benstat
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USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
Hi all, Got a Cakewalk UA-1G a while ago. It's a basic, but reliable USB audio interface. However, I do a lot of tracking/mixing with headphones, and I find that the UA-1G can't drive them well enough (too quiet, relatively high impedance cans). I've got two options as I see it: 1. Buy a headphone amp. 2. Buy a new USB audio interface with a better headphone amp in it. I think I prefer option 2. I know nothing about headphone amps, and it's another load of cables and desktop space. Can anyone recommend a USB audio interface, for Windows 7, that is good for headphones? I only need one input, as I'm only ever likely to record a single vocalist at any one time (even then, not very often as I mainly do instrumental electronic music). Any ideas? Many thanks! [Edit: I have some Sennheiser HD650 cans (300ohm impedance).]
post edited by benstat - 2010/12/16 09:31:02
My DAW: Intel i5, Cakewalk UA-1G, Win7 64 bit, SONAR X1a Producer 64 bit
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ohhey
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/16 10:49:39
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benstat Hi all, Got a Cakewalk UA-1G a while ago. It's a basic, but reliable USB audio interface. However, I do a lot of tracking/mixing with headphones, and I find that the UA-1G can't drive them well enough (too quiet, relatively high impedance cans). I've got two options as I see it: 1. Buy a headphone amp. 2. Buy a new USB audio interface with a better headphone amp in it. I think I prefer option 2. I know nothing about headphone amps, and it's another load of cables and desktop space. Can anyone recommend a USB audio interface, for Windows 7, that is good for headphones? I only need one input, as I'm only ever likely to record a single vocalist at any one time (even then, not very often as I mainly do instrumental electronic music). Any ideas? Many thanks! [Edit: I have some Sennheiser HD650 cans (300ohm impedance).] I would get a headphone amp. That way you don't have to switch drivers. And the headphone amp is a good investment that can be used with any interface you have in the future.
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benstat
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/16 11:12:49
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Thanks. I'm heading in that direction the more I look into it. Any recommendations?
My DAW: Intel i5, Cakewalk UA-1G, Win7 64 bit, SONAR X1a Producer 64 bit
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Beagle
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/16 11:19:38
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Guitarhacker
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/16 13:17:46
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All you need to do is take the headphone output and run it to a nice stereo amp. Shut off the speakers and plug in the cans. That is exactly what I do. My Saffire also suffers from inadequate headphone amp power. My JVC stereo does a fine job.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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benstat
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/17 04:51:07
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Thanks everyone. I've ordered some decent headphones (Sennheiser HD650) and I'm going to see how they are with my audio interface, before probably buying a simple amp, like the Fiio E9 or Pro-Ject Headbox II (both cheap and cheerful), or the Behringer mentioned by Beagle.
post edited by benstat - 2010/12/17 04:52:25
My DAW: Intel i5, Cakewalk UA-1G, Win7 64 bit, SONAR X1a Producer 64 bit
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dmbaer
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/17 19:46:42
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benstat I've ordered some decent headphones (Sennheiser HD650) and I'm going to see how they are with my audio interface, before probably buying a simple amp I've got these headphones and I think they're totally first rate for listening to all kinds of music ... I suspect you're going to love them. Please report back on your perception of their efficiency. Let us know if they are efficient enough to let you stay with your current audio interface?
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johnnyV
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Re:USB Audio Interface Recommendation Please (simple, but with good headphone amp)
2010/12/17 21:38:41
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That's why I monitor through my mixer, I find the output of my M Audio interface weak. The Tascam, on the other hand is real loud and will drive 2 pairs of phones. But old integrated stereo systems are free and will do the same as any headphone amp if your the only person involved.
Sonar X3e Studio - Waiting for Professional Scarlett 6i6Yamaha Gear= 01v - NSM 10 - DTX 400 - MG82cx Roland Gear= A 49- GR 50 - TR 505 - Boss pedalsTascam Gear= DR 40 - US1641 -Mackie Gear= Mix 8 - SRM 350's i5 Z97 3.2GHZ quad 16 Gig RAM W 8.1 home buildTaylor mini GS - G& L Tribute Tele - 72 Fender Princeton - TC BH 250 - Mooer and Outlaw Pedals Korg 05/RW
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