Roland CM-30 CUBE 30W 6.5 inch 2-way Portable Active Monitor Reviews

I use these for solo digital piano and solo guitar. Light, small easy to transport and store. Can be set up on a microphone stand (use the tripod feet, not the disc weight base). Very good sound. flat frequency response, almost as good as a high quality studio monitor. Active speaker with amplification, tone control, XLR input and 2 additional inputs as a mini-mixer. For piano you must use a pair in stereo for good sounding piano. For guitar, I use in stereo with a modulated reverb and delay, in stereo, sounds like a quality guitar recording with its widening effects.

Dependable, 17 years of use. For piano and guitar I use the EQ and just add a tiny bit of bass, and turn the treble all the way down, get a nice sounding solo piano that is not too bright and brittle. A very good sounding digital piano with this EQ setting.

Today I use them as in my synth studio as stereo monitors, a tribute to their accuracy and flat frequency response with the bass tone control adding just a tiny bit. The ultimate solo digital piano rig would be these active speakers/mixer with a Yamaha DGX-670. Set the speakers in front and beside you, and then use the built in speakers as your monitor.

A long time ago, at least ten years back, I asked a friend who owned a music store to pick out a monitor for me. He showed up with my first CM-30. I needed another monitor, so I bought another CM-30. Duh.

Very satisfied with amp! Our sales engineer Jake Hersha is the best!

First of all it's a good stage monitor for singing that's very loud and has a rich vocal sound. I mount it on a mic stand. What really is cool is that its a perfect practice speaker. I have a Yamaha small mixer plugged into channel 3 in stereo and I run backing tracks, electric and acoustic guitars plus the vocals and it really sounds good with no didtortion at higher volumes. When you use the headphone out the sound is wonderful and in stereo.
So if you don't want to disturb anyone nearby its a good solution. So small but packs a punch.

I needed something to monitor multiple synths/instruments for demonstrations in an educational setting, and this fits the bill very well. Needed to be quick to set up and easy to move, and the CM-30 is the perfect size with an appropriate amount of volume. Having multiple inputs is the #1 key feature for me as it obviates the need for a separate mixer, and if I need more inputs I can always grab a second one and use the stereo link feature to increase the capacity of the system (and gain stereo output). Great sound quality and build quality. I put off buying one of these for quite a while because of the cost (and because I had other speakers/amps that could work) but this is 100% worth the price for my application.

I ordered a speaker and tripod for my dance business a little over two months ago. IT IS SO FANTASTIC THAT I'M ORDERING IT AGAIN! The Sweetwater experts are helping me build a fantastic portable system for my ballroom dance business. With COVID-19, I have to take all of my shows and dance classes outdoors, and Sweetwater has helped save my business. I love my portable speaker and tripod so much that I'm going to wire it to another and create an outdoor portable surround-sound experience for my students and audiences.

I am VERY pleased with the CM-30 Roland Cube. There are SO MANY ways the Cube can be used. With multiple input formats and levels, mixing, and the ability to link 2 of them together to double their functionality, it can be adapted to fit a variety of situations. The quality and presence of the sound is superior. The frequency response, all the way from bottom to top, is never lacking. This is a valuable addition.

