This article provides a comparison between the VOX amPlug2 Bass and the Blackstar amPlug2 FLY Bass, two small headphone amplifiers. These devices allow users to practice bass without disturbing others, making them perfect for night-time use. Both models are almost same. However, they differ in terms of modes, rhythm types and control. Blackstar is a good choise for most people because it has 3-type tone.
●Do you want to play bass even at night?
●Do you want an affordable headphone-amp for bass guitar?
●Are you wondering which is better, VOX’s amPlug or Blackstar’s amPlug?
This article is for you. I’m Yosh, an ex-music store clerk (@Yosh_Guitar). This is an introduction and comparison of amPlugs for bass guitar, which are worth having for any bassist.
What is amPlug?
amPlug is a small headphone amplifier. By directly inserting it into the jack of the bass and connecting headphones or earphones to the amPlug, you can get an amp sound. It also has a built-in metronome and several drum patterns, making it sufficient for daily practice.
Furthermore, it is equipped with an AUX INPUT, and by connecting a stereo mini cable and a smart device, you can play the bass along with the sound source from YouTube, etc. It is very compact in size, so you can carry it anywhere, and you can practice without bothering your neighbors or family even at night. It’s a handy item to have even if you have an amp. Bass amPlugs are available from the VOX brand and the Blackstar brand.
Pros
Easy to practice anywhere with headphones
You can play with headphones very easily. Normally, to play with headphones, you need to connect your bass to an amp with a cable, and then connect the headphones to the amp. With amPlug, it is just like connecting headphones directly from the bass, so preparation is quick and easy.
Cons
Not Very Durable.
The housing is made of plastic and is a bit cheap. It is vulnerable to impact and may break if hit anywhere during use.
Sound Quality Depends on the Headphone
The sound quality depends on the headphones/earphones used, so if you use something too cheap, you may not get the expected sound quality. Especially since the bass is important for the low frequency range, we recommend using headphones rather than earphones.
VOX amPlug2 Bass vs Blackstar amPlug2 FLY Bass
Common Specifications for Both Models
- Input, Output: Headphone Out, Aux In
- Power supply: Two AA batteries
- Alkaline battery operation time: Rhythm on: 11 hours, Rhythm off: 17 hours
- Manganese battery operation time: Rhythm on: 4 hours, Rhythm off: 9 hours
- Size: 86 x 38 x 31 mm (when the plug is stored)
- Weight: 40g (excluding batteries)
The input plug rotates 180 degrees, so it can accommodate various basses.
Connect your headphones or earphones on this side.
It is equipped with an auto-off function that automatically turns off the power if the button operation or soundless state continues for about 30 minutes. It does not turn off when using rhythm. The headphone jack and the external input Aux In are both mini stereo.
Differences between VOX amPlug2 Bass and Blackstar amPlug2 FLY
| VOX amPlug2 Bass | Blackstar amPlug2 FLY Bass | |
|---|---|---|
| Modes | 3 types: High/Normal/Low | 3 types: Classic/Modern/Overdrive |
| Rhythm | 6 types | 9 types |
| Control | Volume, Tone, Rhythm Volume/Tempo, Rhythm button | Gain, Tone, Volume, Rhythm/Tempo button |
| Market price | $49.99 | $54.99 |
The differences between the two models are the sound switching, the number of rhythm patterns, and the operation. Since there is not much difference in price, it is goodness to choose based on functionality.
VOX amPlug2 Bass
- Input gain can be switched in 3 steps
The 3 modes are not for sound switching, but for input gain switching. Please switch according to your bass, such as passive or active bass.
- 9 built-in rhythm patterns
The built-in rhythm patterns are Pops, Rock, Shuffle, Jazz, Funk, Skip, Samba, Special, Click, a total of 9 types. Since the volume of the bass and the rhythm can be adjusted individually. If you prioritize the rhythm pattern, VOX may be better.
Blackstar amPlug2 FLY Bass
- Sound switching with 3 modes
- Classic: Sound conscious of aggressive midrange valve tone.
- Modern: Modern tone that emphasizes the bottom end and treble and suppresses the mid.
- Overdrive: Smooth and natural, overdrive sound that brings the sound to the front.
- 6 built-in rhythm patterns
The 6 rhythm loops can be selected in the order of Rock > Funk > R&B > Hip Hop > Blues > Metronome. The tempo is adjusted with tap tempo. The volume control affects both the bass and the rhythm, so you need to use gain adjustment to balance the volume with the bass.
For pop/rock as well as hard rock/metal players and those who value tone, Blackstar is recommended. Blackstar is a good choice for most people.
