Just got a EBS MB3, need a cheap IR loader for headphone practice.

[dave_bass5]

Any suggestions? 

Ive seen the Sonicake IR loader and it looks good, but wondered if anyone has any other recommendations in this price range. £50 max I guess.

It's purely for headphone practice at home, will never leave the house. Not even fussed about what it has in it etc, I just need to get that cab feel.

 

Ive been using a Nux MLD preamp and got hooked on IR's, although I turn the IR off when using it with the band. 

[lemmywinks]

The Sonicake Pocket Master has a headphone out and is within budget, it's also tiny and contains a rechargeable battery. Supports IR and also has a few NAM capture slots.

[dave_bass5]

Thanks. I should clarify that it’s just going to sit between the EBS and my computer interface. I’ll take the headphone feed off the interface so no need for any headphone socket etc, although obviously i can just ignore that part. 
Also needs to be mains powered so i dont have to unplug anything when not using it. 

I see that NUX do one called Pulse. A bit more than i was hoping to pay but as i already love the IR’s in the MLD maybe that one will be better. 

[AttitudeCastle]

I just got the MVave IR box for my pocket rig and it's nice solid, easy, has it's own headphone out and can do audio via USB (there's no volume control for the USB which is a faff. but non issue in your case), XLR out and has High pass / Low Pass knobs too. Comes loaded with it's own IR's but they can be replaced via the app. The stock one's I've found "okay" but loaded my own and am having fun.

I've not used it but was also recommended the Sonicake IR loader, also has an XLR out and your own IR's can be loaded into the slots.  Can be had online for £35-40

Both super cheap, I got the Mvave for £20 or so. Ordered it and the Mvave Chocolate Plus mini bluetooth midi controller, both together was £40 delivered to my door, the future is now! Part of why I went for the Mvave was as I knew I was getting the midi controller and they use the same app etc.

Edited Wednesday at 22:25 by AttitudeCastle
typos!

[dave_bass5]

Thanks. That looks quite cool. Ive not seen that one before. Ali Express has it for £22.50 so I’ll take a punt on that. I like the idea of not needing an app for the HPF/LPF, although i also think the app looks quite good. Those are the only control's id need. 

I’ll order one now. Good call. 

 

EDIT: Maybe not, it looks like it’s powered from the computer. is that right? I dont want it connected as a USDB device (other than to load IR’s). Ive had hum/noise and all sorts when ive used other gear like this. for me it has to be a PSU. 

Edited Wednesday at 21:55 by dave_bass5

[AttitudeCastle]

Can confirm it's got a regular center negative / common style PSU input as well, that's how I run mine 👍

[dave_bass5]

2 minutes ago, AttitudeCastle said:

Can confirm it's got a regular center negative / common style PSU input as well, that's how I run mine 👍

Ah cool, thanks very much. Will hit buy now. 👍🏻

[BigRedX]

Be aware that most of the budget IR loaders add quite a bit of latency to the signal, some of them approach unacceptable amounts.

 

IME adding cab models always seems to make my bass sound worse. I just use the EQ until I get a sound I like. 

[dave_bass5]

11 minutes ago, BigRedX said:

Be aware that most of the budget IR loaders add quite a bit of latency to the signal, some of them approach unacceptable amounts.

 

IME adding cab models always seems to make my bass sound worse. I just use the EQ until I get a sound I like. 

Thanks. I must admit until i got the Nux i too never got on with IR’s. Even when i had my Stomp i couldn’t use them. This is partly why i wanted to get a dirt cheap one. Nothing lost if i doesn't work for me. Could be the EBS will be fine without it anyway, it’s arriving today. 

[AttitudeCastle]

Hopefully you enjoy! One of the reasons I went with the Mvave was peopled reported decent latency, and I am happy to report I've had no noticeable issues, and generally am quite sensitive to even small amounts of latency. YMMV but hopefully ticks the boxes! My only real complain is that Mvave seems to use these tiny strange knobs but that's pretty minor since I basically don't touch them.

[dave_bass5]

23 minutes ago, AttitudeCastle said:

Hopefully you enjoy! One of the reasons I went with the Mvave was peopled reported decent latency, and I am happy to report I've had no noticeable issues, and generally am quite sensitive to even small amounts of latency. YMMV but hopefully ticks the boxes! My only real complain is that Mvave seems to use these tiny strange knobs but that's pretty minor since I basically don't touch them.

Thanks. It's worth a go. Im ok with anything under 5ms latency. The whole point of me going this route rather than using an Amp sim on Mac is to make things easier to just pick the bass up and play. Otherwise I have all the amps and IR's I could possibly need on the Mac, with a latency of around 3ms. 

[dave_bass5]

Got the EBS earlier and just had a play. Im impressed, especially as I didn't get on with the Ampeg SGT-DI I had for 30mins. I don’t really need the IR loader now but as its ordered ill see what its like.