I'm looking for a headphone amp I can use for a boom operator - something very simple, just mic in/out, with a phones jack and a volume knob. I found this device: http://www.studio1productions.com/am300.htm and it appears to do what I want, but I don't have any experience with it or the brand. Does anybody recommend one? Has anybody used this one?

Thanks all.

Abe,
I use a unit by Rolls - the PM50sOB - which performs really nicely. The boom mic signal passes straight through without any degradation; the boom op can listen to the mic + mix in a proportion of another signal sent back to him (camera op's mic; director's mic, etc..). Retails for $50 - $60. Very good value.
If you want to spend a lot more, Sound Devices makes an excellent unit for around $350.. (I have a Sound Devices SD 302 3 chan mic mixer which is absolutely fantastic quality..)
Kindest regards,
Ross.
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Thank you Ross - I have my eye on the 302 already for my own use. The Rolls looks like just what I need.

I'm looking for a headphone amp I can use for a boom operator - something very simple, just mic in/out, with a phones jack and a volume knob. ...Thanks all.

Consider the Sound Devices MM1, does exactly what you want.

Thanks Steve . . considering that I plan to use the pre's in my recorder, is it worth it to spend the extra money on the MM1? Will a unit without a preamp give my boom op a usable signal level?

Thanks Steve . . considering that I plan to use the pre's in my recorder, is it worth it to spend the extra money on the MM1? Will a unit without a preamp give my boom op a usable signal level?

I'm sure the signal level to the boom op will be fine without a pre at the operator's end, especially since you have a 302 you have good preamps anyway. The MP1 does have a couple of advantages. One is that going to line level between the boom and the mixer further reduces the chance of noise sneaking in. Second, that particular unit gives the option of giving the boom operator a monitor return from the mixer or camera as well as direct from the mic, might be handy - you could even use that for talkback between the mixer (person, not gear) and the boom op.. Even gives the option for split monitoring, where one ear hears direct from the mic while the other hears the return from the mixer.

Here's one more http://beachtek.com/mvu1.html at $279.00

Headphone output is a bit noisy in my testing on the unit, but it does what it needs to do - gives the boom op a way to hear what's going on.

I still stand by the Rolls unit; nice and quiet, and amazing value.. See post above..
Regards, Ross.
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