Behringer Powerplay PM1

I use the Behringer Powerplay PM1 to extend my monitor headphones cord and be able to adjust the volume at the same time while recording in my home studio.

From my audio interface I start with a stereo-jack-to-xlr adapter, then an XLR cable, then the PM1, and then my headphones.

Using an XLR cable to lay on the floor feels much better than having one of those thin audio headphones extention cords.

Since I have the PM1 I always keep the volume of the headphones output on my audio interface at 100% and use the knob on the PM1 to control the volume of my headphones.

When recording I clip the PM1 to my belt and use the knob on the PM1 to easily choose the volume I that best suits the recording. Even during takes you can reach for the knob and adjust the volume without having to look down.

I never purchased something for my home studio that was this inexpensive and gave me such satisfaction!

I recently decided to put together a wired IEM system for live events. For many years I have used the Fisher version of this device and was interested in how these would compare. I decided to purchase 6 of these for my 6 channel headphone amp.

I bundled these with an ART headamp 6 pro.
The ART headamp 6 pro has 6 outputs along with 6 aux inputs (1 for each channel).

The PM1 requires the headphone amp to amplify the signal. I set my headphone amp volumes to just below full. This then gave the musicians full control of the volume using the PM1.

I decided to compare the PM1 against the Fisher alternative to see if there was any noticeable difference and all I can say is NO. The sound quality seemed the same.
The size again is very similar with the fisher being slightly longer.

The finish and feel of the PM1 is of a high quality. It feels durable and solid and the black finish makes if look sleek.

This is a product I will be highly recommending.

Rated 3/5 as it is expensive for just a volume control knob. (It is not a headphone amp!)
Use:
Use as a belt-mounted volume control connected to a headphone amp/output, if you're using this on stage.

After testing, this works with the balanced mono output of an X32 (but i assume one ear would be out of phase from the other ear), but not the XLR output of a UMC404HD audio interface. (maybe this is not a properly balanced connection)

Test before you commit to buying more!

Pros:
+ no added noise to the signal
+ good build quality
+ smaller than the Behringer Powerplay P2 (slightly different use case though)

Cons:
- needs a headphone amp for use on stage.
- ideally needs a stereo signal- see description.
- price, would expect it to be cheaper for just a volume control.

I made a 2 mono XLRs --> 1 stereo XLR adapter, which works if you don't need it loud, and so may be ok in the studio, but not on stage.