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Favorite practice tool w/ aux in and headphone jacks?

Yamarc

Yamarc

Supporting Member
Jun 25, 2002
1,827
1,013
48
Rome, GA
#1
Hi all - I've tried some of the older headphone amps of yesteryear (Cafe Walter, Raven Labs, Phil Jones Big Head, Darkglass element, etc), but I'm looking for any suggestions for newer practice tools.

I generally run from my pedal board (ending with a Noble pre) into a Bergantino IP112 stack, but I'm looking for a high quality tool that I can use to blend in Spotify songs (via aux in) and play along with the music. A headphone output would be nice for silent practice, but I'd really like something that doesn't only send the aux in signal through the headphone output. I also want something that won't denigrate my signal / tone too much. Bluetooth capability for the aux in would be nice, but not necessary.

I've looked into the Solid State Logic SSL 2+, a Rolls 351, or maybe a mixer. Any other options I should consider?

Thanks!
 
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#3
I use the NUX mighty Plug and Mighty Plug pro. As above they have Bluetooth which is a far easier route than an aux in. The none pro one sounds better.

EBS Microbass 3, Ampeg SGT will do what you want. There are ways to route similar through a helix using the fx return as a line in.

Was there something specific you didn’t like about the DG Element?
 
#4
I use a Rolls PM50se for this. I run the DI out of the end of my pedal chain into it, and use the 1/4” monitor input as an Aux for my phone. Plus, it’s small enough that I can easily stick it under my small board.

if you want something that can send the full signal to either headphones or an amp, Saturnworks makes a headphone amp that’ll do that. Headphone Amp Guitar Pedal | Saturnworks Pedals | USA
 
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#6
This was an absolute game changer for me. Run my pedalboard into it and my tablet connects via Bluetooth. Also an option for aux in. Headphone out works awesome. Best $65 I've spent in years
Screenshot_20240120_191132_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
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#7
my favourite was the Behringer Flow 8 which I sold nevertheless. its' DI is surprisingly good and the 4-band parametric EQ with a variable HPF is everything I need to get my bass sound right. also save-and-restore is handy.

it's a small digital mixer, you can stream stuff to it from your phone. to be frank, didn't try exactly that, but there was a 'usb/bluetooth' fader in the app (and a physical knob on the mixer).

I tried to replace a bigger mixer with this little fella, but it looked like the former was more appropriate for my needs and I couldn't justify owning two mixers. YMMV
 
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#10
Killing Floor said:
Mustang Micro. It’s got Bluetooth for aux in.
Click to expand...

I read a few reviews. One, on Amazon, said the Mustang won't work with active basses unless you employ a hack using a cable and adapter to prevent the Mustang from "seeing" the active preamp as something from which it must protect itself by shutting down.

Have you successfully plugged the Mustang directly into your active basses?
 
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#11
Jazzdogg said:
I read a few reviews. One, on Amazon, said the Mustang won't work with active basses unless you employ a hack using a cable and adapter to prevent the Mustang from "seeing" the active preamp as something from which it must protect itself by shutting down.

I will say it doesn’t like some pedals. But never had a problem plugging any of my basses or guitars to it.

Have you successfully plugged the Mustang directly into your active basses?
Click to expand...
MusicMan Ray, MusicMan Sabre, a J with East preamp and a Kiesel PB5 are the only active basses I use with it. I have a long-hair shredder guitar with EMGs I’ve used with it. Don’t know anything about a hack. I doubt the largest bass and guitar brand in the world would design an amp that wouldn’t work with some of their own instruments.
 
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#12
Darkglass is amazing.
Also does amp/cab modeling.
Also does di for live.
Also plays tracks via Bluetooth for play along.
Also allows you to adjust your volume in mix.
I use it in hotels when I travel because it sounds great and lets me hear both what I’m listening to and what I’m am playing.
It really is simple and superb.
 
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#13
I just use a Zoom B1 and it served me well and sometimes my rumble headphone input. I also have a audio interface which is great with my laptop, I also have an amplug too.

Phil Jones makes an expensive pedal for playing but it can be good but just too pricey think the Zoom products are better imo.

Good luck!
 
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#14
birminghambass said:
This was an absolute game changer for me. Run my pedalboard into it and my tablet connects via Bluetooth. Also an option for aux in. Headphone out works awesome. Best $65 I've spent in years
View attachment 5324317
Click to expand...

Do you find this is really good for recording as a DI or for making bass covers at home? Looks awesome and may be what I need haha!
 
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#15
Yamarc said:
Hi all - I've tried some of the older headphone amps of yesteryear (Cafe Walter, Raven Labs, Phil Jones Big Head, Darkglass element, etc), but I'm looking for any suggestions for newer practice tools.

I generally run from my pedal board (ending with a Noble pre) into a Bergantino IP112 stack, but I'm looking for a high quality tool that I can use to blend in Spotify songs (via aux in) and play along with the music. A headphone output would be nice for silent practice, but I'd really like something that doesn't only send the aux in signal through the headphone output. I also want something that won't denigrate my signal / tone too much. Bluetooth capability for the aux in would be nice, but not necessary.

I've looked into the Solid State Logic SSL 2+, a Rolls 351, or maybe a mixer. Any other options I should consider?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have a Zoom B3n and waa having some success using a Zoom GCE-3 which can emulate it and others in the Zoom range. However, now unless I have the output volume barely audible it distorts on aux in as well as instrument input. I doubt there are any user serviceable parts inside.
 
#16
Do you not play into an interface on your PC/laptop? Do you have a PC or laptop? in my opinion Few things top being able to plug into your computer via a USB interface (behringer $, Focusrite $$, Universal Audio $$$) just because there's so much you can do on a PC; play along to Spotify, play along to youtube, or any other music program. You can download a free program like OBS so you can record yourself play along to spotify or youtube. if you're concerned about signal quality, make sure to buy a fancy one, and to have quality cables. you can plug your pedal board directly into the interface.
 
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#20
I use a Yamaha MG06 mixer which takes an aux in from my computer (usually garageband is where I cue up what I'm playing along with), my vocal microphone, and my bass (Axe-Fx in my case, but you can just run DI), and then run it into headphones for silent practice. this is how i practice/rehearse everything leading up to band practice.

I also use an MG06 live. I run the DI out from my amp into the MG06, and vocal sends from FOH into the MG06, then out from the MG06 to a wireless transmitter/ bodypack (blended with my 3DME ambient mics) for an in ear rig.
 

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