suggestions for practice gear, please

[StevieStingray]

I'm looking for a piece of practice/rehearsal equipment, and I have a few specific requirements

All suggestions welcome!

What I don't need is an amp. There are amps (mostly crappy ones) at the facility where I rehearse.

I need something for home that I can practice with, with headphones on. Most of my practicing involves learning songs in MP3 format.

This "device" can be computer-based, too, since I use the incredible
Amazing Slow Downer already.

However, it can be a stand-alone piece of equipment. If so, it'd be a great bonus if I can bring this thing to my rehearsal space, to improve the sound quality of the amps there.

I've searched the threads here, and googled the 'net, and some of the things I'm consdidering are:

1) Tascam's MP-BT1. I like the fact that I'm not tied to the computer, and I've got everything I need [MP3 player/trainer and tone generator in ONE package]. I haven't heard anything about its quality, though?

2) Ampeg's Stealthplug. Although it's software-based, it's one of the cheaper options, and it comes with some extra software, like the Jam Loops. Again, have not heard if its users were (dis)pleased with it

3) Any of the Line6 POD products. THIS is where I might be able to get something to use (i) with headphones (ii) at my
computer (iii) in a rehearsal setting. The only thing is that their web site is flooded with a thousand and one products, and I'm not sure which ones to consider/avoid

4) Although I've heard fabulous things about the Cafe Walter, I've put it at the bottom for a reason. It appears that it's a great headphone amp, but it doesn't really address my need when it comes to learning songs on MP3. Yes, I can input my iPod, but repeating sections of a song would become a real pain real fast. I think I'd go with option #1 before getting the Cafe Walter.

I'm sure I've missed a boatload of products. Recommendations are appreciated.

For those who own any of the 4 products I've mentioned, are you satisfied with them?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Aussie Mark]

I own both a Cafe Walter and a Tascam MP-BT1.

For practising with headphones, the Cafe Walter is unbeatable, since what you hear is exactly what you're playing, warts and all. I run my MP3 player and tuner into it, but that's extra bits and pieces and cables to carry from the study to the living room or pack in your suitcase, so sometimes it's a hassle if all you want to do is grab something quickly to do some practising along to a CD or MP3.

The Tascam has a lot of useful as well as useless features (eg. why would I need effects if I'm playing along to an MP3 to learn songs). The onboard tuner is really handy, and the pitch change feature comes in handy sometimes, if you aren't too distracted by the resulting chipmunk or cookie monster vocals. Loading MP3s is dead easy, as is charging the battery via USB, and the menu interface is simple enough (if not pretty). The unit itself looks like a Toyota Camry, so it's not something you would hang on your belt to be cool in the eyes of your iPod wearing friends. For MP3-based practice, the Tascam does the job just fine, but the sound quality is only fair, so you're not going to use this as your everyday digital audio player. Battery life is not great, so shell out for an AC adapter, unless you have a computer right next to your practice chair so you can keep it connected to a USB port.

 

[TNT]

Stevie,

You seem to be really covering the market - good job!! However, you didn't mention the "most" important piece of your equipment - your guitar! Hopefully, a MM guitar; that way it will alleviate at least some of the "cr...y" quality of the other equipment you said you have.

 

[bassmonkey]

Have you looked at the new Korg PX5D? Has loads of features including a drum machine, effects etc. I shall be getting one.

If you want a Mark 1 Tascam bass trainer(no metronome on it) then PM me. I'm open to offers on it.

 

[oli@bass]

If you are seriously looking into Line 6 products then I'd recommend the Pod X3 Live. I wasn't able to test it yet, but from the specs it seems to have most of the features I missed on the previous Pod XT Live. Seems to be a good tool to cover most of home recording / practicing / live playing situations.

 

[StevieStingray]

yes, i've got a 4-string EB MM 'Ray

thanks for the link to POD X3 Live - I indeed missed it while browsing Line 6's huge site

and thanks for the Korg PX5D link... but I cannot find it on North America's Korg site? Perhaps it has not yet/will not be released here? I have tried the PX4D, and was not impressed. The phrase trainer really garbles the sound.

any other suggestions, folks?

