DACS Audio HeadLite 3+ 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier

DACS Audio HeadLite 3+ Overview

Providing a vital utility for studios that need to feed multiple power-hungry headphones at once, the HeadLite 3+ from DACS Audio is a 4-channel rack mounted headphone amplifier that leaves DAW and mixer headphone amps in the dust. Capable of delivering 450mW into a 50-ohm load, the HeadLite 3+ is built to get the most out of your headphones without compromising audio quality.

Each channel features dedicated volume control and an Input Select knob that allows you to choose different input configurations on each headphone output, including both mono and stereo options. This allows you to send multiple distinct headphone mixes depending on your needs. The rear panel also features duplicate 1/4" headphone outputs, to facilitate long cable runs to vocal booths for example, and allows the HeadLite 3+ to support up to eight headphones simultaneously. Further control options include selectable +4 dBu or -10 dBV input sensitivity (per stereo pair) and a user selectable voltage dial, adjustable with a flathead screwdriver, that can switch between 120 or 240V operation for global compatibility. The HeadLite 3+ includes an IEC power cable.

Clarity and Sound Quality

Whatever the headphone task the quality of the end-product begins with what the artist hears. Accurate, clear, and detailed reproduction of the whole audible frequency range is essential any shortcomings will inevitably affect both the overdub and the overview. HeadLite 3+ maintains the HeadLite series' worldwide reputation for clarity and detail.

Optimum Drive

The metering on the four busses that feed the amplifiers allows you to set the input levels to optimum, making sure the input to the amplifier gives the best output to headphones.

+Power Module

+Power is an analog plug-in module that provides all the ultra-clean drive the most power-hungry headphones need. Fitted as standard in Channel 1, +Power can be added to the other channels either at the time of ordering or retrofitted later.

Power and Drive

Amplifier power is not just about sound pressure level, it is about clean level (sonically pure level). A cheap headphone amplifier, when pushed beyond its narrow limits, can begin to distort before your headphones or your ears. This not only compromises the sound, but it can also damage your hearing.

A headphone amp which has enough power should be cruising for the whole of its useable range, the output signal always as clean as the technical specifications indicate it should be. The power of the output on the standard channels is more than sufficient to drive virtually any headphone, of any impedance, cleanly and loudly. +Power provides drive to spare for taking low-impedance, high-power headphones to the peak of their performance. It will also allow the driving of multiple higher impedance headphones.