[Comprehensive explanation] Summary of the Roland Blues Cube series! Features, differences and how to choose between the Artist, Stage, Hot and Tour models [Reviews and demos]

I want to get that "stickiness" and "compression" of a vacuum tube amp in a lightweight combo.

The one that will grant the wish of such a greedy guitarist is

Roland Blues Cube Series

Thanks to the company's unique Tube Logic technology, it recreates the feel of vintage amps without using any vacuum tubes, while also allowing for flexible volume control and requiring no maintenance.

The lineup consists of five models, ranging from the 30W "Hot" for home use to the 100W "Tour" head for professional tours. In this article, we will compare the specs, sound characteristics, and reviews of each model to solve the problem of "which one should I choose?"

Whether you're on stage or recording at home, why not experience the next generation of classic tone with Blues Cube?

What is the Roland Blues Cube series? | Common features and appeal

Roland Blues Cube | Comparison table

Item/Model	Blues Cube Hot	Blues Cube Stage	Blues Cube Artist	Blues Cube Artist 212	Blues Cube Tour (Head)
Rated output	30 W	60 W	80 W	85 W	100 W
搭載スピーカー	1 × 12 ″	1 × 12 ″	1 × 12 ″	2 × 12 ″	- (BC-CAB410 = 4 x 10")
weight	Approximately 12.6 kg	Approximately 14 kg	Approximately 16 kg	Approximately 21 kg	Head approx. 8 kg (cabinet 33 kg)
Number of Channels	1 (with Boost)	2 (Clean/Crunch)	2 (Clean/Crunch)	2 (Clean/Crunch)	2 (Clean/Crunch)
Dual Tone Function	-	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.
Power Control	0.5/5/15/30 W	0.5/15/45/60 W	0.5/15/45/80 W	0.5/15/45/85 W	0.5/50/100 W
Presence knob	-	-	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.
Built-in Tremolo	-	-	(I.e.	(I.e.	-
Effect loop	-	-	(I.e.	(I.e.	A/B 2 systems
Tone Capsule compatible	×	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.
Included/Compatible foot switch	Standard 2btn	GA-FC compatible	GA-FC compatible	GA-FC compatible	GA-FC + MIDI
Expected scene	Home/Small	Studio/Elementary and Junior High School Live	Full-scale live recording	loud stage	Pro Tour Large Venues

Roland Blues Cube | Lineup

Blues Cube Hot: The smallest model in the series

The Blues Cube Hot is a 30W model positioned as the entry-level model in the series. Its strength is that it can maintain good sound even at low volume while inheriting the thick, sweet tone and response that is unique to vacuum tube amplifiers.

The ease of being able to create a range from clean to crunch with a single volume makes it easy to use for beginners and experts alike, and it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from home practice to small-scale live performances. It is versatile enough to be used from home to the stage, yet the main unit is lightweight and compact. It is easy to carry to the garage or studio, and does not require delicate maintenance like a vacuum tube amplifier. It is an attractive model as a first full-fledged amplifier.

Blues Cube Stage: A versatile core model

The Blues Cube Stage is the core model in the series. With 60W of power, it is more than enough for small to medium-sized live performances, and its output range is also easy to handle for home practice and rehearsals.

With two channels, clean and crunch, it covers everything from Fender-style sparkling clean tones to rich crunch in one unit. Furthermore, the Dual Tone function allows you to enjoy deep sound making by blending both channels. The biggest attraction of the Stage is the balance between simple operation and a wide variety of tones. Although it is inferior to the higher-end Artist in some areas (no effect loop or Presence knob), the price is kept low and it has excellent cost performance. This model is a reliable companion for guitarists who frequently use their amps from home to live houses.

Blues Cube Artist: Professional flagship combo

The Blues Cube Artist is the flagship combo amp for professional use in the series. Its true value lies in the clean "tension" and spaciousness that comes from its high output. Even when you turn up the volume, the clean sound doesn't get muddy or distorted, and is comparable to the best tube amps.

In addition, it is designed to meet the needs of guitarists who pay attention to detail on stage or in the studio, with a comprehensive range of functions that expand the range of sound creation and performance, such as the Presence knob, effect loop, and tremolo. In fact, many top players have praised the Blues Cube Artist, and its sound is often described as a "Fender tweed-like clean sound". It weighs about 16 kg, which is lighter than its tube class and easy to carry. It can be said to be a machine that pursues the ideal form of a live amplifier.

Blues Cube Tour: The top-of-the-line head amp in the series

The Blues Cube Tour is a 100W amp head that reigns supreme in the Blues Cube series. It has the power to produce clean and loud crunch on stage, and is powerful even in large venues and outdoor live performances. It has the same or better sound-making capabilities as the Artist, from tone settings and presence to dual tones, and there is no compromise in sound quality, such as picking response and natural compression.

The sound has been highly praised by professional guitarist Yoshiyuki Sahashi,"It's like playing a fine vintage tube stack."It has been described as "the ultimate in high-end sound." However, because it is a full-stack system, it is clearly overkill for home practice, and its weight and price mean it may be too much for general use. Its true value will shine in situations that require high volume or in professional settings that demand thorough sound creation."Concert-ready Blues Cube"This is a model that can be said to be...

Roland Blues Cube | Recommendations for different uses

How to use Tone Capsule

One thing you can't miss when choosing the Blues Cube series is the Tone Capsule. All models except Hot are compatible with Tone Capsules, so you can expand your sound in the future without changing the amp itself.
For example, if you feel like you want a little more vintage tweed sweetness, you can add the Ultimate Blues Tone Capsule (equivalent to 6L6GC), or if you feel like you want more British punch, you can add the British EL84 Tone Capsule. Just by changing the module, you can achieve a change that is on the level of a completely different amp.
Users have commented in amazement, "The tone capsule has given me a superb sound. I no longer need a distortion pedal." Even if you're unsure, you can start with the basic Blues Cube body and then fine-tune with the capsule later. This is a unique strength of the Blues Cube series that is not available with other companies' modeling amps or vacuum tube amps.

Summary | Blues Cube is an excellent amplifier that combines authenticity and practicality

The Roland Blues Cube series is a rare amp that perfectly combines the tone and feel of a vacuum tube amp with the reliability and convenience of a solid-state amp. Based on user reviews, the sound quality and feel of the clean to crunch range are particularly highly rated, with some people expressing admiration for the fact that "Roland, which was so clean that it was almost too clean, can produce such a pleasant crunch." On the other hand, there are a few opinions that say "It doesn't reach 100% of a full tube amp, but the flavor is still enjoyable" and "It is difficult to reproduce the unique nuances of vacuum tubes," and it depends on each player's preferences and feelings. However, in general, as symbolized by the voice that "listeners don't care whether it's tube or solid. For those who want a stable and good sound, the Blues Cube is a good choice," this series has gained high support from both professionals and amateurs for its practical sound quality and ease of use.

Finally, no matter which model you choose, you can enjoy the common advantages of the Blues Cube - superb tube tone, flexible volume control, and the peace of mind of maintenance-free operation. Get one that suits your playing style and purpose, and experience the sound. I'm sure you'll be amazed and say, "I see, this is the next generation of masterpieces." The Blues Cube series continues to play the best blues/rock tones all over the world today as a reliable companion that supports guitarists' expression behind the scenes.