I’d prefer the Traynor SB110 because it has a tweeter. I’m currently using a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T and it is amazing for this purpose, but almost impossible to find any of these in the used marketplace. I’ve concluded (for me anyway) that for low volume solo practice I want the amp with the greatest frequency range and EQing functions.
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Quality Quiet Sound, Loud Already Covered
- Thread starter ddarrell2
- Start date
I’d prefer the Traynor SB110 because it has a tweeter. I’m currently using a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T and it is amazing for this purpose, but almost impossible to find any of these in the used marketplace. I’ve concluded (for me anyway) that for low volume solo practice I want the amp with the greatest frequency range and EQing functions.
I use a Whirlwind Bass 10 EQ for low volume with my normal amp. Easy to dial in a good tone for practice or a quiet gig.
I'm also looking.....I definitely still want true bass reproduction (freq under 80 Hz) but at low volume......I have a Phil Jones Double 4 and have tried the Traynor SB106 and neither cuts it IMHO. They are quality pieces of gear and will project low mids but lack in true lows. In terms of volume capability I want something I can play along with an acoustic guitar or 2..........my favourite is the Walkabout combo but it lacks an aux in (essential to me).......I'll prolly end up with a Traynor 112 combo....
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Any amp has a volume knob. Frankly, the little are not likely to sound as good.
If amp volume gets too low, the quality of sound to the human ear seems to suffer (sound thin). So here's what I did. I went with an Ampeg SCR-DI into a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones. The sound quality is fantastic, and everyone else in the house gets to enjoy quietness!
I have a SpectraDrive and a Zoom B1 Four with headphone out, but I agree my favorite headphone amp is the SCR-DI. I think I need to shield my bass though, because the bass sound is better without the pedal engaged. When on, it picks up a lot of noise unless I turn the treble all the way down.
How’s the bass on those Sony’s? Demoing in the store, it didn’t seem like much, but might be worth another listen. Did you look at any other headphones? I use some reconditioned Koss Pro-4AA headphones, but sometimes the sound seems overdriven and they’re very bulky to wear/maneuver.
Sometimes it’s nice to not be bottled up in headphones, but I might not be able to find what I want because the kind clarity/tone/volume that I’m wondering about just wouldn’t exist.
The amps that I have don’t seem to engage the driver till above 1, and that sweep is already too loud. With the SCR-DI I’ve tried the volume control through the send/receive loop and dialed the volume down, which isn’t too bad actually. Also wondered about getting a JHS Little Black Amp Box, but still looking into other options for dedicated practice amps.
No. I have stuck with the Sony MDR-7506's for a long time. I think I started using them back in the 80's and I've used them ever since.
I totally understand that! If a small amp is what you prefer, then you might wanna look at the Markbass Micromark 801. I don't own one of those, but I have read good reviews on TB about that amp.
I don't know if this will help, but I always run my SCR-DI with 12 volts. I have an external power supply that I use for that. I never use a 9 volt battery to run my SCR-DI. The manual says 9-12 volts.
In addition, the Micro 7's aux in has its own Level control. which is very handy in a practice amp.
Love this about the SCR-DI. Having tried a few things, that individual aux level really is nice.
Ampeg's BA series (108, 110, 112, 115, 210) combos all have aux in levels, too. They are bigger and heavier than most small combos, but I really like their tone.
I want to suggest a legend: GK MB 150
Excellent tone, 'Contour' control can be used the same way as a 'loudness' switch on your stereo.
But to be honest: Headphone amp is the best solution for quiet bedroom practice.
Excellent tone, 'Contour' control can be used the same way as a 'loudness' switch on your stereo.
But to be honest: Headphone amp is the best solution for quiet bedroom practice.
I used this little Yamaha amp for years. Sit it on the table or desk in front of you, a couple feet away, and it’s very respectable. I’d get home from work at midnight and play for an hour before bed without waking anyone up. Has an aux in so you can run your music through it too. Obviously it doesn’t sound like big bass cab, but I found it much more enjoyable than always playing while wearing headphones.
If you have a little more free cash, a Quilter Interbass into a Barefaced One10 plays quiet beautifully, and can play loud as well. I really really like this combination!
(Yamaha will cost ~$250. Quilter + One10 will be more like $800ish.)
If you have a little more free cash, a Quilter Interbass into a Barefaced One10 plays quiet beautifully, and can play loud as well. I really really like this combination!
(Yamaha will cost ~$250. Quilter + One10 will be more like $800ish.)
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I’ve played a Micromark 801 a few times in a store and did love it with different basses - the minimal EQing (VPF knob) actually does a great job of dialling in the extra low end you need at lower volumes.
