JamHub TourBus

Overview

JamHub is an amazing idea and this is the current top-of-the-line model. Ex Bose exec Steve Skillings invented and came up with the concept of the 'silent rehearsal studio' and basically it’s this: Plug your band’s outputs into a JamHub unit (a mixer-like unit the size of a beatbox) and each band member can create their own individual headphone mix (a "SoleMix") of a rehearsal, writing session, whatever. Everyone can hear the mix they want, at the level they want; even in the pan position they want. Simple. Brilliant.

Nothing gets 'amplified' into the outside world because everyone’s wearing headphones. No outside noise = no complaints. Meanwhile, not only can you hear each other with the clarity of being in a recording studio, you save money on rehearsal space, and save the hassle of complaints from the police/parents/neighbors/wife...i.e. anyone in normal hearing range of the inevitably annoying sound (for anyone outside the band) of a band rehearsal.

The TourBus can handle up to seven instruments or sources, up to 4 remote units (two of which come with this model), which are vital if your drummer and keyboard player want to be able to make adjustments to the mix without having to get up and walk over to the JamHub. TourBus has a USB out, streamlining recording into a DAW, but also, more importantly, comes with its own recording capability (see below).

Effects

Built in are a modest but perfectly usable range of 24-bit digital effects that can be used by the Vocal input. They're focused on reverbs (quite rightly) but also offer some delays and choruses. Each player can decide how much of the effect they want to hear via their own effects return control.

Recording

In addition to the analog (TRS) and digital (USB) outputs that can send a custom mix out for recording, on TourBus you can record internally, and store on SD Card. Mix set up is on the rear panel R area. Up to six hours of uncompressed audio can be recorded (at 16-bit / 44.1kHz). Files are in WAV format and so can be dumped into a DAW for further work quickly and easily. There’s also a built-in metronome.

Hardware

It’s not an SSL or an API board but the Jamhub is sturdily made; knobs operating smoothly and the whole construction feeling solid and usable. Each section offers 1/4 inch jack (TRS) outputs plus a remote output (an accessory), and XLR input. This model goes on to offer Phantom power, vital if you plan on using condenser mics. Also included are two mono to stereo adaptors for guitars, and two of the handy remotes.

In Use

In a word: liberating. You simply won't believe how fun it is to hear your fellow players so cleanly, so clearly, so controllably. It goes without saying that this works (best) with an electronic as opposed to acoustic kit, and that if you absolutely have to play through a Marshall stack some of the concept may be lost. But provided you are able to accommodate playing predominantly electronic instruments (obviously real vocals are initially going to be generated 'acoustically') then the savings on rehearsal space, or the patience of your nearest and dearest are substantial.

The additional features of TourBus are well worth the extra money if you have higher quality gear (condenser mics) and plan on using this as a serious foundation for future recording, where the metronome and internal WAV-storing capacity will let you take your recordings conducted through the JamHub to a new level.

The mono to stereo connectors help get around the issue of a guitar most likely needing a split mono in order not to heard out of one side only, but a better idea, if you can, is to use a stereo Y cable from your guitar rig and plug each side into a separate area. Since the JamHub allows you to pan each input you can create a wonderful stereo spread, just the width you want.

Good quality headphones repay the investment as, ideally, you want good isolation and as good a frequency response as you can get since the whole band is going to be whanging away in there. This would be especially important if you’re using acoustic drums (mic up the kick and an overhead and you’ll be fine!).

Features

• 21 audio channels for up to 7 musicians
• 7 XLR and 7 TRS input jacks
• SoleMix controls for each section so everyone creates their own mix
• 4 SoleMix remote jacks (2 remotes included)
• 1-R switch for quickly listening to recording mix
• R section for connecting to MP3 or recording
• Built-in 24-bit stereo effects including reverb, delay and modulation
• Stage control gives each player virtual stage location in rehearsal studio
• Phantom power (+48V)
• USB out for direct recording to computer
• Built-in recording to SD RAM card
• Metronome built into recording system