Headphone Amp?

[Andy Brown]

I don't know about that AJ. For $50 mine has chorus, bright and distortion settings with a tone control (filter). My tuner was only about $30 back in the 80's.

Quite a difference in price, with more complexity (more to go wrong?).

Yeah... I've got the older model as well for about $45, and I'm quite happy. What they are trying to sell are the addition of the metronome (simplistic drum machine), tuner, and improved sound. Are these features worth $100? Maybe not. If this unit hits the streets and gets down to $99, then I'm in.

I don't necessarily agree with more complexity = more can go wrong. Maybe in a mechanical application, but electronic circuitry, especially digital signal processors, have come along way and have become very reliable if the circuit is designed properly. I used to sell electronic components and DSPs when they first arrived on the market, and some had programmibility issues, but if they were programmed properly, they just worked.

 

[Thumper]

AJ,

If/when mine dies, it's good to know there is another alternative to carrying a tuner with.

I know you're right regarding electronics, in general, I'm just trying to simplify my life: got rid of the watches, cell phone, PDA, etc. Still sticking with active basses though.

 

[DGbass70]

Please elaborate...
I own a Tascam CD-BT1 and find it has some great features. Looping, adjustable play speed with pitch correction, etc.
What don't you like about it?

Jim

i was going to ask the same question.
same here i have one and i like it.there is even a carrying case that has small spks.

 

[RunngDog]

The best is the Cafe Walter, But was expensive, about $180 if I remember right. Only drawback is that this isnt really portable. Its small, relatively lightweight, but it doesnt run on batteries and is too big to clip onto your belt. But it sounds awesome.

Not sure about the new models but the older Cafe Walter unit I have definitely runs on batteries -- and you get plenty of hours out of a 9v battery. And while it's not small enough to fit into a gigbag, I'd still call it portable -- the box is roughly 2" x 3" x 4" and weighs under a pound.

 

[jaymeister99]

Not sure about the new models but the older Cafe Walter unit I have definitely runs on batteries -- and you get plenty of hours out of a 9v battery. And while it's not small enough to fit into a gigbag, I'd still call it portable -- the box is roughly 2" x 3" x 4" and weighs under a pound.

Oh, I thought it didnt run on batteries. But I guess you are right, it is small enough to be considered portable. But its not really something you can clip onto your belt and roam around with.

Does anyone know the website address where the Cafe Walter is being sold?

 

[fretlessrock]

Steve "Dude" Barr has them on his ebay store when he has them in stock:

http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/showthread.php?t=3665&highlight=walter

and BassNW carries them:
http://bassnw.com/New Effects Units/cafe_walter_HA1.htm

The Walter is an audiophile device and Walter Harley didn't design it as a beltclip unit. Personally, I'd love to see what some of the guys at Headwize could do with this design. I think you would see it in mini case in short order. Not that Walter isn't capable, but he went with a full-sized board and lots of space in the layout and the mechanicals. You get that rock solid feel of a cast chassis, with chassis mounted pots and jacks, and the excellent shielding that it gives. He's a talented guy, that's for sure. Thanks to guys like Walter Harley and Steve Rabe there is no doubt in my mind what my bass sounds like. I also use them when doing setups and repairs.