The best Guitar Amplifier Accessories: Reddit reviews

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I am spoiled and have a mic system in my classroom - we've had them for years actually.

They sell portable ones on Amazon for $35-40. Well worth the money. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Amplifier-Microphone-Waistband-Presentation/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=headset+microphone+and+speaker&qid=1595116960&sr=8-2

(And for the record, I do have concerns about masks learning wise. I'm trying to find clear masks.)

Do you get noise when you plug in at a different outlet in your house or whatever? It could be ground loop interference. It might be worth getting a ground loop isolator. They are pretty cheap on Amazon. Here is an example - disclaimer it could be a different issue.

Pyle Hum Noise Filter Eliminator Destroyer Stop Hum Noise with TRS Inputs and Outputs 2-Channel For Guitar Pedals , Speakers Ac Adapter No More Hum (PHE300) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bjhxybGVYMEGB

yea, that PA horn should work fine, no specs tho.

amazon sells a nice Pyle PA horn that tops out at 25 watts audio output

https://www.amazon.com/PSP8-Weather-5-Inch-Trumpet-Speaker/dp/B001D0LMG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491712270&sr=8-1&keywords=cb+PA+horn

I added these amplifier rubber feet to my rig and they were extremely cheap and work great, but I don't need to move my rig anywhere. As everyone said if you need casters you can buy them from McMaster-Carr or Grainger for much cheaper.

If you're having problems with functions triggering on your phone when you have something plugged into the headphone jack it's because the poles on the jack don't match the poles on the socket.

Headphone jacks have a concept of poles: They are little rings separated by an insulator that perform different functions like the pins on a USB cable.

A phone typically has between 4 and 6 poles (rings) for: Audio left, audio right, pause/play/skip, activate voice assistant etc.

Here's a wiki article that explains some of the standards. Part of the problem you're experiencing is that the input/output amplification stage on Volca products is garbage. The input is usually too low and the output is too high.

Fixing this is not simple, especially with your portable rig. You'd need a humbucker box (also called a ground loop eliminator), a balancer and a pole converter.

The closest to a portable solution you're going to get is probably this box by Pyle.

You're probably encountering a ground loop, it's a very common thing when running two amps. What you would need to solve that is a box that has an isolation transformer. This box on amazon claims to do such a thing, no experience with it personally though: https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW3I

A portable mic will change your life. After that you need to question why the kids won’t listen in the first place. Do the other teachers that can’t handle them have soft voices as well?portable mic from Amazon

So full disclosure I did the whole sketch from memory and didn't actually look up an amp stand, drew what I thought they looked like but apparently they don't make them with the legs facing forward like that. I was hoping to have space to easily tuck away my pedals under the amp when I'm not using them.

That being said I found this on amazon that gives me something close to it and it has the bonus of having an optional mic arm attachment for recording. I wish it elevated the amp a bit higher off the ground though.

I had one of these previously and it got the job done.

Both stands should definitely hold your 2x12, I used a Fender Twin from the 70's (those were heavy as hell) on it the one I had before and the there are pics of the first one with a Twin on it.

Sounds like electrical interference. Balanced cables working in equipment that supports it should help, you can also use a ground loop isolator:

https://www.amazon.com/PYLE-PRO-PHE400-Eliminator-2-Channel-Outputs/dp/B00BARTW42/

I had to buy something like this to get rid of USB hum in my system, worth a try they are very cheap https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW3I?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Hi y’all, story is my mother has MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and her voice is getting weaker and weaker, plus she can only move her face muscles. Whilst looking for an amplifying solution for her, I tried different devices but found them not too useful as none is designed for her special needs.

So, our first choice was the: Portable voice amplifier But we found that any of the models/brands we’ve tried wasn’t sensitive enough to properly absorb her weak voice.

Our next option was same as this Throat Mic but meant for PTTs or mobile phones, even when I used a matching jack adapter/ connector - it wouldn’t work with any speaker.

Basically, am looking for a simple (sensitive) microphone+amplifier that can be attached to a speaker which will not require any Push-To-Talk or other physical gesture rather than just speaking. Hopefully, someone here can help us as we reached a dead end.

I remembered it being cheaper, but here it is for $35.

Best $35 I’ve ever spent in my life.

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Amplifier-Microphone-Waistband-Presentation/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=48O2RAKIU56X&keywords=zoweetek+voice+amplifier&qid=1661200442&sprefix=zoweetek%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-4

Does a Hum Eliminator do anything?

I have a couple voice effects pedals that I run my mic through. When I use them they add a noticeable hiss to the audio. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if these will help eliminate the sound, or will make any difference. At the price, they seem cheap enough that its not a big loss if it doesn't work. But at the price, it sounds too cheap to be a silver bullet to the problem I'm having.
Examples:
Hosa GLT-255 XLR Female to XLR Male Ground Lift Hum Stopper: https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW42/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=C5QKFFSSLEV9&keywords=xlr%2Bnoise%2Bfilter&qid=1657651854&sprefix=xlr%2Bnoise%2Bfilte%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-3&th=1
Pyle Compact Mini HumEliminator Box: https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW42/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=C5QKFFSSLEV9&keywords=xlr%2Bnoise%2Bfilter&qid=1657651854&sprefix=xlr%2Bnoise%2Bfilte%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-3&th=1

I bought this one. It works quite well. You can wear it around your neck (but dont, trust me) or on a belt, and it allows you to amplify your voice to a variety of levels.

