iPad headphone out ampli?

[Deleted User]

What is the best thing to use to amplify the headphones out from iPad into a power amp?

When i run the out into my amp i don't get very strong signal...
Anybody uses anything like that?

Hmtx

Any of the audio interfaces should improve this, even a cheap UCA 202. I have a focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it makes a big difference.

Edit: sorry, these options are if you are willing to go with DA out thru the Lightning port. A more costly option to finding a headphone amp.

Earsinn

I have aTopping NX1 headphone amp and like it a lot. It should give you sufficient boost. It is very small and battery-driven. But one charge lasts for more than 100 hours. Soundwise it seems pretty solid to me - does not color the sound, very neutral. But you should be aware, that it is not very well shielded against electro-magnetical noise. It also is pretty cheap. For a few bucks more you can get the NX2 which has a DA-converter integrated, but you have to have a camera-connection kit, to make use of this.

AndyPlankton

I too am using Topping NX1, connected via an Alesis Core 1 and CCK. Works perfectly well for me.

Previously I used UCA 202, but found the headphone out to be lacking somewhat in volume.

[Deleted User]

Thank you all:)

It needs to be connected to headphones out, because the CCK out will be used with an Arturia BSP.

Thanks will check out the NX 1

Earsinn

One thing to keep in mind perhaps is, that the NX1 seems not to be designed for permanent connection to an AC adaptor. If I connect mine in order to charge it via the USB-cable there is some noise. But this should be minor, taking into account that a charging lasts so long.

Samu

@soundklinik There is nothing stopping you from using an USB-Hub (powered when needed) with all the stuff

So connect the USB-Hub to the CCK and connect the rest of the stuff to the hub.

I've got the Akai MPK Mini 2, iRig Mic HD and UCA-202 connected using non-powered hub working without any issues on the iPad Air 2. I don't have all the stuff connected all the time, only when needed...

TedBPhx

Blue Mo-Fi phones have a built in amp that's perfectly matched to their drivers. Pretty effin' wonderful cans. Especially at the 45% off sale I caught on Labor Day:)

AndyPlankton

@soundklinik said:

It needs to be connected to headphones out, because the CCK out will be used with an Arturia BSP.

Seriously consider using a powered hub and Audio interface, especially if you are plugging in and pulling out your headphones a lot.

I have had iPod Classic and iPod touch both of them headphone socket is now goosed. By using NX1 via audio interface (lightning socket seems far more robust than headphone socket), you will only need to replace NX1(£24 on amazon) or the socket in that if you get wear and tear, instead of on the iPad which would be hugely expensive.

[Deleted User]

@Samu said:
soundklinik There is nothing stopping you from using an USB-Hub (powered when needed) with all the stuff

So connect the USB-Hub to the CCK and connect the rest of the stuff to the hub.

I've got the Akai MPK Mini 2, iRig Mic HD and UCA-202 connected using non-powered hub working without any issues on the iPad Air 2. I don't have all the stuff connected all the time, only when needed...

@AndyPlankton said:
Seriously consider using a powered hub and Audio interface, especially if you are plugging in and pulling out your headphones a lot.
...the socket in that if you get wear and tear, instead of on the iPad which would be hugely expensive.

The thing is, I want to have a set up as simple and portable as possible. I use headphones most of the time and my ears start to "burn" after few hours...and the sound is good through my stereo set with sub-woofer>:)

I really like the iPad for it's portability, and quality sound all in one...now I am breaking my "promise", never to get any external gear for iPad like BSP lol

I'll see how this phone amp works...

Martygras

@soundklinik said:

I'll see how this phone amp works...

Just a note about using the home stereo. Yeah it sounds good on a stereo because certain frequencies are hyped because we like those frequencies. When you hook up your output to another system it will sound very different. I'm not sure if this affects you, but it is good to know anyway.

TedBPhx

Blue Mo-Fi built in amp, fewer cables. Here's the SonicState guys going gaga over them

wigglelights

+1 on thinking about using an external interface. The headphone out, and this is common on most such devices, have circuitry that sense the load on the output, and adjust accordingly. i.e. headphones require the amplification circuit, while line level certainly does not.

Also, you mention using a power amp; these often have built in (and sometimes switchable) pads on the inputs. And the pad level may be designed for use with certain equipment markets i.e. using a mixer as input. Between the iPad's switching circuit and your amp's input pads most likely lays the reason for the low gain. An external interface should deliver the signal the amp wants more reliably - but I'd suggest looking at the specs for the amp's inputs should be compared to what a potential interface can output.

And as mentioned, if you need to use the headphone out, a directbox would be your best bet, again matching the outputs to your amp. A headphone amp is designed to drive (head)speakers, not a line input and most likely won't help in your case. It'll be a hotter signal, but will likely become more distorted.

I guess my point being - understand what your amp wants to see and match accordingly.

Best of luck! Loud is good!