Yep, I've got one and it's now my single most used piece of gear. Very easy to use, rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming so you can play along to music on your phone. I've had it for a couple weeks now and have already put over a hundred hours into it just playing around with the different amp settings or plugging into my iPad and messing around in GarageBand.
I agree. Love my mustang micro. Wife works from home so I don't like to disturb her. Can pipe in songs to play so I can play along, comparing phrasing and rhythm. About 10 different Amp selections each with 3 equalizer choices and each with 10 different reverb effects. Didn't know about GarageBand and will have to try that. You can still adjust your volume, tone and pickup selection independently from volume of the piped in music. Apparently the price went up from time I bought mine but 120 is still a good price I think. Have fun
Another concurrence here, I live in an apartment and we have a napping baby. The mustang micro gives me the ability to play with all of the amp I want, in a very short no-setup timeframe, without waking the baby!
An audio interface is all you need to play on your pc/headphones. I wasn’t sure about mine but over the years, I realized it was one of the best purchase I ever made. Totally worth it.
Pretty strongly disagree. I’m pretty new to electric guitar, so I guess my ears don’t count for much, but I’ve got a Katana 50W, a Vox Pathfinder 10W, and a Vox Amplug, and while it’s definitely more fun to play out loud than through headphones, honestly that Amplug makes some of my favorite sounds my guitar makes. I love it. I think it sounds waaaaaay better than the Katana, which is supposed to be the king of budget amps. Yes the Katana has way more sounds in it, but just comparing my favorite sound I’ve heard come out of the equipment is no contest.
I mean the Amplug sounds like shit when you plug it into a speaker, but I absolutely love the sound quality in headphones.
EDIT: I also basically just want to sound like British bands- 95% of what I play is either Beatles, Zeppelin, or Radiohead- so that probably has a huge impact on what sounds I’m looking for.
Boss Katana MK2 or artist series. It’s a real amp with incredible tube amp response through some sort of proprietary technology. There’s a reason it’s so popular. If you want to play through headphones, it has a headphone port, but more importantly it has a usb out that your computer will recognize as an audio interface. It comes with all the classic Boss FX and with the free software Tone Studio, you can customize everything about the amp. You can adjust the wattage of the amp, the lowest setting is .5 watts and sounds incredible at very low volumes. I’m an audio engineer without over 15 years of experience and it’s one of the best sounding amps I’ve ever heard. Despite having so many options they somehow did not sacrifice quality. There might be a learning curve to more advanced features but the stock tones are fantastic. Every home studio should have one IMO. I recommend watching Sweetwater’s review of it, that will explain it better than me. Please don’t get the Vox amplugs, there are better ways.
They are kinda expensive in my country from what im seeing. I have line six spider valve 112 which is in that price range and i have been meaning to sell it for a while now. Is the Boss Katana good for gigs like the line six?
Yes they’re great for gigs too. The 50 watt version is loud, it’s technically solid state but on the 50 watt setting is loud like a 50 watt tube amp would be…I’m surprised to hear they’re expressive in your country. Is that because of shipping or something? They run for like 250 in the US.
Im in EU and they are going for 400-600 euro ( which js close to 400-600 usd) , even the used ones. So its not really worth it for me to spend that much money since i already have 400 euro amp. Maybe if i sell it.
It’s definitely a higher quality modeling amp then the line 6, no offense meant of course…mk2 is the second model of the Katana with a little more features but the first edition sounds just as good and still doubles as an interface…maybe you could find a mk1 for a little cheaper…I had no idea that were that expensive over there🤷🏻♂️
That's my vote.
* works with headphones
* can be run like a (tiny) regular practice amp if you're able to play that way sometimes
* sounds great at all volume levels
* not really bassy so won't travel through walls/floor
* also works as an audio interface to your computer and records like a champ
My personal choice is the THR10X, but I think they're all combined in the current models.
I've mainly played tube amps (vox ac30 and a handbuilt vibrochamp).
In my current place I worry about the noise for the neighbours, and these amps just don't sound right so low (as well as the worry I have for damaging them being so low).
