Sound Devices HX-3
Battery-powered stereo headphone amplifier. Three outputs. Accepts balanced and unbalanced line level inputs. Powered from 2-AA batteries or external DC.
Main Benefits
- Balanced XLR Line-Level Inputs
- 1/4" and 1/8" Stereo Inputs
- Stereo or Mono Monitoring
- Peak LED Indicators
- 18-Hour Internal Battery Power
- Aluminum Chassis with Metal End Panels
Description
The HX-3: Portable Headphone Distribution Amplifier
The compact HX-3 Headphone Distribution Amplifier is the perfect accessory to quickly provide three high-performance stereo headphone feeds with individual level controls from line-level sources. The HX-3 can produce very high headphone levels with extremely low noise and distortion.
Great for Radio, TV, Film, and Music Productions
The HX-3 accepts balanced XLR line-level inputs or unbalanced 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stereo inputs. Its 1/4-inch loop-out can connect multiple HX-3's for additional headphone outputs. Headphones are connected to panel-mounted 1/4-inch stereo connectors.
The HX-3 has a durable aluminum chassis to withstand the punishment of field and studio environments. The unit is powered by inexpensive batteries (two-AA) or external 5-18 VDC, such as via the PIX-E PSU.
The HX-3 can add headphone outputs to the 552, 302, MixPre-D, MM-1, and USBPre-2.
HX-3 Key Features List
- Three isolated headphone outputs with individual volume controls.
- 125 dB dynamic range with flat frequency response.
- Durable 1/4-inch connectors, panel mounted for strength.
- Stereo or mono monitoring.
- Peak LED indicates headphone overload.
- Two balanced XLR line level inputs or unbalanced 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stereo inputs.
- Loop Output to connect additional HX-3's in series.
- All-metal connectors solidly mounted to the chassis for durability and RF immunity.
- Free from "Pin-1" grounding problems.
- Internal battery-power for up to 18 hours from two AA alkaline batteries.
- Chassis-isolated 5 to 18 VDC input for easy external DC powering.
- Power LED indicates low battery power.
- High strength, extruded aluminum chassis with protective metal end panels.
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
- Headphone level control for each output (x3)
- Peak indicator for each headphone output
- Stereo/Mono selection switch
- Power LED indicates green when powered, red when batteries are low
- Power switch selects powering source
Input Panel
- Balanced, stereo, line-level input on XLR
- Unbalanced TRS stereo input on 1/4-inch connector
- Unbalanced TRS stereo input on 1/8-inch connector
- Loop output on 1/4-inch to link additional HX-3s
Output Panel
- 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone outputs (x3)
- 1/8-inch TRS stereo headphone output
- Battery tube (2 x AA)
- DC input, 5 - 18 VDC
Tech Specs
Frequency Response
- 10 Hz - 50 kHz, -±1.0 dB, any input to any output, gain controls set to 50%
Voltage Gain
- 34 dB from balanced line to headphone output, 35 dB from headphone input to headphone output
Output Clipping Level
- +18 dBu minimum with 600 ohm load, +16 dBu minimum with 300 ohm load
Headphone Output Impedance
Input Clipping Level
- XLR: +24 dBu minimum
- 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch inputs: +22 dBu minimum
Dynamic Range (balanced line inputs)
THD + Noise
- 0.03% maximum (from 10 Hz to 22 kHz @ +10 dBu input and output level, 300 ohm load, 10 Hz - 22 kHz filter bandwidth)
Inputs
- XLR: electronically balanced, 22k ohm input impedance, 1/4-inch unbalanced: 9.1k ohm impedance
- 1/8-inch unbalanced: 9.1k ohm impedance.
Internal Voltage Rails
Power Source
- Internal: 2 AA alkaline batteries, 18 hours life typical with nominal levels. External: 5 - 17 VDC via threaded coaxial connector (5.5 mm outer diameter, 2.1 mm inner diameter), pin positive, sleeve negative.
Power LED
- Green indicates power and good battery. Red indicates power with low batteries. LED turns red when ~ 4 hours of battery life remain.
Operating Temperature Range
- 0 to 70 degrees C
- 32 to 160 degrees F
Dimensions
- 43 mm x 94 mm x 140 mm (h x w x d) (1.7" x 3.7" x 5.5")
Weight (unit only)
Included Accessories
- 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch trs interconnect cable, rubber feet (4), locking DC jack
Contents
| Quantity |
Item |
| 1 |
HX-3 |
| 1 |
Headphone adapter cable |
| 1 |
Coaxial female power connector (like the XL-DC) |
| 4 |
Adhesive Rubber "Bumpers" |
| 1 |
Product registration card |
| 1 |
Full-line Audio Catalog |