I have been using two of these in stereo pair for sound re-enforcement for digital piano and acoustic guitar for over 12 years now. They are still like new with Roland rock solid dependability. You would think a single driver speaker would be lacking...but NO! The frequency response is so wide I turn the treble down all the way for both the piano and guitar and leave the bass control untouched. I get a very natural piano sound from a Yamaha P95 out the headphone jack to the Roland Cube, plenty of power to run from the headphone preamp of the piano. The guitar is sent through a delay and modulated reverb in stereo it sounds live like a studio recorded guitar. I play solo guitar and solo piano in concerts and both sound very warm and acoustic running through the Cube in stereo pair. There is plenty enough amp in the Cube for a solo piano/guitar 500 seat venue. In comparison to a 9 foot concert grand piano my stereo Cube rig is louder. Today I mostly play acoustic piano so now the Roland Cubes are in my studio functioning as "near field" monitors for my synth orchestration recording. I have sound designed synths through these monitors for years now with good success. No, they are not officially near fields but at low volume levels they work well as near fields as I use them just 3 feet away from my ears..and they sound clean and wonderful. I use just a little bass EQ (there are tone controls built in to the unit) gain and I get good recording from these monitors. For comparison of the sound recording I check my final mix to my Roland RMS90 near field studio monitors, Sennheiser headphones, my automobile system and a home stereo; and believe it or not, the mix works well on all the systems as well as sounding good on friends systems. So even though I have been tempted to buy "official" near field monitors like the JBL 5 inch monitors, I will not and just continue to use these Roland Cube monitors (which are meant to be for PA) as studio monitors....crazy. A friend who is tired of lugging a heavy guitar amp/cabinet combo amp around is now considering these little Roland wonders for sound re-enforcement of his classical guitar. I play both steel string acoustic and nylon classical, both guitar sound good through these speakers. NOW...as a mono set up I don't know, I only use the Cubes in stereo pair, that may be where the power is coming from, and certainly with stereo effects where the great sound is coming from. Speakers are the one thing we can't hear on YOuTube reviews, we have to trust reviews like this and others opinions only. So here is me; 50 year pro musician, recording engineer, sound designer; listen to the video link to judge my listening skills recording live (one take) jam with the cheapest equipment made.

For such a small amp the sound is full and rich. It supports my synth & piano with great sound. Vocals are fine too. Where the big win is - all the easy to access inputs and controls. I have a peavey amp and dozens of monitors but nothing compares with this. The plan is to buy a second for a right and left stereo sound supporting all kinds of hardware. You can't go wrong for the price.

This is a great little speaker! I like that it mounts straight on a microphone stand. Controls are super easy with their front placement. I appreciate that the inputs are on the rear of this box, thus keeping the front area clear of excess cord-age and mess. I use it primirily in my practice studio as a monitor for keyboard, guitar, and vocals. I also run an ipad/ click track at the same time via the RCA inputs on the back.

Absolutely love this cube! My wife and I bought two and they work perfectly together. We have a Roland Keyboard, my acoustic guitar, and a mic we hook into them for the home studio. The ability to daisy chain the monitors so they play the same has been highly effective. Plus, if Sweetwater uses them in their showroom to advertise the sounds of their instruments, why wouldn't we trust it? Thankful for these!

I owned two of these Monitor. I play Korg Pa4x keyboard arranger. These speakers are just amazing. \
I just purchase a subwoofer to help them alone. But really they sound (Out of this World). I am planning on buying two more very soon. Just because they sound so great. I do have a mixing board. So I be able to plug them all in with the sub woofer. I had these two CM 30 for over 10 years. I have dropped them. They have fallen off the speaker stands. They are still working well. These Two Roland CM-30 cube Monitor are work horses.

These pack the punch that I was looking for!

I've had experience with this monitor, which is why I bought it. I have a couple of Roland amps and use Boss pedals and they always do what you need them to do, without fail. This CM-30 is no exception.

The Roland CM-30 Cube Monitor sounds great. It's amazing that such a full and rich sound is produced using such a small enclosure, but it does. I bought two, have wired them together, and have been using them as a mini-vocal PA. They're very versatile. In my gigs with acoustic guitar (also amplified by two Roland 40W amps), I can play most medium-sized rooms with no problem. These are solid, appear to be well-built, and are sure to work well for many applications. Thanks to Roland and Sweetwater!

I have a small home studio and this thing is so rediculously versatile that I use it as mixer output for stereo studio monitoring and as amp/speakers for my "home entertainment system" (an old term). Then, along with my mixer, I can EASILY transport the pair for PA use as well.

The sound is solid: crisp high-ends and beefy low-end with nothing really lost in the middle! The front panel eq adds a nice touch to round out what comes off the mixer for a final contour.

Very cool little amp.it has great sound, it is plenty loud, and for the price cannot be beat. I have used it as a stage monitor. I have also used it as a little karaoke amp. It has never let me down. I love the compact size andI really love how Roland has made it to sound so clean at high volume with such a small speaker

we needed a small monitor that would allow the combination of several channels for a custom mix for our keyboardist. This cm-30 cube was perfect, and the sound quality is amazing considering the small size.