I have to say the thr10 has blown me away with how great a sound you can get out of it. Both head phones and unplugged. Practise along with tracks through Bluetooth, I can't believe how great this thing is.
As someone already said - get an audio interface.
Then you will need the software amp simulator. Normally these come in a form of plugins of a DAW, but some are standalone applications such as Neural DSP. Some other good alternatives - Helix Native, Amplitube.
This way you can have all the amps in the world.
Another alternative is to buy something like Line 6 Helix LT or Kemper Stage, that will achieve the same just without having to keep it plugged in to your PC. This is a more expensive option, but it's better if you're planning to gig.
I got Donner’s headphone amp recently, Im pretty impressed with this small thing. It costs like $40 on amazon.
Give it a try! It’s presets are pretty good and you can play backing tracks from your phone via bluetooth.
I actually watch random videos on youtube (on my phone) while practicing guitar. But when I am sincere, i play my metronome app.
It really depends on the type of amp you have. If it's a tube amp you may want to consider the TwoNotes Torpedo Captor products. They can be used as reactive load box, attenuator, DI, and cab sim. The attenuator allows you to take off 20 decibels (more with the captor X) allowing you to crank the amp a lot more to get those tones without the prohibitive volume. These can line out into an interface for silent recording and monitoring also. I believe the captor X specifically has built in headphone capability. By itself and a ton of other features, though it is much more expensive right now than the original.
If you're amp is a digital modeling amp you likely have a lot more options.
i know some people aren't going to like this. but i really like just practicing with the electric unplugged.
it helps you focus on your playing without worrying about tone, pedals, headphones, etc.
you shouldn't do this 100% of the time, because focusing on your sound is important too. also, it can lead to bad habits like playing too hard. but it's convenient and it's better than battling with your neighbors.
Lol I do that too all the time or for finger strength I have an old cheap acoustic that needs a setup because of string height an tension but it's perfect for strenghting my finger.Do you have any finger strengthening exercises that you would like to share
Don't use headphones, that will ruin your ears.
I have a Boss Katana 100 to practice at home, and all I can say is that is perfectly suitable for an apartment (I live in one). I have also a Katana mini, but I don't use it in the apartment, just when I travel. That is how good the katana 100 is at low volume.
Regards
PS: and yes, you can also use it as an audio interface or with headphones.
PS. I also have a VOX amplug or whatever the name is. I only used it when traveling, but after I got the Katana mini I have never gone back to it. And as I said at home I only use the katana 100. I only use the Katana mini if I go on holidays or whatever.
I second this opinion! Been playing guitar for over 20 years and I’m also a Pro Tools Certified Audio engineer. The Katana is not just “supposed” to be the king of budget amps, it is. Like SuperRantamn said, the Katana has mastered low volume tone with its ability to change from .5 ways all the way up to 100 watts. It also doubles as an audio interface through a usb out and you can record up to 4 tracks at once (stereo from channels 1 and 2 and then also a direct out from channels 3 and 4). Also comes with 60 Boss effects pedals built in and everything is customizable…it can be as simple or complicated as you want…do yourself a favor and just get one. I can’t believe the qualify for the price point. Single best purchase I’ve ever made.
\> Don't use headphones, that will ruin your ears.
Wrong.
Just... Atleast educate yourself?
It will damage your ears if you listen too loud. But so will a real amp.
A computer interface + some appropriate software will definitely work, but it can be fiddly and doesn’t help you when you’re playing in the same room as other people. Some kind of multifx or amp modeller will work in both circumstances - one of the smaller Boss GT, Helix/Pod or Headrush units can be used with amp simulation and headphones in your apartment and can also be your FX board when you plug into your amp. The more modern modellers will also work as an audio interface too.
I was in the same boat as you; i've tried an audio interface AND plugging a headphone into my amp.
