Headphones for Amp and PC (at the same time)

Griggs2121 · January 13th, 2007, 01:29 PM

I live in a Townhome with neighbors and roomates that sleep all at different times, so I need to use headphones a lot. Right now its a balance at between headphones for my computer (to play back the music I'm learning) and the headphones for my Amp. Every where two sets of headphones?

I was googling around and searching this website and I found this

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi...ction&key=PGA1

I'm not really sure if this accomplishes what I'm looking for. Does anybody know where I can find something that will work?

Chad

Tim Armstrong · January 13th, 2007, 02:20 PM

You could get something like this inexpensive Behringer mixer and run the headphone outs from your amp and computer into it.

Cheaper solution, and more flexible...

Cheers, Tim

Griggs2121 · January 13th, 2007, 02:46 PM

So I need a cable to run from the Amp (headphone out) to the mixer, and a cable from the computer (heaphone out) to the mixer, then plug my headphones into the mixer?

Just out of curiousity, this looks like a little more than just an adaptor, what else can I use this thing for?

EMan · January 13th, 2007, 03:03 PM

Here's an alternative - See if you can snag a POD off ebay (etc.). The POD will have LINE OUT jacks that can plug into your computers soundcard. Your soundcard/OS will have a built in mixer....so using headphones plugged into your computer will get you the recorded music as well as your guitar.
I do this almost exclusively these days...and no matter how loud I am..the wife never complains!

Griggs2121 · January 13th, 2007, 03:19 PM

EMan, in your case the guitar plugs into the pod, and the pod into the soundcard?

Do you have a link or something so I know what exactly your talking about?

Robin Nahum · January 13th, 2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griggs2121

So I need a cable to run from the Amp (headphone out) to the mixer, and a cable from the computer (heaphone out) to the mixer, then plug my headphones into the mixer?

Right... almost. The cables need to have the appropriately-sized stereo plug at one end and split into two mono leads with 6mm plugs at the other.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griggs2121

Just out of curiousity, this looks like a little more than just an adaptor, what else can I use this thing for?

These things have a myriad uses. I keep editing this post as I think of them.

Unless your amp contributes tonal characteristics that are essential for practice, you can just plug your guitar straight into the mini-mixer, or go via your effects. It doesn't sound as good as a '67 Blackface Deluxe but you can hear what you're playing and it's portable. And you can plug your electronic metronome into it so it also comes through the headphones.... you do use a metronome don't you?

You could use it in performance for a small lineup - plug a mike in and, say, an acoustic guitar pre-amp and run the output to a power amp.

My wife plays keyboards and uses (a slightly larger) one on stage within reach to provide separate volume controls for FOH and monitoring.

For basic stereo recording, you can buy the next size up with a couple of XLRs and run the output into a recording device.

Griggs2121 · January 14th, 2007, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Right... almost. The cables need to have the appropriately-sized stereo plug at one end and split into two mono leads with 6mm plugs at the other.

Which part needs this splitter? Will I need to buy anything separate from the link you gave me? I feel like right now all I need is a splitter. Just having something with an "In" from the amp, and an "In" from my computer, and an "out" (coming from both) to my headphones.

Robin Nahum · January 14th, 2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griggs2121

Which part needs this splitter? Will I need to buy anything separate from the link you gave me? I feel like right now all I need is a splitter. Just having something with an "In" from the amp, and an "In" from my computer, and an "out" (coming from both) to my headphones.

Here's a picture of the mini-mixer in closeup.

Looking along the top from the left, the first channel will take an XLR input or a phono jack. You might want to plug your guitar into the phono jack socket if you are not using an amp. There are tone and volume controls for this input down the left side.

The next two inputs under the "XE"in XENYX are where you plug in the output from your computer. Treat them as left and right stereo inputs, the volume of which is controlled by the white knob marked "2/3".

To connect your computer to these, you will need to buy a cable from Tandy or similar. The cable will need a stereo mini-jack (or whatever matches your computer output) at one end and be split into two phonos to plug into the mixer. You buy it like this. You don't need to do any soldering.

The next two inputs under "YX" might be where you plug in the stereo output from your amp. The volume of these is controlled by the white knob marked "4/5".

Headphones plug into the top right socket (which is stereo).

Hope I have answered your question.

Griggs2121 · January 14th, 2007, 01:00 PM

That is great thanks!

