Good headphone amp with drum machine for practicing?

[Corbin]

I have the Vox AmPlug Bass, both the old and the new. I was digging the very minimal drum machine for practicing instead of a metronome, but yesterday I accidentally broke the new version of the plug and am back to the old kind with no drums. But before I just buy it again, I'm wondering if there's anything better out there. i want simplicity -- just a thing that goes into the bass output jack that lets me insert headphones and plays some drums (with more choices than the AmPlug). Better yet, it would play generic backing tracks in whatever key I specified. Does that exist? I can always combine the old amPlug with my iPhone and play along to a drum machine app, and I actually have an Alesis drum machine that accepts an instrument input. But again, simplicity... fewer cables and stuff to plug in is what I'm after. Any advice? Or maybe I should get a Zoom bass pedal and kill two birds (they have drums, right -- how are they?).

 

[BassikLee]

The new, cheap zoom thing, B-one or whatever it's called serves that purpose very well. It also offers decent effects, amp models, and a tuner.

 

[Corbin]

What about the Apogee Jam 96k guitar input thingy? Anybody use that? At least it draws power from the iPhone. One less thing to worry about, with no batteries to replace or AC adapter to untangle and plug into an outlet etc. Then use the iPhone for drums.

 

[dincz]

The new, cheap zoom thing, B-one or whatever it's called serves that purpose very well. It also offers decent effects, amp models, and a tuner.

Absolutely. Zoom B1on.

 

[blmeier7]

I've had the Zoom B1on for about a year now and it is well worth the money.

 

[jasonrp]

I've got one of those fender BDEC's that will change key, tempo, and has basic tracks. There are pre-set songs that you can learn on it but you can alter them quite a bit. They don't make them anymore but used ones are out there

 

[honeyiscool]

I love the Apogee products, I couldn't be without my One, but my Zoom B3 works much better as a simple plug and play situation. I'd imagine the B1on would be just as good. Once you put rechargeable batteries in it, you can't beat the convenience.

 

[honeyiscool]

What about the Apogee Jam 96k guitar input thingy? Anybody use that? At least it draws power from the iPhone. One less thing to worry about, with no batteries to replace or AC adapter to untangle and plug into an outlet etc. Then use the iPhone for drums.

Invest in a good set of NiMH rechargeables.

Amazon.com: Panasonic Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger with eneloop AA New 2100 Cycle Rechargeable Batteries, 4 Pack, White: PANASONIC: Electronics

Trust me, you'll never be afraid of rechargeables after you use these new NiMH batteries.

 

[Bodhammer]

Check eBay for a Korg Beat Boy. I wish it was just a touch louder but it is handy with a tuner, drum tracks, metronome, and simple recording.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I own both the Vox AmPlug and the Zoom B1on and there's no contest if I was forced to choose one over the other.

The Zoom, for the price dinner out, gives you a much nicer bass tone, built-in drums, a looper (which is just plain fun), and can be powered via USB.

Truth is, I haven't used the Vox for a while now. It's not a bad-sounding amp, but cannot be compared to the Zoom. It's a no-brainier.

 

[Vintage1]

I have all of the Korg Pandora's- but like the PX3B best.
Make a couple of presets you like, and save them. For playing
bass thru headphones, I really like the SONY MDR-XB600.
Great low bass tone and punch, and they are efficient = louder
than most headphones- the Pandora is plenty to power them.
I learn all band songs at home under the headphones- CD player in,
so as not to disturn the family.

You can find the PX3-B used on CL for about $35.

 

[Mediocrity Man]

My Zoom B2 is a great practice tool.

 

[Sav'nBass]

My Zoom B3 does it all for me... Great practice tool with drum tracks that cover just about every style of song I do with adjustments for tempo, a very good charger, clean DI, rest effects, amp and preamp models and a looper.. Built like a tank and very simple and intuitive to use and it is also a interface for recording.