Best headphone practice setup for < $100

SeismicAssault · #1 02-23-2011, 07:31 AM

I just recently got a new Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout, and I was hoping to use the DI output of it to be able to practice silently (by running the DI into my mixer and using headphones). What I didn't realize was the WA DI is tied into the master volume, so if the master volume is turned all the way down, then the DI output is also all the way down.

I am looking for something I can plug into that I can practice silently with, preferably under $100. As I mention above, I've already got a mixer, if that helps.

bongomania · #2 02-23-2011, 07:40 AM

I'll bet your mixer has at least one unbalanced 1/4" input on one of its mic-preamp channels.

SeismicAssault · #3 02-23-2011, 07:46 AM

It's actually a much simpler mixer than that ... there's no mic-preamp. It does have 1/4" inputs, but the instrument level signal from the bass would never be heard.

CElton · #4 02-23-2011, 07:51 AM

Just disconnect the speaker cable from the Scout.

bongomania · #5 02-23-2011, 07:54 AM

No mic preamp? Then get a booster/preamp pedal in your price range--there are lots of them--and run that into the mixer. Also, the Vox Amplug might be just the ticket for you.

Edit: Or yeah, unplug the speaker from the Scout. Way under $100.

bassplayerbob · #6 02-23-2011, 08:01 AM

I use a pandora px4b. Size of an ipod. Plug in my bass, headphones and ipod and jam in peace. I even take it to work and practice on my lunch break sometimes. Under 60 bucks used.

Eublet · #7 02-23-2011, 08:02 AM

That's a lot of equipment to have to fool with for headphone practicing. I invested in a Tascam bass traininer a few years back, and I use it almost daily. They have a new trainer that is not much over $100 if memory serves me correctly. Highly recommended for this type application if you really plan to do a lot of silent playing.

rratajski · #8 02-23-2011, 08:03 AM

EHX headphone amp! Best $45 I've spent in 2010.

arsie · #9 02-23-2011, 08:04 AM

Vox Amplug Bass?

RCCollins · #10 02-23-2011, 08:05 AM

get a used pandora

waitasec though - is there no mute switch on the Scout? dang.

**gard0300** · #11 02-23-2011, 08:07 AM

I like the Vox Amplug. Its right around 50.00.

SeismicAssault · #12 02-23-2011, 08:39 AM

I like the Vox, but batteries only ... I bet that it eats them alive!

... I never thought of unplugging the speaker. That won't damage the amplifier, will it? I know you can't do that with all tube amps, but is it OK with SS?

bongomania · #13 02-23-2011, 08:50 AM

Yeah it's totally fine, even with a preamp tube. The only time having a speaker connected is an issue is when the amp has an output transformer, which is like 99.9% of all-tube amps, and 0.1% of ss amps.