Minnesota Flats
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2015
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Just bought one of these from Sweetwater for 40 bucks. Runs on (2) AAA batteries, plugs into bass's output jack and headphones plug into it: (other than the headphone cord) no cords needed. 3 simple, onboard rhythm tracks (tempo adjustable, with dedicated volume control and each pattern has 3 variations). Overall volume and tone controls + stereo aux in jack for external audio device. The angle of the output plug is adjustable.
My other amps have headphone outs, but then you're tethered to the amp. With this, I can play anyplace in the house (or motel room, if I'm away) without bothering anybody (such as wife watching TV). My go-to bass is a Guild Starfire II, which is semi hollow, but unplugged, it doesn't project much volume so I tend to unconsciously start digging in more than I ever would plugged in, which can aggravate my arthritis. Plugged in, I generally play with the amp volume up and a light, right-hand touch. Practicing through this little headphone amp allows me to maintain that lighter technique consistent with being plugged into a bigger amp. The thing weighs nothing and will fit in your pants pocket (with output plug folded up).
The sound (decent/listenable, though not spectacular) is good enough for practice through my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones, and you can't beat the convenience, so I'm happy. Pretty good bang for the buck, IMO. I also like that it was MIJ, not MIC.
I believe this is the second generation of this device. I had previously shied away from earlier versions (which were probably EQ-ed more for guitar) after reading some negative comments about them.
One other note (for anybody who winds up buying one): I initially thought mine was DOA when I first tried it out. It wouldn't come on despite my trying 3 different sets of batteries. Then I figured out that you have to hold the on/off button down for a couple seconds (not just "click" it) to power it up: after that, no issues.
My other amps have headphone outs, but then you're tethered to the amp. With this, I can play anyplace in the house (or motel room, if I'm away) without bothering anybody (such as wife watching TV). My go-to bass is a Guild Starfire II, which is semi hollow, but unplugged, it doesn't project much volume so I tend to unconsciously start digging in more than I ever would plugged in, which can aggravate my arthritis. Plugged in, I generally play with the amp volume up and a light, right-hand touch. Practicing through this little headphone amp allows me to maintain that lighter technique consistent with being plugged into a bigger amp. The thing weighs nothing and will fit in your pants pocket (with output plug folded up).
The sound (decent/listenable, though not spectacular) is good enough for practice through my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones, and you can't beat the convenience, so I'm happy. Pretty good bang for the buck, IMO. I also like that it was MIJ, not MIC.
I believe this is the second generation of this device. I had previously shied away from earlier versions (which were probably EQ-ed more for guitar) after reading some negative comments about them.
One other note (for anybody who winds up buying one): I initially thought mine was DOA when I first tried it out. It wouldn't come on despite my trying 3 different sets of batteries. Then I figured out that you have to hold the on/off button down for a couple seconds (not just "click" it) to power it up: after that, no issues.
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