Headphone amp vs. Small combo

[RxFunk]

I don't need anything too fancy or expensive as I'll only be using it for the next couple months. I just need something functional as my current amp is a 10w pawn shop find that pops and buzzes really bad. So should one of those mixers be good for my purposes?

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by Ukiah Bass

The [sfx] Micro-H headphone amp sounds great, is versatile, portable, and built like a tank. Highly recommended.

http://www.sfxsound.co.uk/mainpage.asp?page=micro_h

Any idea where to get one in N. America?

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by RxFunk

I don't need anything too fancy or expensive as I'll only be using it for the next couple months. I just need something functional as my current amp is a 10w pawn shop find that pops and buzzes really bad. So should one of those mixers be good for my purposes?

It should work great and when you move on to something else you can re-purpose it for another use. I often use mine to listen to movies without headphones, thus not disturbing anyone.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

It should work great and when you move on to something else you can re-purpose it for another use. I often use mine to listen to movies without headphones, thus not disturbing anyone.

Ok, great. You've been quite helpful on this. Thanks!

[George Mann]

I can't believe that there is no mention of the Dean Bass-In-A-Box headphone amplifier.

It actually sounds pretty good with quality set of lightweight headphones, such as my set of Panasonic XBS's.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by George Mann

I can't believe that there is no mention of the Dean Bass-In-A-Box headphone amplifier.

It actually sounds pretty good with quality set of lightweight headphones, such as my set of Panasonic XBS's.

Never heard of it, but my local store sells Dean and I'm like four minutes away from them so I may have to give that a shot.

[shirojiro]

Originally Posted by mcglyph

I got, it and used it for about a week. Pretty sweet for what it does. VERY cheaply made..the housing is just crappy plastic, and the adjustment wheels are flimsy as well. The sound is not bad; I found myself wishing for the exact same thing made of good metal, with more robust controls. Has a bunch of cool functionalities though just too likely to die very quickly.

Been using one for years. The biggest downside is that in some of my basses, it falls out of the output jack. I solved this with a short extension 1/4" cable.

Yes, it's made of plastic and is flimsy, but with a little care, it lasts. The sound isn't phenomenal, but it sounds good and there's a 1/8" stereo input to play along with cds/mp3/youtube/etc

I use mine a lot. I also have a Korg Pandora PX3B (the old landscape mode one) and I recently got an Apogee Jam and the iPad GK app. I still use the AMPlug most though.

There are a lot of options other than a combo or a headphone amp as well. The Zoom B3 looks like a great practice device ..

[Duke21]

GK MB200 must be the lightest smallest most powerful "headphone" amp out there!

[mingsta]

Whatever option you take, make sure it has an aux in so that you can practice with backing music, drum machine etc.

I'd go with the phil jones bass buddy or cafe walter, both really good quality headphone amps. Cost a bit more, but not ridiculously expensive either. If that's too speedy then I found that the Korg pandora was pretty okay, though the various built in simulators etc tend to colour the sound a bit.

[Munjibunga]

I'd buy a GK MB200 head for now and use it for practice, then when it comes time to gig, invest in a decent 112 or 210 cab.

[bassdrummer]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I'd buy a GK MB200 head for now and use it for practice, then when it comes time to gig, invest in a decent 112 or 210 cab.

I agree. If you can afford it, go for the GK MB200. There are great deals to be had on used ones here on TB. Great for silent practice and recording, and shockingly loud and powerful for its size and price.
Here's a review from Gallien-Krueger's website:
http://www.gallien-krueger.com/produ...-head-reviews/

Hands-On Review:
Gallien–Krueger MB Heads
Compact heads deliver high performance at affordable prices

By Terry Buddingh, International Music Gear Journalist

Gallien-Krueger has consistently been on the leading edge of bass amp design and technology for more than forty years, and that decades-long tradition continues with the ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight, full-featured and super affordable MB series heads. Featuring state-of-the-art Class-D power amps, these surprisingly powerful micro-size heads offer effortless portability and a full complement of essential features — all at amazingly affordable prices.

The MB200 and MB500 boast GK’s time-tested and gig-proven solid-state preamp and tone control circuitry, while the MB Fusion borrows its all tube preamp from GK’s heavyweight hybrid Fusion 550 (but without the Fusion 550’s programmable motorized tone controls). Built to endure the rigors of the road, these serious tone machines fully embody Bob Gallien’s ‘Tools, not Toys’ design philosophy and all three heads are loaded with essential modern day, real world gigging accouterments like balanced XLR direct outputs and Speakon speaker output jacks.

MB200

The MB200 is amazingly small; it’s smaller than many D.I. boxes, stand alone preamps and pedals, and it’s thin enough to easily slip into most gig bag pockets. Weighing a mere 2 pounds, it’s difficult to imagine a more travel friendly bass head. Despite its small size, GK still managed to include everything that a gigging bass player needs: there’s a -10 dB pad switch to accommodate high output active basses, an on/off switch for GK’s classic contour pre-shape circuit, plus GK’s legendary 4 band active EQ. The MB200 also has a balanced D.I. output with Pre/Post EQ selector button, an 1/8” auxiliary Input for CD, MP3 or other players, and a switchable line out/chain out/headphones jack. The MB200 has a single Speakon output jack.

It may look tiny, but the MB200 is indeed a serious and versatile tone tool. Conservatively rated at 200 watts @ 4 ohms, the MB200 is surprisingly loud, with amazingly strong and weighty low end response. It looks small, but it sounds massive. The MB200 is bound to find its way into to a wide range of applications. You could use it as a full featured D.I. box, enhancing your sound with GK’s excellent sounding contour and tone controls, or you could use the line out to drive a large power amp when extra volume might be required. I’m sure these pint size powerhouses will find their way into guitar, keyboard and other applications as well. Considering its effortless portability, gig worthy power, potential for adaptability, and affordable price, the MB200 will surely find a place in even the most extensive bass gear arsenals. This is a real no brainer — everybody should have an MB200.

[MakoMan]

Why not both? Just get yourself one of these for now and then save up for a nice combo: Headphone in, auxiliary in AND it's rechargeable:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miniature-Po...item41610d3e24

[thesearchbass98]

check these out there a headphone with an amp built in so you can plug straight into your bass http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/amPhoneBass/

[gottliver]

Ampeg ba-108

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I'd buy a GK MB200 head for now and use it for practice, then when it comes time to gig, invest in a decent 112 or 210 cab.

How can I use the head without a cab? Do I just plug my bass into it, as well as my headphones?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by RxFunk

How can I use the head without a cab? Do I just plug my bass into it, as well as my headphones?

That's right. It has headphones out and aux in for your iPod or whatever. It's a steal at $259. Some pedals cost more than that.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

That's right. It has headphones out and aux in for your iPod or whatever. It's a steal at $259. Some pedals cost more than that.

That's definitely something to consider because in the future I honestly don't know what I would use a mixer for, but this I could easily make use of with the addition of a cab.

[willbassyeah]

so the mb200 can work without any speaker load? just curious coz i have the same problem as OP. i was thinking of getting 3 leaf audio the enabler though but it cost more expensive than the mb200, the mb looks useful though, as i believe i can even use it as a di box if i want to.

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by willbassyeah

so the mb200 can work without any speaker load? just curious coz i have the same problem as OP. i was thinking of getting 3 leaf audio the enabler though but it cost more expensive than the mb200, the mb looks useful though, as i believe i can even use it as a di box if i want to.

All class D amps such as the MB200 can do that.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by Duke21

All class D amps such as the MB200 can do that.

Interesting, I'll check out my local store and see what he's got there as far as class D amps go.