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Solved Not enough volume from Yamaha HP-1 headphones

I

imacken

Member
I don't use headphones often, but I noticed that the volume - even at max output from Presonus 26c Studio 26c - isn't really loud enough for my liking. Mixer in Studio One is at good levels for my normal speaker output.
Is this down to the type of headphone? Would another set be louder?
Any advice appreciated.
 
The Yamaha HP-1 (Impedanc:e: 150 ohms) headphones require more gain to drive them.
Headphones with less impedance will sound louder with your audio interface so be sure to check the Tech Specifications .
I use and like the Sony MDR-7506 headphones (Impedance: 63 ohms).

Compare Headphones at Sweetwater
 
Yeah, the HP-1 dates back to the 70's. Compared to the competition, Yamaha was a little higher in efficiency, but their headphones were typically 150 ohm. I'm not sure of the Presonus Studio 26C headphone amplifier output is, but they're typically close enough and will drive headphones best under 80 ohms. Like Trucky, my main cans are Sony MDR-7506. Not only are they extremely high efficient, crystal clear and have been that way, since launched in the early 90's, they have such a largely flat overall, but really desirable low end. Just be aware of how that translates (like any headphone/monitor system). I use them over ANY of my other Studio monitor headphones even costing five to six times more!
 
Thanks guys. Yes, the HP-1s are old, but the quality is still nice. I'll check out the MDR-7506 though.
 
imacken said:
Thanks guys. Yes, the HP-1s are old, but the quality is still nice. I'll check out the MDR-7506 though.
Click to expand...
Since you really like your HP-1 set, and we're not sure if they are just for your tracking and perhaps mastering, you could always output your Studio 26C to an additional headphone amp, that has the power you want to drive the HP-1's. Your choice. I'd also hate to see you not happy with that particular Sony MDR-7506. They are quite different than the vast majority of studio monitor headphones, mainly in the low and highs (somewhat boosted). There's a number of sub 80 ohm cans like the Audio Technica ATH-M50X, or Beyerdynamic DT-770, and similar which are a little flatter EQ response curve, so it really amounts to your needs. For higher headphone output, youll want to stay below 80 ohms, is all. Or add another headphone amp, being cautious what the quality and change that amp and its converters might make. Oh, and they do. It's never an automatic choice, but you get the idea.
I've just had so many headphones, and really enjoy the MDR-7506. They're SO pleasant and once you learn from their characteristics, they're a keeper. Ok, that's true of any headphone. 😉

People like Andrew Shepps, and others also mix exclusively with the MDR-7506, and don't even compensate with room acoustic software. They just work.
 
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Good suggestion. I've ordered a cheap headphone Behringer amp to try out.
 
7506 are the absolute best. Using a pair from over 20 years ago. Tours, shows, studio. Just the best pair you can get.
 
I have a few 150+ ohm headphones and a seperate amp always works. I even have a Rane HC-6 headphone mixer amp that I've kept since the 90's. So I can run balanced +4dB off the interface for 6 independent headphone channels. Those 150 ohm headphones are nice, but they need to be driven separately, and very clean to serve well. Especially, when using my Senheizer HD-650 which demands pristine audio to sound right. Otherwise, it brings out all the bad. The MDR-7506 aren't finicky at all, which adds to their grab all of the time, service.

Good job imacken, fixing your issue!
 
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