So I can play my guitar on my computer with or without any amp? Can this be used for DI recording as well?

EMan · January 14th, 2007, 03:36 PM

Griggs, the POD's have a pair of RCA jacks on the back. You can get a cable ar Radio Shack that will connect between a POD and your soundcard. My soundcard LINE IN jack is a stereo 1/8" mini jack, so the cable I have is 2 RCA to 1 stereo 1/8" mini plug. (EDIT - I'm mistaken, the POD has two 1/4" guitar jacks for output. I use a pair of 1/4" to RCA adapters to get it into the computer)

Least expensive alternative - You can run your guitar directly into your computer via the MIC jack. All you need is (and this is in my particular case) a adapter plug that slips on the end of your guitar cord, and reduces it to 1/8th" mini. As well, you can string any effect you want in line with this, as generally, most all stompers, etc. have a compatable output. As well, you can use the computer's on-board mixer with this arrangement.

Haven't figgered out to attach a picture yet, but here's the link to a pic I just took of my adapter - http://home.texoma.net/~flhh/adapt.jpg

Griggs2121 · January 14th, 2007, 03:47 PM

Thanks for the help. So a DI can be as simple as a plug adaptor eh?

The Pod you speak is an alternative for the mixer pictured above? Do you have a link for one of those, so I can take a look?

EMan · January 14th, 2007, 03:58 PM

Sorry for the confusion...The POD is a unit made by Line6, and is an Amp Emulator. You plug your guitar into it, and it has a zillion different amp/speaker/effects selections. Do a Google on PODxt, and you can read what it's all about.

Yes, the adapter route is pretty simple, and the adapter pictured above was about $2. Typically, I use a Memory Man effect between my guitar and the computer..but I've used DIST stompers as well. Putting an effect in between your guitar and the computer also adds a little buffering, and actually improves the tone.

cycler · January 14th, 2007, 07:11 PM

Robin, your description of the Behringer mixer, with picture is very helpful, thanks...you may actually be answering a question I asked in the playing, techniques, etc., section...

my question, if you will, on the Behringer mixer, instead of plugging in my computer, is it possible to plug in a cd player, to play cds I want to jam with?

I was looking for something to replace my Tascam cd/gt1 unit, so if anyone would care to offer suggestions, they would be appreciated....thanks, cycler

Tim Armstrong · January 14th, 2007, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycler

my question, if you will, on the Behringer mixer, instead of plugging in my computer, is it possible to plug in a cd player, to play cds I want to jam with?

Yes, it'd be possible. You could also play the CDs on your computer so you woudn't have to change anything.

I'd note that you won't get the best guitar tone plugging straight into the mixer, but rather running into a preamp or practice amp with a headphone or line out...

Cheers, Tim

Tdot · January 14th, 2007, 10:29 PM

Check out these amp modelers that connect to your real amp, or computer, or play with headphones, and more.

Behringer V-amp
Line6 Pod XT
M-Audio Black Box

These toys are a lot of fun, and include software for recording too.

Griggs2121 · January 15th, 2007, 04:39 AM

I find one door just keeps opening another. So the Line6 and Black Box interest me. With them I will be able to listen to my guitar, throught my amp or DI, and I can also record using this?

I see that this option is $200, however I just spent $100 on a USB Snowball mic for simple recording purpose. Would the Line6 Pod XT or the M-Audio Black Box be a replacement for the USB mic as well as a gadget to combine all audios on one device?

EMan · January 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Recording on a computer is a whole 'nuther story...there's hundreds of 'ways' to do it, all fundamentally the same, yet individually unique.

Idon't believe that the POD stuff is really meant for use with a guitar amplifier, but rather direct recording. I've tried to use my POD with my guitar amp....and it sounds...horrible. OTOH, using it to record with, it sounds really good, and I've heard some stuff at Twanger Central using a POD that was as realistic as it comes.

As with most things related to guitars....this is going to snowball!. .. LOL

Tdot · January 15th, 2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griggs2121

I find one door just keeps opening another. So the Line6 and Black Box interest me. With them I will be able to listen to my guitar, throught my amp or DI, and I can also record using this?

Yes

Quote:

I see that this option is $200, however I just spent $100 on a USB Snowball mic for simple recording purpose. Would the Line6 Pod XT or the M-Audio Black Box be a replacement for the USB mic as well as a gadget to combine all audios on one device?

