i-Jam 3-N-1 Box Product Review

When building the i-Jam, Rapco wanted to solve not one, not two, but three equations that will make your practicing life easier as a musician.  You can use it as a solo headphone amp, use it to jam along with your computer, MP3 player or CD player as well as you can use it to jam, monitor and record along with many smartphone apps.

The first thing you will notice about the i-Jam is its sturdy build.  Most of the other headphone amps in the i-Jam’s class are made out of plastic.  The i-Jam is made is built around a tough aluminum chassis.  Let’s face it, sometimes when you are in the heat of the moment (maybe you are or are not rocking out to Asia’s Greatest Hits) things gets dropped or stepped on, a big plus is that the i-Jam can handle a little bit of abuse.

Power Ballad:

Next thing I like is the i-Jam is powered by a 9 volt battery, making you free to roam wherever without being tied down to a power supply.  There is a battery included with the i-Jam.  The only thing to look out for is to install the battery you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver.  So as you rob your smoke detector on your way out the door grab a screwdriver too!

“It’s a Clip-On!”

Another shout out to the build quality, there is a metal clip on the back that will firmly attach the i-Jam to your guitar strap, belt or pocket.

Bells and Whistles

On one side is a Hi-Z 1/4″ Guitar Input.  On the other side is a volume/power knob for the headphone amp, 1/8″ headphone out jack and an 1/8″ iPhone/MP3 input.  The Bump button allows you to start, stop and replay tracks if your app accepts it.

Cables Included Too!

Along with the included battery came 2 cables.  1 2′ instrument cable and 1 6′ TRRS cable.  One thing I want to add is a TRRS cable is needed for some but not all applications.  With my Creative MP3 player I noticed the TRRS cable added noise to the signal.  If this happens to you, get a standard stereo 1/8″ to 1/8″ audio cable and you are good to go.

Why Would You Buy This?

Two real life applications where I found the i-Jam very helpful were late night practicing and pre-gig warm-ups.  If I need to learn a song fast the i-Jam helps me isolate myself from the world with only a guitar, the i-Jam and some earbuds.

Price: Retail $129.99

Web: rapcohorizon.com