Is it ok to plug an iPod into an amplifier?

[MooMoo!]

I know I can do it, but is it ok to do it? The amp in question is a Vox AD30 VT.


If its not ok, in the sense that you shouldn't plug a bass into a guitar amp, then Ill use my little crappy amp. If its not ok in the sense that the universe will explode, Ill steer clear.

 

[The_Pac_Mule]

It doesn't sound the best. I have a VoxAD100. It works best if you use the effects send/return. But you cant play guitar while your ipod is in. As for whether its ok for the amp, it is, but then again I also sometimes play bass through my guitar amps too

 

[MooMoo!]

So...it wont damage the amp? Thats my main worry.


Basically, my brother keeps playing his hi-fi too loud, and with crap radio music. So I wanna show him who's boss.

 

[Galeongirl]

You can't damage it if you keep the volume down a bit. I actually play bass on my Vox AD30VT since I don't own a bass amp(Yet!!!). The guy at the store told me to keep the volume under 5, and since I play at home it doesn't go over 2 or 3 anyway and it works fine.

But I've never heard someone put his music trough an amp though. How would that sound?

 

[MooMoo!]

It works quite well! but the problem is, the iPod is stereo and the amp plays mono, so its playing as though theres a speaker missing (as it were). Ill have to go out tomorrow and see if I can get a mono jack converter, since I think thats what I need to mono-fy it.


Plus, its loud at under 1/4, so theres potential for some serious wall shaking.

 

[Galeongirl]

That sounds really interesting. Maybe I should try that some day.

You can get a mono jack converter at any music store as far as I know, or perhaps a handyman store too.

 

[MooMoo!]

Yeah, Im gonna have a look in town tomorrow. Semi stereo is annoying me. Though its interesting hearing certain bits clearly.

 

[Edge_Orchestra]

I think that is how some tribute bands might be running backing tracks... although it might be iPod to the soundboard direct and not an amp.

 

[Muad'zin]

Most likely a computer or laptop --> DI --> FOH. That way they can also use a click track to keep themselves in sync. And I've seen lots of drummers use laptops this way where I work but still not single one using an iPod. The drummer of one of my bands wants to use an external sound card so he can send out a stereo backing track to the FOH and send a third click track signal to himself. I'm sure about the details because when he starts talking drums, I as a guitarist begin to zone out.

 

[Chill Mike D]

You can do it, but it'll sound awful. Guitar amps are pretty bad at being "speakers" in that sense.