I use that one since 5 years it still blows my 20m^2 away everyday !

I bought one, then immediately bought another! Can't be beat as a small PA. They mount on tripod microphone stands—very convenient. In a full band setting, I use a small mixer w/effects and send the signal to a channel of my Roland KC-500 keyboard amp to act as a sub and to "fill out" the sound. Acoustic guitars sound great through this rig. Great also as a hotspot monitor. Amazing versatility.

I've had a pair of CM-30s for several years now. I just got motivated to write a review because after all this time I have to say the CM-30s are one of the best musical purchases I've made of any type. They are just incredibly versatile, I've used them at various times as mini PA, acoustic guitar and keyboard amps and stage monitors, personal vocal monitor, extra mixer, and if the setup is simple enough they can be both the speaker and mixer so I can leave my external mixer at home. In every application they sound fabulous - I've used them as PA for small combo even at outdoor gigs and been complimented on the sound quality of the mix. A great bargain and a true classic at this point - I hope Roland makes them forever!

This Cube was so awesome in the restaurant I play at holding 75 people, that I've since bought a 2nd one to use at a larger restaurant I play...Since I get alot of dancers at my retirement golf & country clubs, I've just purchased a Nady 8" powered subwoofer (60 watts), and I can't wait to hear what this added bottom end will add. The Roland is so clean and clear, and the speakers sit on each side of me (in front) not behind me, and I hear them so much better than I do thru my Bose L1 System. If the subwoofer gives me the punch I believe it will, this will become my permanent set-up and the Bose will remain in reserve for venues of over 200 people. ROLAND has made the perfect Scaled Down, lightweight, powerhouse system!
Thank You!!!!!

This unit is exactly what I was looking for!! It may be a little overkill for my use but really does a nice job. Unit is really quality all the way.
Sales engineer was very informative after asking him a few questions and he recommended this unit for my applications.
THANKS to all!!!

This little amp is a shocker. I've owned a Roland KC-300 for years and it was a great investment. Playing keys with a band I needed a monitor light weight and portable for gigs and practice. This unit is GREAT! With a Yamaha mixer, I run 2 Korgs, a Roland AX, Akai EWI 4000s, two sound modules and a MP3 player. Truly driving this amp I found it to be great for on stage monitoring enabling me to hear each system through it clearly with great bass response along with superb highs and lows. Great unit for small intimate gigs of 40 people or less. GREAT INVESTMENT.

I bought this Roland cube monitor to use at a nursing home. I jack in my mini cd player and it works great. I bought it because of the name because I know Roland is quality for the price. I could believe how the sound was. Even others mentioned how much sound quality came out of that little box.

Great Product. We purchased 2 for on stage monitors. They were way better than we expected. Very clear sound that didn't have to be loud. Very versatile as well: I used one Cube with my computer and filled a 1000sq' room with quality sound for about 40 people. Nice job, Roland!
[now, if you could just improve your owners manuals and customer service...]

I bought this monitor for use at jams so that I did not have to bring my full rig. It worked very well. I could easily hear myself and the other band members had no problem hearing me, too, in a moderately loud jam session. I really appreciated the light weight when I packed up at the end of the session!

I'm a Karaoke Host,do most of the singing myself.Always had a tough time hearing the music,especially at a low volume venue.
I ordered this monitor and received it in 2 days,just in time for my gig that evening.Took it on the job ,connected it,and what a vast difference it made! At last, I could hear myself without cranking the mains up.
I would recommend this product to anyone who needs a monitor
I wish I'd had this product when I played in my band 40 years ago!

I got this to capture the elusive sound of the Ashbory Bass and nothing I've tried before does the job so well. The tone is cristal clear and the EQ is incredibly flexible. It's also amazingly powerful for such a small package.
Finally, a note about Sweetwater's outstanding service. Been their client for years and again I'm convinced no other delivers like them.

The guys at Sweetwater recommended this for our keyboard player and it has a great sound with plenty of high and low frequencies for a small hotspot monitor. It also will be versitale with a couple of options for inputs for other applications. Thanks Sweetwater!

