Decent tone through headphones with cab sim (IR?)?

[Norba]

Hello guys - and Ladies,

Recently I was playing with the thought of getting a small tube amp for home (the first ever) but now I feel like it would be a waste since I couldn't really play loud.
So I'm looking for something digital now. I know with an audio interface and a decent computer you can get pretty good results but it feels like a lot of a hassle, and my computer is old - no way of getting low latency.
I've just recently discovered IRs and I found there are pedals capable of handling these.

Is there a way to use them without an audio interface? This is the signal chain in my head:

guitar -> FX pedals -> amp (head) -> cab sim -> headphones

In case of amp head it would be connected to a speaker out (I have no cab).

Currently I have a Fender Mustang I v1 that has okay Fender sounds through headphones but the British territory is not it's strength. I was thinking about buying something simple like a Hotone Purple Wind head - I'm open for suggestions. This one has a headphone out jack but it may not have a (usable) cab sim built in.

I have an AKG k240 studio headphone - made in Asia - which I suppose is okay.

Thanks!

 

[cerebral gasket]

I’ve been through software amp sims, modeling amps, profilers and none of those compare to a cranked tube amp moving some air.

Some tube amps have a built in USB out with cab sim that can be connected to computer for silent recording and practice with headphones for when at home.

Once you get used to a cranked tube amp, all other options sound like a bee in a can.

 

[Norba]

I’ve been through software amp sims, modeling amps, profilers and none of those compare to a cranked tube amp moving some air.

Some tube amps have a built in USB out with cab sim that can be connected to computer for silent recording and practice with headphones for when at home.

Once you get used to a cranked tube amp, all other options sound like a bee in a can.

I'm not used to a cranked tube amp since I have never ever even tried one so my expectations might be lower than yours...

 

[Norba]

I’ve been through software amp sims, modeling amps, profilers and none of those compare to a cranked tube amp moving some air.

Some tube amps have a built in USB out with cab sim that can be connected to computer for silent recording and practice with headphones for when at home.

Once you get used to a cranked tube amp, all other options sound like a bee in a can.

But do you have anything useful to add other than "tube amps rule"?

 

[njpaulc]

Maybe you should look for a different pedal to get you where you want to go. I don't know what you're looking for, but a pedal will be more useable in the future than another another little amp and will probably cost less.

 

[Norba]

Maybe you should look for a different pedal to get you where you want to go. I don't know what you're looking for, but a pedal will be more useable in the future than another another little amp and will probably cost less.

You might be right. Actually, I'm waiting for a Joyo UZI pedal right now but it will probably take a couple of weeks to arrive from Asia.

 

[Norba]

Is that possible that the solution I'm looking for currently does not exist (yet)?

 

[cerebral gasket]

Blackstar amps.

You will not need distortion or overdrive pedals with them as they have more than enough gain on tap.

 

[Norba]

Blackstar amps.

I suppose you mean a combo. Which series do you recommend? For headphone use it's not worth it to buy their hybrid HT series because the tubes would not get engaged.
If you mean a head then it must be solid state since I don't have a cab. In that case we are back to my original question.

 

[cerebral gasket]

Tubes would still be used.
Preamp tubes.

Eventually you may want to play without headphones.

Why limit yourself?

Nothing is a waste if you’re serious about playing music.

 

[Norba]

Tubes would still be used.
Preamp tubes.

For the headphone circuit no, they are not used. They are only used when the speakers are engaged. I only say that if you mean the HT series, I'm not sure what's the deal with any other.

 

[cerebral gasket]

It's more of a hassle coming up with a workaround trying to get a "decent" sound than if you simply get the right gear you need in the first place.

If you are set on headphones, then upgrade to a modern computer and audio interface where latency is not an issue. You can then connect any type of outboard gear to get the sound into a DAW where the sound can really be fine tuned.

Using a channel EQ on the guitar tracks by applying a low pass filter allows you to attenuate the high frequencies that pass through many cabinet simulators that often sound fizzy. Plus you will be able to record or play along to backing tracks.

Software and headphones will never replace the sound and feel of a cranked tube amp through a cabinet. But you can get "decent" sounds with a good set of headphones and the right gear along with knowing how to dial it in.

 

[Bad Penguin]

Yamaha THX-10. First off, it's a 10 watt amp, perfect for bedroom shredding thru it's small speakers or headphones. Secondly, with the USB out, you can easily record into your favorite DAW. Thirdly, editing is simple with the software.

 

[Norba]

I used to play with DAW and different softwares hooking up my Fender Mustang amp with my PC through USB. I found it fun - after the irritating part of setting things up - but I can get lost in this world. I mean I can see myself tweaking on the software more than playing the guitar.
That's why I thought of getting some simple gear that doesn't require turning on the PC. Turn on gear, adjust a couple of knobs and play guitar.
My other problem is my PC is old and I'd rather spend a little less than the price of a new PC for gear.
The Joyo UZI is on it's way, it might be able to deliver the Marshall sound through my amp.

 

[Kerry Brown]

For the headphone circuit no, they are not used. They are only used when the speakers are engaged. I only say that if you mean the HT series, I'm not sure what's the deal with any other.

This is not true. I have had an HT1RH for several years. The tubes are used on or off headphones. The new version also has USB out. It is easily the best headphone amp I have ever used. The cab sim is remarkable.

 

[Kozmyk]

I can identify with you OP.
I have a couple of 'Small' amps and even my 1 Watt Blackstar is LOUD in my flat/apartment.
I have a number of solutions.
1) Best Sound - Ampire XT in Studio One 5. It wasn;t bad in v4 but in v5 is ur Good.
2) Pedal board into a Mooer RADAR IR pedal. Either Heaphone out from that OR through Studio One again.
3) Vox AmpPlug2 , mine is the 'Blues' option. Good for quiet practise. Fixed presets so not all that flexible but for practise it's fine.
4) Line 6 Firehawk - I got it to power my Variax, I Should spend more time on tweaking it. It Can sound good but the Preset storage via Bluetooth being Cloud only is clunky and bugs me. A LOT !!

 

[dasherf17]

Blackstar amps.

You will not need distortion or overdrive pedals with them as they have more than enough gain on tap.

I picked up an Orange Crush mini the other day...I'm into hooking that, my Fender Tweed mini, and Vox AC30 headphone amp into a splitter then into my amp (or headphones) to get the (appropriate) sounds for day or night blasting.
Too much work, some say? Once it's set up, Guys, once it's set up...

 

[jk67SG]

I'm in a similar situation as the OP... I may catch hell for this, but I'm considering a pair of Boss Waza-Airs, still researching the reviews. I'm not endorsing these, they'll never fully replace an amp, they're expensive, but... well, check out the reviews:


https://www.musicradar.com/news/bos...and-effects-into-a-set-of-wireless-headphones
https://www.premierguitar.com/artic...wireless-personal-guitar-amplification-system
https://www.guitarworld.com/reviews/boss-waza-air-review
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/reviews/1298554-boss-waza-air.html

Okay, I'm done blaspheming, burn me at the stake.