Behringer HA8000 V2

The second-generation Behringer HA8000 is a headphone amplifier with eight independent stereo amplifiers for each of the eight output channel strips, and it can be used to control the volume of the entire mix during a recording session and then transfer it to mono. The great thing about this device is that there are always two different mixes to choose from, because there are two independent stereo inputs on the rear panel for this very purpose. If that's not enough, the individual mix levels can also be monitored for each headphone input via a stereo jack cable. There are no limits to the possibilities for individual headphone mixing, and as such the Behringer HA8000 V2 really proves its worth in complex recording sessions, when working with numerous signals, and with participants who all have specific requirements.

The amplifiers used in the Behringer HA8000 V2 can carry a load of up to 8 ohms. An eight-step LED display on each channel provides visual feedback on the output level and will also indicate signal overload, for instance. Each channel has a grey button, used to switch between the two mixes connected at the rear via jack cable, and a red button for switching the mix to mono. Each channel has a headphone output in 6.35mm jack format, and the volume can be adjusted for each channel via a level control. The master section consists of a five-step LED display and two volume controls, one each for the first and second mix. There is an additional headphone output for each channel strip on the rear, allowing two people to listen to one channel strip together, and allowing a total of 16 pairs of headphones to be connected overall.

The Behringer HA8000 V2 was conceived both for use in the studio and at live events. Headphone amplifiers have become practically indispensable when making live studio recordings: They can be used to create individual headphone mixes for each person. The slim HA8000 can be conveniently installed in a 19" rack, taking up just 1U, and making it a real option for live monitoring, where it can function as the central control centre for in-ear monitoring. It could also be of interest for educational institutions – for example, if several pupils or students are working together on a DAW. This headphone amplifier is powered via an IEC plug, which is of course included in the price.