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Probably a stupid question... earphones direct into active bass?
- Thread starter Squid-TEGH
- Start date
I was going to suggest a Zoom B1(X)on, I bought one on a whim and didn't use it for a while, now I use it with headphones rather than powering up my amp. I also use it for rehearsing and plug it into the PA instead of schlepping and amp and cab (lazy git that I am). Loads of effects to play with and runs from a USB cable, what's not to like?Right. Enough people seem to rave about the B1on. I've had a look, and it looks pretty cool, if a bit "what does all that stuff mean?" to a new bassist. I heard one guy said he got the b1on and regretted not getting the B1XON (I'm gonna send these guys an email and ask if the guy who names their products is a fourteen year old script kiddie) so I've ordered a B1X0N(OMGWTFBBQetc) and a rather shiny 6 meter (why?) blue 1/4 - 1/4 guitar lead
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I got the X model but don't think I would have missed the expression pedal, in fact I have trodden on it a couple of times and cut my bass off completely so now have it set so the minimum volume is my normal playing volume and pressing it gives a boost
Just plug the cable into the power outlet, and you will be rocking the power plant!....
On second thoughts, don't try that!
As people has suggested get some sort of cheap headphone amp or even better, as several has already suggested too, some sort of multi effect with headphone output you will be able to use with your amp too, ones you saved up for one.
One thing though, don't just buy an amp mindlessly.
If you have any chance of trying it first, do it, and optimally try to compare it to other amps in your price range, to be sure you actually pick the one you like the sound of the best, and not just the one you think look coolest.
Anyway good luck
On second thoughts, don't try that!
As people has suggested get some sort of cheap headphone amp or even better, as several has already suggested too, some sort of multi effect with headphone output you will be able to use with your amp too, ones you saved up for one.
One thing though, don't just buy an amp mindlessly.
If you have any chance of trying it first, do it, and optimally try to compare it to other amps in your price range, to be sure you actually pick the one you like the sound of the best, and not just the one you think look coolest.
Anyway good luck
Just plug the cable into the power outlet, and you will be rocking the power plant!....
On second thoughts, don't try that!
As people has suggested get some sort of cheap headphone amp or even better, as several has already suggested too, some sort of multi effect with headphone output you will be able to use with your amp too, ones you saved up for one.
One thing though, don't just buy an amp mindlessly.
If you have any chance of trying it first, do it, and optimally try to compare it to other amps in your price range, to be sure you actually pick the one you like the sound of the best, and not just the one you think look coolest.
Anyway good luck
How would I know I like the sound of an amp if I can't actually play?
I can do a few scales mostly by looking at the frets, but even adjusting my bass/mid/treble pots to get an "ideal" sound is beyond me.
You turn the knobs till you like the sound, it's not like there are two many knob combinations, even if you are not quite sure what they are for.
Don't be afraid to experiment, and find out stuff that way, like you did with the headphones, even if it didn't turn out as an optimal solution.
You would hopefully still be able to recognize which sound you like the best, even if you only know how to play a few scales.
I am talking about the sound as in basic sound of the amp and bass combined, not how your playing or what you are playing sounds.
It's not like it's rocket science or you'll have to be a genius bass player to know what sound you like.
Like you don't have to be a master chef to know what your favorite food is.
Hell you don't even have to know how to cook it to know that you like it.
Don't be afraid to experiment, and find out stuff that way, like you did with the headphones, even if it didn't turn out as an optimal solution.
You would hopefully still be able to recognize which sound you like the best, even if you only know how to play a few scales.
I am talking about the sound as in basic sound of the amp and bass combined, not how your playing or what you are playing sounds.
It's not like it's rocket science or you'll have to be a genius bass player to know what sound you like.
Like you don't have to be a master chef to know what your favorite food is.
Hell you don't even have to know how to cook it to know that you like it.
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Thanks.
I'm at the stage where If I'm on passive, I'll have "tone" turned right up. But if I'm on active I do just mess around with bass/mid/treb until something jumps out at me as being "good".
I haven't touched the pickup bias/selector thing yet. I know what it does, but I don't know what it does, if that makes sense.
That is fine, just explore your bass and the sounds you can make from it at the tempo you found comfortable.
I'd advice you to try to use the pickup bias knob next time then, and see what it does.
Although if you are still listening to your bass with the headphones plugged directly into the bass, you might not be able to hear much difference.