 

[bassmonkey]

yes, i've got a 4-string EB MM 'Ray

thanks for the link to POD X3 Live - I indeed missed it while browsing Line 6's huge site

and thanks for the Korg PX5D link... but I cannot find it on North America's Korg site? Perhaps it has not yet/will not be released here? I have tried the PX4D, and was not impressed. The phrase trainer really garbles the sound.

any other suggestions, folks?

The PX5D is out in the UK, so should be released soon in North America. They didn't have it in GC in San Francisco when I was there a few weeks ago. Just had the 4D, ex-demo model.

Do you need the phrase trainer? Would something like the Amazing Slowdowner not do a better job? With the 5D you can plug directly into your computer.

 

[StevieStingray]

yes, that's a good idea, bassmonkey

i really do need something where i can set loop points, and occasionally slow things down.

i could use the Korg as the tone generator, into my computer, while using Amazing Slow Downer

Thanks!

I'll wait for it to surface here

 

[adouglas]

When I need to practice quietly I plug into a Pod XTLive and feed it with my iPod.

However, clicking on some of those links, the StealthPlug looks really compelling. I could play along with all the music on my computer without any extra gear.

The price is pretty good, too. I just ordered one to check it out.

 

[StevieStingray]

yes, i downloaded the Stealthplug's software demo, and the integrated MP3 player/trainer is a nice touch. having your music player and tone generator in one app is convenient

if you don't slow down the song, the player does its job. but for adjusting pitch/tempo, the Amazing Slow Downer is the software to have

 

[PocketGroove82]

...sorta related....

Boss Dr-880
http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/products/en/DR-880/

This is the very simple, practice oriented drum machine I use as a silent practice amp/metronome. Just plug in bass and headphones and you are good. I also run it into my amp sometimes. The sounds are really good and they don't sound like crappy digital drums.

I also use the Pandora at work to tune out other people practicing. But it's really a piece of crap, sounds bad through headphones, and is full of pretty lame and useless stuff. But, it works for what I want.

I used to have this little box thing that had a 1/4inch plug built into it, so you just plugged the box into the bass, and it acted as a portable headphone amp. It had some basic EQ and worked well. I forget what its called!

 

[WillPlay4Food]

I've read some less than glowing reviews of Tascam's MP-GT1 which is the guitar version of the MP-BT1. I'm waiting for user reviews of the MP-BT1 before I consider replacing my CD-BT1 mkII with it.

I do use the CD-BT1 mkII daily as it's my tuner / metronome / headphone amp phone my lunchtime practice sessions. I've used it this way for a year give or take and it's worked well for me.

I also have a Boss MicroBR which will work with MP3 files, has a tuner and drum tracks that will work as a metronome. It'll also record as well and has a built-in microphone.

I've used the MicroBR mostly for the recording functions. I'd love to be able to replace the CD-BT1 with this, but the BR has so many functions that it can be difficult to quickly set up for practicing during lunch when every minute counts. Mostly this difficulty extends to setting up a drum track as I have to create / load a song, select the proper metronome or drum track, set BPM, etc. Then I have to set it up to record and set the input to get it going.

 

[muggsy]

I own both a Cafe Walter and a Tascam MP-BT1.

For practising with headphones, the Cafe Walter is unbeatable, since what you hear is exactly what you're playing, warts and all. I run my MP3 player and tuner into it, but that's extra bits and pieces and cables to carry from the study to the living room or pack in your suitcase, so sometimes it's a hassle if all you want to do is grab something quickly to do some practising along to a CD or MP3.

The Tascam has a lot of useful as well as useless features (eg. why would I need effects if I'm playing along to an MP3 to learn songs). The onboard tuner is really handy, and the pitch change feature comes in handy sometimes, if you aren't too distracted by the resulting chipmunk or cookie monster vocals. Loading MP3s is dead easy, as is charging the battery via USB, and the menu interface is simple enough (if not pretty). The unit itself looks like a Toyota Camry, so it's not something you would hang on your belt to be cool in the eyes of your iPod wearing friends. For MP3-based practice, the Tascam does the job just fine, but the sound quality is only fair, so you're not going to use this as your everyday digital audio player. Battery life is not great, so shell out for an AC adapter, unless you have a computer right next to your practice chair so you can keep it connected to a USB port.

I also own both a Cafe Walter and a Tascam, though my Tascam is CD based, not MP3 based. I agree with Mark regarding the pluses and minuses of both. I use each of them to practice, but for different things. If I had to get rid of one I'd keep the Cafe Walter, because I can plug my iPod into it and play along with MP3s that way, but the repeat and bass enhancement features of the Tascam are pretty helpful.

