Problem with new audio interface

  • Thread starter Thread starter Snik
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Snik

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I recently bought myself Alesis iO2 Express. I installed it to my PC, set everything, recorded few tracks and i sound well, BUT. I found a huge problem with phones output. It produces practically no lows.
Earlier I used integrated audio card and a Numark DM1050 as a headphones amp and my headphones sounded just well, but when i switched to Alesis I got much more detailed sound but no low frequencies in it. I know that studio devices should produce flat sound, but it's just unbearable to listen to.
Is it normal? Does somebody use this gear and could tell me something about it? Should I call the seller and ask to send me new one?
I didin't check main outs yet so I can't really compare sound quality to phones out.
 
Philips SHP 8500. They sound decent, they aren't damaged.
I switched back to integrated card and DM1050 and it sounds great. Back to Alesis - no lows. I tested 3 pairs of headphones, problem occours with every pair.
It sounds like Alesis would have mounted EQ and was set to kill lows.
 
Is this only while you're monitoring live performances or is it on playback of recorded audio.

A difference in headphone output impedance can change the frequency response of headphones.
I can't find impedance specs for that io2, but maybe it's something to do with it?
 
Its possible. Added or accentuated low frequencies can make tracks and clips sound more desirable in a mix, when in actuality, play your mix on monitors or hi-fi stereo or even a vehicle and your mix is drowned out by the lows, or in the case of accentuated low frequencies in headphones - you will believe the mix is great when in actuality, you have almost no low frequency under tones. So... really, you should only be using headphones as a quick reference and for tracking - not mixing. Bottom line, I use Sennheiser HD380 headphones. Professional grade for a decent price. Or AKG K271 mkii's.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Is this only while you're monitoring live performances or is it on playback of recorded audio.
Click to expand...
Always, but only at phones out.

JesusMics said:
Its possible. Added or accentuated low frequencies can make tracks and clips sound more desirable in a mix, when in actuality, play your mix on monitors or hi-fi stereo or even a vehicle and your mix is drowned out by the lows, or in the case of accentuated low frequencies in headphones - you will believe the mix is great when in actuality, you have almost no low frequency under tones. So... really, you should only be using headphones as a quick reference and for tracking - not mixing. Bottom line, I use Sennheiser HD380 headphones. Professional grade for a decent price. Or AKG K271 mkii's.
Click to expand...
I have no lows on the headphones out on my interface. At main out everything sound perfect.
Using other interface my headphones sounds great, so it's clearly problem with Alesis phones out. I'll send it back to the seller and ask for another one.

Thanks for suggestions. :)
 
Like I say, it could be due to a lower output impedance with the Alesis, but they don't list it on their specs page so I can't say for sure.

It could be a fault too, but I'm just saying there are other possibilities.
 
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