Lake People Phone-Amp G118

The Lake People Phone-Amp G118 is a balanced headphone amplifier based on the proven technology of the popular G111 MKII and comes in a robust 19-inch, 1U stainless steel housing. With its outstanding sound quality and a multitude of functions, the G118 sets new standards in headphone amplifiers for professional applications..

Particularly noteworthy are the integrated mono/stereo/phase reverse switching, the pre-gain control on the front, as well as the X-Feed feature for simulating loudspeaker sound and a VU meter for precise level indication. These features give sound engineers and audio professionals maximum control and flexibility in their work. 

As Lake People's top model, the G118 represents a reference class in the field of professional headphone amplifiers and meets the highest demands in terms of sound fidelity and technical precision.

Special attention has been paid to the headphone amplifier in the G118. Its core consists of two G111 MKII amplifiers and its four output stages can supply balanced headphones in a “species-appropriate” manner. The transistorized amplifiers offer the highest transmission quality and provide everything that is important to us:

• Lowest Noise - thanks to very low internal amplification. This makes the inherent noise of the amplifiers inaudible.
• High Output Voltage - thanks to an internal 50 volt operating voltage. Therefore ideally suited for high-impedance headphones..
• High Output Power - thanks to powerful amplifiers that can deliver far more power than even the most demanding headphones require. Therefore ideally suited for headphones with low impedances and magnetostats.
• High Damping Factor - due to the lowest output impedance. Therefore ideally suited to drive even the most difficult headphones without interference. The guarantee for an uncompromising frequency response.

Input & Output

Input analog Stereo:
-> 2x Neutrik XLR balanced (Input 1 and 2) 

Output analog Stereo:
-> 1x Neutrik XLR balanced (Slave)

Headphone outputs:
-> 1x Neutrik XLR4-pol. balanced
-> 2x TRS, 6,3 mm, unbalanced 

Too loud - too quiet - the solution: Lake People PRE-GAIN

6-way adjustable gain for optimum adaptation to all sources and headphones (front, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12 dB).

Unlike comparable models, the overall amplification can be adjusted to the headphones used via the switch on the front panel. Thanks to this special Lake People technology, the headphone amplifier can be operated with almost all known headphone impedances from 8 - 600 ohms and is as low-noise and dynamic as possible.

Lake People TRUE BALANCED - be part of the orchestra

When listening to music via loudspeakers, you experience the sound like a listener in a concert hall, surrounded by the acoustic atmosphere of the room. If, on the other hand, you use conventional headphones, you take on the role of the conductor - the sound seems to come from a clear, centered perspective. But the real leap into the world of sound comes when listening with balanced headphones: here the listener literally becomes part of the orchestra, enveloped in impressive detail and precision..

Balanced headphones offer particularly high channel separation, which leads to an even more spatial and differentiated listening experience. They are usually equipped with special connections such as a 4-pin XLR plug or a Pentaconn plug, which enable optimum signal transmission. However, true balanced operation requires a great deal of technical effort: four separate output stages amplify the signal in order to deliver unadulterated and precise sound.

But caution is advised - not every amplifier with balanced connections also offers full balanced operation. Although some devices have the appropriate connections, they only operate two power amplifiers, which does not bring out the full sound quality. Only true balanced systems with four power amplifiers can exploit the full potential of this technology and offer an unparalleled listening experience. That's why we call our headphone amplifiers with balanced output “TRUE BALANCED”.

Listen like with loudspeakers - Lake People X-Feed

The switchable function for reducing “in-head localization” offers a significantly more natural listening experience via headphones. It reduces the effect of the sound originating directly in the listener's head and creates a wider, loudspeaker-like sound stage. Particularly noteworthy: the intensity of this function can be individually adjusted so that users can adapt the effect to their personal preferences. This enables fatigue-free listening over longer periods of time, which is particularly beneficial for professional audio projects or relaxed music listening.

Visuelle display - VU-Meter

The amplifier's two illuminated VU meters provide a precise visual display of the level of the active input, enabling precise monitoring of the audio signal. Particularly practical: The sensitivity of the VU meters can be flexibly adjusted on the rear of the device, from 0 dBu to +20 dBu. This adjustment option allows sound engineers and audio professionals to optimally adapt the level meter to the signal sources and ensure reliable level control.

Extensive additional functions

The mode switch (MONO – STERO – PHASE)

The “MODE” switch on the Lake People G118 offers several options for influencing the incoming stereo signal as required. In the neutral middle position, the signal is passed on unchanged so that both channels are reproduced in their original form.

In the upper “MONO” position of the switch, which is indicated by a yellow LED, the incoming stereo signal is summed to a mono signal. In this mode, the balance control acts as a mix control: turning it to the left reduces the signal from the right channel, while turning it to the right reduces the signal from the left channel. This allows the mono signal to be individually adjusted.

In the lower “PHASE” position of the switch, also indicated by a yellow LED, the right channel is inverted, i.e. the phase is rotated by 180 degrees. This causes the stereo signal to sound unusually wide and unnatural. This function is mainly used to check the phase of a signal and to detect possible phase cancellations.

Perfect headphone protection

Lake People headphone amplifiers are equipped with various protective circuits to prevent defects in headphones. These circuits protect against overvoltages, sudden current peaks or short circuits that could damage sensitive headphones. The integration of such protection mechanisms ensures that the amplifier always supplies the headphones with safe and stable power, which significantly extends their service life.

Housing and elements of the highest quality

The housing of the G118 is made of black anodized aluminium. This promises high mechanical stability and resistance to harsh environmental influences. The high electrical conductivity of the surfaces results in excellent EMC properties.

The thickness of the front panel is 3 mm.

The solid milled 25 mm aluminum rotary knob is characterized by its clear design and forms the center of the Lake People G118. Thanks to its balanced weight and the Alps RK27 potentiometer, it delivers a smooth, high-precision rotary feel for precise volume control.

Switch on and get started

The “POWER” switch is located on the front panel. The switched-on status is indicated by a green LED under the “POWER” switch. Two permanently short-circuit-proof transformers generate the internal operating voltages of approx. +/- 25 V.