Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

January 23, 2026, 09:44:28 pm
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Input matching  (Read 543 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Lectroid

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 677
  • Progress is made by lazy people
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Input matching
« on: December 19, 2025, 09:46:42 am »
I have a Fender headphone amp, a Mustang micro.  https://www.fender.com/products/mustang-micro?variant=45940688781534

I want to plug its headphone jack into a DR-ish guitar amp so I can hear it in a room.  If I turn the headphone amp down really low, is this even possible?  Without hurting or stressing the amp?  That's my question.   Here's some specs from Fender:

Output power:               30mW/channel
Headphone impedance:  > 16Ω

Has anyone ever tried this?  Is it feasible?  Is there a (simple?) buffer circuit that might better match the two power levels?

Thanks for any guidance you can give.

Subvert the Dominant Paradigm!
Free Beer Tomorrow!

Offline SEL49

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 421
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Input matching
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2025, 10:18:21 am »
I want to plug its headphone jack into a DR-ish guitar amp so I can hear it in a room.  If I turn the headphone amp down really low, is this even possible?  Without hurting or stressing the amp?  That's my question.   Here's some specs from Fender:
Very doable. Just start with the headphone amp turned down really low. No need to be concerned with matching impedance or power levels.

Offline pdf64

  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 3046
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Input matching
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2025, 10:19:08 am »
Don't worry about it, you won't damage anything.
Just try it and see what you get.
You'll need both stereo sides tip and ring connecting to hear both.
I suggest to plug them into high and low inputs of the same channel, then they'll get mixed together nicely.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/5-in-5-for-charlie This is my step son and his family. He is running 5 marathons in 5 days to support the research into STXBP1, the genetic condition my grandson Charlie has. Please consider supporting him! BBC News feature  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm26llp

Offline Lectroid

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 677
  • Progress is made by lazy people
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Input matching
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2025, 10:35:02 am »
@pdf64, @SEL49,

Thanks guys.  Appreciate the quick answers.  I'll give it a shot and see what  blows up.  :icon_biggrin:

Quote
You'll need both stereo sides tip and ring connecting to hear both.
I suggest to plug them into high and low inputs of the same channel, then they'll get mixed together nicely

Actually, the headphone amp output is already mono, pre-mixed at the 1/8" socket.  I found a 1 ft cord with 1/8" plug on one end that plugs into the headphone amp, with a 1/4" female socket on the other end.  I plug a wireless transmitter into the female 1/4" socket, and plug the wireless receiver into my amp du jour.  Also added velcro to fasten the BT transmitter securely to my strap. 

This gives me some basic amp/cabinet/effects choices right on the guitar, no pedals.  Sound quality of the MM and effects is not pristine but it's sure convenient.



« Last Edit: December 20, 2025, 10:28:13 am by Lectroid »
Subvert the Dominant Paradigm!
Free Beer Tomorrow!

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program