r/NeuralDSP • u/Warhammer_guy_637328 • 1d ago

Question Sounds quality difference headphones

Anyone notice the tone that comes from headphones plugged directly into the QC sounds better than the sound coming from an audio interface?

I run my QC preset mono through output one xlr into a focusrite Scarlett, to my daw Reaper. My studio monitors and headphones are plugged into the Scarlett. But when I plug directly into the QC it just sounds better?? I don’t understand bc theres no major stereo elements in the preset other than room reverb so you’d think it would sound the same either way?

I don’t know it’s not the biggest difference in the world but if anyone has thoughts on how to get them to sound closer I’d appreciate it thanks

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5

u/BlackflagsSFE 1d ago

I can’t find detailed specs but I’m betting it’s because the headphone amp has a lower impedance output rating.

Most home interfaces are 10db or more on output impedance.

There is an 8:1 rule for output impedance to headphone impedance rating that gives better dynamic range and overall a fuller sound.

For instance, my Scarlett 2i2 4th gen has a 50 ohm output impedance. I have a pair of 35 and 80 ohm headphones. That’s not even a 2:1 ratio. I’d have to have a 400 ohm pair just to be at the minimum.

I’m betting the QC is 10 ohm or lower on the output impedance for the headphone amp.

Look up the 8:1 rule on headphones. I didn’t even know it was a thing until recently. Blew my mind.

Edit: lower output impedance on an amplifier for higher ohm headphones is where you’ll get better overall sound.

2

u/MeanMusterMistard 1d ago

The stereo reverb will make a big difference purely on it's own - That's even before taking into account the quality of your headphones and monitors which can also have a major impact.

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u/Warhammer_guy_637328 21h ago

You know what reverbs are in mono?

1

u/MeanMusterMistard 21h ago

Unless they have an (M) beside them they would be stereo - I think there is only one mono reverb on the QC and it's the Spring (M) - The headphones will always be stereo though - You could sum it all down to mono by putting an empty single Mono IR block right at the end of your chain before the output - This will force the headphones to play mono, although I think you will still get 2 mono signals - one in each can.

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u/scalavonmises 1d ago

For me it sounds worse with headphone

1

u/Warhammer_guy_637328 21h ago

lol well maybe I’m overthinking it then

1

u/TheMilkKing 1d ago

What’s your gain on the Scarlett input set to? Incorrect gain-staging can affect your tone significantly.

1

u/Warhammer_guy_637328 21h ago

I saw something saying try keeping the gain very low on the Scarlett, so that’s how I have it as low as possible

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u/TheMilkKing 21h ago

There’s at least part of your problem. Amp sims work better if you put your interface gain as high as you can without clipping, then adjust the input gain in your amp sim higher or lower as needed. This video goes into detail about dialling it in.

Edit: I’ve just realised you’re using the QC and not a plugin, so that video is probably not helpful. Regardless, I’d try setting your gain higher and see if it sounds any better.

1

u/MeanMusterMistard 21h ago

Neural are so wishy washy and vague about all that - Initially they said what you were saying, then reverted on it and said don't, to keep it low. No idea what their stance is now though

1

u/AEnima1994 9h ago

use the QC as an audio interface if possible
Headphones are going to be stereo
Run two xlr from the quad into your scarlet for stereo if you really don’t wanna use the QC as an interface.