Flexible uses

The Headpod 4 allows me to use one of several inputs, and it packs some power and still sounds clean. I tried several source feeds ranging from low to high levels, and it sounded great with no crosstalk.

The stated headphone impedance range is 8Ω to 1kΩ. I tried headphones from earbuds to a broadcast headset and the unit provided a clean and loud (if needed) signal to all of them. Once the audio source was selected, I set (as per the instructions) the master volume to 12 o'clock and made or allowed others to make adjustments to each headset. The audio actually seemed to sound better through the Aphex HeadPod 4, which was likely due to the isolation between outputs instead of the shared load of our previous setup. The manual says the four stereo power amps provide a frequency response of 10Hz to 120kHz (wow) at 0.001 percent distortion.

One other aspect that I observed was the durability of the unit. The casing is metal and feels like a small tank (not in weight, but in strength). I would never risk dropping or recommend dropping any audio device, but this one looks and feels like it could take its share of bumps and dings, which makes it the perfect addition to any remote engineer's toolbag.

Wilson is an announcer, producer, webmaster and promotions guy at WAKO-AM/FM, Lawrenceville, IL, and an independent producer/voice talent.