Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › *Noob missile inbound*
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

*Noob missile inbound*

post #1 of 8
12/6/11 at 6:27pm
Thread Starter 

Alright so im a noob when it comes to this sort of thing and thought i would come to the pros....hopefully thats you. Heres my question:

 

I currently own a pair of AKG k701 with no amp (i know spit it my face, ill allow you to), i have searched many forums/threads for the best amp to go along with these. but here is where you guys come in what i want to do is be able to hook up a mixer to my computer where i would be able to decide where i want the output going (headphones, speakers, etc.)....now should i still get the headphone amp or will the mixer fix that? I have read that the akg k701 are pretty easy to run (compared to others) and do not need that expensive of an amp.

 

so do i need both or just the mixer? and if its just the mixer what would you guys recommend? I do not need that many channels (is that what they are called?) so 4 or so should be fine....also it will be sitting on my computer desk so i want it to look somewhat nice, as in not the kind of mixer meant to be put into a larger unit with corners sticking out ready to cut me

 

anyway thanks for all the help, hopefully my noobiness did not make some of you punch a hole through your screen

Reply
post #2 of 8
12/6/11 at 7:41pm

A mixer combines multiple audio sources, with varying levels (if wanted), into one output. However, most mixers can actually send this output to three places simultaneously at least, which is to main out, 2 track out, and headphones (monitor). Just clarifying what you'd want a mixer for.

 

Mixers do have a moderate headphone amp of varying quality for the monitoring out, but the specifications on those can be difficult to come by. Something to consider if you're all about specs.

 

Your headphones however are low enough impedance to not really need an amp as such, IMO. Do you find something lacking with the volume?

Reply
post #3 of 8
12/6/11 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 

yes that is what i would the mixer for, im a huge gamer (im actually a game designer/developer) and i have a pretty sweet computer set up and what not and very decent speakers to boot. I just wanted to have something that would be able to switch between my different outputs when i wanted and thats what it seems a mixer does.

 

I would like a slight increase in vol levels with the headphones that i just cant achieve with my current set up (just plugging into computer) but i do not need much, thats why i figured the mixer would be able to provide the amount of boost i was looking for. Im just trying to figure out what type of mixer to look for and if i wanted could be achieved through these means

 

Do some mixers come with an equalizer that i can play around with or should i just download a program for it?  

Reply
post #4 of 8
12/6/11 at 9:22pm

Yes, there are mixers that come with an EQ, as well as effects if you want them, depending on the amount of $$ you want to spend. Also of consideration is phantom power if you ever want to hook up a good mic to it. One can easily spend $500+ on a mixer that incorporates all of that. One example of a decent mixer compromise is Numark C2, which does your basic mixing, EQing and headphone amping, but doesn't have effects or phantom power.

 

Or just do your EQ in software, and your mixer can be even cheaper, like a basic Behringer or Mackie.

Reply
post #5 of 8
12/7/11 at 1:13pm
Thread Starter 

The numark c2 seems to be exactly what im thinking about, except the thats its supposed to be put into a larger unit because of the edges sticking out (if you dont know what im talking about i can go into further detail). do all mixers come like that or can i get one that can just be put on a desk?

 

If they all come like that do they sell little units that i can put my mixer into that will give it a cleaner look?

Reply
post #6 of 8
12/8/11 at 5:32am

You can put it on a desk as it has feet, at which point the rack mount border becomes an aesthetic thing. There's not much else out there with a graphic eq built in that's a reasonable size and cost. Mackie ProFX8, perhaps. It's hard to say without knowing what you need, exactly in terms of budget, IO, EQ, etc :)

Reply
post #7 of 8
12/8/11 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 

I would be willing to spend $250 on it. I literally only need it to power my headphones and to be able to switch between my speakers, and different headphones.....plus an EQ to play around with so i do not need that many channels (4 should do). The two mixers you have showed me seem to be what im looking for, unless you have another you would recommend i think i can take it from here. Thanks!

Reply
post #8 of 8
12/8/11 at 5:39pm

One other option of potential interest is a professional audio interface. It does all the mixing internally, including that of computer audio, so you can digitally feed multiple pc outputs to it, along with hardware inputs. TC Electronics Impact Twin is one I've been eyeing myself for other purposes, and as a bonus it will drive two high-impedance headphone monitors at the same time.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › *Noob missile inbound*