Ampeg headphone jack is ridiculously loud

[NNNN]

I'm was trying to play in silence but now my ears are ringing. I'm using the headphone jack on an Ampeg BA-110 combo amp. Listening through relative inexpensive Audio Technica M20X phones, with the amp dialed all the way down (less than "1") the output is so loud that it's unusable. Is this a common issue with headphone jacks on amplifiers?

I added an in-line volume knob for the headphones, but with the volume down it didn't sound good. I also tried running the headphone-out from the amp into the line input on a pair of powered bookshelf speakers, and they sounded like they were going to blow.

Any ideas? I am using a fuzz pedal that adds a decent amount of heft, but still.

 

[Gearhead17]

The Fuzz pedal is likely giving you too much signal. In addition, distortion through headphones without speaker emulation or reduced high end, will sound awful in the high frequencies. This is likely the ear piercing noise you are hearing.

Remember, your ears are a lot closer to the sound source. Disconnect the fuzz pedal and try again.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Turning down the volume or adjusting the eq can help. The BA-110 anD the BA-10V2 handles the headphone out differently, better with the V2.

If you have other headphones, try them, they might have a higher impedance than the ones that you are using. Failing that an external headphone pad may help.

If you have a small mixer, run the amp’s headphone out into the mixer then use the headphone out on the mixer for your headphones.

 

[LBS-bass]

I have headphones that have their own volume control.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I have headphones that have their own volume control.

Good idea, probably the most cost effective solution.

 

[LBS-bass]

Or if you don't want to buy new headphones, something like this is inexpensive to add.

https://www.amazon.com/Koss-155954-...nes+with+volume+control&qid=1644889519&sr=8-4

 

[NNNN]

Thanks for the replies. I tried a (bad) in-line headphone volume control, and it was bad. Then I tried a better one and it was (you guessed it) better.
The ringing in my ears isn't from uncontrolled fuzz and a lack of cab sim, it's from exacerbated tinnitus while listening through headphones with the volume too loud. Sad.
Higher impedance headphones is a good option and something I considered. Hopefully with the better in-line volume control and a better understanding of "how loud is too loud" I'll be able to stay at sub-damaging levels.

The little combo amp is a loaner and eventually I'll have to figure out an alternate solution. I guess either another little combo amp or a fly rig.

 

[HOOLIGAN]

Turn the volume knob on your bass down.

 

[NNNN]

Turn the volume knob on your bass down.

One important issue is that the sound of the effects is dependent on the input (bass) volume. Turning it down low enough to make the volume reasonable drastically changes the sound.

 

[chadds]

Tell the drummer to play louder.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Thanks for the replies. I tried a (bad) in-line headphone volume control, and it was bad. Then I tried a better one and it was (you guessed it) better.
The ringing in my ears isn't from uncontrolled fuzz and a lack of cab sim, it's from exacerbated tinnitus while listening through headphones with the volume too loud. Sad.
Higher impedance headphones is a good option and something I considered. Hopefully with the better in-line volume control and a better understanding of "how loud is too loud" I'll be able to stay at sub-damaging levels.

Some people just can’t wear headphones. Even at low levels I get ringing, eventually internal swelling and, in extreme cases, dizziness. Then I tried a set called Lola made by Blue. The issues went away. I can wear them for hours without problems. I don’t know what it is about their transducers but they work for me.

Without headphones, prop the amp up beside you, close to ear level. You can monitor way better and the air between the speaker and your ears helps.