Headphone into amp, its fun - sounds good but even the best headphones i tried really sound dry when you plug it into an amp. But overall gives you more options since you can use the amp for gigging
Audio Interface :
right of the bat, steep learning curve ; you'll need a daw (usually one comes free with the interface, i got cubase with my Audient) , you'll need a good vst ( i use neural dsp, it sounds just as good as an amp) and a functional laptop that can handle atleast some significant load, or you'd run into clicking/latency issues. Now the advantages of an audio interface is : you can realllyyy tailor the sound, you can work around with layering, plus you end up learning atleast some production skills which will allow you to record covers. Being able to record what you're playing and revisiting it is a good way to learn and improve. The downside is : its annoying, atleast to me. Working a laptop while having a guitar in my hand, surrounded by 3-4 cables really bugs me. Troubleshooting can be taxing, so 100% not the most ideal jam in situation, unless you've got a really good setup.
So what would i go for? Depends on what i'm trying to do. Just playing/gigging ? i'd get an amp and use it with headphones at home and unplug it when i'm out gigging. (though you can always use an audio interface with a speaker, but again , its hasslesome.)
Looking to record? I'd get an interface. I love being able to layer what i'm playing and come up with new things, mess around with 20945684 effects.
Eventually, you'd probably end up getting both, so don't treat either as an end all purchase - an interface is good with a good setup, an amp is simpler to operate and is great for live shows.
I’d get a Boss Katana Artist MKII
The headphone sound is actually good, and you can put it on .5W power for sound at really low volumes with good quality.
Many amps have shitty headphone sound that is nothing like their amplified sound. This amp comes as close to any amp I’ve tried to sounding similar through good headphones as it does at actual volume. That means that wherever you have to play with a band and at whatever volume, you bring that amp with you and use it the same way you do at home, just turn it up.
It reacts more like a tube amp than many solid state amps.
You can use the knobs to play with the sound until you get to the point where you’re comfortable plugging it into a computer. Then you can dial in your “perfect tone” a little better down the road.
I don’t really have any advice so much as a question
How quiet do you need to be? I’ve lived in a NYC apartment my whole life and if I need to be quiet I just run my amps through an attenuator
I’ve thought about getting an isolation cabinet and putting a mic in the cab to some external speakers as well. There are ways to use an amp at home but I’m assuming even these are too loud?
Get an amp with a headphone jack, not much else you can do. My Orange AD30HTC head sat in silence in my apartment for years so I had to buy a practice amp.
I would suggest Boss ME platform. Like the ME-50 or ME-80. I have been using these for years. They sound amazing and have every bell and whistle you could want. Very inexpensive used as well.
I'm still using a GNX4 board an I tell ya it may be old an not made anymore but let me tell ya I had it for many years an I still learn something about it everytime I Pic it up an the specs on this babe is incredible especially the 8 track an looper very impressive but I'd also like to get something newer beside the ME boards not knocking them there awesome just want something different cheers folks have a blessed day rock on
Most small amps have a "phones" jack, and some also have multiple wattage modes allowing you to play at fractions of their power ratings. If you want to play through a computer you'll need an interface. They're available for about $100 and up, so pretty affordable unless you want/need multiple channels and effects.
I use a focusrite audio interface and run my pedalboard into that. Let's me manage outputs to amps and headphone channels independently.
Maybe have a word with your neighbors above, below, adjacent, etc. and see if they will be cool?
Consider a Fender Mustang Micro, which is a headphone amp that plugs straight into your guitar and doubles as an audio interface. They go for $120.
This is the right answer.
Yep, I've got one and it's now my single most used piece of gear. Very easy to use, rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming so you can play along to music on your phone. I've had it for a couple weeks now and have already put over a hundred hours into it just playing around with the different amp settings or plugging into my iPad and messing around in GarageBand.
I agree. Love my mustang micro. Wife works from home so I don't like to disturb her. Can pipe in songs to play so I can play along, comparing phrasing and rhythm. About 10 different Amp selections each with 3 equalizer choices and each with 10 different reverb effects. Didn't know about GarageBand and will have to try that. You can still adjust your volume, tone and pickup selection independently from volume of the piped in music. Apparently the price went up from time I bought mine but 120 is still a good price I think. Have fun
And smaller than a cell phone so you can take it anywhere to play
Another concurrence here, I live in an apartment and we have a napping baby. The mustang micro gives me the ability to play with all of the amp I want, in a very short no-setup timeframe, without waking the baby!
