How To Connect Audio Interface To Headphone Splitter / Amp

In this video, we demonstrate three different ways to connect an audio interface (Scarlett 2i2) to a Headphone Splitter Amplifier (Mackie HM-4)
PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
► Shure SM7B Microphone: currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
► Cloudlifter CL1 Preamp: currentprice.io/cloudlifter
► Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Interface: currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
► Mackie HM-4 Amplifier Splitter: currentprice.io/4ch_splitter
► 1/4" Balanced TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
► Dual 1/4" TS to 1/4" TRS Cable: currentprice.io/14_2ts_trs
► Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
► XLR Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_cable
► TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
► Mic Stand: currentprice.io/desk_stand
► Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: currentprice.io/psa1_plus
► Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: currentprice.io/soundpanels
Other Audio Interfaces To Consider:
► Solid State Logic SSL2+ : currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
► Motu M2: currentprice.io/motu_m2
Other Headphone Amplifiers & Splitters To Consider:
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - Why Connect Headphone Amp?
1:16 - Equipment We're Using
1:55 - Pricing & Specs
2:05 - Balanced vs Unbalanced Cable
3:02 - How To Use Balanced TRS Cable
4:09 - Connect Headphone Jack to Headphone Amp
7:13 - Connect Left Line Output to Headphone Amp
8:17 - Connect Both Line Outputs to Headphone Amp
9:18 - Summary
10:03 - Final Thoughts
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#audiointerface #headphoneamp #headphonesplitter

[@kettnercreative]

Read the full article here: kettnercreative.com/audio-interface/how-to-connect-audio-interface-to-headphone-splitter-amp/

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

Hey man, watching from 2-3 years later, you're one of best channels (mainly you Jordan) that got properly informed in audio gear

[@pinealdiamond6692]

Thank you for a nice clear explanation! I was actually seeking to hook up my Scarlett 2i2 gen 1 headphone output to the input on the exact same Mackie headphone amp for a podcast me and my brother are working on and all we were lacking was the headphone amp so we can keep the room quiet while we talk and also monitor our voices in real time to we can get a nice smooth conversational flow. I play guitar so I use the TS cables more often and remembered that they are for mono instruments and not stereo signals for headphones. I'm glad to have found your short concise video as a refresher for my memory. Now I'm confident that I understand and will not be having to return the wrong item down the road. keep up the good work my friend and you got yourself a new subscriber here because I truly appreciate when people get straight to the brass tax and don't meander for 10 min while I'm waiting for the helpful info. I salute you sir!!! and I wish you the best and I hope you have a happy holiday with friends and family full of love. Peace out my man!!!

[@khalilcruz5816]

Can i ask a question ? I’m trying to find out what I need ..I’m a bass player ..I love practicing along with songs playing ..so I’m playing music in my headphones and the bass would be also coming out the headphones. How do I do that? Music and headphones at the same time

[@johnwick3644]

This is EXCATLY what I was looking for. clearly explained. Thank you very much. Keep up good work.

[@coeburnett]

Clear Concise! and for me....understanding of components I've used for years but only knew as " mono and stereo" . "Balanced" is a new tool for me! Thanks!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FANKANable]

You're killing it bro. Really love these videos. Please don't stop. Conquer all these topics!

[@kettnercreative]

Thanks. We're trying our best to produce a video every day to keep helping people with videos that I wish I had when I was getting started.

[@jivyajinn4144]

Amazing!!! Super helpful! Just the answer I was looking for couldn't find elsewhere

[@akeemdreams]

Thanks brother! Very helpful! Probably one of the best Engineering advice videos I've ever watched! You explained everything well I appreciate you!

[@felcon_music]

Isn't this man Awesome? Every doubt is cleared by him. Thanks alot🙌🏼

[@MariahCamilleVlogs]

Thank you so much for this! Everything was very easy to follow! I appreciate all the links provided as well. Made it very easy for me to see all the things you have. Thank you so much again!

[@_patricio_]

This channel is great. Thanks for the quality of the videos. Saludos desde Argentina

[@kettnercreative]

Glad you like them!

