Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

I work in audio post-production at a facility in NYC, and I just recently purchased a pair of AKG open headphones for doing pre-mix work outside of my studio. Of course with them being 60-something ohms of resistance, I knew I was going to need an amp to keep them happy, and to keep me happy.

Almost all of our recording equipment for field recording is from sound devices; I love this company. The build, quality, and durability of their equipment is always at the top of the line. Same thing goes for this headphone amp.

I never plan to use this thing outdoors, but I actually only power it with batteries because the power supply is an additional purchase. (However they do come with the DC terminal into their box if you want to do a little work yourself and wire up a DC converter)

Very linear response, virtually no noise floor unless I jack the level up above 80% (which I never need to do anyway), and the best part is it really lets my headphones shine. If you require headphones and plan to do serious mix work PLEASE do not expect to get good results coming straight out of the laptop's 1/8" output; not only will it not be loud enough in most cases, but there is just not enough power to allow a high resistance pair of headphones to be at their best.

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

I use the HX-3 as a way to drive multiple headphones from a single source. This is very useful in recording sessions where the engineer(s), producer, and talent all need their own headphones. Each HX-3 has three headphone outputs each with their own volume control. They are very compact and can be powered with batteries or an outboard power supply.

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

I bought the HX-3 this week and after using it for a couple of days hooked up with my Sony MZ-M200 Hi-MD recorder, I can say it is wonderful. I am using Pioneer SE-MJ71 headphones with them. I love how my uncompressed PCM recordings of my cds' sound. I prefer it to my portable cd player.

This amp is built like a tank. One of the main reasons I bought it. Also I bought it to support small companies like Sound Devices that create superb equipment.

I am not an audio professional, just a lover, but bought these to carry on my daily commute. I do not own an iPod. To me sound is very important.

This amp does what I want. It doesn't change the original sound, it just amplifies it. The bass sound better and so does the treble. These things are powerful, I usually put the volume level to the second or third marker, or about 8 or 9 o'clock. There is no need for more unless I want to permanently damaging my ears, which will end my musical enjoyment. So be careful.

I love the peak light warning, though if I reach that I will blow my ear drums. It is a good size for a portable amp. If it was any smaller, how can there be any room inside for the parts to breathe.

I was going to wait till after new years to buy it, but couldn't wait. I tested it in store and waited a week till I finally ordered. The sound was that good that I needed it NOW.

There are headphone amps that are better (there always are), but are you willing to pay over a $1,000 and have it be not portable? I am happy and content with the Sound Device HX-3. And so will you whether a professional, or just a music lover. Take care and enjoy.

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

Driving three Sennheiser headphones (2x HD 212 Pro and 1x HD 280 Pro) at the same time - from a 302 mixer by SD - never went above a 9 o'clock setting on the output controls.
The XLR line inputs are great!
The options of 3.5mm or 1/4" input (headphone-wise) makes it very flexible.
The battery life is excellent: 4 days in a row of continuous location shooting before having to change them. Can't beat that!

...and there is lots of Ooomph on all outputs

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

This headphone amplifer not only provides 3 headphones outputs, but provide powerful drive as well as prestige sound quality. I can share my audio editing with others with different prefered level. Or I can switch repadily with different style headphones with the same SPL by setting individual levels. Great little tool and very good power consumption.

Comments about Sound Devices HX-3 - 3 Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier:

I have used this product both at work in the field and also in the studio. It is great because it has a dual source of power allowing one to save battery life if they have access to a wall outlet. It is an easy setup right out of the packaging and has lived up to all the reviews and specs that have been previously written. You will most likely need to run to [...]in order to purchase some cables so that it will be compatible with your setup, so don't expect immediate results until you find out what you will need to run whatever you may be running through the headphone jack.