is easier.
Conclusion: How to Choose
All models have multiple modeling amps and effects built in, so you can complete sound-making with one unit. It’s a more satisfying sound than small amps under $200. The convenience of being able to play music via Bluetooth while playing and operating at hand with the app is also higher than traditional amps.
YAMAHA THR10II is recommended for people who:
- Want to use both bass and guitar
- Want a multifunctional amp that can operate Bluetooth and apps, but want the best sound and as cheap as possible
- Don’t need a looper and rhythm machine
Positive Grid Spark is recommended for people who:
- Want to use both bass and guitar
- Want to know the chord progression of songs uploaded on YouTube
- Don’t need a looper and rhythm machine
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX is recommended for people who:
- Don’t use a guitar, so they prefer more bass tones
- Want to finish live streaming with one amp
- Want to use a looper
- Want to use as them simple PC monitor speakers