[@RyanConnur]

Thanks bro not sure why there’s so few videos on the topic. I watched your inline pre video as well and I actually went with the newer tnt dm2 and messed with the impedence on my dynamic and wow. Bro try it I enjoy using my dynamic more than my 103. Granted I have a chain for it but it sounds amazing and the impedence changing really helped me match that mic to my voice

[@rodrigosmusic]

Thanks for this video! I was searching like crazy for a tutorial…

[@_irwinlaw]

Your videos are great and informative, thanks so much for having this up

[@upyourgame1863]

Hey I just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos and they have helped me so much but I have a question I have the Scarlett solo and those exact headphones and headphone amp and when setting it up exactly like you have (I don’t have the same trs cable) but in video games The left footsteps is playing through both ears and and Vice versa for the right footsteps

[@DezDW]

Very Helpful and gave me some clarity.

[@strokerace563]

Awesome video ! On lunch so don’t have time to research but my question . What kind of mount do you have holding the Scarlet interface and amp ? Thanks !

[@TheSawzy]

EVERY TIME I have a specific issue I always find my way here. Great channel!

[@swavycrazekid]

facts

[@matiasvillagra6590]

Nice vid, very helpfull. For custome headphone mix, what should i do?

[@bororitv]

Hey mate! Thanks for the video. Is it really ok to use a dual ts to TRS stereo cable to connect the line outs on an audio interface to a headphone amp? I heard it may harm the outputs since you would be linking the two outputs like this, and the impedance on the headphone amp aux input wouldn’t be enough to absorve it, so they would impact each other. Couldn’t find anything about it in the internet, so if you could help me here would be awesome. Thanks!

[@apocalypseammo1197]

If I do the “connect both line outputs to headphones” would I still have zero delay mic monitoring? Or does mic monitoring only work if you plug cans into the front port?

[@truthseeker630]

Very helpful, thank you!!!

[@StarWarsJay]

Hey mate. Great info. So i have a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 and a iFi ZEN CAN. Headphone amp. Can I connect them together as I have 250 ohm headphones that need the amp for a boost. How do I do it? Can I use two of the tri outs to a single try’s in on the amp? Thanks for your advice.

[@terrance_corley]

I just ordered the FiiO K5 Pro amp for my DT 770 pro headphones. Later when I get a SSL 2+ audio interface, should I be connecting this amp to the audio interface or still connecting the amp to the computer directly?

[@lukajokic011]

Great video! Thanks!

[@aaronivanamaro2060]

Great Video! I have the SSL 2 Audio Interface and was considering returning it and buying the SSL 2 + to have more than 1 headphone output. Would you say it's a better choice than buying this splitter? Or combining the SSL 2 + splitter works fine?

[@hismusephotovideo]

I'm setting up an 8 person podcasting system. What's the best way to setup an amp for each (8) headphone that can be individually volume adjusted by the user? I'm looking at the Mackie HM Series, 4-Way Headphone Amplifier.

[@braekhaven]

Hey. I'm looking for a headphone amplifier so that I can monitor my voice recording louder than what my Scarlett can do. What do you recommend specifically for this ?

[@Kaijiro____93]

Is there a recommended Amp to connect to GO XLR, I want to connect a openback headphone like 800s or DT1990/990 but would like abit more power to get most out of it and used for gaming/streaming?

[@MLyve]

Helped me so much thank you hope you always stay blessed loved and protected!

[@eelcodevries297]

yes! i'm the 1000th like 😄 Thanks for the very clear and thorough explanation. Enjoyed watching it.

[@SoothingJazz88]

thank you for that. Using a focusrite 1212 and a Roll 4 output headphone amp..all of a sudden I only get one side out of my headphones! Never had a problem before.. Do these headphone amps just go bad? Headphone out of focusrite to input on headphone amp using stereo trs cable

[@Music-Tech-Life]

Excellent and extremely detailed with great explanations. I'm just learning about headphone amps for recording. I'm considering purchasing a Fiio K5 Pro ESS, which is a headphone amp/DAC. The headphone out of the audio interface is the way to go it looks like. Thank you. What about a Headphone DAC/Amp? Do you have any experience with the Fiio K5 Pro ESS ? If so, or if you have a video of it, please let me know. Again, great job. I'm subscribing!