Not sure your mounting situation but for my 8020 rig I used these rubber feet to isolate the rig.

Reliable Hardware Company RH-1606-8-A Rubber Foot, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJ191Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XPXNVH5A33A1VMZMRXT9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

THIS HAS SAVED MY VOICE!!! I had prenodules and after using a microphone, they are completely healed! This has held up for me for a long time. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Amplifier-Microphone-Waistband-Presentation/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3VH0LOAIMTDKN&keywords=personal+microphone&qid=1650750502&sprefix=personal+microphon%2Caps%2C293&sr=8-5 My kids call it my Britney Spears mic lol.

Our school provided these and they seem to work well

ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset and Waistband, Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Singing, Coaches, Training, Presentation, Tour Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZTAW9SGG7M45YW92SZ86

I wore a full face pre-vaxx in NYC. I actually didn't get too much attention surprisingly and it was a rather "intense" one. But I honestly didn't like the look of it, so I covered it (pretty much the whole thing - around my head except the top) with an XL Coolnet Buff. I also added a surgical mask with a lanyard style ear saver once exhalations became a concern.

I actually got told off more recently by a group of protestors with a microphone while wearing a black KF94. The main person turned out to be a teacher. People on here should be able to give you good advice and already are when it comes to options. You might want to consider getting a portable voice amplifier, as you'll be harder to be heard in. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5CY7DG0ZBX4BRMHPA5GH

When it comes to looks this company made this white and built in an exhalation filter: https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/comfort-air-nxmd-half-mask-elastomeric-respirator-n95-filters-2/19222560

I'm honestly a little skeptical because it doesn't seem to have a silicone seal which tends to be more comfortable. Though I didn't do a deep dive on it.

Something to keep in mind is that you'll need to remove the filters and clean it each day. I just used a dunking method with a bucket.

I've included a bit of info towards the bottom of the NIOSH section here, but I didn't include that much since basically no one seemed to be interested in actually using one: tinyurl.com/maskinfo2021

I've included plenty of sourcing info for other NIOSH masks including N95s.

Something to keep in mind is what your workplace will actually allow you to wear. There are places that won't allow re-usable respirators or won't allow ones with unfiltered valves. And they are usually not returnable, so if it's not a good match for your face, you're out whatever you paid.

It’s likely a form of ground hum or interference.

I used this and it works great. Give it a whirl.

Compact Mini Hum Eliminator Box - 2 Channel Passive Ground Loop Isolator, Noise Filter, AC Buzz Destroyer, Hum Killer w/ 1/4” TRS Phone, XLR Input/Output, Uses 1:1 Isolation Transformer - Pyle PHE400

I use this and it works great. I like how the main pole's height is adjustable so I can prevent it from sticking above my amp.

On-Stage RS7500 Tiltback Tripod Guitar Amplifier Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035LCFRW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_M1G747VFA2ZYMWC7TNJH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Always hard to diagnose line noise, but if it's between the interface and the amp, there's a good chance it's a ground loop. If you have a ground lift on either the amp or the interface, try that.

Otherwise, I'd recommend using a ground isolator like the Pyle Hum Eliminator (the cheapest one I know of).

Sealing up a surgical is infinitely worse than just wearing a good n95 or KF94.

Once a surgical mask is "sealed up", what will happen, is that the surgical mask will "collapse" or suck in on your mouth when you inhale. All of your inhalation pressure will be through the filter media the size of your mouth (small area) which makes it very hard to breath through (compared to what you are used to with a surgical).

When you wear a n95 or KF94, the mask stays more rigid and away from your face - thus increasing the filter media surface area that you are breathing through - which equal less resistance to breathing.

My reccomendation for a teacher (what my wife does) - KF94 and a voice amplifier

Voice Amplifier

Better cables and I’ve never used this for guitar because I don’t get feedback but I have some mics and my record player hooked up to this guy and it cures all him

Compact Mini Hum Eliminator Box -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Highly recommend getting something like this to at least help with being heard. I have a pretty quiet voice and it has been a godsend.

If it’s hard for the kids to hear you while wearing an N95, try using a personal mic. Limited-time deal: ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset and Waistband, Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Singing, Coaches, Training, Presentation, Tour Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_EBT4MMABAFE19G2H1659?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Does the noise only happen when the monitors are plugged into the PC? If you turn them on without connecting them to the PC is it quiet? I had this happen with my Yamaha HS5's and it was a grounding issue that I fixed with a ground lifter like this one

These are the ones I am currently using. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJ191Z6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details They are heavy duty, rubber and larger diameter.

I tried some small height feet that were aluminum but the color was off and the bottom clearance was only about half and inch.

Definitely invest in a portable voice amplifier. I've been using this one for $35 and it's been a game changer. As a music teacher, my voice pulls double duty in my class, both to sing and to give instruction. This allows me to use a normal speaking voice while still being heard across the room.

I have a similar situation to yours, but add in allergy drainage. When I learned that masks would be required last year, after teaching for a full week without a voice the previous year, I came to this very reddit and learned of this magical device: ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_WQ148BJEQW7EF2QR7YCF

I will never teach without one again. I also invest a great deal of time into producing short videos of myself, on camera, demonstrating my content.

Students can move at their own pace, review topics that they misunderstood or lost out on due to absence, and I don't have to repeat myself so much.

I was thinking that might be the case. You might want to consider some larger rubber feet to get better air flow on the bottom. This what I used on mine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJ191Z6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details. It is amazing how much comes out the bottom even with the fans pulling air in.