Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm trying to figure out a "compact" method for practicing.

Something that would involve a portable unit that could have say my iTunes or other music library), and metronome(maybe even drum beat) capabilities. Then be able to monitor my bass, and the accompaniment through headphones.

Right now, I use my computer and play live through my amp but, I'm looking for something that I can use late at night and/or travel with.

Obviously if there was a way to plug my bass into my iPhone and monitor it with music that way it would be perfect.

This is affordable, versatile, and good quality: http://www.fullcompass.com/product/4022 ... QgodPHYACA

Plus GarageBand on your iPhone/iPad. GB supplies the metronome, or there are a number of other apps that do it like iDrum.

I like to use a Vox Amplug (about as compact as you can get) and I just plug my iPhone into it - you can either play along with your music library or a metronome/drum machine app.

Personally, I get bored practicing with just a metronome. I prefer to play along with music. If I haven't played bass in a week or so, my preferred album to play along with and built chops back up is Chic's Greatest Hits.

sloop_john_b wrote:I like to use a Vox Amplug (about as compact as you can get) and I just plug my iPhone into it - you can either play along with your music library or a metronome/drum machine app.

Personally, I get bored practicing with just a metronome. I prefer to play along with music. If I haven't played bass in a week or so, my preferred album to play along with and built chops back up is Chic's Greatest Hits.

+1 on the Vox Amplug. Easily fits in your guitar/bass case, all you need is a 1/8 inch stereo male to male cable to connect between your phone/ipod headphone out and the Amplug input...

The Vox device is pretty darn inexpensive.

What are the differences between that and the Apogee?

sloop_john_b wrote:I like to use a Vox Amplug (about as compact as you can get) and I just plug my iPhone into it -

+1... love the amplug/ipod/headphones thing...

marc61 wrote:The Vox device is pretty darn inexpensive.

What are the differences between that and the Apogee?

Looks like about $49: Amplug Bass for $50, Apogee for $99.

The other thing I can see is the Apogee puts your bass signal INTO an iPad/MAC, or whatever, which pretty much rules out the use of a plain old MP3 player since they don't have inputs. The Amplug takes the output from your player device (which they all have) and mixes it with your bass signal and drives the headphones...

Also - and this is a kicker for me - you don't need an instrument cable for the Amplug.

Apogee does make excellent products - I have a Duet interface that's just great. Super portable too.

I use the interface"iRig" from IK Multimedia (29.-$) and their program AmpliTube ($9.90, but also a free Version available)on my iPod touch. Good sounds, effects, recording and excellent play-along features (voice cutoff, speed adjustment, song library).

Vox amplug bass purchased. Found a store with an open box one for $35. Should be pretty useful

heinpete wrote:I use the interface"iRig" from IK Multimedia (29.-$) and their program AmpliTube ($9.90, but also a free Version available)on my iPod touch. Good sounds, effects, recording and excellent play-along features (voice cutoff, speed adjustment, song library).

I use the I-Rig also, with an I-pad and Garage Band. I like to record practice session. If I was just looking for a way to monitor the guitar with an external audio source, I would use the Amplug. I have both, but the I-Rig sees most of the play time these days. It is nice to be able to pull out a lick that just "happened" during a practice and use it where needed.

+1 for the Amplug. Also a great portable amp system for impromptu jamming if you have a sound system handy.

MF Stupid Deal of the Day a while back was the Peavy AmpKit for $20. I use it with my iPhone and got the free bass amp app from G-K. Using the 15" cab it sounds really good and great for the late night practicing.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... ipod-touch

I see it is now $20 all the time.

Got my Bass Amplug today. Cool item. It will definitely get much use

marc61 wrote:Got my Bass Amplug today. Cool item. It will definitely get much use

Check out the free G-K Amp app.