Cheap-ish portable practice rig that doesn't require a computer?

[Cynical]

So, I'm in a bit of a weird spot here -- I've been learning bass for my band and have been recording by just plugging into my interface and using VSTs in Reaper. However, I'll be travelling to the family farm soon for the holidays, and need to practice on the road, and I'll be away from a decent computer for most of this. Since I don't have any amp, this leaves me needing some kind of portable rig that can be used for practicing without a computer. Does anyone have any suggestions for this that won't break the bank?

[Mincer]

You mean, like a headphone amp? Or a combo that allows you to plug your phone into it to play along?

[Cynical]

I don't need backing-track play-along ability. A headphone amp would work fine; so would a reasonable-sounding decent cheap combo. I just have no idea what's out there when it comes to bass gear, and what the standards are for "cheap practice amp". It would be preferable if it has a built-in overdrive effect, since I don't use a fully clean tone.

[Mincer]

A Katana head has bass and guitar models, with some small speakers that can act as a practice amp, and power a bigger cabinet if you need it.

[Securb]

I have a VOX headphone amp when I am not using it with the headphones, I plug it into my JBL Charge Bluetooth speaker via a cable, and it cranks and sounds fantastic. I do the same with my iRig setup and my iPad. FWIW, bootleg iRig connectors are $5 on Aliexpresss.

[GuitarStv]

I've always wondered why there don't seem to be any little practice amps with a built in metronome. Seems like a no-brainer feature that all of us could use.

The closest I've been able to find is an old Digitech Trio pedal - it is tiny, has some amp sims and a headphone out, and you can mix in the drums to whatever tempo you want.

[trevorus]

Fender Mustang Micro is really cool, and the Nux Mighty Plug Pro is also really cool, and more versatile. I think I like the Fender for simplicity, it’s a little easier to plug and play. You can Bluetooth to your phone with either and use a metronome app if you need. That’s how I practice at work, and the tones are ever really nice!

ETA: They are more guitar oriented, but the NUX can be set up to handle bass I think.

[alex1fly]

Immediately I think about Bass PODs. Find them for under $100 on Ebay.

[ArtieToo]

The little Tascam GB-10 Guitar/Bass recorder/trainer covers a lot of this for a fairly reasonable price. You can simply use it as a G/B headphone amp, (with a few effects). You can record and loop back. You can play along with a backing track, or song, that you load on a memory card. You can select, loop, and adjust the speed, of just a segment of the song. It runs on battery or external power, AND, it has a built in metronome.

The headphone out also doubles as a line out if you want to run into an external amp. I have one and love it.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GB10--tascam-gb-10

[GuitarStv]

The little Tascam GB-10 Guitar/Bass recorder/trainer covers a lot of this for a fairly reasonable price. You can simply use it as a G/B headphone amp, (with a few effects). You can record and loop back. You can play along with a backing track, or song, that you load on a memory card. You can select, loop, and adjust the speed, of just a segment of the song. It runs on battery or external power, AND, it has a built in metronome.

The headphone out also doubles as a line out if you want to run into an external amp. I have one and love it.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...--tascam-gb-10

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!

[uOpt]

Apple iPad and some iRig/amplitube gear and software?

Not cheap, but can do a small number of other tricks.

[alex1fly]

Also a viable option to just practice unplugged. I do this all the time.

[ArtieToo]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!

I love how you picked up on my reference without me even quoting you.

[RevDoom73]

Immediately I think about Bass PODs. Find them for under $100 on Ebay.

Yep, that's what I was thinking as well. If you're primarily just looking for something to plug some good headphones into for practice purposes, the Bass POD is a great option and really affordable.

[Aceman]

Zoom B1 FOUR

Practice rig
Effects loop box
DI for quick/easy gigs

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Multi-Effects-Pedal-B1-FOUR/dp/B07MZPV951/ref=sr_1_2?crid=MWO1JLCFK8RU&keywords=Zoom%2BB1%2BFour&qid=1668224638&sprefix=zoom%2Bb1%2Bfour%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-2&th=1