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New to bass. Need a quiet amp!

L

L00katthatbass

Dec 22, 2018
9
5
#1
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
 
#2
The only thing quieter than a Rumble 25 would be a headphone amp. I don't understand how you could be too loud with that combo, as it does have a volume knob.

Which audio interface do you have? Most will allow you to plug in directly and use the monitoring function as is. If for some reason it doesn't support instrument level, you can insert a DI between your bass and interface.
 
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#3
abarson said:
The only thing quieter than a Rumble 25 would be a headphone amp. I don't understand how you could be too loud with that combo, as it does have a volume knob.

Which audio interface do you have? Most will allow you to plug in directly and use the monitoring function as is. If for some reason it doesn't support instrument level, you can insert a DI between your bass and interface.
Click to expand...
I love your suggestion of using a DI im front of the Focusrite to shape the tone.

Do you have recomendations for the DI?

Thank you.
 
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#4
A simple DI does not offer any tone shaping. Here is a picture of a common DI box:
420474.jpg


Maybe what you are thinking of is a preamplifier with DI output. Some of these can also operate as a headphone amp. Here are a few examples:
MXR M81 Bass Preamp
TC Electronic | Product | SPECTRADRIVE
InterBass
 
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#8
L00katthatbass said:
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
Click to expand...

I'd recommend Phil Jones amps. It produces good quality sound even at small volume.
 
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#9
L00katthatbass said:
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
Click to expand...
Headphones out of your interface.

If a Rumble 25 is too loud for you, you either need an acoustic bass, or play a different instrument.
 
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#11
abarson said:
A simple DI does not offer any tone shaping. Here is a picture of a common DI box:
420474.jpg


Maybe what you are thinking of is a preamplifier with DI output. Some of these can also operate as a headphone amp. Here are a few examples:
MXR M81 Bass Preamp
TC Electronic | Product | SPECTRADRIVE
InterBass
Click to expand...

two fingers said:
What are your tone goals? Gritty? Clean? Warn? Bright?
Click to expand...

To the list from @abarson, I would add any number of SansAmp offerings from @tech21nyc, along with the Ampeg SCR-DI mentioned by @byacey. And as @two fingers says, we can make better recommendations from that list if we know a bit more about how you want to sound. I don’t know much about plug-ins on the software side of things, but I know you’ve certainly got options there as well.

FWIW, I love the SansAmp Para Driver for both bass and guitar. Very versatile and intuitive.
 
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#14
L00katthatbass said:
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
Click to expand...

I have similar issues as my two amps are an Aguilar DB751 and EBS802... both close to 1000W amps with huge speaker cabs... my solution? I got a decent mixing board (just 4 channel) and plug directly into it... sounds amazing thru headphones, compared to a "quiet" amp..
 
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#15
NUX MP2 headphone amp. Can plug in directly to an interface or computer via USB. Has onboard effects, amp models, cab sims, noise gate, etc. I use it mostly for guitar, but works great with bass as well. A nice set of wired headphones and you’re set. Retails for about $75. I can practice for hours before it needs a recharge too. Cheap, quiet, sounds good and can connect to an interface. What more ya need?
 
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#17
L00katthatbass said:
I love your suggestion of using a DI im front of the Focusrite to shape the tone.
Do you have recomendations for the DI?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I agree with whomever said if a Rumble 25 is too loud then you probably ought to be listening with a headset.

Instead of a DI into a Focusrite, why don't you plug into your focusrite and into your computer and out through its speakers. Or just out to your headset. IMO the headset would provide the most bass fidelity.
 
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#19
L00katthatbass said:
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
Click to expand...
Hey, I speak "guitarist" and am wondering if by quiet you really mean "without noise/hiss/static/etc."?

I say this because a certain level of feedback is not frowned up by guitarists while bass players are constantly battling unwanted noise.
 
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#20
L00katthatbass said:
I just ordered my Mark Hoppus 'replica' from Kiesel.
I've been playing guitar almost all my life, but I know nothing about bass amp.

I once had a Fender Rumble 25, but it was impossible to play quietly enough.
I would also like the option to plug it in my audio interface and use the live monitoring, without a cab.
Click to expand...

Do you plan to gig? Do you actually need something that has a speaker?

What is your budget?

I second the suggestion of a Vox Amplug - they're versatile and useful at a low price point, and they're portable.

However, if you do not need a speaker and you have the budget - you may consider a Line 6 HX Stomp, which can act as a passive DI when unpowered (true bypass), an amp modeler with various bass-related offerings, and as a headphone amp. It's also useful for guitar and as such is versatile. Finally - while you DI it into your interface, it also itself acts as a USB audio interface to your computer, so you have multiple options.

If you don't plan to gig and you don't need an actual speaker cabinet, you may consider this strategy if it's within your price point.
 

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