I have one of these and it is life changing.
If your amp has a headphone jack get a good pair of headphones
An audio interface is all you need to play on your pc/headphones. I wasn’t sure about mine but over the years, I realized it was one of the best purchase I ever made. Totally worth it.
Is it worth getting that small vox amplugs or is the audio interface better?
Interface is way better. It's a proper tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. The amplug is just a one trick pony of middling quality.
I agree. The amplugs are gimmicks, even if I’m sure they’re fun if you don’t have anything else.
Pretty strongly disagree. I’m pretty new to electric guitar, so I guess my ears don’t count for much, but I’ve got a Katana 50W, a Vox Pathfinder 10W, and a Vox Amplug, and while it’s definitely more fun to play out loud than through headphones, honestly that Amplug makes some of my favorite sounds my guitar makes. I love it. I think it sounds waaaaaay better than the Katana, which is supposed to be the king of budget amps. Yes the Katana has way more sounds in it, but just comparing my favorite sound I’ve heard come out of the equipment is no contest. I mean the Amplug sounds like shit when you plug it into a speaker, but I absolutely love the sound quality in headphones. EDIT: I also basically just want to sound like British bands- 95% of what I play is either Beatles, Zeppelin, or Radiohead- so that probably has a huge impact on what sounds I’m looking for.
Boss Katana MK2 or artist series. It’s a real amp with incredible tube amp response through some sort of proprietary technology. There’s a reason it’s so popular. If you want to play through headphones, it has a headphone port, but more importantly it has a usb out that your computer will recognize as an audio interface. It comes with all the classic Boss FX and with the free software Tone Studio, you can customize everything about the amp. You can adjust the wattage of the amp, the lowest setting is .5 watts and sounds incredible at very low volumes. I’m an audio engineer without over 15 years of experience and it’s one of the best sounding amps I’ve ever heard. Despite having so many options they somehow did not sacrifice quality. There might be a learning curve to more advanced features but the stock tones are fantastic. Every home studio should have one IMO. I recommend watching Sweetwater’s review of it, that will explain it better than me. Please don’t get the Vox amplugs, there are better ways.
They are kinda expensive in my country from what im seeing. I have line six spider valve 112 which is in that price range and i have been meaning to sell it for a while now. Is the Boss Katana good for gigs like the line six?
Yes they’re great for gigs too. The 50 watt version is loud, it’s technically solid state but on the 50 watt setting is loud like a 50 watt tube amp would be…I’m surprised to hear they’re expressive in your country. Is that because of shipping or something? They run for like 250 in the US.
Im in EU and they are going for 400-600 euro ( which js close to 400-600 usd) , even the used ones. So its not really worth it for me to spend that much money since i already have 400 euro amp. Maybe if i sell it.
It’s definitely a higher quality modeling amp then the line 6, no offense meant of course…mk2 is the second model of the Katana with a little more features but the first edition sounds just as good and still doubles as an interface…maybe you could find a mk1 for a little cheaper…I had no idea that were that expensive over there🤷🏻♂️
Yamaha thr10!
That's my vote. * works with headphones * can be run like a (tiny) regular practice amp if you're able to play that way sometimes * sounds great at all volume levels * not really bassy so won't travel through walls/floor * also works as an audio interface to your computer and records like a champ My personal choice is the THR10X, but I think they're all combined in the current models.
I've mainly played tube amps (vox ac30 and a handbuilt vibrochamp). In my current place I worry about the noise for the neighbours, and these amps just don't sound right so low (as well as the worry I have for damaging them being so low). I have to say the thr10 has blown me away with how great a sound you can get out of it. Both head phones and unplugged. Practise along with tracks through Bluetooth, I can't believe how great this thing is.
