Roland CM30 Cube Monitor (30 Watts, 1x6.5 in.)

Feature:
It doesn't have phantom power, so you'll need a dynamic mic and not a condensor (I don't know of any that do. Our $300 plus mic stand monitors don't have phantom and neither do our EV and Mackie powered speakers in the $700 range). Numerous inputs are available so you won't have to run for adaptors all the time.

Quality:
This thing is quality throughout. No cheap, scrathy knobs. Hard grille protecting speakers. Rubber corners.

Value:
Would trade our $300 plus speakers for these if I could.

Sound:
Our church owns 2 of the "other brand" mike stand monitors. They cost over $300 each and the sound is what you'd expect from a 4" speaker with no tweeter - all honky midrange. The CM30 easily beats the sound, has some bass and a nice clean treble, and cost so much less. The sound is so good that I'm ordering more for our mic stand monitors and the more expensive ones will be used for less critical applications. We use a CM30 on our video projector cart and it has easily covered some very large rooms.

Ease of Use:
Plug it in. Turn it on. Voila!

Support:
The best support is the one you never need. We own 3 Roland keyboard amps and we've never called about "how to" or "fix this" or whatever. It's easy to use and none have given a second of trouble.

Overall:
I wondered why someone couldn't make a decent sounding portable speaker. Now Roland has filled a niche that was desperately needed.

Feature:
Everything you need including the XLR for a ready made PA in a pinch. I'll try my Shure condensor mic with a pre-amp this weekend, just for the fun of it. Not expecting a great sound but I'm thinking I'll be surprised again.

Quality:
Seems to be very well made and sturdy. The rubber feet make for a good steady foot print when on the ground.

Value:
Fair price for this much product.

Desirability:
Everyone was jealous of my own monitor! I didn't need to woory about the sound technician "taking care of me" with my monitor. . . I was my own tech!! I'll never be on stage without this monitor again!!

Sound:
I just bought the Cm-30 for a gig and was really surprised at the great sound from the small package. It was the first time I can remember actually hearing myself when I play a B3 or background pad. Floor monitors just can't cut through the stage sound on these types of instruments, but the little guy lifted up to chest height on a mic stand was potent! I had to turn down a few clicks, amazing!

Ease of Use:
Didn't even have time to try it before going on stage. Took two minutes to hook up and dial in, then just great sound!

Support:
Great Roland support

Overall:
Very satisfied. Would buy again in a heartbeat. It's very rare to be this happy with an electronic piece right out of the box, but this one shines!