A Pocket-Sized Rig for Practice and Portability
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by MVave for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction
The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is one of those curious little gadgets that blurs the line between practice tool and full-fledged effects unit. It’s tiny, rechargeable, packed with features like cabinet simulations, modulation, delay, EQ, and even doubles as an audio interface.
At first glance, it seems too good to be true — a “pocket-sized studio” for bass players. But what does it really deliver? Let’s find out.
TL;DR
The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is a fun, portable, and incredibly affordable multi-effects unit that’s perfect for practice, studio sketching, or travel. It’s loaded with useful features — IR cabinets, modulation, delay/reverb, Bluetooth, battery operation, and a built-in tuner — all in a pedal smaller than most smartphones.
However, its miniature form factor means cramped controls, a basic compressor, a not-so-precise tuner, and a lack of certain bass essentials (like overdrive or octaver). It’s not a pro-level gigging rig, but for its price, it’s a surprisingly capable and musical little box.
Design and Controls
Physically, the Cube Baby Bass is tiny — measuring only 15.5 cm by 5.5 cm, which you can literally measure with a school ruler. This is both great and limiting: you can slip it in a pocket or gig bag with ease, but its size also makes it a little fiddly for live-stage operation. It’s clearly more of a studio or practice tool than a full-on performance unit.
Controls and Interface
The pedal features three footswitches (A, B, and C) and ten small knobs that handle everything from EQ to effects depth.
- Modes:
- Live Mode: unlocks all controls for real-time tweaking.
- Preset Mode: stores up to three presets, each accessible via the three footswitches. Ideal for live performance.
- Edit Mode: lets you customize and save your presets.
- Live Mode: unlocks all controls for real-time tweaking.
- Footswitch Functions:
- A: Accesses IR/cab section.
- B: Controls the space (reverb/delay) and modulation module.
- C: Handles the compressor and EQ section.
- A: Accesses IR/cab section.
- Knobs: Though small and not ideal for quick on-stage adjustments, they’re functional.
- Space knob: controls time effects: left for reverb (with Time knob controlling depth), right for delay (with Time controlling repetition rate).
- Mod knob: controls modulation: left for chorus, right for phaser, with rate increasing as you turn right. These two effects can deliver lush ambient or even vintage-80s textures.
- Compressor: single knob, simple algorithmic compression that slightly alters tone rather than offering full control.
- Boost: adjusts output volume (not a true boost).
- EQ section: bass, mid, and treble, though the bass control is subtle, requiring some mid/treble balancing to get a fuller low end.
- Space knob: controls time effects: left for reverb (with Time knob controlling depth), right for delay (with Time controlling repetition rate).
Tuner
The tuner is unconventional:
- The seven knobs on the left light up to show the detected note.
- The three knobs on the right indicate sharp, flat, or in-tune status.
Once you get used to it, it makes sense — but it’s not very precise, especially on lower notes.
Core Features
Despite its size, the Cube Baby Bass is feature-packed.
- 9 Built-In IR Cabinets: Ranging from dark and warm to aggressive, with options that can be refined using the onboard EQ. Custom IR loading via USB is also supported.
- Audio Interface Functionality: Doubles as a simple USB interface, allowing direct recording into a computer — a fantastic bonus for practice or demos.
- Rechargeable Battery: Internal battery power means you can use it anywhere — from the couch to the studio — without external cables.
- Bluetooth Playback: Stream tracks for jam sessions directly from your phone.
- Compact and Portable: Pocket-sized, lightweight, and versatile — a great grab-and-go solution.
However, some core bass effects — notably distortion, overdrive, or octave — are missing, making it better suited for practice and ambient experimentation than for comprehensive tone sculpting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-portable and rechargeable — literally pocket-sized and self-powered.
- Versatile — 9 IRs, modulation, delay, EQ, compressor, tuner, and USB interface all in one.
- Excellent for practice and travel — Bluetooth playback and battery operation make it a self-contained practice station.
- Amazing value — for the price, you get an enormous amount of functionality.
- Usable tones — surprisingly musical and usable IRs and effects for a budget device.
Cons
- Tiny knobs and cramped layout — not ideal for live tweaking.
- Tuner lacks precision, especially on low notes.
- Missing key bass effects — no distortion, drive, or octaver.
- EQ and compressor are basic, with limited depth and subtle response.
- Better as a practice tool than a professional rig.
FAQs
Q1: Can it be used for live gigs?
It can, but it’s not ideal. The small knobs, limited presets (three only), and modest EQ/compression make it better suited for practice, recording demos, or backup use rather than main-stage performance.
Q2: Can I use it as an audio interface?
Yes. This is one of its best features — it connects directly to your computer via USB and works as a simple interface for recording or streaming.
Q3: How does it compare to professional pedals?
It’s not in the same class as high-end units like the HX Stomp or Helix. However, as a budget-friendly entry into multi-effects and amp modeling, it punches well above its price point.
Conclusion
The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is a charming little tool that proves good things really do come in small packages. Its combination of portability, IR flexibility, and USB functionality makes it a fantastic practice, travel, and backup solution.
Sure, it’s missing advanced bass essentials and its tuner isn’t stellar, but for the money, it’s hard to beat. If you want a compact, battery-powered rig for home or on-the-go use, the Cube Baby Bass delivers serious fun for pocket change.
Get your MVAVE Cube Baby Bass on Amazon Now!
If you liked this gear, make sure to also check:
- Joyo Scylla Compressor – Smooth compression for consistent, punchy bass tone.
- Joyo Tidal Wave – Vintage preamp based on the Sansamp circuit.
- Joyo Monomyth Bass Preamp – Versatile preamp with EQ shaping and DI output.
- Joyo Double Thruster – Dual-drive section for layered grit and boost.
- Flamma Innovation FB200: Feature packed effects strip for bass.