[@poochfazos]

appreciate you bro Merry Christmas as well

[@anderssorenson9998]

Question: is it possible to combine two separate audio inputs into one set of headphones?

[@mitiasmirnovmusic]

Hi there! Great video, explains so much. However, just got one question. If you are using the second method to monitor your performance, can you create an individual mix for each person, providing you have more outputs on your audio interface? Thanks.

[@shoshishararecordingsshosh1501]

Please explain how I can connect my single corded beyers to equalize in separate ears…I have a recent onset hearing loss in one side, and am way frustrated…it’s not just a matter of volume but different hz in each ear. Can u use a adapter at then end of my headphone cord then plug into two channnels of the splitter that into goes into the equalizer? PLEASE REPLY. Thank you so much! Great videos,

[@muhammadhadi6391]

Great! Do you mind I would like to request tutorial on how to connect goxlr -> headphone amp -> headphone please.

[@martinezdecap]

On the last step, why did you choose dual TS cables for the line outs from the back of the scarlet instead of TSR?

[@eliotcolburn2680]

how can i drive 250 ohm headphones in stereo through the headphone out ? My understanding is that the way you did it has it running in mono. i have an extremely similar setup and i’m only getting mono signals. thanks !

[@lerucass]

Should I use a dac/amp combo instead of a audio interface? ( Steinberg mk2 ur 22) Beyerdynamic 770 pro

[@josephancla8725]

Very informative. It made the audio interface and headphone amp connection very easy to understand. ❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you!

[@ST-fl5fy]

So by plugging into the front headphone jack you get stereo in the HM-4 right? Would you suggest using this with usb audio interfaces for tracking only not mixing? Or do you think the SSL2 or Volt has enough power for Sony 7506 ohm headphones simply to track a singer etc?

[@patrickpowell5430]

I have a query: could I use the Mackine HM4 (or an alternative headphone signal amp) to boost the signal coming from my metal-stringed accoustic guitar pickup and fee THAT signal into my audio interface and then into my DAW? That would be the reason I would like to buy one, but if that won't work or the signal is still not good enough, I'd like to know before buying one.

[@RoderickRodajeSr.]

Thanks brother for knowledge..

[@KeithCopeland778]

This is exactly what I needed!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@kettnercreative]

You're so welcome!

[@anastasiades.konstantinos]

How to I get both sterio output and monitor output in the same amplifier? is this possible? if not, what is the best way to direct monitor the mic and the back "line outputs"?

[@mar0k]

Hi Jordan, thanks for the video. When it comes to "mixing on headphones" only option, what connection chain do you recommend? Is there any sound quality difference between these interface outputs? Also can the headphones preamp/splitter affect the sound clarity and then affect the mixing decisions?

[@MT-bf2nb]

Amps and audio interfaces won't affect your headphone quality, make sure not to double amp

[@voodoochili12]

Excellent explanation, thank you

[@Antweezy]

Could you speak on recording with this method? I’d like to record vocals but have the vocals only be sent to 2 of the 3 headphones (not in the booth) within the DAW. I’m sure this is a daw solution but would like to hear your thoughts, thank you.

[@JamesWid]

if connecting the amp to the headphone output of my interface... what volume should the headphone knob be on the interface for the audio going to the amp?

[@martinezdecap]

Hello! Hope all is well I have a question for you please. I am looking at getting a combo DAC/amp and also have an Apollo twin x. Would I need to connect line out 3/4 from the back of the Apollo with (2) TSR cables and feed them into the input of the combo DAC/amp unit? The one I am looking at has 2 XLR inputs, therefore I will be (2) cables TSR to XLR correct? Thank you!

[@richardhood4512]

I have the Scarlett Solo, similar to the 2i2 you are using here, and was wondering if the L/R outputs on the back are mono or stereo and you answered that - mono. I wanted to know if I could use the Solo playing live (using Ableton Live) such that one output goes to the venue sound system (in stereo) and the other goes to my headphones (also stereo). The headphones would contain the click track but the one going to the venue system would not, but I cant do that with Solo, I guess I need the Scarlett 4i4 which has more outputs on the back. (In Ableton you can send the click track to 1/2 outputs, for headphones, and the venue audio to 3/4 outputs as a way of sending two different versions.) BTW also have the same Mackie HM-4 and Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones.

