Which headphone amp do you recommend?

superdick2112 · #1 07-27-2011, 01:52 PM

I need a high quality, battery operated headphone amp for bass, and I want your recommendations. I used to have a Bass Rockman (NOT the lesser Bass Ace) which I loved, and I'm looking for something similar - great sound, battery operated, small & light weight, and maybe some built-in effects. What say you?

**garmenteros** · #2 07-27-2011, 02:16 PM

IK Multimedia Ampeg SVX plugin for pc or mac. Most of the amplitube line will be a million times better than pocket amps. They have them for iphone and ipad too. Just get some headphones and you're ready to rock.

**251** · #3 07-27-2011, 02:58 PM

I have used a Pocket Rock-It for a nearly 10 years;
Pocket Rockit - Home Page - The Ultimate Headphone Amplifier
It lets me practice & hear what I play, clearly. I don't particularly like the way it sounds & am always careful not to crank the volume into headphones.

It's a good practice tool, great if you travel a lot + you can plug in an iPod or CD player with backing tracks or for play-a-long. I've used a Y connector on the headphone jack, plugged a friend's guitar in with an adapter & we jammed, very quietly. 8-)

mowburger · #4 07-27-2011, 04:23 PM

I vote for the KORG PANDORA PX4D, I've had one for a long time and they are really cool. effects, phrase trainer, built in metronome and drum patterns. It's perfect for practice and taking on the road, IMO.

seamonkey · #5 07-27-2011, 05:07 PM

**JxBass** · #6 07-27-2011, 06:09 PM

Cafe Walter is the best.

**TXLawDawg** · #7 07-27-2011, 06:20 PM

While not necessarily a headphone amp, I am currently using my laptop and Ampeg SVX for practice purposes. Works great and you can add effects - although I typically don't.

BackToTheGroove · #8 08-24-2011, 11:16 AM

EA Sound Design's Earwig. $58 CND shipped.

You aren't stuck in front of your computer. Practice anywhere with an MP3 player, headphone's and your bass connected. Connect effects between bass and box if you want.

No bells and whistles, just your instrument's natural tone and the tunes you have to learn, and your mistakes too - under a tree on a nice day, the front porch under the moon with a big mug of ale, or your office at lunchtime on a rainy day.

A good little rig.
http://www.earwigamps.com

cbass1 · #9 08-24-2011, 11:18 AM

ravenlabs pha-1 if you can find one. truly transparent and so useful, I have one and it is amazing.

Tony G · #10 08-24-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

Cafe Walter is the best.

While I agree with you in principle (I have one, use it all the time, will never get rid of it), I don't think it fits in with what the OP is looking for. He is looking for a headphone amp that is "small & light weight, and maybe some built-in effects". The cafe walter is small, but definitely a desktop unit for the most part. Also, it is nothing more than a pure, high quality headphone amp. No built in effects.

**JxBass** · #11 08-24-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony G

While I agree with you in principle (I have one, use it all the time, will never get rid of it), I don't think it fits in with what the OP is looking for. He is looking for a headphone amp that is "small & light weight, and maybe some built-in effects". The cafe walter is small, but definitely a desktop unit for the most part. Also, it is nothing more than a pure, high quality headphone amp. No built in effects.

Well, he did say "maybe" some built in effects

**TXLawDawg** · #12 08-24-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackToTheGroove

EA Sound Design's Earwig. $58 CND shipped.

You aren't stuck in front of your computer. Practice anywhere with an MP3 player, headphone's and your bass connected. Connect effects between bass and box if you want.

No bells and whistles, just your instrument's natural tone and the tunes you have to learn, and your mistakes too - under a tree on a nice day, the front porch under the moon with a big mug of ale, or your office at lunchtime on a rainy day.

A good little rig.
----Index----

Hmm...I might just have to get one of those for when I don't wanna lug the laptop around. Thanks!

JehuJava · #13 08-24-2011, 11:57 AM

I'm NOT a fan of the Fodera Headphone Amp. It clips very easy IMO. Too easy...

Thought this might help.

BackToTheGroove · #14 08-24-2011, 11:57 AM

I have no personal experience with the Pocket Rocket (except watching Maurice's brother play for the Canadians!), but this unit looks and sounds good (site's samples) and is the same cost as the Earwig. Pocket Rockit - Bass Products Detail, S1b PR-9050 Headphone Amplifier

4-string · #15 08-24-2011, 12:06 PM

I like the Tascam Bass Trainer, very nice piece.

HuntYouDown · #16 01-21-2012, 06:29 PM

I have a Pocket Rockit and love the thing, I have had it about 8 years. It is simple 9 volt, which lasts forever, plug and play headphones. I think it sounds really good and clear, it has normal, bright and distortion. I usually play it clean, but distortion is fun sometimes. It also has a volume and filter adjustment. Pretty simple, straightforward, solid and sounds really good. Just don't crank it too long or your ears will be ringing.