Are there interfaces w/ too low output or headphone volume?

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rimisrandma

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I run across this fairly often when researching interfaces. Certain interfaces seem like they would work, but a lot of people bring up the issue that a particular interface just does not have enough headphone volume or will not get loud enough. Are there interfaces like this or is it that people are turning it up excessively loud and being disappointed that they are not getting hearing damage loud?
 
The only interfaces I can speak for are the Alesis multimix 8 and 16 - I have never been able to turn the headphone volume up past about 45% without it being too loud. I have used some other smaller interfaces but it's been a while and I don't recall.

Maybe if you asked about a specific interface someone could address that.
 
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I've not encountered interfaces with too low a headphone volume.

The most likely cause of apparent low volume through headphones is usually one of two things:

1 The balance control between playback and input needs adjusting; or
2 the headphones themselves are not suitable
 
I have run across some info where the PreSonus FireStudio Mobile and Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP are examples of interfaces where more than a few are saying that these do not have enough headphone volume. So, I did not know if there are some interfaces to stay away from because that is an issue where you would have to get a headphone amp in addition to be able to use the interface(s). I really don't want to have to buy additional headphone amps and would want an interface with a loud enough headphone output from the start.
 
Like Gecko said it's probably a user issue. Any unit I've ever used always has enough jam to blow your head off. I'm getting old though so maybe my definition of loud and yours don't match.
 
Again, I'd agree with Gecko.
Probably the setup is wrong,
or the headphones are the problem,
or you are used to listening at a much to high volume
 
I'm wondering if what he means is that it's not so much a problem of not enough Volume, most Interfaces will certainly get 'loud' enough, but instead not enough 'output' to drive the headphones correctly. Kinda like hooking up stereo speakers to an alarm clock, it may get loud enough volume wise but the theres not enough output to power them even when turned all the way up. But if you took those same speakers and connected them to a proper home stereo there will be plenty of drive, even at low volume, to hear lows, mids and highs as they should be.

I think thats where headphone amps come in to play. They're not so much for high volume, loud, blasting your ears out but more for giving enough drive to your Headphones/IEM's to get great sound even at low volume.
 
I'm wondering if what he means is that it's not so much a problem of not enough Volume, most Interfaces will certainly get 'loud' enough, but instead not enough 'output' to drive the headphones correctly. Kinda like hooking up stereo speakers to an alarm clock, it may get loud enough volume wise but the theres not enough output to power them even when turned all the way up. But if you took those same speakers and connected them to a proper home stereo there will be plenty of drive, even at low volume, to hear lows, mids and highs as they should be.

I think thats where headphone amps come in to play. They're not so much for high volume, loud, blasting your ears out but more for giving enough drive to your Headphones/IEM's to get great sound even at low volume.

This could be part of it, so if this is s related issue, are there interface(s) or brands to stay away from because they are known for this.
 
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