A Sound
Solution.…
© 2016 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
If you’ve ever wondered how to distribute sound from
your smartphone, iPad, TV or other device and not disturb others, the BEHRINGER HA400 may be the answer. Now,
before you say, “but there’s Bluetooth”, know that many flat screens and other
devices do not offer Bluetooth as an option.
The HS400 is a small amplifier with four ¼ inch phone
plug outputs and one input.
Phone plug adapters are readily available to
convert to mini or RCA configurations.
It easily distributes sound to multiple
or various individual devices such as headphones and portable speakers, or even
a recording device. It offers the capability of up to four listeners to enjoy
the sound content from various electronic devices. It also allows you to
hard-wire small portable speakers such as the JBL FLIP, a speaker system I will
review in a future column. Each output is amplified and individually controlled
by its own volume control.
(TIP: Many
flat screen TV’s offer an audio output independent of and not controlled by the
speaker’s volume control. This allows for the HA400 to function with or without
the sound emanating from the TV it’s connected to and is not affected by the
TV’s volume control. If you do not have such an output a headphone jack will
suffice. In this scenario the volume control will affect the signal going to
the HA400. Since the HA400 has amplification this will not be a deterrent allowing
for a low volume TV setting.)
The HA400 is powered by a supplied 120~240vac 12 volt
adapter making it a worldwide product. Its small size, 2.5
x 5.2 x 7.5 inches, easily packs for travel. It’s lightweight at only
14.4 ounces. The sound quality is outstanding!
Applications include accommodating up to four
headphone listeners. It is very handy for the hearing impaired and for late
night TV watchers to avoid disturbing neighbors or other family members. The
addition of plugging in a small speaker and placing it by your pillow
eliminates the need for wearing a headset thus giving you the freedom of
movement. Remember, you can still retain a low sound volume on your TV thus
giving you a surround sound effect if your TV has an independent output jack. I
find the BEHRINGER HA400 a quality
German product that meets or exceeds expectations. It could be a peacemaker in
your household or with your neighbors! It’s also suitable for musicians needing
to distribute a full mix to band members and it aids the hard of hearing.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $41.99
Graphic
credits: Behringer, Google Images
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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