I'd like a portable headphone amp with mini jack input that has enough umph to drive at least a couple of monitoring headphones through a splitter. Obviously, since this is intended for production - dialogue monitoring - I don't want the amp coloring the sound in any way, just supplying enough amplification to allow more than one person to monitor through separate headphones. I would be using this with the DR-70D - since the recorder itself is $300, I really would prefer not to spend more than a $100 on a headphone amp... what would you recommend? TIA!
Headphone Amp recommendations?
- Thread starter OldCorpse
- Start date
BrianMurphy
Veteran
[h=1] ART HeadAMP 4 Pro - Five Channel Headphone Amplifier With Talkback $99.00 at BH
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Rick R
Veteran
A 'battery powered' HP amp with multiple jacks is gonna be difficult (if not impossible) to find off shelf. A wall-wart powered unit substituting an external battery pack for power could be cobbed together I spose. Most productions use wireless IFB systems to get audio to the director, scripty, ect., ect., ect. You would need a transmitter and multiple receivers w/headphones. Comtec, Lectro, Listentech, Williams and Zaxcom... are the few choices.. none are 'low cost'. Some folks use the IEM systems for musicians, but the transmitters are not portable.
For a portable single headphone amp, a few years ago I bought a Longxi (Japan) Q1 headphone amp that sounds good with lots of clean gain. The audio op amp is in a socket for personal preference changes. 3.5mm TRS in/out. Runs on two 9Vs. (18 volts) It was under $50 as I recall. I mostly use it for late night TV while the spouse sleeps.
For a portable single headphone amp, a few years ago I bought a Longxi (Japan) Q1 headphone amp that sounds good with lots of clean gain. The audio op amp is in a socket for personal preference changes. 3.5mm TRS in/out. Runs on two 9Vs. (18 volts) It was under $50 as I recall. I mostly use it for late night TV while the spouse sleeps.
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BrianMurphy
Veteran
I use the smaller version of the Art headphone amp in the field all the time and power it with a battery box that has 8 double A batteries. You can buy something like if for less than five bucks and it runs the amp forever, the only reason I change the batteries is because its a new day when I next use it. I use it to feed multiple headphones as well as IFBs when doing on location live hits. And for the record, as Rick said nothing good is low cost and the DR-70D is a good recorder so maybe all you need is Y splitter at your headphone jack.
I also have one like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/490691-REG/ART_HEADAMP4_HeadAmp4_Four_Channel_Stereo.html
I power them with this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-x-8-AA-2A...134?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a76034d9e
I also have one like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/490691-REG/ART_HEADAMP4_HeadAmp4_Four_Channel_Stereo.html
I power them with this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-x-8-AA-2A...134?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a76034d9e
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Rippie
Veteran
I have the PSC battery powered amp (which I rarely use).
Sounds fantastic no loss of the low end that I find with other amps I've tried/owned.
I see they used to sell for $350 new. I bought mine used online off someone for $40.
Perhaps OP could get lucky if he scoured the net.
Thanks guys... what do you think of this:
[h=1]Aphex HeadPod4 Headphone Amplifier[/h]
although at $200 it's about twice what I'd like to pay. Otherwise that ART one Brian linked to looks good... wrt. eBay, for some reason I just have no luck with it - I always find stuff there more expensive than in regular stores like B&H which just doesn't make any sense, but what do I know.
[h=1]Aphex HeadPod4 Headphone Amplifier[/h]
although at $200 it's about twice what I'd like to pay. Otherwise that ART one Brian linked to looks good... wrt. eBay, for some reason I just have no luck with it - I always find stuff there more expensive than in regular stores like B&H which just doesn't make any sense, but what do I know.
Darren Levine
Veteran
I think this unit matches what you're looking to do:
http://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Personal-Monitor-Amplifier-Optical/dp/B002MB44EI
Rolls PM55P Stereo Personal Monitor Amplifier with Optical Limiter
The PM55P Stereo Personal Monitor Amplifier with Optical Limiter from Rolls is designed for performers who need to monitor their own signal, such as their vocal, with the main mix.
The unit can also be used by drummers in live sound applications who need to mix a metronome click with a monitor signal. Also, sound engineers can use the PM55P as a quick line tester to troubleshoot audio systems.
The PM55P operates on either one 9 volt battery or the included PS27s power supply. The PM55P also has an included belt clip.
Built-in switchable optical limiter
XLR mic in & pass through
Ground lift on XLR signal
Stereo/mono 1/4" monitor input
3.5mm and 1/4" headphone outputs
Powered by one 9 volt battery or the included PS27s power supply
Belt clip is included
http://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Personal-Monitor-Amplifier-Optical/dp/B002MB44EI
Rolls PM55P Stereo Personal Monitor Amplifier with Optical Limiter
The PM55P Stereo Personal Monitor Amplifier with Optical Limiter from Rolls is designed for performers who need to monitor their own signal, such as their vocal, with the main mix.
The unit can also be used by drummers in live sound applications who need to mix a metronome click with a monitor signal. Also, sound engineers can use the PM55P as a quick line tester to troubleshoot audio systems.
The PM55P operates on either one 9 volt battery or the included PS27s power supply. The PM55P also has an included belt clip.
Built-in switchable optical limiter
XLR mic in & pass through
Ground lift on XLR signal
Stereo/mono 1/4" monitor input
3.5mm and 1/4" headphone outputs
Powered by one 9 volt battery or the included PS27s power supply
Belt clip is included
iamlance
Well-known member
Have you tried using a Y-splitter yet? It works for me with my DR-60D, and I don't think you'd want to spend any more than necessary. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...e_MP_2MJ_CS_Stereo_Mini_Male_to.html/mode/edu
If I were you, I'd pick one up to test before splurging on anything else. Then you'd have money to get a nice production bag or something.
If I were you, I'd pick one up to test before splurging on anything else. Then you'd have money to get a nice production bag or something.
GaryNattrass
Veteran
I use the Superlux HA3D amps as they are battery operated and have a good selection of interface facilities: http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_ha3d.htm
BrianMurphy
Veteran
Now that is a very nice unit Gary! I would pick one up if I could find a North American retailer. Looks like they use the same case as the Sound Devices Pre.
Just found one on ebay and ordered it!
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Rippie
Veteran
They completely stole Sound Devices design. It was talked about a few years ago on a different forum.
"Yes, the Superlux is a 100% copy of our HX-3. So too is the included documentation.
The PC board layout was either photocopied or they measured and layed it out exactly the same, errors and all.
While companies like Shure and AKG (Harman) have the resources to go after this kinds of products,
the legal costs just to do due diligence on this would cripple a small company like Sound Devices."
-Jon Tatooles Sound Devices
Rippie
Veteran
I own a few of these (never use um)
Good for things like IFB monitoring (non critical),
but I do remember a serious lack of lower freqs making it less than ideal (for me) for booming etc.
It was pretty clean though if I recall.
Thank you, everyone and Gary, I ordered the Superlux HA3D it on eBay.
Edit: was not aware it was a copy - but I bought it *used*, so it was already sold before (therefore the money goes to the seller).
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I had no idea this company had such a history of rip offs