Minimal headphone practice setup?

[Nick1234]

I'm a fan of these for practice. Needs batteries though

https://www.amazon.com/VOX-AMPHONESBASS-Active-Amplifier-Headphones/dp/B009703PZG

 

[Turxile]

I use Zoom B1 FOUR. It meets the requirements OP listed, plus has drum tracks, looper etc for use in practice. Also has lots of effects if you want to use them.
About plugging in..you can, but I use a small USB power bank for it.

 

[SemiDriven]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Amplifies what's coming out of your iPhone / iPad. Add an app like anytune and some good headphones and you're good to go. Charges via USB cord.

 

[oranje]

Cafe Walter. Expensive but well worth it.

 

[filmtex]

If I need to practice quietly, I use one of the two methods:

1. Rumble 25 Combo amp. $100. Has headphone and aux inputs.

2. Vox Bass Headphone Amp. ~$45. Has headphone and aux inputs.

View attachment 3752840

Note that the Vox Bass Headphone Amp does take batteries (I think 2 x AAA). So I bought a 4 pack of rechargeable batteries and a wall charger. I keep a set charged as backup. Works great.

That's what I have been using for years, though I use an Ampeg BA-108 instead for the Rumble. Pretty much the same thing.

 

[equill]

Another vote for the Amplug.
Even after you buy Eneloop batteries and a smart-charger, it's going to be cheaper and more convenient than the next-best option, and those batteries just keep on going.

 

[bassist4dalord]

I use Zoom B1 FOUR. It meets the requirements OP listed, plus has drum tracks, looper etc for use in practice. Also has lots of effects if you want to use them.
About plugging in..you can, but I use a small USB power bank for it.

This is my go-to as well. Cheap, easy to use and works well.

 

[andruca]

My practice rig. Zoom MS-60B into VOX AmPlug Bass. Has external player input with level control so you can play along. Minimal enough for me, still prefer my Peavey combos whenever viable.

 

[pcake]

batteries aren't much of a hassle if you get rechargeables.

 

[jchrisk1]

This is what I use at home for quiet time. Inexpensive, and works great. I usually play direct into it, but sometimes line out of an amp for more tonal options. The plus side is that my SO doesn't bother me when I have my headphones on, unless it's important.

 

[phangtonpower]

Depends what kinda headphones you have. My pedal board has a 3 leaf audio Enabler preamp that has headphone out, but I use Sennheiser HD650 and benefit from a dedicated amp, so I have a tube amp after my Enabler Not simple, but I love it.

 

[Polish Thunder]

I'm a fan of these for practice. Needs batteries though

https://www.amazon.com/VOX-AMPHONESBASS-Active-Amplifier-Headphones/dp/B009703PZG

Do these headphones have an aux in line for listening to music or backing tracks from a laptop?

 

[pineweasel]

- Minimal in size. Something that can fit in a drawer when I'm not using it.
- Can plug into an outlet.. I don't want to deal with batteries
- Can connect my iPhone or iPad so that I can play along with songs
- Sounds good

What's out there that I should be looking at? Thanks!

The PJB Big Head is the best option that meets all those requirements. It has a battery but you can just run it off a mains USB charger. I love the simplicity of it too; no distractions, just high quality sound.

 

[otto802]

I also highly recommend the VOX amplug. I've been using one for a few years and its great! The batteries last a long time, I just pick up a few packs at the dollar store once a year. I like not having to be near an outlet. I often grab my bass and practice in the living room, so having to plug into the wall would be hassle.

 

[Splash7]

I use the Valeton Rushead MAX because it has built in effects. Works just like the Vox Amplug, only better.

Got it on Amazon.

 

[equill]

Do these headphones have an aux in line for listening to music or backing tracks from a laptop?

They sure do.
Also separate level controls for the instrument and the drum-machine.

 

[Somavar]

I use Zoom B1 FOUR. It meets the requirements OP listed, plus has drum tracks, looper etc for use in practice. Also has lots of effects if you want to use them.
About plugging in..you can, but I use a small USB power bank for it.

+1 for the Zoom B1 four. The batteries are AA and last for quite a while. Has aux in for iphone, laptop or other input. Put the 1/4 to 3.5 reducer in the output if your headphones have a 3.5mm connector. I got one after looking at a number of configurations and options so that I could easily det up in the office or move around the house ( wherever the free space was available). Very happy with it. And cheap ( less that €100 in Europe) for all the boxes it ticks.

 

[onamission]

I use an inexpensive Behringer MA400 as the central piece. I have a DI from my amp into this as well as a line in from my pc so I can play with any of my music services. It works great.

 

[Lux]

I recently bought a used Hotone Thunder Bass and I'm very pleased with it. It's really compact sixe (fits your hand), of sturdy build and has good sound. I take it downstairs with bass and headphones when my daughter needs silence for her studies

 

[mambo4]

Cafe Walter. Expensive but well worth it.

Ditto. Sadly Walter isn't making the H1's any more.
They have become legendary unicorns.