RME UCX II: Can one of the outputs be used as an extra headphone out?

[alexis]

Hi,

I've had an eye on that interface for some time, since the first version. One reason I didn't pull the trigger (of $$everal ) was it had only one dedicated headphone output.

I should know this, I know, but ... can one of its outputs be commandeered to serve phone duty?

Thanks much for any thoughts!

[Hugh Robjohns]

The line outputs are mono and balanced.... so not directly, no.

However, the line outputs could physically drive a (mono) headphone via suitable adapter, or two channels for stereo.

In reality, it would probably make more sense to use an external headphone amp.

[Wonks]

Can you clarify? Title says ‘mic’ out

And by ‘phone’, do you mean ‘headphones’ or connection to a phone for calls?

Assuming headphones, a balanced output might drive a mono headphone signal with the correct conversion cable, but you’ll be better off using two outputs and feed a headphone amp. Far more chance of getting a well-driven set of headphones, especially if of the higher impedance type.

[alexis]

Can you clarify? Title says ‘mic’ out

And by ‘phone’, do you mean ‘headphones’ or connection to a phone for calls?

Assuming headphones, a balanced output might drive a mono headphone signal with the correct conversion cable, but you’ll be better off using two outputs and feed a headphone amp. Far more chance of getting a well-driven set of headphones, especially if of the higher impedance type.

Thank you, Hugh, and Wonks.

Title now says "headphone" out ... thanks to whoever fixed that!

Phone ... yes sir, it was "headphone", not "telephone", I meant.

Your answers have shown me that if I want to use the RME UCX II and have two independent headphones out ... I'll need to splash out for a separate headphone amp ... $$omething else to consider, on top of the device cost itself. Probably more than I need to spend given my true needs!

Thanks again

[James Perrett]

... I'll need to splash out for a separate headphone amp ... $$omething else to consider, on top of the device cost itself. Probably more than I need to spend given my true needs!

I was going to say that a Behringer HA400 is only £20 but I searched to check and found that the Chinese are trying to beat Behringer at their own game

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005076930419.html

No idea if that price is genuine but there are plenty more for around six quid.

[alexis]

Ah yes, the old trusty Behringer plus RME combo!

But seriously, if I had my heart set on that RME UCX II, that's probably exactly what I'd probably do James (based on your esteemed reputation!), thank you!

Unfortunately, despite the many beautiful aspects to that device (latency, the virtual mixer, almost guaranteed perpetual driver rewrites, the list goes on), I'm almost embarrassed to say there may be a little too much menu diving/button pushing involved with the RME UCX II for me. I'm referring to controlling things like preamp gain, faders, gain pots, mute and solo buttons, etc. I know one gets used to anything ... but it is just so handy to have physical knobs and buttons at hand for controls like that.

[ef37a]

Alexis, mic gain tends to be 'set and forget' for a given mic/purpose i.e. you don't 'ride' mic gains. You don't GET physical " mute, ch faders or solo buttons" on many interfaces!
If you do want those things maybe look at a USB multitrack mixer? I was reading about the Tascam L12 recently. You get all the above per channel plus pan and a compressor...and MIDI by crikey!

That headphone amp is almost identical to my Behringer save some of the legending. Got to be worth risking ten bucks!

Dave.

[Arpangel]

... I'll need to splash out for a separate headphone amp ... $$omething else to consider, on top of the device cost itself. Probably more than I need to spend given my true needs!

I was going to say that a Behringer HA400 is only £20 but I searched to check and found that the Chinese are trying to beat Behringer at their own game

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005076930419.html

No idea if that price is genuine but there are plenty more for around six quid.

Thats funny James, I'm looking forward to a Chinese Model D "Hong Kong Style"