Meet the Roland Cube Street Mini. It doesn’t look like much, and if I just saw it – I’d likely be tempted to think, “Oh great, another gimmick”. Then I plug my electric guitar in. I strum a chord. My jaw drops. How this tiny box pumps out the clarity and sound it does is a mystery to me. For those who want a great amp to travel and even perform with – Roland has the answer for you.
Roland is a BIG name in music. The Cube Street Mini is a subtle reminder of exactly why. This dual-channel 2.1 speaker amp doesn’t just make an effort to be great. It pumps out a world of sound. Sure, it doesn’t pack quite the same punch or features as say the BOSS Katana series of Amps, but the quality of sound for such a tiny device is shocking. I’ve had to yell at my teenager for playing too loud upstairs while I’m on work conference calls. I figured he had his Katana blaring. So when I ran upstairs to get him to turn it down, imagine my surprise when I saw the Cube Street Mini cranking the edgy tones out.
Clearly it’s no slouch, and it doesn’t only offer guitar features. It’s a fully functional mini-PA system. The Roland Cube Street Mini allows for a guitar, microphone, or stereo instrument plug in – and at the same time. Now, I can perform with a guitar, keyboard, or even an Aerophone (which I did not test) and sing through a vocal mic or connect microphones to both channels when performing duets. The built-in Bluetooth audio is especially handy, letting me stream music or backing tracks from my smartphone or tablet without taking up a channel.
I’ve had the Cube Street Mini for several months now, and I’ve waited for the weather to get nice in order to use it live. Shout out to Roland for being patient while I got some live tests in out here in the never-ending winter of Minnesota. Our local farmers market allows my fourteen-year-old guitar phenom son to jam and earn a few bucks out on the street. No more hauling a large, overpowered amp. No more searching for outlets. Yes, it’s battery powered (rechargeable). Now, I just grab this lightweight amp and away we go.
When we take it around locally, we often get multiple comments from the crowd. Many praise my son’s abilities, but many mention how impressed they are with the overall sound quality too. It sounds so good, and it shocks just about anyone who walks by. “Whoa, that sound is coming from that little thing?” Yes, yes, it is. People gather much easier as he used to play without an amp. The Roland Cube Street Mini and its quick adjustable controls allow for just the right volume for just the right moments. The built-in tuner gives me peace of mind as well. Now, I always know I’m in tune without having to bring a pedal or use an additional attachment. All of this, and in my tests about six (sometimes a bit more) or so hours of battery life.
Alright, I get it. I’ve been singing the praises like a fanboy. So what’s wrong or rather, what could be improved upon? Is there anything I don’t like? The reality is you are only going to get so much sound due to the size constraints. The Mini isn’t going to compete with drums or large crowds of talkative people. It can be great for background music while this happens. This is a great starter amp or PA for quick jam sessions. It’s great for travel. Additionally, there isn’t a full EQ selection. If you are looking for deep bassy lows, you won’t find them here. You will find basic tone controls and selectable instrument modes.
Summing it up
The Roland Cube Street Mini proves that great things can come in small packages. After months of testing at home and at my local Minnesota farmers market, I was consistently impressed by its surprisingly powerful sound, portability, and versatility as both a guitar amp and mini PA system. Its rechargeable battery, Bluetooth audio streaming, built-in tuner, and dual-channel design make it an ideal companion for musicians who want to perform without hauling bulky gear or searching for power outlets. While it can’t compete with loud bands, large crowds, or deliver deep bass due to its compact size, it excels for solo performers, duets, travel, and small outdoor events. For singer-songwriters, buskers, and aspiring musicians, the Cube Street Mini offers exceptional sound quality and convenience in a lightweight package that regularly leaves listeners wondering how such a small amp can sound so big.