Tom's right above.
I started using the Microcube at supposed 'unplugged' folk-type clubs merely as a personal monitor. This was to stop me playing 'too hard' - which always results in my making more errors! - so now I can pick lightly and still hear myself - especially if Steve's accompanying on his melodeon!
I made a wee 'device' from a spare jack plug and a short length of stiff plastic tubing that I plug into the (unused) AUX IN on the back. this means I can have the amp tilted back at a 45 degree angle - pointing back at myself!
The purpose therefore, being to use it as a personal monitor - though a spin off is that slightly more of my finger-picking gets 'out there' to the audience.
As Tom says, we don't really want the 'amplification' that apparent to the audience. But the extra volume does help get the picking better heard in a decent sized folk club.
Other portable amps are far superior (louder) for street busking - a quite different application from that which I require. I didn't want to have to lump loads of gear around (using a shopping trolley etc) - and so the the (tiny) battery-capable Microcube is ideal for my purposes.
I too plug into the MIC setting for my passive Fishman undersadddle pickup - quite a reasonable acoustic sound results - though having 'Oakwood' guitars as a starting point may also be a contributing factor!!
Cheers - HipflaskAndy (Duncan McFarlane)