Introduction:
If you’re looking to get the most out of your headphones, upgrading them to balanced headphones can significantly improve the sound quality. While some high-end headphones already come with balanced cables, you can modify any headphones to work as balanced headphones with a few simple steps. Some DACs and Amps like the iFi Zen require balanced output to get the most out of their product.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how I modified my AKG K240 Studio headphones to work as balanced headphones using a 4-pin Mini XLR connector and a balanced cable. I’ll also include circuit diagrams and a video tutorial to guide you through the process. This video and blog were inspired by this blog post here.
Headphones Mod Guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start the mod, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A set of headphones that you want to modify
- A 4-pin Mini XLR connector and plug(s)
- Wire strippers and crimpers
- Soldering iron and solder
- Heat shrink tubing
- Balanced cable (or you can make your own you will need a 4.4mm jack and cable).
Step 2: Remove the Old Cable and Connector
The first step is to remove the old cable and connector from your headphones. In my case, I had to remove the 3-pin Mini XLR connector from my AKG K240 Studio headphones. Use a soldering iron to melt the old solder and remove the connector. Make sure to note which wire goes to which pin.
Step 3: Install the 4-pin Mini XLR Connector
Once you’ve removed the old connector, it’s time to install the new 4-pin Mini XLR connector. The 4-pin Mini XLR has four pins (L+, L-, R+, R-) that correspond to the left and right channels. Wire each pin to the corresponding speaker on your headphones. Use wire strippers and crimpers to attach the wires to the pins.
![Headphones Circuit Diagram](https://hoddysguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-1024x467.png)
Step 4: Make the Balanced Cable
The next step is to make the balanced cable. You can buy a pre-made balanced cable or make your own. To make your own, you’ll need a cable with four wires and a shield. Strip the ends of the wires and attach them to the pins on the 4-pin Mini XLR connector and 4.4mm Jack.
![4.4mm Jack](https://hoddysguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/71atYpkT-FL._SL1500_-1024x1024.webp)
Step 5: Modify the Old Cable (Optional)
If you ever need to use your headphones unbalanced, you can modify the old cable to work with the 4-pin Mini XLR connector. Cut the old cable near the old connector and strip the ends of the wires. Attach one wire to the L+ pin and the other wire to the R+ pin. Use heat shrink tubing to secure the connections.
![Headphones Circuit Diagram](https://hoddysguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture2-1024x462.png)
Conclusion:
Modifying your headphones to work as balanced headphones is a great way to improve the sound quality of your headphones. With a 4-pin Mini XLR connector and a balanced cable, you can easily upgrade any headphones to work as balanced headphones. I hope this blog post and video tutorial have helped you understand how to modify your headphones and enjoy the benefits of balanced headphones.