 

[grinch]

Have you looked at the new Korg PX5D? Has loads of features including a drum machine, effects etc. I shall be getting one.

I'll second that. I have my ole faithful Korg PX3B and use it all the time (I live in an apartment and practice in the mornings and evenings). Very easy to travel with, will run on AAA batteries, so I take it along with me on trips. It's easy to get an ac adapter for it at Radio Shak. Works like a champ, never had any problems. The phrase trainer could be better but works for me. I use mine with an IRiver H100 mp3 player and use the interval repeat modes (of the mp3 player) all the time. If it broke (the Korg PX3B) I would without a doubt replace it immediately (probably with the PX4D since it is available). I also take it to GC to play basses so I can hear what they really sound like with my setup.

If you do go this route make sure you have a good set of headphones. Look at the specs that they have for the headphones. I got Sennheiser HD280 Pro Closed-Back Headphones. My Bongo 5HH & Anny SR5 HH sound awesome.

Choooose your destiny...

 

[adouglas]

Two cents' worth on the Stealth Plug.

Based on this thread, I ordered one.

I'm impressed.

Sounds great out of the box, and there's a lot of stuff to tweak.

My only gripe so far is that you can't play iTunes DRM-protected files through the speed trainer, but you can still play along with them in real time (details unimportant unless you're really interested).

Previously, my silent practice rig consisted of a PodXTLive, fed by my computer or an iPod, with headphones plugged in.

Now I can I get identical sound quality with just the computer, the StealthPlug and headphones. Less hassle.

 

[tkarter]

Just listen to the song.

tk

 

[oli@bass]

Previously, my silent practice rig consisted of a PodXTLive, fed by my computer or an iPod, with headphones plugged in.

Now I can I get identical sound quality with just the computer, the StealthPlug and headphones. Less hassle.

Thanks for the report! I think I'll get one as well in that case

 

[StevieStingray]

Two cents' worth on the Stealth Plug.

Based on this thread, I ordered one.

I'm impressed.

Yes, thanks indeed for the report!

I was leaning towards a Pod xt myself (plus Bass Pack since I play guitar in addition to bass). I liked the idea of using the Pod BOTH at the computer AND and rehearsals, etc as a pre-amp

However, since the stealthplug got the thumbs up, and is inexpensive, and less cumbersome, I'm rethinking the whole thing

Maybe get the stealthplug for practicing, and another piece of gear for rehearsing? If so, I've been leaning towards the SansAmp BDBI Programmable?

Then again, the SansAmp + Stelathplug costs about the same as the Pod xt (used) + bass pack. But the Pod would be more versatile and does everything I need in one unit

What to do? What to do?!?!

 

[MrMusashi]

might i recommend the line6 toneport gx..
Line 6 - TonePort
its cheap and intended for guitar/bass recording. i find it better than the stealth plug (even though it got a better sounding name for me ) quality wise. not so much software included, but enough to get ya started... including a rehearsal program that will let ya slow down songs
and you could always buy expansion packs, eg this one for bass: Line 6 - Model Packs

or if you got money you could try the new pod x3 live.. does all amp sims line6 has ever done.. works with bass, guitar and vocals. i like it cause its flexible

hth

MrM

 

[oli@bass]

Just came back here to give the Stealth Plug another sales plug...
Bought one today and have to say... it works as advertised.

Simple, easy to use, really nice for taking it along with you. With a portable computer, a headset, an instrument and the Stealth Plug, you can start practising on the road.

The sound quality is usable (hard to tell without a reference audio interface to test against), but the AmpliTube 2 live is a bit of a disappointment for three reasons:

1. it's the dumbed down standalone "live" version, which means it has less amp models (only one bass amp) and
2. it can't be used as plugin in a host sequencer
3. I've had crackling noise all the time when playing (not when idle), adjusting the sample rate and buffer did not help. (it's not the StealthPlug itself, because there were no such problems when I used it to record a track in Logic)

With that in mind, the Line 6 TonePort would probably have been the better deal regarding sound quality and packaged software. It's probably also of better build quality, and you won't have to throw away the whole interface if a cable is damaged.

However, for a "single grab, plug & play" solution, the StealthPlug is the better choice.