Tascam Bass Trainer

Tymophil · #1 11-10-2007, 08:43 AM

Hi all,

I understand that I can use this tool to slow down a tune, to remove the bass and play along...

But, can I use it to make the bass line stand out ?

Thanks.

RADUB1 · #2 11-10-2007, 08:55 AM

yes....it will do that too, although in my opinion, it makes it a little muddy when it does that...it is not all that clean

Bassin' · #3 11-10-2007, 09:06 AM

The Bass Trainer, at least the one I have, has quite a few options that are useless in my opinion (enhancing the bass being one of them), but there are some options that work quite nice: tuner, looping, changing keys, slowing down the tempo, etc. If you're transcribing/ covering a lot of material, it's a great thing to have.

srxplayer · #4 11-10-2007, 09:29 AM

I have one too. I use it all the time. All of the functions mentioned are true. When slowing down a song it does make it a llittle muddy but it is certainly still usable and clear enough to practice with.

One thing to keep in mind. I'm using one of the old-style MkII units. This one has the flip up door on the CD player. The door is very fragile. It will break at the hinge very easily. Mine is broken but the unit still works fine.

The newer unit that opens like a regular portable CD player is a better design. The newer one is also easier to see. The old style unit has a small LCD screen and is hard and sometimes impossible to see in limited lighting. The newer unit has much larger LCD read out. It would be nice if they would back light them.

I find it to be a usefull practice tool. It's nice to have a tuner, EQ, and the looping function in one small headphone amp. I have even taken it to practice and run it into the board (through the out put using 1/8" to L/R RCA) to loop a section of song for the entire band to hear and figure out their parts.

It's worth the $ 99.00 for one but I would spend the extra $50.00 and get the updated version. They do the same thing and they both will play CD-R but the newer version is a better design. If your are planning on keeping it at home than you could probably get away with the $99.00 version. Tascam also has one in an MP3 Player format but I have never tried that one.

avid · #5 11-11-2007, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srxplayer

Tascam also has one in an MP3 Player format but I have never tried that one.

Get the MP3 one. It took an incredible tool and put it on steroids. You can load it down with a 1G of music. It hooks up to your computer via USB. It is seen as a mass storage device. Scroll easily between CDs or make a playlist out of many. It is ruggedly built although I am having some trouble with the on-off switch. Aside from that it couldn't get much better. Okay, there is on idea; if it could progressively speed up a track that would be fabulous. I don't think slowing down tracks alters the sound much. IMHO

seventhson · #6 11-11-2007, 01:29 AM

I've heard the MP3 version has stability problems. Not a hater...I have the CD based one.

Tymophil · #7 11-11-2007, 03:21 AM

One more question...

When I play along CD files or MP3 ones, I have to constantly change the level of volume for the songs because some songs are recorded very loud while others are very quiet.

Does the Bass trainer allow me to preset the gain for each song in order to get a consistant volume level all along a play list ?

Thanks for your answers so far...

Edition : I just found a freeware that does just this... So if the Bass trainer doesn't adjust the volume level it just doesn't matter...

avid · #8 11-11-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

I've heard the MP3 version has stability problems. Not a hater...I have the CD based one.

Yeah, I have heard people say that before but I sure don't see what they are talking about. No problems with mine. It is really pretty dead simple software and probably not much different than what is inside the CD version. Other than the hinkey on-off switch I have no complaints. I have a message in to Music 123 about the switch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tymophil

One more question...

When I play along CD files or MP3 ones, I have to constantly change the level of volume for the songs because some songs are recorded very loud while others are very quiet.

Does the Bass trainer allow me to preset the gain for each song in order to get a consistant volume level all along a play list ?

Thanks for your answers so far...

Edition : I just found a freeware that does just this... So if the Bass trainer doesn't adjust the volume level it just doesn't matter...

The MP3 version doesn't have this problem. At least not that I have noticed.

bassbully · #9 11-11-2007, 07:55 PM

I have the old motel (flip top) and its still fine. This has to be one of the most valuable tools i have ever owned in making me the player i am today in the time it has takin me to get decent. I cant tell you how many times i know songs faster in cover bands then the guitarists etc due to this little box...a must have in my book new or old.

theshadow2001 · #10 11-11-2007, 08:10 PM

I use windows media player 11 to slow down songs and its eq and pan controls to highlight bass lines

73jbass · #11 11-11-2007, 08:26 PM

I have the MP3 version and love it. I had to send the first one back because of the aforementioned switch,but AMS had me a new one on the way the day I called. No problems with the newer one. Great little gadget!

steve66 · #12 11-11-2007, 08:55 PM

Great tool and very portable. The only problem I have is that if you r using it with batteries, they dont last very long. I recommend using a power adapter or rechargable batteries. I have mine hooked to my PA system and use it to learn new songs during band practice

bassbully · #13 11-12-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve66

Great tool and very portable. The only problem I have is that if you r using it with batteries, they dont last very long. I recommend using a power adapter or rechargable batteries. I have mine hooked to my PA system and use it to learn new songs during band practice

As offen as i use mine i would be broke if i used batteries...must have the power adapter. I use mine 5-6 nights a week. I practice to CDs or just myself with headphones while watching sports and sitting in fromt of the TV

avid · #14 11-12-2007, 04:55 PM

The MP3 version charges via USB. Seems like I charge it maybe once a week.

avid · #15 11-12-2007, 05:54 PM

Music 123 was great about swapping out the bad switched BT for a new one. I paid for another and they emailed a prepaid mailing label for the return. When it hits their dock they will credit my account. A little hassle but overall decent experience.