Audio Interface with Headphone (no connection to computer)

[raphaeld]

I'm using this


Without amp/cab or computer. Mainly with my phones and headphones
The GK Plex can be used as an audio interface too

 

[Hummergeist]

RME...MOTU...

 

[IvanBassist]

My UAD Twin X works without being plugged in. You can still change the headphone/monitor level as well as the instrument input by only using the interface

 

[Tosh]

I'm using a MOTU Audio Express. I set it up using the computer then save to the device (you don't have to, though - all functions are available using hardware buttons and knobs). Comes with a wall-wart, works with iPads, PC's from XP on up, Macs from Snow Leopard on up. MIDI, SMPTE, S/PDIF, HiZ, LoZ, Phantom power, TRS line in/out.

Oh yeah - nice headphone amp, too.

 

[Deleted member 365158]

Behringer xr18. I use this for monitors and PA im my jam space, i also hook it up to my computer for recording multi tracks on Reaper.
Easy and pretty darn cool.
They make the xr-12 and xr-16 too.

 

[Nephilymbass]

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.

Lot of modern gear has aux in and headphone out and can be used for this. I use my Mesa d-800, lots of pre amp pedals like the newer darkglass ultras Have them. Actually the darkglass element might be exactly what you’re looking for.

 

[scubaduba]

Thanks. I guess I should say I’m not looking for an amp head with aux in and headphone out. I’m interested in what audio interfaces exist with USB out for recording plus an independent headphone amp that works without requiring connection to computer for simple headphone practice.

I don’t want any amp or EQ coloring tone. That will come from what I connect to the audio interface via XLR.

 

[matdras]

+1 for MOTU (in my case, the M2)

I spoke with their customer service techs several times about this. The M series can be bus powered, but you can also power it with any USB wall wart (they said the standard iPhone one is what they all use). The ESS Sabre32 DAC that is used is enough juice for headphones with an impedance up to 600 ohms. I am usually listening with my Beyerdynamic DT1990’s (250 ohms), and I don’t have to put the headphone volume up past 2/3 on the dial for it to be loud and clear. The direct monitoring is super quiet with no latency.

My typical signal chain is: bass - pedalboard - JDI - MOTU M2. For a sub $200 interface I have been extremely pleased with the overall audio quality, as well as the added mobile versatility.

I hope that helps!

 

[scubaduba]

The MOTU boxes look nice. What’s the trade offs between the M series and Express?

 

[monkeyfinger]

Thanks. I guess I should say I’m not looking for an amp head with aux in and headphone out. I’m interested in what audio interfaces exist with USB out for recording plus an independent headphone amp that works without requiring connection to computer for simple headphone practice.

I don’t want any amp or EQ coloring tone. That will come from what I connect to the audio interface via XLR.

I have an RME babyface that will do that. You can run it off a usb charger with no computer connected. It can act as a basic mixer. You can't control EQ, fx loop, etc, without a computer. But if you just want straght level controls, it will do that. Works with IOS too.

Really good headphone amp. It can drive my Beyerdynamics 250 Ohms easily.

 

[scubaduba]

I have an RME babyface that will do that. You can run it off a usb charger with no computer connected. It can act as a basic mixer. You can't control EQ, fx loop, etc, without a computer. But if you just want straght level controls, it will do that. Works with IOS too.

Really good headphone amp. It can drive my Beyerdynamics 250 Ohms easily.

I’ve heard great things about the babyface. I use Beyerdynamic DT770 80 Ohm.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I have a pair of those. The RME works very well with that. It has two HP outs, 1/4 and 1/8th. The 1/4 is optimized for high impedance HPs. The 1/8 designed for low impedance, such as IEMs. Both work very well with plenty of gain.

 

[scubaduba]

I have an RME babyface that will do that. You can run it off a usb charger with no computer connected. It can act as a basic mixer. You can't control EQ, fx loop, etc, without a computer. But if you just want straght level controls, it will do that. Works with IOS too.

Really good headphone amp. It can drive my Beyerdynamics 250 Ohms easily.

Can you send audio from iPhone for practice?

 

[monkeyfinger]

No stereo aux in, if that is what you mean. You would need a stereo unbalanced to dual XLRM. (It can take unbalanced 'line level' on the XLR inputs.) Those cables are easily found. But that might not be optimal for you.

 

[scubaduba]

Anybody have experience with the Axe IO?

 

[Hummergeist]

if it helps, this is currently my main in/out area. MOTU Ultralite AVB, iConnectivity Mio XM, bolted together into a mini-rack. Both connected to computer. My Ampeg DI-SCR goes into the front of the MOTU. They're both hooked up to mains and can run standalone if computer is off, or as audio/MIDI interfaces straight into Ableton Live. The MOTU is connected to my monitors. So I can play with or without computer.

 

[singlemalt]

As always, I’ll pipe up suggesting the Zoom B3, or one of the newer versions like the B3n.

Swiss Army knife for bass. Kinda the same color, too.

Mine replaced a spiderweb of inputs and gear going into a small mixer. Great headphone practice station. It’ll even run on double A’s.
Decent drum machine and surprisingly user friendly looper makes for fun jamming.

I’d also take just the B3 and a bass to jams if there was a PA.

The free editor software makes operating everything on your screen a breeze.

 

[anton72]

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:

I've just returned this Element back to the shop. It's ridiculously useless for its price. Although it says it's a headphone amp, its volume is very low even set at maximum, I've checked it with different headphones, result is the same. No EQ. Two headphone outs, why if you can only plug one instrument? For your girlfriend to sit next to your and listen how you practice? lol The only good feature is that it has a bluetooth to play with tracks connected to your smartphone, this is very smart feature, but unfortunately is the only one.

 

[yberwaffe]

+1 for MOTU Ultralite

 

[hbabels]

I've just returned this Element back to the shop. It's ridiculously useless for its price. Although it says it's a headphone amp, its volume is very low even set at maximum, I've checked it with different headphones, result is the same. No EQ. Two headphone outs, why if you can only plug one instrument? For your girlfriend to sit next to your and listen how you practice? lol The only good feature is that it has a bluetooth to play with tracks connected to your smartphone, this is very smart feature, but unfortunately is the only one.

They just released a firmware update that fixes a number of these issues. I agree though 2 headphone outs and only instrument in is weird and kinda useless.