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.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
The Behringer HA8000 offers a flexible signal chain and intuitive operation. By switching the signal to mono, the mix can be monitored in one ear while the other ear listens to the recording room, for instance the unaltered sound of the acoustic instrument being played. In this way, the sound quality can be monitored and approved as the recording is ongoing, and if for any reason it's necessary to listen to one separate mix, in addition to the two connected mixes, this can be achieved via the dedicated inputs of the channels themselves. Ultimately, the two connected mixes are separated from the channel strip so that only the signal directly connected to the channel strip is amplified. If two sets of headphones are connected to one channel strip, users should make sure not to fall below the minimum impedance of 100 ohms so as to avoid loss of quality in the form of reduced output and distortion.