TEST: Little Labs Monotor

 As we all know, there are several products in the studio that captivate engineers, producers and visitors alike. Heavy outgear in the style of elegant equalizers, splendidly fidgeting VU meters of a compressor or even a glowing tube in the channel strip exude a touch of elite tone shaping, so that not only the ear but also the eye can enjoy the new audiophile outpouring. Oh, what a beautiful studio world.

On the other side are all those without whom the entire company would not run and whose existence in the crucial process turns out to be absolutely essential for a perfect-sounding end product. Unfortunately, many of these representatives have the flair of a vacuum cleaner, both visually and in their appreciation of the artist, in the sense of "it's kind of important, but you can also store it in a cupboard after use".

At the far end of this unfortunate group sits the headphone amplifier, without which no artist in the recording room would be able to hear a sound from the material that has already been recorded and without which the delicate phase control is hardly easier to control acoustically. So when a manufacturer like Little Labs brings a headphone amplifier called Little Labs Monotor onto the market for just under 600 euros, there must be some reason for this seemingly sporty price. After all, we are in the SPL Phonitor price range, which uses a complex matrix to generate a three-dimensional monitor image and enables “real” mixing via headphones.

Construction

The Little Labs Monotor is small (10 cm wide, 16 cm deep), so you can accommodate 4 of its kind in a 1U high 19 inch rack. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find out whether there is a special rack adapter for this type of use. Intelligent cable wiring enables daisy chain operation if you use balanced TRS cables, or you can use the 2 TRS sockets as additional input sockets if you use unbalanced cables. A nice detailed solution.

back

For simplicity's sake, let's stick directly to the back of the case. In addition to the TRS pair mentioned, the Little Labs Monotor has two TRS / XLR combination sockets as inputs, plus a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack to connect a smartphone or similar as a sound source. There is also the four-pin connection socket for the included power supply, which is held in place with a union nut.

The included power supply works with a rarely used operating voltage of +/- 16 volts and can be switched between 220 and 110 volts depending on the mains voltage. The power supply turns out to be a real beast and can easily keep up with the actual product in terms of weight and dimensions. Unfortunately, there are no screw eyelets on the power supply, so this chunk can only be placed on the floor. Unfortunately, the cold appliance plug proved to be problematic, as it unfortunately could not properly fix the included power cable and the cable slipped out of the socket even when pulled slightly. Maybe a Monday production, otherwise you should change the socket immediately.

front

The Little Labs Monotor offers a total of four different headphone outputs (2x 6.3 mm jack, 2x 3.5 mm mini jack), all of which are controlled via a single, gridded volume control. Unfortunately, it is not possible to individually control the volume of the headphones. All outputs are controlled via a separate driver stage with 0.5 ohm output impedance, so that even high-impedance headphones can be adequately supplied with power.

A special feature of the Little Labs Monotor is the grid selector switch on the right side of the housing. A total of six different right/left combinations can be selected here to check different stereo circuits as well as the phase position of the mix.

The individual circuits are as follows:

Standard right/left
Swapped right/left
Left and right mono
only left side on both listeners
only right side on both listeners
left side minus right side

Which mode is activated is indicated by a green LED, the remaining modes light up red.

Practice

The modes described above allow you to check almost all of the important functions in the mix with a simple twist movement. The concept is simple but effective. What is also pleasantly noticeable is the absolute absence of background noise from the Little Labs Monotor. Even at maximum volume, no noise generated by the device can be heard. The sound of the product is clear, voluminous and has a lot of headroom so that subtle distortions do not cause your hearing to reach the limit of fatigue more quickly than necessary, even during an extended session.

Conclusion

With the Little Labs Monotor, a headphone amplifier with excellent sound is on the market. Headroom and basic sound are excellent, and the switching modes are practical. However, I doubt whether a retail price of just under 600 euros can be maintained with just one volume control, as the direct competition in this price range has significantly more features. In addition, manufacturing defects such as a poorly fitting power cable on the appliance plug should not occur in this price range.

A very good sound amplifier with a pricing policy that, in my opinion, needs to be reconsidered.

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
In the vast landscape of audio engineering, few companies stand out with the same level of ingenuity and dedication as Little Labs Audio. With a focus on crafting high-quality, innovative solutions for recording, mixing, and mastering, Little Labs has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the fascinating backstory of Little Labs Audio, tracing its roots, pivotal moments, and the visionary individuals behind its success.

