Phil Jones Bass Announces the X4 Nanobass Compact Combo Amplifier

[TalkBass]

Nanotechnology breaks the sound barrier with the X4 Nanobass, which is the most compact and portable combo amplifier ever designed by Phil Jones Bass for practice and desktop applications. It is a highly efficient mini engineering marvel that redefines transportability and “Tone To Go”. It is a 35 Watt amplifier with a 4” speaker and 3 Band EQ that not only rocks with bass; it will also provide dazzling tone for other instruments including guitar, ukulele, violin, and electronic drums.

The practical and versatile design includes an auxiliary input compatible with iPads, iPods and drum machines, and is Bluetooth equipped for music listening enjoyment and other applications. PJB’s proprietary NeoPower 4-inch speaker delivers full frequency range that achieves ultimate tonal clarity and transparency for instruments as well as high-fidelity sound to any source fed into the auxiliary and Bluetooth inputs.

The X4 weighs just over 5 lbs and is small enough to fit in a backpack. It is available in Black, Red, and White colors. As with all products in the PJB family it is constructed from the highest quality materials and built to provide years of enjoyment and “Tone To Go” anywhere in the world with its built in worldwide AC voltage input. The Street price is $359.99.

 

[subtlestew]

Am I right that this is basically half of a Double Four with Bluetooth added? That amp (which I own and love) has 2 x 35-watt amps driving 2 x 4" speakers.

For the record, I think that this new product looks wonderful. Now, do I need one in addition to the Double...?

 

[marchone]

It would be nice if the D4 had Bluetooth.

 

[pocket_groover]

Am I right that this is basically half of a Double Four with Bluetooth added? That amp (which I own and love) has 2 x 35-watt amps driving 2 x 4" speakers.

For the record, I think that this new product looks wonderful. Now, do I need one in addition to the Double...?

Yes, it is half of a Double Four, AND I want one but I don' t need one since I have a Double Four . Maybe with those Musician's Friend rewards and the next 15% off coupon .... maybe not

 

[Queue]

I think this is really cool, but it screams for a battery pack, or some way to run it without AC.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Two questions:

Is it equipped with a variable high-pass filter?

Can you chain two, or more, together?

 

[Pat_3752]

I think this is really cool, but it screams for a battery pack, or some way to run it without AC.

I run my Double Four with a 20v battery pack, so I’d bet you could do the same with this.

 

[Queue]

I run my Double Four with a 20v battery pack, so I’d bet you could do the same with this.

I wish. Looking at the X4's manual only shows AC Power input. Bummer.

I've been looking for a tiny bass amp to use in my office for the occasional noodling since returning to the workplace last month. I have the Vox headphone amp, which works nicely, but lots of wires, and I kinda prefer using my ears with speakers instead of headphones, IDK. So, the bluetooth feature on this little thing is very attractive to me. It's OK to me if it is underpowered. I'm certain my coworkers would not appreciate booming bass notes. Anyhow, I pulled the trigger. Will report after arrival.

 

[kumimajava]

I wish. Looking at the X4's manual only shows AC Power input. Bummer.

I've been looking for a tiny bass amp to use in my office for the occasional noodling since returning to the workplace last month. I have the Vox headphone amp, which works nicely, but lots of wires, and I kinda prefer using my ears with speakers instead of headphones, IDK. So, the bluetooth feature on this little thing is very attractive to me. It's OK to me if it is underpowered. I'm certain my coworkers would not appreciate booming bass notes. Anyhow, I pulled the trigger. Will report after arrival.

There are portable battery packs with an AC output. I've posted a link to a review of one of them over in the PJB thread, in case you'd like to chase it down.

 

[J Posega]

I mean this in all seriousness, no disparagement intended, but how much better will this sound and how much more low end can it produce compared to other <10" combos?

It's a really attractive little combo on screen, I just want to know that it won't be super farty or tinny.

 

[marchone]

I mean this in all seriousness, no disparagement intended, but how much better will this sound and how much more low end can it produce compared to other <10" combos?

It's a really attractive little combo on screen, I just want to know that it won't be super farty or tinny.

Given how my D4 performs I expect the same, though perhaps at lower volume. Not tinny at all. Surprisingly deep bass with plenty of headroom.

 

[pocket_groover]

I mean this in all seriousness, no disparagement intended, but how much better will this sound and how much more low end can it produce compared to other <10" combos?

It's a really attractive little combo on screen, I just want to know that it won't be super farty or tinny.

Here's a video sample; further in a five string is played with the low B sounding:

 

[J Posega]

Here's a video sample; further in a five string is played with the low B sounding:

That’s pretty fantastic. I wonder how it sounds with the mic more in the room. Cuz I wouldn’t be playing with my ear a few inches from the speaker.

 

[Queue]

Here's my NAD post on this little gem:
NAD PJB NanoBassX4 Tiny Practice Combo (pseudo-review w/vids)

 

[cosmicevan]

I am pumped these finally are making it to the states. The Bluetooth is perfect. Mini bass amp.that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker that when I am listening to music and feel.inspired, I can just play along through the same speaker? Um....YES!!!!

 

[lermgalieu]

There are portable battery packs with an AC output. I've posted a link to a review of one of them over in the PJB thread, in case you'd like to chase it down.

It's almost ridiculous that this doesn't have a built-in battery. If it did, I would ditch my Roland Bass Cube and get one in a second. But I won't be buying it at all.

 

[cosmicevan]

It's almost ridiculous that this doesn't have a built-in battery. If it did, I would ditch my Roland Bass Cube and get one in a second. But I won't be buying it at all.

Agreed. Kinda like the bass buddy setup...the built in rechargeable battery is key.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

It's almost ridiculous that this doesn't have a built-in battery. If it did, I would ditch my Roland Bass Cube and get one in a second. But I won't be buying it at all.

TOTALLY AGREE! And what I really don't understand is that there is an X4C model that comes with a chargeable battery in Asia (I think Japan), via a USB connection (I think Japan). UGH!

 

[Queue]

TOTALLY AGREE! And what I really don't understand is that there is an X4C model that comes with a chargeable battery in Asia (I think Japan), via a USB connection (I think Japan). UGH!

I suspect the X4C will find its way stateside within the year.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I suspect the X4C will find its way stateside within the year.

Thanks for the input. I e-mailed PJB about an hour ago with this question. I will share their response when I receive feedback from them. I'm really interested in the Double 4, but the X4 is very tempting! Especially the X4C. Hmmmm... should I exercise patience with this? LOL.