Do I need a headphone amp for this setup?

[zackback]

Hi. I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as my interface to record vocals and electric guitar, and to monitor and mix my recordings through headphones. (My room is small and untreated; thus I haven't been using studio monitors). The headphones I use are Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones (https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheise ... ls#details).

The headphones have a nominal impedance of 300 ohm.

The Scarlett 2i2 has the following specs for the headphone output:

Dynamic Range: 104dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: <0.002%
Maximum Output Level: 7dBu
Impedance: <1Ω

Would I benefit from using a headphone amplifier between the Scarlett 2i2 and my headphones? Or is that not necessary?

Thank you.

[resistorman]

Why do you ask? Are you unsatisfied with the sound quality and/or loudness?

[Drew Stephenson]

Resistorman is on the nail. If you're having problems with the set up now, then an amp may help. But there's no definite reason to need one.

[James Perrett]

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD600s which look very similar and have not had an issue driving them from either a Zoom U-44 or an RME Digiface USB. The Zoom claims a maximum output level of +10dBu while the RME has an output of +9.5dBu.

I don't think you'll have a problem with the Focusrite unless you want to listen at ludicrously high levels.

[zackback]

Thanks, all. I was worried that these headphones might not be producing as much bass as they would if powered by an amp, but maybe getting enough bass from headphones is a lost cause anyways!

[James Perrett]

This range of Sennheiser headphones probably aren't the best choice if you want really deep bass. However, they are well balanced and revealing so generally good for mixing.

One solution could be to look at something like Sonarworks SoundID which attempts to correct for shortcomings in the headphone's response. I've not used it but others on here swear by it.

[sonics]

One solution could be to look at something like Sonarworks SoundID which attempts to correct for shortcomings in the headphone's response. I've not used it but others on here swear by it.

I'm swearing loudly, then!
Sonarworks, ToneBoosters and Waves all make software that will correct the bass-light sound. In fact, the roll-off is quite simple, and some EQ on your listen/master bus will get you most of the way there! Software will flatten out the upper frequencies as well.

[Jimmy B]

This review of the similar (I think) Sennheiser HD650 suggests adding roughly 7dB in total of bass boost, when they are said to sound "superb" (from the point of view of an audiophile, which may not improve them for mixing purposes).
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/foru ... one.18774/
It's easy enough to try this with the EQ in your DAW, as sonics suggested.
However, this does require that the electronics can supply an additional 7dB of level, and this may drive the Scarlett into clipping (which will probably be obvious). At that point, you may need to think again about an amplifier.

[tea for two]

Is it that the Scarlett isn't revealing the best of this Sennheiser.

In which instance I would suggest Motu M2 interface.
M2 headphone out is one of the better ones in the £100-£300 range, better than equivalent SSL 2+, UAD Volt according to tests from Julian Krause (utube channel, Scarlett scores poorly for headphone out).

I have had Audient id4, Focusrite Sapphire 24. Their headphone out was acceptable only in terms of they could handle low sensitivity high impedance headphones. Still I wasn't enamoured with their headphone out so I no longer have them.

Motu M2 may well be my next interface.

[sonics]

I have had Audient id4, Focusrite Sapphire 24. Their headphone out was acceptable only in terms of they could handle low sensitivity high impedance headphones. Still I wasn't enamoured with their headphone out so I no longer have them.

What problem did you have the Audient headphone output? I thought their amplifier electronics were meant to be very good indeed. Were you using low-Z 'phones?

[James Perrett]

Is it that the Scarlett isn't revealing the best of this Sennheiser.

I think the OP is expecting more bass than the headphones produce - they are often described as slightly bass light. It is an issue with these particular headphones rather than the Scarlett.

[tea for two]

Is it that the Scarlett isn't revealing the best of this Sennheiser.

I think the OP is expecting more bass than the headphones produce - they are often described as slightly bass light. It is an issue with these particular headphones rather than the Scarlett.

Ah.

To the OP
I got an AKG K712 : I'm comfortable with the Bass it brings for some Dance and Drum n Bass music I make.
Mixes done on it translates well to different listening mediums including Bass.
K712 are pretty forgiving on interfaces.
Impedance 62 Ohms.
Sensitivity 105 dB.

I had Philips Fidelio X2HR open back. They bring Heavy Bass which is unusual for an open back.
But this heavy Bass from them is not accurate for mixing nor mastering I found.

::

I have had Audient id4, Focusrite Sapphire 24. Their headphone out was acceptable only in terms of they could handle low sensitivity high impedance headphones. Still I wasn't enamoured with their headphone out so I no longer have them.

What problem did you have the Audient headphone output? I thought their amplifier electronics were meant to be very good indeed. Were you using low-Z 'phones?

I was using an Audio Technica Ath R70x.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-r70x
Sensitivity 99 dB
Impedance 470 Ohms (Om shanti).
I ended up getting this Apogee Groove DAC for these R70x.
https://apogeedigital.com/products/groove
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... hp?t=80192

[sonics]

What problem did you have the Audient headphone output? I thought their amplifier electronics were meant to be very good indeed. Were you using low-Z 'phones?

I was using an Audio Technica Ath R70x.

Okay, I thought you were using the HD 6XX headphones.
The A-Ts are less sensitive and have even higher impedance...