ART HeadAMP 4 Four-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier

The ART HeadAMP 4 is a compact four-channel stereo headphone amplifier that sends one audio source to four people at once, each with their own volume control, made for home studios, podcasters, rehearsal rooms, classrooms and anyone tracking with more than one musician. Instead of fighting over a single headphone output, everyone gets a clean feed at a level that suits them.

Four listeners, four volume knobs

Most audio interfaces have one or two headphone outputs, and the people sharing them rarely agree on volume. The HeadAMP 4 takes a single stereo signal and splits it to four independent amplifier channels. Each channel has its own level control, so the drummer can have it loud while the singer keeps it comfortable.

Eight outputs, two jack sizes

Every channel has both a 1/4″ and a 1/8″ (3.5 mm) headphone jack, which is why some stores list it as an eight-output amp. Studio headphones with large plugs and earbuds with small plugs both connect without adaptors. The two jacks on each channel share the same level control.

Inputs and connection

The HeadAMP 4 has a stereo input on both a 1/4″ and a 1/8″ jack, wired in parallel. Use the 1/4″ input for an interface or mixer output, or the 1/8″ input for a phone, laptop or tablet. The input accepts up to +14 dBV with an input impedance of 90.9 kΩ, and the amp adds up to 20 dB of gain.

The simplest studio setup is a cable from your interface’s headphone output or a spare line output to the HeadAMP 4 input. If you use the interface’s headphone output, keep its volume moderate and do most of the level adjustment on the HeadAMP 4, to avoid distortion.

Clean sound

ART specifies a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, total harmonic distortion below 0.01%, SMPTE IMD of 0.01% and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 90 dB (referenced to 0 dBu). Each output has a 47 Ω output impedance, with a maximum output level of +14 dBu.

Built for the desk and the road

The HeadAMP 4 sits in a custom extruded metal case measuring 47 x 117 x 104 mm and weighing 0.61 kg. It’s small enough for a desktop or a podcast table, and stackable, so you can put two units on top of each other. It’s powered by the included 12V DC adapter.

Who is the ART HeadAMP 4 for?

• Home and project studios recording a band, a duet or a vocalist with a producer in the room.
• Podcasters who need three or four hosts and guests to hear the mix on headphones.
• Rehearsal rooms and silent practice, where a band plays through an electronic kit and keyboards into a small mixer.
• Classrooms and listening stations that need a shared source with individual volume.

It isn’t designed for individual mixes. All four channels hear the same stereo source, at different volumes. If each musician needs their own blend of instruments, you’ll need a personal monitoring system or separate sends from your mixer. Also, ART doesn’t publish a power rating in milliwatts, so if you use very high-impedance studio headphones, check that the level is high enough for your setup.

HeadAMP 4 vs HeadAMP 4 Pro

ART also makes the HeadAMP 4 Pro, a five-channel headphone amplifier with talkback. If you need to talk to performers from the control position, or need a fifth channel, the Pro is the step up. For a simple shared feed to four people, the standard HeadAMP 4 does the job in a smaller, simpler box. See our full range of headphone amplifiers to compare.

Tips for tracking sessions

• Turn all four level knobs down before plugging in headphones, then bring each up slowly.
• Label each channel with tape and the performer’s name, so nobody adjusts someone else’s level.
• Feed it from a dedicated line output if your interface has one, rather than the headphone output, for the cleanest signal.
• Use closed-back headphones when recording near microphones, to keep the click and backing track out of the recording.

Key features

• Four-channel stereo headphone amplifier
• Individual level control per channel
• 1/4″ and 1/8″ outputs on each channel (8 jacks total)
• Stereo 1/4″ and 1/8″ inputs wired in parallel
• Up to 20 dB gain
• THD below 0.01%, SNR above 90 dB
• Stackable extruded metal case
• 12V DC power adapter included

Frequently asked questions

Can each person have a different mix on the ART HeadAMP 4?

No. All four channels receive the same stereo signal. Each person controls only their own volume.

Why is it called an eight-output headphone amp?

Each of the four channels has two jacks, a 1/4″ and a 1/8″, so there are eight jacks in total. The two jacks on a channel share one volume control.

Can I plug my phone or laptop into it?

Yes. Use the 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo input. The 1/4″ input works with interfaces, mixers and keyboards.

Does it need external power?

Yes. It runs from the included 12V DC power adapter.

Is it good for podcasting?

Yes. It’s a common way to give each host and guest their own headphone volume from a single mixer or interface output.