Monitoring and Headphones problem...

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:43 am

Ok - here's the deal. I am looking for some kind of solution to my problem.
I have invested in a good set of monitors, Tannoy ellipses, but I am also looking to invest in a half decent set of cans for referencing as well, as I can't listen loud all the time, plus I have room issues affecting translation of mixes. The headphones might help me in the meantime, till we move house so I can get another room organised.
Anyway, the problem is that I only have an MAudio 2496 soundcard, which doesn't have any headphone out.

I don't use a big mixer - all of my mixing is done on my PC - I just use soft plugs to write my tracks.

So my quandry is this. Do I get a new soundcard that has a built in headphone socket? Or do I get something like the Mackie Big Knob which ahs built in headphone socket and good controllability. Or do I go for a mini mixer with headphone jack. What about maybe one of those Mindprint Trios?

The problem I have is that I don't want to sacrifice the sound quality too much, and this would happen if I throw a cheapo minimixer into the equation.

Thing is, I don't want to spend too much on the solution, so any advice would be great!!!
I'm really stuck with this.
Don't know what to do.

Cheers

4am · Post by **4am** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:48 am

what about a good minimixer?

i use a mackie 1202, good sound for value and excellent routing possibilities (for a minimixer)

as second option i would suggest to upgrade the soundcard

grizzler · Post by **grizzler** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:42 pm

Get yourself a nice minimixer! About £40 for a nice one that should do the job. Have a look on dolphin music for some

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:46 pm

Like I said, my own concern here is that using a cheap mini mixer may affect the sound quality adversely. I have heard that mini mixers are ok for cueing stuff, but are dire for directly linking to monitors for critical mixing.

(I say this whilst using a 50 quid MAUDIO 2498 soundcard).

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:19 pm

Are there any alternatives to the Big Knob?
It seems quite pricey. It does look interesting tho...

Musicsoul · Post by **Musicsoul** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:47 pm

Samson c-control, cheap. It collors a little but not much

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:02 am

Could be an idea. Ideally I wanty something that won't colour the mix, but this is only around 70 quid to buy anyway.

Alternativelly, would I be better off with a new soundcard which has a headphone out?

dancerchris · Post by **dancerchris** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:24 pm

If your spending money why not just get a decent audio interface?

My $0.02

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:38 pm

I use a mixer, but I would suggest getting the audio interface anyway since it will give you more options later when you want to play live and cue things.

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:22 pm

Well, if the audio interface is probably the best route to go down, does anyone have any suggestions (that aren't too pricey)?

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:03 pm

Peyotero wrote:Well, if the audio interface is probably the best route to go down, does anyone have any suggestions (that aren't too pricey)?

This is asked about 5 times a week on here. Try browsing through the forum.

Peyotero · Post by **Peyotero** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 11:25 am

Fair comment. I never thought.
See - for live stuff, all I am using is my Indigo DJ card. Works well enough for me just now. Only doing the very odd DJ set here and there.