Tone Report Weekly Issue 160 | Page 42

The best headphone amp around might be the one that ’ s already in your pocket . In addition to letting you waste time on social media , check your sad little bank account , take hilarious videos of your cat , and even make the occasional phone call , your smart phone is also capable of being an exceptional tool for headphone-based jamming . All you need is some kind of appropriate audio interface . These interfaces come in many forms and at varying price levels , but for late-night headphone shredding the most basic model is all that is necessary . The required apps are often included with the interface , but if not , there are plenty of free ones available , including GarageBand , which is feature-packed , sounds good , and comes pre-installed on Apple iOS devices . Beyond just noodling away aimlessly in the night , one can also employ these devices to jam along with music from one ’ s personal library , or even record a fully realized piece of music .

Your smartphone

The best headphone amp around might be the one that ’ s already in your pocket . In addition to letting you waste time on social media , check your sad little bank account , take hilarious videos of your cat , and even make the occasional phone call , your smart phone is also capable of being an exceptional tool for headphone-based jamming . All you need is some kind of appropriate audio interface . These interfaces come in many forms and at varying price levels , but for late-night headphone shredding the most basic model is all that is necessary . The required apps are often included with the interface , but if not , there are plenty of free ones available , including GarageBand , which is feature-packed , sounds good , and comes pre-installed on Apple iOS devices . Beyond just noodling away aimlessly in the night , one can also employ these devices to jam along with music from one ’ s personal library , or even record a fully realized piece of music .
42 TONE TALK // Hear , Hear ! 5 Headphone Amps that Keep it Down