Do I need a Headphone Amp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kp174
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kp174

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My four track only has one headphone input, so its perfect for times when I record by myself. However, when I want to record my band (4 members), we all want our own headphones to listen through while recording. I have heard that it's bad to use a splitter to get more headphones into the 4 track, so I was just wondering if this justifies buying a headphone amp. My other question is if I will need a headphone amp, does its output go directly into the headphone input of the 4 track? thanks!
 
Yo Krypton 174: [I like to ad lib.]

Here is how it should work for your 4 tracker if you want a headphone extender/ or you can buy an amplified version.

I have a Peavey 4 plug headphone box. It does not amplify; I use my MD-8 to control the volume.

THE HEADPHONE PLUG ON YOUR RECORDER IS AN OUT -- take a stereo 1/4 inch patch plug, since I'm sure most headphone plugs are stereo; and this patch plug connects to the headphone unit, whatever type you decide to buy; [watch out for gimmick units with too many dials -- they do not sound too cool]

Now you have your connection to the headphone unit; my Peavey has 4 1/4 inch outputs; so, when I record a vocalist in my studio, I use one patch for her, one patch for me.

If I have a guest there, I have a couple of open patches so the "financial backer" can listen to the take. [ha ha] That's the way it is.

Nothing complicated. But once I ordered a nice cosmetic looking patch box; it had some volume dials; it was no good; I sent it back.

The Peavey I use ran about 60 bucks and I am still using it.

See if you can try/or demo/ a unit before you buy. Or make sure where you buy will take back a unit if you don't like it without charging you a fee/etc.

Keep twiddling the dials man,

Green Hornet
 
kp174,

A passive splitter box is o.k. but if you are recording a loud band, you will be limited to modest volume levels through the phones and the signal will become distorted quite readily. An amplified splitter will work better but decent ones aren't cheap (US$250.00 or more). I use a passive and it barely conveys the signal strength that the band requires to hear the take effectively (our music is not particularly aggressive, though).

Mark
 
what about soemthing like a behringer headphone amp, where 4 headphones can be plugged in and controlled seperatly?
 
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