Headphone amp or....

[lermgalieu]

Ampeg SCR-DI but it doesn't have effects. To solve the effects problem you could also get a Zoom MS60B.

I like the Ampeg SCR DI for all the bells and whistles for hooking up headphones, aux, etc. These days my Orange combo amp does the trick for me.

I have an SCR-DI (but am getting rid of it). It works pretty good for playing along to tracks, but IMO, (a) the thing is a tank/boat anchor, just not super light for carrying around - it's small enough, and is super sturdy if you end up using it on stage as a DI, but there are many lighter and smaller options worth considering; and (b) the "Scrambler" effect is worthless, in my worthless opinion.

Vox Amplug. $40. Can't recommend enough.

doesn't act as a DI though.

Vox Amplug. Super simple, sounds great, around $40. Doesn't do super hi-fi, but the default tone is a nice vintage rock vibe.

These seems to get a lot of love on here, but IME (I own one), they are cheap plastic, don't sound that great, and won't stand up that well over time. When I practice with headphones, I need really good articulation, and the Amplug is simply not capable of that.

Don't jump down my throat, SCR-DI and Amplug lovers! These are just my experiences having owned (and ultimately parted ways with) both of these items.

EDIT: I also found the amplug ergonomically annoying. I like to have something in front of me that I can adjust while playing, not down at my input jack.

 

[sawzalot]

I used to use a tc electronic spectradrive for this. EQ, compressor, a little dirt, a DI out, it's a great set of features in a small package.

 

[SgtHulka]

Ampeg SCR-DI but it doesn't have effects. To solve the effects problem you could also get a Zoom MS60B.

How does this compared to the GK Plex? Seems like a similar idea although that GK seems more featured.

 

[Nuage420]

I use my GT-1000CORE for travel and have an Ampeg Amplug for backup.

 

[Nuage420]

Vox Amplug. Super simple, sounds great, around $40. Doesn't do super hi-fi, but the default tone is a nice vintage rock vibe.

I bought a DG element to replace my amplug. then discovered the inconvenience of no battery. returned it and stuck with the amplug.

 

[misterCRUSH]

I use the Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 as a preamp in my main rig, a DI for performing and recording, and a headphone amp when out on the road. It has a headphone amp, aux in, and even cabinet simulations for the headphone and DI outputs. It fits right in my case when I am headed to a hotel. Don't let the distortion side of Darkglass fool you, this is an Amazing clean preamp. I never use the distortion, I am a jazz guy. I just love the life it brings to my sound. Hope this helps.

 

[fclefgeoff]

Eventide Mixing Link. It's a solid headphone amp with a preamp, fx loop and DI. Can be found used for around $200 and has many other uses including re-amping, and more.

 

[macmanlou]

Give the Palmer Pocket Bass Amp a look. Can run on 9v battery. I think it ticks all your boxes. It has an effects loop, too, in case the effects that it comes with don't satisfy.

About 4"x4"x2 1/4", 12 1/2 oz, $200

 

[embellisher]

Lots of great suggestions, guys. I appreciate it!

 

[MrLenny1]

OTOH, Traveler P bass has a built in headphone amp and MP3/3.5 mmm input.
Effects are 2 distortion levels & 2 clean.

 

[lermgalieu]

How does this compared to the GK Plex? Seems like a similar idea although that GK seems more featured.

Plex is more featured for sure (compression and more EQ, more adjustability on overdrive, effects loop etc. - I think it has a tuner too)

 

[bassically_eli]

@embellisher is battery operation important to you? The Zoom B1 Four runs on 4 AAs and is rated for less than 20 hrs, which is probably less than what you'll get from a 9v powered analog pedal. The upside is that you can use rechargeable AAs.

 

[Bartrinsic]

Easy travel option with Amplitube 4:
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O 2-Channel Audio/MIDI

 

[deepestend]

I use one of these and have found it to be a great solution. Kind of low tech and a little clunky, but actually works better than anything else I've tried.

 

[embellisher]

OK, I've narrowed it down a bit, thanks to everybody for your suggestions.

These are the finalists.

Melvin Lee Davis Bass Preamp
TC Electronic SpectraDrive
Palmer Pocket Bass Amp
Quilter INTERBASS Power Amp and Direct Box
Phil Jones Bass PE-5 Multi Function Bass Pedal With EQ, PRE-AMP & DI

The Quilter is also a 45 watt amp, which would be cool to have in an emergency.

I can't find pricing info on the Phil Jones anywhere, I know it was just introduced in December.

Or, I could get the Zoom B1Four and get the Behringer Bass Driver DI.

The Zoom is appealing because of the effects and the built in drum machine, but it would most likely never get used for anything other than practice on my own.

I have read good things about the Behringer BDDI, but I know that Behringer used to have reliability issues. But I think those have gotten better. We've got an x32 and stage box at my church, and have never had any issues with those.

Thoughts on these choices?

 

[Bartrinsic]

I've travelled with a Quilter 800, which works great; I expect the INTERBASS would be similarly great choice. My 2nd choice would be the Phil Jones, but I haven't tried it.

 

[KJMO]

Don't forget the Darkglass Element! It has two headphone outs, usb interface for recording, bluetooth to play music from your phone, DI out.

 

[theinfamous]

For your purposes I recommend the tech 21 Bass Fly rig. It's a little spendy relative to the features you get, but I like it because it functions like a pedal. I hate little lcd menus on multi effect units.

Drawbacks- it's really sensitive to power fluctuations. If you try to run it off dodgy power it kind of cuts in and out in a weird way, but I've only had it do it once when I was running off a generator, but keep that in mind. Also some people absolutely hate the octafiler section. I like it, but it's a little fiddly at first. Also the compressor takes tweaking to dial in. Still, I like it and it's very durable. A bunch of beer has been spilled on mine and it still functions perfectly.

 

[SgtHulka]

Fwiw, I had a Palmer pocket amp for guitar and it just sounded weak to me all over. Weak sound with a 9 volt and even with the power adapter, nothing special about it whatsoever and it doesn't really have a lot of features so I personally would stay away from that.

I'm not sure why the Plex isn't on your list, it definitely has more features and more of what you're looking for, than the Quilter for example. The extra amp in case of emergency is cool but how often are you going to use that? And no auxiliary or DI?

 

[Bassiclees]

I have an Ammoon PockRock ($35) and an old unused phone with lots of music in it connected with 2 hair ties and a 3" 1/8" phone cable and it's a tiny and awesome practice rig. Bonus: add a Getaria wireless setup ($35) and it's super nimble and wireless (use BT headphones with low latency).