[@debuff1262]

will it work if I connect my speaker into left and right output on the audio interface, then connect the audio interface into my amp using the first technique.

[@heatherpennant4574]

Love this but I seem to be still getting a lot of noise and it is on the recording 😩. I’m just not sure what I am doing wrong!

[@kawvika1984ify]

I have a rare 1992 crate gx130c solidstate combo amp. My question is can I use this kit as the amp doesn't have a headphone jack?

[@mark2thed281]

I hope you can see and answer my comment/question. I have an old Mackie Mixer (no USB output) connected to an audio interface into my computer. If I wanted to hook up a headphone amp (4way splitter), which phone outout would I connect it to? The Mixer or the Audio interface?? Thanks

[@TheEldritchArchives]

Great video! You just saved me a lot of money! Very well explained.

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it helped!

[@iRexRiot]

would this also work for mixing and mastering music?

[@newtonwarries5633]

Does this allow me to turn down my main output(monitors) independently from my headphones? Meaning, i will still hear my headphones if i turn the main mix down?

[@uncle3883]

Do you recommend amp for HD 800 S headphones? I'm currently using a Apollo Twin interface. Thank You

[@tod670]

And if you connect to the Scarlet's line outputs 2 Ts 1/4" to 1 Trs 1/4 then could you plug another headphone set right?

[@alecora]

can i connect another output in the front panel of the scarlett interface while i already connected another output in the back (with two TS cables)?

[@maxjean4359]

Is it possible to connect and Audio Interface and headphone amp to a mixer all together?

[@cojotvlive4870]

what would you recommend for dt990 pro 250ohm i use a goxlr and it doesnt have enough volume for me

[@prophetbriggs]

I have a Behringer splitter that looks virtually identical to the HM-4 you're using in the video. But when I try to use the splitter, my Pro Tools gives me an AAE message. When I use just one set of headphones in my Focusrite I have no problems. Why won't Pro Tools accept my splitter when I use it with the Focusrite?

[@mrlajek8922]

great movie, but i have a question. Can I connect a mono cable to the interface and the amplifier?

[@alyctro8158]

What if it's a 3rd gen scarlet solo instead? And what would be the benefit of connecting the splitter from the back? You mentioned software but i'm unaware that volume is controled from there.

[@BryanVP09]

Does this apply to the goxlr as well?

[@valleyboiofficial]

Awesome an actual video that helped me

[@syafiqzailan]

can i use output from the HM4 to 3 camera that has 3.5mm input? what would you suggest?

[@nicktubach7874]

Would it just make more sense to get a Mojo 2 amp/DAC combo and not have to worry about the noise and cabling?

[@Eedrienn]

amazing video thank you!

[@willywillboc]

Whats best if you're recording with a laptop and recording software I use Studio One

[@stevet1578]

Great video….thanks!

[@rombsix]

For method 2, if the signal coming out of the left monitor output of the interface consists of two identical left signals except with their phase is inverted, then how are they not cancelling out when they go into the headphone amp input (that you said does *not* invert the phase of one of the duplicated signals)? When you use the Y-cable, why does it result in an *un-balanced* stereo signal to the TRS rather than a *balanced* stereo signal to the TRS? So then what would the wiring look like of a cable that is carrying stereo balanced signal? Does it have to have FIVE wires inside? Two duplicated for left channel, two duplicated for right channel, and one ground? In that case, it'd be like a five-pin XLR for example? I thought that a cable becomes balanced as long as it has an EVEN number of wires carrying signal. So I figured that in the scenario where you have a cable that has three wires, one ground, and two for signal, if one of the signal wires carries left channel, the second signal wire carries right channel, then both signal wires would pick up the identical interference signal, and that gets canceled out in the differential receiver, yielding a balanced signal, no?

[@usmc5541]

super helpful, THANK you!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaos721]

I have a LD System HPA 4 and i pops wenn i plug my headphones in. The pop is not that loud, but does this damage my headphones?

[@Bijo506]

Thanks !! A new subscriber has been added. 1 doubt.. so if we want to connect studio monitor + 2 head phones, we should go with Hm4 or similar amplifier or can we use the "head phones and ctrl out. (reference image for the model pyle ‎PMXU43BT) Once you get the time, kindly update. Thanks. Bijo from India.

