Усилители для наушников — Lehmann Audio StudioCube

The StudioCube is a Class A headphone amplifier from Lehmann Audio of Germany, conceived for studio and stage work and listed in the Studio/Stage line next to the Linear Pro and Linear II Pro. Every unit is assembled in Germany from selected parts, and the compact case measures 130 mm wide, 132 mm deep and 45 mm high at a net weight of 0.88 kg. Designed by Norbert Lehmann, it was first shown to the trade on 30 December 2010 ahead of a debut at the NAMM Show in January 2011, with TransAudio Group handling distribution in the United States at a list price of USD 499. An optional accessory fixes the cube to a microphone stand.

Key specs that matter

Rated output reaches 200 mW into 33 ohm, and the output impedance is 5 ohm. Bandwidth runs from 10 Hz to 40 kHz within 0.5 dB, while distortion stays below 0.02 percent at 0 dBu into 32 ohm. Signal to noise ratio exceeds 90 dB at the lower gain setting. Internal jumpers choose between 6 dB and 12 dB of gain. Balanced inputs present 18 kohm, accept up to +22 dBu, and the highest output level is +16 dBu. Channel separation is better than 70 dB at 10 kHz, and channel mismatch stays under 0.3 dB with the volume fully up.

Engineering and use context

Both inputs are Neutrik XLR combo sockets that also take balanced 6.35 mm TRS plugs, so the unit connects directly to a mixing desk, an interface or a monitor controller. Two Neutrik 6.35 mm TRS headphone sockets are provided, allowing an engineer and an artist or a producer to listen at once. A pair of balanced TRS loop sockets passes the incoming signal on, which lets several cubes be chained from a single source in a tracking room. LEDs on the front report incoming signal and overload, and a toggle sends a mono signal to both the left and right channels. Power arrives from an external supply that accepts 100 to 240 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz and feeds the amplifier with 24 V DC at up to 250 mA. Maximum output current is 420 mA, and idle consumption stays under 3 W, so the box can be left switched on in a rack or on a desk all day.

Pairing

The low output impedance and the choice of two gain steps let the StudioCube drive sensitive closed studio headphones as well as higher impedance dynamic models, and the balanced XLR connection suits professional interfaces and consoles with line level outputs. For a hi-fi setup a DAC with balanced outputs is the most direct partner.

Alternatives

The Lehmann Audio Linear Pro is another headphone amplifier in the same Studio/Stage line of the brand.