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Post subject: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:44 pm
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I'd like to play some backing tracks through an amp so that I can hear the tracks at the same level as my guitar. My son has a Frontman 15G that I've liberated for practice. My iPod can be connected using a 3.5mm stereo jack to Aux In connector cable. However, the sound of my guitar isn't close to the tone I get from my DRRI. Is it possible to connect the iPod to the second input jack on the DRRI? I've seen 3.5mm to 1/4 inch converter cables that would allow me to connect the iPod but I don't know whether I'd need a stereo or mono cable. And, how would it sound?

The other possibility is to purchase another amp that has the right connectors but sounds better than the Frontman. Any suggestions?

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:54 pm
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You'll have better fidelity by downloading the iPod into a component stereo system or a decent ghetto-blaster via a docking station or stereo adapter cable. It'll most certainly sound more pleasing and realistic than using the Frontman.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:59 pm
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You're probably right Arjay. I mean that Frontman sounds bad! I feel guilty about getting it for my son! :oops:

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 6:34 pm
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ckfoley wrote:
You're probably right Arjay. I mean that Frontman sounds bad! I feel guilty about getting it for my son! :oops:


I'm afraid I won't be able to help you with that.

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 3:59 am
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ckfoley wrote:
Is it possible to connect the iPod to the second input jack on the DRRI? I've seen 3.5mm to 1/4 inch converter cables that would allow me to connect the iPod but I don't know whether I'd need a stereo or mono cable. And, how would it sound?


That's what I do with my Vibroverb, Guitar into the vibrato channel and iPod into the normal channel. By adjusting the EQ on the Normal channel it doesn't sound too bad.

You need to convert the stereo signal from the iPod to a mono signal. You'll only get one side of the stereo signal if you don't. You can buy a stereo 3.5mm cable (both ends) and then get a stereo to mono 1/4" adaptor. Both are easy to get at Radioshack.

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:59 am
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Thanks Voodoo Blues! I will try that.

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:33 pm
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I was once told to which I have always kept in mind.

Electric Guitar Amps are sound processors. They do not accurately reproduce the single from your guitar. They modify it.

Acoustic Amps and PA Amps accurately reproduce the signal.

Plug you electric guitar into an acoustic amp for a test.

Use a Stereo for backing tracks and the guitar amp for your guitar. I just run powered speakers from my ipod or computer for backing tracks. Works great.

of course opinions are just that. This works for me as a general rule.


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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:07 pm
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frankg12 -

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm looking at what I have handy to play through: a boom box, but it doesn't have a line-in, or a high end stereo which will be difficult to get close to where I play. I may have to look into getting some powered speakers.

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:20 am
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Definitely get some powered speakers for your ipod or computer. I've tried separate amps, the same amp, No Good! I cant get into having all the sound coming out of one amp. And like it was mentioned, Backing tracks sound bad coming out of a guitar amp. A good set of speakers on your computer is the way to go. 8)


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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:29 pm
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Voodoo Blues wrote:
ckfoley wrote:
Is it possible to connect the iPod to the second input jack on the DRRI? I've seen 3.5mm to 1/4 inch converter cables that would allow me to connect the iPod but I don't know whether I'd need a stereo or mono cable. And, how would it sound?


That's what I do with my Vibroverb, Guitar into the vibrato channel and iPod into the normal channel. By adjusting the EQ on the Normal channel it doesn't sound too bad.

You need to convert the stereo signal from the iPod to a mono signal. You'll only get one side of the stereo signal if you don't. You can buy a stereo 3.5mm cable (both ends) and then get a stereo to mono 1/4" adaptor. Both are easy to get at Radioshack.


+1 I used to do that in the cave man days with my trusty cassette deck and my Bandmaster. That's how I learned all the harmony parts for our Wishbone Ash covers we did. LOL Be sure to use the second input and bring the volume up slowly. I agree with Arjay that a component system would sound better just by design, but the amp will be just fine.

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 6:26 pm
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I use a Jamman Solo through my SCXD, the backing tracks sound fine.
And it records to memory card !


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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 4:13 pm
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Just for kicks I purchased a 3.5mm-to-1/4 inch mono cable and plugged my iPod into the clean channel of my DRRI. The backing tracks sound fine - good enough to practice with. So, I'll work with this until I decide what powered speakers to try.

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Post subject: Re: Backing tracks through amp?
Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 5:56 am
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i use a jam man and lay down the rythem via loop and play over it. i cant imagine practicing without it any more.........


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