Headphone practice setup

[hawaii121]

I have tried the amplitude and the vox plug in things and can't stand the sound of either, does anybody have a setup that passes for a reasonably ok amp sound in headphones? Thanks!

[MBT74]

I have a 1w tube amp head (Red Iron I'll Mo) that I run into a Surprise Sound Labs SE-1 cab sim. No cab required and can then run it direct to a mixer or audio interface. You could even plug headphones into the cab sim if you turned the volume down.

Proper tube tone. Plenty of clean headroom. Takes pedals well. Fantastic for quiet practice or late night recording. Love it.

[hawaii121]

Very cool, I'm going to look more into that. At this point, I think the amplitude thing is one of the biggest rip offs out there. I've had lots of problems with the software and hardware that comes with it.

[jonnyrocket]

Donnel, I tried Amplitube through the Stealth Plug and was very disappointed. The best I have found so far is Apogee's Jam Plug. With it, you can use various apps like Jam Up, Amp Kit, Amplitube and many many more. I haven't tried it with Amplitube yet but now that Amplitube works through the dock connector, I would imagine the performance would be better with less hiss as well.

What haven't you liked about Amplitube?

I have also tried the Carl Martin Rock Bug and it was ok. Much prefer Apogee Jam with Jam Up.

Keep us posted!

[cajone5]

Just noticed a new headphone amp from 3Leaf Audio...
http://www.3leafaudio.com/



No idea if it's any good but I'll be keeping an eye on it. Looks like it is designed for bass -- hopefully it works well with guitar too... although at the price point I'm debating a ZT (?) Lunchbox amp.

[dlibke56]

Hey,

I have been looking seriously at the Palmer PDI-03 Speaker Simulator which is rack mounted and can be used as headphone amp though it has many other functions... The advantages are incredible it would seem if used simply for headphones... You can drive your amp as hard as you want with fantastic clarity if the unit actually walks the walk and talks the talk you hear about it. Here is the Palmer website info: They run about $700 new for the reissue that is out now...

PDI-03 Speaker Simulator


The PDI-03 is the legendary predecessor to the PGA-04 Speaker Simulator. It is a re-issue of the early 90’s model with the "battleship grey" housing and metal knobs. The Palmer Speaker Simulator PDI-03 is a combined signal splitter, DI-box, and (when used as a load box) power soak. It comes in a single space rackmount unit. Especially designed for electric guitars and basses, all functions have been optimized for live and studio use.

The unit is directly connected to the speaker output of an amplifier, eliminating the need to mic up a speaker cabinet. With the built in 8 ohm load circuit, you can also use the PDI-03 without a speaker cabinet. The special filters within the simulator provide carefully contoured equalization. The signal from the unit is fed via a balanced XLR connector or unbalanced ¼” jack into a mixing console, tape deck, or power amplifier, etc. Amplifiers, particularly valve amps, can be driven really hard (into saturation) without being limited by volume. Amplifier noise and hum are greatly reduced to practically inaudible levels. Four parallel, unfiltered outputs are available to drive effects units.

The PDI-03 is a very simple to use piece of equipment. Two switches select between 6 filter presets enabling the unit to simulate various types of speakers and enclosures.

Low frequencies are affected by the three-way DEEP/NORMAL/FLAT switch. In FLAT position the sound is characteristic of an open-back 2 x 12 cabinet. The DEEP position reproduces the typical punch of a 4 x 12 stack.

The high end is affected by a three-way switch, MELLOW/NORMAL/BRIGHT. When using a heavily overdriven amp, the MELLOW position produces the warm singing “American” sound, whereas the NORMAL position has the bite of the classic “British” loudspeaker. In BRIGHT position, the top end is enhanced lending edge to lead guitar solos and brightness to rhythm parts. Spectacular sounds can be produced by mixing the dry FILTER OUTPUT with the LINE OUTS driving effects units.




Technical Specifications

Passive unit
Loadbox: 1/4” jack input with parallel “THRU” jack for speaker operation
Loadbox input impedance: 8 ohm, max input load: 100WRMS (200W with cabinet)
Controls: Filtered Volume control, with 3 position bass and treble switches
Line Out volume for unfiltered signal
Both output signals with volume control are independent

[hawaii121]

What haven't you liked about Amplitube?

I did not like the sound quality at all, felt like I was playing through a cheap transistor radio, plus the amplitube connector was crackly and cut in and out within 6 weeks of minimal use.

I guess I should know better than to expect much from these kinds of units, I was hoping for something more.

I do appreciate all the feedback. I would really like something that I could plug into and at least get close to the real thing.

[cajone5]

What was the quote I read recently...

"Nothing can compare to the movement of air"

May be fighting a hopeless battle if you don't want to compromise tone. If modelers could really replace tube amps I think more folks would be moving towards using them. If you find something though I'd certainly be interested to know what it is. I would love to be able to practice quietly.

[tri99er]

I have found using a Hotplate uising the line out into Logic, with some Redwirez cab impulses and just a hint of reverb really gets great results.

Tried all the sims and just weren't my thing, but really like the fact I can use all my gear while the little ones sleep by using the Hotplate line-out.

Is it perfect, no, but it's the best solution I have found so far.

[thesjkexperience]

I have used the GarageBand app and it has some interesting combinations. The amps they have made up are ok, but I think if they were as dynamic as a real amp it would cause serious hearing loss. It sounds pretty good when you track with the automated instruments. The good or bad part is you have to have an iPhone or iPad to use it.

I also have AmpKit that has a few good sounds for free and a new App emailed me with an app I haven't used yet called PocketHz which is supposed to slow or speed up songs on your player for learning songs and difficult sections.

But, I suspect you are looking for a low volume solution for playing while Mom or Baby is sleeping What I have been using are two parts to lower the volume, but not ruin the tone. I only have one amp with a Master Volume, so I picked up a Swart Night Light attenuator, which is actually pretty transparent if you use a short quality cable to the unit.

As most of you guys know I have 3 kids and a Wife that doesn't always sleep hard, so this setup was important to me. I also found running a fan outside the door of whom ever is sleeping makes the solution fool proof!

The second part is a cheap hunk of plastic, which you might be able to homegrow, called an Ampwedge. It is a rubber like wedge you put under the front of your amp to tilt the amp back so all the sound hits your ears and you can play really quiet. I even use it when I get to play loud as it makes it easy to hear yourself without getting into a volume war.

I was originally looking at a product that works like a sling to tip the amp back, but because my Swart's unusual design it wouldn't work. I also saw a few reviews that said you lose a lot of bass with that design which you do not lose with the AmpWedge.