Looked at the reviews on Sweetwater and took a little risk and bought it. I'm a picky audiophile/professional musician. This thing ROCKS! Great for a mini-substitute for a powered monitor costing 800 dollars. I'll be getting another one soon. Super for vocals monitor in a rock band at practice and gigs. (25 years in the music business)

I love this monitor! I have bought six for school and one for home. I use them as vocal monitors, both single and parallel; studio monitors; as a PA, as speakers for my show choir, as bass and keyboard amps; and I run my iPod through it for choreography rehearsals. It is super portable and strong and delivers a great quality sound. I like the multiple input types, three channels and the EQ. I highly recommend!

I bought two. I added a 100-watt 12-in. powered sub, plus a small 6-channel mixer with on-board effects and have a GREAT small venue stereo PA system. I also use them as individual "hotspot" stage monitors (on a standard tripod mike stand), as a stereo keyboard amp, as home stereo (w/sub)...endless uses. A great product, and bulletproof.

I've got three needs: a keyboard amp to make my Roland louder during practice, something to play my AdrenaLinn III through besides headphones, and occasionally a PA for my son's band playing for a small audience.

I looked at a lot of different products, but nearfield monitors seemed too delicate, PA systems too high-powered, keyboard amps too specialized. And then I found the CM-30, which covers all three needs and sounds great (MUCH better than a low-end keyboard amp I tried). I like the option to add a second cube, for stereo output, if needed. Perfect all around!

I just wanted something that I could plug my laptop into to accompany my trumpet stuff in nursing homes .

This is just what I was looking for!

I was thinking of borrowing a keyboard amp from church, but it was heavy and big with 15 inch speaker. Kind of glad the choir director did not want me to take it out of the church.

My knees are bad and I did not want to make multiple trips with a bunch of equipment.

30 watts is PLENTY loud in this venue.

A 300 W system doesn't push more than 20-30 W most of the time anyway. The extra power is for the peaks.

Remember, to achieve just a noticeable (3db) difference in sound would take twice the power (60 W). Twice as loud would take 10X the power or 300W. Unless you go digital, more power means more weight. And then you need a speaker with a heavier magnet to handle the load, and a bigger speaker for the bass, perhaps a horn for the mid range.

I have a friend who sings in nursing homes with pre-recorded background tracks using a Fender Passport, which is really nice, but he still complains about the space in his trunk and the weight.

This little thing is amazing. Easy to carry. Lots of mix features. Solidly built.

I can be in and out in a jiffy without needing a truck.

In my house, I could only stand to turn it up half way.

Purchased one for our Church keyboardest who is very picky (and we're talking picky - you know the type) about his feedback sound mix in summer 2006. This unit blew him away instantly and continues to do so. Simple to set up (a keyboarest can do it) and now three people us eit for their feedback as well (one on the single CUBE speaker use two sharing the headset plugs. Best stage investment I ever made - made three musician happy at same time on feedback sound (and that ain't easy my friends).

Oh yeah - don't let the 30 watts fool you either - this baby cranks out nicely for background keyboard sound when mains are down low for a nice stage effect. Sound is decent quality for a small cabinet and travel type speak system. Need a spot feecback speaker for the stage - give this one a serious try. You won't regret it.

I use a Roland CM-30 Cube as my personal keyboard monitor within my multiple keyboard rig. The clarity and proximity of the monitor allows me to better hear my keyboard mix, the volume of each keyboard relative to the others, which helps me provide perfectly layered sounds. It's lightweight, compact. and easy to carry around. It's one of the best investments I've made!

I am using two CM 30 for my electronic accordion. They fit onto a regular mic stand. You can also hook up a mic for announcements. I love the price too.

A little powerhouse and very versatile. Just what we needed!

I own 2 Roland Cube amplifiers. Love them both.!!!
The Cube for Guitar
The Cube for Bass
So pleased with those that I would be willing to bet and back up the positive reviews listed here.
I was amazed at the great sound these little boxes put out.

