wanted - best "workflow" to switch from monitors to headphon

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Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. for Mac OSX
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HorstBlond
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Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2017 3:47 am
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wanted - best "workflow" to switch from monitors to headphon

Post by HorstBlond »

Hello,
what is the simplest workflow to switch from loudspeakers (connected to Ultralite mk4) to headphones (also connected to Ultralite)

My ambition is (still) to have a very simple studio setup without analog mixer, but I still am not so happy with simply "muting" the loudspeakers with 1 action and switching to headphones.

Thanks & happy holidays
patmccay
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Re: wanted - best "workflow" to switch from monitors to head

Post by patmccay »

Not sure if you're looking for a hardware or software solution, but on the hardware side you could get a headphone amp with monitor switching like this: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... WgEALw_wcB

It works for me for this purpose. Your outputs go into the inputs of the HP4 which outputs to monitors as well as 4 sets of headphones. Your headphones can always be on (w/ individual volume controls for each) and the monitor mute button works nicely.
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mikehalloran
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Re: wanted - best "workflow" to switch from monitors to head

Post by mikehalloran »

This is one of the reasons that monitor controllers exist. In addition, they let you sum to mono by pushing a button instead of doing it in software. Most will let you dim by -20dB or more and a few will let you switch your subwoofer in and out.

Sweetwater has 2 pages over a wide price range. Look at the various units and compare features.
https://www.sweetwater.com/c417--Studio ... Management

I use the Radial MC3. It's passive but has an active headphone monitor giving the best of both worlds.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MC3--radial-mc3

For decades, the Mackie Big Knob was the standard. The original version can be found used on eBay. There are now three Big Knob controllers—the $69 one has no headphone amp. The $199 comes closest to the original.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BigKnobStu

You have a ton of choices. Yes, it's possible to do most of it in DP or CueMix but nothing beats the control that a piece of hardware gives you. Everything can be done without touching your mix.
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