Audio interface + amp to drive headphones and speakers

BouncyChillups · October 16, 2021

Hi everyone, let me explain my current audio situation.

I have goXLR mini plugged into my pc, my DT 990 Pro plugged into the headphone port and my Presonus Eris 3.5 speakers connected via line out (3,5mm to RCA double cable). Also my podmic connected via xlr.

There are two audio profiles configured in the software, one for games and voicechat, where the line out is muted, so the other people dont hear the game/voicechat, and one for general listening to music etc. while working, which powers both headphones and speakers. I usually have my headphones just tucked away, so it doesnt matter, I just switch to the headphone profile when I need it (via streamdeck).

The other thing I really enjoy is the ability to have separate audio channels within the interface, so I have discord on channel 2, game on channel 3 and system on channel 4. So I can mute my video when Im gaming when I need to concentrate or when Im in vc and the game is too loud, I just mute channel 3 real quickly, very convenient.

The only real thing that bothers me, and I know this is a small issue but I still want to find an alternative, is that the goxlr just looks bad. It has a gamery look, which I dont like, and I'd much rather have a knob/dial if possible instead of the faders.

So my question is:

I know there is stuff like EarTrumpet, Voicemeeter Banana/potato that do via software what goxlr is doing. Is there any way to combine a good audio interface, connect my headphones AND speakers and hook up a dedicated headphone amp (and maybe DAC) and have this solution with better components in a better looking package?

Im aware that this is a lot to process and it might be complicated, I just want to know if its possible to do all this, let it be macros, software etc. etc.

Really hoping for some answers, Cheers

Freakwise · October 16, 2021

2 hours ago, BouncyChillups said:

Is there any way to combine a good audio interface, connect my headphones AND speakers and hook up a dedicated headphone amp (and maybe DAC) and have this solution with better components in a better looking package?

Yes, almost all Audio interface have speaker output and headphones output, although I'm not Quite sure why you want to hook up amplifier with it, most Audio interface headphone out is already pretty loud...

Edited October 16, 2021 by Freakwise

The Flying Sloth · October 16, 2021

I mean, Audio interfaces generally won't have a mixer built in like the goxlr being that they're designed for studio use and the mixer is a novelty at best, the shortcut of WIN+G is far more versatile anyways.

So far as the rest goes, an interface is a DAC and all but the worst will have provision for using both speakers and headphones concurrently, that's exactly what they're designed for.