How to Set Up Your HP60 Headphone Mixing System
By PreSonus | Wherever sound takes you. | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
A clear, step-by-step guide to connecting and routing your PreSonus HP60 for studio headphone monitoring. Avoid common setup mistakes with this practical walkthrough.
Quick answer
Connect your audio source to the HP60's stereo input, assign each musician a channel, adjust individual level controls, and use the master volume to balance the overall mix without distortion.
Why the HP60 simplifies headphone monitoring
The PreSonus HP60 is a six-channel headphone distribution system designed to solve common monitoring issues like low volume, muddy mixes, and tangled cables. Each of its six headphone amps has its own level control and is louder than you'll ever need, yet crystal clear. This means you can give each musician a dedicated mix without sacrificing sound quality.
A common trade-off: the HP60 is a passive distribution system, not a mixer. It doesn't create separate mixes—it amplifies and distributes a single stereo input to all six outputs. If you need individual mixes per channel, you'll need an external mixer or audio interface with multiple outputs. For most live tracking and rehearsal scenarios, this single-mix approach is exactly what you need.
Step-by-step setup guide
- 1. Connect your audio source: Plug your audio interface or mixer's stereo output (L and R) into the HP60's stereo input using balanced TRS cables. The HP60 accepts line-level signals, so ensure your source output is set to line level, not microphone level. Common mistake: using unbalanced cables can introduce hum. Always use balanced TRS cables for clean signal transfer.
- 2. Assign headphones to channels: Plug each musician's headphones into one of the six headphone outputs on the front panel. Each output has its own volume knob. Start with all knobs at minimum to avoid sudden loud signals. Check that headphone impedance matches the amp's range (typically 16–600 ohms) to avoid distortion or low volume.
- 3. Set master volume: Turn the master volume knob on the front panel to about 50%. This sets the overall level for all channels. Then gradually raise each channel's individual volume knob to the desired listening level. Common mistake: cranking the master volume too high can overload individual channel amps and cause distortion. Keep master at moderate level and use individual knobs for fine-tuning.
- 4. Route separate mixes (optional): If you need different mixes for different musicians, connect multiple stereo outputs from your audio interface to the HP60's input. The HP60 distributes one stereo mix, but you can swap sources by unplugging and reconnecting cables. For permanent separate mixes, use an external mixer or interface with multiple headphone outputs. The HP60 is not a mixer; it distributes a single stereo input. Plan your monitoring setup accordingly.
- 5. Test and adjust: Play a known reference track through the system. Walk around to each headphone position and listen. Adjust individual volume knobs so each musician hears a balanced mix. If any channel sounds distorted, reduce the master volume or that channel's level. Final check: ensure no channel is clipping by watching the HP60's signal LED (if present) or listening for distortion. Aim for clean, loud, and clear monitoring.
Product facts
- HP60 6-Channel Headphone Mixing Systems: Each of the HP60's six headphone amps has its own level control and is louder than you'll ever need, yet crystal clear. You can adjust each musician's volume independently without introducing noise or distortion, which is critical for clear monitoring during recording or rehearsal.

HP60 6-Channel Headphone Mixing Systems
