Have to use headphones, any recommendations on interface to mac?

Scruffypoos · #1 02-17-2013, 03:25 PM

Open to suggestions here, basically, I've moved to London into a flat and it looks like the majority of my playing time will be through headphones. I have a decent set of headphones but no amp down here to plug them into.

I was thinking I'll get some sort of interface and use Garageband or something on my mac but it's been a long time since having to use headphones so recommendations on any hardware/software would be greatly appreciated.

Don't mind spending as long as it's worth it and don't particularly want to buy a new/bring one of my amps down here, smaller the better

Cheers!

Kmonk · #2 02-17-2013, 03:28 PM

Tascam has some great MP3 players which are also headphone amps. I have been using them for years and am very happy with them. I like the fact that they are small enough that I can take them anywhere.

**TXLawDawg** · #3 02-17-2013, 03:32 PM

The Apogee Jam seems to be one of the more popular choices at the moment...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...iphone-and-mac

Scruffypoos · #4 02-17-2013, 03:41 PM

Awesome, cheers guys... That Apogee thing looks just what I'm after

I'll check out the Tascam stuff too, always been a fan!

topo morto · #5 02-17-2013, 03:52 PM

Why not buy a little practice amp for a tenner (or a bit more) off ebay or gumtree? The neighbours probably won't even hear it as long as you position it sensibly and keep the volume down, and it's just more fun than using headphones. Plus it will have a headphone socket anyway.

By all means use the computer if you want to record, but just to practice it's much more fun having an amp than faffing around IMO.

**TXLawDawg** · #6 02-17-2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scruffypoos

...don't particularly want to buy a new/bring one of my amps down here, smaller the better

Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by topo morto

Why not buy a little practice amp for a tenner (or a bit more) off ebay or gumtree?

I love posts that seem to completely ignore the OP.

project_c · #7 02-17-2013, 06:57 PM

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/microbook

topo morto · #8 02-17-2013, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLawDawg

I love posts that seem to completely ignore the OP.

My thought was: does the OP actually want to record (in which case an interface is needed, carry on), or just to be able to practice with headphones (in which case the cheap/free option of just picking up a little S/H amp locally shouldn't be written off).

Swift713 · #9 02-17-2013, 07:52 PM

The [sfx] headphone amp looks pretty nice.

Floyd Eye · #10 02-17-2013, 08:07 PM

I have a Presonus Firebox. Works perfectly with GB. I would sell mine, but there is one for sale here already cheaper than what I would part with mine for. These units were about $350 new and the one in the classifieds is for sale for $65. Can't beat that with a stick. It appears it is still for sale.

**TXLawDawg** · #11 02-17-2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scruffypoos

Awesome, cheers guys... That Apogee thing looks just what I'm after

I'll check out the Tascam stuff too, always been a fan!

Just happens that there is one in the classifieds at the moment...

FS: Apogee Jam

topo morto · #12 02-17-2013, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLawDawg

Just happens that there is one in the classifieds at the moment...

FS: Apogee Jam

Says 'shipped CONUS only'... but maybe the OP meant London, TX?

**TXLawDawg** · #13 02-17-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topo morto

Says 'shipped CONUS only'... but maybe the OP meant London, TX?

Touché

willsellout · #14 02-17-2013, 10:00 PM

The best thing you can do is buy a Zoom B3. You can use it to record into garageband. It has drum loops, and a bunch of cool effects.

willsellout · #15 02-17-2013, 10:01 PM

I should also note I used the Apogee and didn't care for the sound. I also had an M-audio interface, but the Zoom works really really well and sounds good. IT's a bit more, but worth it.

Toptube · #16 02-17-2013, 10:18 PM

don't forget about the Vox AmPlug

Scruffypoos · #17 02-18-2013, 02:31 AM

Awesome, this is great community!

I'll look into all the suggestions, the Apogee seems most like what I'm after. I did mean London, UK hence the lack of space to bring an amp down

I wasn't really looking to record but it would be nice to have the option of high quality recording so that microbook will have some serious consideration.

Thanks guys!

Swift713 · #18 02-18-2013, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willsellout

I should also note I used the Apogee and didn't care for the sound. I also had an M-audio interface, but the Zoom works really really well and sounds good. IT's a bit more, but worth it.

What didn't you like about the sound of the Apogee?

willsellout · #19 02-18-2013, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

What didn't you like about the sound of the Apogee?

My bass is pretty high output and would overdrive it. Also I A/b'd the sound quality with the Zoom and Apogee and found the zoom to be noticeably better. But if you want minimalist, small, and easy to use the Apogee is great.

Swift713 · #20 02-18-2013, 05:51 PM

I've got the B3, I'm just a little surprised about the Apogee. For the price you'd think it would be quite good.