VOX amPlug G2 Bass Headphone Amp
MPN's:
Much better than expected
I really didn't expect much for $40. But the amPlug G2 delivers a fat, punchy sound with no audible distortion. And the built-in beat box is handy for keeping you honest when you don't have a metronome handy (and yes, it really does have 9 different beats; read the manual included with the amp to find out how to get them all.) Pros: cheap, very compact, great sound, plug folds so it's less likely to break in your gig bag, has nice extras like the built-in rhythm unit. Cons: controls are hard to see and reach when it's plugged in (but you'll get used to it).
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Does what it says...
...but I expected a better sound quality. Too much hiss/white noise. Volume acceptable but could be louder. It's a pitty it doesn't include any effects (no delay, no chorus/flanger, no distortion), which are present in guitar models.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Functional toy, but fragile
Does what it is supposed to do, but it somewhat fraglie. The jack for the headphone shorted out, which will require re-soldering. Pretty much a toy. There are better solutions and more durable items for being able to mix your instrument with an audio signal for practicing.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing
It's amazing what they can do these days... I wasn't expecting much but I must say the sound out of this little baby wowed me. Clip an MP3 player to your bass strap and your ready to go with a full-fledged practice setup that you can take almost anywhere! My only gripe is that it advertises 9 rhythm patterns to play along with - I only found 3. Nonetheless, this is a great little unit. Do be careful with the swivel plug, though - a friend of mine popped his off by not paying attention.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video