looking for a solution to play bass in an apartment - Page 2

Munjibunga · #21 11-12-2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Wise.

Naturally.

yeah25 · #22 11-12-2012, 09:32 PM

thank you guys for the response. Great resource for me to decide what to do next. Btw, so a headphone + an amp, will the sound still come out from the amp or it's only gonna go through the headphones? I have never tried plug in headphones to any amps before.

MarkusBass · #23 11-12-2012, 09:35 PM

Loves me some Cafe Walter headphone amp.

DirtySix · #24 11-12-2012, 09:37 PM

I use my pod and some studio headphones. I hook it up to my computer and i can play along with songs and record. I don't hear my lady complaining in our small apartment when i play this way.

nicopiano · #25 11-12-2012, 09:37 PM

I live in an appartement, and I don't use much my amp when I practice at home. I plug my bass directly into my Presonus Firebox audio device, and use headphones. It sound surprisingly good, and you can mix with the music from your computer (mp3, youtube, guitare pro, sibelius...name it)

If money is an issue, you can probably get something like a M-Audio FastTrack at low price.

Mykk · #26 11-12-2012, 10:41 PM

I do occasionally use my moster rig in my apartment, but when I do it's only through one cab at minimal volume.

Otherwise my Line6 BasspodXT live makes for a great personal use headphone amp. Dial in any sound, connect it USB to the laptop and set the Line6 as the main sound source. Play any MP3, Youtube, Movie you want and jam along through the headphones.

Ricnroll · #27 11-12-2012, 10:41 PM

I plug right into my computer via a Creative Audigy2 sound card interface (headphone output as well) and then I play along with Transcribe from Seventh String. The set up is getting a bit long in the tooth but it works great for my apartment needs. What are the best ways to plug right into your computer these days?

Doug Parent · #28 11-12-2012, 10:45 PM

Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer. Channels 1 and 2 have a switch that changes the impedance that is matched to a guitar or bass, and it sounds like it should. No need for a outboard EQ or DI. You have additional inputs for computer/iPod etc audio outputs. It's clean and it sound great. And besides, Munji has one.

scottfeldstein · #29 11-12-2012, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Parent

Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer. Channels 1 and 2 have a switch that changes the impedance that is matched to a guitar or bass, and it sounds like it should. No need for a outboard EQ or DI.

Hey, that's pretty cool.

**Stumbo** · #30 11-12-2012, 11:04 PM

I have an HP laptop hooked up to external powered speakers/sub that take the signal from the headphone jack. I plug directly into the microphone jack (with adapter). Adjust the tone with the bass. Practice\play along with tunes usually using Best Practice, headphones or without (low volume). Works fine. No extra cash spent. WFM(works for me).

Munjibunga · #31 11-12-2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Parent

Mackie 402-VLZ3 mixer. Channels 1 and 2 have a switch that changes the impedance that is matched to a guitar or bass, and it sounds like it should. No need for a outboard EQ or DI. You have additional inputs for computer/iPod etc audio outputs. It's clean and it sound great. And besides, Munji has one.

Are you just guessing, or did you borrow it? I found an actual Mackie case for the little guy, too.

fourstringdrums · #32 11-12-2012, 11:11 PM

I live in an apartment and I play with no problem. But I don't turn it up all that loud either. But of course it depends. My last apartment, I never could have gotten away with it, but my current one I can. The insulation is much better.

pgolliher · #33 11-12-2012, 11:35 PM

I have one of the vox headphone amps. I like that it plugs directly into the bass (no cord needed) if I want to play along with music, I just plug into my laptop or iPhone. I am not a huge fan of the tone, (even with nice sony studio headphones) but it is super convenient and portable. I have even walked around the block playing it. I can plug in with headphones and an aux source with my GK mb210 and it sounds better, but the vox is just super easy to plug in and jam. It is also frustrating to plug into my GK and not let rip at a nice loud volume .

BawanaRik · #34 11-12-2012, 11:50 PM

I would look at a bass pandora by Korg.

As far as mixers and I know I'll be getting heat, Berhinger mixers shoueld be available for next to nothing and really aren't that bad.

As far as learning how to operate it's got knobs. Turn em and see what happens. As laong as you don't have the head phones on it's not likely you'll do much damage

yeah25 · #35 11-13-2012, 02:11 AM

Hey guys, I have just decided that i will buy the vox. It seems the most portable and handy among the other option, for sure i will buy an amp at some point, but for now vox will be my best solution. Do I really need to have a "good" headphones to enhance/maximize this headphone amp performance? Also, talking about the software that some of you have mentioned above that letting you guys jam along with songs, I can't really find the legit one. Do you mean if you guys post the direct link where you downloaded the software? Greatly appreciated your suggestions for me. Thanks a lot!

Klonk · #36 11-13-2012, 02:46 AM

If you have iPod, iPhone or iPad, buy a small iRig (adapter) and download the AmpliTube app or something like that. I have it, and it is spot on for when I want to be in the same room as my family but still play bass.

You can also import tunes from your iTunes library (or other sources) to the AmpliTube app, and play along.

Zoomie · #37 11-13-2012, 03:57 AM

I live in an apartment.

I just use an Alesis Multimix4 4 channel mixer. Less than 50.00. Bass in one channel and lap top in another. Some KRK headphones. I can unplug the laptop and plug my iphone in as well.

I make bass face and awesome rock poses in the living room, all while wifie watches TV. She has informed me that she finds great humor in watching me practice or rock out in silence. I look like a bad mime that qualifies for handicapped parking. I think that she's just mad because I keep using the couch as a jump platform.

I rarely play through speakers at home as I prefer to show my neighbors some respect. Rehearsals give me my pants-flapping noise fix.

Doug Parent · #38 11-13-2012, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Are you just guessing, or did you borrow it? I found an actual Mackie case for the little guy, too.

I broke down and bought one. Finally sold my Allen & Heath Zed 14 mixer. This little Mackie has a small footprint and more than adequate gain. To the OP, I suggest when funds allow, invest in some decent headphones, it will make a difference.

I use the low cut switch as well, takes all the sub bass out of the headphones and makes it really clear, especially when you are playing along to trax. The ability to get a decent tone through headphones is important to me, makes playing more enjoyable.

I use this mixer/headphones rig more than my amplifier/speakers as I practice every day. It's a good investment.

Testing123 · #39 11-13-2012, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I found an actual Mackie case for the little guy, too.

You mean like this?
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MAC203680908

Munjibunga · #40 11-13-2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Testing123

You mean like this?
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MAC203680908

Yes. Bitchen. I have this fetish - I like all my gear units to have cases designed for them by the manufacturer. Micro amps, mixers, whatever. So I was thrilled to get the Mackie bag for my 402 VLZ3, and especially the Eden bag for my WTX500.