I'd advice you to try to use the pickup bias knob next time then, and see what it does.
Although if you are still listening to your bass with the headphones plugged directly into the bass, you might not be able to hear much difference.
Cool, then you should be able to get a realistic idea of what your bass sounds like.
And even if that sound is hopefully going to change for the better once you get a real amp, you should be able to tell what the different settings on your bass does to your sound.
And even if that sound is hopefully going to change for the better once you get a real amp, you should be able to tell what the different settings on your bass does to your sound.
Just plug the cable into the power outlet, and you will be rocking the power plant!....
On second thoughts, don't try that!
As people has suggested get some sort of cheap headphone amp or even better, as several has already suggested too, some sort of multi effect with headphone output you will be able to use with your amp too, ones you saved up for one.
One thing though, don't just buy an amp mindlessly.
If you have any chance of trying it first, do it, and optimally try to compare it to other amps in your price range, to be sure you actually pick the one you like the sound of the best, and not just the one you think look coolest.
Anyway good luck
http://www.talkbass.com/attachments/image-jpg.594887/
I don't really have any basis for comparison. My bass sounds like the only bass I've ever played. I did have a brief "wait I thought these things went lower" moment, when I got the earphones working, but figured that there are either tricks to learn, ways to set the bass up, or folks simply go out and buy 5 string basses.
It didn't turn into an "argh now I need a 5 string bass" moment, because I've seen folks do amazing things with four strings.
What would I do at the music store though? I imagine myself smiling apologetically at the owner as I plug my bass into the latest amp he's wheeled out for me, so I can play another E scale. Again.
It didn't turn into an "argh now I need a 5 string bass" moment, because I've seen folks do amazing things with four strings.
What would I do at the music store though? I imagine myself smiling apologetically at the owner as I plug my bass into the latest amp he's wheeled out for me, so I can play another E scale. Again.
My first thought when reading the OP's post was actually to advice him trying to plug his bass into the power outlet.
And I didn't even know about that picture, before I saw someone beat me to it earlier in this thread.
My first thought when reading the OP's post was actually to advice him trying to plug his bass into the power outlet.
And I didn't even know about that picture, before I saw someone beat me to it earlier in this thread.
the first time I saw it I was drunk and wasn't sure what to make of it.
"Ha, that's a funny joke... Wait, does this guy want me to destroy my bass? Is... is this guy suggesting that I kill myself in an electrical accident? If he is it wouldn't work anyway cos the plug is the wrong design for the UK"
.Drunk people are weird
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Well, it's not like the shop owner is the judge of X-factor or America Got Talent or something, he is just happy that someone is interesting in buying some of his stuff.
He couldn't care less what you play, or at least he shouldn't mind.
You might well find later on that your taste will refine and you'll be searching for a different amp than the one you bought initially.
But the important thing is you get one you at least like the sound of where you are in your journey now.
As I said that shouldn't be too hard, if you have several amps to chose from.
Just like you would know what dish you'd like the best, if presented for several dishes on a restaurant.
You could try to find someone with more knowledge about amps to accompany you to the shop, but in the end it's a matter of personal taste.
He would still be able to point out obvious flaws that you might overlook, and help you dial in some good settings on the amp though.
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The local music store describes itself as being run by two brothers, for musicians of all ages and abilities, which sounds pretty open minded. I've seen folks on here who started playing when they were 14, and folks who started playing when they were 60.
So maybe I'll just go and explain "I don't know what I'm looking for, I hope you guys can help me find out"
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I'm not listening with my headphones plugged directly into the bass anymore
In honor of Chris Squire - Play with patch F0 tonight!
I'm working on getting drunk actually*. But I might try and hammer out "Universal Garden" with F0
.*Though that might work in my favour. You know how folks think they're amazing singers when they're drunk? I'll be an amazing bass player after a few more beers
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I couldn't bring myself to pick up my bass and risk smashing it around the sharp corners and knifelike edges of this tiny room.
But I did dedicate a drink to Chris Squire. Several. Many actually.
The cardboard crate is half full and I have more downstairs so I think I'll have toasted his name enough to make it incandescent by the time I go bed.
But I did dedicate a drink to Chris Squire. Several. Many actually
.The cardboard crate is half full and I have more downstairs so I think I'll have toasted his name enough to make it incandescent by the time I go bed
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A lot depends upon your earphones, a good set of over ear headphones will sound way better than typical in ears.
