I usually just practice with my bass by itself plugged into nothing.
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Your practice setup
- Thread starter ClaytonCroft
- Start date
At home, it's the same as my gigging rig: a Zoom B3n into an Ampeg PF-500 and out through both a Hartke HD210 and a G-K NEO 115.
Currently for rehearsals, there is a TC Electronic BG-250 there that I play through. Sometimes I bring my Zoom B3n, sometimes I don't.
Currently for rehearsals, there is a TC Electronic BG-250 there that I play through. Sometimes I bring my Zoom B3n, sometimes I don't.
Mostly gigging amp for bass, run my iPhone output into the mixing board we use for band rehearsal, the music plays through the monitors.
If I need more than just sound, like working through an instruction video on YouTube, I use my Scarlett 2i2 Solo interface into GarageBand on my Mac, and YouTube sound stream also comes back to the Scarlett’s headphone monitor output. I have some old Shure closed-back headphones.
If I need more than just sound, like working through an instruction video on YouTube, I use my Scarlett 2i2 Solo interface into GarageBand on my Mac, and YouTube sound stream also comes back to the Scarlett’s headphone monitor output. I have some old Shure closed-back headphones.
Bass into Rumble 40. I often use the Darkglass B3K for a bit of modern zazz.
Much of my home practice is ear training that doesn't involve gear. Using my PC, I listen to cover tunes (variety of genres) being added by my various bands, and chart them out in the setlist app in my tablet. I will pick up the bass to verify the key of the song, and also learn bass lines and chord progressions that I can't easily figure out by ear. (The more I practice ear training, the better I get. I don't have perfect pitch, I use relative pitch).
I do sometimes play along with songs to familiarize myself with them. I also learn and play tunes just for fun: an example would be "Green Eyed Lady", I've never played that one in a band.
Even though I don't use much in the way of effects at the gig (usually just a bit of overdrive), I still enjoy tinkering: for example finding out which of my distortion/overdrive pedals play well with each other. I also have compression and a few other effects, but when playing along with tunes I only ever use a smidge of overdrive.
Getting a quality acoustic bass changed everything for me from a practice setup. No more wires, headphones or whatever. I practice more now than I ever have. It's not everyone's vibe but it has been a great experience.
When I do this, I do not consider it practice. For working out ideas, mechanics of scales /arpeggios/ rhythms / song parts etc , unplugged with a bass in my lap and lounging on the couch is sufficient.
But when it comes time to prepare specific material for rehearsals or performance, I'm strapped on, plugged in, standing up, with a metronome if possible. That is what I consider "practice"
Both are learning exercises but one is casual exploration, the other is disciplined preparation. I try to be clear with myself which I am doing.
30W, 4" speaker. Does bluetooth and headphones. $80 on Amazon.
If it's a tricky song I'm trying to learn note for note I'll plug into my Mac Mini via Scarlett Solo interface and use a program like The Amazing SlowDowner.
Line out of my computer to aux in on Mesa Subway D800+ with good headphones. I use Best Practice software for learning new tunes and windows media player for play along. Simple and it works for me a-ok.
I have three -
1. Fender Mustang Micro
2. Positive Grid Spark NEO
3. My entire IEM rig. Audio comes in the same way for monitoring as it would anything else, so I can pull from any source. Though more recently I've upgraded to the Anagram and its blueooth audio in capability has been my go-to in that setup. The Anagram is its own practice rig when by itself, so technically that's also #4 even though I haven't done it that way yet.
1. Fender Mustang Micro
2. Positive Grid Spark NEO
3. My entire IEM rig. Audio comes in the same way for monitoring as it would anything else, so I can pull from any source. Though more recently I've upgraded to the Anagram and its blueooth audio in capability has been my go-to in that setup. The Anagram is its own practice rig when by itself, so technically that's also #4 even though I haven't done it that way yet.
I always put on a strap and stand up after learning something because it is way different. I hear my results at gigs multiple times a week. Usually, the only time I plug into a rig is if I am trying to dial in a new tone for an added song or setting up an added or new pc. of gear!
I use my recording studio. Bass>pedals>focusrite>studio monitors. My own music library or you tube for source music.
SSL 2 MKII USB interface.
The audio interface is multi-purpose:
Sometimes I go straight, sometimes use my board, sometimes use Aguilar Plugin Suite.
The audio interface is multi-purpose:
- My headphones use a large jack
- I can use XLR mic instead of USB mic
- Practice bass guitar
Sometimes I go straight, sometimes use my board, sometimes use Aguilar Plugin Suite.
Helix Rack -> PC -> Headphones. Wasted a lot of money and time trying to figure out what I wanted.
