Taking a line out to a mixing desk for monitoring is a common requirement among musicians, sound engineers, DJs and even the home recordist. From recording vocals to practising an instrument, through to mixing and live sound management, the use of headphones is now common practice when seeking to monitor the audio without the use of loudspeakers. Unfortunately, you need to connect the correct output, use compatible headphones and set a maximum gain.
If yes, you should take a look at this article. Here you’ll learn How to Connect Headphones to a Mixing Console, what issues may arise, and get some tips for a comfortable and sound audition.
Why Do You Need Headphones for a Mixing Console?
Headphones can give you a clearer understanding of the audio signals flowing through a mixer. They’re useful during studio recording sessions, band practice, live performances, and while editing music on a computer.
The following are some of the advantages of using headphones with a mixing console:
Expert monitoring: Follow vocals, instruments, and other audio sources without interruptions from ambient noise.
Noise-free recording: Closed-back headphones can minimise the sound emitted by microphones when recording vocals and instruments.
Enhanced mixing: Detect distortion, noisy signals, and imbalances in the audio levels.
Ease of practice: Listen to music tracks or instruments without disturbing other people.
Support for live performance: Enable performers and sound engineers to listen to specific audio signals, depending on the console’s routing options.
Using the right headphones and properly connecting them can improve the portability and reliability of your recording or performance environment.
What Do You Need to Connect Headphones to a Mixing Console?
Ensure that you have all the equipment before plugging in your headphones.
Mixing console: An analogue mixer or digital mixing console with a compatible headphone output.
Headphones: Wired Studio Headphones or any other headphones that work with audio monitoring.
Compatible Connector: A standard 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) stereo plug or 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) plug with the use of an adapter.
Audio source: This may be a microphone, musical instrument, computer, keyboard or some other equipment, plugged into the mixer, that you wish to listen to.
See the manual for your mixing console to determine what kind of headphone jack it has, and what kind of headphones it can support. A plug adapter can change the size of the plug, but it can’t make incompatible gear compatible electrically.
How to Connect Headphones to a Mixing Console
Here are the steps to do so in a safe manner.
Step 1: Find the Headphone Output
Locate the socket marked PHONES, HEADPHONES or a headphone icon on your mixing console. It is typically found on the front of the console or on the master controls.
Use the specific headphone output port instead of the speaker output, amplifier output or any normal line-level output. They may have various different electrical properties and can cause harm to your headphones or ears.
Step 2: Examine the Headphone Jack
Take a look at the plug connected to your headphones and identify it with the headphones socket in the console.
One 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) plug is standard on professional audio equipment, and some consumer headphones feature a 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) plug. Use a compatible headphone adapter if necessary.
Check that the stereo connection you need is available with the adapter. If you are thinking of buying headphones specifically for studio use, you may find it worth our time to check connector types before you buy.
Step 3: Turn the Headphone Volume Down
Make sure the console’s headphone volume control is turned all the way down before plugging in. Turn down the appropriate channel and master levels accordingly.
This step will help to avoid the audio signal output from causing a sudden burst of sound. Yamaha has a similar warning in their mixing console documentation.
Step 4: Plug the Headphones into the Console
Insert the plug into the socket fully. Do not use excessive force to insert the plug into the socket because this could cause damage to the jack or plug.
When connected, ensure the headphone cable remains clear of any faders, knobs, moving gear, walkways and the like. This applies even more so to recording and live performance environments.
Step 5: Send Audio to the Headphones
Even after you connect the headphones, you might not hear sound. You also need to verify the selected audio signal reaches the headphone monitoring circuit.
Depending on the mixer, you may need to:
- Connect and activate the relevant audio source.
- Increase the correct level controls.
- Enable the channel or its routing switches.
- Choose the main mix, monitor mix, or cue for headphone monitoring, if available.
However, there are several different control features on a mix console and not all consoles are the same. Some mix consoles allow you to listen to your main stereo mix, and others allow pre-fader listen (PFL), after-fader listen (AFL), or individual monitor mixes.
Step 6: Adjust the Headphone Volume Gradually
Listen at a low volume and gradually increase until comfortable.
When using a console with a dedicated PHONES knob, turn it to set the headphone listening level. Note that the headphone volume is usually independent of the main speaker output.