The Genesis:
The story of Little Labs Audio begins with the vision of Jonathan Little, a passionate audio engineer and musician with a knack for problem-solving. In the late 1990s, Jonathan founded Little Labs with the goal of developing cutting-edge tools that addressed the practical challenges faced by recording professionals. Drawing upon his extensive experience in the studio, Jonathan set out to create products that not only met the demands of the modern recording environment but also fostered creativity and sonic excellence.

Early Innovations:
From its inception, Little Labs distinguished itself through a series of groundbreaking innovations that quickly gained traction within the audio community. One of the company's earliest successes was the IBP (In-Between Phase) analog phase alignment tool, introduced in the early 2000s. Designed to address phase issues encountered during multitrack recording and mixing, the IBP quickly became a staple in studios worldwide, earning praise for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Expansion and Diversification:
Buoyed by the success of the IBP, Little Labs continued to expand its product lineup, introducing a diverse array of solutions tailored to the needs of audio professionals. The company's portfolio grew to include utility devices, signal processors, and audio interfaces, each designed with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on sonic purity. Notable offerings included the LMNO preamp and DI, the Redcloud 8810U8ERS interface, and the Pepper direct box, each of which showcased Little Labs' commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

Collaborations and Partnerships:
Throughout its journey, Little Labs has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry-leading companies and renowned artists. These collaborations have not only expanded the reach of Little Labs' products but also provided invaluable insights and feedback for future development. One notable collaboration was with Universal Audio, resulting in the release of the Little Labs Voice Of God (VOG) bass resonance tool as a UAD plugin, further cementing Little Labs' reputation as a trusted name in audio processing.

A Legacy of Excellence:
As Little Labs approaches its third decade in business, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology. Jonathan Little and his team continue to innovate, with a focus on developing solutions that empower artists and engineers to realize their creative vision. Whether it's tackling phase coherence, enhancing sonic textures, or solving practical recording challenges, Little Labs continues to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of audio engineering one groundbreaking product at a time.

The Evolution of Little Labs Audio:
Beyond its core lineup of signature products, Little Labs has continued to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the audio industry. In recent years, the company has embraced emerging technologies and market trends, expanding its offerings to include digital solutions, software plugins, and collaborations with leading software developers.

Digital Frontier:
Recognizing the growing demand for digital audio processing solutions, Little Labs has ventured into the realm of software development, leveraging its expertise in analog circuitry and signal processing to create innovative plugins and virtual instruments. This expansion into the digital frontier has allowed Little Labs to reach a broader audience of music producers, engineers, and artists, while retaining the same level of sonic excellence and craftsmanship that defines its hardware products.

The Little Labs VOG (Voice Of God) plugin, developed in collaboration with Universal Audio, is a prime example of the company's foray into software-based solutions. Based on the acclaimed hardware unit of the same name, the VOG plugin provides producers and engineers with a powerful tool for enhancing low-frequency content and adding weight and depth to vocals, drums, and other sources. With its intuitive interface and rich, analog-style sound, the VOG plugin has quickly become a go-to tool for mixing and mastering professionals around the world.

In addition to software plugins, Little Labs has also embraced the trend towards digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual studio environments, offering integrations and compatibility with leading recording software platforms. This approach not only enhances the versatility and usability of Little Labs' products but also ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the rapidly evolving world of audio production.

Community Engagement and Education:
Beyond its role as a manufacturer of audio equipment, Little Labs is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant community of artists, engineers, and enthusiasts. Through educational initiatives, workshops, and online resources, the company strives to empower aspiring audio professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry. From tutorials on signal processing techniques to in-depth discussions on studio acoustics and sound design, Little Labs is dedicated to sharing its expertise and passion for audio engineering with the next generation of creators.

Furthermore, Little Labs actively engages with its community of users and supporters, soliciting feedback, suggestions, and feature requests to inform the development of future products and updates. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the bond between Little Labs and its customers but also ensures that the company remains responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of the audio community.

Looking Ahead:
As Little Labs embarks on its next chapter, the company remains committed to its founding principles of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With a legacy of groundbreaking products, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to fostering creativity and community, Little Labs is poised to continue shaping the future of audio engineering for years to come. Whether through hardware innovations, software developments, or educational initiatives, Little Labs will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of music and sound, inspiring and empowering generations of artists, engineers, and enthusiasts along the way.