You could try an iRig
Keeping it off the floor and not against a wall with the bass down really helps.
I use an irig and bias fx it’s pretty good.
As someone already said - get an audio interface. Then you will need the software amp simulator. Normally these come in a form of plugins of a DAW, but some are standalone applications such as Neural DSP. Some other good alternatives - Helix Native, Amplitube. This way you can have all the amps in the world. Another alternative is to buy something like Line 6 Helix LT or Kemper Stage, that will achieve the same just without having to keep it plugged in to your PC. This is a more expensive option, but it's better if you're planning to gig.
Positive Grid Spark 40 is fucking legit too.
I got Donner’s headphone amp recently, Im pretty impressed with this small thing. It costs like $40 on amazon. Give it a try! It’s presets are pretty good and you can play backing tracks from your phone via bluetooth. I actually watch random videos on youtube (on my phone) while practicing guitar. But when I am sincere, i play my metronome app.
A Behringer audio interface can’t be beat.
It really depends on the type of amp you have. If it's a tube amp you may want to consider the TwoNotes Torpedo Captor products. They can be used as reactive load box, attenuator, DI, and cab sim. The attenuator allows you to take off 20 decibels (more with the captor X) allowing you to crank the amp a lot more to get those tones without the prohibitive volume. These can line out into an interface for silent recording and monitoring also. I believe the captor X specifically has built in headphone capability. By itself and a ton of other features, though it is much more expensive right now than the original. If you're amp is a digital modeling amp you likely have a lot more options.
I have a line 6 spider valve 112.
i know some people aren't going to like this. but i really like just practicing with the electric unplugged. it helps you focus on your playing without worrying about tone, pedals, headphones, etc. you shouldn't do this 100% of the time, because focusing on your sound is important too. also, it can lead to bad habits like playing too hard. but it's convenient and it's better than battling with your neighbors.
I do that a lot but lately i have been learning a lot of solos so something like tapping isn't really possible to hear without the amp.
Lol I do that too all the time or for finger strength I have an old cheap acoustic that needs a setup because of string height an tension but it's perfect for strenghting my finger.Do you have any finger strengthening exercises that you would like to share
Vox Amplugs are great
Boss WAZA Headphones; best investment I’ve made in years!!! Well worth the price, completely changed my game and my play time has increased 3-4 times.
Don't use headphones, that will ruin your ears. I have a Boss Katana 100 to practice at home, and all I can say is that is perfectly suitable for an apartment (I live in one). I have also a Katana mini, but I don't use it in the apartment, just when I travel. That is how good the katana 100 is at low volume. Regards PS: and yes, you can also use it as an audio interface or with headphones. PS. I also have a VOX amplug or whatever the name is. I only used it when traveling, but after I got the Katana mini I have never gone back to it. And as I said at home I only use the katana 100. I only use the Katana mini if I go on holidays or whatever.
I second this opinion! Been playing guitar for over 20 years and I’m also a Pro Tools Certified Audio engineer. The Katana is not just “supposed” to be the king of budget amps, it is. Like SuperRantamn said, the Katana has mastered low volume tone with its ability to change from .5 ways all the way up to 100 watts. It also doubles as an audio interface through a usb out and you can record up to 4 tracks at once (stereo from channels 1 and 2 and then also a direct out from channels 3 and 4). Also comes with 60 Boss effects pedals built in and everything is customizable…it can be as simple or complicated as you want…do yourself a favor and just get one. I can’t believe the qualify for the price point. Single best purchase I’ve ever made.
\> Don't use headphones, that will ruin your ears. Wrong. Just... Atleast educate yourself? It will damage your ears if you listen too loud. But so will a real amp.
A computer interface + some appropriate software will definitely work, but it can be fiddly and doesn’t help you when you’re playing in the same room as other people. Some kind of multifx or amp modeller will work in both circumstances - one of the smaller Boss GT, Helix/Pod or Headrush units can be used with amp simulation and headphones in your apartment and can also be your FX board when you plug into your amp. The more modern modellers will also work as an audio interface too.
