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Help!! Difference between Line level and Balanced input!!!

ChefKen

ChefKen

Guest
Aug 30, 2014
2,203
1,887
NW CT
#1
I picked up a used Furman HA-6a headphone amp. It is supposed to be in working order but I cannot get a peep out of it. No manual but i am looking at it online.

I am trying to use the 1/4" jacks as inputs. The manual says it needs a mixing board output for these inputs....they are line level inputs. I tried running it off my pedal board no dice. I tried using my phone as a music source and got nothing. The unit also has balanced XLR connections. Is this input more sensitive? Would it work off my DI samsamp?? Do I need a mixing board to run this unit??

I have no XLR cables in house and the local music store is closed....I would rather not buy a 20 dollar cable if it is of no use.....Any thoughts??? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!1
 
#6
devnulljp said:
I could be wrong, but I think the Sansamp XLR output still needs to be amplified.
Do you have an amp with an effects loop? YOU could try taking a 1/4" from the send into the headphone amp and try that.
Click to expand...
My amp is a genz Benz Contour 500.....It has a XLR Direct output that says "mic level" on it....i doubt it will help. I guess I will take the Amp and Samsamp to Guitar center and try and find out if works using the XLR DI on the Samsamp....it is a preamp...just in pedal form right?
 
#7
Because it is balanced (for noise reduction) does not mean it is line level. There should be SOME sound out of it though - just very very low level.

Both the 1/4" and the XLR inputs on the back are balanced line level - so they want to see a -4 to +4 input signal around 1 volt. Your bass is a few millivolts.

In short - YES - you need a mixer to boost the mic level signal to line level and feed the headphone distribution amp.
 
#8
Take an output from your smart phone, or mp3 players, your PC or similar device.
That should drive it fine.
Most pedals should drive it loud enough that you don't have to crank it before it's painful.
If you get no flashing on the "signal" LED you're not getting a signal in.
If you see signal flashing but don't get output, try different headphones.
Otherwise it's broke.
 
#9
seamonkey said:
Take an output from your smart phone, or mp3 players, your PC or similar device.
That should drive it fine.
Most pedals should drive it loud enough that you don't have to crank it before it's painful.
If you get no flashing on the "signal" LED you're not getting a signal in.
If you see signal flashing but don't get output, try different headphones.
Otherwise it's broke.
Click to expand...
Turns out the 1/4 inputs are not functioning....works perfect with XLR cables. The guy who sold it me gave me a 25 dollar discount. its all good!!
 

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