More Headphone

[areft]

I need more headphones, Traveler just has one.I use a converter on phone out which gives me two stereo. what about more? Is it ok to use outputs to monitor by headphones while recording.
thanks

[buzzsmith]

I need more headphones, Traveler just has one.I use a converter on phone out which gives me two stereo. what about more? Is it ok to use outputs to monitor by headphones while recording.
thanks

You can buy a fairly inexpensive 1 rack space headphone amp. They usually have outputs for at least 6.

At piano gig right now, but search your favorite retailer for that term.

Probably around $80-$100. The input to the headphone amp would either be the audio output of the Traveler or possibly the headphone out. (I don't have the Traveler.)

Hope that helps...

Buzzy

[mhschmieder]

Yeah, let us know your budget and whether you are just trying to functionally achieve two outputs or are thinking ahead for at least some level of quality as well.

The worst solution is a cable splitter, as there is zero flexibility or internal circuitry anywhere in the signal path to deal with impedance differences (which are often GIGANTIC) between different sets of cans.

Most headphone amps are low quality, so unless you're willing to spend a bit, there's little to be gained by buying anything other than a cheap reliable model (some research might required for current status).

I use the four-channel Symetrix 304, which is affordable and excellent quality, yet very little-known so gets passed by unnecessarily by a lot of people for more expensive units that also are primarily targeted towards a broadcasting audience or installations (such as those from Furman).

If you'd like four super-high-quality channels, one of which can give a much bigger boost to the drummer, the reasonably priced one from DACS is next on my list and is universally loved. I think it's around $800, putting it in a similar range to the ones that aren't very good or appropriate for most of our needs but which get recommended anyway because most people aren't aware of some of these other alternatives like Symetrix (cheap) or DACS (super-super-high end but only mid-range in cost).

If you really need to stay at the bottom of the price range and only need exactly two channels, look into some of the models from A.R.T., who for the most part build reliable gear that is way beyond its price point in quality (there are some exceptions, as with any company).

[areft]

thanks for responding.
I used other outputs of that and it sounds ok to me.(I don't need a loud out).The good point is that I can direct different lines to different outs with a specific setting(eq,reverb).
I would rather don't take more stuff in my backpack specially when it needs a power supply.Do you know any of these headphone amps which use battery?
thanks

[mhschmieder]

Hmm, off-hand I can't think of any -- even smaller units -- that can optionally run on batteries.

Although their selection of most categories of gear is limited, try Sweetwater's website, as they have the best-organized e-store on the internet, so it's often a first port of call just to see what's out there, then once you find a model that meets your requirements, you look at the specs to better familiarize yourself with the terminology that is applicable to your needs, and then you might find other options that aren't on their list of vendors.

Knowing A.R.T., or Whirlwind for that matter, they might well have a portable unit that can take batteries. Also, if any of them take USB directly from a computer vs. being strictly analog, maybe you can go that approach if you have a spare USB port, as many USB devices are now bus-powered. But of course be careful about their current needs vs. how much current your laptop can deliver.

[mikehalloran]

>Most headphone amps are low quality, <

True. Fortunately, if the main requirement is to allow players to monitor while tracking, low quality isn't a big deal.

Some of the larger 1U units can handle multiple inputs or a single input from the 'phones output of your interface. I use an older version of this but rarely use its flexibility. I would rate its sound quality "outstandingly mediocre":
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... 7000000000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The most compact units are quite small and allow independent volume levels only with a single source input only. Nearly all give you the choice of direct from a headphone output or a line in. These generally run off of a 12V wall wort. You could buy a battery powered supply that meets the requirements. This is a typical unit:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... 0000000000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mhschmieder]

The little baby popped up while looking through a mailer from FullCompass that arrived yesterday:

http://www.gearwire.com/radial-hamp.html

http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/radi ... one_drive/

http://www.frontendaudio.com/Radial-H-A ... -07433.htm

https://www.littlefishaudio.com/Product ... 800%208020

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28VNCADiT2g

Granted, it's more designed for live use, but given some of what was said in the O.P., this problem-solver might be worth consideration (although there are other less application-specific level-and-format-converters out there, from Whirlwind, Rolls, etc.).

According to one of the write-ups, Radial's H-Amp is a re-release and update, but I don't remember seeing it recently. Radial gear has good sound quality and excellent build. A bit pricier than other brands, but sometimes their unique engineering approach is just the ticket and often their very specific implementations are precisely what you need.