The guitar cube tried to blow my face off one night when I accidently turned volume up too quick.
The bass cube will make you think "Somebody's Knocking at the Door", or floor.

No kidding folks well worth the money.
Very solid built units!
After 2nd purchase I would not think twice about buying another Roland product. Because I've already thought twice and I'm happy with both decisions.

This Cube monitor does everything I ask, is fairly lightweight and has great sound quality. My only issue with it is the relative awkwardness involved with screwing it onto and off of a mic stand.

Everything I said in my initial review remains true. But last week I went to a job and the CM 30 was dead. I tore it apart and found a fuse. And that's the thing I don't like. It is so hard to get to the fuse. I wish they would go back to that little knob that you twist and pull out a fusion replace it.

That would probably add to the cost though. It's still a great little amp.

For $200.00 this is a good speaker, three channels, can be linked together, pretty loud and clear.
I play jam tracks and acoustic guitar thru them, ( I have two).

happy

I've used a Cube for a studio amp for keys for 2 years now. It has superb highs and midrange. Being so little, the low end is limited, and given the limitations of the amp power and the 5" woofer, boosting the low EQ to max will just create distortion. I mated it with a studio sub-woofer I bought from Sony (not even for live use - built for home entertainment...) and the combination is huge! You can get plenty of volume because the sub takes up the low end slack. (my sub is only slighty larger than the cube - they stack like one of those toy Marshall stacks!). Great little amp, and great to take to jams...

I have 2 of these as personal monitors with a band using Bose L1 series towers and bass units for overall sound reinforcement. The CM-30 provides excellent sound for my Kawai MP6 piano and plenty of power. I can hear plenty of detail and the monitors provide a surprising amount of low frequency response for their size. They don't quite handle the low A from the B3 sample (of course) but other than that, very good (flat) frequency response lows to highs. The output channel provides a low-noise signal to the board at -10 db, leaving the master volume on the CM-30 to control local monitor level. I also like having multiple input channels as it will be easy to add a 2nd-tier synth to my keyboard. These monitors are ruggedly built, have a very clean sound and are easy to transport and set up, work great with tripod mic stands.

I needed a small, highly portable and versatile practice amp for a wide range of uses including informal jams, practice sessions without full equipment and as a second stage monitor. This powerful little beauty also includes three inputs which allows me to keep my keyboard, a guitar and a microphone plugged in simultaneously. While it doesn't have much in the way of sound shaping or altering (the only thing keeping it from a full 5 star rating), it's way more powerful than expected for its size and cost. And it's built to last.

Just what I was looking for....I use a head-set w/mic to teach jazzercise classses....this little box works great, great sound, small enough to carry around, and if I need, it can play my ipod at the same time....Sweetwater made it easy...delivery was fast & they helped me thorugh the whole purchase....should have found this a year ago!

I have only used this as a personal monitor while singing in practice with a rock band - PERFECT ! No more need to stick my damn finger in my ear to hear or ask them to raise PA lvls for me - I have this little bastard set about 3 feet from my left ear, I can raise/lower volume, even mid song, and get the level I need. VERY happy with this thing!

I mount this on my Atlas MS25E (a super heavy duty mic stand) about shoulder height and a bit off to the side so my cardioid mic doesn't pick it up. Very good sound, nice and clear, plenty loud. Three separate inputs make it flexible, and its engineering/layout/form-factor make it a pleasure to grab and go.

The first thing that I plugged into the Cube Monitor 30 was my Strat copy through a PODxt. It was lacking some low end that I was used to having from using a larger keyboard amp with a 12" speaker. However, after a little bit of tweaking the bass control it started to sound good to me. It has a clean, neutral response, uncolored tone, and plenty of power for a small to medium-sized room. Note that this unit is not well-suited to be the cornerstone of a rock guitar rig. It was probably not intended or designed to be an electric guitar monitor.

Then, I plugged in a SM-58 mic and my acoustic-electric guitar. This is where the Cube Monitor 30 shines. It sounds fantastic, even without effects! If you’re at a band rehearsal, the vocal and acoustic guitar should cut through.

It has plenty of inputs and outputs to route an outboard effects loop. Built-in reverb would have been nice. For what it is, I recommend it!

