Orange Amps Forum

Hi everyone,

I just bought a Micro Dark (with a PPC-108 cab) and it's my first Orange amp (and second amp of my life).

I bought it mainly to play it with the cab, as I already play a lot with a Scarlett Solo and headphones on my computer.

However, I was interested to try the MD with headphones and listen thorugh the SIMCAB. Once plugged the headphones in, I was expecting the sound stop coming out from the cab and playing from the headphones only, instead it sounds like the sound comes from both at the same time.

Is this normal? Does it mean I have to unplug the cab when using the headphones?

Thanks!

I'm relatively sure you have to disconnect the speaker in order to isolate the headphones.
Just be sure to remember and plug the speaker in if headphones are not in plugged in.

I believe the head can run without a load thanks to the SS power section. Someone will have to confirm.

When in doubt, read the manual:
https://orangeamps.com/downloads/micro-dark-manual/

Summary: Headphones do not mute the speaker. When headphones are plugged in, you can safely disconnect the speaker for headphones-only. If headphones are not plugged in, it says a speaker load must be connected.

In general, solid-state outputs are fine without a speaker load. I've looked up the output chip in my Micro Terror and the specs say it's fine without a load. But I'm not sure if the Micro Dark has the same chip.

In general, better safe than sorry.

And since the manual says it's ok to plug in headphones and then disconnect the speaker, there's really no reason to power it up without one or the other connected.

Hi again and thanks for your answers.

Yes, the manual was the first thing I went to read multiple times, but it sounded ambiguous to me. I guess the reason is that they give you the ability to play with both headphones and cabinet on, if you need it, and, as there's no switch to turn off any of the two, it's mainly based on which ones you plug.

I was worried to turn it on with headphones and no cabinet, that's why I took my time.

Thanks!

Yeah, it is kinda weird. If the headphones don't shut off the signal to the power amp or turn off the power amp, then running it with no speaker should be exactly the same with or without headphones.

So I'm pretty sure that just like almost all solid-state amps, it should be safe with no speaker and no phones connected.

Just not sure enough to tell anyone to go ahead and try it.
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I've noticed a trend lately where manufacturers say speakers must be connected to solid-state amps. Marshall says it with the Code 100 head, Fender says it on several models.

My guess is that they don't want people to get confused with tubes vs solid-state.

At the very bottom of the owner's manual, "If the Phones jack is not in use, a suitable speaker cabinet must be connected at all times during use." It also says both may be plugged in at the same time, (obviously so you can monitor the sound if you are using the headphone jack for recording, as they recommend).

You should NEVER run ANY amp without speakers or headphones. And even then, the recommended speaker impedance must be used. From Home Theater A/V amps to your car stereo, you're just asking for problems if the speakers are not connected. Most companies will tell you that in the owner's manual. When I was hooking up my Sony Home Theater amp, almost every page had that speaker warning, with threats of voiding the warranty.