I pulled the trigger on the Bluetooth equipped Ashdown Tone Pocket weekend before last. As there’s been some interest in headphone amps of late, I thought I’d write a simple review. It is very simple; I’m new at the bass and I don’t have the technical knowledge that most of you do so please bear with.
It’s not the smallest of headphone amps when compared with the likes of the Mustang Micro, Vox, NUX Mighty, etc. Also, it does not plug directly into the bass; plug one end of the bass cable into the Tone Pocket and the other end into the bass as if it were a normal amp. Headphones are then plugged into the dedicated socket.
The difference between this model and the standard version is the, um, Bluetooth capability and for the extra £30 (US$ 36) it’s well worth it. I connect my iPad to the Tone Pocket via Bluetooth, which allows me to stream my BtB lessons and hear what I’m trying to play at the same time. Phones and tablets can be connected to the standard version but it means connecting via another cable which, to me, becomes a bit of a nuisance because there’s then potentially four cables connected to the box but more on that later.
There is some hiss coming through the headphones. It was most pronounced last night when on BtB Module 3 Lesson 2 Part 1, which is a tutorial of over 15 minutes and no playing bass. The hiss was mild and in the background. That sort of thing would normally annoy me but it doesn’t with the Tone Pocket. Now, keep in mind that it might well be my headphones (Bose QC 35 II), which are designed to be used wirelessly with Bluetooth. Alternatively, it could be my basses, the guitar cable or a combination of any two or all three. Muting all strings does knock the hiss down by 90%.
There is no noticeable hiss during playing bass.
The use of headphones connected to the Tone Pocket with Bluetooth is not advised for playing as there is a delay of about one eighth of a second from hitting a string to hearing in the headphones. Apparently, that sort of thing can be very annoying so it’s recommended to use a set that can be plugged in. That’s what I was advised anyway.
The battery life on mine is shocking. It’s advertised as being two hours but mine doesn’t last more than 40 minutes. I contacted my dealer from where I bought mine and it’s going back on the weekend for a warranty check which will mean either repair, fitting of a new battery or a replacement unit. I’ve since found a review on the UK Amazon website where someone else had the same problem (it’s actually the only review from the UK on there, if you want to check it out). This suggests to me that quality control is not the best so if anyone does decide to take the plunge, check the store returns policy first.
Turning now to the sound, to my uneducated ears my basses both sound fantastic through the Tone Pocket. When I first started BtB, I was using my little practice amp. It’s good enough for my (lack of) ability but it’s been playing on my mind since I started the course that my bass didn’t sound quite right. I’ve since had my original bass serviced and had a MiM Fender as a Christmas present and neither sound brilliant through the practice amp. I’ve tried the obvious and I always tune whatever bass I use before sitting down to practice and that’s about the limit of my knowledge. Therefore, I can only assume that it’s my amp but it’s not expensive and it’s old so no biggie. Now, through the Tone Pocket my notes sound the same as what Josh is playing.
Also, the sound is so clear that my mistakes are augmented so it’s forcing me to concentrate harder when practicing. Between @Gio ’s advice on plucking technique and using the Tone Pocket, my playing has transformed!
In short, if I could turn the clock back I would still buy the Tone Pocket. I’m very happy with mine and will keep it if the battery life can be sorted. If not, I’ll check out the NUX Mighty or Boss Waza. If you’re in the market for a practice amp and one of these takes your fancy, check the store returns policy if buying outside the UK and, if possible, sit down and play with one in store, use your own headphones and connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