Try to hear a clear sound with no crackling or distortion caused by overly loud sounds. Using low monitor levels will help you avoid hearing damage during long sessions.
Problems Connecting Headphones to a Mixer
These are the most common issues encountered when trying to monitor with headphones from a mixer.
No Sound in Headphones
Confirm that your audio source is connected and powered on. Make sure you have enabled the channel, selected the correct monitoring source, and increased the headphone volume. If your mixer has PFL or AFL buttons, ensure you are listening through the correct monitoring path.
Audio Only Comes Through One Ear
Insert the plug carefully, using another cable to test if the problem persists. A loose fitting, damaged cable, faulty adapter or incorrectly routed mono signal can cause sound to only come out of one side of the headphones. Also check that external headphone amps are connecting the left and right signals correctly.
Sound Is Overly Distorted
Turn down the monitor volume or the appropriate input level if the incoming signal is clipping, or if the output volume is overly loud. Turn down the volume of the monitor or the input channel until you can hear a clean sound.
Headphones Are Not Compatible
Purchase an adaptor for your existing headphones or headphones with a different connector if necessary. Make sure you check the connector type and electrical specifications required for a suitable headset.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most basic audio setup can be prone to issues if you forget to check all of the connections and levels properly. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of:
- Plugging your headphones into the speaker level output rather than the dedicated headphone output.
- Increasing the headphone level before you can be sure you are getting an audio signal.
- Using the wrong adapter or a cable that is faulty.
- Believing every track is going to get sent to your headphones by simply inserting them.
- Neglecting to pay attention to problems like distortion, noise or monitors that are set at an excessively high level.
- Not checking what type of connector your headphones require before buying them.
A few seconds checking these things will give you more consistent monitoring.
Purchasing the Correct Musical Equipment with Amrit Music
Having the correct musical equipment makes it easier to put together an effective music production, rehearsal and live performance setup. Selecting a music mixer with matching connected instruments and accessories can help you to achieve the best overall sound.
Amrit Music has over 50 years’ experience in the musical instrument industry. We supply musical instruments and equipment such as guitars, keyboards, drums, effects processors, guitar amplifiers and instrument accessories from well-known brands.
Whether you are simply enhancing your home setup, getting ready to set up a new rehearsal space, or equipping a professional music studio, Amrit Music can provide you with a helpful starting point to browse available products.
Visit the Amrit Music online store to see the full range of musical instruments, equipment and accessories on offer. You can also call or email the Amrit Music team to request further information about compatible products for your needs or to place an order.
Visit our offline store at E-103 Ph-7 Industrial Area, Sector 73, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 14030.
Email: info@amritmusic.com
Contact Number: 0172-4545490
Conclusion
Connecting the headphones to a mixing console is an easy process when you understand how to identify and use the correct headphone port, connect your cable properly, route the correct audio signal and carefully set the volume. Keeping these simple tips in mind will help you to monitor your audio in practice and the studio more reliably.
When using your music setup, always refer to your console’s user manual and always select accessory equipment that is compatible with your setup. When planning to upgrade your existing music system, consider the available range of musical instruments and audio equipment on offer at Amrit Music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug in regular wired headphones to a mixing console?
Yes, if your headphones’ connector and electrical power specifications are compatible with the mixer. You may need an adapter to make the connection.
Do I need a special amplifier to plug headphones into a mixer?
Probably not, as many mixing consoles include a headphone amplifier. However, an external headphone amplifier can be convenient if you have multiple sets of headphones to connect or if you require additional headphone outputs.
Why is there no sound coming from my headphones when I connect them to a mixer?
Make sure you have set the volume, input connections, channel levels and monitoring channels correctly. You will need to select either a main mix, PFL, AFL or other monitoring pathways on some mixing consoles to hear the sound.
Can I use wireless headphones with a mixing console?
Possibly, but check the needs of the transmitter device for use with your console’s available audio outputs before you purchase. You will usually need a compatible transmitter device to pair with the wireless headphones.
What headphones are best to use with a mixing console?
Wired studio-style headsets tend to be suitable for rehearsal and recording purposes since they provide a simple direct connection and avoid potential wireless delay issues. Think about your required comfort, sound quality, monitor isolation, connection socket and support for your existing equipment when choosing your new headphones.