I own the Black Box and it has an XLR input (with phantom power) for any standard mic. I suppose you could use the Black box and the Snowball at the same time through 2 USB ports, but that would depend on your computer and software.

The Black Box is great connected to the amp, I doubt if many people would want to gig with it (maybe? some people gig with the Pod), but it's fun for home and practice.

If you're consindering the Black Box, check out the video of Roger Lynn on the M-Audio website.

Griggs2121 · January 15th, 2007, 08:35 PM

I'll check out the website.

I'm confused again though =( I use the pod and the mic. I can use the mic right now without any sort of pod, I just plug it into the USB and recording away using Audacity. What would be the advantage of using a POD as well. Remember the initial goal of this is be able to hear my computer's music and my amp with the same headphones. Also, my amp has a headphone jack of its own.

Tdot · January 15th, 2007, 09:48 PM

The original item you linked does not connect to your real amp, it works as a headphone amp for your guitar and a CD player together.

The mixer mentioned above would allow you to input multiple devices and control (mix) volume levels individually. (This might be your best solution)

You can use your mic right now without the POD but not in silence. Your amp would have to be turned up for the mic to record. The fact that the Black Box features phantom powered XLR was just trivia.

The POD-type products work in several ways. The main feature is it can emulate many different types of amps & effects.
Guitar>BlackBox>Headphones (POD acts as an amp)
Guitar>BlackBox>Amp (POD acts as an effect pedal)
Guitar>BlackBox>Computer>Headphones (POD acts as a USB input for your guitar)
Guitar>Amp>Mic>BlackBox>Mixer>
Acoustic Guitar>Mic>BlackBox>Computer

Well you get the idea. Anyway the idea of listening to your guitar & computer at the same time can be done without your real amp.

Click around M-Audio to get a better idea of the use for BlackBox (POD-type) device.

Griggs2121 · January 16th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Wow thanks for all the great info everyone!

If I go ahead with the mixer. (I think I need to get better at the guitar before I concern myself with too much of this stuff) And I keep my USB Snowball mic, will these items be usefull in future (more advanced) recording endeavors?

BrianF · January 16th, 2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tdot

Check out these amp modelers that connect to your real amp, or computer, or play with headphones, and more.

Behringer V-amp

I'd avoid the V-Amp...they are in-expensive but basically it's a cheap piece of junk... I have one..

Tdot · January 16th, 2007, 07:42 PM

I forgot about little USB gadgets like THIS ONE. $50 and it should do exactly what you want.

Griggs2121 · January 16th, 2007, 08:37 PM

Between these two, which would work best? Or which would your recommend?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...em?sku=241104V
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...xer?sku=631262

January 13th, 2007, 01:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	Headphones for Amp and PC (at the same time) I live in a Townhome with neighbors and roomates that sleep all at different times, so I need to use headphones a lot. Right now its a balance at between headphones for my computer (to play back the music I'm learning) and the headphones for my Amp. Every where two sets of headphones? I was googling around and searching this website and I found this http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi...ction&key=PGA1 I'm not really sure if this accomplishes what I'm looking for. Does anybody know where I can find something that will work? Chad __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 13th, 2007, 02:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 10,295	You could get something like this inexpensive Behringer mixer and run the headphone outs from your amp and computer into it. Cheaper solution, and more flexible... Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

January 13th, 2007, 02:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	So I need a cable to run from the Amp (headphone out) to the mixer, and a cable from the computer (heaphone out) to the mixer, then plug my headphones into the mixer? Just out of curiousity, this looks like a little more than just an adaptor, what else can I use this thing for? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 13th, 2007, 03:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	EMan, in your case the guitar plugs into the pod, and the pod into the soundcard? Do you have a link or something so I know what exactly your talking about? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 14th, 2007, 01:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	That is great thanks! So I can play my guitar on my computer with or without any amp? Can this be used for DI recording as well? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 13th, 2007, 03:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
EMan Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 939	Here's an alternative - See if you can snag a POD off ebay (etc.). The POD will have LINE OUT jacks that can plug into your computers soundcard. Your soundcard/OS will have a built in mixer....so using headphones plugged into your computer will get you the recorded music as well as your guitar. I do this almost exclusively these days...and no matter how loud I am..the wife never complains!

