I'm looking for a little box I can use for practicing without playing through an amp with speaker. It needs to have an input jack for the bass (obviously), an input for a phone or mp3 player, and a headphone out jack. What is this thing called and where can I find one?
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Headphone-only practice amp
- Thread starter jwhite518
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- amp practice practice amp
Phil jones bass bighead. Amazon. Many music retailers.
Vox amplug bass or some cheaper ebay versions, I got one for $10 and it gets job done.
okcrum
in your chest
I've been using one for the past couple years-works great. Nice and small. Sounds pretty good too. Try it with different headphones/earphones if you can. It's makes a big difference.
I have an amplug(the previous model, I think there was an update) and it's OK. It sounds... OK... and it's got OK features such as built in drum beats and metronome. But the beats are lacking in variety(or even good standard beats) and the controls are silly.
There's 2 buttons(I think?) and 2 dials. They are not really laid out in any way that makes it obvious what each does. For some functions, you've got to hold buttons down while doing another thing(pressing a 2nd button or turning a dial).
Overall, it's usable, but there has got to be something else.
There's 2 buttons(I think?) and 2 dials. They are not really laid out in any way that makes it obvious what each does. For some functions, you've got to hold buttons down while doing another thing(pressing a 2nd button or turning a dial).
Overall, it's usable, but there has got to be something else.
I think I'll buy this one. I like the fact that it's made by a small business. Does exactly what the Phil Jones Bass Bighead does but much cheaper too. Thanks for the referral!
Do you have one of those? I was just looking at the schematic and it looks like there's no stereo separation?
Guess what, there's no buying it either. The dude sold out of inventory and didn't make any more.
So about that amplug, does it have a second input for playing music from my phone?
And the Mackie mixer, doesn't seem to have an amp. How are the volume levels on playback? I don't have any preamp or pedals or anything on my bass, just a straight cable from the instrument to the Mackie. Would it work?
I'm not sure you really need it. You could send an email to Walter, he's a great guy who is totally involved with his products and is very glad to help.
Btw this amp sounds great. I really does live up to the hype of sounding exactly as your bass sounds. I WILL show you strengths and weaknesses in your playing. If mine broke I'd buy another in a minute.
I'm sure it sounds great, and although there probably isn't a need, in general, for stereo, alot of play-a-long tracks and have parts panned to one channel. I've also run across several "real tracks" that have the bass more prominent in one ear. It makes it easier to hear.
I should say that i have an amplug and I've never tried to use it for that. so it's clearly not something I care passionately about. But the amplug was a freebie. If I were to go looking for something else, I think I'd want to make sure to maintain stereo separation, just in case.
The mackie has a headphone out, which is powered by an internal amp. I've seen dozens of drummers use them as an ear rig to run their tracks and click through.
I've been using my crappy interface at home with spotify and blending the input to output and it works on the same principle. Would recommend.
- Jan 28, 2009
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- Owner: Moonshine Custom Guitars
To my knowledge Cafe Walter is not producing headphone amps at this time. I believe that he is working on an updated version (I wish he was, I like his work).
Moonshine
Zoom B1on amp modeler and multi effects pedal. Only $50 new and gets excellent reviews.
OK this is my new favorite. Now I see why Walter stopped. For less money you get all the effects too. Thanks.
- Jan 28, 2009
- 2,929
- 4,152
- Disclosures
- Owner: Moonshine Custom Guitars
The Cafe Waler HA-1 is an entirely different animal. It really does sound exactly like what's coming out of your bass; finger noise, strings hitting frets & pickups, etc... It is an excellent tool for working on your technique.
Moonshine
