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headphone practice?

#21
SCR DI sounds great but eats batteries pretty fast. EHX is nice but no accessory input. Vox is super convenient but a little hissy. Phil Jones BigHead is pricey, but sounds good, has rechargeable batteries and has tone controls. Also has a USB interface for recording (and charging).
 
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#23
A small USB audio interface for your PC does the job, is very versatile and useful if you don't already have one IMO. You didn't mention a budget but they're around 100 bucks new and pretty cheap used. Focusrite, Steinberg and Roland all have good options out there, just make sure that it has a high impedance input and direct monitoring. Of course if you don't intend to do any recording and don't need any of the additional features those have, at all, then maybe it's too much, or maybe you're not much of a computer guy, but for many people it's a good solution IMO.
 
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#25
I use an SCR/DI for headphone practice. It works really well for that purpose. But you're not going to want to run it on batteries that often unless you own stock in a battery company. Runtime with batteries is a matter of hours with this box. So plan on mostly using a good AC adapter with it if you get one.
 
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#26
I have the iRig HD and while the build and sound quality is good but the software is a PIA to use. Also, you have to pay for any effects you might want to add or pay a bundle for a bundle. I never really got it to work right inspite of going through the manual and adjusting all the settings on my iPhone and iPad. I just want to be able to plug in and play. I didn't know you can use Garage Band with the iRig HD so I'll have to give that a try.

The Ampeg SCR-DR looks nice and is built solid. Supposedly, it eats batteries so as others have already mentioned plan on using external power most of the time.
 
#27
I got a SCR-DI a bit over a week ago and I love it. I haven't been playing too long and don't own an amp (still researching the best option for my needs) and the SCR-DI lets me avoid using my computer to practise. I wasn't very impressed with the scrambler section when pushing it hard, but I leave it on always as just a very subtle drive. I bought the pedal just to try it out and return, it but after 10 minutes of use I had to keep it.
 
#28
I have used both the Phil Jones Bass Buddy and now the Big Head. The Big Head is the right package in the right size. It sounds great, runs for ever on batteries and is so small it is never bothersome to carry. I've never used a Cafe Walter but I can tell you sonically it's the most superior device I have ever used for headphone practice. I live in a small home with a very open floor plan and using and amp is seldom an option so I use the heck out of headphones for any practice, wanking or woodshedding. I also bought the PJB Bass Headphones and they are also done very well. I'm not a PJB fanboy I just think that this particular company has set the bar for headphone practice and bass guitars.

I got my Big Head as an open box from AMS at a considerable discount.
 
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#29
_godspeed_ said:
Depends on the budget and how exactly you're planning to practice. I have tried bunch on different headphone practice units - Korg PX4D, iRig, Positive Grid(BIAS), Line 6 Sonic Port, Tascam GB-10, Line 6 Bass PODXT, Line 6 POD X3, Ampeg SCR-DI and Zoom B3. So yeah, I could talk a bit about all of them :) as I play in church, I need to have access to computer - we have a large library of songs and we introduce new songs quite often as well as key changes. Tascam was a pretty good unit, but as mentioned above, I had to go to computer to put new songs on it all the time. Tone wise it's just meh. Ampeg has great tone, but I really didn't use it for more than just practicing(I play through REDDI at church), so I could justify that much money invested to a pedal that I don't use live. In the end I ended up with POD X3 which was the best option until I got Zoom B3. It's the best option for me - it has great tones(it can be absolutely clean and uncoloured), really versatile interface, drum machine, looper and is quite cheap! I'd say it's the best bang for your buck - you can bring it to any gig, use it is DI or as stop boxes, you can practice with it at home. I wish it would have additional AUX, so I might stay away from computer, but I could live without it. Again, it all depends on your particular situation. If you're fine practicing from your MP3 player/smartphone AND need a preamp/DI, then Ampeg is your best bet. If you want to save some cash, go buy used Zoom B3 and buy another pedal(or two) :)
Click to expand...
the zoom b3 dont have aux input...
 
#34
Another vote for the PJ Bass Buddy, and the Raven Labs Pha-1, if you can find one . Btw, I have. Kong Pandora on sale in the classifieds.
 
#35
Thanks again for all the replies. I picked up a mint used SCR DI last night so hopefully that is what I wanted.
Hopefully it will be here late this week or early next week.
Several other good options listed and I am sure I couldn't go wrong with most of them if not all.

dj
 
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#36
malthumb said:
I agree with the assessment of the iRig. I have one that I am more than willing to sell. In my opinion it doesn't touch the PX5D, but maybe it would work just fine for someone else.
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I get that. I use it simply for quiet practicing. I'm not looking for demo quality sound. I guess it depends on how picky the OP is. I personally would spend $ on an interface like someone mentioned above so you can record into your DAW of choice. The iRig or other mobile choice is just a cheap (depending on what you get) alternative. A good di like the Ampeg is never a bad investment either
 
#39
dju said:
I am looking at maybe picking up a Ampeg SCR DI pedal to use as a headphone practice amp. But before I do I was wondering if there are any other simple decent sounding options out there. I like the fact that the ampeg can run on batteries so I wouldn't have to have another wall wort and associated wires to mess with. but wall wort and wires aren't deal breakers. Any suggestions?

thanks,
dj
Click to expand...
I use my Ampeg PF500. Has headphone & input on 1/8".
 

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