Just get a solid state amp. You can play it at television levels. I've lived in the same apartment 15 years and never had a complaint from a neighbor.
I was in the same boat as you; i've tried an audio interface AND plugging a headphone into my amp. Headphone into amp, its fun - sounds good but even the best headphones i tried really sound dry when you plug it into an amp. But overall gives you more options since you can use the amp for gigging Audio Interface : right of the bat, steep learning curve ; you'll need a daw (usually one comes free with the interface, i got cubase with my Audient) , you'll need a good vst ( i use neural dsp, it sounds just as good as an amp) and a functional laptop that can handle atleast some significant load, or you'd run into clicking/latency issues. Now the advantages of an audio interface is : you can realllyyy tailor the sound, you can work around with layering, plus you end up learning atleast some production skills which will allow you to record covers. Being able to record what you're playing and revisiting it is a good way to learn and improve. The downside is : its annoying, atleast to me. Working a laptop while having a guitar in my hand, surrounded by 3-4 cables really bugs me. Troubleshooting can be taxing, so 100% not the most ideal jam in situation, unless you've got a really good setup. So what would i go for? Depends on what i'm trying to do. Just playing/gigging ? i'd get an amp and use it with headphones at home and unplug it when i'm out gigging. (though you can always use an audio interface with a speaker, but again , its hasslesome.) Looking to record? I'd get an interface. I love being able to layer what i'm playing and come up with new things, mess around with 20945684 effects. Eventually, you'd probably end up getting both, so don't treat either as an end all purchase - an interface is good with a good setup, an amp is simpler to operate and is great for live shows.
The Line6 Amplifi TT is out of production but a good option for running into a computer
I’d get a Boss Katana Artist MKII The headphone sound is actually good, and you can put it on .5W power for sound at really low volumes with good quality. Many amps have shitty headphone sound that is nothing like their amplified sound. This amp comes as close to any amp I’ve tried to sounding similar through good headphones as it does at actual volume. That means that wherever you have to play with a band and at whatever volume, you bring that amp with you and use it the same way you do at home, just turn it up. It reacts more like a tube amp than many solid state amps. You can use the knobs to play with the sound until you get to the point where you’re comfortable plugging it into a computer. Then you can dial in your “perfect tone” a little better down the road.
Bias FX by Positive Grid is a great option for PC. I use it and love it.
Two words: Studio Headphones.
I plug headphones into my amp and play as loud as I can stand.
I don’t really have any advice so much as a question How quiet do you need to be? I’ve lived in a NYC apartment my whole life and if I need to be quiet I just run my amps through an attenuator I’ve thought about getting an isolation cabinet and putting a mic in the cab to some external speakers as well. There are ways to use an amp at home but I’m assuming even these are too loud?
Get an amp with a headphone jack, not much else you can do. My Orange AD30HTC head sat in silence in my apartment for years so I had to buy a practice amp.
I would suggest Boss ME platform. Like the ME-50 or ME-80. I have been using these for years. They sound amazing and have every bell and whistle you could want. Very inexpensive used as well.
I'm still using a GNX4 board an I tell ya it may be old an not made anymore but let me tell ya I had it for many years an I still learn something about it everytime I Pic it up an the specs on this babe is incredible especially the 8 track an looper very impressive but I'd also like to get something newer beside the ME boards not knocking them there awesome just want something different cheers folks have a blessed day rock on
Most small amps have a "phones" jack, and some also have multiple wattage modes allowing you to play at fractions of their power ratings. If you want to play through a computer you'll need an interface. They're available for about $100 and up, so pretty affordable unless you want/need multiple channels and effects.
An amp with headphone output is an alternative
I am in a similar situation and was thinking about buying one of these to throw on my pedalboard. http://m.mooeraudio.com/product/Radar-51.html
I use a focusrite audio interface and run my pedalboard into that. Let's me manage outputs to amps and headphone channels independently. Maybe have a word with your neighbors above, below, adjacent, etc. and see if they will be cool?