I bought it for my home studio, to amp up my sound with my 16 track DAW, and it sounds fantastic. I use it for a PA and recording monitor. Very clear sound, even the bass rings through well for the little 6.5 inch speaker. I am thoroughly satisfied with this potent little speaker.

I like the mixer inputs for monitoring multiple devices from a single set of speakers!

Also, these have a nice wide coverage pattern because they are coaxial 2-way drivers, not so fussy about where you are around these speakers.

Most monitor's response varies alot once you're out of the sweet spot. These don't have that problem!

Only used on a couple of gigs so far, but making all the difference. You know how female lead singers love to have a monitor so loud it will stun low flying birds...

Well, you point that thing at you, and I will take care of myself.

Also, on a casino gig full of Aviom headsets. No buds for me...FREEDOM!

big sound in a little package

Bought this so I could have a small amp to gig outdoors with my Nord. It also has a mic input so we plugged my friend in. (Used it with a Duracell Powerpack)

Gave great sound! Good volume too without any largely noticeable distortion.

20+ years ago, Roland cubes were small, relatively light-weight, powerful for their size, and flattering to acoustic guitars and electronic keyboards. This model is smaller, more rugged and just as powerful and flattering. The array of input options makes this a versatile tool for all sorts of non-distorted amplification applications. You could use this to monitor vocals, keyboard, and clean acoustic or electric guitar, to provide a small, portable PA, or to re-record dry recorded tracks in a live room. This model performed admirably on DX7 Rhodes sounds, sampled grand piano, and sampled Hammond, with a surprising amount of bottom. In fact, the sound was better balanced than my much more expensive big rig. The sound of Cubes is a bit hyped, but sweet and inoffensive. If you're looking for an inobtrusive keyboard or acoustic guitar amp the size of a lunch box for a great price, give this a try.

Have had mine for over a year now. Use it as a personal stage monitor for my acoustic gigs...and have also used it as a stand-alone mini-PA for smaller gigs...The CM-30 has plenty of volume, and lots of inputs...at the smaller gigs, I plug in my acoustic, my cd player, and a mic...sounds great, (except could use an internal reverb to sweeten up the mix)...talked a friend of mine in Missouri into 2 of 'em...he uses his for stereo keyboards!
good deal for the $$, user friendly, plenty of power...NICE!

I got this to be a monitor for my solo guitar gigs. It mounts fine on a mike stand. It sounds great and having the 3 channels really allows flexibly for me since I use a GR-55 at every gig. The speaker recently started producing a low buzzing sound, so I sent it back in after only having it a few months. Lets see what the verdict is....

Awesome for a small session rehearsal can plug in almost any instrument to have a rehearsal or small performance to get something done.

I own two of these, and I also own two of the behringer B205"s. The behringer ARE superior in design and convenience. First of all, the Roland cube does NOT angle. Who ever heard of a stage monitor that does not angle? Secondly, it"s too heavy for most cheap mic stands when you mount it on, and it HAS to be a flat base, or it might fall over, plus it takes forever to screw on the mic stand. Behringer is lighter, super easy to mount with your eyes closed, and almost as powerful. The very few extra watts that the Roland gives is NOT by any means a deal breaker. I love Roland, but this one is more miss than hit.

This is the correct unit which I was looking to work with my acoustic guitar, Microphone & my KORG PA80 Light weight, portable and identicle Roland output. More than worth for sweet water price.

Great Job Roland..!

Thanks SW - prompt delivery in good condition.

This unit versatile, just the right size, and sounds really good. I'll be using it onstage as a hotspot monitor, as a practice amp for the acoustic guitar, and - adding the second one and a small mixer - a mini PA for living rooms and coffee shops. Good Job Roland!

I was surprised that the 6.5" speaker sounded so good - it can really move some air! I plugged in a dynamic mic, a CD player, and a Line 6 PODxt. Everything sounded great and it wasn't difficult to balance the volume of each input (the only way to adjust the level of each AUX in is via the connected device itself). It can be mounted on a mic stand (built in mount on bottom) to raise it off the floor. Nice!