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Post new topic FX pedal as stand alone headphone amp?
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Author Topic:  FX pedal as stand alone headphone amp?
Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 17 Jul 2008 9:48 am    
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After hearing the Roland Guitar RX amp's excellant stereo reverb, and having been wanting a new headphone amp, I'm curious, can pedals like the Boss RV-5 (which I think is used in the RX) be utilized as such?

Last edited by Ron Whitfield on 20 Jul 2008 3:18 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 17 Jul 2008 10:22 am    
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Generally, no. If they had enough output to drive earphones, they'd likely overload the amp input when you used them through an amp. A few might be capable of enough gain for sensitive (high impedance) earphones, and the tip off would be a volume control on the pedal.
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David Doggett


From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
Post  Posted 17 Jul 2008 10:23 am    
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Multiple FX units like the POD can, but I don't know about individual FX units.
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 17 Jul 2008 1:49 pm     My bad - it's called an - RV-5
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Thanx, Donnie.

The RV-5 pedal has a 'level' knob, which I'd presume is the same as volume, but who knows that for sure it is?

There may be some trickeration in terminolgy that I'm not aware of, like the cut/boost cunundrum...

Of course the best way to answer my own question is to go to the store and try it. I will, asap.
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 20 Jul 2008 3:20 pm     Tried it...
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...and altho it gives a little volume, it's certainly not enuf, not even thru my MD recorder which bummed me even more.
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Cliff Kane


From:
the late great golden state
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2008 8:44 am    
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Hi Ron,
the "LEVEL" control on the RV5 is probably for mixing the strength of the effect with the dry signal, as opposed to being an overall output control. You could get a direct box (DI box) and maybe plug your steel straight in to your MD recorder, PortaStudio, etc., and then listen through the headphone jack on the recorder? Some pedals have direct outs, like the Peterson StroboStomp tuner. The DI thing might be an easy solution if you already have a recorder. I think Fender and other companies make cheesy little headphone amps, probably pretty cheap. Another option is something like a POD, as David mentioned. For awhile I was using a Yamaha DG Stomp (like a POD), and it worked great as a headphone amp, with lots of good effects and amp modeling. I got it cheap and sold it even cheaper/ I wish I still had it; my wife also wishes I still had it.

Cliff
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2008 12:02 pm     Thanx, Cliff
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I was just looking to get the nice stereo reverb effect that is available on the Roland Guitar RX and Bass RX amps, in a backpack toteable package for practice moments when running around.

I'll try out the Digi-Tech version when it hits the shelves here in a week, but I don't expect a difference.
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Steve English


From:
Baja, Arizona
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2008 1:59 pm    
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My Digitech RP-150 has a headphone output. It's not as loud as I would like, but excellent effects and price.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DigiTech-RP150-Multi-Effects-Pedal?sku=156606&src=3SOSWXXA
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2008 7:11 pm     Verrrry interesting..., thanx Steve
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All (most) the reviews of this unit were quite positive, even at Harmony Central.

Have you tried any of the reverbs?

I'll be cheacking this out asap!
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Steve English


From:
Baja, Arizona
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2008 7:28 pm    
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Ron,
I think you'll be very happy with the reverb capabilities (Lexicon). I primarily use reverb and a touch of delay, but the modeling, E.Q., chorus, and distortion possibilities are endless.
The editing via laptop/computer are too much fun! And you can trade files and settings with other owners very easily via email. If you get one, I'll be happy to send the settings I've worked up.
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David Mason


From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
Post  Posted 22 Jul 2008 1:12 am    
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I have an RP-250, which I bought for the bigger screen and the line-through, not because it had a pedal. It sounded better than my PODxt, so I sold that. Digitech and Boss just have more musical sounds than the guys at Line6 come up with, and the RP is easier to use on stage. You might also want to look into one of the six to ten channel mini-mixers from Peavey, Samson, Behringer and others. They end up being useful for a huge variety of things - I have three hooked up right now.

http://www.peavey.com/products/browse.cfm/action/detail/item/115024/PV(R)%206.cfm
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Richard Marko


From:
Dallas, Texas
Post  Posted 22 Jul 2008 4:43 am    
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I've heard alot about a "Aphex 454" headphone amp is the best for on-stage ears.
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Jerry Erickson

 

From:
Atlanta,IL 61723
Post  Posted 22 Jul 2008 5:04 am    
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If you want to "roll your own", you can make a nice little headphone for not a lot.

http://www.tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 23 Jul 2008 12:06 pm    
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Yeah, Jerry, I've had the CM files archived for years, but that page is a new one on me. Too cool. eh?

Steve, thanx for the reply. I'll be checking it out.
I'll be super stoked if they have a verb setting to match the Boss Stereo.

Richard, that Aphex looks terrific! Thanx!
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Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 24 Jul 2008 7:59 pm    
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The simple MXR Micro Amp can. It's a great "clean boost" for when you need extra kick in your signal for solos, and also is a decent volume-only headphone amp.
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Ron Whitfield

 

From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2008 10:56 am     Looking good, thanx, Jim!
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Nothing but excellant reviews for this.
I'll be trying it.
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