Audio interface for DT 900 Pro X (48ohm)

[NoobCannon]

I've been looking to buy a guitar and figured hooking it up to me PC to be able to use digital amps would be much cheaper and more space efficient than physical ones, so I'm in the market for an audio interface, but man is it ever confusing...

Basically just want something on the budget end (100-200 euro) that can take an instrument input and with a decent headphone output, but the problem—or what I'm confused about—is the output impedance for headphones, as the 900 Pro X's are just 48ohms and I've read that having too high output impedance on an interface can cause problems, the "1/8 rule".

Been looking at the SSL 2, some Behringer U-Phorias, Universal Audio Volt 1, Scarlett Solo (mostly 4th gen but read that might have too high output aswell). Some of these like the Volt is more tempting than others because of the included software.

Would appreciate some input or suggestions on interfaces

 

[staticV3]

Take a look at Julian Krause on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JulianKrause

He does in-depth measurements of audio interfaces including latency, output power, and output impedance:

 

[Dunring]

I've had those and they're easy to drive, at 48 ohms you want the output impedance to be 1/8th of your headphones, so 6 ohms on the interface. I tried some IEM's on an all in one that had too high of an impedance and the sound changes, and not in a good way. It should be pretty easy to find an interface you like with under 6 ohms output impedance. Even an Apple 3.5mm to USB adapter will get those louder than you'd feel safe listening at.

 

[NoobCannon]

Thank you for that chart, surprisingly few that are both affordable and have low output. Might go with the Topping Pro as it has that handy high gain switch incase I decide to get higher impedance headphones in the future

 

[LevityProject]

A Motu M4 has great mic and line preamps, and is designed for recording. The headphone amp on them is also great (the cheaper M2 has issues, so best to spend a little more on the M4)

Unfortunately, you'll be amplifying an objectively off balanced set of headphones (DT1900s) which needs a lot of correction to sound half decent ... Just something to keep in mind if you find your tone decisions aren't working as you hear your guitar tone in different spaces and out of different speakers and headphones set ups.

 

[Charlie Red]

Hey man did you ever decide which audio interface to use as im struggling with this myself

 

[asphaltradler]

you'll be amplifying an objectively off balanced set of headphones (DT1900s)

He is using a DT 900, not 1900.
I'm owning the same DT 900 , it is not so bad even without EQ correction. That said, nevertheless for electrical guitar with modeled amps (supposedly overdrive sounds?) I would perhaps use a less discerning HP because the high detailed presentation of the DT 900 can be a bit fatiguing. A Sennheiser HD 58x works better in that case for me.

 

[asphaltradler]

Hey man did you ever decide which audio interface to use as im struggling with this myself

Motu M4 (or M6 in my case) works perfect. But even a simple Behringer UMC 202 or 204 would easily be OK just to play guitar with it. Better not too loud for too long if you want to keep your hearing, anyway.

 

[LevityProject]

He is using a DT 900, not 1900.
I'm owning the same DT 900 , it is not so bad even without EQ correction. That said, nevertheless for electrical guitar with modeled amps (supposedly overdrive sounds?) I would perhaps use a less discerning HP because the high detailed presentation of the DT 900 can be a bit fatiguing. A Sennheiser HD 58x works better in that case for me.

Typo on my part.

The DT990s are fatiguing and anemic in sub bass. the measurements are confirmation of that experience. Modern genres of music don't sound nice on these as they tend to cover the frequency spectrum more fully than other genres.