In a word, no...the Presonus Audio box doesn't require any SPECIFIC headphones... although, some headphones are HARDER to drive than others...my Sennheiser HD phones works fine, as do my 6 other manufacturers headphones. Some, are louder than others, but that has to do with the impedance of the phones... may I suggest trying another set of phones and if the problem still exists THEN perhaps it;'s something other than the Audio Box?