January 14th, 2007, 03:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	Thanks for the help. So a DI can be as simple as a plug adaptor eh? The Pod you speak is an alternative for the mixer pictured above? Do you have a link for one of those, so I can take a look? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 14th, 2007, 03:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
EMan Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 939	Sorry for the confusion...The POD is a unit made by Line6, and is an Amp Emulator. You plug your guitar into it, and it has a zillion different amp/speaker/effects selections. Do a Google on PODxt, and you can read what it's all about. Yes, the adapter route is pretty simple, and the adapter pictured above was about $2. Typically, I use a Memory Man effect between my guitar and the computer..but I've used DIST stompers as well. Putting an effect in between your guitar and the computer also adds a little buffering, and actually improves the tone.

January 14th, 2007, 07:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
cycler Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: new jersey Age: 58 Posts: 198	Robin, your description of the Behringer mixer, with picture is very helpful, thanks...you may actually be answering a question I asked in the playing, techniques, etc., section... my question, if you will, on the Behringer mixer, instead of plugging in my computer, is it possible to plug in a cd player, to play cds I want to jam with? I was looking for something to replace my Tascam cd/gt1 unit, so if anyone would care to offer suggestions, they would be appreciated....thanks, cycler

January 14th, 2007, 10:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,913 55 Photos	Check out these amp modelers that connect to your real amp, or computer, or play with headphones, and more. Behringer V-amp Line6 Pod XT M-Audio Black Box These toys are a lot of fun, and include software for recording too. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

January 15th, 2007, 04:39 AM	#16 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	I find one door just keeps opening another. So the Line6 and Black Box interest me. With them I will be able to listen to my guitar, throught my amp or DI, and I can also record using this? I see that this option is $200, however I just spent $100 on a USB Snowball mic for simple recording purpose. Would the Line6 Pod XT or the M-Audio Black Box be a replacement for the USB mic as well as a gadget to combine all audios on one device? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM	#17 (permalink)
EMan Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 939	Recording on a computer is a whole 'nuther story...there's hundreds of 'ways' to do it, all fundamentally the same, yet individually unique. Idon't believe that the POD stuff is really meant for use with a guitar amplifier, but rather direct recording. I've tried to use my POD with my guitar amp....and it sounds...horrible. OTOH, using it to record with, it sounds really good, and I've heard some stuff at Twanger Central using a POD that was as realistic as it comes. As with most things related to guitars....this is going to snowball!. .. LOL

January 15th, 2007, 08:35 PM	#19 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	I'll check out the website. I'm confused again though =( I use the pod and the mic. I can use the mic right now without any sort of pod, I just plug it into the USB and recording away using Audacity. What would be the advantage of using a POD as well. Remember the initial goal of this is be able to hear my computer's music and my amp with the same headphones. Also, my amp has a headphone jack of its own. __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 15th, 2007, 09:48 PM	#20 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,913 55 Photos	The original item you linked does not connect to your real amp, it works as a headphone amp for your guitar and a CD player together. The mixer mentioned above would allow you to input multiple devices and control (mix) volume levels individually. *(This might be your best solution)* You can use your mic right now without the POD but not in silence. Your amp would have to be turned up for the mic to record. The fact that the Black Box features phantom powered XLR was just trivia. The POD-type products work in several ways. The main feature is it can emulate many different types of amps & effects. Guitar>BlackBox>Headphones (POD acts as an amp) Guitar>BlackBox>Amp (POD acts as an effect pedal) Guitar>BlackBox>Computer>Headphones (POD acts as a USB input for your guitar) Guitar>Amp>Mic>BlackBox>Mixer> Acoustic Guitar>Mic>BlackBox>Computer Well you get the idea. Anyway the idea of listening to your guitar & computer at the same time can be done without your real amp. Click around M-Audio to get a better idea of the use for BlackBox (POD-type) device. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

January 16th, 2007, 02:49 AM	#21 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	Wow thanks for all the great info everyone! If I go ahead with the mixer. (I think I need to get better at the guitar before I concern myself with too much of this stuff) And I keep my USB Snowball mic, will these items be usefull in future (more advanced) recording endeavors? __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"

January 16th, 2007, 07:42 PM	#23 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,913 55 Photos	I forgot about little USB gadgets like THIS ONE. $50 and it should do exactly what you want. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

January 16th, 2007, 08:37 PM	#24 (permalink)
Griggs2121 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154 7 Photos	Between these two, which would work best? Or which would your recommend? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...em?sku=241104V http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...xer?sku=631262 __________________ My life goal is to play, "The Nervous Breakdown"