Headphone amp tip...

Here is a quick and easy way to get audio to your headphones from your DAW/NLE with your audio interface...particularly if you only have 1/4" outs and don't have a direct headphone amp in your interface.

You know those little portable SD card recorders? Zoom, Marantz, Tascam, Edirol...etc, well here is another use for them when you need to monitor but don't have a headphone amp or mixer to split out to.

Items needed:
(1) portable recorder with 1/4" inputs and headphone output.
(1) 1/4" stereo cable
(1) DAW audio interface with 1/4" outputs
(1) headphones with 1/8" mini jack (most portable recorders have this)

First, connect your 1/4" cable up to your DAW/NLE interface's 1/4" left and right or 1 and 2 or which ever you use for stereo outputs.
Second, connect the other end of the 1/4" cable up to inputs on the portable recorder. In my case, it is a Zoom H4 with 1/4"/XLR combo inputs.
Next, once the interfaces are connected, put your portable recorder into record mode. Units will differ in how this is done, but the Zoom H4 has a 'arm' indication with a flashing red light. In this mode, you can monitor the input the recorder and hence, monitor your DAW/NLE output in a pinch!

See, no need to carry around an additional headphone amp if you use a portable recorder such as the Zoom H4. You will need to make minor adjustments in the portable recorder to get it just right, but at least you will hear something.

just a little tip...

'til next time.

ga