So after a long break I’m picking the bass back up and the B2B program.
Currently shopping for a headphone amp I could use for video lessons. The Nux and Fender options ended up at the top of my list. I’ve read some reviews where Nux has latency issues when playing along with video and was wondering if anyone tried the Fender Mustang Micro and could comment on if it had a similar issue?
Thanks
I had the Fender and have the Boss Katana GO. I also have the Spark GO, which could be an alternative.
The Fender is OK … but the Boss Katana GO is much better. The Spark GO is also good, but has very high latency on audio input. The Nux Mighty Plug Pro is very populat in Germany, but I just know it by reputation…
Non of those devices have latency issues with the instrument input (=bass) if you listen through the hadphone out, but do have it for bluetooth (video / background track) or when used as audio interface (USB).
For practicing outside I have a small, light and great low latency / high quality option, that is also very cheap: the Zoom AMS-24.
It is a real audio interface, and has everything else you need.
It does not have built-in effects, but trust me: you don’t need those right now (as soon as you need them, we can talk DAW & plugins).
It also does not have bluetooth, but bluetooth has not so great latency anyway.
You can connect and listen to PC, Mac, Android and iOS via USB and that works perfectly. In contrast to the the Boss Katana Go it supports ASIO, which is a must have later, when you are start to use a DAW.
Ask me anything you like…
So basically any of the Bluetooth capable ones will have latency with video? I was hoping to use a tablet for videos but guess I could use a laptop if it avoids latency.
Bluetooth ALWAYS has latency. Even with APTX LL … but non of the devices support that anyway.
You can connect the ZOOM AMS 24 to your iOS or Android tablet via USB.
Please note that some latency with B2B videos might be ok, if it’s just for practicing…
If you can accept that, any of the devices you mentioned are ok. The Spark GO is not.
The Zoom AMS 24 is essentially the same price as many of the other devices. Seems like a neat package. I have a Focusrite interface I used a few years ago. Looks like they have only improved the features and pricing.
Focusrite (which one?) is very good. If it works on your tablet, there is no reason to get anything else.
I use a Motu M4 (that’s a “real” audio interface) for sofa playing, and the Zoom AMS 24 for playing outside / travelling.
Little secret: I find the sound quality of the Zoom just as good as the higher end Motu…
IIRC my Focusrite is likely the solo version. I’ve never tried it with a tablet but it works great with a laptop.
The solo should be ok in the beginning.
iOS tablets should always work, Android is sometimes an issue. You might need a powered usb hub for powering the device though, depending on the model.
That complicates stuff and would not be acceptable for me.
I would either get a new “real” audio interface that works with your tablet (FocusRite has nice 4th generation devices).
Or get the Zoom AMS-24, as it’s great for any use case and device I can think of…
I ended up getting a Fender Mustang for these purposes and am well satisfied with it. I’ve heard the Katana GO is better, and would like one, but they aren’t in production anymore and go for stupid money on the resale market. Plus my wife plays electric guitar, so it’s something we can both use.
I compared it with a Vox amp. The Vox had an arguably slightly more natural sounding tone, but MUCH noisier electronics. Distractingly noisy. That combined with USB recharging and BlueTooth made the price worth it for me to get the Fender.
There is no latency between what I play on my bass, and what I hear.
There is BlueTooth latency with audio being streamed, but it never negatively effects me. I’m not trying to synch my playing to what I see, I’m synching it to what I hear.
An alternate solution is to buy a Zoom B1four. When I started out of B2B, ooh, a whole year ago, I simply plugged my PC or iPhone into the Aux input on the B1four, plugged the bass into the instrument input and plugged a set of headphones into the headphone out socket. That was all I needed to complete the whole course. The B1four gives you different effects options that are fun, but certainly not necessary for B2B.
A B1four is pretty cheap, and cheaper still, if you can find one second hand. While I have now upgraded (same use case, i.e. the ability to plug the iPhone into an Aux input, plus the bass in and some headphone, then rock out in silence), I still use the B1four when I travel for work as it is light, runs on batteries and I don’t really care if I were to damage it (I haven’t as it’s also pretty robust).
That only works if the tablet/phone has an analog output. Using a D/A (USB=>analog) adapter might introduce latency again…
I have a cable that goes from the socket on my iPhone 13 into the Aux in on the B1four, or for that matter, the Ampero One, and have never had a problem with latency.
I also use the Ampero as a recording interface, for that I need to use an iPhone to USB cable. Never had a problem with latency - you’ve heard my covers (they are now pretty much all recorded that way); any timing issues are in my playing, not in any inherent equipment latency.
But your dancing is always a little out of synch … latency!!! 
That’s a completely different subject!!! Anyway, at least I stand to play!! 
Touché. You don’t see my happy feet though ^^
I have both a Zoom B1X Four and a Vox Bass amPlug. I like and use both although I’ve seen a lot of bad press on this forum for the Vox amPlug!
I have the Vox Bass Amplug, too, it’s neat, if a bit noisy. Can’t beat it for portability. I didn’t use it with the computer because the “cable salad” would be annoying.
My vote also goes to the Zoom B1X Four, plus an audio interface for your PC. The B1X lets you mute, tune up and has a metronome/drum machine, a looper, effects, all for around 120€.
The audio interface lets you mix the computer and your instrument, as well as the headphone output. I recommend the Arturia Minifuse 2, or anything that has a separate level/mix for headphone and monitor signals.
And… if you get a DI-box later, you can split the signal from the Zoom to go to an amp and the computer. Meaning, you can choose to rock the house or your headphones at the flip of a button.
Cheers,
Antonio
For the short term I dug out my Focusrite solo and used it to direct monitor via headphones. That has worked fine for playing along with videos. I do like some of the features of the Zoom interface and may end up getting it when I decide to record. Before I do that I may dig a little deeper into the DAW world. Reaper is high on my list but will require some learning of course.
The cool thing about DAWs and audio interfaces is that you can use many many many plugins (also free ones) that do everything a pedal or amp can do.
It’s more than good enough for doig stuff at home, in my opinion.
Look at https://forum.bassbuzz.com/t/plugins-i-have-known-and-loved
You can start playing around with AmpliTube 5 CS - FREE amp simulation and guitar gear modeling software, Kilohearts - Kilohearts Essentials and/or MFreeFXBundle | MeldaProduction
I’ve been using the Fender Mustang micro for a few months now & works well for me. Bluetooth for streaming lessons/backing tracks works well. The micro does not have any specific bass amps but using the studio pre amp seems to work well for me sound wise.
I have zoom, spark & fender rumble amp but tend to use micro now for how practice & B2B lessons as quick set up, can sit anywhere & move round house whilst connected etc
If you always going to be practicing same space then zoom option would work & you have loads of bass sounds available from it. I do find if you have loads of sound options you can spend more time trying to find something decent or tweaking rather than practice 