[@niciie100]

Will this work good with the senheiser hd600?

[@iceyy7687]

what wire do I need to connect an amp straight to the pc ?

[@theoneandonly6533]

do you lose quality with the the hm-4 on the dt770 250 ohm.. some say you have a bluried base... what are you think about the hm-4 conected to a dt 770 250 ohm for mixing a track.. and do you have electric noise from bad grounding?

[@miyamotomusashi6780]

Very helpful video

[@deoneilmejia5465]

Thank you for this video man.

[@kettnercreative]

My pleasure!

[@Johnnyfero]

I loved this video bro. You really broke it down perfectly to understand quickly, I thank you so much 👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥

[@klaudiuszjastrzebski5743]

Hey i want to mix music for hobby and for sure im not professionalist , i have exactly the same audio interface and i want buy 250 ohm headphones if i will buy this mackie Amp will I take the best from them ?

[@error404notfound8]

with a scarlet 2i2 (third generation) and a BEHRINGER HA400 i can i have the power of the dt 990 250 ohm at 100%?

[@stewie7thst42]

Can i just use the Mackie HM4 without having to use the interface to power the DT990 pro

[@LukasDozer]

On a TC Electronics G-Major 2 there is no headphone jack. This is a guitar effects processor, how can I make this work for my stereo headphones? Thank you very much.

[@sharksatbay1]

This guy is doing God's work right here, woah.

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

I haven't connected my HM-4 yet but I hope I don't deal with any of the noise that you're referring to! I can't tolerate 60 hertz hum or any crackling etc. when it comes to using headphones/recording etc. With just my Focusrite 2i2, I don't get any noise even if I crank up the volume to max. I'm using a pair of Sony MDR 7506 headphones that are 63 ohms. Screw it, guess I'll go find a 1/4 TRS cable and just find out for myself really quick. I'll reply to my own comment once I find out if I'm dealing with crackle that would require me to send this HM-4 back to sweetwater or not!

[@sportseverywhere5]

Hello, can i connect scarlet to pc using usb C to jack?

[@peterwilliamson2965]

Thanks for the video. I noticed when I turn the volume up on the mic volume, background noise increases, so I will be a headphone amp. However, when I decrease the gain I get less background noise, and when I increase I get more background noise. How do I increase gain without increasing background noise?

[@lechiengrand]

Great video! Quick question, though. At the end when you were demoing using the two TS to one TRS method on the back, you said the volume could only be controlled by software. But doesn't the large "Monitor" knob on the front control that?

[@stepankrikava5449]

Yes, it does. The big "monitor" knob controls the monitor output (those 2 outputs on the back) I wonder how he meant it..

[@DIVA-MC-7]

it does, and i wonder if there would be less noise so i'd choose that method other the other since i dont own a pair of monitor yet

[@frankfarago2825]

@@stepankrikava5449 Exactly. Also he talks about a "stereo TS," AFAIK there is no such thing. If it's stereo, it's gotta be TRS.

[@21136leebyron]

He was referring to the Focusrite Scarlett software that specifically details the audio requirements for the application needed.

[@sinakarimi8273]

So this HM4 is enough for 250ohm headphone?

[@johnfinnyofficialmusic]

Pls do video how to record with audio interface and with head phone amp

[@Uciinnn]

Thanks for this video

[@johnvincentbermundo7437]

Thank you so much!

[@vladislavprisyadev2853]

Audio Interface: Apogee Symphony Desktop Headphone amplifier: iFi Pro iDSD Signature If I connect the HI-Fi headphone (ifi) amplifier to the audio interface, can I monitor my microphone voice and listen to music through the headphone amplifier? 1. The microphone is obtained to the audio interface. 2. Audio interface connects to the headphone amplifier through the entrance for headphones. 3. I connect the audio interface to the laptop. And in this place the question: - Sound from a computer will be translated into headphones with such a setup? - If I want to start Tidle on a laptop, did I get the desired sound from the headphone amplifier that will not be directly connected to the laptop? - If I have negotiations through the zoom, will I hear the interlocutors? Thank you very much for the video.

[@JackBlack444]

Does amplifier headphones make it louder?