Komplete Audio 2 - Headphone and outs very different quality

theblindchaos

Hi, there may be a straight forward reason for this of which I'm just not aware. I've noticed that the sound is very different when I run out of the headphone jack on the front from the output on the back.

I tested using same daw track and same headphones (ATH 50.)

The sound from the back output seems more muffled, even perhaps a little 'distant' and the fidelity definitely seems lower.

I do not understand how this can be both playing the same track. Can anyone lend some insight on the specifics of the back output?

If it might make a difference I'm on a Macbook and Ableton.

theblindchaos

I believe I found the issue - the outputs on the back are designed for powered speakers, etc.

valerianmengsk

Those Main outputs are likely high-impedance, when headphones need zero impedance (or as close to as possible). That causes minor electrical issues that result in what you heard. They are also balanced, if I'm not mistaken, so you only get one channel at a time no matter which you plug into. The headphone output is made specifically for headphones, of course, and results in no issues.

theblindchaos

I believe I found the issue - the outputs on the back are designed for powered speakers, etc.

Kaiwan_NI

Glad everything is all sorted out and thanks for leaving a solution for others to see!

valerianmengsk

Those Main outputs are likely high-impedance, when headphones need zero impedance (or as close to as possible). That causes minor electrical issues that result in what you heard. They are also balanced, if I'm not mistaken, so you only get one channel at a time no matter which you plug into. The headphone output is made specifically for headphones, of course, and results in no issues.