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Mackie HM-4 vs LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier

Buy the Mackie HM-4 if several people need to listen to one source at once: four outputs, each with its own level knob, and a metal chassis that survives a practice room. Buy the LEKATO P30 if one performer needs a belt-pack IEM amp that runs on a battery and takes an XLR feed from a console. They solve different jobs: the HM-4 splits one signal to four listeners, while the P30 amplifies one feed for one listener on the move. Owners rate both well, though the HM-4 has twice the review base.

  • Choose the Mackie HM-4 if you need to feed four pairs of headphones from one stereo source with separate volume for each person.
  • Choose the LEKATO P30 if you need a rechargeable belt-pack amp for in-ear monitors that accepts an XLR or 1/4" feed on stage.

Prices

  • Mackie HM-4: $49.00 at Ted Brown Music (last seen Nov 9)
  • LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier: $25.99 at Reverb (checked today)
  • Difference: the LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier is $23.01 cheaper than the Mackie HM-4 at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Mackie
Mackie HM-4

Mackie HM-4

4.8(20 ratings)
$49.00at Ted Brown MusicChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Ted Brown Music
Pros
  • Four listeners share one source
  • Individual level control per output
  • Rugged metal chassis
  • Simple setup with a 1/4" stereo feed
  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 by owners
Cons
  • Needs a wall outlet, no battery
  • Stereo input only, no XLR or mono mode
  • No 3.5mm headphone jacks
  • Not wearable on a belt
LEKATO
LEKATO P30 IEM Rechargeable Professional Headphone Amplifier

LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier

LEKATO P30 IEM Rechargeable Professional Headphone Amplifier

4.7(10 ratings)
$25.99at ReverbChecked 39 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Reverb
Pros
  • Runs up to 16 hours on a charge
  • XLR, 1/4" and 6.35mm inputs cover console and stage feeds
  • Switchable stereo and mono modes
  • Belt clip keeps it on the performer
  • Recharges in about an hour
Cons
  • Only one headphone output
  • 3.5mm jack needs an adapter for 1/4" plugs
  • Single volume control for the one listener
  • Smaller review base than the Mackie

What separates them

Mackie HM-4LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier
Number of headphone outputsFour 1/4" TRS outputsOne 3.5mm output
Per-listener volume controlFour separate rotary knobsSingle volume control
Power12V AC adapter, no batteryBuilt-in 1000mAh battery, up to 16 hours
Input connectionsOne 1/4" TRS stereo inputXLR, 1/4" and 6.35mm inputs
PortabilitySmall desktop box, 0.5 lbs, needs a wall outletBelt clip, 180 g, runs untethered
Mono/stereo switchingStereo onlySwitchable stereo and mono modes
BuildMetal chassis, Mackie's Built-Like-A-Tank designMetal body with belt clip
Headphone jack size1/4" jacks, no adapter needed for studio cans3.5mm jack, needs an adapter for 1/4" plugs

Price history

$49.99$25.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Mackie HM-4: lowest $49.00 on Nov 9 at Ted Brown Music; $49.99 on Nov 10.
  • LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier: lowest $25.99 on Nov 10 at Reverb.

Prices at every store

Mackie HM-4

  • Ted Brown MusicNew

    In stock

    $49.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Ted Brown Music
  • Micro CenterNew

    In stock

    $49.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Micro Center
  • SweetwaterNew

    In stock

    $49.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Sweetwater
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $49.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Alto MusicCheck price at Alto Music
  • Baldorioty MusicCheck price at Baldorioty Music
  • R Zayas Music Online StoreCheck price at R Zayas Music Online Store
All 18 stores and price history →

LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier

  • ReverbNew

    In stock

    $25.99Checked 39 min ago
    Visit Reverb
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by judymingatmd

    $29.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • LEKATO - Buy Musical Instruments, Pedals, Wireless, Drum, Pro Audio & MoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $39.99Checked 39 min ago
    Visit LEKATO - Buy Musical Instruments, Pedals, Wireless, Drum, Pro Audio & More
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $33.99Checked 39 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMackie HM-4LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier
Headphone outputs4—
Input connection1/4" TRS—
Output connection4x 1/4" TRS—
Power supplyincluded 12v AC adapter—
Input type(1) Female 1/4" stereo, balanced/unbalanced—
Output type(4) Female 1/4" stereo, unbalanced—
Maximum input level+22 dB—
Input impedance10 kΩ each channel—
Output impedance47 Ω each channel—
Level control(4) Rotating potentiometers—
Current draw<220 mA maximum, +12 VDC—
Weight0.5 lbs.—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMackie HM-4LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier
Battery Life—up to 16 hours
Charging Time—1 hour
Item Weight—180 Grams
Package Dimensions—18.6 x 7.8 x 4.9 cm
Colour—Black/White
Material—Metal
Connector Type—XLR, 1/8" Jack
Power Source—Battery Powered
Battery Capacity—1000mAh
Product Dimensions

What reviewers say

Mackie HM-4

  • 4.8 / 520 ratings

Owners give the HM-4 high marks for its sturdy build and the convenience of four independently adjustable headphone outs. Most complaints center on the lack of small-jack connectivity and the basic feature set.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the metal housing as tough and gig-ready.
  • Level controlsPraisedReviewers like setting separate volumes for each listener.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedBuyers note the 1/4-inch-only jacks force adapters for earbuds and laptops.
  • NoisePraisedUsers report clean, quiet output when splitting a source.

LEKATO P30 IEM Headphone Amplifier

  • 4.7 / 510 ratings

Buyers who left feedback describe it as a solid, simple belt-clip amp that does its job.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the metal body and belt clip as solid for stage use.
  • Stereo/monoPraisedThe switch is called out as handy for matching a console's Aux Send.
  • BatteryMixedThe long rated runtime is noted, but few owners report real-world figures.
  • FeaturesCriticisedSome note the lack of tone controls or metering compared with fuller IEM amps.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a band rehearsing with one mix?
The Mackie HM-4. It feeds four pairs of headphones from one source, and each player sets their own level. The LEKATO P30 drives only one set of in-ears.
Which is better for a live stage with in-ear monitors?
The LEKATO P30. It clips to a belt, runs on battery for up to 16 hours and takes an XLR or 1/4" aux feed from the console. The HM-4 needs a wall outlet and sits on a surface.
Can I use the LEKATO P30 with 1/4" studio headphones?
Only with a 3.5mm-to-1/4" adapter, because its output jack is 3.5mm. The Mackie HM-4 has 1/4" outputs, so studio headphones plug in directly.
Which one lasts longer?
The Mackie HM-4 has no battery to wear out and a metal chassis built for studio and stage abuse. The P30's battery is rated for 16 hours per charge and will degrade over years of use.
Is the LEKATO P30 worth stepping up to over the Mackie?
Only if you need portability or an XLR input for a console feed. If your goal is letting several people listen together, the HM-4 does that and the P30 cannot.
Does the Mackie HM-4 work with a mono source?
It has a single 1/4" stereo input, so a mono feed plays through both sides. The P30 adds a mono mode switch for mono aux sends, which the Mackie lacks.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best headphone amplifiers under $45
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5.12"D x 1.57"W x 5.12"H
Input Jack—XLR / 1/4" / 6.35mm
Output Jack—3.5mm