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?
Cheap-ish portable practice rig that doesn't require a computer?
- Thread starter Cynical
- Start date
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.
GuitarStv
Sock Market Trader
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.
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
Modsterbator
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.
ETA: They are more guitar oriented, but the NUX can be set up to handle bass I think.
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Artie
Peaveyologist
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
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
Sock Market Trader
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!
Artie
Peaveyologist
I love how you picked up on my reference without me even quoting you. :smoker:
RevDoom73
New member
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
I am your doctor of love!
Zoom B1 FOUR
Practice rig
Effects loop box
DI for quick/easy gigs
https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Multi-E...4638&sprefix=zoom+b1+four,aps,109&sr=8-2&th=1
Practice rig
Effects loop box
DI for quick/easy gigs
https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Multi-E...4638&sprefix=zoom+b1+four,aps,109&sr=8-2&th=1
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
I got one of those for guitar and love it. They make a bass one I believe. Battery only
ErikH
Well-known member
I have this set up for a backup bass rig. The iRig peace is fairly inexpensive. I have the iRig2. Perfect for what I need. AmpliTube can be downloaded for free and has some decent out-of-the-box setups. Takes some tweaking but the time invested in it can be rewarding. The iPad is the most expensive part, unless you have one. And if the iPad has a lightning connector, you'll want the adapter that has lightning and 1/8" inputs so you can plug in the iRig/iRig2 to it and also plug the iPad in to power. Or an iPhone works too.
donaldr
New member
Maybe out of your budget but I bought an Ampeg SCR-DI for that same purpose (I also use it as an ampless minimal rig): headphone out, aux-in, 9v battery.
I didn't try the Zoom B1 Four as suggested by Aceman but I have a G1 Four and it's good enough for the price (but I think the Ampeg SCR-DI will be better in the long run).
I have gone the iPhone route but never again, unlesss I want to invest $$$ in audio interfaces getting obsolete within 2 years and spending more time updating apps then spending time playing.
I didn't try the Zoom B1 Four as suggested by Aceman but I have a G1 Four and it's good enough for the price (but I think the Ampeg SCR-DI will be better in the long run).
I have gone the iPhone route but never again, unlesss I want to invest $$$ in audio interfaces getting obsolete within 2 years and spending more time updating apps then spending time playing.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
I have an Ampeg SCR-DI as my DI rig. Love it.
