Tech Notes
Using Multiple Headphones on the Matrix and BlueBox
The Comrex Matrix Portable and BlueBox have one headphone jack. There are several approaches to using multiple headphones without adding an external amplifier.
Y-Cable:
An adapter cable like the Radio Shack 42-2448 that has a stereo ¼ inch plug and two stereo ¼ inch jacks is an easy, locally-available solution for two headphones. This works best with headphones that are the same model, or at least of similar impedance. The Headphone control on the Matrix will set the audio level for both headphones. If the headphones are different, one may be louder than the other. Two people sometimes prefer different headphone levels - perhaps you can match the phones to the user! One caution - use only headphones wired for stereo operation.
XLR Adapter:
If you are not otherwise using the XLR Output connector on the Matrix, you can buy an XLR (female) to ¼ inch (female) adapter from a broadcast or professional audio dealer. We have tried the Hosa GXJ-183 and the Neutrik NA3FJ, and they both work well. With the adapter plugged into the Output jack, you will have a ¼ inch receptacle for your headphone plug. This method has the advantage of providing separate level controls for each headphone.
Both!:
You could use a Y-Cable on the regular headphone jack, and a Y-Cable on an XLR Adapter for a total of four headphones. The comments about matching headphones apply to each pair on a Y-Cable.
For maximum flexibility and ease of setting individual levels, you could purchase a headphone amplifier from a broadcast or professional audio dealer. This would give individual volume controls for all users. The simpler approaches above should work in most situations, however.
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