Looking for a preamp for headphone practice with a USB out for recording

[DuluthDank]

Bonus points if it has some amp modeling or overdrive capabilities. I'm currently looking at the GK Plex, but I'm wondering what else is out there.

I'm currently using the Zoom B3n for headphone practice, but find the amp models and overdrive just a bit uninspiring. And of course this model has no USB out.

 

[gtirard]

HX Stomp?

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

The Darkglass ADAM/Photon/Microtubes Infinity are worth checking out (I especially like the Infinity).

 

[DuluthDank]

HX Stomp?

That would work, but is way more complex than I'm hoping for right now.

 

[adios]

I have a Mustang Micro. Works perfectly and ticks the boxes you are asking for

 

[DuluthDank]

I have a Mustang Micro. Works perfectly and ticks the boxes you are asking for

That's intended for guitar, right? So the amp sims work fine with bass then?

 

[adios]

Yep. Works absolutely fine with my bass....

 

[Nebadon2000]

This does pretty much everything but whether it is equal in sound and quality of Plex well... it is quite a bit less expensive

NUX NBP-5 Melvin Lee Davis Bass Preamp & DI w/USB Audio Interface & Dr

Darkglass mentioned above seems very interesting and capable

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Bonus points if it has some amp modeling or overdrive capabilities. I'm currently looking at the GK Plex, but I'm wondering what else is out there.

I'm currently using the Zoom B3n for headphone practice, but find the amp models and overdrive just a bit uninspiring. And of course this model has no USB out.

If you like GK sounds then the Plex is great.
Love the fusion tube model - and all of them, for that matter. It really is like having 4-5 GK amps.

 

[dland]

+1 Mustang Micro

 

[matante]

If you're a recording musician is it safe to assume you already have an interface and a DAW? Why not use those? Then you not only have the cab sims but you can use your DAW as a metronome, a drum machine, a looper...

 

[DonaldR]

I had all kind of USB solutions for years and got tired of software upgrade/compatibility issues and the update of the 30-pin/lightning/C/mini/micro/whatever connectors on iPhones/iPads/Android tablets. Got an Ampeg SCR-DI with aux-in and headphone-out, 9v powered and not looking back. I can use whatever device for backtrack playing as it's going to the 1/8" aux-in. If I want to record, I simply use the SCR-DI XRL out into my USB interface. Zero latency. Fits in my gigbag.

 

[tb-player]

 

[XLunacy]

For headphone practice, I'd have no issue recommending the Mooer Prime P1, it's got everything you mentioned and more, for a reasonable price.

It really is the most convenient way to practice that I've found, all you need is a short 1/4" instrument cable and headphones. Add a USB cable for recording to your phone.

I would personally most likely not use it live in my signal chain, simply because my chain already has everything I need.

 

[ahbass2500]

Phil Jones Bass Bighead and Bighead Pro both meet the headphone amp with usb interface requirement.

I briefly owned a Bighead. It sounded great through headphones, but I quickly realized headphone practice was not for me. Never tried the recording interface, but expect it is also good.

 

[Nuage420]

I have a Mustang Micro. Works perfectly and ticks the boxes you are asking for

I tried recording USB c into my phone and it worked too! I already love mine so this put me over the top

 

[adios]

I tried recording USB c into my phone and it worked too! I already love mine so this put me over the top

Yes - I use the USB C and take it into my computer/audacity too, and the blue tooth helps with adding backing tracks or metronome if needed.

 

[scowboy]

I’ve used a BigHead for years but recently I have been using a MOTU M2 interface. Sometimes I put pedals in front of it and sometimes I just use Garage Band. Mostly I use nothing at all.

 

[rashrader]

Loving my Darkglass AO Photon. It’s been great as a headphone practice amp and I used it last week to record (non-USB). Next step is a stereo power amp and I’ll be using it live as well.

 

[MVE]

NuX mighty plug is best headphone practice option out there right now.