• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Portable practice tool

Here's something that hasn't been mentioned here. I'm using my M Audio Fasttrack Pro audio interface as a standalone practice unit. Didn't even realize that it can work as such. Does require an adaptor, though. I'm going to see if I can't rig up something with a 9 V battery clip and a little end from a broken adaptor.

Glenn
 
I, too, enjoy the features of the Pandora but where do you have yours (physically) set when practicing? The strap attachment is just so awkward to wear especially with all the ports filled with bass cable, headphones, AUX (MP3 player) and AC adapter.

I sit my PX4B on top of my speaker cab. I run a 20' cable from my bass into the PX4B, then a 1' cable from the PX4B into my amp. When using my iPod with the PX4B, I have a 1' cable that runs from the iPod headphone jack into the PX4B aux input.

The PXB isn't a great effects processor, tuner, drum machine, headphone amp, phrase trainer, or aux input device. However, having all of these things in one convenient package makes it a fantastic little device, in my opinion. It's a jack of all trades, master of none.
 
I sit my PX4B on top of my speaker cab. I run a 20' cable from my bass into the PX4B, then a 1' cable from the PX4B into my amp. When using my iPod with the PX4B, I have a 1' cable that runs from the iPod headphone jack into the PX4B aux input.

The PXB isn't a great effects processor, tuner, drum machine, headphone amp, phrase trainer, or aux input device. However, having all of these things in one convenient package makes it a fantastic little device, in my opinion. It's a jack of all trades, master of none.

+100. I utilize the drum machine alot actually. I like that you have pretty much all the basic rhythms you need. Also, I really dig the fills and breaks rhythms you can use. I also use the phrase trainer jam alot for the play back. The recording doesnt lie LOL.
 
Boss Micro BR is also very nice.

32 virtual tracks, uses an SD card which means you're capable of using a 2gig ( I think those exist) space to record, as well it has multiple effects built in, and boss's 5 year warranty.

Check it out.

And it slows down MP3s without changing pitch
 
I've had my Tascam for 3 years and have never had a problem with it. I like it because I can throw a cd into it or plug in my iPod. The mix, slow speed, bass cut/boost, effects and loop option were a big selling point for me. I couldn't function without it now.

Where was this thing 20 years ago!
 
Dude the Tacam MP3 trainer costs 200 bucks. Why would you spend 200 bucks on that when you can get a micro BR (Costs 230 bucks at GC) which does the same thing AND worlds more?

The Tascam has an internal mem, but the Mirco BR has an SD slot, so you can change those out, put em into your computer without having to have the Tascam on you.

The balance controls on the Tascam are the only thing going for it, and if you want just use Audacity to edit the music file, then save THAT file to your Micro BR and you're set.

That's not even half the argument but here's the formula.

Lowpro's Law of Smart Purchases:

Mirco BR (with power supply, it's Achilles Heel is that the batteries only last 6-7 hours) > Tascam Trainer.
 
Dude the Tacam MP3 trainer costs 200 bucks. Why would you spend 200 bucks on that when you can get a micro BR (Costs 230 bucks at GC) which does the same thing AND worlds more?

The Tascam has an internal mem, but the Mirco BR has an SD slot, so you can change those out, put em into your computer without having to have the Tascam on you.

The balance controls on the Tascam are the only thing going for it, and if you want just use Audacity to edit the music file, then save THAT file to your Micro BR and you're set.

That's not even half the argument but here's the formula.

Lowpro's Law of Smart Purchases:

Mirco BR (with power supply, it's Achilles Heel is that the batteries only last 6-7 hours) > Tascam Trainer.

I forgot about the BR. I wonder if it is compatible with the newer SDHC cards (up to 32GB).

edit: looks like it isn't.
 
Doesn't say so on the package (lookin' at it right now) .

I need to know more about the new SD card haven't even heard of those before. Are they the same physical size? Wouldn't it just be one of those "plug in and go" kind of accessories?

Or perhaps there's an adapter that goes from SDHC to SD?
 
Doesn't say so on the package (lookin' at it right now) .

I need to know more about the new SD card haven't even heard of those before. Are they the same physical size? Wouldn't it just be one of those "plug in and go" kind of accessories?

Or perhaps there's an adapter that goes from SDHC to SD?[/QUOTE

SDHC looks the same as SD but pretty much every SD device is incompatible unless it has the SDHC logo on it. They're available in upwards of 4GB, and the 32GB comes out in January.
 
I've been wanting a Micro BR for a very long time, but have been holding off on it. The Micro BR is meant more as a portable recording tool than a practice tool, but it would look like a nice thing to use for practicing since it has drum patterns, mp3 playback with tempo control and the like.

I remember reading somewhere that some people weren't happy with their bass sound on the Micro BR. Any users out there have something to say about that?
 
I use a Pockit Rockit. Plugs directly into the bass so there's no silly body pack or cumbersome table unit to limit motion or get in the way. It also accepts an audio source like an iPod or CD player so you can jam along. Plays forever on a 9V battery. $50.00
 
I just got the Planet Waves tuner/metronome (CT-05). For some reason I thought I would be able to hear my bass through the headphone jack, but only the click comes through. I can't decide if I should hang onto it or not.

edit: Actually, I just decided to return it to GC and order an Earwig.
 
there has been a lot talked about here so far with a lot of different features

for someone who wants to practice out of the hosue ( like on a walk or riding out of town ). and wants to do so with the option of using a built-in drum machine or playing to songs ( mp3 ), with the option of slowing the song tempo down, which would be the best choice? Tuner + effects would be a bonus, not req.
 
there has been a lot talked about here so far with a lot of different features

for someone who wants to practice out of the hosue ( like on a walk or riding out of town ). and wants to do so with the option of using a built-in drum machine or playing to songs ( mp3 ), with the option of slowing the song tempo down, which would be the best choice? Tuner + effects would be a bonus, not req.

That describes the Korg Pandora PX4 (B or D) or the BOSS Micro-BR. However, you can load mp3s directly into the Micro-BR but not the Pandora. With the Korg you'd need to use the line in from another source (an mp3 player, for example), record the source using the phrase trainer, then use that to slow down mp3s. They both have tuners and effects, but the Pandora has tons more effects. The Micro-BR was originally meant for guitar and to be one of the smallest multi-track recorders out there, but it still makes for a nice practice tool.