Hello. I am pretty new to bass gear and I was wondering if this was possible. (I googled it to no avail) Can I use headphones only on a solid state bass head, without any cabinet being attached, without damaging the device? Thanks in advance!
I have done this with no ill effects. Of course, the amp in question will need to have a built-in dedicated headphone output.
Most all SS heads can be run without a cab attached, IIRC the Helborg uses an output transformer so in that case no. Your headphones could be in danger of burnout if there is no headphone out on the amp. Be VERY careful with the volume if you plug into the speaker outs.
Wow thanks guys for such a fast response! I asked cause I am thinking on buying this head: http://www.thomann.de/gb/ampeg_pf_350_portaflex.htm and was not sure if I needed a cab or not (I'll use it to practice at first than rehearsals with the band & cab)
Most of the micro class D amps on the market have headphone outs nowadays. I use a Genz Benz Shuttle MAX 6.0 which has a headphone output that I use to practice 95% of the time as I'm at home with family who don't appreciate hearing lines repeated 100 times while I learn them. That was a major consideration for me when I bought that amp due to my living situations (I was previously in an apartment). As B-string mentioned, though, be careful if you plug into the speaker outs. I've heard not so great stories about that so I don't know that I'd even consider that an option...
I had one of those. Nice sounding little amp. Yes, the headphone out is fine on that one without speakers.
Fantastic! Thanks for all your help! I've also found a even better deal on that pf 350 head (http://en.euroguitar.com/amp/ampeg/portaflex/pf350/139998.html) so I'm definitely gonna go for it
Just FYI, I've finally found the headphones I've been looking for, for just the same purpose. Audio-Technica ATH-M50 kicks ass for practicing my bass without disturbing the house! They sound fantastic, are very comfortable, and cost less via Amazon than Beats Solo 2.
I decided to not go for the Ampeg, since I've read way to many things about it dying and/or having issues for my liking. So I'm going with an Ibanez Promethean P300H which is currently 25% off at my local store (http://www.bam-music.com/sl/kitare-.../ibanez-p300h-u-bass-amp-head-promethean.html) I don't think anything (new) can beat this price. Also I'll be using my trusty Sennheiser HD419 headphones. Again, thank you for all your help guys!
I agree with you on that, as I have the ATH-M50x and love them. I previously had the ATH-M45 which were great. In looking at the impulse response of these headphones I could see that they were perfectly damped. That and the fact that AT uses copper-clad aluminum wire for the voice coil showed me how they were getting such good transient response. I could clearly hear subtle nuances in stringed instruments and cymbals and brushes were crisp and clear. You made a very good choice in getting those particular headphones, they offer the best value in my opinion for good quality studio monitors. As somebody who is learning bass, it's good to have headphones that will reveal more of the details of how I'm fingering the strings.
I am considering doing this as well, although I have my eye on a different amp. Peavey Mini Max 500 Bass Amplifier Head (500 Watts), New I have a cheap set of JVC HA-X570 headphones with a Sure 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter, and my main bass is my new VM Jag. Anyone know if using this head alone is safe for headphones practice with this setup? Maybe I should send an e-mail to Peavey, see what they say.