How to connect headphones?

[Diffusion]

Ok, up till now I have been using radioshack speakers to "mix" with, which have a stereo mini jack to connect my headphones to. While tracking, I connect my headphones to the speakers, and I record. I then disconnect the headphones to mix on the speakers. Now, I bought a pair of M-Audio BX5a monitors, and realized they have no headphone inputs. I connect the monitors to my Audiophile 2496, but where and how do I connect my headphones now? They are cheap wall-mart headphones that has a 1/4" stereo mini connector. Also, how can I track through headphones and hear my voice through the headphones at the same time?

[Diffusion]

anyone?.......

[scrubs]

I have a Presonus HP4 headphone amp, which I connect to my soundcard (delta 66). It has monitor outs and places for up to 4 sets of headphones. You can also connect computer speakers to the headphone outs to check your mixes on those. You could also get a small mixer for routing.

[Diffusion]

so I NEED a headphone amp then?

[up-fiddler]

Originally Posted by Diffusion

so I NEED a headphone amp then?

Here is a short list with pix and prices.

[Diffusion]

do I connect my headphone amp to my audiophile 2496?

[Kryptik]

I'm guessing a headphone amp isn't really going to do the job for you if you only have two outputs on that card. If you have a couple of extra outs that don't seem to appear in the spec, a headphone amp should work fine. Behringer makes a little one for $20 (here).

Or, try looking into a little mixer like a Yamaha MG102 or this little Berhinger and use the headphone jack on them and run the main outs to your monitors.

EDIT-
If the presonus has a monitors out, that would probably be your best bet, but if you wanted cheaper options there they are. (well one of them anway )

[Diffusion]

I think I'll go with the mixer.. BUT, I noticed they have balanced inputs... will this be a problem as the 2496 soundcard is unbalanced? Also, let me try to get this straight... the monitors are connected to my 2496, and my headphones are connected to a mixer that is connected where? I've never had a mixer, never needed one, so where do I connect it to?

[Diffusion]

Originally Posted by Diffusion

I think I'll go with the mixer.. BUT, I noticed they have balanced inputs... will this be a problem as the 2496 soundcard is unbalanced? Also, let me try to get this straight... the monitors are connected to my 2496, and my headphones are connected to a mixer that is connected where? I've never had a mixer, never needed one, so where do I connect it to?

???????????????????

[Creamyapples1]

Depending on the mixer, just run the two outs from the soundcard into channels 1 and 2 on the board, main outs to the monitors and use the headphone out as intended?