Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution
The VRM Box from Focusrite is a headphone monitoring/mixing solution that allows you mix in your studio, wherever you are and with any pair of headphones. The system consists of a robust, pocket sized audio interface partnered with the company's Virtual Reference Monitoring (VRM) software, allowing you to mix anytime, anywhere.
VRM Box functions as a high-quality 24-bit/48kHz USB audio playback interface. It features an S/PDIF input for connecting to your audio interface and delivers high quality, low distortion audio at the headphone output. It allows for monitoring or mixing when it is impractical to use speakers, especially late at night.
The VRM software overcomes the major obstacle of mixing with headphones by providing multiple perspectives on your mix, as if listening through speakers in different environments. It lets you choose from a living room, a bedroom studio, or a professional studio, along with a choice of industry-standard studio monitors and speakers.
The system uses standard headphones to reproduce the direct sound, together with a "Direct FX" DSP system to simulate specific monitoring scenarios. The range of speakers includes quality hi-fi, computer, and cheap stereo and television speakers. The control room simulation allows you to select between a number of listening positions to check stereo imaging and observe the effects of typical room modes on your mixes.
The loudspeaker simulations are created using convolutions of impulse responses measured using the original loudspeakers. The interface is USB bus powered, making it eminently portable. So, whether you're mixing, creating music or simply listening to tracks, VRM Box is a perfect headphone monitoring solution.
- Mix in your studio, wherever you are
- VRM (Virtual Reference Monitoring) technology lets you hear your mix in different environments, through different speakers and from different positions, just using headphones
- Enhanced mathematical room models combine with speaker emulations, sampled using a unique dynamic convolution "sampling" process
- Choose from 10 pairs of industry standard nearfield and main monitors in an acoustically treated control room
- With a dynamic range of 108dB (A-weighted), VRM Box provides a significant audio upgrade from low-grade laptop headphone outputs (which commonly only provide around 92 or 93dB), with an equally impressive audio quality
- Features a digital input, allowing you to run it alongside a Pro Tools HD or Native interface, or any interface that features an S/PIDF digital output
- The compact pocket size and robust build quality of the interface means it's ready to go anywhere, any time
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates |
44.1 and 48kHz
1
Please Note:Supports sample rates from 32 to 192kHz with automatic sample rate conversion close |
| Analog Input | No |
| Analog Output | 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone |
| Output Impedance | <10Ω |
| Maximum Output Level |
15mW into 150Ω 30mW into 50Ω |
| Digital Input | 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF |
| Digital Output | No |
| Other Connectors | 1 x USB 2.0 |
| THD + N |
Headphone Output: -100dB (0.001%), -1dBFS input, 20Hz to 22kHz bandpass filter, 150Ω load S/PDIF Input: <-110dB any sample rate |
| Dynamic Range | DA: 108dB, A-weighted |
| SNR | >105dB |
| Indicators | 1 x Green LED |
| Power Requirements | USB bus power |
| System Requirements |
Mac OS X 10.5 (Intel only, OS X 10.6 Windows XP (SP3), Vista, Windows 7 2 Please Note:If using a USB 1.1 port on a Windows PC, performance will be limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48kHz recording and playback. Macintosh support limited to USB 2.0 ports only close |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.7 x 2.7 x 1" (68 x 68 x 25mm) |
| Weight | 4 oz (123g) |
| Specialties | Clock jitter <250pS (internal clock only) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 3 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
- Better than nothing
- Cheap
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Lackluster DA Conversion
- Real speakers invaluable
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile studio
Comments about Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution:
I bought this item primarily because I wanted a good, yet inexpensive converter for my headphones. The quality of the conversion from digital to analog can make a big difference, and I didn't like the idea that I had a $160 pair of headphones being plugged into a consumer quality sound card on my laptop. With the VRM feature turned off, I compared my VRM Box side-by-side with my laptop's sound card, and I wasn't able to hear a noticeable difference. But I think must be doing something for the signal because it does get a faint, barely noticeable warmth while plugged in.
Some posts on forums that I've read said that the box itself is just a volume knob, while the Virtual Reference Monitoring (VRM) feature is processed in your computer. I found this to be true because when I have a mix that's consuming enough resources to create buffer underruns (noticeable through dropouts in audio), turning on the VRM feature will increase the number of underruns. Thus, the processing for the VRM feature happens in the computer, and isn't processed inside the box.
The VRM feature is nice for mixing but it doesn't make problems in the balance of a mix as noticeable as actually using real speakers in a real listening environment. Doing field tests by listening to mixes through the radio at work, the car and the PA system at church is irreplaceable. I opt-out of using the VRM feature when listening to music on my computer and mixing, because it simply makes my headphones sound like compromised quality. But it's wonderful as a quick check when there isn't time to go jump in the car, and do field tests in real listening environments.
P.S. the shiny black plastic scratches easily
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution:
I live in a row house and would like to keep the neighbors happy. I found this to be the best compromise. I am not sure about how accurate it is compared to the "real" monitors. I saw an instant improvement in the music I played through my desktop as compared to the motherboard's sound card. I recommend getting a good set of headphones like the Audio-technica ATH-M50.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Portable
Cons
- no cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution:
I use this little wonder in my home based studio.
It does make a difference and really works as advertised.
Displaying reviews 1-3
- Reference Chart (PDF 871.9kb)
Cables
- Price: $15.99
Headphones
- Price: $84.99
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Software CD-ROM
- One (1) Year Warranty
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