Quick question about headphones..

  • Thread starter Thread starter dainbramage
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dainbramage

dainbramage

Well-known member
Is there any way to monitor a preamp through headphones with no headphone input if it has the following outputs:

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Connector: XLR-3M and 1/4" TRS Phone Jacks

Type: Impedance balanced (may be used unbalanced)

Output Z Balanced: XLR: 66 ohms - TRS: 1200 ohms

Output Z Unbalanced: XLR: 33 ohms - TRS: 600 ohms

Nominal Level: +4 dBu, -10dBv (316 mVRMS)

Maximum Level: +21dBu Unloaded, +6.75 dBV Unloaded

Output Trim: 0 to -12 dB

---

I'm thinking headphone-amp but I'm probably wrong. Hey, this is a newbie forum and so yes, my question is probably not of the wisest kind :D But I really need to know and can't find any info on the web.

Cheers
 
Currently nothing which is why I need headphone monitoring until I get an interface. Or am I way off track here?
 
I think you' need to give more information.

If the preamp is plugged into nothing then you're not recording? Is this for practicing or something?


If you had an interface then yes, you'd plug the preamp(s) into that, and the headphone into the interface also,

Since you don't either buy one, or get a headphone amp and plug it into the trs or ts output from your preamp.

Many headphone amps have a mono switch, but if you get one that doesn't you'll hear the preamp in the left can or right can, depending.
 
Thanks.

Thing is I've bought a compressor as I got an offer I couldn't refuse, and I figure I need a preamp to engage the compressor. Or maybe there are interfaces where you can connect a compressor? Or no?

I am literally going insane about this preamp-interface-compressor-thinking all day long hahah I love it but I really need to just get it overwith so I can finally start recording and stop thinking about what I need for a while. But yeah I need monitoring without having to turn my computer on as it is not just mine. So yeah, it is for practicing as well as for recording. Can interfaces be used for monitoring without being connected to a computer?
 
So what I need is dual channel DI (for stereo guitar effect boxes), monitoring and with inserts (outputs on compressor is XLR balanced) and USB connectivity.
 
What exactly are you trying to do? And what equipment do you already have?

I'm a little confused. (which is nothing too unusual)
 
Sorry, it's me, not you. The past few weeks I have been totally obsessed, desperately trying to figure out what gear to get and so I am confused too.

I am trying to find the best way to record DI guitar (through stereo effect boxes) and vocals. I want to use hardware compression for the vocals and I want to be able to monitor my guitar DI without having to have the computer nearby for times when I am not recording.

As for equipment, all I have is the compressor. I know its no use standalone.

I guess I need a preamp and an interface, but I'm not sure whether interfaces can be monitored without it being connected to a computer (again, for times when I am not recording).
 
Careful with hardware compression when recording. A great vocal can be ruined by overuse. I've been there.
 
What's your budget?

It sounds like you would do good to get a multitrack recorder like the Zoom R16 or Tascam DP-008. You'll need at least 3 tracks of simultaneous recording.
 
Some interfaces can be used without a computer. Standalone would probably be your best bet as was recommended above. The Zoom would probably work for you.
 
Actually I just found out about the RME FireFace UFX which seems really good for my purpose. It has direct recording but doesn't look like it has insert points, weirdly enough. It is bloody expensive but looks beautiful and I just might save some money to get one. I guess I would need a preamp too for the insert points? The compressor only has balanced XLRs.

Any experience with RME units? A sound engineer recommended these units.

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_ufx.php
 
..or does a compressor with balanced XLR outputs need to connect to insert points?
 
dainbramage said:
..or does a compressor with balanced XLR outputs need to connect to insert points?
Click to expand...

I dont use hardware compressors but I am pretty sure you can run your mic > compressor > interface

- that fireface is pretty slick looking but you can get something with similar features (less bells and whistles) for much much less.
 
Your mic needs a preamp first, then compressor. It doesn't look like there are inserts on the RME so you would have to do something like this if you want to use an outboard compressor....

Mic -> Preamp on RME -> out of RME -> outboard compressor -> back into RME

And unless you have pretty nice compressor, you'd probably be just as well of to use a plugin.

And I've never used RME's stuff, but I've heard they are rock solid.
 
dastrick said:
Your mic needs a preamp first, then compressor. It doesn't look like there are inserts on the RME so you would have to do something like this if you want to use an outboard compressor....

Mic -> Preamp on RME -> out of RME -> outboard compressor -> back into RME

And unless you have pretty nice compressor, you'd probably be just as well of to use a plugin.

And I've never used RME's stuff, but I've heard they are rock solid.
Click to expand...

Sorry about needing this spoonfed to myself, but there such a lack of info on this on the web. Can I connect the RME to my compressor (which is supposed to be a pretty good one) in the chain you suggested using normal XLR microphone cables or will I have to get some other kind of cables?

The I/O's on the compressor are:

- "External" (9-pin rectangular-shaped)

- Out (RS4585): XLR (male balanced) - XLR pin P1=Shield, P2=Hot, P3=Cold

- In (RS4585): XLR (female balanced) - XLR pin P1=Shield, P2=Hot, P3=Cold

- Output A: XLR (male balanced)

- Output B: XLR (male balanced)

- Input A: XLR (female balanced)

- Input B: XLR (female balanced)


I really appreciate your help alot.
 
Great! Thank you! Will probably go for the RME then. Bye bye savings.
 
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