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Audio Interface with Headphone (no connection to computer)

scubaduba

scubaduba

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#1
Looking for experience or recommendations of audio devices that serve as the interface but also as a headphone practice amp without requiring the interface to be connected to computer.
I’m most interested in the more quality side of the spectrum.

Which ones function this way?

I’ve been using an Audient ID14 which must be connected to computer. Hoping for something comparable to use as practice amp with headphones without my MacBook sitting right there.
 
#4
Any audio interface that allows monitoring before crossing the AD will allow for this. Every interface I’ve purchased since 2011 has come equipped with some method of achieving this. On some it’s a knob that’s allows blending between input monitoring and computer monitoring. On others it’s a function of the interface’s companion software. Look for marketing phrases like “input monitoring” or “direct monitoring” and you’ll probably be all set.

I’m really surprised to hear about the Audient iD4 not allowing this. It has a blend knob that suggests it can monitor the input. You’re saying it doesn’t work if it’s not connected to a computer. Is this just for bus power, or does it need to be connected to pass signal if it gets it power from an external supply as well?
 
#5
The Zoom GCE-3 looks great, although I have no dierect experience with it.
I had great success with several of the units from which it derives though, like the B3n.
zoom-gce3a.jpg
 
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#7
I believe the UAD Apollo series can do this. If not connected to a computer it’ll use whatever the last setup you had on the Console app. So you could have an instrument in with a bass amp plugin, though then only parameter you could adjust with no computer would be input gain and then you could have an input for phone or tablet for songs to play along to and you’d have control over headphone volume as well.

The Sound quality of the Apollo Line is excellent as well.
 
#8
The bigger Scarlett interfaces (8i6 and up) are wall-powered and support direct monitoring. I've used mine for headphone practice and the preamp sounds pretty good. I've even performed with it – before I had a dedicated bass rig I used to run bass ⟶ interface input ⟶ monitor output ⟶ keyboard amp.

Do you want to spend $300 or $1500? One advantage of an Apollo is that it has a highly optimized DSP unit that can run amp simulations, so you'll be getting something nicer than a dry signal.
 
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#10
Unless you need the capabilities of a mixer, the PJB Big Head is one of the best solutions. A great headphone amp which also acts as a USB interface should you need it. It has an internal battery too, so you can practise away from power, unlike any mixer or interface.
 
#13
I got a Zoom B3 years ago for this very purpose. I wanted to be able to play along with tracks from the PC, with the option to record. I've since passed it down to my son, who uses it for the same thing.

Darkglass just came out with the Element headphone amp/cabsim a couple months(?) ago, and are in the process of releasing new firmware that will enable this functionality as well:
 
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#15
Hi-Z DI inputs and headphone outputs are usually the weakest point on audio interfaces IMO, especially on the cheaper ones. The headphone outputs are often garbage and even a reasonably cheap DI like a Radial J48 will usually be a MASSIVE improvement on the interface Hi-Z inputs.

A fully functioning audio interface with standalone mode, a good quality headphone output and decent Hi-Z inputs won't be cheap.

I've personally been very happy with the RME Fireface UC. It can be used standalone or with a computer (standalone can be slightly fiddly though). I have yet to try an interface below RME price range that I really liked. But even in this price range a simple Radial J48 will be a noticable upgrade on the interface Hi-Z inputs IMO. The headphone output on the Fireface is surprisingly good quality though and completely blows away the headphone outputs on any cheaper interfaces I've tested.

However...

If you're happy with your current interface for recording and really just need something standalone for practicing I would recommend getting a small practice amp with headphone outs for practising and keep using your current interface for recording. Using an interface for practising will always be a compromise, simply because that's not what they're designed to do.

Don't get any of those mini "plug-in" headphone amps like the Vox Amplug though. They are cheap junk.

The Phil Jones Bighead looks sweet but I'm not sure I would pay that much for such a niche product. I mean, it's basically a one channel interface with no mic input. I'm sure the sound is top quality but you're paying a lot of money for extremely limited features here. It won't have the features to replace your "normal" recording interface so unless you're ONLY recording bass or absolutely need battery power you might as well get a small practise amp with a headphone out IMO. And use a more traditional audio interface, like the one you've already got, for recording.

YMMV of course.
 
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#18
scubaduba said:
This is not correct in regard to the Audient ID14.
Click to expand...

On units with no front panel direct monitor controls, it depends on whether or not the software control panel settings that control monitoring can be saved to the interface. I used a Focusrite interface for years that allowed this. I could play any instruments connected to the interface out to my speakers without turning on the computer. I'm sure there are units that don't allow this.
 
#19
The problem with using an studio interface without a computer, even if it can work, is that most of the controls are in software. I use an Arturia 8pre, a great sounding interface. The monitoring mixer and mute buttons are strictly in software. If I want to use those features, it has to be attached to a computer.
 
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