Head phones

[timbass2882]

I would like to use my bass to play along to a song on my computer while listening to them both at the same time through my head phones. Would anyone know what I need to get to make that happen?

[malthumb]

A lot of options here, depending on how much additional functionality you want.  At the top end (my personal recommendation) you can get a practice tool like a Korg Pandora.  About the size of a pack of cigarettes.  Plug your headphones in the headphone jack and the output from the computer into the Aux jack. 

The reason I recommend is that you can also use it with an iPod or MP3 player or smartphone.  It also has a lot of drum tracks built into it and a lot of effects that you can experiment with.

It also allows you to capture up to 20 seconds of your source music and loop it back at slower speed without changing the pitch.  This allows you to slow down difficult phrases that you are learning.

Costs $80-100 new.  Much less used.

[Mysteryman]

You need a 1/4in to 1/8in adapter to plug into the mic or line in jack on your computer although it may be better to buy a lighter cable that coverts 1/4in to 1/8in. The weight of a normal guitar cable could mess up your mike jack. You could also use VLC player to slow down your music and videos. I have been doing this for the last few weeks. Another option is what malthumb said for portability.

[DWBass]

I use a Pocket Rock-It. It plugs into my bass and I can connect an mp3 player to it. Plug in my headphones and I'm good to go.

[csedwards2]

couldnt you just hook both two a mixer, and run your headphones out of there

[timbass2882]

Thanks everyone I think I will try the Korg. Due to the fact it has extra features.

[Mysteryman]

If youre going that route I would check out similar brands and features.

[malthumb]

If youre going that route I would check out similar brands and features.

Good advise.  The Pocket Rock-it option is also a good lower cost option (@ $30) if you don't want or need the other features of the Pandora-type gizmos.

[ssabass]

Get the Tascam Bass Trainer. Best piece of equipment I've ever owned.

[all4hisGLORY]

Go and get an iRig you won't be disappointed.

[floaded27]

Currently at home i use my small behringer mixer. does the trick.

[Back2Bassics]

I keep it hood and use two pairs of headphones at the same time lol. I plug in a pair pf earbuds like the ipod earbuds into my cpu/mp3 player, then plug in another pair of headphones that can cover my ears into my bass amp. But after reading this I may purchase one of those devices mentioned above

[Mysteryman]

I keep it hood and use two pairs of headphones at the same time lol. I plug in a pair pf earbuds like the ipod earbuds into my cpu/mp3 player, then plug in another pair of headphones that can cover my ears into my bass amp. But after reading this I may purchase one of those devices mentioned above

I do this sometimes also. I also bought something similar to the iRig and used it with my 3gs.

[lowlife350]

Depending on the quality that I need at the time, or the effort that I want to put in, i do this a variety of ways.  USB interfaces are good for this, and as mentioned so are mixers.  I also use my Tascam DR-40 which does a subpar job negates the need for a laptop or amplifier, similar to the Pandora and Tascam Bass Trainer.

The easiest way though, which I use most often, is : computer headphone out --> 1/8" to 1/4" adapter --> "effects in" or accessory input on amp.
Then, I just plug the bass and headphones into the amp as normal.  Quality is not steller, but the job gets done without waking my 7 month old.