The M-Audio Bass Traveler is a portable headphone amplifier with a pair of 1/8-inch headphone jacks, so you can increase the quality of what you’re listening to, then share it with someone else.

The sound quality out of a mobile device’s headphone jack or coming from the standard-issue computer’s soundcard leaves a lot to be desired, even if you’ve got spectacular headphones.

Many personal digital music players have a limited output for driving high-quality headphones, but the Bass Traveler has a two-level gain switch to boost the signal level, so the sound is always crisp and clear. It is ideal for use with virtually all headphones from 16-100 ohms, so you can get full performance out of your top-notch brand or just get more bass in your earbuds.

A rotary on/off/volume control makes it easy to operate. The long-lasting built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides several hours of uninterrupted listening enjoyment. There is an LED indicator for power on, low battery, and battery charge, and re-charging is done through the convenient micro-USB port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need a headphone amplifier?

Headphone amplifiers can be great for anyone looking to get the most out of their favorite pair of headphones and improve their overall listening experience.

Cell phones, tablets and other listening devices these days may sound ok for general use, but could be lacking in overall response. A good headphone amplifier can improve the frequency response, clarity and add a much needed volume boost for high impedance headphones. They can also help in loud environments where it may be necessary to turn the headphone volume up more than normal like playing drums to a backing track.

In addition, the Bass Traveler also features a second headphone output that can be used to split the signal to a second pair of headphones for a second listener.

What is impedance?

To avoid getting too technical, impedance in this case is the resistance your headphones apply to the incoming audio signal.

Picture a garden hose with water flowing through it. When you bend the hose, you are resisting the flow of water and therefore adding impedance. In order to get the same amount of water to flow out the end of the hose, you'll need to increase the water flow. The same applies to your audio signal. Impedance in an audio signal is measured in Ohms. The higher the ohms, the higher the impedance or resistance level.

Headphones come in a variety of different impedance levels to combat the large variety of ways in which we listen to music these days. Headphones with a lower impedance level are typically consumer style models like iphone earbuds (about 23 ohms). These work best with devices with weaker amplification systems like your iphone or tablet. Because of the lack of resistance, the iphone or tablet won't need to work very hard to push the signal through to your headphones.

On the other end of the spectrum, headphones with a higher impedance (over 50 ohms) are better suited for use with stronger amplifiers, most commonly found in professional audio or stereo equipment. If you use a pair of high impedance headphones with your iphone, you may find them lacking in volume level, frequency response or clarity.

This is where the Bass Traveler comes in and gives your headphones the extra boost they need to operate at their best. The Bass Traveler will support headphones with impedance from 16 ohms all the way up to 100 ohms.

How long does the battery last and how can I charge it?

The Bass Traveler should be charged initially for about 2 hours before its first use. After that, the battery should last about 6-8 hours on a full charge and will only take about an hour to charge back up again. The light on the Bass Traveler will flash to indicate a low battery charge and should be plugged in to charge again as soon as possible.

The Bass Traveler will include a USB to USB micro cable to plug the unit into a USB wall charger or free USB port on your computer for charging. Your computer will need to be turned on or providing power to its USB ports in order to charge the Bass Traveler. The light on the unit will turn purple to indicate it is charging and turn blue again once it is finished.

You can continue to use the device while it is plugged in.

Can I play audio over USB?

The Bass Traveler will not accept any audio signal via USB, only the 1/8" (3.5mm) input. This allows the device to work with virtually any modern music listening device with a headphone port. You can, however, continue to use the Bass Traveler while it is plugged into a USB port and charging.

What does the Boost switch do?

The Boost switch is a pre-set bass boost EQ that can be switched to off (flat), a slight increase (M), or a max increase (H). This can be helpful for headphones with a limited bass response or for users that just need that extra boost in the low end.
 

Further Technical Support

Whether you are a customer or dealer, if you already own an M-Audio product, or if you just have pre-sales questions, the M-Audio technical support team is available to help!

Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support options: online community support, phone support, email support. 

•  M-Audio Support Contact 

Technical Specs

• Maximum Output Power: Approximately 250 mW (16 Ω)
• Maximum Drive Ability: 16–150Ω
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 90 dB (A-weighted)
• Connections:
  • (2) 1/8” TRRS outputs;
  • (1) 1/8” TRRS input;
  • (1) micro-USB port
• Power: Internal lithium-polymer battery with 8-hour capacity
• Dimensions(width x depth x height): 1.84” x 1.80” x 0.60”
• Weight: 0.07 lbs. (1.12 oz.)

Box Contents

• Bass Traveler
• Micro-USB cable
• 1/8” TRRS connector cable
• User Guide.