The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi, I'm looking to put together a headphone amp set-up for practicing on my steel. It could either be an all-in-one device or made up of separate pieces. I'd like an input for an MP3/cd/smartphone, input for the steel, reverb for the steel (I don't own a reverb stomp box at this point), mixer and headphone output.
I know there are many ways to go about this, just looking for advice from those who have already put one together and can give suggestions. Trying not to reinvent the wheel.
Also, suggestions for a decent set of headphones (I dont like buds).

Thanks!

Deane, for -$25, these are good headphones...in my experience.

Line 6 Pod XT or X3. Multiple effects, headphone output, standard guitar input. Can run a standard USB printer cable to your computer and play along with iTunes or YouTube or whatever you like.

Have to find one used, no longer in production.

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/msg/6003867991.html

A Fender Mustang I or II would do the job.

You could use a small mixer. I had a 4 channel Mackie. You can plug in an Mp3 player, or other sound sources, and your stee. You can control the mix of the sound sources. You can get small mixers for under $100, and even around $50.

LOL, I never even thought to look - my Line 6 Spider IV 75 amp has both a headphone jack and MP3 input on the back. Guess I'll try that first and see how it works although I haven't found a decent steel sound with that amp yet, worth a shot for practicing.

Now, back to the headphones, any other suggestions? I do like over- the -ear but also have had on-ear AKGs that I liked (I wore those out years ago and never got around to buying replacements. I think I wouldn't mind springing for a real nice set....$150 - 200 range even? Thoughts?

Thanks!

Ken Pippus wrote:Line 6 Pod XT or X3. Multiple effects, headphone output, standard guitar input. Can run a standard USB printer cable to your computer and play along with iTunes or YouTube or whatever you like.

Have to find one used, no longer in production.

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/msg/6003867991.html

Thanks for your research, close to home even. That gave me an idea, see my reply above.

Deane, here's what I use

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=313316

It's made by W-audio.

I've always had a weakness for Sennheiser headphones, which start OK and get better the more you spend.

I have the Korg Pandora. I don't they make 'em any more but it's great for practicing "in the field".
I use the Skull Candy ear buds. They are cheap ,sound decent, and very comfortable using them over long periods of time.

Far from the most exhaustively thought-out system, this is just what fell together a few years ago:

1) Hardwire reverb pedal into...

2) a Crate Power Block amp;

3) old beloved Sennheiser 414 headphones (cable and ear pads replaced--well worth the cost); I used to use some schmancy AKG 240-something-or-others but the Sennheisers are more comfortable and are perhaps my favorite item of sound gear ever.

4) ipod I use only for steel practice--stays plugged in to the Crate. I just adjust the volume of the ipod against the steel--i.e., no mixer.

I use stomp boxes and a mini-mixer, no amp required:

Joyo American pedal (for EQ, voice, drive)-->reverb pedal-->Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer-->your choice of headphones (I have Sennheiser)

Ken Pippus wrote:I've always had a weakness for Sennheiser headphones

I forgot to mention those. I have a pair of HD455s which I have had for years. I assume they are a later version of the 414 as they have all the same virtues. They don't seem to make anything like them any more.



They give a full clear sound but I'm still in touch with my surroundings. I have some Beyer DT220s which isolate well and are good for tuning up on stage, but they're heavy to wear for long and I like to know if the doorbell rings.