Audio Interface with Headphone (no connection to computer)

[hbabels]

Anybody have experience with the Axe IO?

I haven't used the AXE I/O put I have used several of IK Multimedia's other interfaces and they work/sound good. Great value for their price points. I have the iRig Pro as a travel interface you can hook up to a laptop or phone/tablet that might work for you and sounds excellent.

Also something like the Line6 HX Stomp can be an audio interface or work stand alone, might be overkill feature and price wise if you're not interested in the FX and amp/cab modeling. It does sound excellent for bass my fav headphone practice solution.

Lastly there are several small mixers that double as audio interfaces so you could look at that, they've obviously work the same as when not connected to a computer and then serve as the audio interface when needed. So that might be an option worth looking at.

 

[Aldousv]

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.

Yeah, it has an app enabled eq now, master volume, direct usb-c for recording, etc. They are also making it a tuner and metronome soon, I’m pretty happy with it so far and think the price is just.

 

[hbabels]

Yeah, it has an app enabled eq now, master volume, direct usb-c for recording, etc. They are also making it a tuner and metronome soon, I’m pretty happy with it so far and think the price is just.

Yeah I think those features plus a tuner really start to make it hit value at it's price. Plus gotta love that Darkglass listen's so well to player feedback and takes action to improve their product. Other companies should take note of that seriously cool approach!

 

[oren]

I use the Sacarlett 6i6 and it works for this purpose. You may have to set up routing via the app on the computer and then save it to the interface’s memory, but after that it doesn’t need to be connected to the computer to play along with the line in and listen on either headphones or monitors.

 

[scubaduba]

I was considering something from Scarlett too.

 

[hbabels]

The Scarlet stuff is good quality overall. I don’t love the instrument inputs they seem to run out of headroom sooner than I’d like , it’s minor not unusable but enough I notice it. The mic / line section works great with DI & preamps though. Don’t know how much stand alone function they offer. I thing the bigger ones that run on mains power offer more than the USB/ thunderbolt powered ones but I haven’t dug deep in that.

 

[Tosh]

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

The Express is an older box, which has more features that you may not require. One thing the Express has, that I need, is both USB and Firewire connectivity. The M series, which are USB only, have the newest DAC's, cost less, and are super simple.

 

[Rev. Cornelius]

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

I use the Babyface as well. Although I normally have it hooked up to the computer, it does stand alone as well. Either bass direct into instrument input 3 or if using the pedalboards xlr in off the Khan.
Side question. I just bought a pair of DT 770 80 ohms. Do they benefit from some break-in time?

 

[monkeyfinger]

I use the Babyface as well. Although I normally have it hooked up to the computer, it does stand alone as well. Either bass direct into instrument input 3 or if using the pedalboards xlr in off the Khan.
Side question. I just bought a pair of DT 770 80 ohms. Do they benefit from some break-in time?

Yes, they do.

 

[Rev. Cornelius]

Yes, they do.

Thanks that is good to hear. I also finally decided to buy a Magi/Modi headphone amp. That should be here Wednesday. Optical out of the Babyface to the Modi. Will report back on that.

 

[dregsfan]

Just want to make sure you know about: [sfx]:home

I don't own anything made by Max, but eventually I will .

Apparently, his skill level and products are outstanding.

Check this out: [sfx] user appreciation society

I'm not affiliated with in anyway. I just know great gear when I see it (or read about it ).

 

[Karl Kaminski]

HI Scubaduba,
the old MOTU description for this option is/was 'standalone function'. The MOTU Traveller was designed as both audio interface with the option of being a standalone mixer which was great for DAW, use on a gig as a small mixer live (no computer), or even record live while mixing (with computer). Love it, wish they would update it for TH3!

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.

as monkeyfinger points out, control sans-PC is impossible with most but the MOTU Traveller is self-contained with all controls, mixing, routing on-board.

This was aways a key piece of my gear setup and now looking to go TH3 and Im not sure if I'l be able to find an upgrade with this option while 'checking all the boxes' on my list.

Not sure if some of the newer models offer the same capabilities. Before COvid, I'd been really enjoying Helix Stomp (both as a travel FX unit/routing, but also can be used in the hotel room as a HP practice amp and even an audio interface.)

Let us know what you land on,
K

 

[seamonkey]

iConnectaudio4+ works standalone without a computer
Whatever you set up in the internal maxtric patch bay will work with or without a computer, or iPad connected. You just won't get VST effects hosted by the PC or iPad.

 

[DirkP]

I've used a SPL Crimson for years for exactly this purpose. The Arturia Studio Audiofuse comes close too. For me, it is very important - when using an interface alone - to have controls at my fingertips and to have many audio-devices connected. The preamps and the DI of the SPL are really great sounding and to just have to press a button for different audio sources is great.
Although I have a great analog mixer from SPL, these days I use a Tascam Model 12 for rehearsing and recording, but it might be too large or oversized for your purpose.
I work in software since decades and I don't want to have a mouse in my hands or staring at a monitor, when I have a bass in my hands...

I tried a MixPre and a Zoom H6 prior, but although both are great in relation to their price and have their use-cases (the MixPre mostly for video, the Zoom for average rehearsal or gig recordings), they were not convenient enough for my use-case. I loved and still love the SPL and now I'm very happy with the Tascam.